Frequently Asked Questions

The San Mateo County Sheriff's Office at the Moss Beach sub station located at:
500 California Street
Moss Beach, CA 94038
Phone: 650-573-2801

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You may write a letter to the Office of Parking Violations explaining the circumstances, which led to the violation, and ask for an administrative review. You will still have to pay the fine by the due date; however, this may be refunded to you if the citation is dismissed.

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Vehicles parked on the street over 72 hours may be considered abandoned vehicles. Provide the location and description of the automobile to the dispatch at 650-726-8286 or the abandoned vehicle hotline 650-750-2030 option 3. We will come out and check to ensure that the vehicle is not stolen, and confirm that it is currently registered.

The deputy will then place a warning notice on the vehicle. If vehicle does not move at least 1/10th of a mile, the vehicle can be cited after 72 hours and ultimately towed away at the owner's expense. It is not unlawful to park a vehicle on a public street, even in front of your house, if it is legally parked, currently registered and moves every 72 hours.

Before reporting a dog that barks loudly and frequently, first try to contact the dog's owner. The owner may be unaware the dog is causing a problem for neighbors and is willing to take immediate action to correct the problem. If the problem is not resolved, contact the Sheriff's office at 650-726-8286 when the excessive barking is occurring.

The Sheriff's Department will investigate barking dog complaints and will try to contact the owner of the dog. We will ask for your name and a call back number for our records, or in case we need additional information from you.

If the problem continues we ask that you call again, and we will respond back. Each time, we keep a record of the complaints. If the problem continues, and we can document a pattern that indicates that the responsible party is indifferent and is allowing habitual barking in such a manner as to continuously disturb the peace, the owner could be issued a citation for an infraction.

All fireworks, with the exception of the annual Fourth of July fireworks displays, are illegal within the city limits.

Vehicles over 20 feet long are prohibited from parking on posted streets between the hours of 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. Detached trailers are prohibited from parking on posted streets at anytime, except when loading and unloading or in the case of an emergency. The Sheriff Captain may grant temporary exemptions.

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The owner of the vehicle will have to come to the Sheriff's Half Moon Bay sub station to obtain a vehicle release. If the owner is unavailable a letter signed by the owner will be needed. A service fee maybe assessed for the release of the vehicle, additionally you will be responsible for any tow and storage fees levied by the tow company.

If the owner is unlicensed, two licensed drivers must accompany you; one to drive to the tow yard, and one to drive the vehicle.

When calling from a land line phone, in an emergency dial 911, or dial 650-726-8286 when calling from a cellular phone. If you need to make a report or need to speak with a Deputy, first call dispatch at 650-726-8286. If you need speak with records staff, or for business inquiries call 650-726-8288, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. excluding holidays.

The skateboard park is open 24/7. The park may be closed whenever dangerous conditions are present, including damaged jumps, graffiti, and when safety rules violations exist.

Open pit fires are prohibited at all beaches within the city of Half Moon Bay, and at all State Park beaches in San Mateo County.

There is an established curfew for minors in Half Moon Bay, (11 p.m. to 6 a.m.) and the police will most likely contact minors who are out late for a welfare check. It is also unlawful for parents to knowingly allow their children to be in violation of this ordinance. Parents may be asked to respond to pickup their children. There are several exceptions to the rule, such as during an emergency, involved in interstate travel or when traveling to and from work.

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In most cases a finder can claim found property, if the owner cannot be located within 90 days. Depending on the value the finder may have to advertise the find in a local paper. It is the finder's responsibility to contact the Property Officer after 90 days if the true owner has not claimed it. Exceptions are weapons and contraband.

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