DESIGN
How do I get a reduction in my flood insurance (Certificate of Elevation)?
Contact the Engineering Division at 408-615-3000 or email engineering@santaclaraca.gov.
How does the City determine which streets to schedule for preventive maintenance work?
A computerized pavement management system is used to store the condition data of all roads. The system utilizes a computer model, which predicts the proper time to perform preventive maintenance work. To keep the system up to date, maintenance personnel periodically survey the condition of major streets to determine the condition of the pavement. The most cost-effective pavement maintenance application is selected based on the amount of funding available each year and street need.
How does the pavement maintenance program contribute to the environment?
A well-maintained pavement system reduces and postpones the need for reconstruction. Roadway reconstruction uses large amounts of non-renewable resources, oil and rock, as well as creates noise, dust and traffic disruptions. One of the responsibilities of the City of Santa Clara, Street Department is pavement maintenance. The goal of this service is to effectively and economically preserve the City's 220 plus miles of streets. Roads generally break up if preventive maintenance work is not done in a timely manner, or if there is more and heavier traffic on the roadway than it was built to handle, or when the soil beneath the roadway fails. Pavement maintenance services are provided under three programs to preserve and repair roadways:
- Preventive Maintenance
- Pavement Reconstruction
- Emergency Services
For more information, see the Pavement Maintenance Program webpage.
Will my road be closed during the preventative maintenance activities?
Road closures are common during preventative maintenance activities. To minimize the inconvenience, posting of "No Parking" will be in place a minimum of 48 hours prior to work. In addition, each home will be notified by a door hanger specifying the exact date of work. Anticipate that road closures will occur for the following duration, depending on the preventative maintenance activity, and weather conditions. See preventative maintenance activities for information about:
- Crack Sealing
- Fog Sealing
- Slurry Sealing
- Chip Sealing
- Resurfacing
Vehicles left in the street will be towed. Your assistance in clearing the street is greatly appreciated. Access for emergency vehicles will be always maintained.
LAND AND PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT (LPD)
Who do I contact if there is an “Engineering Hold” on my Building Permit?
Contact the Engineering Division at 408-615-3000 or email engineering@santaclaraca.gov.
How can I change my driveway approach?
You will need to apply for an Encroachment Permit. Visit the Engineering permits page for the application, contact the Engineering Division at 408-615-3000 or email engineering@santaclaraca.gov.
How can I find my property lines?
Contact the Engineering Division at 408-615-3000 or email engineering@santaclaraca.gov.
STREETS
My garbage or recycling was not picked up as scheduled. Who do I call?
For garbage, recycle and yard trimmings, or missed pickups, call the Dept. of Public Works, Streets Division at 408-615-3080. Missed pickups can also be submitted online by filling out an Online Service Request Form or through our mobile app MySantaClara.
How do I dispose of paint?
Paint should never be placed in any of the curbside collection containers. Instead, make a drop-off appointment with the County of Santa Clara's Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Program by visiting hhw.org or by calling 408-299-7300.
Seniors may contact Heart of the Valley at 408-241-1571 to request pick-up of HHW and pharmaceutical waste.
How do I recycle items not accepted by the curbside collection program?
Call the Santa Clara County Recycling Hotline at 1-800-533-8414 or go to www.recyclestuff.org for information.
If the street is raised (or low) and causes water to pond, will the City fix it?
Tree roots, settling, and traffic may cause areas of settlement. Depending on the severity, the City may not take immediate action. Generally, repair work is limited to areas causing an immediate hazard - such as water ponding in the gutter that extends significantly into the asphalt. If there is an immediate hazard, repair work will be scheduled. Contact the Engineering Division at 408-615-3000 or email engineering@santaclaraca.gov.
What causes all those bumps and ruts at intersections and bus stops?
Bumps and ruts at intersections are caused by vehicle tires shoving the asphalt as they turn, stop or accelerate, especially during hot weather when the asphalt is soft. Buses are very heavy vehicles, which place great stress on the pavement as they brake and accelerate. The County Transit Agency, as funds become available, has been replacing the pavement at bus stops with structural concrete to correct this problem. Intersection failures are fixed by the City, County, or State when a road is resurfaced. To report a bump or rut in at intersections and bus stops in the City of Santa Clara, contact the Engineering Division at 408-615-3000 or email engineering@santaclaraca.gov.
TRAFFIC ENGINEERING
Can I get a copy of the video from the Traffic Camera?
The City of Santa Clara has 35 locations of video detection cameras. They are NOT used for enforcement but for monitoring traffic flow and detecting vehicles. The Department of Public Works retains video footage for up to 72 hours to validate traffic operations and does not have long-term recordings stored.
If the video you are requesting is within 72 hours from the time of request, contact the Engineering Division at 408-615-3000 or email engineering@santaclaraca.gov.
How do I report a problem with a traffic signal?
You can fill out an Online Service Request Form or through our mobile app MySantaClara.
