Print, complete, and submit a Utility Service application and pay the required deposit of $135.00.

Applications can only be submitted in person in the Finance Department.  Government issued photo ID is required.

Deposits must be made in the form of cash, check or money order (made payable to CITY OF BLYTHE) only.

Please contact the office for further information at (760) 922-6161 ext 1233 or 1234.

The Project Review Committee (PRC) is the firs step in the Development process. The purpose of the Project Review is to ensure that a proposed development is in conformance with the standards of the zone district in which it is located.   More specifically, the process is intended to result in well-designed and properly built projects that will enhance the community.  Additionally, by getting all conditions up front, there are no surprises during your development progress and you will be able to know what needs to be budgeted.

 Project Review is required for all newly constructed land uses with the exception of the construction of single family dwellings on infill parcels.  Generally, Project Review is not required for minor construction projects such as swimming pools, fences, sheds, carports/garages, and minor additions or remodeling of existing buildings.  Commercial projects are most always subject to Project Review for both new construction and changing the use of an existing structure.  

 The Applicant assembles the required documentation/information indicated on the Project Review Submittal form and submits that to the Planning Department.  Staff will distribute the submittal “package” to 26 different agencies (Edison, Gas Company, City Fire Department, Frontier, etc.) for review and comment.  Those agencies wishing to provide comment will do so within a specified period of time (normally two weeks although each project is evaluated individually).  Planning staff will then compile all comments into one written document that reflects requirements and standards necessary for the project to move forward.  The Applicant may then take the conditions of approval to their design professional for inclusion before moving to the next step of their development process (i.e. discretionary action [if required] or building permit submittal).  The comment letter accompanying the conditions of approval will specify what the required next course of action will be.

 The entire process can take an average of four weeks to complete.   When complete, the Applicant will have a “road map” to follow when navigating through the development process.

 Click on the link below to access the PRC Application. 

City Hall is open from 7:00am to 4:00pm, Monday through Friday.

Business License applications can be found on the City website as well as the Finance Department at City Hall, 235 N Broadway, Blythe, CA 92225.

Applications can be submitted in person at the Finance Department or mailed to City Hall, ATTN: Business Licensing. All fees must be paid prior to processing with cash, check or money order only; check made payable to the CITY OF BLYTHE. 

Please contact the office for further information at (760) 922-6161 ext 1221 or 1237.

A City license is not required for homes with less than six children, but you must register with the State of California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licencing (951) 782-4200.

A Park Use Permit can be obtained online or at City Hall, 235 N Broadway, Blythe, CA 92225.

The Development Services counter is open from 7:00am to 12:00pm and 1:00pm to 4:00pm, Monday through Thursday, and 7:00am to 12:00pm on Fridays.

You can schedule a building inspection by calling the Building Department at (760) 922-6161 Ext. 1227.

A plan check takes 10 to 15 business days. You can check the status of your plans by calling (760) 922-6161 Ext. 1227.

Yes. Please contact the Building Department at (760)922-6161 Ext. 1227 for information.

Your complaint is very important to us. Due to time constraints, our office is not always able to keep the reporting party up-dated. You can check the status of your complaint by calling Code Compliance at (760)922-6161 Ext. 1224.

The Project Review Committee Process (PRC) is the first step in the development of a project. The purpose of the Project Review is to ensure that a proposed development is in conformance with the standards of the zone district in which it is located.  More specifically, the process is intended to result in well-designed and properly built projects that will enhance the community.   Additionally, by getting project conditions up front, there are no surprises during your development progress and you will know what needs to be budgeted.

Project Review is required for all newly constructed land uses with the exception of the construction of single family dwellings on infill parcels.  Generally, Project Review is not required for minor construction projects such as swimming pools, fences, sheds, carports/garages, and minor additions or remodeling of existing buildings.  Commercial projects are most always subject to Project Review for both new construction and changing the use of an existing structure.  

