FAQs • Campbell, CA • CivicEngage

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Engineering

1. When will my street be resurfaced?

Street resurfacing is one form of preventative maintenance. Its purpose is to extend the life of the street and to keep it looking and riding just as if it was brand new.

The Public Works Department is responsible for maintaining 87 miles of roadway in the City of Campbell. For scheduling preventative maintenance work and to keep track of the condition of each roadway, the city utilizes a computerized pavement management system (PMS), which stores the condition data of all of our streets. This computer system has a module that predicts the proper time to perform the appropriate preventative maintenance work on each street utilizing the most current condition data for that street. Based on the amount of funding that is available each year, the PMS will recommend the most cost effect pavement maintenance program for the streets that year.

To find out more about the city’s Pavement Management Program, please contact the Public Works Engineering Division at 408-866-2150 or email us.

2. What is the process for getting my sidewalk repaired?: The City of Campbell administers an annual program that addresses sidewalk, curb, and gutter concerns. A resident may contact the city and complete a request for an inspection of a sidewalk and/or curb and gutter. The service request will be investigated and if the location meets the city’s criteria for removal and replacement, it will be placed on the sidewalk / curb and gutter repair list and considered for a future sidewalk replacement project. Generally, this is a no cost service to the resident. In order to be considered for this program, please email us or call the Maintenance Division at 408-866-2145 between the hours of 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. on Monday through Friday. For more information, please see the city’s Sidewalk Maintenance Repair Program.

3. What are the rules regarding placing storage containers in the public right of way?: Storage containers may be stored on the public street only after an encroachment permit has been obtained from the Public Works Department. In addition, storage containers on residential streets are allowed only if a building permit has been obtained from the Building Division.

A storage container is defined as a private container that carries personal property or furniture. An example of a storage container is a large metal shipping container (one that is transported via ocean carrier, train or semi-truck, i.e. Maersk) or another example of a storage container is one that a storage facility (i.e. Public Storage) drops off for you to fill.

4. Do I need an encroachment permit for a debris box to be placed in the public right of way?: Depending on location, an encroachment permit may be required. Please contact the city’s Public Works Department for more information at 408-866-2150.

5. How can I request an accessibility ramp to be installed at the corner of my street?: You may request an accessibility ramp to be installed at the corner of your street by contacting the Public Works Engineering Division at 408-866-2150 or via email.

The city apportions a percentage of the funds used for the Annual Sidewalk Maintenance program to install accessibility ramps, that equates to approximately 10 ramp installations each year. Please note that due to the limited funding, all accessibility ramp installations are done on a first-come, first-served basis.

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Environmental Services

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1. Who is the city’s garbage provider? How do I call to begin garbage / recycling service? My garbage and/or recycling were not picked up. Who do I contact?: The city’s garbage provider is West Valley Collection and Recycling, LLC. They are a private company that provides residential (single-family and multi-family) and commercial garbage and recycling collection services. To start or change service, to inquire about why your garbage and/or recycling were not picked up, please contact:
West Valley Collection and Recycling, LLC
1333 Oakland Road
San Jose, CA 95112
Ph: 408-283-9250.

2. What is the city’s recycling program?: West Valley Collection and Recycling, LLC, provides an unlimited curbside-recycling program for single-family residences, multi-family residences, and commercial businesses. Different colored carts are provided for residents and property owners to use. For more information about recycling, please contact:
West Valley Collection and Recycling, LLC
1333 Oakland Road
San Jose, CA 95112
Ph: 408-283-9250.

3. When will my yard waste be picked up?: Yard waste is picked up on the same day as your regular garbage pickup. Yard waste should be put in your yard waste container provided by West Valley Collection and Recycling, LLC. You may contact West Valley Collection and Recycling, LLC at 408-283-9250 for your specific garbage pickup day.

4. I need to dump some large items that are at my home. What can I do?: Please contact West Valley Collection and Recycling, LLC at 408-283-9250 for information regarding disposal of large items. For a fee, you may order a dumpster that will be delivered to and picked up from your home. West Valley Collection and Recycling, LLC, will inform you of the types of items which can and cannot be dumped by this method or you may visit their website.

