Frequently Asked Questions

Visit the Staff Directory to find all department and staff contact information.

There are a number of ways that information about city activities is routinely distributed into the community, such as this website and the bi-monthly Brea Line newsletter. Plus, press releases and social media posts are used along with printed flyers, postcards, posters and more which can be found at various civic locations. Residents are always encouraged to call or send a message through the "Tell Us" option on this website. Here are key information points.

City of Brea offices often receive calls seeking a variety of services. Although many of these requests are not actually for city operations, this collection of phone numbers is offered as a helpful courtesy.

For information about joining the Brea Police Department, visit www.joinbreapd.net or call (714) 990-7715.  For a list of current openings visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/brea/.

The City of Brea only accepts applications for positions that are advertised as open. To submit interest for a position that is not open, complete an interest card at www.jobs.cityofbrea.net.  Once an interest card is submitted, you will be automatically notified via email upon the opening of the selected position.

There are several ways you can stay on top of available positions. We recommend that you create a profile by visiting https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/brea/. The system allows you to review job descriptions and requirements, see a current list of jobs, apply for a position and track the application process. If you are interested in a job that is not currently open, you can also complete an online interest card and you will be notified by email. Additionally, when a position becomes available, the system will send an announcement for the position, known as a “Career Opportunity Bulletin.” The bulletin contains the salary range, information on the position, the application and selection process, examples of duties and essential qualifications, including education, experience and applicable licenses and certificates. 

To submit an online employment application, go to https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/brea/. Computer access is also available at many public libraries. If you need assistance completing the online employment application please contact the Human Resources Division at (714)990-7726.

--In order for your application to receive the full consideration it deserves, it is very important that you fill out the online application completely, even if you choose to include a resume. Do not simply state "See Resume" when asked to describe your responsibilities and experience, as your resume will not be considered as qualifying. Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of information you provide on the application itself. Your resume will only be reviewed for clarification purposes. 

--Occasionally, a completed supplemental questionnaire will be required along with the employment application. The supplemental questionnaire focuses on the key responsibilities of the position for which you are applying, and allows you to elaborate on your previous experience in areas of particular relevance to the job. Make sure you fully complete this important addendum to the application. Even qualified applicants will not be considered for a position if they fail to submit the required supplemental questionnaire. 

--All online applications must be submitted prior to any position's closing deadline. Postmarks, emails, facsimiles and hand deliveries of applications or application materials cannot be accepted.

When this deadline-free approach is indicated on the Career Opportunity Bulletin or in the online posting, it means that the position will close without notice once a sufficient number of applications from qualified individuals have been received. Call the Human Resources Division at (714) 990-7726 to confirm that the position has not closed. Or simply check availability by visting https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/brea/. 

If you are participating in an active recruitment process, you should immediately update your profile by visiting https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/brea/. The City will not be responsible for updating online profiles.

You must submit a separate application for each position to which you are interested in applying. Your application is evaluated on how well your training and experience match the particular position for which you are applying. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of the City of Brea employment application and responses such as "See Resume" will not be considered.

A "master" application might not do you justice in every case, and it may be to your benefit to tailor your application to highlight the skills you possess that are most suited to the position you are applying for. Once you have applied online, modify and resubmitting your application for another position is a simple procedure.

Before any decision is made regarding who should be invited to a test, each application is carefully reviewed based upon the requirements of the position. Only those candidates whose experience and training most closely match the City's requirements for the position, as indicated in the City of Brea employment application, will be invited to take part in the competitive testing process. If you receive notice that you are not among the highest qualified candidates, do not be discouraged. Sometimes the competition is pretty tough! We encourage you to try again in the future should a position become available.

You will be notified of your test results as soon as possible by email, typically within one to three weeks depending on the type of test and the position. If you have successfully passed a written or practical examination, you may be invited to the next phase of the recruitment process.

Generally, the interview is conducted by an oral board made up of three panelists. Often the panelists will come from different departments, and/or outside agencies. During your interview, you will be asked several structured and situational questions to help the panelists understand your education and work experience as it relates to the position.

You will be notified of your interview results within one week by email. If you have been successful, your name will be placed on an Employment Eligibility List for the position. The City of Brea maintains full list certification, which means that the names of eligible candidates are placed on the Employment Eligibility List in alphabetical order. The Eligibility List is then sent to the Hiring Department. The Hiring Department may conduct second interviews and hire anyone from the Eligibility List. The Hiring Department is not bound to consider candidates in score or rank order. The Eligibility List for the job classification will remain in effect for a specified period of time, usually one year for Full-Time positions. Future vacancies may be filled from the Eligibility List on a City-wide basis.

