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1. Whom do I call regarding Animal Services?

The City of Rancho Santa Margarita contracts with the City of Mission Viejo for animal care and control services. Their general information and emergency phone number is (949) 470-3045 or visit www.cmvas.org.

Mission Viejo Animal Care Services website

2. Who provides animal services for the City of Rancho Santa Margarita?

The City of Rancho Santa Margarita contracts with the City of Mission Viejo for animal services. The contract began on January 1, 2017.

3. What services are provided?

The City of Mission Viejo provides numerous high-quality services, including a pro-humane animal shelter, 24-hour response to emergency calls, pet adoption, low-cost vaccination clinics, animal licensing, community outreach and events, volunteer opportunities, and many other services. For a comprehensive list of services and resources, visit cityofmissionviejo.org or call (949) 470-3045.

4. Are my pet licenses and animal facility licenses still valid?

Valid pet licenses will be honored until the expiration date listed on the license. For example, if you renewed your pet license through the County of Orange, OC Animal Care on 8/2/2016, the license will be valid until 8/2/2017. After January 1, 2017, contact Mission Viejo Animal Services for questions regarding your pet and animal facility licenses at (949) 470-3045 or visit cityofmissionviejo.org.

5. Where is the animal shelter located?

The Mission Viejo Animal Services Center is located at 28095 Hillcrest, Mission Viejo, CA 92692 at the intersection of Marguerite Parkway and Hillcrest. For hours of operation and other information regarding the animal shelter, please visit www.cityofmissionviejo.org/animalservices or call (949) 470-3045.

6. Is the animal shelter a pro-humane shelter?

The Mission Viejo Animal Services Center is considered a pro-humane animal shelter. Stray animals are cared for until they are reunited with their owners or until they can be placed in new permanent homes. Stray animals that are brought to the center are held a minimum of 4 full days awaiting redemption by their owner. The Mission Viejo Animal Services Center provides an animal adoption program that includes the screening and review of each individual adoption application to ensure responsible and long-term homes for all animals.

7. There is a dead animal in the street, how can it be removed?

The City of Rancho Santa Margarita contracts with the City of Mission Viejo for animal control services. Dead animals can be reported 24/7 by calling (949) 470-3045. Mission Viejo Animal Services Center website

8. Whom do I call about issues with flies, rats, and mosquitoes?

The Orange County Vector Control Agency handles all calls regarding fly, rat, and mosquito infestations. Orange County Vector Control can be reached at (949) 654-2421, or visit their website. Orange County Vector Control Website

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1. How do I report a crime?

In the event of an emergency or if a crime is in progress, call 911 immediately. For non-emergency situations or to report a crime such as vandalism or disturbing the peace, please contact Orange County Sheriff’s Dispatch at 949-770-6011.

2. I’ve filed a crime report, now what happens?

Once a crime report has been filed, in most instances, the case will proceed as follows: The deputy who took the report will provide you with a Case Number for future reference. As much follow-up investigation will be done by the deputy before it is submitted to a Supervisor for approval. The Supervisor will then forward the report to the Investigation Division where it will be assigned to an investigator who specializes in investigating that particular type of crime.

If there is workable suspect information, the investigator will continue to work the case to resolution. If there is no workable information in the report, the investigator will contact you to ascertain if there is any new information available. If there is no new information or evidence, the case will be made inactive until any new information becomes available.

From the time the deputy writes the report to the time it is assigned to an investigator takes approximately 5-7 working days. You may obtain a copy of the report through Orange County Sheriff's Support Services Records Division at 714-834-6454 approximately 10-14 working days after the report is made.

3. I was involved in a traffic collision and an officer took a report. What happens with that information and how do I get a copy of that report?

If you were involved in a traffic collision in Rancho Santa Margarita and an officer was called to the scene to take a report, in most instances, the case will proceed as follows: The officer who took the information will provide you with a Case # and will write a report that is submitted to the Traffic Investigation Office in Aliso Viejo 949-425-1860. After approval by a Traffic Investigator, the report will become available through the Orange County Sheriff's Support Services Records Division at 714-834-6454 approximately 10-14 working days after the report is made.

Accident reports dated after September 2008 are also available online at the Orange County Sheriff's Office website, under the "E-services" section of the website.

4. How do I obtain a copy of a crime, incident, or traffic report?

Reports and other documents requested without a subpoena, court order or specific statutory authority will be treated as a request made under the California Public Records Act. In order to identify responsive records and review them for possible exemptions, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department may take up to 10 calendar days to respond to a CPRA request and, if necessary, may take a reasonable period of time thereafter to produce the non-exempt records that are responsive to the request. Requests for reports may be done by email by downloading the Request Authorization for Release of Case Information form on the Support Services forms page of the Orange County Sheriff's Office website. Complete the form and email it to ReportRequest@ocsd.org as an attachment.

