Collection of frequently asked questions and information

KNOWLEDGE BASE

Business

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Services

We offer a variety of services to our residents. Learn about our offerings here.

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Permits and Licenses

We make it easier to fill out forms and applications in Ferndale.

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elections

Why did I receive a ballot application if I'm on the Permanent AV list?

How do I get started if I want to run for a City Council or Mayoral position?

Where can I register to vote or update my address in person?

Where do I mail my voter registration application?

Where should I go if I have further questions?

How do I check my registration status and which precinct I'm in?

When can I turn in my application for an absentee voter (AV) ballot?

When is the deadline for returning my absentee ballot?

Where do I vote on Election Day?

police department

Where can I download a copy of the citizen complaint process?

Where can I access a witness statement?

How do I request a traffic control change?

How do I register for an alarm permit?

How do I make an emergency phone call?

How do I report a crime or an emergency?

How do I describe a person when attempting to identify with others?

How do I describe a vehicle to others?

What are some examples of suspicious activity that I should report?

How can I recognize an emergency?

city clerk

When are City Council meetings held?

How do I obtain a birth certificate, death certificate, or marriage/divorce record?

How do I submit a FOIA request?

How do I apply for a City Board or Commission?

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What holidays are City Hall closed for?

What holidays does the City not collect garbage and recycling?

All Faqs

When I become Medicare eligible, what do I need to do?

Does the City require occupancy inspections prior to the sale of a home?

How do I report an issue at a park?

How can I bring my dog to the dog park?

What holidays are City Hall closed for?

Am I able to send a short term rental concern electronically?

If I'm a landlord, how can I let the City know I've started renting my property, or there has been a tenant change?

How do I read my meter and check for leaks?

What happens if I have a delinquent water bill?

Who is responsible for the water bills?

What is the non-converted meter charge?

Is there a fee to have my meter replaced?

How do I know if I have a new water meter or not?

How do I file a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Request?

Where do I send my verification of employment?

Can I still compost without registering for the program?

What are BPI-certified materials?

How can I reduce my amount of food waste?

What goes in my compost bucket?

I registered for the compost pilot program. What happens now?

Why should I compost?

What can I do to reduce my risk?

What does the 90th percentile mean?

Can I have my water tested if I'm concerned?

How can I tell if I have a lead service line?

Why are so many cities suddenly experiencing elevated lead results?

Is Ferndale's water safe?

Why did I receive a ballot application if I'm on the Permanent AV list?

What is the Ferndale Police Department's response to resistance and violence?

How do I sign up to use the compactor?

How do I use the compactor?

What are the hours of the waste area?

How do I get my trash and recycling to the waste area?

What type of security is provided?

What if I lose my key fob?

What if I get to the enclosed compactor and the area is a mess?

What if the compactor does not work?

What do I do with bulk items?

What do I do if my business would like to recycle?

How do I dispose of my recycling?

When does recycling get picked up?

The short term rental in my neighborhood is not taking out the trash or bringing the cans back, and their guest are parking illegally. What can we do about this?

My neighbor is having a huge party and is incredibly loud. Is this a violation?

My neighbor is advertising an eight person short term rental online, but there are more than six spending the night. Is this a violation?

What is a substantiated complaint, and how can it cause a property to lose its short term rental license?

How many people are allowed per bedroom in a short term rental?

Is there a limit to the number of short term rentals per neighborhood?

I own a property and want to rent it as a short term rental, where do I sign up?

What is the DDA Board of Directors?

How will the City communicate an emergency?

Where Can I Get A COVID-19 Vaccine?

Does the City use anticoagulants?

Are Ferndale Police officers forbidden from using certain kinds of invasive restraint techniques?

If I need help with starting a business or development project, who can I call?

What type of development does the City want?

Are there any incentives or grants available to support my business or project?

Is my project/plan allowed under zoning ordinance?

What is the planning approval process/timeline?

What is the current development activity happening in Ferndale?

How can I get involved with the community?

Do I need a permit?

How much are permit fees?

Can I rent a City park?

Do I need a permit for a fence or shed?

Where can I download a copy of the citizen complaint process?

Why is the Citizen Complaint Process Important?

Will it Take a Lot of Time to File a Complaint?

Do I Have a Reason to be Concerned About Filing a Complaint?

Will my Complaint be Taken Seriously?

When are City Council meetings held?

What if I have questions once I’m an official candidate?

What are the qualifications for Mayor and City Council positions?

What should I know about nominating petitions?

How do I get on the ballot?

How do I get started if I want to run for a City Council or Mayoral position?

What is the "Readiness to Serve" fee?

Does Ferndale have a pool ordinance?

Do I need to install a privacy fence or screening fence if my pool has an elevated deck?

How far away do overhead wires need to be from the pool?

Am I required to build a fence around my swimming pool?

How deep does the swimming pool need to be to require permitting and a site plan?

What are the construction requirements for accessory buildings?

What are the requirements for foundations and rat walls?

What does a typical garage plan look like?

Is there a limit to how far eaves or overhangs can extend from the structure?

Can the size of my accessory buliding exceed my primary house?

Are there height restrictions for my accessory building?

Can I add a second accessory building to my property?

Where on my property can I build my garage or shed?

How far away must my accessory building be located from my house?

What are the setback requirements for a detached accessory building?

How much of my property must be permeable (unpaved)?

What are the requirements for the foundation?

What dimensions should be used for the Deck Floor?

What are the acceptable dimensions of Treads and Risers?

When do I need to build a guard rail?

What are the rules for handrail construction?

How do I frame the deck?

What does a Deck Site Plan look like?

What are the maximum span between joist supports?