A business license is required of all businesses operating within the city limits, including home based operations and temporary activities or contractors with offices outside the City, but who are doing a project in Brea. Rates vary according to the type of business.

Please visit our Business License Processing Center by clicking here.

When applying for a business license or renewing, the automated system will calculate your business tax for you.  When you click on “here” under Business License Requirements, you will be redirected to the Brea Business License portal managed by HdL Companies.  However, if you’d like to calculate the tax, click here for easy to follow instructions.  Keep in mind, the example provided is for a Business License Tax on Service only.  Tax rates vary based on the type of business activity.

Sidewalk Vending Permit - Effective January 1, 2019, no person shall engage in any sidewalk vendor activities without first applying for and receiving a permit from the City. All vendors must ensure compliance with the requirements outlined in city’s Resolution No. 2021-048 and Sidewalk Policy.  Every person shall apply for the permit prior to engaging in any vending and pay the appropriate fee established by City Council. A sidewalk vendor permit is non-transferable and shall expire on December 31 of the current calendar year.  To renew your permit, you must resubmit an application.  For questions, please email BusinessLicenseInfo@cityofbrea.net.  We will respond to inquiries within 48 hours during normal business hours.

• Sidewalk Vending Resolution and Policy
• Sidewalk Vending Application

Oftentimes water usage increases due to a leaky faucet or toilet. If you cannot pinpoint a leak, call 714-990-7691 and schedule free leak detection from the Water Division. A courteous, knowledgeable representative will come to your residence and perform a check to help you find a leak.

You may paint your street curbs with their address number by following guidelines consistent with Brea City Code. View the guidelines on how to paint your address number.

• Curb Address Painting Policy
• Curb Painting Diagram

Several high priority projects include replacement and up sizing of sewer mains along Brea Creek Channel and areas south of Imperial Highway. These projects are expected to be completed within the first five years after adoption of new rates.

• Your utility account number found on your most recent billing statement.
• The balance owed on your bill, which you receive in the mail.
• Your checking account information or your debit or credit card number.

We offer a variety of rooms and outdoor spaces ideal for weddings, receptions, fundraisers, corporate meetings, and family celebrations. Amenities include tables, chairs, most AV equipment, and on-site staff support.

 The full Community Hall seats up to 300 dining. The 2/3 configuration seats up to 150. The outdoor Arts Garden seats up to 150 dining or 300 for a ceremony.

Yes. You can host both in the Community Hall or the Arts Garden, or split them across both spaces if they’re available on your desired date.

Email facilityrentals@cityofbrea.gov or call 714-990-7140 to check availability and start the reservation process.

Rentals are accepted up to one year in advance. For example, if you want a February 2026 date, you can inquire starting the third week of January 2025.

The deposit is due within 24 hours of the contract. The final hourly payment is due 30 days before the event.

You can pay online using the link provided, by phone at 714-990-7101, or in person.

Yes, additional hours can be added up to two weeks before your event, depending on availability.

Yes, staff will set up tables and chairs according to your submitted diagram before your rental time begins.

Yes, as long as they are picked up by the end of your rental.

No, linens are not provided.

Community Center:

35 – 72” Round (Seats 10)

25 – 8’ x 3’ Banquet

15 – 30” Round Tall Cocktail

5 – 30” Round Cocktail

3 – 60” Rounds

2 – 48” Rounds

2 – 60” Half Rounds

Civic Center:

25 – 60” Round Tables

25 – 8’ Banquet Tables

Tables, chairs, most AV equipment (microphones, podiums, speakers), and limited on-site staff support.

Yes, free Wi-Fi is available.

Six hours on Fridays and Saturdays. Four hours on Sundays.

As long as the space is available. Must end by 1 a.m. for the Community Hall and 11 p.m. for the Arts Garden.

Yes. All time in the space must be part of your rental hours.

Set-up is for decorating and prep. Event hours begin when guests arrive. Cleanup starts when the event ends and continues until you're out of the space. No breaks between these periods are allowed.

Clean up spills, remove trash, take down decorations, and ensure any rented items are removed. City staff will remove the tables and chairs.

No. You and vendors can only enter at your contracted start time.

Homemade food is not permitted. All food providers must have a valid health department permit.

Yes. Outside vendors are allowed. Food vendors must have a valid health permit.

Outside food is allowed with an approved, permitted caterer. Homemade food is not allowed.

 Yes, but only served by a bartender. Security is required when alcohol is served.

Preferred but not required. Self-serve alcohol is not allowed.

Yes, for all events serving alcohol. The city may also require it for other events.

