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1. How can a resident request pothole repair?

Requests for pothole repair should be directed to the Public Works Department at 253-4231. Please include the exact location and nature/extent of the problem. You can also send an email request through the Public Works Department.

2. What can the City do regarding overgrown vegetation along the roadside?

Property owners are responsible for maintaining minimum clearances on trees and shrubbery. Concerns regarding vegetation may be reported directly to the Public Works Department at 253-4231. The maintenance crew will be dispatched to assess the situation and will issue trimming notices if necessary. For more information, refer to our Vegetation Maintenance page.

3. Is a permit required to remove a tree?

Permit requirements depend upon the species and size of the tree, location, or development status of the parcel in question. Obtain further information from the Planning Department at 253-4210. If work is being done in the street or right-of-way, an Encroachment Permit may be required. To obtain an Encroachment Permit, contact the Public Works Department.

4. Is a permit required to replace/install a driveway?

An Encroachment Permit is generally required whenever a driveway is replaced or installed. To obtain an Encroachment Permit, contact the Public Works Department at 253-4231 or for more information refer to our Public Works Permits page.

5. Does the City repair or replace drain pipes/storm drains on private property?

With rare exceptions, drain pipes/storm drains on private property are the property owner's responsibility. Unless the deed specifies that a Drainage Easement for this facility was offered to, and accepted by the City (or County prior to 1985), maintenance of the drainage structure is the property owner's responsibility. To obtain further information, contact the Public Works Department.

6. Who is responsible for cleaning driveway culverts?

Property owners are responsible for maintaining clear-flowing driveway culverts. If a neighbor's culvert is obstructed and causing flooding, contact the Public Works Department at 253-4231.

7. Will the City investigate flooding caused by water flowing from a neighboring property?

The Public Works Inspector investigates such situations and will notify the property owner of City requirements regarding drainage.

Note that neighboring properties may have the right to drain water onto your property if it is part of a natural watercourse or an approved system of drainage.

Contact the Public Works Department at 253-4231. For full Contact information view the Public Works Department directory.

8. What agency issues sewer permits?

Sewer permits are issued by the Contra Costa Central Sanitary District at 925-228-9500. Permits must be obtained before installing or doing any work on the sewer line from your property to the main line.

If the work requires excavation in the street or right-of-way, an Encroachment Permit will also be required. Contact the Public Works Department at 253-4231, or for more information on Encroachment Permits view our Public Works Permits page.

9. What agency handles street light outages?

Report outages to the Public Works Department at 253-4231 or click here to email the information. Please provide the exact street location, the pole number, the type of pole, and any impediments to access. This information will be forwarded to PG&E, the agency responsible for maintaining the majority of streetlights for the City. For full contact information to the Public Works Department visit their directory.

10. How does a resident request traffic calming in their neighborhood?

The Orinda Neighborhood Traffic Management Program defines the process that residents can use to initiate requests for traffic calming measures in their neighborhood. View the Neighborhood Traffic Management Program (PDF).

11. Does my project require a Drainage or Grading Permit?

Drainage and grading permits are issued by the Lamorinda office of the Contra Costa County Building Department in coordination with the City of Orinda Engineering Department.