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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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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 Beckwourth 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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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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1. What are your recording fees?

For departmental fees, please see our fee schedule

Fee Schedule

2. Where do I vote?

California Elections Code states when a regular precinct falls below 250 voters, that precinct becomes a Mail Ballot Precinct and voters receive their ballots in the mail instead of going to a polling place. All Plumas County precincts are below 250 voters and will be voting by mail. Your Vote By Mail ballot will be mailed to you 29 days prior to Election Day. Watch for your ballot it in the mail and don't discard it.

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

See our "Forms & Resources" page. Forms & Resources

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1. What should I do if I get sick or someone in my house gets sick?

Most people who get COVID-19 will be able to recover at home. CDC has directions for people who are recovering at home and their caregivers, including:

• Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.
• Use a separate room and bathroom for sick household members (if possible).
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
• Provide your sick household member with clean disposable facemasks to wear at home, if available, to help prevent spreading COVID-19 to others.
• Clean the sick room and bathroom, as needed, to avoid unnecessary contact with the sick person.

However, some people may need emergency medical attention. Watch for symptoms and learn when to seek emergency medical attention.

2. What should I do if I have had close contact with someone who has COVID-19?

• Stay home for 14 days after your last contact with a person who has COVID-19.
• Be alert for symptoms. Watch for fever, cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19.
• Avoid interacting with other people, especially people who are at higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19, such as the elderly or people with compromised immune systems.

3. What is the difference between symptomatic and asymptomatic testing?

If you are asymptomatic and have not been identified as having had "close contact" with someone diagnosed with COVID-19, then attending a mass testing event is appropriate. If there is not a mass testing event then contact a Health Care Facility to be screened. Anyone who has COVID-19 symptoms should contact their health care provider immediately, and follow their medical provider’s recommendations for testing and treatment.

4. What do contact tracing and close contact mean?

Plumas County Public Health conducts a case investigation and does contact tracing with all residents who test positive. If someone is identified as having "close contact" with someone who has tested positive, then the "close contact" will be scheduled by Public Health to be tested.

A "close contact" is an individual who has had approximately 15 minutes or more of contact within 6 feet without both people wearing a mask.

If you traveled outside of the county, or if someone outside of the county traveled to see you inside of Plumas County and you were informed that you had close contact with a positive COVID-19 individual, please contact the Plumas County Public Health Agency Clinic at (530) 283-6300 for further instructions.

5. What increases your risk of infection?

You are more likely to be infected with coronavirus if:

• You have close contact with an infected person (within 6 feet for more than 15 minutes without masks)
• You are frequently in a group setting (like an assisted living facility, college dormitory, homeless shelter)
• You have been in an area with high infection rates

You can reduce the risk to yourself and others by:

• Wearing a mask
• Practicing physical distancing
• Washing your hands often

6. I recently traveled outside of Plumas County or someone outside of the county came to visit me and later tested positive for COVID-19. What should I do?

If you traveled outside of the county, or if someone outside of the county traveled to see you inside of Plumas County and you were informed that you had close contact with a positive COVID-19 individual, please contact the Plumas County Public Health Agency Clinic at (530) 283-6300 for further instructions.

7. Is there a cost to get tested?

No. The Health Care Facility may bill your insurance, but all tests are FREE to the patient.

8. Can someone test negative and later test positive on a viral test for COVID-19?

Yes, it is possible. You may test negative if the sample was collected early in your infection and test positive later during your illness. You could also be exposed to COVID-19 after the test and get infected then. Even if you test negative, you still should take steps to protect yourself and others.