One for 99 guests or less. Two for 100 or more.

$40/hour per guard (current rate). Paid directly to Slate Service Group.

You will receive an invoice directly from the security company.

Yes, but only with Community Hall rentals that include kitchen access.

Ice machine, refrigerators, freezer, sinks, counters, and event storage.

All partial use amenities plus stove and oven access.

No. You may only access the kitchen during your rental time.

Yes, during your paid rental time.

No. The only discount available is for Brea residents.

Guided tours are by appointment (Mon–Thurs, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.). Self-guided tours are allowed during business hours — call ahead to check availability.

Amplified music is allowed but must end one hour before your rental ends.

Yes, both are permitted.

Yes. You can purchase it through our vendor or provide your own with city approval.

After your reservation is made, you’ll receive instructions for purchasing through Bene-Marc at https://bmispecialevents.com

Yes, but it must be approved by Risk Management and may take up to 2 months.

No, bounce houses are not permitted.

Submit cancellation/change requests in writing to facility reservation staff. Fees may apply.

Canceling or changing your date will forfeit your deposit. If the space is rebooked, 75% of the deposit may be refunded. Canceling within 30 days of the event forfeits all fees paid.

Find out everything from how to become a volunteer to how to buy a work of art. 

Forms for becoming a gift shop consignor, a volunteer, or an exhibit partner.

We're glad you're interested in visiting us!

The Curtis Theatre is located at the Brea Civic & Cultural Center which is on the corner of Birch St & Randolph Ave. You can find us on the Plaza level.

Our address is 1 Civic Center Cir Brea, CA 92821

We're across the street from the Brea Marketplace shopping center and to the north side of the Brea Mall. 

You've already paid for your ticket; you don't need to pay for parking.

You can find free underground parking via Civic Center, located between the Brea Civic & Cultural Center & Embassy Suites

Once you park, take the elevator up to the Plaza Level 1 & look for the Curtis Theatre & enjoy the show!

The largest contribution to fund CalPERS benefits comes from investment dollars.   The below CalPERS Pension Buck illustrates the sources of income that fund public employee pensions.  Based on data over the past 20 years ending June 30, 2020, for every dollar CALPERS pays in pension:

• 55 cents comes from investment earnings
• 32 cents from employer contributions
• 13 cents from employee contributions

In other words, 68 cents out of every public employee pension dollar is funded by CalPERS' own investment earnings and member contributions. In the fiscal year ended June 2020, CalPERS paid out nearly $ 25.8 billion in pension benefits.

Source: https://www.calpers.ca.gov/page/about/organization/facts-at-a-glance/pension-buck

Actuarial Report – An actuarial valuation is a type of appraisal which requires making economic and demographic assumptions in order to estimate future liabilities. The assumptions are typically based on a mix of statistical studies and experienced judgment.

California Rule – The California Rule is the result of a 1955 court case (Allen v. City of Long Beach) that concludes that an employee’s pension benefit as of the date of hire constitutes a contractual obligation. The California Supreme Court ruled that “Changes in a pension plan which result in a disadvantage to employees should be accompanied by comparable new advantages”. The 1955 ruling is currently being contested.

Defined Benefit Plan (DBP) – A type of pension plan in which an employer/sponsor promises a specified monthly benefit upon retirement that is predetermined by a formula based on the employee's earnings history, tenure of service and age.

Defined Contribution Plan (DCP) – A type of retirement plan in which a certain amount or percentage of money is set aside each year by a company (or employee) for the benefit of each of its employees. Benefits directly depend upon individual investment returns.

Discount Rate – Also known as the expected rate of return or the assumed rate of return. It is the estimated long-term average return expected to be earned on investments.

Employee Contribution – The portion of normal cost required to be paid by the employee, subject to the local agencies negotiated memorandums of understanding with applicable employee groups.

Employer Contribution – The portion of normal cost required to be paid by the employer, determined by periodic actuarial valuations under state law and based on the agency’s benefit formulas and employee groups covered.

Funded Ratio - Percentage of assets available today to pay all of the pension benefits promised to employees.

Normal Costs – The annual cost of service accrual for the upcoming fiscal year for active employees. The normal cost should be view as the long-term contribution rate for existing employees.

PEPRA - Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act of 2013 – A pension reform bill that went into effect January 1, 2013. The bill impacts new public employees and establishes a limit on the amount of compensation that can be used to calculate a retirement benefit.

Superfunded – A term used to describe periods in which total available CalPERS assets exceed the total CalPERS liability.

Unfunded Accrued Liability (UAL) – Portion of the plan’s unfunded liability that is not funded by the plan’s asset value.