The Request Authorization form may also be submitted by fax to OCSD Records at 714-834-5466, in person, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or mailed to at:
320 N Flower Street
P.O. Box 449
Santa Ana, CA 92702

The cost of a report is 15 cents ($0.15) per page with the exception of a Domestic Violence report which is released at no cost to the victim. If your request is approved, you will be contacted to arrange pick-up and payment of the report. If your request is denied, you will receive a written denial in accordance with Government Code section 6255(b).

5. How do I file a report for a lost cellphone?

Please contact Orange County Sheriff’s Dispatch at 949-770-6011 to have a Deputy take a report from you.

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1. Does Rancho Santa Margarita have its own police department?

The City of Rancho Santa Margarita contracts with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department for all of its law enforcement needs. The Sheriff’s Department is responsible for providing for the protection of citizens, the enforcement of laws and crime prevention. Law enforcement services include patrol, criminal investigations, traffic enforcement, traffic accident analysis and investigation, parking enforcement, and the use of specialized units when necessary.

2. Whom do I call to find out the status of a case currently under investigation by the Sheriff’s Department?

The Investigation Division of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department is located in Lake Forest and can be reached at 949-206-6192.

3. How can I get a restraining order?

Restraining orders are issued by a Superior Court Judge. For further information, call 714-935-7956. Orange County Superior Court Website

4. How can I obtain crime information by neighborhood?

Crime information by neighborhood may be accessed under the "E-services" section of the Orange County Sheriff's Department website. The Sheriff's Blotter enables residents to know what activity is occurring in their communities by time, type of call, and location. You can view what has happened within the past 7 days or the past 30 days. The data is taken from the official calls for service records kept by the Sheriff's Department. You can also review crime statistics in which you can search "crime by area" which includes city or street. Orange County Sheriff's Department Website

5. Can I get livescan fingerprints done at the Rancho Santa Margarita Police Services counter?

Unfortunately, the Rancho Santa Margarita Police Services counter is not equipped to take LiveScan fingerprints. The closest Orange County Sheriff’s facility that offers this service is the Lake Forest station located at 20202 Windrow, Lake Forest, 92630. Fingerprinting via LiveScan is by appointment only; please call Investigations at 949-206-6100. The cost is $10 for the first card and $1 for each additional card. You will need to bring a valid picture I.D. and the exact change. Map Directions to Sheriff's Office Substation

6. Where can I get a proof of correction signed?

In the event that you received a citation for a violation that requires evidence of the violation correction and/or vehicle inspection, Rancho Santa Margarita Police Services is available to provide "Proof of Correction" citation sign-off at City Hall, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

7. Will Police Services conduct a welfare check of a residence?

Yes, you will need to provide us with the telephone number and address of the residence and your telephone number if you would like to be contacted regarding the disposition of the welfare check. Please call Orange County Sheriff’s Dispatch at 949-770-6011 to request the welfare check.

8. I’m going on vacation. Can the police come by and check on my home while I am away?

Yes, Rancho Santa Margarita Police Services offers a service provided free of charge which involves a physical check of your residence to ensure no windows or doors have been opened or tampered with while you are away or on vacation. For additional information, call Police Services at 949-635-1817 or complete the form on the City’s website.

Vacation Patrol Request Form (PDF)

9. What is the law regarding car seats for children?

No driver shall transport any child in a motor vehicle without providing and properly securing the child in a child passenger restraint system (approved car sea) unless the child is 8 years of age or older and the vehicle seat belt fits properly with the lap belt low on the hips, touching the upper thighs, and the shoulder belt crossing the center of the chest. If children are not tall enough for proper belt fit, they must ride in a booster or car seat.

10. Where can I get my child’s car seat inspected?

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) located at 32951 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano 92675, has a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician who can inspect or assist Rancho Santa Margarita residents with their child’s car seat or booster seat installation. This free service is provided by appointment only by calling 949-487-4000.

11. Where can I get information about Megan’s Law?

Information regarding Megan’s Law can be obtained by visiting the Megan's Law website. Megan's Law Website

12. Who can answer my questions about drugs and gangs?

The Deputies assigned to the Orange County Sheriff's Department Community Programs Detail are available to answer questions related to drug use and gang involvement. They can be reached at 714-647-4133. You may also anonymously report gang activity by calling 800-NO-GANGS (800-664-2647).

13. Where can I get information regarding massage establishment and technician licensing requirements in Rancho Santa Margarita?

Please visit the Massage Establishment Information webpage or call Development Services at 949-635-1807 for additional information. Massage Establishment Information

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1. What types of police related programs are available in Rancho Santa Margarita?

Rancho Santa Margarita Police Services provides a variety of programs that are available to the community. These programs include Neighborhood Watch, Community Emergency Preparedness Academy and Vacation Home Checks. Experienced police personnel are also available to do presentations on crime related topics at special events. For further information, please call 949-635-1817.

