Frequently Asked Questions

The Community and Economic Development Department has staff that are very familiar with every step of bringing new and expanding businesses to the area. We will be happy to provide you with information and personalized assistance. Call us at 209-571-5840 or 209-571-5566.

You can contact the Community Developments Division at 209-577-5211. For a listing of our services please visit

The City of Modesto operates an Emergency Home Repair Program (EHRP) with Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funds. The EHRP provides financial and technical assistance to repair or eliminate emergency conditions, including critical health and safety hazards, and to provide assistance for disabled persons in making their homes more accessible.
The home must be located within Modesto city limits and household income must meet eligibility requirements as a low-income household. The EHRP is only available to owner-occupants. Types of eligible repairs include: roofing, weatherization, heating, plumbing, electrical, ramps, handrails, widening of doorways, etc.
Financial assistance is in the form of low-interest loans. Call 209-577-5211 for more information or visit

Yes. The ordinance allows businesses to obtain a permit for such things as banners, outdoor displays and cold-air inflatables. Each business is allowed: - 12 banner permits at 10-days per permit for a total of 120 days per calendar year; - 12 outdoor display permits at 10-days per permit for a total of 120 days per calendar year; and - 6 cold-air inflatable permits at 9-days per permit for a total of 54 days per calendar year.
To obtain permits, call the Neighborhood Preservation Unit office at 209-577-5250. The sign ordinance does not allow any type of temporary sign outside of a business or attached to any public entity or public right-of-way.

209-577-5250

To report an abandoned vehicle, call the Modesto Police Department's Abandoned Auto Hotline at 209-572-9511.