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Frequently Asked Questions

Listed below you'll find answers to many of the questions we are asked on a regular basis.

To help narrow your search, select a specific Category - or a specific Department - from the dropdown menus provided:
How do I find public transportation to and from Mill Valley?
What is the RSVP Parking Permit and how do I benefit?
How do I purchase the $30 RSVP sticker for my car?
How many RSVP stickers can I purchase?
What happens if I sell my car with the RSVP sticker and buy a new car?
Why is this RSVP permit only available to residents, not visitors or non-resident employees?
Will the City still have free holiday parking for those without RSVP stickers?
I have an RSVP sticker and I still got a ticket. What do I do?
I have a sign at my house stating “No Solicitors,” but they still come to my door. Should I call the police?
I received a traffic citation. How do I find out the bail amount to pay?
Is Mill Valley a safe place to live? What kind of crime happens here?
Are there certain hours that construction crews are allowed to work?
Why was my real estate sign taken from the house for sale?
Are leaf blowers allowed in Mill Valley?
Where do I get a residential parking permit?
How do I get a “fix it” ticket signed-off?
I work downtown and want an employee parking permit. How do I get one?
My car has commercial plates and I parked in a yellow zone. Why did I get a ticket?
Is it okay for my dog to be off-leash?
Does Mill Valley have a curfew law?
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Q: How do I find public transportation to and from Mill Valley?
A:
Golden Gate Transit operates public transportation services in Mill Valley.  Please visit their website for more information.
Q: What is the RSVP Parking Permit and how do I benefit?
A:

The RSVP (Resident Shopper Vehicle Permit) parking permit is a pilot program designed to make it convenient and inviting for all 94941 ZIP code residents to shop, eat and visit downtown Mill Valley. The $30 RSVP annual permit allows residents free parking up to the maximum allowable time posted (usually two hours) at any of the City’s 400 parking meters, seven days a week from 9 am-6 pm, through July 31, 2011.


 

Q: How do I purchase the $30 RSVP sticker for my car?
A:

There are several options for residents with vehicles registered in the 94941 ZIP code to purchase an RSVP sticker:

  • Buy online.

  • Buy in person at the Mill Valley Police Department, Public Safety Building on 1 Hamilton Drive.  Hours of operation are Monday - Thursday from 8:00 AM to 4:45 PM and on Fridays from 8:00 AM to 3:45 PM.

  • Buy by mail by downloading an application here and mailing your completed application with a check to the City of Mill Valley. Mail it to Mill Valley Police Department, Public Safety Building, 1 Hamilton Drive, Mill Valley, CA 94941.

Each permit will be assigned to a specific vehicle, and should be affixed on the lower left bumper or lower left rear window. A permit is not transferable.

 

Q: How many RSVP stickers can I purchase?
A:

Mill Valley households will be able to purchase up to four stickers, one for each vehicle registered at a 94941 address. The first two will cost $30 each. A third or fourth sticker will be $65 each. All stickers are valid through July 31, 2011.


 

Q: What happens if I sell my car with the RSVP sticker and buy a new car?
A:

Remove the sticker from your car and return it to the Police Department. The City will replace your RSVP permit and reassign it to your new car at a cost of $5.


 

Q: Why is this RSVP permit only available to residents, not visitors or non-resident employees?
A:

This is a pilot program targeting 94941 residents to encourage shopping, theatre and restaurant visits – and general participation in the downtown area of Mill Valley. The City will closely monitor the results of this pilot program and potentially expand the audience next year.

Visitors can use metered parking, and/or park for visits longer than two hours at the publicly accessible paid lot across from the Depot. The City will be improving signage and website information on available parking.

Employees are encouraged to purchase the “E” parking sticker which enables free parking 9-3:30 seven days a week at all “E” parking spots. The Mill Valley Chamber of Commerce sells “E” parking stickers.


 

Q: Will the City still have free holiday parking for those without RSVP stickers?
A:

Yes. All meters will be free to all residents and visitors for up to two hours between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve, as has been the tradition during the holiday shopping season.


 

Q: I have an RSVP sticker and I still got a ticket. What do I do?
A:

If you believe you received a parking ticket in error, contact the Mill Valley Police Department as soon as possible. 

