Frequently Asked Questions

No, unless the CCW License notes loaded and exposed is authorized, as licenses' to carry in such fashion may be granted in counties of less than 200,000 residents.

No.

A condition for CCW Licenses issued by the Morgan Hill Police Department requires all CCW licensees to immediately inform any peace officer, upon initial contact, they are carrying a concealed weapon.  However, there is no statutory requirement to do so.

Yes.

Yes.  CCW applicants shall have an AFS record which associates the weapon(s) to be listed on a CCW License to the applicant, as the applicant needs to be recorded as the owner of the firearm.

At the very least, you are subject to prosecution for a misdemeanor.

No, you are only allowed to carry a maximum of a 10-round magazine; however, the CCW License does not license does not define magazine capacity.  As California firearms laws are subject to change, it is the responsibility of the CCW licensee to ensure the firearm and magazine adhere to California law.

Yes.  As a CCW licensee, you must notify our CCW Point of Contact immediately at 669-253-4966 if arrested. 

No, however, our Communications Center is open 24-hours for law enforcement to contact and confirm your status as a CCW License holder.

The firearm(s) you list on your CCW application must be associated to you via an AFS check. “AR Pistol” platforms and similar handgun styles are prohibited. The handgun must be capable of being concealed upon a person and the ammunition must comply with State and Federal regulations.

No. Per California Penal Code 29800(a)(1), it is a felony to be a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.

Having a Restraining Order, temporary or permanent, places you on a prohibited list- Penal Code Section 26185(a)(2) -Prohibiting you by state and federal law from possessing, receiving, owning, or purchasing a firearm.  A letter informing you that your CCW License is suspended will be mailed and you will need to surrender the license. 

To reinstate the license, you will need to reapply and resubmit fingerprints to clear the status with our department and the State of California.

To make any amendment or modifications to your CCW License, including adding or changing a firearm, you need to apply online and select Modification. Complete the entire application including what you are changing. Do not enter any information in Permitium that is not currently correct. Please read the instructions carefully. There is a $10 for amendments/modifications.

Applicants must provide proof of qualification via certificate from one of the department-approved trainers with any firearm listed on their CCW License.   

No, only handguns are allowed to be used for concealment purposes.

You must have the homeowner write a letter stating you live with them full time, have the letter notarized AND bring the property tax bill or grant deed (name on letter must match name on property tax bill or grant deed).

You must be a Permanent Legal Resident/Alien or a U.S. Citizen to apply for a CCW.  Visa status is not acceptable for applying for a Concealed Weapon License.

This link will take you to the Frequently Asked Questions section for the State of California regarding firearms laws.

When you are issued your CCW License, you will receive a plastic card and a paper license (FB4501).  The State of California Department of Justice recognizes the FD4501 as the actual CCW License.  The plastic CCW card is designed to fit in a wallet but however, is NOT an official CCW License.

The MoGo on-demand rideshare service was a pilot program funded by a grant. The City has worked to secure funding to extend MoGo, but there is not a readily-available permanent funding source for the service. The last day of service is February 15, 2025.  

At current ridership levels, MoGo costs $29.50 per ride. Fares paid by passengers range from $1.00 to $2.50 per one-way trip. These fares are set based on benchmarking in other similar markets. At this level, fare revenue covers just 4% of the direct operating cost. The City evaluated a fare increase to help pay for the service. However, it is not feasible for fares to cover a significant cost of the service and remain affordable for users. This leads to fewer users, which further destabilizes the service’s efficiency and cost recovery potential.  

As a pilot program, MoGo was designed to test an innovative public transportation model in Morgan Hill. Based on the City’s experience over two years, the service model had successes and challenges. MoGo received positive feedback from users and achieved strong on-time performance. However, MoGo also experienced operational challenges and ridership fell short of target. With MoGo ridership averaging 81 trips per day (compared to a goal of 150 trips per day), MoGo was less efficient than originally modeled. Ultimately, this service model is difficult to sustain without significant dedicated taxpayer subsidy due to its high per-ride operating cost and low potential for fare recovery. Our team will continue to explore innovative transit options for our Morgan Hill community.  