5. What can go in the garbage and what can never go in the garbage?

What Can Go In The Garbage

Normal household refuse
Tree and shrubbery trimmings, flowers, and lumber (no more than four feet in length and 40 pounds in weight) securely tied in bundles at both ends. It is recommended that you recycle the yard wastes. They may be placed out in separate containers on the same day as your regular garbage
Cardboard and wooden boxes folded flat and tied in bundles. However, we encourage you to recycle these materials when possible
Broken glass, wrapped securely in multiple layers of newspaperAnimal wastes, wrapped in newspaper or plastic bags
Empty and dry hazardous materials containers of five gallons or less

What Can Never Go In The Trash

Liquids of any type. The refuse in landfills must be as dry as possible
Hot coals, ashes, or lit cigarettes
Building and construction debris (dirt / rocks, tree trunks, carpets, or large scraps)
Furniture, appliances, or auto parts (water heaters, major appliances, couches/chairs, car bumpers, fenders, engine blocks, batteries, items over 50 pounds)
Household hazardous wastes (paint, solvents, cleaning fluids, motor oil, insecticides, acids, gasoline, pool chemicals, highly flammable liquids, radioactive materials, or toxic chemicals)
Medical waste, including needles / syringes
Fluorescent light bulbs

For more information on what can and can not go in the trash, recycling, and green waste bins, please visit the West Valley Recycles website.

For special pickup of materials, please visit the Santa Clara County Hazardous Waste Program website.

6. How do I report someone pouring substances into the storm drain? Who do I report illegal dumping to?

Storm drain violations and illegal dumping are to be reported to one of the following agencies:

City of Campbell Public Works Department
Ph: 408-866-2150
City of Campbell Public Works Maintenance Division
Ph: 408-866-2145
West Valley Clean Water Program
Ph: 408-354-5385
- Report Online at https://www.cleancreeks.org/9/Report-a-Spill

* Please call 911 during non-business hours

7. Why is there only one company who can provide dumpsters / debris boxes for Campbell residents?: The City of Campbell has an exclusive Franchise Agreement with West Valley Collection and Recycling, LLC, to provide this service to its residents. Please contact West Valley Collection and Recycling, LLC at 408-283-9250 to order a dumpster.

8. What is considered Household Hazardous Waste? How can I dispose of this hazardous waste? Who do I contact about household hazardous waste drop off locations?: Household hazardous waste consists of paint, solvents, cleaning fluids, motor oil, insecticides, acids, gasoline, pool chemicals, highly flammable liquids, radioactive materials, or toxic chemicals. Please contact the Santa Clara County Household Hazardous Waste Program at (408) 299-7300 to dispose of these materials. They can give you information about waste drop off locations or you can visit their website for more information. Santa Clara County Household Hazardous Waste

9. What is the proper procedure for draining my pool?: Pool water can be drained to the property owner’s sanitary sewer clean out or can be drained in the property owner’s lawn or open ground. Pools cannot be drained into the street or storm drain system. For more information, please read / print the Draining Pools and Spas Brochure provided by the Santa Clara Valley Urban Runoff Pollution Prevention Program.

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Maintenance

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1. I have questions about the tree in front of my house. Who do I contact?: To ask a question regarding your tree, call 408-866-2145 between the hours of 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday or email us.

2. Who do I contact to trim or remove a city street tree?

The City of Campbell strongly supports the preservation of street trees. Trees beautify and enhance our neighborhoods, help to conserve energy, clean the air, and provide a home for wildlife. In 2005, Campbell was named a Tree City USA for the 23rd year in a row by the National Arbor Day Foundation for its commitment to trees.

The city will remove street trees only if they are dead or diseased beyond saving. Street tree removals requested by adjacent property owners for any other reason are allowed only in very limited circumstances. In most cases, these requests require the approval of the Parks and Recreation Commission and, if granted, require that the adjacent property owner arranges and pays for the removal and replacement of the tree with a large, 24-inch box tree.

To discuss street trees, please email us, or call the Maintenance Division at 408-866-2145 between the hours of 7 a.m. and 3:30p.m., Monday through Friday, and ask to speak to the Park Maintenance supervisor.

3. Who do I contact to trim or remove a private tree?: Trees on private property are the responsibility of the property owner. To inquire about the removal of a private tree, please contact our Planning Department at 408-866-2140 between the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday or email us.

4. There is a pothole in my street. Who do I contact to fix it?: To report a pothole in the street, please email us or call the Maintenance Division at 408-866-2145 between the hours of 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday and provide the address of the location of the pothole along with your name and telephone number.

5. Where do I report damaged or missing signs?: The Maintenance Division makes repairs to existing traffic signs as needed. To report a concern or problem with a traffic sign, please email, or call the Maintenance Division at 408-866-2145 between the hours of 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

For new sign installation, please email us or call our Engineering Division at 4080866-2150 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

6. There is a significant ponding in the curb and gutter area. What can I do?

The city’s response to ponding water along the gutter is limited. Significant ponding is often a result of excessive irrigation. Residents can reduce the amount of accumulated water in the curbed area by limiting the amount of irrigation applied to their lawn or landscaped areas.

