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Community Services

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1. How can I reserve a park/facility?

All reservations for City facilities can be made at the Community Services Department at Avalon City Hall. You can also submit a rental request online through the online reservation page. 

2. Am I required to reserve a park for a party or event?

Parks are available on a first-come, first-serve basis unless a reservation is secured. Reservations are highly recommended to guarantee use of the space the day of your event; however, it is not mandatory. Reservations can be made online or at City Hall for a nominal fee. 

3. Can I bring alcohol to the parks or beaches?

The possession and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages (this includes alcohol poured into discrete containers) is prohibited.

4. Can I bring a tent or canopy to the park?

Yes. Canopies and tents, no bigger than 10 feet by 10 feet are permitted as long as they are not staked into the ground or affixed to any structure/tree in the park. 

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Community Survey

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1. How long with the survey take?

The survey will take less than 10 minutes of your time.

2. What is the purpose of the survey?

The City of Avalon needs accurate and up-to-date information about our community to determine its eligibility to receive state and federal funding for important city projects.

3. Who should complete the survey?

One survey should be completed for each family in a housing unit. Roommates should fill out separate surveys. Additional families living in the same housing unit should fill out separate surveys. If you have an accessory rental unit, those residents should fill out a separate survey.

4. How will the data be used?

The aggregate data will only be used to submit for grant fund applications from state or federal sources. The data from all families will be combined to produce demographic data for the city.

5. How can I be sure that my information will be kept confidential?

This survey is 100% confidential. The data will only be shared with the research team. We will keep all data secure. 

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Harbor

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1. What services are available in Avalon?

Visit the Avalon Harbor Services page to see all services.

2. Can I make a reservation for a mooring?

Mooring owners and their designees are the only people able to make reservations for moorings. For all other boaters it is on a first-come, first-served basis.

3. Where are mooring assignments made?

All mooring assignments are made at the Harbor entrance upon arrival. Please stay outside the mooring field and clear of the fairway. A patrol officer in a red patrol boat will assign you a mooring in person.

4. What is the speed limit in the moorage and anchorage areas??

All vessels must maintain a 5 MPH or wakeless speed limit in Avalon waters.

5. What is the maximum dinghy length allowed at the dinghy docks?

There is a 14' maximum limit at all dinghy docks at all times.

6. Is it possible to anchor in the waters around Avalon Harbor?

Yes, the City Anchorage is located west of the red jetty light on the Casino breakwater. You must anchor at least 300' away from any dive park or mooring can. Plan on a depth of 80'-120' in the anchorage. This area is not patrolled and you anchor at your own risk.

7. What hours may I run the generator on my boat?

To ensure a peaceful coexistence, all generators must be secured by 10:00PM and not be started before 7:00AM.

8. What is the departure time required to clear the mooring after an overnight stay?

On the day of departure, moorings must be vacated by 9:00AM. If you would like to stay later, please contact a patrol officer or the Harbor office before 9:00AM. There are ways to possibly extend the departure time.

9. Does the Harbor have temporary docks where I can tie off my boat for an extended period of time?

All floats, with the exception of the shore-boat  float, may be used for loading and unloading. Use of public floats is limited to 10 minutes only. No vessel may be left on a float unattended.

10. What is Dockwa?

Dockwa is our new cloud-based marina management system that we are phasing in, to be used by mooring owners and lessees, for billing and document submission. 

11. May I go scuba diving in Avalon Harbor?

For the most part, the answer is no. However, there are some exceptions that must be approved by the Harbor Master prior to diving. Diving the Valiant and the Annual Avalon Harbor Underwater Clean-up are the two most common exceptions. There is a permit process so please contact the Harbor Office.

12. May I bring my dog ashore in Avalon?

Yes, however there are some restrictions. All dogs must be leashed and under the owner's control at all times while in Avalon. Dogs must also be muzzled while while on the Green Pleasure Pier. No dogs are allowed on Crescent Ave. or on the beaches.

13. Are open containers of alcohol allowed in Avalon?

No, there is a fine for having open-containers of alcohol on the streets of Avalon, the Green Pleasure Pier and floats.

