The City recommends that property owners complete a Letter of Agency form with the San Diego Police Department (SDPD).

This form allows SDPD officers to act as agents for the owner of private property, specifically for purposes of enforcing laws against any person(s) found on the property without the owner’s consent or without lawful purpose.

This is an extremely useful tool and is strongly recommended for vacant properties, vacant lots, businesses or any properties upon which public nuisance activities and/or crimes may occur. Per California Penal Code section 602, this form must be renewed every 12 months to be effective.

Please submit the completed form via email or to your neighborhood police station. In conjunction with this form, it is strongly suggested (although not required) that the property display a sign indicating:

• a Letter of Agency has been filed with SDPD;
• the address of the property;
• the words "No Trespassing"; and
• the property manager and/or a contact information to share issues.

The sign should be no less than 18" X 24", ideally have a font legible from the nearest public street, and not be readily accessible to vandals. Signs should be evenly spaced throughout the surrounding property boundaries covered by the Letter of Agency. View a sample sign.

A sign indicating a Letter of Agency is on file with SDPD, including the address of the property, is necessary for SDPD to confirm the validity of the Letter of Agency and respond accordingly.

Black trash containers and blue recycling bins are available for sale from the City of San Diego. The most popular residential option is the 96-gallon container, followed by the 64-gallon container.

Delivery is available for an additional $25 per container. Containers that have been purchased may be picked up, free of charge, at the City’s Collection Services Division (8353 Miramar Place, San Diego, CA, 92121).

For more information on containers, including pricing and warranties, please check out How to Obtain a Container and Container Frequently Asked Questions.

Get It Done allows you to report a non-emergency concern involving an encampment. Encampments could be a temporary dwelling and/or accumulation of belongings blocking a sidewalk or located within public open space or private property. Encampments may be occupied or unoccupied.

Note: As always, emergencies should be reported to 9-1-1. Other non-emergencies should be reported to the San Diego Police Department (SDPD) at 619-531-2000.

Once you report an encampment, your report will be routed to the Neighborhood Policing Division of the San Diego Police Department or the City’s Environmental Services Department. It may take up to 72 hours for your report to be reviewed.

If routed to the Neighborhood Policing Division, officers will attempt to locate the encampment. The outcomes below can be expected to occur.

 

Outcome	Explanation
Completed	Your report has been closed. The issue reported has been addressed. An officer visited the site and took appropriate action based on the situation and applicable regulations.
Completed – Clean	An officer visited the site, and the issue reported has been addressed. Trash has been cleared from the area, and the report has been closed.
Cleared – ESD Cleanup Pending	An officer visited the site, and the issue reported has been addressed. Cleaning will occur in the area in the coming days.
ESD Code Compliance Pending	An officer investigated the initial issue reported. The report has been referred to code compliance for additional action.
Contact Made	Your report has been closed. An officer made contact. As warranted, services were offered and/or appropriate enforcement action was taken.
Revisit Required	An officer visited the site and the issue reported could not be resolved immediately. An officer will revisit the location.
Unable to locate	Your report has been closed. An officer attempted to locate the problem but was unable to find the issue. The officer was unable to reach you for clarification. If the problem persists, please submit a new report.

Containers are expected to last for approximately 10 years. Over time, containers are worn down by repeated use, as well as exposure to sunlight and other elements.
 
When the City switched to automated collection in 1994, each eligible residence received a container. While the initial container was provided at no charge, customers are now responsible for providing trash container compatible with collection vehicles.
 
Containers may be purchased online at https://www.sandiego.gov/esd or from a home improvement store. (Trash containers must be approved brands that are compatible with automated collection, such as Rehrig Pacific ROC-35, ROC-65, ROC-95-U that are sold by the City or ToterEVR Universal Cart 64 or 96-gallon.)
 
Containers purchased from the City cost $70. If your container becomes damaged within the 10-year period, we will calculate a prorated price for the replacement container.
 
Replacement wheels and lids are available at no charge from 8353 Miramar Place facility weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. City staff members can assist with lid and wheel replacement.
 