The Morgan Hill community embraced MoGo and it was promoted widely by our community partners and team. MoGo had 1,527 users in its first two years. While the community is widely aware of MoGo and a portion of our residents have become regular users, the ridership level of 81 passengers per day is far short of the program goal of 150 daily passengers. The City and our MoGo operator continuously evaluated customer feedback and performance metrics to adapt the service to meet user needs and increase ridership. As a pilot program, it was determined that MoGo’s three vehicles in service maxed out at a lower ridership level than planned. This was due to Morgan Hill being geographically dispersed, concentrated peak demand times, and below expected shared rides.  These factors reduce the number of passengers that can be supported with three vehicles. To increase ridership, more vans would need to be put into service. However, that would increase costs leading to a less sustainable operation. 

MoGo Morgan Hill Quick Ride is funded with 2016 Measure B Innovative Transit Service Models program funds under the Transit Operations Program Area goal of supporting new/innovative transit service models that will address first/last mile connections and transit services for the transit dependent, vulnerable populations, and paratransit users that is safe and accountable. 

MoGo helps expand ride-hailing technology to public transit customers, including historically underserved communities and populations, along with areas of the County where fixed-route bus or rail service is less frequent or unavailable.

Laterals, also known as building sanitary sewers, are the sewer pipes that carry wastewater from toilets, sinks and drains and connect from the house or building to the City’s public sewer pipelines. They are typically made of 4” diameter clay or plastic pipe. On private properties the sewer lines from the exterior of the building to the main public sewer line, including the connection to the city main, are the responsibility of the property owner. 

For more information about the private sewer lateral process, please visit the City's webpages about the topic.

All private property owners - residential, commercial, and industrial - that connects to the city sewer main line. This ordinance applies to all properties that are more than 15 years old. If the property is a new construction that is 15 years or less of age, this inspection is not required. The property shall complete an Exemption Form to provide to the Buyer during the real estate transaction. 

1. Maintain a fully functional private lateral sewer system
2. Prior to the sale of a property, find and hire a Qualified Contractor (PDF), to complete a CCTV  video inspection of the sewer lateral
3. Submit the passing Utility Inspection at Property Sale Report Form (PDF) and request a Dropbox link to upload the CCTV footage to PSL.WC@morganhill.ca.gov (only passing inspection reports should be submitted)
4. The passing report and video will be verified by City teammates for completeness and any discrepancies
5. Once verified by City teammates, a Certificate of Compliance will be issued within five (5) business days
6. If the inspection does not pass, the damages will need to be repaired and a new inspection that passes will have to be performed by the Qualified Contractor 

In compliance with this ordinance, a Qualified Contractor (PDF) from the provided list must perform a closed-circuit TV (CCTV) inspection of the private sewer lateral, typically from the clean-out closest to the building to the connection to the sewer main in the street. The Qualified Contactor will complete the Utility Inspection at Property Sale Report Form (PDF) that must be filed with the City. The Qualified Contractor will inform the property owner if the inspection passed or failed and if any repairs need to be made to the sewer lines. 

If the initial inspection fails, all repairs must be completed to obtain a Certificate of Compliance. On the Utility Inspection Report Form the Qualified Contractor (PDF) will note what repairs need to be completed by any licensed plumbing contractor with a City of Morgan Hill business license in order to pass a future inspection. A second inspection will need to take place after the repairs are completed to pass the inspection for the property. If the seller of the property negotiates with the buyer, a Transfer of Responsibility Form (PDF) may be completed.

No. If repairs are necessary, they can be conducted by any licensed plumbing contractor with a City of Morgan Hill business license. The NASSCO certified licensed contractor is only necessary for the inspection (and re-inspection), but not required for any needed repairs. A Qualified Contractor (PDF) with NASSCO certification from the provided list will be required to conduct the final inspection after any repairs are made.