9. How can I get tested for a past infection (antibody test) and what does my test mean?

Antibody tests for COVID-19 are available through healthcare providers and laboratories. Check with your healthcare provider to see if they offer antibody tests and whether you should get one. A positive test result shows you might have antibodies from an infection with the virus that causes COVID-19. However, there is a chance a positive result means that you have antibodies from an infection with a virus from the same family of viruses (called coronaviruses), such as the one that causes the common cold. Having antibodies to the virus that causes COVID-19 might provide protection from getting infected with the virus again. If it does, we do not know how much protection the antibodies might provide or how long this protection might last. You should continue to protect yourself and others since you could get infected with the virus again.

If you test negative, you might not have ever had COVID-19. Talk with your healthcare provider about your test result and the type of test you took to understand what your result means. Regardless of whether you test positive or negative, the results do not confirm whether or not you are able to spread the virus that causes COVID-19. Until we know more, continue to take steps to protect yourself and others.

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1. I already had Covid, so why would I need the vaccine?

Vaccination is recommended for people who have had COVID because scientific studies show that the immunity from vaccination is stronger and lasts longer than the immunity from having the disease.  Vaccination also appears to give more protection against new variants of the virus.

2. Will the vaccine protect me against variant strains of the coronavirus?

Getting fully vaccinated with either the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines is your best protection against severe COVID, hospitalization, and death from all strains of the virus.  In fact, being vaccinated helps stop the virus from developing new strains.  The Johnson & Johnson vaccine appears to be less effective against new variants and we no longer recommend it for most people.

3. Are there important differences between vaccines?

The Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are made with similar technology and provide similar high levels of protection against COVID.  These vaccines require two doses several weeks apart. 

The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is made with older technology and was designed to require only one dose.   Recent studies suggest it is less effective against new strains of the coronavirus.  Rare, but potentially serious, side effects have also been linked to this vaccine.  For this reason, the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine is recommended for most people. 

4. How do we know the vaccine is safe and effective?

The Covid-19 vaccines available in the United States have been tested in clinical studies of tens of thousands of people and in real-world observational studies of millions of people. We know from these studies that the available vaccines are almost 100% effective in preventing hospitalization and death from Covid, and that they are also highly effective in preventing most Covid disease and new infections.  

The safety and effectiveness of the vaccines is constantly being evaluated.  But it’s already clear, after 100s of millions of doses, that it’s far safer to be vaccinated than to risk getting Covid, which can be deadly even to young people.

5. I read the vaccine is 95% effective. Does that mean there is still a 5% chance I could get Covid?

No. It means that the risk of getting sick from Covid is 95% lower for a vaccinated person compared to an unvaccinated person.  The actual risk depends on where you live and the kind of things you do, but for a fully vaccinated person it is much less than 5%.

6. I am fully vaccinated. Do I need a booster shot?

Yes. Boosters are now recommended after 6 months for all fully-vaccinated people 16 and older. This is because the vaccines' protection appears to decrease over time, especially for new coronavirus variants.

7. What do we know about side effects?

When questions come up about illnesses that might be vaccine related, they are investigated and the public is given detailed information about the risks of taking the vaccine compared to the risks of getting COVID-19.

The most common side effects are similar to the ones many people have from other vaccines: pain or tenderness at the site of the shot and tiredness and flu-like symptoms about a day later.  

Some people have developed severe allergic reactions after getting a Covid-19 vaccine.  These reactions are rare (less than 5 per million). For your safety, you will be asked about your history of allergy before you are given a vaccine and you will be observed for up to 30 minutes afterward to be sure you are okay.  In the unlikely event that you do have a reaction, emergency medical providers will be on site to treat you immediately. 

So far, no other serious side effects have been definitively linked to the Pfizer or Moderna mRNA vaccines.  

A small number of children and adolescents who got Pfizer or Moderna vaccines have developed inflammations of the heart.  This condition is very rare and is still under investigation, but it does not appear to be more common in vaccinated people.  Blood clots have been found in some women under age 50 who were given the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.  The risk of developing this condition as a result of COVID is greater than the risk associated with vaccination, but in the interest of safety, we no longer recommend the Johnson & Johnson vaccine for women younger than 50.  