 
Additional Background
 
The container fee was established as a fair and reasonable fee that does not exceed the cost of providing the container. Collection and disposal of waste is provided to eligible households at no charge.
 
The delivery fee covers the costs associated with the delivery of the container and removal of any non-functioning container. To avoid the delivery fee, residents may choose to pick up containers at the 8353 Miramar Place facility weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
 

Reports submitted to Get It Done may be categorized into one of the following statuses:

Open

• New: Most reports start in the "New" status category.
• In Process: Once a work order is created the report changes to the “In Process” status. Sometimes a report will become “In Process” if there are multiple reports for the same issue. Once the initial problem report is completed, all reports related to the same issue will be closed.

Closed

• Closed: Once a report has been closed in the work order system, the status changes to the “Closed” category. For some reports, an after photo or a “closure reason” is provided to offer more detail regarding the action taken on the report.
• Referred: Reports may be referred to an agency outside the City (such as Caltrans or AT&T) or to another department within the City that is not currently connected to the Get It Done system.  When a report is in the “Referred” category, the customer receives an email indicating to whom the report was referred and the referral partner receives an email with the customer’s report details.

This table lists common problems and estimated resolution timeframes. The length of time it takes to resolve a problem will vary based on a variety of different circumstances and conditions that exist at the time the service request is submitted. Existing City projects could impact the City’s ability to satisfy a service request within the estimated timeframes below.

 

Problem Type	Estimated Timeframes	Description
Abandoned Vehicles/72-Hour	13 days	Vehicles parked at the same location for more than 72 hours. Note that the time it takes to resolve this type of problem can take longer, due to the code enforcement process.
Curbs - Repainting	10 business days	Curb repair involving concrete work takes longer.
Dead Animals	48 hours	Please allow 48 hours for dead animals to be removed.
Graffiti	5-7 business days	Depending on graffiti location, this type of report may take as long as six months to remove if enforcement action is required.
Illegal Dumping	5 business days	Depending on the type and location of illegal dumping, this type of report may take less than a week or up to 6 months to resolve, if code enforcement actions are involved.
Missed Collections	24-48 hours after being reported	Missed trash/recycling container pickups need to be reported to the Environmental Services Department no later than 5 p.m. on the following day after the missed collection in order to get return service.  If container was tagged, please refer to the information left by the driver on the tag and correct the issue.
Potholes	Up to 9 business days	Crews generally fill potholes in one of the nine City Council districts on a rotating schedule, weather conditions permitting.
Sidewalks	As soon as possible	Sidewalk uplifts are temporarily ramped or patched as soon as possible following reports to City crews. Sidewalk repairs involving concrete work take longer.
Street Lights	30 business days	Simple repairs, such as a burned out light, take less time to complete. Other problems can be more complex, such as an underground wiring problem, which can take more time to resolve.
Traffic Signals	1 day	Reports related to traffic signal maintenance are completed within the same day. More involved reports related to traffic signal timing may take more time to resolve.
Tree Hazard	As soon as possible	Tree hazard emergencies are immediately dispatched for service. Other reports of tree hazards are addressed as soon as possible, depending on the severity of the issue.
Tree Trimming	Palms – Every two years Other – Every seven years	The City currently schedules trimming for palm trees every two years and every seven years for other trees in the public right-of-way.
Street Resurfacing	Contingent on funding and other project schedules	Street resurfacing is planned through the City’s pavement management system and completed based on available funding and in coordination with other projects planned for the City right-of-way. See Streets SD for more information.

 
 
 

After submitting a request for New Service, an Additional Container, or a Replacement Container, you’ll receive an email with a link to pay for your containers online with a credit card.  If you’d prefer to not pay online, the following payment options are also available:
 

• To pay in person: Bring the email with your case number and your payment to the address below. The City accepts exact cash (no change is available), credit card, or check and money orders.
• To pay by check: Mail your check to the address listed below. Please write your case number (from the approval email) in the Memo/For section of the check. The check must be payable to “City Treasurer.”

 
Collection Services Division
8353 Miramar Place, San Diego, CA 92121
Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
 
Note: Collection Services Division is closed on City-observed holidays.

