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CITY OF CHUBBUCK FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are the requirements for property maintenance?

Land owners within Chubbuck city limits are required to keep their property free of weeds and other tall vegetation which could be a fire hazard.   Further, properties should be kept free of unsightly debris or clutter which negatively impacts surrounding property values. The following resources are available to assist property owners:

  • The City will rent dumpsters to you for bulk garbage removal - Call 237-2430 for information
  • Bannock County will spray vegetation for a minimal fee - Call 251-1375 to make appointment
  • Vehicles will be removed by salvage yards for minimal fee if title is transferred
  • In the spring, the City also provides a chopper for branches and tree limbs - Call 237-2430 for information
Enforcement of property maintenance violations could include citation of the property owner with a misdemeanor and possibly a lien being put on the property to pay for clean-up. Increase the value of your property by keeping it clean and weed free. Some neighbohoods also have covenants which impose even more strict rules regarding property maintenance.  We do not enforce neighborhood covenants because they are a contract and therefore a civil matter.
What will get me a parking ticket?

Generally, you can get a parking ticket for following:

  • Parking in a handicap parking zone without displaying the placard or plate properly (10.06.030).
  • Parking in a fire zone, even if you or someone else is in the vehicle or if you are parked for loading (10.04.050).
  • Parking in an area designated as a no parking zone (10.04.050).
  • Blocking a driveway, even if it is your own driveway (10.04.050).
  • Parking within 15 feet of a fire hydrant (10.04.050).

To see a complete list of parking violations see section 10.04.050 in the Chubbuck City Code.

Except for handicap parking violations which are $50, most violations are $10 each if paid on time.  You have three options available to resolve a parking ticket.  First, you may send a check payable to the “City of Chubbuck” in the envelope provided with the ticket.  Second, you may pay the ticket in person at the Chubbuck Police Department office during normal business hours (we don’t accept cards).  Third, you may contest the ticket by asking for a uniform citation and appear on the charge at the courthouse.
Where can I park my RV, trailer or vehicle?

City streets are not storage areas for the following types of vehicle:

Trailer

A warning tag will be attached to trailers or vehicles in violation of this ordinance.   Failure to comply with warnings within the given amount of time will result in the vehicle, camper or trailer being ticketed or towed at the owner's expense.

Note: Vehicles or trailers which are blocking access to either a fire hydrant or mail box may be towed or ticketed without a warning being issued.

Please help us keep the City's roadways and sidewalks clean, clear and safe.
What are my responsibilties during the winter months?
Snow Plow

It is illegal to shovel snow from private property onto the public sidewalks or roadway.  Intentional shoveling of snow into the roadway and failure to keep the sidewalks free of snow is a misdemeanor offense.

During a snow removal crisis declared by the mayor, all vehicles should be removed from the roadway to ease the removal of snow by city plows.  Failure to remove a vehicle, may result in the vehicle being towed at the owner's expense.  For more information, go to our snow emergency web page.

City snow plows have a responsability to quickly and effectively clear streets for safe use by motorists.  The City does not have the time or the resources to personally ask every citizen in town one at a time to clear their vehicles from the roadway.  Please make room for our plows to operate in an efficient manner.

Note: Questions, concerns or complaints regarding snow removal from city streets should be directed to the City of Chubbuck during regular office hours.
What if I see emergency lights or hear sirens?

Immediately slow down and safely pull your vehicle to the right hand curb or roadside.  Under Idaho State Code, you must do this or you will be cited.  This is for the safety of all motorists and to allow emergency response vehicles to assist those in need.  This also applies for funeral escorts.  We recommend that you do not wait until you see what the police car is doing, but again, immediately pull to a stop to the right of your travel lane.

Lightbar

You are further required to give emergency vehicles that are stopped with their lights on a wide berth under Idaho State Code.  You are required to slow to below the posted speed limit and safely move over.

I locked my keys in my car, can you help me?
Car Keys

Unfortunately, no, the Chubbuck Police Department no longer will assist people in gaining access to their vehicle unless it is an emergency such as a child locked inside the vehicle.  This is due in large part to the security advances in modern vehicles making it very difficult to open locked cars without causing serious damage.

We can, however, put you in touch with a competent locksmith who can assist you in gaining access to you vehicle for a fee.   If you are in need of this assistance, call our non-emergency number: (208) 237-7172.

