Frequently Asked Questions

1.  What phone number do I call for non-emergency questions?

You may call the Laguna Beach Police Department at 497-0701 for non-emergency questions.

2.  What is the address and phone number of the Laguna Beach Police Department?

We are located at 505 Forest Avenue. However, our entrance is around the corner on Loma Terrace.  Go to the corner of Forest Avenue and Loma Terrace and walk past the Fire Station.  Click here for a map and address information.

3.  Who do I call concerning road conditions such as whether the Canyon is open following heavy rain?

The Road Conditions hotline is 497-0747.

4.  I received a parking citation and have questions about it.  What do I do?

If you would like to pay the citation or locate information about the citation online, click here.  The first thing you should do is carefully read the citation.  Almost all of your questions can be answered on the citation.  There is the address to send in payments, or to write a letter to contest the citation.  There is a phone number to call if you need to speak with somebody about the citation, and there is also a website listed on the citation for further information.  Please be aware that you only have 21 days to either pay the citation or contest it.  You may pay a ticket at the front counter of the police station, or you may pay via the web, or send in payment with the envelope provided.  To contest a citation, you merely need to send in a complaint letter with the citation to the address listed on the ticket.  Once again, carefully read the citation.  Almost every question is usually answered on the front or back of the citation. 

5.   What is the cost for copies of reports and what is the waiting period?

Copies of reports are $10.00.  The approximate waiting period is up to ten days from the time you met with the officer.  Copies of the report may be obtained over the front counter of the Police Department.

6.   What days do you provide fingerprinting?  Do I have to be a resident of Laguna Beach?

Fingerprinting is done every Thursday between 1pm and 4pm, for persons living or working in the City of Laguna Beach.  The cost is $15.00 and the fingerprint cards are supplied. Livescan fingerprinting can be done if certain billing requirements have been met prior to the fingerprinting date.

7.   I lost my speeding ticket, can I get a copy of it?

If you received a ticket for any violation in the City of Laguna Beach, you may obtain a copy at the records department.

8.   Where can I get a parking permit?

There are three different parking permits:   Residential, Shopper and Business permits.  Each vary in price and can be purchased at City Hall from the cashier. The usual renewal time is June 30th of each year unless you have a two year permit.  Only Diamond/Crestview preferential parking permits can be purchased at the Laguna Beach Police Department.

9.   What are the hours of operation for the Police Department front counter?

The front counter at the Police Department is open from 9:00am to 6:00pm seven days a week.  If you need to file a report after hours, or you have an emergency to report, press the call button at the front door and you will immediately be in contact with the Records Desk or Dispatch.

10. What is the Chief's name?

The Chief is Michael F. Sellers.

11. How many personnel do you have?

The Laguna Beach Police Department has eighty-nine full-time employees which include forty-nine sworn officers..

12. Who is in charge of the Parking and Traffic Departments?

Sergeant Robert Rahaeuser supervises the traffic and parking division.  He can be reached at (949) 464-6671. If you have a request for new signage, stop signs or any other traffic or parking issue, you can forward your written requests to: Parking, Traffic and Circulation Committee at 505 Forest Avenue Laguna Beach, CA 92651, Attention: Liz Avila.

13. What are the names of the towing agencies the Police Department uses?

The Laguna Beach Police Department currently uses the services of Tow and Mo at (949) 448-7800,  Pacific Coast Towing (also a AAA tow service) at (949) 376-2685, and Laguna Tow (949) 494-3000.

14. What are the hours during the day in which construction can be performed?

The City of Laguna Beach permits construction between the hours of 7:00am to 6:00pm Monday through Friday.  Construction work can be done on a Saturday with a special permit for emergency work.  No construction is allowed on Sunday.

15. What is the procedure for recruitment?

Recruitment information is available on the city website or by contacting the personnel department at (949) 497-0312. The police department training and recruiting officer can be reached at (949) 497-0374.

16. If the Police Department is holding personal property of mine, when can I reclaim it?

Property is released every Tuesday and Thursday from 1:00pm to 4:00pm or by previously scheduled appointments.   Proper ID is required.

17. What day and times can I register as a drug or sex offender?

Drug offenders and sex offenders may register by appointment only by calling (949) 497-0701.  Prior registration cards and Probation/Parole papers are required.

18. What time do the beaches close?

Crescent Bay Point Park is closed between 12:00 midnight and 5:00am.  All South Laguna beaches close at 10:00pm. Any other city beach is open 24 hours a day.

19. Are dogs allowed on the beach?

No dogs are allowed at any time at Aliso Beach or on any beach south of Victoria Street.

North of Victoria Street, from June 1st through September 15th between the hours of 8:00am to 5:00pm dogs are not allowed on the beach. September 16th through May 30th dogs are allowed on the beach north of Victoria Street but must be on a leash.

20. What can I do about a neighbor's dog that continually barks?

For habitual problems with barking dogs, call the Police Department Animal Services Unit at 497-3552. They will give the owner information on how to keep the dog quiet.  Should the problem continue, the animal services officer will give the dogs owner a citation.  The Animal Services Team also services the City of Laguna Woods and offers the same services to its residents during business hours.

21. Where can I register my bicycle?

A bicycle may be registered locally at Fire Station One on Saturday's during business hours: 8:00am to 12:00noon, and 1:00pm to 5:00pm. Fire Station One is located next door to the police department at the corner of Forest Avenue and Loma Terrace.

Another option is to register your bicycle online at http://www.nationalbikeregistry.com

22. Other Questions regarding the following can be found at these links: