Here you will find several topic areas that address questions commonly asked at the City of South Bend offices. The questions we frequently receive are broken into categories for ease of navigation. You can scroll past the category list to look through all the questions.
The City wants to make finding information as easy as possible. If you can't find the answer you're looking for, email customer service for additional assistance.
These should be paid at St. Joseph County Traffic & Misdemeanor Court, which is located in St. Joseph County Courthouse. Payments must be made in full with a check, cash or money order. For additional information, call 574.235.9731
Where do I pay my tax bill and special assessments?
The St. Joseph County Treasurer bills and collects taxes for all residents of the county, including City of South Bend residents. You can pay your taxes in person at the St. Joseph County Treasurer's Office on the second floor of the County-City Building, 227 West Jefferson Blvd. or online. For questions about your taxes, call the St. Joseph County Treasurer's Office at 574.235.9531
Where can I pay a traffic ticket I got in St. Joseph County, outside the South Bend city limits?
Contact the St. Joseph County Traffic and Misdemeanor Court @ 574.235.9731 to pay a traffic ticket received in St. Joseph County.
Where can I get a license for my dog or cat?
You can purchase a license at the South Bend Animal Care & Control Office @ 105 South Olive Street. For additional information visit the Animal Care & Control web site or call 574.235.9303.
I have questions about child support. Who can help me?
The St. Joseph County Prosecutor's Office, Child Support Division, located on the sixth floor of the County-City Building, enforces the obligation to financially support a child by locating absent parents, establishing and enforcing child support payments, and establishing paternity when necessary. For additional information, call 574.235.9786 or visit the Prosecutor's web site.
How do I get a copy of my divorce decree?
If your divorce decree was issued in St. Joseph County, contact the St. Joseph County Clerk's Office at 574.235.9635.
We are moving to South Bend and I need information on housing and other topics. Where can I get it?
Request a relocation packet from the Chamber of Commerce of St. Joseph County by calling 574.234.0051 or visit the Chamber's web site. A good place to start is the online business directory offered by the Chamber of Commerce of St. Joseph County.
I am building a fence. How high can it be, and how close can it be to my neighbor's property?
You can construct the fence on the property line. However, it is recommended that when constructing a fence, it is setback 2-3 feet to allow room to for maintenance of the fence without standing on the neighboring property. For accurate property line information, you need to hire a licensed land surveyor or engineering company. Contact the Department of Code Enforcement @ 574.235.9486 for additional information.
I want to do some digging in my yard. Who do I call to locate buried cables?
Your responsibility as a homeowner is to call 2 days before you plan to dig anywhere on your property. This will give the utility companies time to locate and mark all of the underground lines and pipes, to prevent damage to you and your property. There is no charge or fee for this service. Call IUPPS at 800.382.5544 or visit the IUPPS web site for additional information.
I want to have my property surveyed; who does that?
Surveying in South Bend is done by private companies. You can find a listing of them in the yellow pages.
I want to locate my property lines. Who should I call?
The City of South Bend will not locate property lines due to the legal ramifications. For accurate property line information, you need to hire a licensed land surveyor or engineering company.
When do tree branches get picked up or how can they be disposed of?
The Bureau of Solid Waste collects branches and yard waste. View the guidelines.
If my neighbor's tree is hanging over my property do I have the right to cut it?
It's best to talk to your neighbor before doing any pruning. You have the right to prune branches from a neighbor's tree (at your expense) only if the branches interfere with the use of your property (example: the branches hit you in the face when mowing). Any pruning is to be kept at a minimum so as not to harm the tree. Contact the Parks Department Forester for additional information.
You can register to vote at the St. Joseph County Voter Registration Office, located on the fourth floor of the County-City Building, 227 West Jefferson Blvd. For additional information, call 574.235.9521
Where is City Hall and when is it open?
South Bend City Hall is located at 227 West Jefferson Blvd. in downtown South Bend. Our business hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., except for City observed holidays. Some departmental hours may vary on an individual or seasonal basis. Contact individual departments for details.
Where is St. Joseph County Hall and when is it open?
St. Joseph County Hall is located at 227 West Jefferson Blvd. in downtown South Bend. Their business hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except for County observed holidays. Some departmental hours may vary on an individual or seasonal basis. Contact individual departments for details. Visit the St. Joseph County web site for further information.
My car was towed, who do I need to contact to find out where it is?
If your car was parked on the street, call the Police Department @ 574.235.9201.
If your car was parked in a lot, contact the owners of that lot to find out which towing service they use.
There is a stray cat or dog hanging around my house. What should I do?
Family & Social Services can provide additional information for food stamps, Medicaid & Welfare questions. Call 574.236.5300 for additional information.
The Portage Township Trustee offers other financial assistance. Call 574.233.2126 for additional information.
Where can I find information about rental assistance?
Contact the South Bend Housing Authority at 574.235.9346.
I need legal advice in a non-criminal matter, but I can't afford a private attorney; who can help me?
The Lawyer Referral Program of the St. Joseph County Bar Association is an attorney referral program that places clients in need of services with an attorney suited to meet their legal needs. When you inquire about a referral you will need to explain the particular area of law, or the circumstances of the situation that prompts you to seek an attorney. Call 574.235.9657 or visit their web site for additional information.
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