Frequently Asked Questions
Animal Control Information
If I see a dog attack or am attacked by a dog, who do I call?
- If you or someone else is attacked by a dog, call 911.
- Report all dog bites. Statistics on potentially aggressive and dangerous dogs cannot be tracked if dog bites are not reported to the proper authorities.
- For more information, contact Yolo County Animal Control 530-668-5287.
What is the law in Winters with regard to dogs?
- All dogs must be on a leash when not on the dog owner’s property
- All dogs over 4 months old must be licensed and vaccinated (Rabies)
- All dogs over 4 months old must have a collar. The collar must list the license number, proof of vaccination and the name and address of the owner.
- No dogs are allowed to run at large. If a dog is caught running at large and is impounded by Yolo County Animal Control, all costs of the impound are payable by the dog owner.
Who enforces the law in Winters with regard to dogs?
- Animal laws in Winters are enforced by Yolo County Animal Control
What should I do if I encounter a wild animal or have a problem with a wild animal?
- Do not approach the animal
- Contact Yolo County Animal Control
- Contact the California Department of Fish and Wildlife by filing an online Wildlife Incident Report. An investigator will be assigned and contact you with further information.
- Visit the California Department of Fish and Wildlife "Keep Me Wild" pages for more information about living near wildlife.
City Limits
Copy of a Police Report
For more information, please call our Records Division at 530-794-6720
Evictions
File a Case Report
Parking Citations
A: Per California Vehicle Code section 40215, disposition of notice of parking violation appeals is conducted sequentially:
Request for Administrative Review: Send the department a written statement outlining why the notice of parking violation should be dismissed.
Please note: copies of documentation relating to the notice of parking violation and the request for dismissal must be postmarked or delivered to the Winters Police Department within 21 calendar days of the citation issue date or within 14 calendar days of the mailing of the notice of delinquent parking per California Vehicle Code section 40215(a). There is no cost for an administrative review.
Request for Administrative Hearing: Send the department a written request for an Administrative Hearing within 21 calendar days following the notification mailing of the results of the administrative review, per California Vehicle Code section 40215(b).
Please note: Please provide your name, phone number, and an email address with your written request for an Administrative Hearing. You must pay your citation in full prior to a hearing being scheduled. An Administrative Hearing shall be held 90 calendar days following the receipt of the request for an Administrative Hearing, excluding time tolled pursuant to California Vehicle Code sections 40200-40225. The person requesting the hearing may request one continuance, not to exceed 21 calendar days per California Vehicle Code section 40215.
Request for Traffic Court: Send the Yolo County Superior Court a request for a hearing.
Please note: At the conclusion of the Administrative Hearing, the matter may be appealed to the Yolo County Superior Court of California. For more information, please visit the Yolo County Superior Court web page
Property
A: Property is released by appointment only. To make an appointment or for questions regarding property or evidence retained by the Winter Police Department please contact the Property Officer at (530) 794-6725.
Reporting Parking Complaints
Parking Permits for Moving PODS, trailers, etc
Registered Vehicles
Restraining Order Information
Vehicle Release Information
A: Tow fees must be paid to the public safety jurisdiction where the tow took place. Please note that tow releases must be processed during lobby business hours (702 Main St Winters Mon- Fri 8 am to 4:30 pm, excluding weekends and holidays)
- Abandoned Vehicle Tow Admin Fee $125.00
- Impounded Vehicle Hearing Release Fee $199.00
- Private Property Abandoned Vehicle Abatement Fee $338 (+ Tow Company Fee)
- Repossessed Vehicle Tow Admin Fee $15.00
- Vehicle Tow Administration Fee $94.00
Vehicle Release Procedure
Vehicle releases are subject to the following criteria (registered owner, registration, driver license). For more information, please see below:
Registered Owner Verification
Vehicles can only be released to registered owners with a photo identification. If the registered owner is not available, the following substitutions will be accepted:
- A notarized letter from the registered owner authorizing pick up may be substituted.
- The registered owner (photo ID required) can come to the lobby of the Police Department and give permission for the vehicle to be released to another party.
Registered Vehicle Verification
Vehicles can only be released if they are registered. Registration requires registration fees, proof of insurance, and valid smog certificate be sent to the Department of Motor Vehicles. If the vehicle has been towed due to a no registration violation, you must be able to provide one of the following:
- Provide proof of registration
- Signed and stamped one day moving permit from the Department of Motor Vehicles
- Provide statement from tow company that vehicle will be towed from a tow yard to secondary location (may be subject to telephonic confirmation)
Licensed Driver Verification
Vehicles can only be released to a licensed driver. If the vehicle has been towed due to an unlicensed or suspended driver violation, you must:
- Bring 2 licensed drivers with you to pick up the vehicle (one driver who brought you to the department and an additional driver to take possession of the released vehicle).