Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

The following is a comprehensive list of in-person, by phone, online, or by email services.

Business Licenses

Online:

• Report and pay business license taxes
• Pay balance due on business license account 
• Download new business license application
• Download SB205 Form
• Check listings for licensed businesses  

Email (businesslicense@modestogov.com):

• Submit completed SB205 Form
• Submit New Business Application 
• Request a copy of quarterly report
• Ask business license related questions
• Submit Name change documentation
• Submit location change documentation

Phone (209) 577-5389:

• Speak with a representative regarding business license account or business license related questions
• Request a copy of quarterly report 

Mail (1010 10th Street, Modesto CA 95354)

• Pay business license tax and/or balance due
• Remit new business license application
• Remit SB205 application 
• Final and close business license account 
• Submit Name change documentation
• Submit location change documentation

Misc. Accounts Receivable 

Includes: Admin Citations, Airport hangar fees, cell tower rent, compost sales, retiree benefit payments, property damage bills, monthly rent bills

Phone (209) 577-5303 or email (ar@modestogov.com): 

• Request Lien Payoffs/demand notices
• Request copies of invoices

Online:

• Pay invoices
• Check account balances
• Make a one-time payment
• Set up recurring payments
• View monthly statements
• Sign up for eBilling

Parking Citations

Online:

• Pay a citation
• Appeal a citation
• Look up a citation received 

Phone (209) 571-5140: 

• Set up payment plan 
• Speak with a representative regarding a citation received
• Request an appeal form
• Speak with a representative about appeal options/timeline
• Inquire about residential parking permits

Utility Billing

Online:

• Sign up for new service
• Pay a deposit for new service
• Close an account
• Make a one-time payment
• Schedule a one-time payment 
• Set up recurring payments
• View account information including consumption, payment, and billing history
• View a copy of your bill

Phone:

• Sign up for new service
• Move an existing service to a new address
• Pay a deposit for new service
• Close an account
• Make a one-time payment through our automated system
• Speak with a representative regarding a utility account
• Set up a payment arrangement
• Request a payment extension
• Listen to account information such as payment and billing history through automated system
• Request a copy of your bill

The City of Modesto offers a Utility Billing Assistance program for qualifying customers who can receive a $35 discount each monthly billing cycle. To learn more visit the Billing Assistance page or call (209) 577-5395.

For the foreseeable future, the City of Modesto Utility Billing Division will not be disconnecting water service for non-payment of your utility bill. We would like to reassure our customers that the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic will not impact the delivery of reliable, clean water for our residents and businesses. 

At this time we are strongly encouraging our customers to use resources such as our online and phone payment options. The Utility Billing Division has representatives available by phone at (209) 577-5395 Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm to provide assistance with your utility bill, including activating new service, making payment arrangements, or requesting a payment extension.

City Services

All City services continue, but residents and businesses may experience a slower pace in response times.  We must operate safety within the orders from health officials, and therefore have many employees working remotely or in shifts.  Here are some specific examples:

Call Center

• The call center at 209-577-5200 is fully staffed and prepared for your questions about City services and operations.  Our average wait time has been 2 - 3 minutes.  

Compost Facility

• The Compost Facility is open for organic waste loads and compost sales. Purchases must be made with a credit or debit card.
• From November 2020 through March 2021, there may be traffic delays and detours to accommodate entrance/exit construction.
• Call (209) 571-5144 or visit the composting web page for any questions.

Forestry

• There will be some delays for tree pruning related activities as crews are currently addressing dead and hazardous trees as a priority.
• The division will be addressing trees that are infested with mistletoe during the winter months.
• Crews are pruning trees that residents have requested service for as a second priority. Crews are also providing clearance pruning in cases where trees have been inspected and some form of service has been identified as necessary to ensure the safety of the public and/or the health of the tree.
• For after-hours or emergency service requests, call (209) 342-2253.

Green Waste, Street Sweeping, and December Leaf Collection

• Collection of green waste piles is a monthly (Jan-Nov) service and may have some delays due to the number of residents served. Collection schedules are strictly followed when possible, but due to some areas with heavier debris, crews are subject to occasionally running behind schedule. Do not hesitate to call (209) 577-5463 if you notice any dangerous piles of organic debris.
• December is designated for Leaf Collection Only. No green waste will be collected from the streets and alleys during this month. Leaf piles are collected from STREETS ONLY during the month of December. There is no set schedule for leaf collection. Green waste collection may resume normal operations in January.
• In December, street sweeping crews follow behind leaf collection crews. Streets may get swept within 24 hours after leaf collection, though communities should expect streets will unlikely be swept on traditional days due to leaf collection.
• Christmas Tree Collection will start in January when the green waste collection schedule resumes.

