The Department of Public Works is responsible for the design, construction, contract administration, and overall maintenance and operation of the City's transportation, stormwater, wastewater, parking, buildings, and parks infrastructure.
Our Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget funds all Public Works projects. It is developed in conjunction with our Finance Division to forecast and allocate the resources available to build and maintain our infrastructure such as, pavement, sanitary sewer, and storm drain. In addition, CIP also seeks to improve traffic and transportation improvements. Each year, the City Council reviews staff recommendations and provides policy directions. CIP projects are funded through a variety of grants and City Enterprise Funds, as well as the City's General Fund.
Bids and NoticesPublic Works Projects
Recology provides recycling and garbage collection in our city. They also coordinate bulky item collections. Visit
Recology San Mateo County to learn more.
Rethink Waste operates a transfer station on Shoreway Road where Recology delivers its recycle, compost, and garbage collection. The organization educates residents and businesses about cost-effective waste reduction, and tips for recycling and composting. Rethink Waste also provides information to help community members dispose of batteries, bulky items, holiday trees, household hazardous waste, mattresses, and used motor oil and filters. Visit
Rethink Waste for more information.
The City offers a Solid Waste Reduction Program for residents of qualifying incomes. To learn more about the program and to apply, visit the Solid Waste Rates page.
Solid Waste Rates
Green infrastructure (GI) uses plants, soils, and other elements to manage water quality and mimic the natural water cycle by capturing rainwater. Green infrastructure acts as sustainable systems that retain, detain, filter, harvest, infiltrate, and/or evapotranspirate stormwater runoff to create healthier urban environments.
Green Infrastructure
Public Works is responsible for issuing permits for encroachments, utilities, transportation, parking, and other needs. Navigate below to find more information on permits and inspections.
Apply for or learn more about Public Works Permits
Inform San CarlosInform San Carlos is the City's online reporting application. New requests are automatically sent to the responsible staff, who will respond Monday-Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Inform San Carlos
Silicon Valley Clean Water conveys and treats wastewater for San Carlos. To learn more about the wastewater collection system, sustainability initiatives, pollution prevention, the Fats, Oils, and Grease program, and more, visit their website.
The City offers a Sewer Rate Reduction Program for residents of qualifying incomes. To learn more about the program and to apply, visit the Sewer Rates page.
Sewer Rates
The San Mateo Countywide Water Pollution Prevention Program (SMCWPPP) aims to reduce the pollution carried by stormwater into local creeks, the San Francisco Bay, and the Pacific Ocean. Visit
Flows to Bay to learn more.
The
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program addresses water pollution by regulating point sources that discharge pollutants to waters of the United States. To learn more, visit the Environmental Protection Agency’s website.
Visit the streets page to learn more about sidewalk maintenance, street sweeping, traffic, and more.
Learn more about Streets