To mitigate any property transfer delays the two participating parties may choose to complete the Transfer of Responsibility Form (PDF), allowing for the buyer to take responsibility for all repairs that may need to be completed on the private sewer lateral in order to pass inspection. The new property owner will be allotted 180 days to complete the repairs. Buyers who do not complete the improvements as required will be subject to penalties and could have their water service terminated. 

This is a combination of multiple residences on a common interest development, for example apartment complexes or office buildings, where multiple lateral lines from the exterior of the building(s) combine to a private main sewer line that connects to the main public sewer line, including the connection. Townhome, condominium, apartment complex, and duplexes may be either PSSCS or PSL depending on the connection between the building and the city sewer main. Contact the City if clarification is needed for the property.

A Certificate of Compliance is needed in the City of Morgan Hill to begin new water services.

All private properties - residential, commercial, and industrial - built on or before January 1, 1994, served by the City of Morgan Hill water utility must abide by the Plumbing Fixture Retrofit Regulations 13.04.335. All existing residential, commercial, and industrial buildings shall, at the time of sale, be inspected. The Utility Inspection at Property Sale Report Form (PDF) is to be completed by the home seller and the Licensed Plumber. Any plumbing fixtures not in compliance will need to be updated exclusively with high efficiency plumbing fixtures.

Showerheads, toilets, and urinals that were manufactured in 1993 or earlier need to be replaced with the new high efficiency fixtures (USEPA WaterSense). The provisions of this chapter shall apply to showers, toilets, and urinals whenever the title to real property is conveyed from the seller to the buyer, for consideration, by means of a grant deed.  

1. A USEPA WaterSense fixture

 OR

1. Any showerhead rated to use a maximum of 1.8 gallons of water per minute

2. Any high efficiency toilet rated to use a maximum of 1.28 gallons of water per flush (pre-existing toilets that use not more than 1.6 gallons per flush shall be considered to meet the requirements of this code)

3. Any urinal and associated flush valve rated to use a maximum of 0.125 gallons of water per flush

Property sellers need to arrange for an inspection to be performed by a Licensed Plumber.

A Licensed Plumber meets these requirements:

1. Licensed Plumber with the State of California
2. Has a City of Morgan Hill Business License

A Certificate of Compliance is needed in the City of Morgan Hill to begin new water services.

Mobile homes are not exempt and are responsible for retrofitting plumbing fixtures.

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, such as food scraps and yard trimmings.

Yes, everyone is required to participate. If you choose not to participate, you may receive an Improper Facility Use fine as laid out by the State of California, Government Code Sections 53069.4, 25132, 36900.

A focus on recovering and recycling organic materials is vital 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 — one of the most potent climate pollutants in the atmosphere and a major contributor to climate change.

If self-haulers do not abide by the organic waste requirements as laid out by the State of California, they are subject to improper facility use fines. For violations occurring after January 1, 2024, the State of California requires all jurisdictions to issue a Notice of Violation requiring compliance within 60 days. If after 60 days, the entity is still not in compliance, the jurisdiction is required to impose penalties. 

The penalties imposed by any jurisdiction are based on Government Code Sections 53069.4, 25132 and 36900 and are as follows:

• First violation: $50-$100 per violation
• Second violation: $100-$200 per violation
• Third or subsequent violation: $250-$500 per violation

Organics recycling helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air and water quality, and create valuable resources such as compost, renewable energy and mulch. In addition, it conserves natural resources by reducing the need for raw materials used in producing compost, mulch and renewable energy. This contributes to overall sustainability efforts and helps preserve ecosystems.

CalRecycle and local authorities may provide support and resources to help self-haulers understand and comply with SB 1383 requirements. This includes educational materials, training programs and tools such as the Record-keeping Tool for Self-Haulers, designed to facilitate compliance with record-keeping obligations.

Yes, everyone is required to participate. If you choose not to participate, you may receive contamination charges from your waste collection service provider. As of January 2024, the state allows jurisdictions, at their discretion, to fine residents and businesses who are not participating in the city's established organics recycling program.

