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Assessor

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1. How do I appeal a supplemental assessment?

You must file an application for reduced assessment no later than 60 days from the date of mailing of this notice.

We always encourage you to contact our office at (530) 283-6380 for a review of your assessment prior to filing a formal appeal.

Please note:
If there have been multiple changes of ownership within the same tax year, the supplemental notice may reflect no change in value for the subsequent transfers, although supplemental taxes or a refund may be due if there has been an increase or decrease in value since lien date, January 1. Supplemental taxes are based on the change in value from lien date to the date of transfer, prorated for your period of ownership.

2. How do I appeal a base-year value assessment?

You must file an application for reduced assessment during the regular equalization period, between July 2 through November 30, inclusive, for the year in which the base year value assessment was initially placed on the assessment roll or in any of the following three assessment years.

We always encourage you to contact our office at (530) 283-6380 for a review of your assessment prior to filing a formal appeal.

3. How do I appeal a current assessment?

You must file an application for reduced assessment between July 2 through November 30, inclusive, of the current fiscal year. The following are exceptions:

• If the notice described in Section 619 is not received within 15 days prior to November 30, within 60 days from either the day you received the notice or the day of the mailing of the tax bill, whichever is earlier, along with an affidavit declaring that the notice was not received timely
  
• Within 12 months following the month of notification of the assessment, if you and the assessor agree that there was an error in the exercise of the assessor’s judgment in determining the full cash value of the property and a written stipulation is filed according to Section 1607

We always encourage you to contact our office at (530) 283-6380 for a review of your assessment prior to filing a formal appeal.

4. How is the taxable value of real property on the local roll calculated?

The taxable value of real property on the local roll shall be the lesser of the following four items:

• The factored base-year value of the property
  
• The current market value of the property
  
• The factored base year value or the current market value of the land plus the factored base year value or the current market value of the improvements if the property was damaged by a calamity and the county has not adopted a Section 170 ordinance
  
• The assessed value as determined according to Section 170 if a county has adopted a Section 170 ordinance

The custodial officer of the local roll shall make the roll or a copy available for inspection during regular office hours.

We always encourage you to contact our office at (530) 283-6380 for a review of your assessment prior to filing a formal appeal.

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Auditor-Controller / Risk Management

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1. What are the taxes on a Plumas County property?

The basic tax rate is 1% of the assessed value. The county currently has three bond measures: Plumas Unified School District Bond, Plumas District Hospital Bond, and Beckworth CSD Bond. If you need more information, please call the office at (530) 283-6246.

2. Can I get a copy of the county's CAFRA or audit report?

Plumas County does not complete a CAFRA report. However, the county does post the audited financial report online. Information for the prior fiscal year is posted the following March.

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Building Department

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1. How long does it take to obtain a building permit?

A complete submittal (all required documents, engineering, signatures, and planning / zoning requirements) will take an average of 2-4 weeks. This also depends on the department’s workload at the time of submittal. Call the department at (530) 283-7011 before you schedule to submit your plans and construction documents.

Any corrections or revisions will add additional time. The length of the process also depends on the timely and accurate response of your design professionals.

2. How far in advance do I have to schedule an inspection?

Please schedule your inspection 1-2 days in advance. Outlying areas such as La Porte, Frenchman, Vinton, and Dixie Valley are scheduled for Tuesdays and Thursday.

3. Do I call for septic and well inspections through the Building Department?

No. Well and septic inspections are scheduled and inspected by the Department of Environmental Health. Call (530) 283-6355 for more information.

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Code Enforcement

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1. The property next door is in foreclosure and has been abandoned and is becoming a nuisance. What can the county do about this?

Contact the Code Enforcement Department at (530) 283-6544, file a formal complaint, and the department will contact the financial institution that holds title to the property.

2. How many non-operational vehicles can I have on my property?

You may have one non-operational vehicle on your property. It must either be a DMV-registered, non-operational vehicle or an unregistered inoperable vehicle. An exception to this would be a specially constructed vehicle as listed in the California Vehicle Code Section 580.

3. My neighbor’s yard if full of junk and / or junk vehicles but the county has not done anything about them. What is up?

Code enforcement in Plumas County is complaint driven, and complaints cannot be anonymous. You must file a formal complaint that requires your name, telephone number, and address. Your name is kept confidential, unless released by court order.