14. Why do patrol officers come aboard boats and drop a dye-tablets in every marine head onboard?

Protecting the pristine waters in our Harbor is a top-priority for The City of Avalon. We have a "Discharge Ordinance" which makes it illegal to empty a vessel's holding tank into Harbor waters. The dye-tablets dissolve and turn bright green. If there is a discharge, the green color makes it very easy to identify. We strive to make sure that every vessel with a holding tank that moors in the Harbor gets dye-tablets placed in all marine heads. We have a zero-tolerance policy for discharges and there are significant penalties for violating this ordinance. Please make sure that your sanitation system is secured while in Avalon Harbor.

15. May I leave my dinghy tied overnight to "A" dock on the west side of the pier?

Sorry, in an effort to free up dock space for daily dinghy traffic, "A" dock is only for temporary tie-offs. This means that you must have your dinghy off "A" dock between the hours of 3:00 AM and 5:00 AM. Vessels tied to this dock during those hours will be impounded and must be reclaimed by visiting the Harbor Office. 

16. How can I dispose of trash that is generated on my boat while staying in the Harbor?

You may take your bagged trash to any dinghy dock. At the top of the ramps at each dock, and on the pier, there are trash bins nearby where you may leave it.

17. What determines the overnight mooring fee for my vessel?

Overnight mooring fees are based on the length of the vessel, not the length of the mooring to which it is assigned. Mooring fees are also affected by the "boating season". We have summer-season, shoulder-season and winter-season special rates.

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Home - FAQs

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1. When is City Hall open?

Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. 

2. What hours can I apply for or renew my Commuter Subsidy Card?

Monday through Thursday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

3. How do I apply for a job with the City?

For a listing of available employment opportunities, please visit the City of Avalon's Jobs module.

4. My trash didn't get picked up, what should I do now?

Contact Avalon Environmental Services at 310-510-0240.

5. What is Phase I Water Conservation?

Stage 1 Mandatory Water Conservation has restrictions on the use of potable water. These water use restrictions will aid in prolonging our water supplies for the community. Learn more about Phase I Water Conservation.

6. How can I see the agenda for an upcoming City Council or Board meeting?

Visit the City's Agenda Center. 

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Open Enrollment

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1. If I don’t plan to make changes to my medical benefit plan, do I need to do anything?

No unless you currently waive medical coverage.  If you waive medical cov­erage you are required to fill out the Waiver form for 2023.

2. I am covered by my spouse’s or parents medical plan, can I waive cover­age and get money back?

Yes, you may waive coverage by completing the Waiver form and providing proof of coverage.

3. If I waive coverage now and suddenly lose coverage after open enroll­ment ends, will I be able to enroll in medical coverage through the City later?

Yes, loss of coverage is a qualifying event, contact HR as soon as you learn you will lose coverage and they can assist you with your enrollment.

4. How do I figure out what I am paying for medical coverage now and what I will be paying in 2024 plan year?

Look at a current paycheck stub for 2023 to look for your current bi-weekly deduction. 

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Recycling in Avalon

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1. Do we need colored bags to organize recylcing?

No. The City of Avalon no longer uses colored bags to organize recycling. Sorted recycling can be placed in the appropriate receptacle at the curb.

2. What day is trash vs organics and recycling collected?

If you currently have trash pick up service on Monday and Thursday, your trash will be collected on Monday and organics and recycling will be collected on Thursday. 

If you currently have trash pick up service on Tuesday and Friday, your trash will be collected on Tuesday and organics and recycling will be collected on Friday. 

3. How can I order a recycle cart, or organics pail?

Please contact Avalon Environmental Services at 310.510.0420 to order a recycle cart or organics pail to be delivered. 

4. What goes in each container?

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Transient Rentals

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1. What is a Transient Rental (Vacation Rental)?

Any property rental period for a period of 30 days or less is considered transient.

2. May I rent my home transiently?

Transient rentals are allowed in any zone within the City with approval of a Transient Rental License, Business License and payment of transient rental occupancy tax (TOT).

3. Are there any other restrictions?

The property may not have been a year round rental within the last two years. All bedrooms must meet a minimum size of 70 square feet and have an operable window of no less than 5.7 sq. ft. and must be 3 feet from the property line.