Assuring that the curbed area is kept free of litter and debris is also essential. Since residential areas are swept once a month, it is important that cars are not parked along the curbed area during the scheduled sweep day. Allowing the street sweeper access to the curb and gutter to remove debris, assists in the mitigation of water.

If there are low hanging branches above the curbed area which prevent the street sweeper access to the curb, please contact the City of Campbell Public Works Maintenance Division at 408-866-2145, between the hours of 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday and provide an address of the location along with your name and telephone number. You can also contact our office by email.

7. Who do I contact for an uplifted sidewalk or curb and gutter?

Due to budget constraints, the City of Campbell no longer administers an annual replacement program for sidewalk, curb and gutter areas.

A resident may contact the City and complete a request for an inspection of a sidewalk and/or curb and gutter. If the displaced area meets the City’s criteria for repair, the lift will be ground down or ramped. If this is not feasible, the flag of sidewalk will be removed and replaced with asphalt.

To report an uplifted sidewalk and or curb and gutter please contact the City of Campbell Public Works Maintenance Division at 408-866-2145, between the hours of 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday and provide an address of the location along with your name and telephone number, or email us.

As an option, residents may apply for an encroachment permit with our Engineering Office and hire a contractor at their own expense to remove and replace the section of sidewalk. For more information about our encroachment permit process and applications, please continue reading or come in and visit us at City Hall, located at 70 North First Street in downtown Campbell. We are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please note that any work done within the public right of way requires an encroachment permit.

We do continue to maintain the removal and replacement lists should the budget situation improve and the Sidewalk Maintenance Repair Program is reinstated. At that point, the locations listed in the program will be addressed in the order they were received.

8. How do I get my name on the waiting list for the Community Garden?: The City of Campbell operates and manages a community garden at Edith Morley Park. The approximate 0.5 acre garden site has 29-10 feet by 20 feet and 10-10 feet by 10 feet garden plots. Community garden plots are available for Campbell residents who want to have a garden to plant vegetables, herbs, or flowers, but don't have a suitable site where they live. Plots are issued on a year-to-year and first-come, first-served basis, with a limit of one plot per family. There is a $72 annual fee for the 10 feet by 20 feet plot and $36 fee for the 10 feet by 10 feet plot. This covers watering costs and upkeep of the garden. Currently, there is a waiting list. If you would like to be placed on the waiting list, please email us, or call the Maintenance Division at 408-866-2145 between the hours of 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

9. Who do I report graffiti to?: Graffiti creates visual blight and property damage. When graffiti is allowed to remain on property and not promptly removed, it invites additional graffiti and criminal activity. Therefore, it is extremely important that once graffiti is discovered, it must be removed immediately. If you need help in removing graffiti or need to make a report regarding graffiti removal, call the graffiti hot line at 408-866-2191.

10. When will my street get swept?

The street sweeping schedule for residential areas with curb and gutters in the City of Campbell is available online. Please note that these areas get swept twice a month. We request that you refrain from parking on the street during the scheduled sweeping days so that the sweeper can get access to the curb area.

11. Who do I call for sewer related problems?: West Valley Sanitation District maintains the system from the sewer clean out to the street. To report problems with the sewer clean out or sewer lines, please contact West Valley Sanitation District during their business hours 7:30 a.m to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays at 408-378-2407, or visit their website. For after hour emergencies, call County Communications at 408-299-2507.

12. Who do I call about a rodent problem?: Santa Clara County Vector Control is responsible for providing this type of service. You may contact Vector Control at 408-918-4770 or visit their website for more information.

13. I will be doing some construction and digging. How can I avoid hitting the underground utility lines?: When digging in the city right of way, you must call Underground Service Alert (U.S.A.) at 1-800-227-2600. They will notify the appropriate utility companies who in turn will mark their facilities in the public right of way. You must contact U.S.A. at least two working days prior to commencing any work. For more information about U.S.A., visit their website.
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14. Who do I contact if a tree / bush is blocking visibility or access to my street or sidewalk?: To report a tree or bush which is blocking vehicle or pedestrian traffic, please email us, or call the Maintenance Division at 408-866-2145 between the hours of 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday and please provide an address of the location along with your name and telephone number.

15. What are the water feature hours at the various parks in Campbell?

Due to drought, the water feature at Campbell Park, Jack Fischer Park and John D. Morgan Park are closed until further notice.

For concerns relating to the water features, please email us, or call the Maintenance Division at 408-866-2145 between the hours of 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

16. Who do I contact for bees or wasps in the city’s right of way?: To report bees or wasps in city trees or city property, please email or call the Maintenance Division at 408-866-2145 between the hours of 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday and please provide your name, telephone number, and the location of the infestation.