8. I have doubts about the Covid vaccines because they were developed so quickly.

It’s true that these vaccines were developed a lot more quickly than traditional vaccines, but the development wasn’t rushed. Several factors made it possible. Scientists already knew a lot about coronaviruses because they cause other diseases. They also started working on the mRNA technology used in the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines more than 10 years ago with the goal of using it to develop vaccines for new diseases quickly in an emergency. Once the COVID vaccines were developed, researchers went through all the usual steps of testing them but saved time by doing them in parallel instead of one after the other.

9. I read the vaccine is 95% effective. Does that mean there is still a 5% chance I could get Covid?

No. It means that the risk of getting sick from COVID is 95% lower for a vaccinated person compared to an unvaccinated person.  The actual risk depends on where you live and the kind of things you do, but for a fully vaccinated person, it is much less than 5%.

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1. How can I follow the status of Debris Removal?

The best way to track the progress of debris removal is through the following link:

https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/cb5c2cc0080f43b98a9c0b55cb63cd19

This is Debris Operations Dashboard.  It allows you to enter your property address in the search bar and loads information on your property.  This map shows which step your property is at within the debris removal process.  There is a color-coded legend on the righthand side of the map, displaying each step with its corresponding color.  If you still have questions, 

Call CAL OES Debris Removal at 855-596-5734

This number will help provide you answers on matters such as scheduling, progress, and status updates to your property, time-frame on future/current work, and other frequently asked questions in regards to debris removal.

2. I have seen my property or recently driven by. It looks like debris removal is complete but I am unsure. What’s next?

There are many steps to the debris removal process including soil sampling, testing for contaminants, and hazard tree removal.  Cleanup may look complete but it is not until you receive a letter of completion via email or physical mail if you do not have an email on file with the Plumas County Debris Removal Center.

3. What is soil testing? Why is this being performed and who tests the soil?

Burned structural debris contains many contaminants like heavy metals that are left behind after a structure burns.  Debris removal crews scrape 3 to 6 inches of soil from the ash footprint beneath the structure to make sure the property is free of contamination.  Samples of the undisturbed soil are sent to a state-approved lab for analysis. The results are then compared against fire-specific cleanup goals, which were established to protect public health and the environment and are based on background samples taken from areas not directly impacted by the fire.  If necessary, more soil is removed and the site is retested until it meets the cleanup goals.

4. After debris removal and soil testing, what are the next steps?

After all debris has been removed and soil testing meets the cleanup goals, contractors will return to install erosion control devices best management practices or BMPs.  Depending on the site, these may include straw, wattles, silt fences or other products.  If eligible hazard trees have been identified on your property, these hazard trees will be felled and removed. After all work has been completed, State Debris Removal Task Force personnel will conduct an onsite inspection of the property to confirm that all project specifications have been met. The State’s Debris Task Force will then report to Plumas County Debris Removal that your lot is clear. Debris Removal will then send you a certificate of completion, and you will be ready to rebuild.

5. I only had burned trees on my property. Is the process the same?

Hazard tree removal involves three main steps.   First, a Registered Professional Forester or Certified Arborist will assess whether there are qualifying hazard trees on the property.  If so, hazard trees will be marked for removal with a blue dots at chest height and a barcode at base of the tree.  Next, the marked trees will be felled and removed.  Finally, state crews will perform a final inspection to ensure all the work has been completed.  At this point the process for returning the property back to the owner is the same as for structural debris.   State Debris Removal Task Force personnel will contact county Debris Removal staff who will in turn notify the property owner. 

6. What is a hazard tree?

A hazard tree is one that can fall into a public road, right of way or public property but there are a few exceptions.  The public road must be part of the county’s maintained road system.  Also, property adjacent to National Forest lands or National Forest roads do not qualify.   For questions about qualifying hazard trees, please contact Plumas County Public Works at 530-283-6268.