Solid Waste

• Collection of garbage and organic recycling is operating normally with no interruptions to service.
• Additional services, including bulky item pickup, oil and used filter collection, code enforcement inspections, illegal dumping abatement, and other services are operating normally but may experience some delays.
• Buy-Back Recycling Centers are open in Modesto. To locate one in your area, call (209) 577-5495 or visit the CalRecycle website.
• To limit contact between staff and the public, please contact us by phone at (209) 577-5494 or online for inquiries. Please contact us before coming in to the office; in most cases, we can handle issues by phone or electronically and avoid requiring staff or the public to make in-person contact.

Transit

• MAX is currently operating at normal service levels, except for reduced service to the Altamont Corridor Express (ACE) train.
• MAX to ACE Commuter Express will offer service to the ACE trains that are operating.
• MAX to BART will continue to operate its weekday schedule.
• There are no changes to Modesto Area Dial-A-Ride (MADAR) service.
• Masks are required on all MAX and MADAR vehicles. MAX appreciates your understanding and would like to emphasize our commitment to rider health and safety.
• Employees are now routinely cleaning and sanitizing the Transit Center.
• Visit the Modesto MAX website for more information.

Parks Operations & Maintenance

• Our tagging abatement crew continues as normal throughout the City responding to tagging and graffiti.  
• Parks remain closed, and park restrooms are now closed to deter vandalism.  

Recreation

• Although most of our programming as been cancelled or postponed for now, our recreation team is looking for creative ways to engage the community.  Be on the lookout for a fun Camp at Home activity on March 27, and get more information by going to their Facebook page.  

Water and Wastewater Operations

• The City of Modesto has temporarily suspended Water Wise Consultation services and will resume this service once it is safe to do so.
• All water and waste water services to and from our customers remain completely operational as normal.
• Reduced staffing levels to half of normal, and response to customer requests may be slightly delayed.

Several specific services and corresponding phone numbers are listed below:

The following is a comprehensive list of in-person, by phone, online, or by email services (updated for the 5/18 reopening of City Hall/Tenth Street Place).

Community & Economic Development will be open by appointment only. Appointments can be set by calling the respective division for which you’d like to set an appointment with. 

• Building Safety & Neighborhood Preservation Unit: (209) 577-5232
• Planning: (209) 577-5267
• Community Development: (209) 577-5211
• Land Development & Engineering / Transportation, Engineering & Design: (209) 652-0308
• Administration / Economic Development: (209) 571-5566

Please note that only one person should attend the appointment. For questions, please feel free to call the division or the main CED line at (209) 571-5566. 

Planning

Planning is now accepting development and construction applications via mail or delivery (City Hall security can assist).

Online:

• Zoning of property
• Explanation of Zoning and allowed uses
• General Plan Designation of property
• Explanation of General Plan
• Submit development pre-applications

Phone (209) 577-5267:

• Speak with staff regarding clarification of, or questions about, above designations
• Speak with staff to ask questions or make comments about a project
• Submit requests for clarification of or questions about designations
• Submit questions or concerns about projects

Mail (1010 10th Street, Modesto CA 95354):

• Submit applications
• Pay application fees
• Notifications about a project
• Request for numerical address – with payment to follow via mail

Building

Online:

• Over The Counter Permits (Reroofs, Water heaters, Electrical or HVAC Change outs)
• Commercial Project Updates
• Permit Research
• Submit a Neighborhood Complaint
• Look Up Codes
  • California Building Code
  • California Electrical Code
  • California Energy Code
  • California Mechanical Code
  • California Plumbing Code
  • California Residential Building Code 
• View an Assessor’s Plot Map
• Check Your Zoning

Email:

• Apply For A Plan Review (Email applications to permits@modestogov.com)
  • Residential Remodels and Additions
  • Tenant Improvements
  • New Commercial Construction
• Apply For a Solar Permit (Email applications and plans to permits@modestogov.com)
• Expedited Permits, TI Tuesdays/Permits Express Appointments (Email a request for a web conference meeting to permits@modestogov.com)
• Apply For A Banner Permit (Email form to permits@modestogov.com)

Phone:

• General Questions (209) 577-5232
• Inspection Requests: Call the Automated IVR System at 209-571-5881

Building has implemented an electronic plan review format, which allows electronic submittals, checks and communication, so there is no reduction in the number of permits to be reviewed.

Resources for Modesto businesses

Click here for the Economic Development page of COVID-19 related guides and assistance.

You can apply for a business license by using the application online and by email.

Businesses can continue to make tax payments online at, if you any issues or questions we are available by phone at (209) 577-5389 or email.

The City of Modesto has extended the deadline for any Business License Collection notice or Business License Citation to April 17, 2020. As always you can contact our office at (209) 577-5389.

Vendors

The City appreciates the dedication and extra effort in ensuring deliveries are met for essential items and parts to keep our operations functioning. The City will continue to issue payments to our vendors for the goods and services provided to the City during this closure. All checks will be mailed and will be unavailable for pick-up at City Hall.

The following City meetings have been cancelled until further notice:

Golf Advisory Committee

Airport Advisory Committee

Charter Review Committee