Local office router

First moves

1. 1

   Write down the address, parcel number if you have it, notice date, deadline, and the exact task you are trying to route.

2. 2

   For property work, first check whether the address is inside city limits or in unincorporated county land. Do not rely only on the mailing city.

3. 3

   For assessed value, ownership records, or exemptions, start with the county assessor. For paying the bill, penalties, or installment timing, start with the county tax collector or treasurer-tax collector.

4. 4

   For zoning, building permits, ADUs, additions, signs, or local code, start with the city permit counter if the address is inside a city. Start with county planning or building if it is unincorporated.

5. 5

   For coastal-zone work, ask whether the city, county, or Coastal Commission handles the coastal permit before you assume one permit covers everything.

6. 6

   For rent, eviction notices, or housing papers, check any local rent or housing office, then use court self-help or legal help if a court deadline is involved.

7. 7

   For paychecks, breaks, overtime, benefits, unemployment, disability, family leave, or job injuries, start with the state labor, EDD, or workers' compensation office that fits the issue.

8. 8

   For cars, title, registration, smog, or fees, start with DMV or the Bureau of Automotive Repair.

9. 9

   For insurance, contractor, or license issues, start with the state license or consumer office before sending money or signing.

10. 10

    If an office says it is not the right place, ask which office has jurisdiction and what official page or case number they use.

Watch for

1. 1

   A postal city name is not always the same thing as city government. Some homes use a city mailing address but are handled by the county.

2. 2

   The assessor, tax collector, planning office, building office, recorder, and court are different offices.

3. 3

   Special districts can handle water, sewer, fire, schools, lighting, parks, flood control, or community facilities charges.

4. 4

   A city hall can handle city services, but it usually cannot decide a court case, insurance claim, tax appeal, state license, or county parcel record.

5. 5

   Search results can point you to look-alike pages. Use official agency pages, listed phone numbers, and written notices.

6. 6

   If a deadline, eviction, job loss, insurance problem, tax bill, permit denial, court paper, or safety issue is on the line, use the official source and get qualified help.

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