 

Illegal dumping is a Waste Code violation and needs to be assessed by a Solid Waste Code Enforcement Officer.
 
Illegal dumping is dumping of any waste, whether it is oil, furniture, appliances, trash, litter or landscaping cuttings, etc., upon any public right-of-way, City property or private property, without consent of the owner.
The Environmental Services Department's Code Enforcement team patrols City neighborhoods daily to deter illegal dumping and investigate complaints. Community help is essential to catching and deterring illegal dumps.
 
The City encourages anyone who encounters an illegal dump that has already taken place to report it using Get It Done - Illegal Dumping. If you observe someone illegally dumping, please take down the following information:
 

• Date, time and location of incident
• Description of vehicle and license plate number
• Description of person(s) dumping
• What items/materials were being dumped
• Your name and phone number (optional)

For more information please see Illegal Dumping and Illegal Dumping, Littering and Scavenging Frequently Asked Questions.

 

If you recently moved into your property and already have trash and recycling collection from the City, you do not need to request New Service. The Request for New Service is a three-step process. Below is a general overview of each step.

1.  Location Details: Identify your parcel, address and type of residence.

2.  Select Containers: Add the trash and recycling containers you'd like to the cart. Request delivery ($25 per container) or choose pick-up.

Your application will be reviewed for eligibility for City-provided collection services. Once this review is complete, we'll send an email with next steps.

3.  Purchase: If approved, you'll receive an email with a link to complete your purchase.

Eligibility Criteria

The criteria for qualification for City-provided trash and recycling collection services are as follows:

1. The residential property must be located entirely within the City of San Diego.
2. The residential property must be located on a dedicated public street with Reasonable Access to a City designated collection point safely accessible by City collection vehicles with adequate space for the proper placement and separation of all waste containers for collection without creating unsafe conditions. Reasonable Access, as defined by the City’s Waste Management Regulation (WMR R-009-10), means the residential facility is located immediately adjacent and contiguous to a designated collection point at the curb line of a dedicated public right-of-way which is directly accessible from the residential facility property and does not require moving the collection container across a private street, private alley, private communal driveway, or other private property aside from the residential facility property.
3. The residential property must have adequate on-site storage space for all waste containers needed to contain the amount of refuse, recyclables and yard waste accumulated between collection intervals that are not visible from the street.
4. Containers must be placed at the collection point between 6 p.m. of the day prior and 6 a.m. of the collection day. Containers must be removed from the street by 6 p.m. of the collection day.
5. Requests for services for a multi-family residential facility must be for the entire complex, not an individual unit and must be made by the owner or property manager. All units in the complex must be eligible to receive City services for any unit to receive City collection services.
6. The City is not accepting requests to provide refuse collection services to small businesses, commercial properties or residential facilities within planned unit developments with private streets.

Requests for City-provided refuse and recyclables collection services will be reviewed to determine if the property is eligible under the criteria in the City of San Diego Waste Management Regulation. You will be notified of the determination of eligibility and a collection start date as soon as the evaluation is completed.

For more information please see Container Frequently Asked Questions.
 

Multi-family property requires an eligibility inspection for “New Service” or “Additional Container" requests. This eligibility inspection may result in retraction of service for the entire parcel if the site is deemed ineligible. For this reason, an Owner Certification is required to process these requests. The review process can take up to 6 weeks.

Requiring the Owner Certification helps to:

• Ensure that the applicant knows the risk involved with requesting "New Service" or an "Additional Container"
• Provides backup in cases where the City is involved in litigation after retracting service

Residents are responsible for trash, recycling, and greenery container security and maintenance. Lost or stolen containers are charged the full replacement fee.

What if my container is damaged and needs to be replaced?
Refuse containers have a 10-year warranty. Containers damaged during the 10-year warranty period are charged a prorated fee.

For example, a container that breaks due to normal use after 5 years would be charged 50% of the fee.

Containers damaged as a result of misuse will be charged the full replacement fee.

For more information please see Container Frequently Asked Questions.

Container serial numbers are nine (9) digits printed on the front of trash, recycle, and greenery containers.

The photo below identifies the location of the serial number.