Mill Valley Public Safety Building
1 Hamilton Drive
Mill Valley, CA 94941

Hours of operation are Monday - Thursday from 8:00 AM to 4:45 PM and on Fridays from 8:00 AM to 3:45 PM.

Police Non-emergency Phone: 415-389-4100
Police Fax: 415-389-4148.
Police Email: info@millvalleypd.org

 

Q: I have a sign at my house stating “No Solicitors,” but they still come to my door. Should I call the police?
A:

Any individual who solicits door to door for a business is required to obtain a solicitor’s permit and a business license from City Hall. It is unlawful for solicitors to contact a resident that has signage that prohibits solicitation or canvassing. When a solicitor comes to your door, you may ask to see a permit. If the solicitor does not have a permit, or refuses to show it to your, or causes any problems, please call the Police at 389-4100.

 

Q: I received a traffic citation. How do I find out the bail amount to pay?
A:

You can find out the amount due for traffic fines at www.co.main.ca.us/depts/MC/main/traffic.dfm. The Vehicle Code(s) listed on the traffic citation will correspond to the imposed fees.

 

Q: Is Mill Valley a safe place to live? What kind of crime happens here?
A:

Overall Mill Valley is a very safe place to live. Property crimes (burglary, theft, fraud, vandalism, etc.), not violent crimes, make up most of the cases filed with the Police Department. To view crime statistics online, you can go to the Office of the Attorney General (www.ag.ca.gov/cjsc). If you are interested in motor vehicle collision information and statistics, you can access the SWITRS Annual Report at www.chp.ca.gov. And there is a Megan’s law Web site at www.meganslaw.ca.gov.

 

Q: Are there certain hours that construction crews are allowed to work?
A:

Yes, construction work can be done Monday – Friday from the hours of 7:00 am to 6:00 pm. Heavy equipment and power tools are restricted to weekdays from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. On Saturday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, a homeowner, not a construction crew, can do work. No construction work is allowed on Sunday and holidays.

 

Q: Why was my real estate sign taken from the house for sale?
A:

Signs advertising services, garage sales, homes for sale or rent are not allowed on public property, streets or utility poles. Signs placed on utility poles will be taken down and destroyed. Real estate signs will be stored at the police station and can be retrieved by the listing agent. There is a $10 fee per location.

 

Q: Are leaf blowers allowed in Mill Valley?
A:

Municipal Code states it is unlawful for any person to operate a gas-powered device to blow leaves, dirt, or other debris off sidewalks, driveways, lawns, or other surfaces within any area of Mill Valley.

 

Q: Where do I get a residential parking permit?
A:
Contact the Public Works Department.  Call 388-4033 or stop by City Hall at 26 Corte Madera Ave.
Q: How do I get a “fix it” ticket signed-off?
A:

If you have a “fix it” ticket (for registration, equipment, etc.) you can come into the station (1 Hamilton Drive) to have the proof of correction signed. Or, a patrol officer or an employee of Traffic court can also sign-off on the ticket. Only the Traffic Court at the Civic Center is able to sign-off a proof of insurance ticket.

 

Q: I work downtown and want an employee parking permit. How do I get one?
A:

The Chamber of Commerce (388-9700 / 85 Throckmorton Avenue) issues employee parking permits. The cost is $60 and they are valid for six months. There are four designated employee parking areas in Mill Valley.

 

Q: My car has commercial plates and I parked in a yellow zone. Why did I get a ticket?
A:

Having commercial plates does not automatically entitle you to park in a yellow zone. Mill Valley municipal code specifies that one must be actively involved in loading and/or unloading for commercial purposes to legally park in a yellow zone. There are specific times each day that anyone can legally park in a yellow zone: Monday – Friday after 4:00 pm, Saturday after noon, and Sunday all day.

 

Q: Is it okay for my dog to be off-leash?
A:

Mill Valley has a leash law that requires all dogs to be on-leash when on public streets, parks, and sidewalks. You can be fined for not having your dog on-leash. If your dog is off-leash and picked up by a patrol officer or an animal control officer, it will be taken to the Marin County Humane Society (883-4621).


 

Q: Does Mill Valley have a curfew law?
A:

Children under the age of 18, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian, need to be off the streets between the hours of 11:00 pm and sunrise.

 

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