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City Attorney

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1. What are the rules for campaign signs?

Campaign signs may be placed on city right-of-way no more than 30 days prior to the election (November 4) and must be removed within 48 hours after the election. The signs cannot exceed 30 inches in height, cannot impair vehicular or pedestrian traffic and cannot impair vision of drivers at intersections or driveways. Signs not placed accordingly will be removed from the right-of-way without notice. Owners of campaign signs on private property are encouraged to adhere to the same time restrictions. Happy campaigning and don’t forget to vote. For further information please refer to Lewiston City Code Section 30-54(7).

Lewiston City Code

2. How do I obtain a copy of a police report?

Requests for a police report are obtained through the Lewiston Police Department. Select the following link for more information. Obtaining Police Reports

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City Clerk

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1. How do I file for an appeal to the City Council?

You may file for an appeal at the City Clerk’s office on an appeal form. The fee for an appeal is the same price as the original action.

If the Council decides not to hear the appeal, the appeal fee will be refunded. City Clerk

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Community Development, Building Services

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1. Do I need a building permit?

YES. Building Permits are required by the City of Lewiston for all new construction, repair, remodeling, demolishing, or moving of an existing building.

This includes such work as re-roofing, residing, replacement of windows and additions; exceptions are listed in the Uniform Building Code.

When in doubt, check with the Building Services Division of the Community Development Department. Building Services Division

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Community Development, Business Licensing

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1. How do I apply for a business license?

You may obtain a licensed application from the Business Licensing Coordinator in the Community Development Department.

You should discuss the type of business planned with the Business Licensing Coordinator for any additional information that may be required.

Contact the Business Licensing Coordinator at (208) 746-7363.

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Community Development, Code Enforcement

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1. Are Code Enforcement cases public record?

Code Enforcement cases are not public record if they are open and active. However, cases become public record after they have been resolved and the case is closed.

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Community Development, Planning Services

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1. What is my property zoned?

You can find out the zoning of your property by viewing the City of Lewiston zoning map, or by stopping in the office or calling (208) 746-1318. Zoning Map

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Finance

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1. What forms of payment can I use to pay my utility bill?

The City accepts cash, check, debit cards, and major credit cards.

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Fire Department

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1. Is outdoor burning permitted?

Burning of yard waste is prohibited within city limits. Outdoor burning is permitted for certain types of fires and under certain conditions. More...

2. Why does a fire engine respond with an ambulance to a medical call?

In a medical emergency, time is of the essence. Each fire engine has all of the capabilities of an ambulance with the single exception of patient transport to the hospital. In most cases, an engine will arrive on scene prior to the ambulance. Life saving medical assistance can begin immediately in preparation for the arrival of the ambulance and subsequent transport to the hospital. In addition, during complicated medical emergencies, the paramedic from the fire engine will assist the ambulance crew during transport, increasing patient care while en route to the medical facility.

3. Why do I see fire trucks parked at the grocery store?

Our fire companies work 24 hour shifts, which means they eat, sleep, and work at the fire station for 24 hours at a time. They may need to go to the grocery store to purchase food to prepare meals for the day. Because they must be able to respond to an emergency incident at any time, the crew is required to stay together, close to their apparatus, and be prepared to respond to an emergency immediately, even from the grocery store.

4. My cat is up a tree. Can you come get it down?

Generally, no. While we do understand that being separated from a family companion is upsetting, most cats who climb up into a tree generally find their way down on their own and in a healthy condition. Many cats that climb into the safety of trees do so because they are frightened. These frightened animals generally will not allow unfamiliar firefighters to pluck them out of the tree. If you have a unique animal rescue situation, please contact Lewiston’s non-emergency dispatch line at 208-746-0171 and they will help you determine if the fire department or another resource can help reunite you with your family companion.

5. What does it cost for an ambulance to come to my home?

Absolutely nothing! The response of an ambulance or fire engine to your Lewiston residence costs you nothing because you have paid property taxes to fund the nearly six million dollar budget of the Fire Department.

We will only charge a fee if we transport you. Those fees are recommended by the Emergency Medical Services Advisory Board (EMSAB) to the City Council.

The City Council adopts or rejects those fees based on their decision-making processes.

6. How do I sign up for a CPR class?

The Lewiston Fire Department no longer conducts CPR classes. To find out who offers CPR/1st Aid classes in the area, click on the following link. Classes in the area

7. I have a child who likes to play with fire. What can I do?

The Lewiston Fire Department offers a Juvenile Firesetter Counseling Program utilizing the curriculum developed for US Fire Administration by the International Association of Fire Chiefs. Juvenile Firesetter Counseling

8. Where can I go to have my fire extinguisher serviced?

Lewiston Fire Department does not endorse any particular company to service extinguishers or alarms. Please refer to the yellow pages in the local phone directory for a company that carries Underwriters Laboratory (UL) equipment.

9. Who do I contact to donate a house for fire training?

For information on donating a house to enhance firefighter training, contact Division Chief Steve Minnis at Lewiston Fire Department 208-743-3554 ext. 265.

