Streets Services

Street Sweeping Program

NOTICE:

Public Communication:

In December 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic Regional Stay-at-Home order, the City temporarily suspended the parking enforcement of residential street sweeping and relaxed enforcement of other parking regulations.  As the Regional Stay-at-Home order has been lifted, we are asking you to help us reduce pollutants from entering our local waterways and assist us in keeping your neighborhoods clean by not parking on-street during posted Street Sweeping days.  

The reinstatement of residential street sweeping and enforcement practices will resume on February 1, 2021. While we ask that all residents comply with parking restrictions on Street Sweeping days, only warning citations for Street Sweeping related violations will be issued for a 30-day period starting on February 1st.

We ask that you park responsibly and be courteous to others.  For additional information please visit https://www.riversideca.gov/publicworks/ or call the Call Center at (951)826-5311

Similar to many other local cities, the City of Riverside performs what are called Best Management Practices to reduce the amount of pollution reaching its storm drains. Regular street sweeping is one of the most cost-effective Best Management Practices used to remove sediment, metals, petroleum products, trash and vegetation which accumulate on streets.

An effective program is important for removing debris from roadsides and gutters which could ultimately end up in the storm drains. Keeping the storm drains clear not only helps to mitigate water pollution, but also reduces the likelihood of flooding during heavy rain.

The City of Riverside provides street sweeping on public streets in neighborhoods on the 1st/3rd and 2nd/4th weeks of the month from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. or from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Signs are posted on neighborhood streets for your scheduled street sweeping. Residents are required to remove their vehicles from the street during this time. Additionally, weekly street sweeping is completed on main thoroughfares throughout the City. Clean streets keep storm drains clear of debris, reduce the potential for flooding, and prevent pollutants from reaching the Santa Ana River and ocean.

Street Sweeping Enhancement - Pilot Program:

The City of Riverside is committed to delivering the best street sweeping services possible. In our efforts to improve street sweeping, we will be conducting a 6-month street sweeping pilot program which includes the streets shown in the map below. During the 6-month pilot program, these streets in Downtown Riverside will be temporarily reposted. The reposting will include sweeping one side of the street on the 1st & 3rd week of the month. One side will be swept on the 2nd & 4th week of the month. The sweeping day in this neighborhood will remain on Friday and the street sweeping time will be in the morning from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

The pilot program will take place from September 9, 2022, to February 3, 2023. Your cooperation is respectfully requested. Parking Services will be enforcing the parking restriction, so please adhere to the specified day and time.

If you have any questions or comments, please give us a call at 826-5311.

DURATION: 6-MONTHS

START: SEPTEMBER 9, 2022

END: FEBRUARY 3, 2023

STREET SWEEPING DAY: FRIDAYS

STREET SWEEPING TIME: 7:00 A.M. TO 11:00 A.M.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why Does The City Have Street Sweeping?
• Why do I need to move my car during Street Sweeping?
• How will I know when my street will be swept?
• If my sweeping day is a holiday does my street get swept that week?
• Where can I park during a street sweeping day?
• Why are citations issued?
• Who do I talk with about a citation I received?
• Will my street be swept if there is no curb and gutter?
• Who do I contact if I need to make one-time special parking considerations?
• What can I do to help reduce water pollution?

Why Does The City Have Street Sweeping?

There are several reasons for the City conducting the Street Sweeping Program. Primarily, there are federal and local mandates, including the Federal Clean Water Act, which require that the City help prevent pollution from entering local waters.

Additionally, street sweeping benefits the community by collecting and removing debris (paper, leaves and other visible objects) that collect in the gutters. This debris can block storm water inlets, causing localized flooding during heavy rains that pollute the local water system. An equally important, but less visible benefit is the removal of metal particles, oil and other hazardous products left behind by passing and parked vehicles. Although virtually invisible, these particles can be extremely harmful to the environment.

The City currently sweeps 870 miles of streets. Street sweeping removes approximately 27 pounds per resident of debris annually from the streets and contaminants that would otherwise remain in the street and eventually end up in the ocean. For Fiscal Year 2009-10, 8 million tons of debris was removed.

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Why do I need to move my car during Street Sweeping?

Moving vehicles off a street scheduled for sweeping allows City crews to thoroughly clean the street from curb-to-curb. One parked car equals nearly three car lengths of space that can’t be swept because the street sweeping equipment must leave room to avoid it. This can result in debris building up on the roadway and entering the storm drain which can cause flooding during heavy rains and contribute to water pollution.

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How will I know when my street will be swept?

The City of Riverside provides street sweeping on public streets in neighborhoods on the 1st/3rd and 2nd/4th weeks of the month from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. or from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Additionally, regular street sweeping is completed on main thoroughfares throughout the City.

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

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

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Where can I park during a street sweeping day?

Every vehicle needs to be removed from the street on street sweeping days from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. or from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. during the designated sweeping time. Parking in your driveway is most convenient. However, if your driveway is full, make arrangements with a neighbor, or check adjoining neighborhoods not scheduled for the same street sweeping day. You can also contact the 311 Call Center so that City staff can assist you with a possible solution. It is also important for you to remind any service providers at your home or business (gardener, pool cleaner, etc.) of the street sweeping schedule and that their vehicle cannot be parked on the street.

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Why are citations issued?

Citations are issued when your vehicle is not moved off the street on scheduled street sweeping days and time.

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Who do I talk with about a citation I received?

Please contact the 311 Call Center for any parking citation questions.

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Will my street be swept if there is no curb and gutter?

No. Street sweeping with no curb and gutter can actually create more problems as the brushes pull the dirt and debris from the side of the street onto the asphalt.

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Who do I contact if I need to make one-time special parking considerations?

Please contact the 311 Call Center to make a special request.  Special circumstances include the following:  funerals, parties, graduations or construction.  

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What can I do to help reduce water pollution?

The City's Street Sweeping Program is only part of the solution to water pollution and flood prevention. You can do your part by being aware of what you can do to 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.
• Avoid wet cleaning activities which can flush debris into the street and gutters. Utilize dry cleaning methods wherever possible and dispose of debris in an appropriate refuse container.
• Do not sweep anything into the gutter or street. Blowing leaves and dirt into the gutter makes it difficult for the sweeping crews to clean the streets.
• 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 (www.riversideca.gov/cure).
• Take advantage of the City's free curbside and drop off events throughout the year. For upcoming event information, view the C.U.R.E. website (www.riversideca.gov/cure).
• Remember to move your vehicle on sweeping days.
• If you see an abandoned vehicle, contact the 311 Call Center to report it.
• Make sure your vehicles are properly maintained. Clean up vehicle fluid leaks as quickly as possible.

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