FAQs • Oakland Park, FL • CivicEngage

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Airport

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1. Who can I call about the excessive noise from airplanes taking off and landing from Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport?: Contact the Noise Abatement Program at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport or the 24-hour Noise Abatement Hotline at 954-828-6666 to report loud aircraft. Residents can report low flying aircraft by calling FAA Low Flying Aircraft Hotline at 954-641-6000.

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Parks & Leisure/Library Services

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1. What programs do you offer?: We have multi-generational and multi-use programs, offering a variety of recreational opportunities. Please call 954-630-4500 for more information. Parks & Leisure Services Page

2. What is the youngest age that you accept children into your programs?: It may vary depending on the specific program or activity. The minimum age that we accept children is 4 years. Please call 954-630-4500 for more information.

3. Where is the Oakland Park Library and what are the hours of operation?: Oakland Park Library is located at 1298 NE 37th Street. We are open Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., and Tuesday and Thursday from Noon - 8 p.m. Our telephone number is 954-630-4370.

4. Do you have reading programs for children?: We have reading programs for all ages from toddlers through the teen years, as well as programs for adults and seniors throughout the year. We cater to the entertainment, cultural, research, and educational needs of our community through our services, resources and programs. Call 954-630-4372 for more information.

5. Does the Library have public computers?: We have 21 computers for the public to use 1st come, 1st served. We allow each person to use the computer for an hour, longer if no one is waiting. Printing is available for a nominal fee. There are 4 computers for very young children to use that are loaded with educational games software, which easily acquaint them with the use of a mouse and a keyboard. Please call 954-630-4370 for more information.

6. How do I get a library card?: If you are over 18, you may receive a free library card if you are a resident Broward County, you own property or a business in Oakland Park, or you are a student, teacher, administrative or support staff in Oakland Park schools or a library volunteer. Just bring a photo ID (driver's license or school ID), along with proof of your mailing address and you may check out materials the same day. If you are 16-17 years old, you are able to get a Library Card with your school photo ID and proof of local address. Children under 16 must come in with a parent or guardian to get a Library card. You can get your own card as soon as you can print your full name. Please call 954-630-4370 for more information.

7. Do you have any meeting rooms for public use?

We have 1 meeting room for the public to use. Our Marie H. Wright Meeting Room is available for public meetings. There are policies and procedures to use this room.

If you would like more information about these facilities, please call 954-630-4370.

8. How do I report a nuisance alligator?

The Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program (SNAP) is administered by the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission. SNAP is one of five components of Florida’s comprehensive Alligator Management Program. Its mission is to address complaints concerning alligators.

Persons with concerns about an alligator may call the toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286). Generally, an alligator may be deemed a nuisance if it is at least four feet in length and the caller believes it poses a threat to people, pets or property.

SNAP uses contracted nuisance alligator trappers to remove alligators from locations where they are unwanted or unwelcome. If a complaint meets the qualifying criteria, SNAP will issue a permit to a contracted nuisance alligator trapper authorizing the removal of the animal.

Complainants must be able to grant legal access to the property on which the alligator is located. SNAP does not permit the removal of nuisance alligators from private or publicly managed property without first obtaining permission from the property owner or management authority.

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Planning

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1. Does Oakland Park have a downtown redevelopment plan?: Yes, the City Commission has formally adopted a Downtown Redevelopment Plan with a visionary concept of a unique, small town, historic "Old Florida" character that was created by residents, property and business owners. The plan also includes a Renaissance Program that involves public improvements and site acquisitions. For more information related to these plans and programs please call the Community and Economic Development Manager at 954-630-4344. Community Redevelopment Plan

2. Does Oakland Park participate in planning for neighborhood entranceway enhancement, parks, open spaces acquisition, and traffic calming programs?: Oakland Park is, and has been, very involved in all of these programs for several years and plans to continue these programs. The City has budgeted funds, grants for neighborhood entrance ways and specific neighborhood grants such as Broward Beautiful. For more information, please call 954-630-4500.

3. How long does it take to get a permit?: Most owner-builder permits are issued within 5 working days. Permits for small jobs, such as fences and sheds are generally issued within 2 working days. Please call the Building and Permitting Division at 954-630-4350 for more information.

