Department of Transportation - District 6 FAQs

What is a biologist? What does he/she do?
Why does Caltrans perform biologist studies?
Why does a biologist need to be on my property?
What are protected biological resources?
What if an endangered species or its suitable habitat is located on or adjacent to my property?
What would happen if I killed a listed animal or plant or destroyed habitat on my property?
If a protected resource is identified on my property, do I have to disclose its presence if I wish to sell?
For more information, see http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/env/bio/index.htm

How do I file a claim?
Once Caltrans receives my claim form, how long will it take before l receive a response?
If the written response indicates that Caltrans assumes liability, how long before I will receive a check?
If the written response indicates that Caltrans does not assume liability, what is my appeal process?
What if my claim is over $5,000.00?
For more information, see http://www.dot.ca.gov/damageclaims.htm

What is a cultural resource?
Why does Caltrans study cultural resources?
Who performs cultural resources studies?
What is an archaeologist?
What is an architectural historian?
What is a District Native American Coordinator (DNAC)?
How will cultural resources studies affect my property?
If a “significant” cultural resource is identified on my property, how will my property be affected?
In what circumstances would I be legally affected by the presence of a resource?
If a cultural resource is identified on my property, do I have to disclose its presence if I wish to sell?
For more information, see http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/env/cultural/

What is a Caltrans encroachment permit?
How do I know if I need a permit?
Do I need a permit for transporting extralegal loads, both oversized and/or overweight loads, on the State highway system?
How do I obtain a permit?
How much does it cost to get a permit?
How long does it take to issue a permit?
Where can I get more information about the permit process?
For more information, see http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/traffops/developserv/permits/

What is an environmental planner/generalist?
I received a request for signing a “permit to enter” and am wondering what studies must take place?
What environmental laws pertain to a transportation project?
Do you have comments or concerns and want to know whom to express them to?
Why does the environmental process take so long?
May I have a copy of all the reports? I want to know what they have found on my property?
How is an alternative selected?
When is an alternative selected?
How and when can I comment on any given project?
Who can comment on environmental documents?
How would I find out about a project in my area?
What does _________ mean?
Why does Caltrans perform environmental studies?
What are environmental studies?
Why does Caltrans protect only furry animals and fairy shrimp, but not humans?
When are environmental studies performed, and how long do they last?
Does the public/individual have an opportunity to comment on the results of the environmental studies?
If Caltrans is performing environmental studies on my property, does that mean Caltrans will eventually build the freeway on my property?
How will environmental studies affect my property, either physically or financially?
For more information, see Caltrans Standard Environmental Reference http://www.dot.ca.gov/ser/

What is Caltrans?
How many roads is Caltrans constructing?
Why doesn’t Caltrans prevent future growth that will cause more traffic congestion?
What is a mixed-flow lane?
What is an HOV lane?
For more information on Caltrans, see http://www.dot.ca.gov/faqs.htm

What is Land Surveying?
What is your office address and phone number?
How do I get to your Surveys office?
Who do I contact for a copy of a Right of Way or Monumentation Map?
Who to contact for surveying control information?
For more information, see http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/esc/geometronics/

Why does Caltrans perform noise and vibration studies?
How are noise levels measured?
When are soundwalls warranted?
To be effective, how high do soundwalls have to be?
What if I don’t want a soundwall built?
Do soundwalls block dust, dirt, and soot (particulate matter) produced by freeway traffic?
Can asphalt absorb sound?
Will Caltrans provide double-paned windows and insulation for my residence?
For more information, see http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/env/noise/index.htm

What is a Right-of-Way agent, and what are that position's qualifications?
Why does Caltrans need my property?
What is condemnation or eminent domain?
What happens if I refuse to sell my property to Caltrans?
Am I entitled to relocation benefits?
How are relocation benefits determined?
What are my costs associated with the sale of my property?
When will I have to move?
What if I am renting?
What is a “hardship” acquisition?
How does Caltrans approve “hardship” acquisitions?
Do I qualify for a “hardship” acquisition?
For more information, see http://www2.dot.ca.gov/hq/row/

What are Traffic Engineering’s functions?
What is a traffic operational analysis?
How does Traffic Engineering promote traffic safety?
What is traffic census?
How are traffic counts taken?
What is Intergovernmental Review?
How do developers know if their developments will affect state highways?
How do developers mitigate their project’s impacts?
For more information, see http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/traffops/