Street Maintenance Program

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The Street Maintenance Program has several components to it and maintains curbs, gutters, sidewalks, signs, and pavement markings on City streets. Its overall goal is to provide the most safe and well maintained city streets and sidewalks on the Central Coast. We strive to continually improve all the City infrastructures that includes our street lighting and traffic signal systems, sweeping all the City streets on a regular basis and providing prompt and courteous response to the hundreds of citizen requests we receive each and every year.

This program has three major activities:

General Street Maintenance: Constructing new concrete curbs, gutters and sidewalks; repairing concrete curbs, gutters, and sidewalks; pruning street tree roots; installing and repairing dead end barriers, survey monument wells, parking meter posts, bus shelters, bus benches, and bike racks.

Pavement Marking Maintenance: Installing and maintaining pavement markings, curb markings, and signs; repainting stop bars, parking tees, and "path of history" lines; periodically replacing thermoplastic school crosswalks; maintaining pavement markings in City parking lots.

Street Sign Maintenance: Fabricating and installing standard traffic control signs; fabricating and installing special signs; installing disabled access signs as required by state codes.

Please visit our Pavement Management Plan webpage for more information regarding the City's implemented pavement management program as well as a printable information guide and five year paving plan map!

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Pavement Maintenance

The pavement maintenance program maintains the paved portion of all streets under City jurisdiction. Program goals are to ensure smooth, safe, and clean street pavement and an efficient traffic flow.

This program has four major activities:

Pavement Maintenance: Maintaining serviceable street pavements and reconstructing failed sections; annually evaluating overall pavement condition and recommending locations for contract reconstruction, resurfacing, and resealing; paving existing streets to meet newly-installed curbs and gutters; paving utility trenches; grading and oiling gravel streets and alleys; grading unimproved shoulders and applying herbicide to control weeds; installing asphalt berms in lieu of curbs.

» See our Pavement Management Plan page for a project map and more information!

Sweeping: Sweeping and disposing of dirt and debris on City streets.

Solid Waste Disposal: Collecting and disposing of waste collected from all Public Works maintenance activities; recycling excavated asphalt and concrete.

Safety Assurance: Conducting safety meetings for streets programs as required by OSHA; installing traffic barricades for parades, Farmers' Markets, accidents, and fires.

Sidewalk & Pavement Maintenance

The Sidewalk and Parkway Maintenance program defines how sidewalks, parkway strips, curbs and gutters materials are to be maintained.

These structures are typically made of concrete and located next to the street on the front and/or side portion of your property. The curb and gutter are located at the edge of the street pavement and the sidewalk is either separated from the curb by a parkway, or is located adjacent to the curb. Parkways are sometimes planted or filled in with brick or other materials.

The City receives many requests from citizens to make repairs to sidewalks. In most cases, however, the property owner is in charge of maintaining the sidewalks. Please review the following FAQs for more information.

Sidewalk & Strip Maintenance Brochure: Owner Responsibilities

Traffic Signal & Street Light Maintenance

The signal and light maintenance program operates and maintains traffic signals and streetlights on City streets. Program goals are to ensure safe and efficient traffic flow through intersections and provide well-lighted streets and neighborhoods.

StreetLights

This program has two major activities:

Traffic Signal Operations and Maintenance: Paying a share of the operations and maintenance cost for state-owned traffic signals within the City; maintaining and repairing City traffic signals; eliminating obsolete telephone line connections between traffic signals.

Street Light Operations and Maintenance: Paying a share of the operations and maintenance cost for state-owned streetlights within the City; maintaining and repairing City streetlights; coordinating the installation of streetlights according to adopted standards.

FAQ Box

There are shoes hanging on the utility lines on my street. Can the City remove them?

No, the City does not remove shoes hanging from utility lines.

The lines are owned by the specific Utility (not the City). The resident must contact the appropriate Utility company and if they do not get resolution from the Utility they can contact the Public Utilities Commission. Common utility line owners are:

Charter Cable 888-438-2427
AT&T 800 310-2355
or PG&E 800 743-5000
Can I paint the curb in front of my house red?

Traffic markings shall be placed on public streets for the purpose of regulating, warning, or guiding traffic as stated in the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CA MUTCD). The City installs curb paint after careful examination for its needs and impact on City streets. All curb markings in the public right-of-way must be installed by the City or with the City’s approval. Red curbs are enforced by the San Luis Obispo Police Department or Parking Services.