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Public Works

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1. When is my bulk pick up day?: City of Oakland Park is divided into 4 quadrants. Please refer to the map on the website, OPTV, or we can mail you one if you prefer. The bulk collection period for each quadrant is a week. Due to the volume of bulk trash set out, it takes us 3 - 4 days to complete a quadrant.

Please call 954-630-4452 for more information. Bulk Trash Collection Page

2. Why wasn't my bulk/garbage picked up?: Your bulk/garbage was not picked up because it was out incorrectly or too late. Refer to the rules on OPTV, the City Website, or we can mail them to you if you prefer. Please call 954-630-4452 for more information. Cart Collection Rules Page

3. What is the set out time?: Set out time is 7 a.m. Please call 954-630-4452 for more information. Cart Collection Rules Page

4. Do you pick up on holidays?: Yes, we collect on every holiday that falls in the normal work week except Christmas Day. Please call 954-630-4452 for more information.

5. Who is responsible for maintaining the street lighting?: The City of Oakland Park maintains all local city streets, and street lighting. Major roadways are maintained by Oakland Park, Broward County, or the State of Florida, depending on the jurisdiction. Please call 954-630-4433 for more information.

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Utility Billing & Water

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1. What do I need to open an account?

The following documents are needed:

A copy of your lease or settlement statement;
A photo ID issued by a government authority; and
A fully completed City of Oakland Park application for service.

You will be required to pay the appropriate deposit based on the utility service.

2. Are there deposit requirements when opening a new account?

All applicants for water and solid waste services are required to make a deposit based on the meter size (per meter) and dumpster size & frequency of service for both commercial and residential accounts:

Water Deposits are per meter

Owner/Tenant
$110.00 5/8 - 1" Meter
$450.00 1 1/2" Meter
$720.00 2" Meter
$1,020.00 Hydrant meter

Dumpster Deposits

Owner 1-2 pickups 3-5 pickups Tenants 1-2 pickups 3-5 pickups
2 Cubic Yards $270 $540 2 Cubic Yards $540 $1,080
3 Cubic Yards $270 $540 3 Cubic Yards $540 $1,080
4 Cubic Yards $450 $900 4 Cubic Yards $540 $1,080
6 Cubic Yards $450 $900 6 Cubic Yards $900 $1,800
8 Cubic Yards $450 $900 8 Cubic Yards $900 $1,800

Cart Deposits
Owner Tenants Additional Cart Owner Tenant
Residential $60 $120 $17 $34
Commercial $60 $200 $60 $200
Multi-Family $60 $120 $17 $34

3. Why is a deposit necessary when a customer already has an account in good standing with the City or has a good credit record?: This is a standard among most municipalities, particularly where a significant portion of the population is somewhat transient as it is in South Florida. It also recognizes that people's financial situations may change over time and affords the City some financial protection in this type of situation.

4. What is the $35/$50 administrative fee on my first bill?: An administrative fee of $35 shall be charged to open a new water service account and a $50 administrative fee shall be charged to open new dumpster service in accordance with our municipal ordinance. This one-time fee is assessed to offset the cost of establishing new utility service.

5. Can I pay using automatic bill payer through my bank?: Yes. You may arrange or set up payment through your financial institution's online bill pay service.

6. Can I sign-up for ACH payment with the City?: Yes. You will need to fill out the EZ Pay Form which is available by clicking here and providing a copy of your voided check to enroll. You can also sign up for ACH Payment via our customer self-service portal. You must register for access to Citizen self-service by clicking here: https://oaklandpark.munisselfservice.com/citizens/default.aspx

7. After signing up for ACH payment, how soon will it take effect?: It will take about two (2) to three (3) billing cycles before the bank can start taking the payments from your account. Until that happens, payment has to be done by either paying cash, writing a check, or using a credit card or e-check. Please continue making your cash/check or credit card payment until your see “BANK DRAFT DO NOT PAY” in green font on the message area of your bill which means that ACH payment for your account is already active in the system.

