City of Riverside, California - Public Works Department

:: About Street Sweeping

Street sweeping is one of the most cost-effective ways to remove sediment, metals, petroleum products, trash and vegetation that accumulate on streets. An effective program is important because removing debris from roadsides and gutters keeps it from going into the storm drains. Debris in storm drains can cause flooding during heavy rains. Keeping the storm drains clear helps to mitigate water pollution.

The city's sweeping program is only part of the solution to water pollution. You can do your part by being aware of what you can do to help solve the water pollution problem.

How can you help?

Do not overwater lawns, trees and vegetation. Overwatering your lawn can wash pesticides, fertilizers, motor oil and yard clippings into the gutter and storm drain where it heads straight to the ocean.
Do not sweep anything into the gutter or street. Blowing leaves and dirt into the gutter makes it difficult for the sweeping crews to get the streets clean.
Rake leaves and either compost them or place them in the green can for recycling. For compost information, view the C.U.R.E. website.
Remember to move your car on sweeping days.
If you see an abandoned vehicle contact the (dial 311) to report it.
Make sure your vehicles are properly maintained. Clean up vehicle fluid leaks as quickly as possible.

Street Sweeping Improvement Program

The Street Sweeping Improvement Program was implemented in September 2008. This program includes the posting of streets as "no parking" on sweeping days and the provision of parking enforcements services. The key to achieving clean streets is removing vehicles from the sweeper path and the sweeper broom maintaining contact with the face. The Street Sweeping Enforcement program will be implemented throughout the city by March 2012.

Frequently Asked Questions

If my sweeping day is a holiday does my street get swept that week?

No. Sweeping will resume on the next regular sweeping day.

Does my street get swept weekly?

No. Residential streets are swept once every two weeks and commercial areas are swept on an "as needed" basis.

Who do I contact if I want more information on the sweeping program or to report a sweeping concern?

Contact the (dial 311) to request more information or to report a sweeping concern.

Why is parking enforced in some areas and not in others?

Street sweeping with no-parking enforcement is a new program being implemented in phases throughout the city.

It restricts residents from parking on the street on sweeping days. Signage is posted in the areas where enforcement is being done.

The entire city will have no-parking enforcement on regular sweeping days by the year 2012.

My street is in a no-parking enforced area. Why are there no signs posted on my street?

Signs are posted at the entrance of each neighborhood, not necessarily on each street.

When my driveway is full, where can I park on street sweeping day?

In order to properly clean the street, every vehicle needs to be removed from the street on sweeping days. Making parking arrangements with neighbors on sweeping days may be the most convenient way to handle the problem. However, if necessary, check adjoining neighborhoods not scheduled for the same sweeping day and time. The vehicle can be moved and returned after sweeping has occurred.

Are citations issued when street sweeping is not being done?

No. Citations are only issued when street sweeping occurs. No enforcement is done on holidays and on alternate weeks.

Who do I talk to about a citation I received?

Parking citations and parking citation disputes are handled by Parking Services. Please contact them at (951) 826-5620.

Who do I need to contact if I need to have special parking considerations?

Special parking considerations (such as allowances for a broken down vehicle) are handled on a case by case basis. Please contact Parking Services at (951) 826-5620 to make a request.

How many passes will a street sweeper make on each street?

The sweeper operators will make as many passes as are necessary to clean the street. In some seasons a single pass is enough to take care of the dirt and debris. In some seasons more than one pass will be needed to collect the increased quantity of dirt and debris.

Why does the sweeper leave the area before completing the sweeping?

Street sweepers remove debris and store it on the vehicle. When the vehicle is full it must be dumped before sweeping can continue. To minimize the length of time away from the area, dumpsters are strategically placed around the city and are used by the sweepers to dump debris.

My street has no curb and gutter. Will my street be swept?

No. Sweeping a street with no curb and gutter can actually make the street dirtier because the brushes pull the dirt and debris from the side of the street onto the asphalt.

Street Services

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Public Works Hours

7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Monday - Friday
3900 Main Street - 4th Floor
Click for Map
Closed on Weekends and
Major Holidays

951-826-5341

To Report a Problem

Dial 311 or visit the city's

to report a problem.