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1. Can someone go through my trash on my curb? Can they be cited and fined?

Under Fountain Valley Municipal Code, scavenging is prohibited. The city and its duly authorized contractor or franchisee shall own all material once it is deposited into receptacles for collection. Before such materials are deposited in those receptacles for collection, the owner may dispose of those materials in any lawful manner, including self-hauling waste to an appropriate landfill or other appropriate facility, or selling or donating recyclable material.

Once the material is placed in a residential refuse or recycling container at curbside or in a commercial dumpster, title to the material passes to the city or its authorized contractor or franchisee. No person shall thereafter interfere with or tamper with said material or container or remove any contents thereof.
(Ordinance 1397 - 1, 2007)

2. Is it legal in Fountain Valley to shoot a BB or pellet gun in your backyard?

Under Fountain Valley Municipal Code, it is unlawful for any person, other than a police officer acting in his/her official line of duty, to shoot, fire or discharge, or for any person, firm or corporation to cause or permit to be shot, fired, or discharged within the city limits, any rifle, shotgun, carbide cannon, pistol, revolver, BB gun, air gun, spear gun or any firearm except when it may be necessary so to do to protect life or property or with the written permission of the chief of police or designated representative. Shot, fired or discharged shall include blank ammunition. (Ordinance 512 , 17, 1968: Ordinance 293 , 1, 1964)

3. Is writing a bad check (insufficient fund) a crime in Fountain Valley? Can I come to file a police report?

Under certain circumstances, it can be considered a crime. Please bring documentation to the front desk of the Police Department during normal business hours and a desk officer can assist you. These types of crimes are reported directly to the Orange County District Attorney's Office. We have the forms needed and can assist you with any questions you may have. Front desk hours are Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.

4. What can I do about a barking dog problem?

This problem falls under the jurisdiction of Orange County Animal Control. Their phone number is: 714-935-6848 or 714-935-7419 for after hours. For further information and assistance you can visit their website.

5. What is the current law on child safety seats?

Most kids 4-6 years old are riding at risk. Could yours be one of them? Kids should be in car booster seats if they: Are too big for child safety seats or weigh about 40-60 pounds.

The new law (Effective January 1, 2012) says:
- Children under the age of 8 must be secured in a car seat or booster seat in the back seat.
- Children under the age of 8 who are 4-foot 9 inches or taller may be secured by a safety belt in the back seat.

Car booster seats must be used in conjunction with the vehicle's lap and shoulder belt. The booster seat raises the child so that the vehicle lap and shoulder belt can be positioned properly, and the child's knees can bend naturally.

For children too small for booster seats, an approved child safety seat must be used, and properly secured in the vehicle. The back seat is the safest place for all children to ride. Always secure an empty booster seat/car seat in place. They can become unsecured flying objects (UFO's) in the event of braking or a collision.

6. Would I get in trouble if I skate (as in just rolling around) at night in a parking lot?

If you are on private property (which parking lots are), the owner could tell you to leave, or the police could enforce the trespass law.