The Applicant assembles the required documentation/information indicated on the Project Review Submittal form and submits that to the Planning Department.   Staff will distribute the submittal “package” to 26 different agencies (Edison, Gas Company, City Fire Department, Frontier, etc.) for review and comment.  Those agencies wishing to provide comment will do so within a specified period of time (normally two weeks although each project is evaluated individually).  Planning staff will then compile all comments into one written document that reflects requirements and standards necessary for the project to move forward.  The Applicant may then take the conditions of approval to their design professional for inclusion before moving to the next step of their development process (i.e. discretionary action [if required] or building permit submittal).  The comment letter accompanying the conditions of approval will specify what the required next course of action will be.

 The entire process takes an average of four weeks to complete. When complete, the Applicant will have a “road map” to follow when navigating through the development process.

 Click on the link below for the PRC Application. 

Submit a letter to the City Clerk at 235 N. Broadway five working days prior to the Council Meeting, second Tuesday of the month, with the item you would like to discuss.

You must fill out a Request for Public Records which can be obtained from the City Clerk or online. Upon receipt of a request the City will determine within 10 working days if the records are available to the public. A rate of .30 cents per page, for hard copies, and/or .10 cents per page for electronic copies, is payable in advance of preparation of the documents. For more information contact the City Clerk at (760) 922-6161 ext. 1237.

Please contact the Riverside County Clerk’s office: 270 N. Broadway Blythe, CA 92225 (760) 921-5050

City Council Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month. The meetings begin at 6:00pm in the Council Chambers in City Hall located at 235 N. Broadway in Blythe, CA.

Agendas can be found by clicking on the Archive Center Tab located at the top of the homepage. Under Council Agendas, they are listed by meeting date. A hard copy may be obtained at City Hall for a fee of $8.00.

The City Clerk will receive calls and messages for all City Council Members. Messages will be forwarded to the Council, and your calls will be returned as soon as possible. The City Clerk can be reached at (760) 922-6161 ext. 1237.

The Special Election was May 5, 2020.

It was a mail ballot election, which means there were no polling places. Ballots were be mailed to voters. Voters mailed or dropped off ballots at designated drop-off locations, including the City Clerk’s Office. Ballots were dropped off by May 5, 2020 or postmarked on or before May 5, 2020 and received no later than May 8, 2020 to be counted.

The Sales Tax Measure was for a one cent local sales tax and was approved by Blythe voters. This will generate approximately $1.1 million per year that will go directly into the City’s General Fund. The City’s General Fund is used to pay for the City’s general operations, including police and fire services, blight and building abatement, and street and sidewalk improvements.

The City continues to experience stagnation in the local economy and the remaining effects of the Great Recession. Although the City’s General Fund is not currently running a deficit, there are minimal reserves available in the event unexpected City expenses exceed projected expenses. Further, the City has already made deep cuts to City expenditures, which has resulted in the elimination or reduction of key programs, positions and services in order to deliver a balanced budget. The City needs revenue enhancement measures in order to prevent further cuts, maintain City services and preserve the health, safety and general welfare of Blythe residents, workers, and visitors. The proposed tax measure is such a revenue enhancement measure.

The City could use the funds to maintain City services, address street repairs and other facility and operational needs. The funds could go to maintain public safety, the quality of life, and the services the community has come to expect that make Blythe a desirable place to live and work.

Examples of how the funds may be used:

• To strengthen code enforcement, including abating dilapidated buildings.
• To replace aging 9-1-1 dispatch systems. A modern system will help police officers and emergency medical personal respond more quickly.
• To replace the Fire Department’s aging radio system, allowing them to be on the same system as the Police Department. A fully integrated system will enable the Fire Department and emergency medical personnel to respond more quickly. 
• To replace aging emergency equipment used by Fire and Police, such as turnout gear for fire fighters.  
• To attract and retain businesses.
• To address homelessness.
• To keep up with necessary road repairs,and infrastructure.

The Sales Tax Measure funds would be deposited into the City’s General Fund and would be allocated by the City Council during the annual budget process. The funds would be subject to an annual independent audit.