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County Clerk - Recorder

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1. What are your recording fees?

For recording fees, please see our fee schedule.

2. Where do I vote?

To find out where to vote, see our list of polling centers.

3. How do I get a copy of a Birth, Marriage or Death Certificate

View instructions and application for birth certificate instructions and application for marriage certificate instructions and application for death certificate for how to obtain a certified copy of your birth, marriage or death certificate.

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District Attorney

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1. I need some legal advice or a referral to an attorney. Can the DA help me with this?

The District Attorney is the public prosecutor for Plumas County and does not provide legal advice or representation for individuals nor do we make recommendations about private attorneys.

2. I was arrested. Can the DA give me a copy of my police report?

The District Attorney’s Office does not release police reports except to defense counsel, or to the defendant when the court has allowed the defendant to represent himself.

3. I want a restraining order to keep my spouse or other person away from me. Will the DA’s office do this for me.

The District Attorney does not represent private individuals. If you want to get a restraining order yourself contact the Plumas County Victim/Witness Assistance Division at (530) 283-6285.

4. I am the victim of a crime and I want to drop charges. Can I do this?

The decision to drop charges in any criminal prosecution can only be made by a prosecutor with the approval of a judge. The victim’s wishes alone to not dictate whether or not a case will be filed or dismissed.
If you are the victim of Domestic Violence, you may contact the Plumas County Victim/Witness Assistance Division at (530) 283-6285.

5. I was the victim of a crime. How to I find out what is happening with the case in court?

To find out the status of your case, contact the District Attorney’s Office at (530) 283-6303.

6. I am the defendant in a criminal case. Can I talk to the District Attorney?

Contact your attorney to discuss your case. The District Attorney cannot speak to defendants who are represented by counsel, nor can we provide legal advice to the public.

7. I received a subpoena. What do I do?

If the subpoena is from the Plumas County District Attorney's Office, contact the DA's office at (530) 283-6303 to confirm your receipt of the subpoena. During this contact, make sure the DA's office has updated contact for you so the DA's office can call you if the court date is changed. Otherwise, you must appear in court on the date and time indicated on the subpoena. A subpoena is a court order and failure to appear may be punished as contempt of court.

8. I am a merchant. Can the DA’s office help me collect a bad check?

The District Attorney’s Office has established a Bad Check Restitution Program which may be able to help you. For further information you may contact the company supporting the Plumas County Bad Check Restitution Program at: phone (877) 858-5902 or visit www.hotchecks.net/plumas

9. In court, the judge ordered the defendant to pay restitution to me. So far I haven’t received any money. What should I do?

Contact the Plumas County Probation Department at (530) 283-6200.

10. Can I report a crime to the DA’s office?

In most cases, crimes must be reported to the police department or other law enforcement agency which has jurisdiction over the area where the crime occurred. A list of the law enforcement agencies in Plumas County is located on this website’s “LINKS” page.

11. I was cited and released by the police. Can you tell me if the DA filed charges against me?

To find out whether charges have been filed against you, telephone the District Attorney’s Office at (530) 283-6303.

12. Can I talk to David Hollister? I think he’s the person working on my case?

David Hollister is the District Attorney of Plumas County and, as such, his name appears on most court documents just above the name of the prosecutor who prepared the document. In addition, Mr. Hollister’s name appears on most DA’s correspondence just above the signature of the employee who wrote the letter. Therefore, the person who is working on your case is most likely the person who actually signed the court document or DA’s Office correspondence.

13. Is Mr. Hollister available to speak before a community group (chamber of commerce, rotary, etc.)?

Mr. Hollister often speaks at a variety of community groups ranging from Chambers of Commerce and Rotary to High School and Grade School classes. Please contact the District Attorney’s Office at (530) 283-6303 to make the appropriate arrangements.

14. I am a law student and interested in the becoming a prosecutor. Does the DA’s office have any type of program that can help me?

District Attorney Hollister is a strong believer in assisting the educational process of those wishing to explore a potential career as a prosecutor. To this end, Mr. Hollister has instituted three programs: a High School externship, a college or law school externship and a law school internship. In each of these programs, the intern/extern will have hands-on exposure to the everyday activities of a prosecutor. For more information, contact the DA’s Office at (530) 283-6303.