8. When will my deposit be returned?: The deposit is to remain with the City throughout the term of service and may be refunded upon termination of the account. The deposit is applied to the account during the final billing process and may be refunded if there is a credit balance.

9. Can I receive my bill by e-mail?: Yes, electronic bills (e-bills) are available. You may sign up for e-billing by using the Utility Billing Citizen Self-Service portal or by contacting one of our representatives.
Utility Billing Citizen Self-Service

10. Why are the utility payments mailed to a post office box in Atlanta?: The City partners with Wells Fargo Bank which provides payment processing through a lockbox service in Atlanta, Georgia.

11. Do you accept credit or debit cards in the office?

Our office accepts the following debit and credit cards: Discover, MasterCard, and Visa at the Utility Billing window(NO American Express).

We strongly encourage customers to pay using credit/debit cards on the City’s website payment portal.

12. Do you accept payment by phone?: Not at this time.

13. What other payment options available after hours?: In addition to paying online with credit cards, customers can also pay thru E-Checks.

14. What is an E-check: An E-check is similar to paying with a credit card online but instead of providing credit card information, customers will provide their bank routing information and account number. Be sure to select the pay-by-check option online.

15. Can I view my utility account information on this website?: You may view your account payment, billing, and charges history by registering with Citizen Self-Service on the Utility Billing webpage. To register, you will need your utility account customer number.

16. Why is my water bill so high?: High water consumption can be a function of several factors. The period between successive water meter reads can vary from 27 to 34 days. An estimate of monthly consumption and the meter read on the following month will adjust for any inaccuracies in the prior month's estimate.

Occasionally there may be a leak, either in the ground between the meter and the building or inside the building, such as a malfunctioning bathroom fixture. Finally, on rare occasions, the meter may be defective, although in most instances defective meters report low consumption.

The customer has the right to request testing of the meter but must pay a fee if the meter proves to be no more than 2% higher than what it should have been reporting.

17. How is my bill calculated?: Base charges for water, sprinkler, and solid waste are a fixed rate according to the fiscal year and do not fluctuate from month to month. Consumption charges for water and sewer are determined by the amount of water used and may vary each month. The utility statement will also include a 10% utility tax on water charges.

18. How many days do I have to pay my utility bill?: Invoices are presented monthly and are due when rendered. Current charges become past due if payment is not received in the Utility Billing office within 25 days after the invoice date.

19. Do you assess late fees on utility charges?: All charges that remain unpaid at the end of 25 days from the invoice date shall be subject to a penalty of 1.5%, or $10.00, whichever is greater.

20. Do you send a notice before water is disconnected for non-payment?: Past due notification is provided on the utility statement if current charges are past due and have not been paid before the subsequent month's billing statement is generated. A disconnection date is provided on the statement advising when disconnection may occur.

21. Can I have my water service reconnected after hours?: Water service may be reconnected after hours if the service cannot be restored during normal hours. The customer may elect to pay the after-hour fee of $200 by calling the emergency number presented on the utility statement and Utility Billing webpage. Proof of utility payment is required before restoring service.

22. What are the most common causes of increased water usage?: A leak can cause higher usage. Seasonal usages such as lawn watering, filling pools, additional laundry, and washing automobiles can be the cause. To check for plumbing leaks, turn off all indoor and outdoor faucets and water operable appliances. Go to your meter and open the meter box lid. Write the meter reading down (from left to right) and mark where the sweep hand is on the face of the meter. Wait approximately 15 minutes without using water. Return to the meter box and check to see if the hand moved or if the reading has changed.

23. Can I make payment arrangements?: Payment arrangements are available for customers with high bills who are unable to pay the entire amount or if there is temporary financial hardship. All payment arrangements must meet eligibility requirements.

24. What are "stormwater" fees?: Stormwater fees are assessed to every property within the City as their equitable portion of the fees needed to pay for the stormwater drainage system and the infrastructure that maintains it. Please call 954-630-4280 to find out more.

25. Who do I call to receive a replacement cart for solid waste?: Public Works Solid Waste division will deliver a replacement cart and/or recycle bins. Please call 954-630-4452.

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Utility Billing & Water