Frequently Asked Questions

Engineering

Flood Control

Land Development

Landfills

Recycling

Sewer (San Diego County Sanitation District)

Special Districts

Transportation

Watershed/Stormwater

 

ENGINEERING

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FLOOD CONTROL

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LAND DEVELOPMENT

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LANDFILLS

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RECYCLING

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SPECIAL DISTRICTS

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  • What are those charges on my property tax bill listed under Fixed Charge Assessments?

    They are special assessments that are direct charges against property which are included in the total amount of your tax bill but are not based on the Assessor’s valuation of your property. These charges fund services that are not normally paid for by general taxes. A charge to maintain a road that benefits your property through a Permanent Road Division (PRD) Zone is an example of this type of assessment. For each assessment, you may get additional information on the service provided by calling the phone number next to the fixed charge on your tax bill.

  • What exactly is a PRD Zone?

    A Permanent Road Division (PRD) Zone is a special assessment district established at the request of property owners with a common road related need in a specific area. California law allows counties to establish these districts to provide for maintenance of roads that are not in the County maintained system and not funded by general gas tax. PRD Zone property owners must pay all costs associated with these districts, including formation, maintenance and administrative costs.

  • How can I get more information regarding special assessment districts?

    For more information regarding DPW services funded by special assessments, please visit our website at: http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/dpw/specialdistricts.html. You may also call us at 858-694-2691.

 

TRANSPORTATION

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  • How can I get a street light repaired?

    If the streetlight is in the unincorporated area of San Diego County, call the streetlight hotline at: (858) 694-3850. If the light is in an incorporated city, call the appropriate city.

  • Where do I get information about bus routes and Para-transit?

    Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) and North County Transit District (NCTD) operate transit services in the unincorporated County. Please call 511 or visit the website http://transit.511sd.com/ for transit information.

  • Can I get people to drive slower on my street?

    Contact the County’s Residential Traffic Program at (858) 694-3850.

  • How do I get the speed limit reviewed or other regulatory devices, such as stop signs, installed?

    Contact the County’s Traffic Engineering Section at (858) 694-3850.

  • How do I adopt a road?

    Contact the County's Adopt-A-Road program at (858) 694-3850.

  • How do I report missing or damaged signs?

    County forces maintain traffic signs, like speed limit signs, stop signs, warning signs, etc., and street name signs on County maintained roads. To report a missing or damaged sign, call (858) 694-3850 Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

  • How do I request maintenance, such as sweeping or pothole repair, on my road?

    If your road is in the County Maintained System, DPW can provide maintenance. Call the toll-free Pothole Hotline 1-877-684-8000. Staff will determine if your road is in the maintained system and refer you appropriately.

  • What is a "Z" Road?

    Historically, "Z" Roads were shown on the 1951 CalTrans state-wide highway planning survey maps.  "Z" Roads were unimproved private roads or trails over which the public may have prescriptive rights but over which no legal right-of-way (public road status) has been established. Whether or not prescriptive rights are available on this roadway is a question only the courts can decide. "Z" roads are not a part of the County Maintained Road System and DPW has no responsibility for them. 

  • Why are there private roads listed in the San Diego County Roads Network?

    Private roads may be listed in the County Maintained Roads database to specify the location of various traffic markings or only listed for reference. Many private roads do not meet the minimum standards to be accepted into the County system of publicly maintained roads and shall remain privately owned and maintained until dedications of right-of-way are granted and accepted by the County.

  • How do I make a request for a Community Sign or Banner in the Road Right-of-Way?

    Community oriented signs and banners in the right-of-way can welcome travelers, help motorists find services, locate local points of interest, provide directional guidance, and enhance community character. In an applicant driven process, interested parties will work with community groups on the initial concept then apply for a Site Plan Permit and associated Encroachment/Construction permits. Sign types include Community Identification Signs, Community Information Signs, Directional Way Finding Signs, Neighborhood and Business Watch Signs and Community Event Banners Community Signs & Banners Website:

    http://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/dpw/transportation/Signs_Banners.html

 

WATERSHED / STOMWATER

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  • Why should I care about stormwater and storm drains?

    Stormwater can pick up trash, oil, pesticides, pet waste, and other pollutants as it flows over streets, yards, sidewalks, and parking lots.

    This polluted water can enter storm drains and flow into local creeks, rivers, bays, and the ocean. Keeping stormwater clean helps protect public health, wildlife, and our waterways.

  • What is the difference between storm drains and sewers?

    Sewers collect wastewater from inside homes and businesses, such as water from sinks, toilets, showers, and washing machines. This wastewater is sent to a treatment plant, where it is cleaned before it is released or reused.

    Storm drains collect rainwater and runoff from outdoor areas, such as streets, yards, and parking lots. In most cases, water that enters a storm drain flows directly to nearby waterways without treatment.

  • What is the purpose of the storm drain system?

    The storm drain system helps move rainwater away from streets, homes, businesses, and roads. This helps reduce flooding and protects people and property from damage.

  • Where does the wastewater in storm drains get treated before it reaches the ocean?

    In most cases, it does not get treated. Water that enters a storm drain usually flows directly to local creeks, rivers, bays, and the ocean. That is why it is important to keep trash, chemicals, yard waste, and other pollutants out of storm drains.

  • What can I do to help prevent stormwater and ocean pollution?

    Remember: only rain should go down the storm drain. You can help by picking up pet waste, properly disposing of trash, using fewer pesticides and fertilizers, fixing vehicle leaks, and never dumping anything into a storm drain.