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Planning Department

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1. What is my parcel zoning?

Plumas County Parcel Zoning is available on the Plumas County Parcel Viewer application.

2. What is my assessor's parcel number and situs address?

Plumas County Parcel numbers and situs addresses can be found on the Plumas County Parcel Viewer application.

3. Can I build a second dwelling unit on my parcel?

All residentially zoned parcels can have one dwelling unit, one guest house, and one additional detached dwelling unit on any parcel of twice or more the minimum lot area, provided building requirements can be met.

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Public Health Agency

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1. Where can I receive family planning information in my community?

Family planning services are provided by Public Health in Portola, Greenville, Quincy, and Chester. Please contact (530) 283-6330 to schedule your appointment.

2. I am a senior citizen - is there a nutrition program available to me?

Yes, the agency's nutrition program encourages all senior citizens to enjoy lunch at their local nutrition site.

If you are 60 years of age or older, or you are married to someone 60 years of age or older, join us from 8:00 am to 1:30 pm for a nutritious meal and fellowship, education, entertainment, and fun.

Contact Martha at (530) 283-3546 for site addresses, locations, and more information.

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Public Works

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1. Why does the county plow snow into my driveway and not just push it past?

Snow plowing equipment is designed to shear snow from the width of the road and distribute it to the side of the road in the form of a berm. The equipment would have to slow down to change the angle of the plow in an attempt to carry the snow past your driveway and the result will be taller berms. Additionally, a portion of the snow being pushed will fall into the center of the road creating additional road hazards.

2. Why does the county cut limbs off the trees along the roads?

Tree limbs that can reach vehicles when laden with snow cause the travel way to narrow, resulting in roadway hazards. Also, as the snow falls from these limbs, it creates concentrations of icepack. By trimming these limbs, it reduces risks to the public.

3. Will the County survey my property?

No. County employees cannot undertake private survey work within their jurisdiction. The conducting of private surveys by the County’s survey crew would constitute unfair and illegal competition with private surveyors doing work in the county. Refer to the yellow pages under "Surveyors - Land" should you need private survey work performed.

4. How do I get the speed limit changed on my street?

After receiving a request for a speed zone, Public Works staff completes the required Engineering and Traffic Study. The study includes:
• A review of all speed related collisions for a three year period.
• The measurement of existing speeds with a radar meter, using an unmarked vehicle.
• Calculating the critical speed (also called the 85th percentile speed).
• A survey of the roadway and roadside conditions.

If the Agency agrees that a speed zone is justified, a recommendation is presented to the
Board of Supervisors. Should the Board approve the zone, signs are posted and enforcement can begin. Where local speed limits are to be enforced by radar or other electronic devices (such as laser meters), the studies must be no more than seven years old.

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Social Services

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1. How do I contact my benefits counselor or my social worker?

Please call the main office at (530) 283-6350.

2. How can I determine if I am eligible for benefits such as Medi-Cal or food stamps?

C4Yourself is an online application system that allows you to apply for benefits. This is a secured site and all your information will be private and safe.

3. How can I find hiring opportunities in the Social Services Department?

Visit Merit System Services for current job opportunities with the Plumas County Social Services Department.

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Treasurer / Tax Collector

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1. Are tax bills available online?

No. Property tax bills for 2009-2010 were mailed on September 16, 2009. Please contact the Tax Collector's office at (530) 283-6260 if you did not receive your bill.

2. Can I pay by credit card?

Yes, you can pay by phone at (800) 272-9829 or online though Official Payments. Enter jurisdiction code 1535 when prompted. There is a nominal fee charged for this service.

3. How do I appeal the value of my property?

This area is covered by the county Assessor's Office.
Assessment Reviews / Appeals

4. Are there special circumstances applied to senior citizens, blind, or disabled persons?

These programs are handled by the state. For more information, see Property Tax Postponement or call the State Controller's Office at (800) 952-5661. Forms are also available at the Treasurer / Tax Collector office at:
P.O. Box 176
Quincy, CA. 95971

5. Can a mortgage company request copies of my tax bills?

A standardized, statewide procedure has been established for mortgage companies to request copies of tax bills. Requests are submitted annually by September. Any bill requested by a mortgage company is furnished to that company. A taxpayer's information copy is sent to the owner of record.

