City of Salinas, CA

11/01/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 11/01/2024 20:50

City Improving Street Sweeping Program

City Improving Street Sweeping Program

Published on November 01, 2024

The City of Salinas is revamping its street sweeping program to address curb access issues on street sweeping days. The primary challenges are parked cars, abandoned or inoperable vehicles, and trash bins left along the curb to hold parking spaces on public streets. The City is taking a multi-pronged approach to address these issues, which includes:

  • Council approval of a pilot neighborhood for no parking signs on street sweeping days
  • Increased parking enforcement and abandoned / inoperable vehicle enforcement
  • Education and enforcement on City Code violations like trash bins left at the curb for extended periods after trash collection days
  • Redesigning of the street sweeping routes with citywide education on the new routes
  • Improving access to information for residents to find their street sweeping day and time
  • Direct outreach in the signed neighborhoods

The City Council unanimously approved the new street sweeping routes proposed by the City's Public Works Department on October 8th, along with up to $600,000 in funding to install "No Parking" signs in the pilot neighborhood. Each sign identifies a 4-hour window when the street sweeper will pass. The no parking signs in the pilot area are projected to be installed by Spring 2025.

The pilot area will be the second neighborhood to be signed in Salinas. The Monte Bella neighborhood was the first. Following the installation in the pilot area, additional "No Parking" signs will be installed citywide as funding becomes available.

The City has conducted an 18-month long educational campaign around the benefits of street sweeping. This effort will continue as outreach to residents increases and shifts to an emphasis on the changes related to street sweeping in their neighborhoods. Residents will be required to move their cars on their designated street sweeping days or risk citations and, in some situations, towing of their vehicles.

The new pilot program aims to combat the accumulation of debris and pollutants on Salinas streets and improve curb access, which is where 90% of debris accumulates. Other benefits of proper street sweeping include:

Removal of environmental and health hazards

  • Cleanliness
  • Preserving local ecosystems
  • Keeping waterways clean and healthy
  • Preventing localized flooding

Residents who want report parking violations can report online or by downloading the SalinasCONNECT mobile application.