17. Who do I contact for dead or stray animals in the city’s right of way?: To report a stray animal in the city’s right of way, please contact Silicon Valley Animal Control at 408-764-0344, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. After hours call 408-764-0344 and you will be directed to the appropriate contact information. Visit the Silicon Valley Animal Control’s website for more information.

18. Who do I contact to report a stray shopping cart?: Citizens can report shopping carts found in the public right of way to the store owner, email the city, or call the Maintenance Division at 408-866-2145 between the hours of 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Please provide your name telephone number and location of the cart.

Carts found on private property are the responsibility of the property owner. The property owner has the option of either contacting the store owner or contacting the cart retrieval service to remove the cart from their facility.

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Traffic Engineering

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1. Why are there video cameras mounted on the traffic signals?: The cameras serve two purposes. First, they help to operate the traffic signals by detecting the presence of vehicles at the intersection. Second, they help the traffic engineers monitor traffic flow and make signal timing adjustments from City Hall. Campbell does not record images from traffic cameras.

2. How can I get a traffic signal installed at an intersection?: City of Campbell Municipal Code Section 10.12.040 provides the legal authority for the city traffic engineer to recommend to the City Council the installation of traffic signals. Justification for the installation of a traffic signal is based on warrants stated in the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices published by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). These warrants are based on certain traffic conditions that must be met, including minimum hourly traffic volumes and accident history. Based on an engineering and traffic survey, Public Works Department staff determine whether a traffic signal is warranted. Satisfaction of a warrant is not necessarily justification for a traffic signal. Delay, congestion, or other evidence of the need for right of way assignment must be shown. Also, funding must be available since the cost of designing and constructing a traffic signal can easily exceed $250,000. Finally, the City Council must approve the installation of a traffic signal. Contact the Traffic Engineering Division in writing to request a traffic signal or by email.

3. How can I get a red curb installed?: City of Campbell Municipal Code Section 10.24.065 provides the legal authority for the City Traffic Engineer to install curb markings. The city paints red curb to address a safety concern such as driveway visibility. Contact the Traffic Engineering Division in writing or email us to request red curb. The city currently does not paint red curb at fire hydrants since the California Vehicle Code Section 22514 already prohibits stopping, parking or standing any vehicle within 15 feet of a fire hydrant. Contact the Police Department when a vehicle is illegally parked at a fire hydrant at 408-866-2121.

4. How can I get a stop sign installed?: City of Campbell Municipal Code Section 10.12.100 provides the legal authority for the city traffic engineer to install stop signs. Because a stop sign may cause inconvenience to motorists, stop signs should only be used where warranted based on stop sign warrants stated in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) published by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the MUTCD 2003 California Supplement. The Traffic Engineering Division will perform an engineering and traffic survey to determine the need for a stop sign. Contact the Traffic Engineering Division in writing or email us to request a stop sign.

5. How can I get a crosswalk installed?: City of Campbell Municipal Code Section 10.12.110 provides the legal authority for the city traffic engineer to install crosswalks. Crosswalk markings serve primarily to guide pedestrians into the proper path. Pedestrian crosswalks are intended to channelize pedestrians. Crosswalks do not necessarily increase pedestrian safety as they may give pedestrians a false sense of security. For this reason the Public Works Department's current policy is not to install new crosswalks at uncontrolled crossings. Contact the Traffic Engineering Division in writing or email us to request a crosswalk.

6. Why does the pedestrian traffic signal flash "Don't Walk" only seconds after turning green?: After being actuated, the pedestrian signal should display a white walking man for about six seconds. Pedestrians can step off the curb when safe and begin walking across the street. The pedestrian signal will begin flashing an orange upraised hand for several seconds to signify to subsequent pedestrians not to step off the curb. The upraised hand should flash long enough for someone who is already walking across the street to get completely across to the other side of the street. Those pedestrians who began walking across the street during the walking man signal should continue to walk across the street and onto the sidewalk on the other side of the street. The key thing to remember is the purpose of the flashing upraised hand is to communicate to pedestrians whether or not to step off the curb. If you missed the walking man signal, simply press the pedestrian push button again and wait for the next cycle.

7. Why are lanes of traffic allowed to be closed during busy times of the day?: The Public Works Department is very concerned about minimizing the inconvenience of traffic delays to the motoring public. Staff makes an effort to coordinate with utility companies and contractors to schedule lane closures for construction and maintenance activities during non-commute and non-lunch hours. However, factors such as worker safety, construction costs and productivity may justify allowing lane closures during peak periods in order to finish work in a fewer number of days.