Click here to view the Public Agency Actuarial Valuation Reports on the CalPERS website.

To see additional information regarding Brea's finances, click here.

https://www.calpers.ca.gov/page/employers/actuarial-resources/public-agency-actuarial-valuation-reports

If your incident is an emergency, call 9-1-1. If non-emergency call (714) 990-7911.

No. If a crime took place outside of the City of Brea, please call the Police Department for that city.

A known suspect is when you or someone else knows the person, or where to find the person, who committed the crime or the license plate number of the vehicle the suspect(s) were in. If there is video surveillance or any other investigative leads, the report should be filed in person.

If this took place on a freeway or the interstate, please call the California Highway Patrol.

Brea Fire does not charge for medical calls. The only cost will be if the patient is transported to the hospital via ambulance. 

Some cities offer a subscription service which covers unlimited service visits and medical treatment from EMT's and Paramedics. Many of these subscription services do not cover ambulance transport. Brea does not offer a subscription service. Since Brea’s paramedic program is funded through the paramedic tax, there is no charge for services.

The Basic Life Support (BLS) Transport Fee is based upon the Orange County Emergency Medical Services (OCEMS) Maximum Emergency Ground Ambulance Rates. Advanced Life Support (ALS) transport also includes a City ALS fee which is based upon the time paramedic staff are on the ambulance for transport.

Please see chart here. 

The city’s franchise waste hauler, Republic Services, will primarily be conducting the route reviews. Depending on the circumstance (i.e., meeting specific deadlines, data collection consistency, etc.), City staff may assist Republic Services.

Mandated by Senate Bill 1383 (SB 1383), Section 18984.5, California cities are required to conduct route reviews on an annual basis for all hauler routes in order to monitor and minimize prohibited container contaminants. A random sample of addresses across the city are selected for this and it will likely be different every year.

When debris is disposed of in the black trash cart, it goes to the landfill. 

Debris that is disposed of in the recycle cart and organics cart are taken to Republic Services’ facility to be sorted for continued processing – whether it is turned into bales for sale or turned into compost. 

When items that belong in the landfill end up in Republic Services’ facility, they are typically caught and sorted out. Doing that causes issues due to either the debris contaminating other materials or disrupting the facility’s machines. That is why it is important to dispose of items in the correct cart.

When a resident receives an ‘Oops’ tag, it is to inform them that a contaminate (an item disposed of in the incorrect cart) was found and needs to be removed.

The ‘Oops’ tag will detail what the contaminant is, which stream it was found in, and the day/time it was found by the auditor. The ‘Oops’ tag also includes if contamination was found and the cart was still serviced, or the reason should the cart have not received service (i.e., excessive contamination or if the cart was blocked).

Receiving an ‘Oops’ tag does not mean the residents will also be fined.

The ‘Oops’ tag serves as a warning and educational piece, so residents know what to do the next time they dispose of materials to avoid contamination.

Individuals who have received multiple warnings and are not complying with SB 1383 requirements would be issued a Notice of Violation letter to allow for corrections and compliance. If there are still high contamination observed and/or noncompliance, then a fine may be issued.

The City can receive up to $10,000 fines per day from CalRecycle should residents, businesses, and multi-families not comply with SB 1383.

Please visit the CalRecycle website which is linked below:

CalRecycle Organics Information

Log in or create an account for the Online Permit Center to apply. Please click here for an instructional guide.

Single family residences are allowed 2 parking permits maximum. Townhomes, condominiums, and apartments are allowed 1 permit maximum per unit. Please click here for a visual permit qualification guide.

All registered vehicles are to be listed on the household’s permit application.

Please email breaparkingpermits@cityofbrea.gov with any additional vehicle information or call (714) 990-7601.

The stickers are interchangeable and may be used on any of the vehicles listed on the application. The sticker must be displayed on the windshield of the vehicle parked overnight on the street

Motorcycles, Motorhomes, and Recreational Vehicles are not eligible for a parking permit. In addition, inoperable vehicles may not be parked on the street at any time.

Yes, simply print out the Self-Issued Parking Permit form, complete it and have the guests place it on their vehicle’s dashboard. More information about Temporary Permits can be found here.

Yes, parking permits need to be renewed annually. All permits will expire on December 31 of each calendar year.

Log into your account on the Online Permit Center, then select the Parking Permits tab. Locate your existing application under Records, then select “Renew License” in the Action column.

The system will automatically invoice for 1 parking permit to submit for renewal. If eligible, requests for a second permit can be emailed to breaparkingpermits@cityofbrea.gov or call (714) 990-7601. Please do not submit an additional application, as this will delay the review process.