7. What do I do if I disagree with the completion of work?

Please contact the Debris Removal Center at 530-283-7080 or email us at roe@countyofplumas.com if you have concerns about how site work was completed or if you feel something on your property was overlooked. 

8. When can I rebuild?

County Code requires all structural debris be cleaned up and all hazard trees be removed before any permits can be issued.  Property owners can apply for a permit at any time, but the permit cannot be issued until cleanup is completed.  Debris Removal will notify property owners along with the Building, Planning, and Environmental Health Departments once their property has been successfully cleaned up.  Once you receive your Certificate of Completion, you can rebuild.  

9. What do I do with destroyed vehicles?

Most vehicles were processed and removed as part of the state’s debris removal program or through private insurance.  If not, you will need to contact DMV to obtain a Junk Certificate.  With a junk slip, vehicles can be accepted for scrap metal recycling. 

10. They didn’t take my propane tank. What do I do?

If the propane tank was rented, contact the company that owns the tank to have it removed.  If you own your propane tank and wanted it removed, make sure the ROE paperwork shows it should be removed.  If it was missed, call the State Debris Removal helpline at 855-596-5734.

11. If you have other questions?

Contact Plumas County Debris Removal at 530-283-7080 or email us at roe@countyofplumas.com

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1. I need some legal advice or a referral to an attorney. Can the District Attorney's Office 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 District Attorney's Office 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 him or herself.

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

The District Attorney does not represent private individuals. If you want to get a restraining order, 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 do not dictate whether or not a case will be filed or dismissed.

If you are the victim of a crime and have questions about the resources available to you, contact the Plumas County Victim/Witness Assistance Division at (530) 283-6285.

5. I was the victim of a crime. How do 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 us at (530) 283-6303 to confirm your receipt of the subpoena. During this contact, make sure to provide updated contact information so our 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 District Attorney’s Office help me collect a bad check?

The District Attorney’s Office has established a Bad Check Program which may be able to help you. For further information, contact us at (530) 283-6303.

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 District Attorney’s Office?

In most cases, crimes must be reported to the Plumas County Sheriff's Office 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 (https://www.plumascounty.us/1906/Links). 

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

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

12. Is David Hollister the person working on my case? Can I talk to him?

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 District Attorney’s Office 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 District Attorney’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 student and interested in becoming a prosecutor. Does the District Attorney’s Office have any type of program that can help me?

Mr. 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 District Attorney's Office at (530) 283-6303.

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1. Who is protected by HIPAA?

Individuals receiving health care services provided by or paid for by a Plumas County Department or Agency. Additionally, the health information of County Employees who are enrolled in the County Health Plan are protected, as is the health information of deceased individuals whose health care services were paid for or provided by the County.

2. What is a Notice of Privacy Practices?

The NPP is the document that informs patients or clients about their privacy rights and our privacy practices. The NPP is posted in all County facilities providing healthcare services, is available on the County website, and is also given to individuals being seen by a County health care provider, and anyone else who asks for it.

3. What information is confidential?

Any information about the health of an individual, which identifies or can be used to identify the individual is confidential. This includes information that relates to the physical, mental, or emotional health or condition of an individual and the provision of, or payment for, health care of the individual. HIPAA applies to information communicated orally and in writing; it also applies to information stored in hard copy or electronically (on a computer, server, floppy drive, CD, or PDA) and information being sent by e-mail.

4. Why do I need to know about HIPAA if I don't work around patients?

If you work for the County you may see confidential information. Information Technology employees and fiscal employees may not see patients or clients but they will see confidential information about them. If you walk through patient or client care areas on your way to your office, you may see individuals utilizing County services. HIPAA says you must keep this information confidential. That means if you see a friend or neighbor at the County as a client or patient, you must not disclose that to anyone else - not to co-workers, other friends, your family, or friends or family of the individual you saw.