The City has a no-fee Red Curb Permit Program allowing residents to paint and maintain a portion of curb on either side of their private driveway. The goal of this program is to discourage cars from blocking driveways and to increase the visibility when cars are backing onto the road. To participate in this program, visit Ask SLO.

Curb markings installed without approval by the City will not be included in the permitted curb database. These installations will be removed by Public Works, and the cost of the removal will be charged to the responsible party. Furthermore, and unauthorized red curb may present an unnecessary liability in case an accident occurs in the area where the curb markings have been installed illegally and the City cannot provide records to justify the need for these markings.
Who is responsible for sidewalk maintenance?

The property owner is responsible for properly maintaining this area (see San Luis Obispo Municipal Code Section 12.16.020 and Streets and Highway Code Division 7, Part 3, Chapter 22). This responsibility includes maintenance of damaged or displaced concrete and abatement of weeds or debris. While the City may be liable for injuries to pedestrians that are determined to have resulted from a dangerous condition of a public sidewalk, property owners should be aware that they may also be found liable if it is determined that they somehow caused the dangerous condition.
When are property owners required to repair vs replace the sidewalk ?
Repair of the sidewalk, curb and gutter are required when one or more of the following conditions exist:
A vertical displacement of 3/4” or greater
Horizontal openings greater than 1/2” exist
Damage causing the sidewalk slope to exceed 5:1
Replacement of the sidewalk, curb and gutter are required when one or more of the following conditions exist:
When the concrete has deteriorated and broken apart or damaged beyond repair and one or more of the following conditions exist:
Multiple vertical differences in height between sections of sidewalk or concrete parkway strip of ¾” or more.
Multiple horizontal openings greater than ½”.
Damage causing sidewalk slopes to exceed 5:1.
In any instance where the owner or City has reason to know that the condition presents a danger to users, or the owner has observed someone trip because of damage to the surface.
Curb and gutter replacement is typically required when sidewalks and driveways are replaced unless the sidewalk is separated from the curb by a parkway.
As outlined in the Streets and Highways Code, the Public Works Superintendent – Streets and Traffic Signals is responsible for identifying the level of repair or replacement required to abate the identified conditions.
What are the options available for completing the work?

Construction of curbs, gutters, and sidewalks within the City right-of-way must be performed by a properly licensed and insured contractor. A permit is required for concrete repair and replacement. Permits are valid for 45 days; call (805) 781-7111 for more information.
Are there inspections and standards for concrete repair work?

Yes, all work and materials must be in conformance with the City of San Luis Obispo Engineering Standards and Standard Specifications.

Before placing any concrete, you must have the forms, base, tree root removal, and saw cuts inspected. After approval, a City-approved concrete mix must be used. Finish must be a light broom finish with score marks to match the existing sidewalk. After the work is completed, you must call for a final inspection. A permit is required for all concrete work in the public right-of-way. Engineering Standards and Standard Specifications for construction in SLO are available for download free of charge.

For information on obtaining a permit call (805) 781-7111 or visit the Encroachment Permit webpage.
Is the property owner responsible for repairs if the concrete damage is caused by a tree?

The City encourages street trees in front of residences. The property owner is responsible for the maintenance of the street tree, but the City will repair the sidewalk when the concrete has been damaged by a street tree. Concrete damaged by private trees is the responsibility of the property owner. Maintenance, trimming and replacement of street trees and shrubs is governed by Chapter 12.24.110, 12.24.120 and 12.24.150 of the Municipal Code.
What measures should be taken to minimize concrete displacement by tree roots?

Certain species of trees may raise concrete if preventative maintenance is not performed. To reduce the chance of future concrete displacement, trees can be root-pruned and a root barrier installed. Care must be taken when root pruning to avoid damaging underground utilities. This work must be completed by a certified Arborist. Also, deep-watering the tree, that is, applying a slow trickle of water over a 24-hour period, encourages deeper root growth which reduces the chance of sidewalk damage.
If a problem is reported to the City, how long does it take for them to repair it?

When a report is made to the City, it is entered into a work order program. Generally, within a week the site is reviewed, and a repair will be initiated as appropriate. If a temporary “fix” such as grinding, ramping, or patching the area can be made, that is usually completed the same week. When caused by a street tree, severe damage that cannot be temporarily fixed is placed at the top of the list to be reconstructed as soon as possible.