10. What is the City’s ISO rating for fire protection?

The City of Lewiston has a Class 3 ISO fire protection class rating.

11. When I’m driving down the road and hear or see an emergency vehicle with its lights and sirens on, what is the best thing to do?

According to the Idaho Driver’s Manual, when you hear an emergency vehicle, such as a fire truck, police vehicle or ambulance, you must immediately drive as close as is safely practical to the right-hand edge or curb of the road, clear of any intersection, and stop. Remain stopped until the emergency vehicle has passed.

12. When can I burn trash or yard debris?

Inside the city limits, burning of trash or yard debris is prohibited year round.

13. I would like to arrange a class visit to a fire station. How do I schedule that?

Call the Lewiston Fire Department Station 4 number at 208-743-0172 to schedule station tours and other public education events.

14. My neighbor’s weeds are very overgrown and I’m afraid they have become a fire hazard. Will you check this out?

Weed abatement issues are currently handled by the City of Lewiston’s Property Maintenance Officer. He can be reached at 208-746-1319.

15. Why do I see firefighters running at the track or exercising in some other way while on-duty?

It is critical that a firefighter’s mind, body, and spirit are able to operate at peak performance in a moment’s notice. The nature of the occupation demands a great deal of physical strength and stamina. As such, firefighters are encouraged to spend approximately one hour each day (on and off duty) exercising. While exercising, the firefighter is still prepared to respond at a moment’s notice to any emergency that may arise.

16. What is the firefighter's work schedule like?

Three shifts comprised of 15 firefighters each, provide emergency services protection 24 hours a day, 365 days a year in what is called "constant staffing." To provide this coverage, each firefighter works a set of 5 alternating 24-hour shifts and then has six days off. For example, a firefighter may have a work cycle that includes Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Monday and then be off until the following Monday, etc.

17. What do firefighters do when they are not responding to emergency calls?

In the old days firefighters played cards and took it easy while waiting for the next fire. Now every minute of the day is packed with activity. EMS calls take up much of the day along with maintenance of vehicles and the equipment they carry, daily fire and EMS training, public education, and responding to questions and concerns from the public.

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Fire Department, Prevention

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1. Is outdoor burning permitted?

Burning of yard waste is prohibited within city limits. Outdoor burning is permitted for certain types of fires and under certain conditions. More...

2. Where can I go to have my fire extinguisher serviced?

Lewiston Fire Department does not endorse any particular company to service extinguishers or alarms. Please refer to the yellow pages in the local phone directory for a company that carries Underwriters Laboratory (UL) equipment.

3. What are my responsibilities if I live on a fire access road?

If you live on a flag lot or your house is some distance from the nearest street, then most probably you live on an established fire apparatus access road. The Lewiston Fire Department asks that you check the current condition of your fire apparatus access road. More...

4. I have a child who likes to play with fire. What can I do?

The Lewiston Fire Department offers a Juvenile Firesetter Counseling Program utilizing the curriculum developed for US Fire Administration by the International Association of Fire Chiefs. Juvenile Firesetter Counseling

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Human Resources

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1. Where can I get an employment application?

The City of Lewiston Employment Application is available on the Employment Page of this website (in PDF format). Copies are also available at City Hall by the Employment Postings Bulletin Board. You may also contact HR for an application.

2. Can I submit an application electronically?

Yes. You can complete an application and scan your additional materials (resume, cover letter etc.,) and email them to Human Resources. If you would like confirmation of receipt, please state this in the beginning of your email comments.

3. Will you hold my application and resume for a future opening?

We do not maintain files for future openings.

4. What is the process after I apply for an open position?

We accept applications up to 5:00 pm on the closing date. The following week, applications are screened for meeting minimum qualifications. The search committee selects the candidates to be interviewed and HR schedules the time and location contacting each candidate by phone.

5. What if I can't travel to Lewiston for an interview?

It is not practical to consider hiring someone we have not met. Oral interviews often carry the greatest weight in determining who gets the job.

6. How soon should I contact Human Resources to find out the status of my application?

Please wait at least 4 weeks past the closing date to contact HR for status of applications.

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Library

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1. How do I ask a reference question?

There is an online form available to ask an online question. Form

2. What are library hours?

Monday, 10:00 - 6:00 pm
Tuesday – Thursday, 10:00 am - 7:00 pm, Friday, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm,
Saturday, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm.

3. How do I get to the library?

Lewiston City Library is located at 428 Thain Road. More...

4. How do I get a library card?

Any Lewiston City resident is eligible to receive a library card. Applicants for library cards must present identification and proof of residence. More...

5. If I'm a visitor to Lewiston, my I use the library internet and computers?

Yes, we have guest passes available for visitors at no charge.

6. Can I reserve a computer ahead of time?

Yes, be sure to have your library card handy. Call the library (743-6519, ext. 109) and ask for a time to be reserved. Please remember that you will need to login within 10 minutes of your reserved time.

7. Is it possible to fax or make copies at the library?

Yes, you may send a fax from the library and use the library copy machine. Both of theses services charge a fee.