Black container serial numbers begin with the letter "T." Blue container serial numbers begin with the letter "R."

For more information please see Container Frequently Asked Questions.

City-issued containers are expected to have a lifespan of 10 years. Containers need to be replaced if the City determines they are no longer serviceable for automated collection. Usually, the driver places a tag on the container advising the resident to replace the damaged container.

The Replace Damaged Container is a three-step process. Below is a general overview of each step.

1. Address Search:  Search for your site by entering your address.

2. Choose Containers:  Select the trash, recycling, or greenery (if available) containers you'd like to purchase. Enter the old trash (black) container’s serial number for warranty eligibility. Select delivery or pick-up. (Delivery is available for $25 per container.)  You will receive an email with purchase instructions.

3. Purchase: The last step is to complete the purchase of the containers in your cart.

For more information please see Container Frequently Asked Questions.

If you already have trash and recycling services from the City, use this option to request additional containers. An eligibility inspection may be required before an application is approved and containers are purchased.
 
The Request for Additional Container is a three-step process. Below is a general overview of each step.

1.  Address Search:  Search for your site by entering your address.

2.  Choose Containers:  Place your order for refuse and recycle containers and choose delivery method to identify if you’d like containers delivered for an additional fee ($25 per container) or self pick-up.

Once these first two steps are complete your request will go through an eligibility process to determine if your property supports an additional container. You will be contacted either by email regarding eligibility status and next steps.

3.  Purchase:  If eligibility is approved, you will receive an email with purchase instructions.
 
The most common container is 96-gallons, which has the capacity equivalent to three regular trash cans.  For more information please see Container Frequently Asked Questions.

The Utilities Undergrounding Program can provide more information. An Interactive Map allows you to search to find the undergrounding schedule for your neighborhood.

The Undergrounding Program can also be reached at (619) 533-3841 or at undergrounding@sandiego.gov.

The California Department of Motor Vehicles handles the issuance of Disabled Person Parking Placards and License Plates. Please review the website for the most up-to-date information.

For frequently asked questions regarding bicycle and scooter sharing click here.

Issues and questions regarding bicycles and scooters should be directed to the responsible company.
 

Listed below are instructions for submitting a Get It Done request for a Free Tree.  It is important to submit your full contact information as a City employee will be contacting you to discuss the program and schedule a site evaluation.  The Free Tree is for your parkway (ground space in between the sidewalk and street curb) only and you must agree to water the tree as needed to assure its survival (See Watering Agreement Below). If all application criteria are met, the City's Contractor will plant your free tree in the public right of way approximately 16-34 weeks after your application is received.

To Submit Request from the Get It Done Mobile App:

1. Select New Report
2. From the "Other" service category, select "Other".
3. Tap Location to provide the address for the Free Tree and tap Done
4. Enter FREE TREE in the Description field.
5. Enter full contact information in the My Info field
6. Submit

 
To Submit Request from the Get It Done web portal

1. Go to the Streets, Sidewalks & Lights section
2. Select Report Category/Type “Other”
3. Enter the address where the Free Tree will be located
4. In the Description Field enter:  FREE TREE
5. Click Next
6. Enter all required contact information
7. Click Next
8. Verify your report and click Submit

Watering Agreement

• First Year: Water tree 2 times/week, using 5-10 gallons each watering
• Second Year: Water tree 2 times/month, using 10-15 gallons each watering
• Third Year: Water tree at least 1 time/month, using 10-15 gallons each watering
• Years After: Continue to water the tree at least once a month, and more frequently during periods of high temperatures or scare rainfall

This article describes the various problem reports and service requests available through Get It Done and what they mean.  Get It Done is for reporting non-emergency problems and it may take as long as 72 hours for a report to be reviewed.  As always, if this is an emergency, call 9-1-1.

Tips for Using Get It Done:

• Submit only one problem or issue per report
• Provide a photo, taken far enough away to allow crews to see the issue in context

Parking & Vehicle Related Issues
The following issues related to parking and vehicles may be reported through Get It Done.  Keep in mind that response times to parking reports vary based on the volume of reports and priority calls.  Updates are only provided for vehicles parked over 72-hours.

