FAQs
What is the seven digit emergency telephone number in Foster City?
When you make an emergency call from your cell phone in the Bay Area, the call is answered by California Highway Patrol dispatchers in Vallejo. This can mean that your call takes longer to route and, thus, emergency help can be delayed. You can avoid this delay by using the direct dispatch center emergency number: (650) 573-3333.
Where can I obtain a Resolution or Ordinance?
Copies of resolutions and ordinances approved by the City Council are available at the City Clerk's office in City Hall or online.
Who needs a business license?
A business license is required in the City of Foster City when one of the following occur:
- Conducting any kind of business within the City of Foster City
- Have a fictitious business name certificate registered using Foster City address
- Have a State Board of Equalization resale permit registered using Foster City address
- Have a listing in the Commercial Directory Yellow Pages, Business White Pages, the newspaper, local business guides, real estate multiple listing books or any other similar listings
- Have a home based business
Are the Council meetings televised?
Foster City provides live online web streaming of all Council meetings. Past meetings are recorded and also available.
Can I exclude a word from a search (e.g. all pages that have the word "alarm" but not the word "permit"?
Yes. You can exclude words by using the minus sign (-). In order to find the results of all pages that have alarm in the result but not permit, you would search for alarm -permit.
How do I report non-emergency traffic signal problems?
If there is a problem with the traffic signals, please contact Public Works Engineering at (650) 286-3270 on weekdays between 8 am and 5 pm. If calling after hours, you will receive a pre-recorded message with general instructions and emergency information. You should provide your name, address, telephone number, location of requested repair, and as much detailed information of the problem as possible. For more information about the City's traffic signals, please visit the Street Lights and Traffic Signals page.
How much are tickets?
- Reservable socially distanced squares are $20 each and can hold 4 adults or 2 adults and up to 3 children under the age of 12.
- General admission is free and is not socially distanced.
How to obtain a business license?
Always check with our Planning Department to ensure that your business is permissible in the location you are considering, this includes home occupations.
Appropriate permits and/or approvals from Planning, Building, Police and/or any other department of the City may have to be secured before your business may start. All applicable federal, state, county and city laws, ordinances or regulations must be followed before your business may start.
Complete the Business License Application and return to us with the required fee at 610 Foster City Blvd. Foster City, CA 94404. City Hall hours are 0800-1700 Monday - Friday except holidays. Completed application can also be returned to us via email at businesslicense@fostercity.org or fax it to 650-574-3483.
The application will be processed and you should receive your registration within 2-4 weeks. Business registration fees are non-refundable.
If you have parked your car in a parking space, but the car is still running, are you allowed to text while driving?
Since you are legally parked, you can send your text.
What do firefighters do when they are not putting out fires?
The fire service has evolved to include a lot more than putting out fires. Because Firefighters are often the first on the scene of medical calls, the fire department has trained paramedics on every engine. Medical calls constitute approximately 50% of all Fire Department calls. Firefighters also perform water rescues from the lagoon and other waterways, rescue victims of car accidents and respond on hazardous materials spills. In addition to emergency calls, firefighters assist residents with non-emergencies, perform inspections of businesses to make sure that safety standards are followed and maintain the apparatus, equipment and station.
How to renew a business license?
Business License Renewal fees are due on or January 1 annually. Renewal notices are being sent out in early December. If you do not receive any information or notices, please contact business license at businesslicense@fostercity.org or 650-286-3258. It is the responsibility of the business to file and pay when required.
What is the difference between a fire engine and a fire truck?
Since Fire Engines and Fire Trucks perform significantly different functions at a fire scene, they are very different. Fire engines are equipped with hoses and water so that personnel can aggressively fight the fire. Fire Trucks are like the firefighter's tool box -- carrying ladders, rescue equipment and other tools to enable personnel to support firefighting activities.
Find out more about Fire Apparatus and what they do.
How do I get my admission ticket?
Wristbands will be required for entry. Drive-thru will call will be open for guests to pick up their wristbands in the Senior Wing parking lot on the following days and times:
- July 14th from 8am-10am
- July 15th from 12:30-2:30pm
- July 16th from 4pm-6pm
Early will call pick up is not required but strongly encouraged in order to avoid lines the night of the concert.
How do I report potholes in the roadway, uneven sidewalks, or damaged/marked-up road signs?
To report potholes in the roadway, uneven sidewalks, or damaged road signs or markings, please contact the Public Works Maintenance Streets Division at (650) 286-8140 on weekdays during business hours. If received after hours, you will receive a pre-recorded message with general instructions and emergency information. You should provide your name, address, telephone number, location of requested repair, and as much detailed information of problem as possible. For more information, please visit the Street Maintenance page.
If you have pulled over to the side of the road but are not in a parking space, and the car is still running, is it illegal to text while driving?
As long as the vehicle is stopped in an area that is not prohibited. We recommend that you pick a safe place to stop -- for example, a parking lot -- and remember to never stop on the freeway.
What is the procedure to speak before the Council?
Members of the public may speak in front of the City Council either under "Public" or on a specific agenda item. The Ralph M. Brown Act (the State Local Agency Open Meeting Law) prohibits Council from acting on any matter that is not on the agenda. It is the policy of Council to refer such matters to staff for investigation and/or action. Speakers are requested to fill out a "Request to Speak" form located on the table by the door and hand it to the City Clerk. The Mayor may limit speakers to five minutes each.
What if I am an independent contractor?
Independent contractors are generally issued an IRS Form 1099 Statement of Earnings. The business license tax applies to independent contractors.
Is it illegal to type directions into a digital map or GPS program on your phone while driving?
No. The law does not say you can't type directions into a map or GPS program on your phone. However, we do not recommend that you do this activity while driving. This should be done before you begin driving.
What time does the concert start?
The concert runs from 6-8pm.
When do I need an encroachment/debris box permit?
Any construction activity within public rights-of-way requires an encroachment permit from the Public Works Department. For more information about encroachment permits or to obtain an application, please visit the Encroachment Permit page.
I am a solicitor/ peddler, what must I do?
If you intend to go door to door to solicit funds or sell a product, you first must go to the Police Department and obtain an application for a solicitor's permit. After receiving approval to obtain the solicitor's permit from the Police Department, you must obtain a business license with the City and pay the business license tax. Once you have both documents in hand, then you may start soliciting. It takes approximately 3 weeks to obtain a solicitor's permit because a background check is required.
Is it illegal to read directions from your map or GPS program on your phone while driving?
No. However, we do not recommend that you do this.
