City Code, ExplainedBetaPardon our dust while we build this out — expect some changes along the way.

This chapter establishes the Department of Streets and Public Improvements and defines the duties and powers of its Director over street work, public utilities in city streets, and department employees.

Who this affects

This affects the Director of Streets and Public Improvements, who oversees department employees, and residents indirectly through the maintenance of streets, sidewalks, sewers, and public lighting, as well as any utility company occupying city streets.

Key rules

• The Director superintends public works and municipal cleaning of streets and public places.
• The Director oversees the erection, making, repairing, and reconstruction of street improvements, pavements, sidewalks, walls, sewers, bridges, viaducts, and conduits.
• The Director must cause frequent inspections of telegraph, telephone, and other poles and wires within the city limits.
• The Director has supervision over all public utilities as to their occupancy of streets and other public property.
• The Director controls, manages, and directs the lighting of all public highways.
• The Director issues or causes to be issued permits for making excavations in the streets, as required under existing ordinances.
• The Director may employ mechanics, skilled laborers, engineers, motor vehicle operators, and laborers as needed for the Department's work.
• Employees, laborers, and mechanics shall be paid weekly.
• Employees may be required, with the Director's consent and at another department's request, to perform similar work for that other department.
• The Director has full control over department employees, laborers, and mechanics, and may hire, suspend, and discharge them at their discretion.

Notable and archaic details

• The chapter dates to 1966 and uses masculine pronouns ("he," "his") throughout in referring to the Director.