5. May I share information or discuss clients with a co-worker?

HIPAA allows information to be used or disclosed when you have written, specific authorization from the individual OR for treatment, payment, or health care operations. Without written authorization, you may share information and discuss clients with co-workers ONLY if your co-worker needs to know the information to successfully perform his/her job, or the disclosure is made while you are officially conducting a medical review.

6. How do I file a complaint?

Individuals who believe the County has failed to handle health information in accordance with HIPAA may file complaints with the County or with the Office of Civil Rights. The Notice of Privacy Practice contains addresses and telephone numbers where individuals may obtain more information or file complaints; it is available on the County website in both English and Spanish. A complaint form (PDF) is also available from the County website.

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1. What is my parcel zoning?

Plumas County Parcel Zoning is available on the Plumas County GIS Interactive Web Map.

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 Quest.

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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1. What is Formal/Supervised Probation?

Formal or supervised probation is a court ordered sanction that allows a person to remain in the community under the supervision of a probation officer. The terms and conditions of this supervision varies case by case. Probation can include jail time, fines, restitution, community service, counseling, drug/alcohol restrictions, or other sanctions.

2. Where is the Probation Department located?

The Plumas County Adult and Juvenile Probation Department is located at 270 County Hospital Road, Suite 128 in Quincy, California. 

3. How can I pay my Court or Probation fines, fees, or restitution?

Delinquent fines, fees, and restitution owed to Probation and the Court are collected by the Treasurer’s Department, located in the Plumas County Court House at 520 Main Street, Quincy, CA  95971.  To make payments online, please visit  https://www.plumascounty.us/2172/GovPayNet.  To make payments by phone, please call 1-888-604-7888.  If you should have any questions, please contact the Treasurers’ Department at (530) 283-6260.   

4. Can I vote while I am on probation?

Yes. In California, you have the right to vote while you are on probation. You must be a United States citizen, a resident of California, and at least 18 years of age.

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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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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 ice pack. 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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1. Why is this Regional Stay Home Order being implemented now?

We are in the midst of an unprecedented surge in cases and hospitalizations in California and across the country. Without immediate action, many hospital Intensive Care Units (ICU) will reach capacity before the end of the year. ICU beds are a critical resource for individuals who need the most advanced support and care. Given the nationwide surge, the ability to add surge ICU capacity is limited by the availability of ICU nurses and physicians. We need to protect our hospital capacity so those who need care—for such things as cancer treatment, heart attacks, and strokes—can get it. By taking this action we are saving lives, protecting our health care delivery system, and keeping those at highest risk and essential workers safe.

2. What does the Regional Stay Home Order do?

The Regional Stay Home Order instructs Californians to stay at home as much as possible and to stop mixing between households that can lead to COVID-19 spread. It allows access to critical services and allows outdoor activities to preserve Californians’ physical and mental health. The Regional Stay Home Order will help stop the surge and prevent overwhelming regional ICU capacity. 

Under the order, the following sectors are allowed to remain open with safety precautions: 

• Critical infrastructure (when remote option is not possible)
• Schools
• Non-urgent medical and dental care
• Child care and pre-K

The following sectors will have additional modifications in addition to 100% masking and physical distancing:

• Outdoor recreational facilities: Allow outdoor operation only for the purpose of facilitating physically distanced personal health and wellness through outdoor exercise, without any food, drink or alcohol sales. Additionally, overnight stays at campgrounds will not be permitted.
• Retail: Allow indoor operation at 20% capacity, and 35% of capacity for standalone grocery stores, with entrance metering and no eating or drinking in the stores. Additionally, special hours should be instituted for seniors and others with chronic conditions or compromised immune systems. 
• Shopping centers: Allow indoor access at 20% capacity with entrance metering and no eating or drinking in the stores. Additionally, special hours should be instituted for seniors and others with chronic conditions or compromised immune systems.
• Hotels and lodging: Allow for COVID-19 mitigation and containment measures, treatment measures, provide accommodation for essential workers, or providing housing solutions, including measures to protect homeless populations.
• Restaurants: Allow only for take-out or delivery.
• Offices: Allow remote only except for critical infrastructure sectors where remote working is not possible. 
• Places of worship and political expression: Allow outdoor activities only.
• Entertainment production: Industries, studios, and other related establishments such as establishments that provide content for professional broadcasts can operate without live audiences.