Organic waste is any biodegradable material that comes from a plant or animal. This includes items like:

• Food scraps
• Yard waste
• Lumber, scrap wood, and plywood
• Food-soiled paper waste

When organic waste is diverted from the landfill, methane emissions are reduced — making our community a healthier place. Organic waste can be used to create eco-friendly products such as mulch, compost, renewable energy, and other natural soil amendments.

The odor released from kitchen food scraps is a common concern. Here are some tips to help prevent and reduce odors:

• Line your container with newspaper or brown paper bags to absorb the moisture and keep the container clean
• Sprinkle baking soda on the lining or lightly spray with a mixture of tea tree oil and water
• Store your container in a cool place (like the fridge or freezer)
• Invest in a high-quality food scrap bin with charcoal filters
• Empty your food scraps bin every 2-3 days
• Wait to clean out the fridge and throw out food scraps until the night before garbage collection day

Yes! Home composting is an effective and efficient way to reduce your waste stream at home. By composting, you are creating a valuable soil amendment that can benefit your landscape and boost plant growth. View CalRecycle’s instructions to learn more about composting at home.

Santa Clara County’s Composting Education Program is a partnership with the cities and County of Santa Clara that seeks to educate our community about composting. Learn more about workshops, upcoming events, and compost pick up.

• Buy only what you need at the grocery store. Create meal plans and shopping lists before your trip so you shop strategically.
• Store food wisely. Move older products to the front of your pantry or fridge and new ones to the back. Use airtight containers to keep open food fresh in the fridge and ensure packets are closed to stop insects from getting in.
• Pay attention to food labeling. There’s a difference between “best before” and “use-by” dates.
• Eat your leftovers. If you don’t eat everything you make, freeze it for later or use the leftovers as an ingredient in another meal.
• Donate food that would otherwise be wasted. For example, social media platforms (like Nextdoor) can connect neighbors with each other and with local businesses so surplus food can be shared, not thrown away.
• Learn more about organic waste reduction:
  • Ways to Prevent Wasted Food at Home (EPA)
  • The Scraps Book: A Waste-Less Cookbook 
  • SaveTheFood.com
  • BayAreaRecycling.org

Santa Clara County haulers vary by jurisdiction. Whether you reside in a Santa Clara County City or an unincorporated area, find your hauler’s information at ReduceWaste.org by selecting your jurisdiction from the list on the left-hand side of the webpage.

Depending on your jurisdiction, some residents may participate in a multi-cart system and others may have mixed waste carts. For cities that do not require that residents separate organic waste at the source (i.e. your home), the waste goes into a high diversion facility, which is a facility designed to separate organic waste from garbage after it arrives at the site.

The best way to identify which items go in each cart is to look at the labels on your curbside cart and/or reach out to your specific city or hauler. Find your hauler’s information at ReduceWaste.org by selecting your jurisdiction from the list on the left-hand side of the webpage.

Under SB 1383, certain businesses and institutions must recover any surplus edible food, often by donating it to a food recovery organization or service. This food is typically given to food insecure neighbors across Santa Clara County.

The public waste sorting options available will vary depending on where you are. If you’re out and about and notice that separate bins for organic and recyclable materials are available, please pay attention to the labels on those bins and sort your waste accordingly.

This law aims to protect and promote public health by prohibiting smoking in multiunit residences, reducing exposure to secondhand and thirdhand smoke, and encouraging a smoke-free, healthy living environment for all families living in our City.

March 17, 2025

The law applies to all tenants, landlords, homeowners’ associations (HOAs), and property owners of multiunit residences within Morgan Hill.

A property with two or more units, including apartments, condominiums, duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, duets, senior and assisted living facilities, and long-term health care facilities.

Hotels, motels, mobile home parks, campgrounds, single family homes, and single family homes with an in-law unit or Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU).