Or, for you convenience, we have listed our locksmith contact information below:

  • A-1 Key and Lock:(208)234-2220
  • Gateway Key and Lock:(208)232-3711
  • Kingdom Key:(208)478-1808
  • Scotts Lock and Key:(208)238-0737
Where do I put my new registration sticker?

The proper placement is in the lower right hand corner of both your front and rear license plates.  All previous year stickers should be removed and the plate should be cleaned of dust and road grime.  Ensure the sticker is not inverted.  For example, do not place a 6 upside down or it will look like a 9.

IdahoLicensePlate

You will most likely get pulled over and may receive a ticket for improper display even if your registration is current if you fail to follow these very simple rules.  If you feel that you need assistance, please stop at the Chubbuck Police Department and we will help you apply your stickers.

License plate and registration sticker theft are becoming more common.  If your license plates are stolen, report the theft as soon as possible to our non-emergency phone number: (208) 237-7172.  You can deter license plate thiefs be using license plate holders that use bolts rather than screws to hold license plates in place.  Also, you can cut you registration sticker with a sharp razor AFTER you stick it in place to make it harder to remove in one piece.  You will be cited for fictious display and possession of stolen property if you are pulled over with stolen plates or stickers.
I was told my case was civil, What does that mean?
Scales

Criminal law addresses the violation of a written law in which the State of Idaho prosecutes an individual on behalf of the citizenry as a whole.  Criminal law violations generate the need to investigate crimes, prosecute defendants, and hold offenders accountable, usually through penitentiary, jail or probationary sentences.

Civil law addresses personal or contractual disputes between individuals and/or organizations.  In most cases, civil disputes involve one person and/or organization seeking compliance to a written or verbal agreement between themselves and a second party. 

A police officer is charged with enforcing criminal law, not interpreting civil law or mediating contract disputes.  Due to lack of training and expertise in the area of civil law, this agency will not offer legal advice concerning civil matters beyond suggesting that the parties involved contact legal counsel.

If you need more information or legal advice, visit our Civil vs. Criminal web page or contact an attorney.
What are common examples of inattentive driving?
The Century Council presents National Teen Driving Safety Week, visit www.centurycouncil.org!

Eighty percent of motor vehicle crashes in the United States involve distracted drivers, according to a government study that videotaped the drivers of 100 vehicles in northern Virginia and Washington D.C.

Researchers reviewed thousands of hours of video and data from sensor monitors linked to the drivers and discovered that driver distractions such as talking on a cell phone, eating, and applying make-up, can significantly increase the risk of a crash.

Of the common multi-tasking activities drivers engage in while on the road, reaching for a moving object while driving showed the greatest potential for a crash – increasing the risk by nine times.  Reading, texting, applying make-up, and dialing a cell phone each increased the risk of a car accident by about three times.

Inattentive driving is a misdemeanor and you will be cited if officers see you involved in any activity that distracts you from operation of your vehicle.   We have provided the concentration game above to demonstrate how difficult it is to complete a simple task if distracted.
Am I required to give an officer my information?

If you are in any way involved in an investigation into any suspected criminal activity and an officer asks you for your personal information, you are required by law to give him or her that information.

Failure to comply with a lawful request for your personal information will most likely result in your arrest for resiting and obstructing a peace officer.  It is very unfortunate the number of times people are arrested for basically failing to comply with our simple requests for information.

Providing false or misleading information to a peace officer in the course of an investigation is also an arrest offense.   It is recommended that you carry either you drivers license or state identification card with you at all times.

We attempt in every encounter we have with the public to conduct ourselves in a professional and courteous manner.  We also understand that you may have reason to protect your personal information.  Ultimately, we are tasked with the investigation and prosecution of criminal offenses and may have to gather personal information from you that you may feel is in some way violating your privacy.  Beligerant, obstructive or deceptive behavior on your part will only temporarily hinder our investigation and will, in the end, most likely lead to your arrest and incarceration.
I am being harassed, what should I do now?
Cell Phone

If you feel you are being harassed, the first thing you need to do is sever all communication between yourself and the person whom you feel is harassing you.  Do not answer phone calls or text messages from that person.

You then need to contact the Police and file a report.  The Bannock County Prosecutors Office typically will not charge a person with harassment unless a report has been filed, the person who is alledgedly the aggressor has been warned by a peace officer to cease harassment and that person then continues the harassment pattern.

There are exceptions to this warning requirement such as when threats of physical injury are made or the harassment is in the form of stalking.