2. What is the Neighborhood Watch Program?

The Neighborhood Watch Program enlists the active participation of citizens in cooperation with law enforcement to reduce crime in their communities. Residents will be trained to recognize and report suspicious activities in their neighborhoods and learn crime prevention techniques. If your street is not involved in Neighborhood Watch and you would like to start this program in your neighborhood, please call 949-635-1830.

3. Where can I get information about the Explorer Program?

The Explorer program provides young adults (age 14-20) with the opportunity to assist the Orange County Sheriff’s Department in Rancho Santa Margarita. Please call 866-POST-449 for additional information.

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1. I was involved in a traffic collision and an officer took a report. What happens with that information and how do I get a copy of that report?

If you were involved in a traffic collision in Rancho Santa Margarita and an officer was called to the scene to take a report, in most instances, the case will proceed as follows: The officer who took the information will provide you with a Case # and will write a report that is submitted to the Traffic Investigation Office in Aliso Viejo 949-425-1860. After approval by a Traffic Investigator, the report will become available through the Orange County Sheriff's Support Services Records Division at 714-834-6454 approximately 10-14 working days after the report is made.

Accident reports dated after September 2008 are also available online at the Orange County Sheriff's Office website, under the "E-services" section of the website.

2. How do I contest a parking ticket?

Please refer to the back of the citation. An explanation of the process to contest the citation is printed on the reverse side of the citation.

3. My vehicle has been towed. How do I find out where it is being stored and get it out?

You will need to obtain the vehicle license plate number or VIN. The VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is indicated on your vehicle registration form or pink slip. Call the Orange County Sheriff's Dispatch desk at 949-770-6011 to confirm that the vehicle was towed, why it was towed, who was responsible, and the name and phone number of the tow company. Then contact the tow company to find out what will be required to get the car back.

If there is a "hold" on the vehicle and it was towed from within Rancho Santa Margarita, contact the Administrative Sergeant for Rancho Santa Margarita at 949-635-1817. If there is a "hold" on the vehicle and it was towed from any city other than Rancho Santa Margarita, contact the Administrative Sergeant for the city in which the tow originated.

4. My vehicle has been impounded. How do I get it back?

If a vehicle has been impounded due to an unlicensed driver, suspended license or any other traffic violation and it was towed from within Rancho Santa Margarita, please contact the Rancho Santa Margarita Police Services Administrative Sergeant at 949-635-1817 or come in to Police Services located at 22112 El Paseo in the City Hall complex during normal business hours (Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) to complete an impound hearing request form. This form is also available online.

5. What can I do about vehicles parked in front of my house?

Anyone may park their vehicle on a public street as long as it is legally parked and properly registered. Any vehicle that is parked on the street for more than 72 hours can be cited and ultimately towed away at the owner’s expense. If a vehicle is parked longer than 72 hours, please contact Orange County Sheriff’s Dispatch at 949-770-6011 to report the location and description of the vehicle in violation.

6. Whom do I call to report a possible abandoned vehicle on my street?

California state law states that vehicles parked on the street over 72 hours may be considered abandoned vehicles. Please contact Orange County Sheriff’s Dispatch at 949-770-6011 to report the location and description of the vehicle. Parking control staff will come out and check to make sure the vehicle is not stolen, confirm it is properly registered, and mark the vehicle's tire. The vehicle can be cited 72 hours after it is marked and ultimately towed away at the owner's expense. For abandoned vehicle abatement purposes, the vehicle will be monitored for 10 days prior to being towed.

7. What can I do about speeding vehicles on my street?

If speeding vehicles on your street are a long-time recurring issue, contact Rancho Santa Margarita Police Services and speak with the Administrative Sergeant at 949-635-1817 to discuss options such as the deployment of our radar trailer equipped with speed display. If you observe a speeding vehicle, immediately call Orange County Sheriff’s Dispatch at 949-770-6011 to give a description of the vehicle and, if possible, its license plate number. The sooner you call the better chance we have of locating the speeding vehicle.

8. What are the regulations regarding recreational and oversized vehicle parking on a public street?

The City of Rancho Santa Margarita Municipal Code Section 12.02.060 defines an oversized vehicle as any vehicle with a length in excess of 25 feet, or with a width in excess of 90 inches, or with a weight in excess of 10,000 pounds. Please see the Recreation and Oversized Vehicle Parking page for more information.

9. Whom should I contact regarding traffic laws and enforcement of traffic laws?

Please contact Rancho Santa Margarita Police Services at 949-635-1817 for questions related to traffic laws and the enforcement of those traffic laws.

10. Where can I park my recreational vehicle?

Currently, there is no parking allowed on city streets for storage or long-term parking of recreational vehicles/motor homes. For a list of available RV storage sites, please check online or a local phone directory.