In any region that triggers a Regional Stay Home Order because it drops below 15% ICU capacity all operations in the following sectors must be closed (except to the extent that their operations fall within critical infrastructure):

• Hair salons and barbershops
• Personal care services
• Museums, zoos, and aquariums
• Movie theaters (except drive-in)
• Wineries, bars, breweries, and distilleries
• Family entertainment centers
• Cardrooms and satellite wagering
• Limited services
• Live audience sports
• Amusement parks

3. When does the Regional Stay Home Order take effect?

The Regional Stay Home Order will be implemented regionally once there is less than 15% ICU capacity remaining in the designated region. After three weeks from the start of the Regional Stay Home Order in the region, one of two situations would occur:

1. The order will end in a region if the region’s ICU capacity projected out four weeks (from day 22 after the Regional Stay Home Order started in the region) is above or equal to 15%. Each county in the region will then be assigned to a tier based on the Blueprint for a Safer Economy and the rules of the Blueprint will apply again.
2. The order will remain in effect in a region if its ICU capacity projected out four weeks (from day 22 after the Regional Stay Home Order started in the region) is less than 15%. The order will remain in effect until the region’s projected ICU capacity is equal or greater than 15%. This would be assessed approximately twice a week.

4. How does the Regional Stay Home Order impact schools?

The Order does not modify existing state guidance regarding K-12 schools.

Schools that are currently open are able to continue to provide in-person instruction on school sites. 

• Schools that are currently operating under an elementary school waiver are able to continue to provide instruction to students on school sites.
• Schools that reopened while their county was in a less restrictive tier are able to continue to provide instruction to students on school sites.
• All schools that have not yet reopened for in-person instruction are able to continue to serve small cohorts of students (e.g., students with disabilities) following CDPH Guidance.

Schools are still required to follow the Schools Guidance issued by CDPH which outlines requirements for safe conditions, testing and tracing. Schools may be required to close if certain percentages of staff and students are diagnosed with COVID-19. All existing guidance applicable to schools can be found on the CDPH website.

5. How does the Regional Stay Home Order impact travel?

Hotels and lodging cannot accept or honor out-of-state reservations for non-essential travel unless the reservation is for at least the minimum time period required for quarantine and the persons identified in the reservation will quarantine in the hotel or lodging entity until after that time period has expired. 

When the Regional Stay Home Order is in effect in a region, hotels and lodging can only offer accommodation for COVID-19 mitigation and containment measures, treatment measures, accommodation for essential workers, or providing housing solutions, including measures to protect the homeless populations. 

Additionally, the Travel Advisory remains in effect.

6. How will the Regional Stay Home Order slow the spread of COVID-19?

Limiting mixing and movement of individuals from different households is critical in order to stop the transmission of the virus. All activities are higher-risk now in California based on the level of community spread we are currently seeing. By staying home, we are limiting exposure and interrupting the chain of transmission.

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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 CalFresh?

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.

4. Can I pay my fines and fees using a Credit Card?

Plumas County now accepts credit and debit card payments through GovPayNet for payment of Fines and Fees.

Payments can be made 24 hours/ 7 days a week with a major credit card, debit or pre-paid debit card including:

To Make a Payment, you will need the following:

• Pay Location (PLC #)
• Name and Address
• Account Number
• Phone Number
• Payment Amount

Pay Location Code Number a002ug

To make payments by phone, payers can call 1-888-604-7888.

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1. Are tax bills available online?

Yes More...