Be prepared to show proof of harassment in the form of phone messages, text messages or other documentation.  If, after a warning has been given, you contact the person who is harassing you, it will most likely result in you also being cited for harassment.
What criteria makes a vehicle street legal?
All Terrain Vehicle

All motorized vehicles that use the public roadways in the City of Chubbuck are required to have the following:

  • Must have current registration
  • Must have current insurance
  • Must be licensed
  • Must be operated by a licensed driver

Certain types of vehicles, such as heavy trucks, buses and motorcycles, require that the licensed driver also has certain types of endorsements on their drivers license.  Failure to have proper endorsement is illegal.

Snowmobile

In addition, all vehicles operated on the roadway are required to have certain equipment such as follows:

  • Dual-beam headlight
  • Turn and brake signals
  • Rear view mirrors
  • Other required equipment
Contact the Department of Motor Vehicles for more.
I witnessed a crime, why do I have to sign the citation?
Ticket

In order for an officer to issue a citation, he or she must have either witnessed the offense or have proof beyond a reasonable doubt that the offense occured and that the person accused did in fact commit the offense.  If you are the only person who actually witnessed the offense, then we depend on you to sign the citation and appear in court to testify as to what you witnessed.

For example, if you witness a person driving recklessly at high speed and notify us, we will make every effort to respond as quickly as we can to catch the reckless driver in the act.  However, if we arrive and the driver is no longer violating the law, we cannot cite that person because we did not witness a violation.  If you are not willing to sign the citation either, then the reckless driver will not be charged.

Please do not let this deter you from calling us if you witness illegal activity, but understand that we are limited if you are not willing to sign and testify.
How do I safely navigate a roundabout intersection?
We would like to thank the Maryland State Department of Transportation for the use of the video to the left.   Click the skip intro button, then select your mode of transit and select where you want to go at the bottom left.   The single most vital thing to remember is you must slow down and yield when entering a round-about.  Click here for more.
How can I pay my city utility bills?

In an effort to make your life a little easier, we offer a number of ways for you to pay your City utility bills:

  • You can mail a check or money order made out to the City of Chubbuck to:

    Chubbuck City Clerks Office
    5160 Yellowstone Avenue
    Chubbbuck, ID     83202

  • You can deliver your payment to the City Clerk's Office during business hours.
  • You can drop off your payment in the drop box in front of the City Offices.
  • You can make online payments using your debit or credit card.

We also offer both level pay and direct pay services for established City utility customers.  Feel free to download the applications for either of these services, read the requirements on the application and return them to us using one of the methods listed above if you are interested.

If you have questions regarding your utility bill, give us a call at (208) 237-2430 or send us an email or come to the City Clerk's Office during regular business hours.  We are commited to assisting the citizens of our great community in any way we can.
What do I do if I have an emergency?
Emergency 911 logo When should I call 9-1-1?  Whenever you need an immediate response from Fire, Police or Emergency Medical personnel.  Other calls such as animal complaints, property complaints, general questions or after hours City utility promblems, should be called in to the non-emegency number for the Chubbuck Police Department - (208) 237-7172.

The City of Chubbuck makes every effort to respond in a timely manner to any citizen's request for assistance, but budget and manpower constraints along with more urgent requests and response needs will result in prioritization of resources.

We do offer links to other agencies and resources you may find helpful such as the National Poison Control Center and the Mayo Clinic's First Aid Index.
How do I start or stop utility service?

Need to get your City utility services connected?  First, we would like to welcome you to the City and encourage you to stop at the City Clerk's Office to pick-up a packet of information for new residents.  For a complete lising of the City's utilities offered and rates, visit our utility billing web page.   A deposit of $40.00 is charged for all new service acounts.  This deposit covers all three services offered by the City.  Due to the fact that each individual's or family's water usage is unique, It is not possible to provide an average billing for a given residence in advance.

If you need to close your account and have the City services disconnected from your residence, please call the City Clerk at 237-2400 during regular business hours.  Be prepared with the name on the account, the account number, the date of disconnect and the forwarding address to which the final bill should be mailed. If you have any further questions or comments, feel free to contact us.

For your convenience, we have listed links to other local utility providers below:

If you have any further questions or comments, feel free to contact us.
How can I make an comment or suggestion?
Kid with megaphone

Need to let us know about a problem or want to make a suggestion you feel would help the city as a whole?  Not sure who you should contact?  We have come up with a way to let you have a voice and we call it Tell It To City Hall.  When you fill out the online version, an email is sent to the Mayor's Office and the comment, problem or suggestion is forwarded to the person(s) who can best put that information to use.  The Mayor has long been a proponent of an interactive government and we all look forward to hearing from you.