Any discrepancies in requests should be handled by the taxpayer with their mortgage company. Mortgage companies generally do not request or receive copies of supplemental tax bills.

6. Do you sell property tax liens?

We do not sell property tax liens. Monthly payment plans are available on specific obligations. Please contact the Tax Collector's office at (530) 283-6260 for more information.

7. How do I obtain a revolving fund advance?

For authorized county departments only: Please print the revolving fund advance voucher, obtain the signature of the authorized individual and bring the voucher, along with two copies, to the Treasurer's Office for processing at:
P.O. Box 176
Quincy, CA. 95971

8. How do I obtain transient occupancy tax forms?

Plumas County Code has specific requirements for property owners renting certain properties for a period of 30 days or less to collect Transient Occupancy Tax. This office is responsible for the registration of owners and operators and for the collection of the quarterly tax.

Registration Form
Registration should be made prior to the operation of the rental. Complete the Transient Occupancy Tax Registration Form and mail it to:
P.O. Box 176
Quincy, CA. 95971

Quarterly Return Form
For registered owners / operators, a Transient Occupancy Tax Quarterly Return Form can be completed and submitted to the address listed above when the original form mailed by this office is not available or circumstances warrant an additional form being necessary.

9. How do I transfer a title / move my mobile home?

In order to transfer title or move a mobile home that is being assessed by the County Assessor on the property tax rolls, a Mobile Home Tax Clearance Certificate is required by the State Housing and Community Department (HCD). Mobile Home Tax Clearance Certificates are issued by this department after proper application has been made, appropriate documentation has been provided, and any taxes or estimated taxes that are a lien against a mobile home at the time of the issuance have been paid.

Please complete the application form, attach required documentation, and submit to:
P.O. Box 176
Quincy, CA. 95971

10. What are unsecured taxes, and how do I pay them?

Unsecured taxes are assessments for mining claims, boats, possessory interests to land, and other personal properties not attached to land. Unsecured bills are mailed by July 31 and become delinquent if not paid or postmarked by August 31.

All taxes on mining claims must be paid before a proof of labor or intent to hold can be recorded by the county recorder or filed with the Bureau of Land Management. Any person can obtain a tax bill from the Treasurer / Tax Collector's office.

11. What do I do if my address has changed?

Any change of address on an assessment should be made to the Plumas County Assessor's office at:
1 Crescent Street
Quincy, CA 95971

12. What happens when unsecured taxes become delinquent?

Certificates of Tax Liens will be recorded in Plumas County and the county of residence if unsecured taxes become delinquent. The law provides that any asset of the assessee(s), including (but not limited to) rents, bank accounts, tax refunds, and wages, will become subject to seizure and/or attachment by virtue of execution of judgments.

13. What methods of payment do you accept?

We accept personal checks, cashier's checks, and money orders. Please do not mail cash payments. Cash payments can be made in person or mailed to the office at:
P.O. Box 176
Quincy, CA. 95971

We also accept credit card payments for taxes, fines, or fees. You can pay by phone at (800) 272-9829 or online though Official Payments. Enter jurisdiction code 1535 when prompted. There is a nominal fee charged for this service.

14. When are property tax statements due?

The first installment of the 2009-2010 taxes were due and payable on November 1, 2009, and became delinquent if it was not paid in the office or postmarked by 5:00 pm on December 10, 2009. A 10% penalty is added for payments received after this date.

The second installment was due February 1, 2010, and became delinquent if it was not paid in the office or postmarked by 5:00 pm on April 12, 2010 (April 10 was on a Saturday). A 10% penalty and a $20 cost is added for payments received after this date.

Please note: Both installments may be paid together. The second cannot be paid until the first has been paid. If the due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the hour of delinquency is 5:00 pm on the next business day.

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Vote By Mail

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1. How can I become a permanent vote by mail voter?

Please contact the Elections Division at (530) 283-6256 or (530) 283-6129 to become a permanent vote by mail voter, or submit the following application.
Permanent Vote By Mail Request

2. How can I verify the status of my vote by mail ballot?

Please contact the Elections Division at (530) 283-6256 or (530) 283-6129 to verify the status of your vote by mail ballot.