4. What are the typical conditions placed on Transient Rental Licenses?

Property on the “flats” area is typically not allowed to include a vehicle with the rental. Deck use is prohibited between 10 pm and 8 am for all properties. Occupancy is limited to two (2) persons per bedroom with possibility of an additional two (2) being approved. 

5. How much is transient occupancy tax?

The City assesses a Transient Occupancy Tax of 12% on rent charged for stays of thirty (30) consecutive days or less. Rent subject to tax includes management fees, cleaning fees, and all other non-optional fees associated with the rental activity. Operators are required to collect the tax at the same time the rent is collected and identify the amount of tax separately from the amount of the rent charged. Operators are required to report rental activity and remit taxes collected to the Finance Department on or before the last day of the month following the reported month (e.g. taxes collected for rental activity during the month of June must be reported and remitted to the City by July 31st).

6. May I manage my rental myself?

Each rental property is required to have an on-island representative that is available 24/7 to respond to any after hour’s issue with the property. A sign (issued by the City) is required to be posted on the front of the property listing the representative and their contact phone number and the approved occupancy. The representative does not have to be a management company. Chronic complaints regarding the unit may be grounds for renovation of the Transient Rental License. 

7. May I allow pets in the property?

To allow pets is your decision. However City of Avalon has leash law and a “pick up after your pet” law in all areas of the City. (Disposal bags are available in various locations in dispensers) Dogs are not allowed on the public beaches. Code Enforcement may be issued citations for violations.

8. How do I keep my Transient Rental License active if I do not want to rent it for a period of time?

Renew the business license every year and pay TOT no less than once in any twelve month period. 

9. Does a Transient Rental License transfer with a sale of the property?

Transient Rental Licenses must be reapplied for at the time of a new property owner.

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Vehicles Department

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1. What are the length requirements for an autoette and a regular sized vehicle?

An autoette can measure no more than 130 inches in length (including the bumpers),  and 55 inches in width. A full size vehicle can measure no more than 200 inches in length (including the bumpers), and 80 inches in width. There is no maximum weight limitation.

2. Can I bring a vehicle over to the Island and drive it without a permit if I have off street parking?

No. Section 4-4.1702 of the Municipal Code states that no automobile, truck, or autoette shall be operated or parked within the City unless a vehicle permit has been obtained.

3. Is there a waiting list to bring a vehicle over to the Island? How many lists does the City maintain?

Right now the City maintains three separate waiting lists for vehicles:

• A residential vehicle waiting list
• A commercial vehicle waiting list
• An interior commercial vehicle waiting list

4. How long is the wait to bring a vehicle over to the Island?

No one can say for sure how long it takes for a name to come off any one of the three waiting lists. Two permits must be ineligible for renewal, or voluntarily surrendered, before a new residential (blue sticker) permit is issued. A commercial or interior commercial permit is issued any time a single existing permit is not renewed.

5. My neighbor is driving around in a car, and he just moved to the Island, or doesn't live here at all. How did he get a permit while I have to wait my turn on the list?

There can be a number of possible explanations. First, he could be driving an unpermitted vehicle in violation of the Municipal Code. Second, the permit for the vehicle he is driving could be assigned to another person. Third, although your neighbor does not live here, if he is in possession of a vehicle permit prior to April 18, 1989, and has continuously owned property in Avalon since that date, then his permits are grandfathered.

6. How can I buy a residential vehicle permit?

Residential vehicle permits can not be bought and sold. There are limited circumstances which provide for the transfer of a permit from one person to another. Please refer to Section 4-4.1707 of the Municipal Code for specific guidelines for transfer of residential permits.

7. If I buy an existing business, do I get to keep the commercial vehicle permit that comes as part of the sale?

When a business changes hands, a hearing before the City of Avalon Vehicle Hearing Officer is required to approve the transfer of a commercial vehicle permit. If the new owner plans on continuing the same type of business, and is in possession of a City of Avalon business license, then approval is usually granted.

8. What can I do if my application for a permit is denied by the Hearing Officer?

An adverse decision by the Vehicle Hearing Officer can be appealed before the City Council within 15 days of the date of the written decision, and payment of a $264 appeal fee.

9. When do vehicle permits expire?

All residential vehicle permits expire on April 1 of each year. Interior resident vehicle permits expire on November 1 of each year. All commercial permits expire one year after the date issued.