But I do know where I need to direct my comment or suggestion, what now?  We have a City directory on this website that lists the phone number and email address of the person in charge of each department in the City.  Give us a call or send us a note and we will take an active role in trying to meet your needs.

Please email comments or suggestions about this website to the webmaster.

WHO DO I CONTACT TO SCHEDULE A FIRE INSPECTION?
Inspection Glass

After you have aquired the proper paperwork from the City Planner's office, you will need to contact Fire Marshall Miller to schedule an inspection.  Fire inspections typically take at least thirty minutes and may take as long as several hours depending on the nature of the building and grounds being inspected.  Remember that fire inspections are done to protect you and your family's safety, it is in your interest to assist the process whenever possible.

Listed below are some of the key areas that will be looked at and some pointers to make the process easier and faster:

  • Be on time for your inspection.  If you are late you may have to reschedule
  • Be prepared.  Review Chubbuck City code as it relates to your inspection
  • Don't forget your property.  Research proper fireproof landscaping
  • Test your smoke detectors.  Get new batteries if needed
  • Examine fire extinguishers looking for the inspection dates.  Are they expired?
  • Can you clearly see your house numbers from the road?   If not, get new ones
  • Ensure that access and egress routes are not blocked or below standard
HOW DO I CONTACT THE CHUBBUCK FIRE DEPARTMENT?
Fire Map
Office Hours:
8:00am to 5:00pm
Monday - Friday
Mailing Address:
4727 Yellowstone Ave.
Chubbuck, ID     83202
Phone Number:
(208) 237-3212
Fax Number:
(208) 237-1121
CFD Dispatch:
(208) 237-7172
Emergency:
Call 911
What should I do if I smell natural gas?
Inspection Glass

Natural gas leaks can be dangerous and are to be taken seriously.  If the odor seems like it is indoors, don't activate any ignition source, such as turning on a light, lighting a match or turning on the stove.  If you are able to, open a few windows, go outside and then call 911 or Chubbuck Fire Dispatch at (208) 237-7172 to report the odor.

Visit the Intermountain Gas Company website for more helpful natural gas safety tips.  You can also order a free gas odor scratch and sniff card via email.  The emergency contact number for Intermountain Gas is (208) 637-6400.
WHAT ARE THE CITY AND STATE LAWS REGARDING FIREWORKS?
Sparkler

Fireworks are one of the most popular summer activities in our community.  Unfortunately, every year, fires are inadvertantly started and people are seriously injured throught the misuse of fireworks.  The State of Idaho and the City of Chubbuck have clear laws regarding the safe use of fireworks in our community in order to protect individuals and property.  Please take a moment to educate yourself regarding these laws.  Failure to comply with firework laws will result in citations, confiscation of illegal fireworks and possible civil liability for any damages that result from misuse of fireworks.

CAN I SCHEDULE A FIRE STATION TOUR FOR MY YOUTH GROUP?
Community Service

The Chubbuck Fire Department has always taken an active role in the community through education of our youth and events such as the City's Trunk or Treat giveaway and Fire Station open houses.  We are very willing to try to accomodate your youth group.  Please contact Fire Marshall Miller at least two weeks in advance for more information about scheduling a tour or other educational opportunities.

Where is the Animal Control Facility and what are the hours?
Animal Control Facility Map

The Chubbuck Animal Control Facility hours are 9:30 to 10:30 am and 3:00 to 4:00 pm Monday to Friday.  The facility is located in the compound right behind (northeast of) Chubbuck City Hall.

During the above listed hours, you may enter through the gate located on the north side of City Hall, then drive forward approximately 75 yards and the facility will be to your left.

The facility hours were established in order to allow our staff and volunteers time to clean the kennels and cages properly, feed and care for the impounded animals and patrol the City for neglected, stray or free roaming animals.
What can I do about stray or mistreated animals?

You have multiple options to assist animals in need.

Your best choice is to call us at 237-7172, talk to one of our dispatchers and either an animal control officer or a patrol officer will respond as soon as possible.

You can email the animal control division by clicking on the link at the top of this page.  Finally, you can submit an anonymous report online.  It should be noted that the last two options may not result in an immediate response.