No. The Sales Tax Measure does not apply to groceries, rent, mortgages, utilities, prescription medicine, or personal services, such as medical and dental services.

If enacted, the tax will apply to common items such as clothing, furniture, and restaurant meals.

The tax would be paid by anyone who shops and dines in Blythe. This ensures that both residents and visitors contribute to revenue for public safety services and other resources they utilize while in Blythe. The City estimates about 50% of Measure revenue would be paid by non-Blythe residents.

If passed, a taxable purchase of $100 in Blythe would cost an additional $1.00.

The new rate would go into effect on October 1, 2020. At that time, the combined total sales tax rate in Blythe would become 8.75%. The funds would start being received in the first part of 2021.

The City expects to receive approximately $ 1.1 million annually. If approved, 100% of the funds raised by measure will stay in Blythe. Currently, the City receives 1% of the revenue collected from the 7.75% sales tax – the rest goes to the State or Riverside County.

No. However, this tax will make a significant difference in maintaining services and addressing some infrastructure needs.

One time election costs are estimated at $10,000, which will be paid directly to the County to administer the Special Election. The Special Election will be run by the Riverside County Registrar of Voters.

Yes. Approximately 95% of the state’s population live in one or more transactions and use tax areas.

While the measure will not, by itself, fix the City’s fiscal challenges, it would generate General Fund revenues that could be used to support City services, such as police and fire services, blight and building abatement, and street and sidewalk improvements. If the measure is not approved, the City would need to identify other revenue enhancement measures in order to avoid further expenditure reductions. These reductions could translate to further reduction or elimination of City services.

Organic waste is any material that is biodegradable and comes from either a plant or an animal. Biodegradable waste is organic material that can be broken into carbon dioxide, methane, or simple organic molecules.

• Yard Waste
• Grass clippings
• Weeds, leaves
• Prunings 
• Flowers
• Wood scraps/chips
• Kitchen Waste
• Fruit
• Bread
• Fish
• Meat (no bones)
• Vegetables 
• Dairy
• FOG (Fats, oils, grease)
• Compostable bags

• Pet waste
• Palm fronds
• Plastic 
• Glass 
• Metal
• Treated lumber

• Drain excess liquids before placing food scraps in the cart
• Use compostable bags for food scraps
• Sprinkle baking soda on top of food scraps to help with odor control
• Line your kitchen pail with newspaper and/or brown paper bags

Other tips include:

• Place yard waste at the very bottom of the cart first to absorb liquids
• Alternate layers of yard waste and food scraps
• Keep the cart in a covered or shaded area out of direct sunlight

A focus on recycling organic materials is central to California’s efforts to combat climate change. When organic materials such as food scraps, yard trimmings, and paper decompose anaerobically (without oxygen) in a landfill, they produce methane, which is one of the most potent climate pollutants in the atmosphere and a major contributor to climate change.

SB 1383  requires cities and counties to procure annually a quantity of recovered organic waste products to meet their annual procurement target. Per CalRecycle, these procurement requirements will strengthen California’s green, self-sustaining economy. Demand for these products will drive infrastructure investment and create new green collar jobs in the state.

 Recovered organic waste products can:

• Benefit local communities and spaces
• Improve soil and air quality
• Support local environmental initiatives, such as Climate Action Plans

CalRecycle assigns an annual procurement target to each jurisdiction based on its population. Jurisdictions can fulfill their target by procuring any combination of the following recovered organic waste products:

• Compost
• Mulch
• Renewable Energy (Transportation Fuel, Heat, and Electricity) from Anaerobic Digestion and Electricity from Biomass Conversion

Each jurisdiction has the flexibility to choose what mix of recovered organic waste products it wants to procure, and may choose to either use or donate these products to meet its procurement target, depending on its local needs.

Yes, everyone is required to participate and properly sort discarded materials into the correct bins or receptacles provided. If you choose not to participate, you may receive contamination charges from our waste hauler, CR&R Incorporated.