Smoking is prohibited in multiunit residences, including:

• Inside any new or existing unit, including private balconies, porches, decks, and patios
• Indoor common areas such as lobbies, halls, elevators, stairs, community rooms, gym facilities, and parking garages
• Outdoor common areas such as courtyards, paths, walkways, stairs, playground areas, swimming pool areas, and parking lots

Smoking includes the use of:

• Cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, hookah, and pipes
• Electronic smoking devices such as vape pens and e-cigarettes
• Marijuana

Owners or property managers may create a designated smoking area (DSA) so long as it is:

• Outdoors
• At least 25 feet from
  • Any multiunit residence doorways and windows (and)
  • Areas primarily used by children, such as a school or swimming pool
• Has a clearly defined boundary
• Labeled with signs, and
• Has ashtrays or ashcans for tobacco waste

• Post “No Smoking” signs
  • For entrances, exits, and common areas: “No Smoking” or “This is a Smokefree Property” signs
  • For a Designated Smoking Area (DSA): “No Smoking within 25 feet of doorway, window, vent” signs
• Provide current and prospective tenants with written notice about the no smoking law
• Investigate and address violations, including written notice to the resident
• Provide free resources to help residents quit smoking
• Support and provide a healthy and smoke free environment for all residents and families

• Post "No Smoking" signs
  • For entrances, exits, and common areas: “No Smoking” signs
  • For a Designated Smoking Area (DSA): “No Smoking within 25 feet of doorway, window, vent” signs
• Provide current and prospective tenants with written notice about the no smoking law
• Provide free resources to residents to quit smoking
• Investigate and address violations, including written notice to the residents
• Support and provide a healthy and smoke free environment for all residents and families

In conjunction with the Santa Clara County Public Health Department, the City is providing FREE signs for pick up at City Hall to all Morgan Hill landlords, homeowners’ associations (HOAs), and property owners. Come by the front counter at 17575 Peak Avenue, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., and request all the signs that you need.

Subject to availability, the City will have “No Smoking” and “Smokefree Property” signs for general use, and the “25 Feet” signs for DSAs.

If you would also like resources on how to quit smoking to provide to your residents, the City will also have limited printed brochures, pamphlets, flyers, and other handouts available. You can also print your own here by accessing Santa Clara County’s list of resources for quitting smoking.

For exceptional requests, the City and County will be able to mail signs to certain property owners who are not able to physically come into City Hall to pick them up. For more information, contact the County: 408-793-2700 or tobaccoprevention@phd.sccgov.org.

Yes, a copy is available in PDF format.

Yes! We highly recommend using and adapting the Model Smokefree Lease Addendum from Americans Nonsmokers’ Rights Foundation. It meets the requirements of the Morgan Hill law and will ensure that your lease complies with the requirements of this ordinance.  

You can pick up printed resources at City Hall, or access Santa Clara County’s list of resources  for quitting smoking online.

Landlords, HOAs, and property owners are responsible for informing residents and taking appropriate action to enforce the law when they are informed of a complaint by a resident. However, the City reserves the right to take action independently based on residents’ complaints, including citations and issuing fines for violations.

The City expects a high degree of compliance with the law once individuals are aware of the smoking limits and are informed of the prohibitions.

If you see a violation, first talk to your neighbor to try to work it out. Tell them about the law and ask them to stop smoking.

If that doesn’t resolve the problem, report the issue to your landlord, property manager, or HOA. For renters, smoking in violation of the law is subject to enforcement by other tenants.  

Once your landlord, property manager, or HOA is informed of the conduct, they should speak to the resident who is alleged to be smoking, including written notice and tell them to stop.

If you are not able to resolve the problem by talking with your neighbor nor your landlord, property manager, or HOA, you may report the potential violation to Code Enforcement either through the City’s Code Enforcement form or call 408-778-6480.

Generally, the City will begin by educating potential violators about the law and/or issuing warnings. If the problem continues, violators may be subject to fines and/or prosecution by the City Attorney’s Office.

Yes, if you are affected by secondhand smoke, you may file a civil action for damages or seek enforcement through the City.

Santa Clara County has a list of resources for quitting smoking, including KickIt California: https://kickitca.org or call 1-800-300-8086.

This FAQ is intended as a guide for general reference. You can view the full law online:

https://library.municode.com/ca/morgan_hill/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT8HESA_CH8.42SMMUBU_8.42.010DE.