8. Does any of the library staff speak Spanish?

Yes, we have a Spanish speaking person on staff who will be glad to help answer questions and locate materials. More...

9. If I cannot read small print any longer, what options are there for me to still enjoy books and stories?

The library has a great collection of large print books and audio books. You can also sign up at the library for the Talking Book Service provided through the Idaho Commission for Libraries. More...

10. How do I join the Friends of the Library?

The Friends support the library through contributions, volunteer assistance, and the annual book sale. Applications are available at the library front desk; dues are $5 per year. More...

11. How can I volunteer at the library?

Volunteers are important to the work of the library. By generously donating their time, talent, and skills, volunteers allow the library to enhance and extend programs and services.
More...

12. How can I donate to the library?

The Library Foundation was created to assist our city library in attracting resources for long-term needs. Primarily, this has meant raising money to be used for improvements to the current library or the building of a larger library facility. More...

13. Does the library accept donations of used books?

Yes! Donated items must be in good clean condition; damaged or dirty items will not be accepted. Videos, DVDs, CDs, and cassettes must have original case and label. More...

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Parks and Recreation

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1. How do I reserve a picnic shelter?

Call (208) 746-2313. You may also visit the office Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm at:
1424 Main Street.
Lewiston, ID 83501

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Police

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1. When can fireworks be displayed?

Only "Non-Aerial Common" fireworks may be sold and used in the City of Lewiston from June 28 through July 5 between the hours of 9:00 am and 11:00 pm.

2. Fingerprinting Hours?

Fingerprinting is Done ONLY on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday between 1:30 pm and 4:30 pm. We are only able to fingerprint residents of the city of Lewiston or those who work at a business inside the city limtis.

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Public Works, Engineering

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1. How do I get utilities located before I dig?

Idaho law requires that anyone digging for any reason at any depth needs to call before they dig. More...

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Public Works, Solid Waste Services

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1. My garbage was not picked up today. Who do I call?

Garbage collection begins at 7:00 am. If your garbage was missed, and you had it out by 7:00 am, please call Sunshine Disposal at 743-4075 or 746-1316 xt 0.

2. When is the transfer station open?

The transfer station is open every day of the week from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm except for the six major holidays.

3. What do I do with all these leaves!

Lewiston residents are responsible for their own leaf cleanup and have the following options for disposal of leaves. More...

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Public Works, Street Maintenance

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1. How do I report a pothole?

You can report a pothole by calling (208) 746-2623 or by filling out the online reporting form under E-services/forms. More...

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Public Works, Traffic Services

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1. Why do I have to wait a long time for some traffic signals to change?

In the traffic control box, priority is programmed for the main arterial or the street with the majority of traffic.

This means that vehicles traveling on side streets entering a street like 21st have to wait longer for a signal to change. More...

2. Report a street light that is out?

You can report a burnt out street light by calling Avista at 798-1472.

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Public Works, Water Services

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1. What is a sewer backflow device?

A sewer backflow device is installed in your sewer service lateral to prevent any material backing up the line into your house.

2. How do I know that the water is safe to drink?

We perform many tests of the water to ensure that it meets all of the State and Federal standards. If you have any questions or concerns, please call us at (208) 743-7461. More...

3. What is the hardness of the water?

The hardness of the water is normally between 25 to 35 mg/l.

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Safe Routes to Schools

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1. What are the 5 "E's?"

One of the cornerstones of Safe Routes to School is the acknowledgement that safer walking and biking routes can best be accomplished through a combination of infrastructure and non-infrastructure projects and programs. These are known collectively as the "5 Es".

Education programs are primarily aimed at helping children build their pedestrian, bicycling, traffic, and social skills, but also include programs that educate parents and other motorists.

Encouragement through activities, programs, and contests, provides incentives for children to walk and ride to school.

Enforcement increases awareness and reduces the frequency of crime and traffic safety problems.

Engineering includes improvements to the built environment that improve the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists. These infrastructure improvements include traffic calming measures that reduce speed, improve street crossings and improve children's visibility and safety, installing sidewalks and bike paths, and improving safety where pedestrians cross streets.

Evaluation is the final "E". It is important for school teams to evaluate their programs on a regular basis to determine what is working, what isn't working, and what changes might be needed to make their program more effective.

2. What is a "Walking School Bus?"

Today, fewer children are walking and bicycling to school, and more children are at risk of becoming overweight and obese than children 30 years ago. Encouraging a healthy lifestyle requires creative solutions that are safe and fun. Implementing a walking school bus can be both.

A walking school bus is a group of children who walk to school accompanied by an adult. It is just that simple. There are many combinations of walking school
buses- it can be as simple as two neigh-
boring families who take turns walking each other’s children to school. Or it can grow to be a structured, well-planned program with a larger group of children that join “the bus” as you walk to school.
More Information...

3. What are the Goals of SR2S?

1. To enable and encourage children to talk and bicycle to school.
2. Improve the safety of children walking and bicycling to school.
3. Facilitate projects and activities that will reduce traffic, fuel consumption, and air pollution near schools.