Areas of less severe damage are completed as the next priority, working around the City Sidewalk Inspection Program in advance of the paving program. That can mean the sidewalk will not be replaced for several years. Damage other than that caused by street trees shall be followed up by the property owner.
Related to sidewalk repair is clearance and visibility. When is maintenance required?
- Visibility – When parkway strip shrubbery interferes with the ability of a driver to see approaching traffic, either from a driveway or an intersection, trimming of shrubs must be completed. Shrubs must be trimmed to a maximum height of 36”, and preferably lower, for a minimum distance of 30’ from an intersection. (Municipal Code 10.60 and 17.16.020)
  
  Walkway and Gutter Clearance – Trimming of ground cover or shrubs is required when the plants extend onto or over the sidewalk or gutter.
  
  Parkway Strip Condition – All tree stumps, large rocks, trash and debris must be removed. The parkway strip must be level with no tripping hazards. Holes must be filled and leveled with dirt or other material
When is a permit required for landscape maintenance work?

If the sidewalk or the street must be closed for the work, or materials placed in the street, a permit is required from Public Works. If a tree is to be removed, a removal permit must be obtained. Applications for tree removal are available on the City’s web site on the Community Development Department webpage. Additional permit information can be obtained from the Department of Public Works. Permits are valid for 45 days; call (805)781-7111.
How can I make a suggestion or complaint about traffic signals?

Please email our Transportation Operations staff or call us at (805) 781-7190. For information on City maintained traffic signals click here.
How do I report a problem with a traffic signal?

If you observe an issue with a traffic signal, please contact our Signal Maintenance Technician at (805) 781-7220 or submit a service request through the City's engagement platform, AskSLO.
Is there a map showing the City signal locations?

Yes, please visit our Traffic Signals page for the map and more information on City-maintained traffic signals.
How do I report a pot hole?

Contact Public works at 781-7220 or submit an Ask SLO Service Request.
Will the City provide sidewalk repair?

Yes, in certain situations where the damage has been caused by a city street tree. To find out more about this you can either email the Streets Maintenance Supervisor or call us at 781-7220.
Is there a map showing the city street cleaning schedule?

Yes, check out our online Street Sweeping Map.
How do I find out what the repaving schedule is for city streets?

City Street rehabilitation is spread out over multiple years by breaking the City up into zones. Check out our Pavement Plan map.
How long do I have to complete the required work outlined in the Notice to Correct?
The City has developed an informal Notice to Correct process with the goal of voluntary compliance. Once damage is identified to a sidewalk that is not a result of a City street tree, the City will send the first Informal Notice to Correct with the following timelines:
Within 30 calendar days of the notice, you must acknowledge receipt of the letter.
Within 60 calendar days of the notice, you must submit to the City the necessary repair plans for the issuance of an encroachment permit.
Within 90 calendar days of the notice, you must obtain an encroachment permit from the City to complete the necessary repair work.
Within 120 calendar days of the notice, you must complete the necessary repair work to the satisfaction of the City.
The City understands that this repair work can be costly and time-intensive. If you believe you will need more time to complete this work, please submit an alternative timeline in writing within 30 calendar days of the First Informal Notice to Correct for the City’s consideration.

If the work is not completed by the timelines outlined within the first Informal Notice to Correct, or an alternative timeline has not been requested and approved by the City, a second Informal Notice to Correct will be issued.
The second Informal Notice to Correct will give a minimum of 90 days to complete the required work. Failure to complete the required work will result in the Public Works Department presenting the facts of the case to the City Council on the date specified within the notice and request authorization to issue a Formal Notice to Correct for the required work.

Once a Formal Notice to Correct has been issued, Streets and Highways Code section 5614 requires the property owner to commence the required work within 14 days, and for the work to be to continue without interruption to completion. If the property owner fails to start the work within the specified timeline, the City will complete the work and later return to the City Council to request authorization to pursue cost recovery.
What is a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon?

This new device is called a Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB), also commonly referred to as a “HAWK” signal. It is a traffic control device used to stop road traffic and allow pedestrians and bicyclists to cross safely. At a PHB, the beacon remains dark until the push button to cross is activated by a pedestrian or bicyclists intending to cross. Upon activation, the beacons begin flashing yellow, then steady yellow, then solid red. During the solid red phase, drivers must remain stopped while users cross from the side street. Prior to returning to dark, the beacons display an alternating flashing red “wig-wag” that allows drivers to stop and proceed when clear, as they would with a stop sign. For more information, please visit the City's Active Transportation Education page here.

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