Frequently Asked Questions

A stop sign is used to assign right of way at an intersection and to make sure that traffic flows smoothly and predictably. Research has shown that STOP signs are not effective in reducing speed beyond approximately 100 to 150 feet from the sign. For addressing speeding issues, the City can deploy radar trailers to inform drivers of their speed on your street. For more information click here for a memo on Stop Signs.

The set speed limit is based on standards outlined in the California Vehicle Code, which may vary depending on the area. Lowering the speed limit to slow down vehicles is not generally effective, as drivers tend to drive at speeds they feel comfortable with. However, the City does have a Local Road Safety Plan and a Traffic Calming program. Traffic calming refers to a combination of strategies aimed at mitigating the negative impacts of motor vehicle usage, influencing driver behavior, and creating safer conditions for non-motorized street users. It encompasses a range of physical design and other interventions applied to existing roads with the objective of reducing vehicle speeds and enhancing pedestrian and cyclist safety. 

Examples of traffic calming measures include the implementation of vertical deflections like speed humps, speed tables and raised intersections, as well as horizontal shifts and roadway narrowing. These interventions are specifically designed to lower vehicle speeds and improve the overall street environment for non-motorists. It is important to note that the City has adopted a policy not to install speed humps on roads classified as collector streets and major arterials. 

Additionally, certain closures such as median barriers, can be strategically placed to obstruct traffic movements in specific directions, effectively reducing cut-through traffic.

It is important to note that traffic calming measures can be employed at different scales, ranging from individual intersections to entire streets, neighborhoods, or even larger area-wide interventions. Funding is limited, and so traffic calming employed will be based on a priority system. Not all requests or projects will be implemented as a result.

The use of "SLOW CHILDREN AT PLAY" signs or similar signs is not permitted on public roads. The message on such signs can be misleading and contrary to the California Vehicle Code, potentially giving children the impression that it is acceptable to play in the street.

This may be a function of the timing that is programmed into the signal.  However, if you find yourself waiting at a red light with no cross-traffic with no signal change, it could be due to a signal malfunction. Please notify our office at 510-307-8091 (or Public Works at 510-231-3011 for more urgent matters) so we can investigate and address any signal issues promptly.

Marked crosswalks are typically installed at signalized or STOP-controlled intersections. However, studies have shown that marked crosswalks can give pedestrians a false sense of security. To promote pedestrian safety, certain locations may not be marked with crosswalks.

The speed limit is set based on standards specified in the California Vehicle Code, except in residential and school areas where the limit is generally 25 mph. Lowering the speed limit to slow down vehicles is not an effective measure, as drivers tend to drive at speeds they feel comfortable with. If speeding issues persist, reporting them collectively at a neighborhood council meeting and forwarding the concerns to the Police Department for site monitoring may be considered. Furthermore, the City does have a Traffic calming program.  Please see the FAQ concerning speed humps which describes the City’s program.  

While the City can prohibit parking for various reasons, we are cautious about imposing parking restrictions in residential areas to minimize impacts on homeowners. However, for situations where driveways are constantly blocked by vehicles, the City can review the site conditions and, if necessary, consider installing red curbs near the driveway with proper approval.

The City has closed some streets to divert traffic, but a thorough study is necessary to ensure that diverting traffic does not adversely affect another neighborhood. Traffic volumes and speeds are analyzed, and the neighborhood is involved in understanding the consequences of a road closure.

Existing street lights are installed based on City-adopted criteria or design guidelines stated in the Municipal Codes. The City is exploring energy-saving programs that may introduce different types of luminaries. For new street light requests, Engineering Services will review and investigate each case individually.

Homeowners are responsible for maintaining the sidewalk, curb, and gutter in front of their property. For more information about necessary permits and license requirements for repairing concrete, please contact the Engineering Department at 510-307-8091.

To have the curb in front of your house painted blue for a disabled parking space, please submit a copy of your California driver's license or identification and DMV handicap documentation to the traffic engineer in the Engineering Department. Final approval is based on many factors such as; lack of off-street parking, available ADA paths of travel, whether the access aisle encroaches on the vehicular travel lane, and other considerations.

For questions regarding your water service, please call EBMUD at 866-403-2683.

For inquiries about garbage collection services, please call Republic Services at 510-262-7100. You can also visit the City of Richmond Waste, Recycling & Compost Services web page for more information.

To access information about the Sewer Lateral Grant Program, including the application, guidelines, and additional details, please visit the Wastewater Department's sewer lateral grant page at http://www.ci.richmond.ca.us/index.aspx?NID=2130.

To obtain a storm drainage map, please contact the Engineering Services Department at 510-307-8091 or email engineering@ci.richmond.ca.us.

• Abatement
• Facilities Maintenance
  • Carpentry
  • Electrical
  • Stationary
  • Utilities
• Fleet Maintenance
• Parks Maintenance
  • General Fund
  • Hilltop
  • Marina Bay
• Streets Maintenance

City of Richmond Road Closures

The Public Works Department expects that construction for improvements can be accomplished without closing any roadways. Two lane roadways work can be accomplished by keeping one lane open and using flag persons to direct traffic. For four lane roadways, work can be accomplished by keeping one lane open in each direction and relying on a traffic control plan to direct traffic through the temporary road configurations. In those two scenarios a Traffic Control Plan (TCP) is necessary.

In very rare cases a complete road closure may be necessary. If the work is planned construction (i.e. not an emergency) the planning of the road closure will be necessary. This may take many weeks or months to plan and implement a road closure. For those planning the road closure, three types documents will be necessary to permit the closing and staff may need to take the closure to City Council for their approval. The severity of the impact will dictate if the closure will be a consent item or a regular hearing. The following are the documents that should be prepared and the considerations for those documents:

1. Traffic Control Plan: The contractor has to provide a Traffic Control Plan (TCP). After this TCP is approved by Engineering (we can use a consultant), the contractor can move to the next phase, which is communication to the public.

2. Communications Plan: ANY communication to the public has to be reviewed and approved by Engineering prior to any distribution. If staff determines the plan to be appropriate, this approved communication will be shared with the CMO, CC Member of the district, appropriate Neighborhood Council, and the CC. We recommend the project proponent to retain a consultant to assist with outreach.

3. Public Information Documents: Up to three documents will need to be prepared for the public’s information, if this closure is approved, they have to spend a lot of time communicating with the residents and providing solution for:

• Driveway access

• Garbage pickup

• Mail delivery by USPS

• Package delivery (Amazon, FedEx, UPS, DHL, etc)

• How disruptions to the Utilities (e.g. sewer service) will be handled (if applicable).

Residents need to have 2-week heads up at a minimum. Usually this is communicated with a) social media, b) door hangers and c) USPS mailing with 3 or more weeks in advance. In that communication, they explain:

• Scope of work.

• Benefits to the residents.

• Duration of the work.

• Work hours.

• What to expect (noise, dust, etc.).

• Detour plans.

• Access to their driveways.

• How the regular services will be provided (see list above).

• How RDP and/or RFD will have access to the area in case of an emergency.

• Contact person who resident can call to coordinate special needs (parties, family members that need special services – doctors appointments or nurse visits, etc.) or in case of emergency.