2. Can I pay by credit card?

Yes, you can pay online at Public Tax Inquiry & Payments . 

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?

Program suspended by the State at this time.
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.

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 online at Public Tax Inquiry & Payments . 

14. When are property tax statements due?

The first installment of taxes are due and payable on November 1st, annually, and become delinquent if not paid in the office or postmarked by 5:00 pm on December 10th. A 10% penalty is added for payments received after this date.

The second installment is due February 1st, annually, and becomes delinquent if not paid in the office or postmarked by 5:00 pm on April 10th, 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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1. I have heard vaccines are more dangerous than the diseases they protect against. Isn't it safer for my child to get the disease?

• Results of a study published in the June 2010 issue of Pediatrics show that the biggest risk among children who are not vaccinated is the disease itself, as well as the risk of spreading the disease to more vulnerable populations who, for age or medical reasons, are unable to get vaccinated. (1)
• A recent 2010 pertussis outbreak in California resulted in 10 deaths. (2)
• According to pediatrician Dr. Randy Bergen, a number of large vaccine safety studies have been published in the last 10 years. "None of these studies have proven an association between a vaccine, a preservative in a vaccine, or a combination of vaccines, and significant adverse problems." Vaccines in this country are safe, he adds, they, "prevent diseases that can maim and kill". (3)
• Even one serious adverse event from a vaccine cannot be justified if there were no benefits from vaccines. But vaccines prevent serious complications from illness and death. (10)

2. Can vaccines cause encephalitis (brain inflammation) and other severe consequences?

All vaccines and medication come with some amount of risk, just as all diseases present risk. Parents should weigh the risk vs. benefit.

• There is a 1 in 1,000,000 risks of encephalitis from the MMR vaccine. Comparatively, the risk of encephalitis from contracting measles is 1 in 1,000.
• There is a 0-10.5 in 1,000,000 risks of encephalitis from DTaP; Comparatively, there is a 1 in 20 risk of death from diphtheria; 2 in 10 risks of death from tetanus; and 1 in 20 risks of Encephalitis /1 in 1,500 risks of death from pertussis.
• The fact is that a child is far more likely to be seriously injured by a disease that could be prevented by the vaccine than the vaccine itself.
• Many parents say they will only vaccinate their children if there are zero risks. Unfortunately, the risk of their child getting a preventable disease, or being seriously injured or dying from that disease, is not zero.
• The risk of encephalitis or severe allergic reaction from the MMR vaccine is 1 in 1,000,000;

The risk of pneumonia from measles: 6 in 100

The risk of death from measles: 2 in 1,000

(4, 10)

3. If vaccines are safe, why has the federal government paid more than $2 billion to children and adults injured by vaccines?

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Health Resource Services Administration acknowledges that no vaccine, medication, medical procedure, or device is completely without risk. It administers compensation under the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act as a means to compensate families and individuals who have experienced adverse events from vaccines.

• Since 1989, 14,523 total petitions have been filed and studied on a scientific and medical basis; 3,166 have been found to be compensable.
• Some compensable cases were originally filed and processed as autism-related cases, but the final adjudication did not include a finding of vaccine-related autism.
• HHS has never concluded in any case that autism was caused by vaccination.
• This HHS program pays families for all costs of filing and pursuing a claim, regardless of if the claim is ever compensated. (5)

4. Is it possible that aluminum in vaccines could be harmful to normal, healthy babies?

No. Minute amounts of aluminum salts, less than from breastfeeding or formula feeding, are in some vaccine formulations as an adjuvant to enhance the immune response.