We would encourage you to visit the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Animal Planet for more information about national animal rescue efforts.
What are the adoption, impound and release fees?
Jail Dog

The fees for adoption are $10 for a cat and $30 for a dog.  All adopted animals must also be spayed or neutered - discount coupons are available.

If your animal is running at large, the capture fee is $30, the impound fee is $25 and a boarding fee of $5 per day is imposed for animals impounded longer than 60 hours.  In addition, if this is the second time your animal has been captured and/or impounded in a six month period, the fees double.

The fee to release animals into shelter care is $20 per animal over eight weeks of age or $40 for any number of animals under eight weeks of age.

There are other shelters in the area that offer adoption services.  Please visit either the Pocatello Animal Shelter or the Bannock Humane Society web site for more information and related fees.
How do I get a license for my pet?

Chubbuck pet licenses and tags are available at the Chubbuck Police Department.  You can download a license application by clicking the form to the right.

Fees are as follows:

  • Spayed or Neutered Cats:$1 each
  • All Other Cats:$2 each
  • Spayed or Neutered Dogs: $6 each
  • All Other Dogs:$10 each

If you own three or more dogs, you are required to obtain a kennel license.  Kennel licenses are $20.

All pet and kennel licenses expire on May 31st each year.  Therefore, if you purchase a license between February 1st and May 31st, it will be half-price.  Contact Records Division if you have questions.
Can I report a crime that occurred in the past?
Clock

Yes.  The statute of limitations for most misdemeanor cases is one year and for most felony cases is five years.  However, elapsed time is detrimental to any investigation, so it is recommended that all crimes be reported as soon as possible.

Under Idaho State Code, cases that involve the physical or sexual assault of minors have no statute of limitations.  If you or someone you know were the victim of this type of crime, please notify the agency with jurisdiction over the location where the offense occured.  If you are uncertain as to what agency has jurisdiction, we will assist you in the process of getting a report filed.

We encourage you to always report criminal activity:

  • Call crime tips in to our non-emergency number: (208) 237-7172
  • Email criminal activity information to one of the detectives listed above.
  • Submit an anonymous online crime tip
CAN I TAKE MY DOG FOR A WALK IN THE CITY PARKS?
Pets must be leashed

Of course. We simply ask that you be a responsible and considerate dog owner.

You must keep your dog on leash.  Some people prefer to not be approached by even the nicest dog.  Dogs are excited and unpredictable when meeting other dogs and children.  Remember that you are ultimately responsible for the actions of your pet.  Be cautious and in control at all times.

Also, please clean up after your best friend.  You may think it’s not that important, but what if everyone walking dogs felt the same way? Soon our streets and parks would be covered in you-know-what.  Use a plastic bag to cover your hand, pick up the offending matter, turn the bag inside out so the waste is securely inside it, tie up the bag and toss it in a trash can.  We also encourage you to keep your dog away from the trash cans, so he is not tempted to come back later and tip it for a midnight snack.  Thank you in advance for helping to keep your City parks clean and pet accessible.
CAN I RESERVE PARK FIELDS OR OTHER FACILITIES?
Park Pavillion

The answer to this question depends on what you would like to reserve:

The pavilions at Bicentennial Park, Heritage Park and Stuart Park along with the gazebo at Cotant Park can be reserved for your gathering.  Please visit our park reservation web page for availabilty, information and to download the reservation application forms.  Pavilions or other gathering areas at all other parks are available on a first come, first serve basis.

Sports facilities including baseball fields and basketball courts are also available on a first come, first serve basis with a few exceptions.  The baseball fields at Cotant Park are home fields for the Chubbuck Youth Baseball leagues.  The softball fields at Capell Park are the home fields for Chubbuck Youth Softball.  These fields must be vacated for scheduled league games.

WHY ARE THE BATHROOMS AND TENNIS COURTS LOCKED?
Graffiti on Wall

Unfortunately, we have had a great deal of vandalism done to the buildings and courts.  Vandalism and graffiti are both senseless acts of destruction that cost the City's taxpayers thousands of dollars each year.  Hours of labor and expensive graffiti removal chemicals are required to restore structures to orginal conditions if that can be achieved.  Restroom facilities are unlocked in the warmer months during daylight hours.   You can get tennis court key checkout information online or call the Public Works office at 237-2430.

All City parks close at night fall.  If you notice any vandalism, any suspicious activity in your parks or any person in the park after dark, please notify the Chubbuck Police Department as soon as possible.
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