About the Department
The Public Works Department is responsible for the operation and maintenance of McLainberg's public infrastructure, including 142 miles of streets, the municipal water and sewer system serving approximately 17,800 connections, stormwater conveyance facilities, City fleet, and municipal buildings. The Department coordinates closely with the Engineering Department on capital improvement projects.
Streets & Sidewalks
The Streets Division maintains City streets, curbs, gutters, sidewalks, street signs, and traffic signal operations. Residents may report potholes, damaged sidewalks, or missing signs by contacting Public Works or submitting a request through the City's online service portal.
- Pavement Management Program — The City uses a Pavement Condition Index (PCI) system to prioritize street resurfacing. The current network average PCI is 68 (Good).
- Street Sweeping — Residential streets are swept monthly. Posted sweeping days and times apply; vehicles blocking the street sweeper are subject to citation.
- Sidewalk Repair Program — The City repairs sidewalk damage caused by City-owned street trees at no cost to adjacent property owners.
Sanitation
McLainberg provides weekly solid waste, recycling, and green waste collection service to all residential and commercial properties. Service is provided under a franchise agreement with Valley Waste Solutions.
| Container | Color | Accepted Materials |
|---|---|---|
| Trash | Black / Gray | Non-recyclable, non-hazardous household waste |
| Recycling | Blue | Bottles, cans, cardboard, paper — no plastic bags |
| Green Waste / Organics | Green | Yard trimmings, food scraps (per SB 1383) |
Bulky Item Pickup
Residents may schedule up to two (2) free bulky item pickups per year for large items such as furniture and appliances. Schedule online or call (555) 760-4500. Hazardous waste must be taken to the County Household Hazardous Waste facility — do not place in curbside containers.
Stormwater
The City operates under a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit issued by the Regional Water Quality Control Board. McLainberg's Stormwater Management Program includes public education, illicit discharge detection and elimination, construction site runoff control, and post-construction Low Impact Development (LID) standards.
Report illegal dumping or spills into storm drains 24 hours a day to the Public Works emergency line at (555) 760-4511. Stormwater flows directly to local waterways without treatment — only rain should enter storm drains.
Water & Sewer
McLainberg operates a municipal water system with two surface water treatment plants, five groundwater wells, and 4.2 million gallons of reservoir storage. The City is a member agency of the South Coast Regional Water Authority and receives supplemental imported water during drought conditions. The sewer system serves the City and portions of the unincorporated county under a joint powers agreement with the County Sanitation District.
Fleet & Facilities
The Fleet Division maintains approximately 185 City vehicles and pieces of equipment. The City's Fleet Replacement Policy targets a transition to zero-emission vehicles for light-duty fleet by 2030, consistent with Executive Order N-79-20. Facilities Maintenance is responsible for routine and preventive maintenance of all City-owned buildings, including City Hall, the Community Center, Public Works Yard, and the Police facility.