• During the first 6 months of life, infants could receive about 4 milligrams of aluminum from vaccines. That's not very much: a milligram is one-thousandth of a gram and a gram is the weight of one-fifth of a teaspoon of water. During the same period, babies will also receive about 10 milligrams of aluminum in breast milk, about 40 milligrams in infant formula, or about 120 milligrams in soy-based formula.
• The quantity of aluminum in vaccines is tiny compared with the quantity required to cause harm. Here's another way to think about this: All babies are either breastfed or bottle-fed. Because both breast milk and infant formula contain aluminum, all babies have small quantities of aluminum in their bloodstreams all the time. The amount is very small: about 5 nanograms (billionths of a gram) per milliliter of blood (about one-fifth of a teaspoon). Indeed, the quantity of aluminum in vaccines is so small that even after an injection of vaccines; the amount of aluminum in a baby's blood does not detectably change. In contrast, the amount of aluminum in the bloodstreams of people who suffer health problems from aluminum is at least 100 times greater than the amount found in the bloodstreams of healthy people. (6)

5. Is it true many as 50% of vaccines used in the U.S. contain mercury, which has been linked in the media with autism?

No.

• Thimerosal is a preservative used in a few adult vaccines and is 50% mercury by weight.
• Nearly all of the vaccines routinely recommended for childhood vaccination up to age 6 have never contained thimerosal. In addition, these vaccine formulations have been further studied by the FDA and approved as thimerosal-free. Plumas County Public Health Agency does not provide any childhood vaccines containing thimerosal, with the exception of the flu vaccine. There are thimerosal-free flu vaccines available for pediatric patients and pregnant women.
• See the FDA site for vaccine safety for a table of thimerosal contact in vaccines. (7)

6. I have heard about the Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System (VAERS). Does this mean there are more dangers from vaccines than are being reported to VAERS?

Question: I have heard about the Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System (VAERS). The CDC states: "Limitations of passive surveillance systems include variability in reporting standards, reporter bias and significant under-reporting of events." Does this mean there are more dangers from vaccines than are being reported to VAERS?

Answer: No.

• VAERS receives only a portion of the total number of events ("numerator") that occur after vaccination. Computing reporting rates from VAERS may be misleading since there is no "denominator" or total doses administered. These limitations make the incidence rates unreliable.
• A report made to VAERS does not mean that the vaccine caused the event. VAERS is a national system for reporting health problems that happen around the same time as the vaccination. Only some of the reported health conditions are side effects related to vaccines. A certain number of VAERS reports of serious illnesses or death do occur by chance alone among persons who have been recently vaccinated.
• VAERS reports have many limitations since they often lack important information, such as laboratory results, used to establish a true association with the vaccine. For all serious and other clinically significant events (life-threatening events, hospitalization, permanent disability, death), follow-up with the health care provider and/or the parent or vaccinated individual is conducted in an attempt to collect supplemental information on the reports. Because of the limitations of this type of reporting system, causality is difficult to determine. Regardless of the cause, VAERS is interested in hearing about any health concerns that happen around the time of vaccination. Scientists are not able to identify a problem with a vaccine lot based on VAERS reports alone without scientific analysis of other factors and data. (4, 8)

7. Why should I vaccinate my child when vaccines are not 100% effective and don't always last a lifetime?

No vaccine is 100% effective. Most childhood vaccines are effective in 85-95% of recipients. In the US and Plumas County, more people are vaccinated than are not, though that could change.

Example:

• If in a high school of 1,000, all but 5 kids are vaccinated against measles, and all the children are exposed to an outbreak, the 5 unvaccinated will be infected. Of the 995 remaining students that have been vaccinated, let's say less than 1% or 7 students, did not respond to the vaccination. They will get ill also. So, 12 kids got sick. If nobody in the class got vaccinated, there probably would have been 1,000 cases of measles. With a risk of the following complications:
  • 6 cases of pneumonia
  • 1 encephalitis
  • 2 deaths

(4, 10)

8. Is it difficult to get legal exemptions to vaccination for school enrollment?

No. California law allows for medical and personal belief exemptions to its student immunization requirement. Schools have standardized procedures for parents and guardians who request a personal beliefs exemption. (9) See your school nurse if you have any questions.

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1. 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.