• 72-Hour Vehicle Violation:  Report vehicles (operable or inoperable) parked in the same place on a public street for more than 72 consecutive hours, without being driven.
• Parking Zone Violation:  Report vehicles parked in violation of a parking zone (for example, parked in a red zone).
• Oversized Vehicles:  Report oversized vehicles (such as RVs, trailers, or boats) parked on public streets when they are prohibited.  Section 86.0139 prohibits oversized, non-motorized, and recreational vehicles from parking on public streets between the hours of 2 a.m. and 6 a.m.  Residents who need to temporarily park an oversized vehicle on the street may obtain a Temporary Overnight Recreational Vehicle Permit (TORVP).

Report other parking problems by calling Police Non-Emergency at (619) 531-2000.  

Trash Collection, Recycling, & Graffiti
The Environmental Services Department handles the requests listed below, with the exception of graffiti, which is handled by the Transportation & Storm Water Department.

• Missed Collection:  Trash, recycling, and greenery pickup is guaranteed for containers placed in collection areas by 6 a.m., unless they are in violation of City regulations.  If your containers have not been emptied, look for a tag from your driver on the containers.  The tag will explain why they were not collected.  If the container is not tagged and it was set out before 6 a.m., report a Missed Collection.
  • Keep in mind that collection schedules can shift during certain holiday weeks.  Find Your Trash Collection Schedule first before reporting a missed collection.
  • Missed trash, recycling or yard waste collection must be reported by 5 p.m. on the day following your regular collection day in order to qualify for a return collection.
• Find My Trash Collection Schedule:  Search for your address to see your trash, recycling, and greenery collection schedule.
• ADA Assisted Collections:  Request temporary or permanent assistance with bringing out containers for trash collection if no able bodied person is available to help set out your container.
• Containers Left Out Beyond Collection Hours:  Report trash containers left out after 6 p.m. on your scheduled collection day, in violation of San Diego Municipal Code Section 66.0106.
• Dead Animal:  Report a dead animal located in the City of San Diego's public right-of-way (street or sidewalk).  For dead animals located elsewhere in the county, click here for more information.
• Illegal Dumping:  Report illegal dumping such as bulky items, abandoned camps, or occupied camps in the public right-of-way.
• Graffiti:  Depending on where the graffiti is located, your report may be handled by the City or an alternate provider, such as Cox, AT&T, SDG&E, the Port of San Diego, Caltrans, MTS, the County, or by a commercial property owner.  Commercial property owners are responsible for removing graffiti from their property.  Graffiti located on commercial property is handled by code enforcement to achieve compliance.  Reports referred to an alternate provider will be identified as "Referred" in the system and will not receive future status updates.
• Household Hazardous Waste (HAZMAT) Appointment:  Residents of the City of San Diego may request an appointment to drop off household hazardous materials.  Appointments are offered on most Saturdays.
• Dumpster Encroaching on Public Right-of-Way:  Report a dumpster encroaching into the public right-of-way (street or sidewalk).  This type of report is handled by code enforcement to achieve compliance.
• Scavenging of Blue Recycling or Black Trash Containers:  Report unauthorized individuals going through trash or recycling containers.  For more information, click here.

Streets, Sidewalks, & Lights
The Transportation & Storm Water Department handles the problem types listed below. 

• Curb:  Report issues with a curb, such as damage, faded paint, or illegal painting.
• Damaged Guardrail:  Report an issue with a damaged guardrail.  A guardrail is a metal railing that can be placed at the edge of a road.
• Faded Striping:  Report problems with striping, such as faded lane lines, crosswalks, or other markings, such as the "STOP" legend.
• Pothole:  Report a pothole.  Data such as the overall pavement condition is utilized to determine which streets will be resurfaced.  For more information, please visit the following links:
  • Street Repair in Your Neighborhood Video
  • Street Resurfacing Map:  streets.sandiego.gov
  • Resurfacing & Slurry Sealing Information
• Sidewalk Repair:  Report a problem such as a raised sidewalk.  For sidewalk repairs, a temporary asphalt patch may be applied pending a permanent repair.  In some cases, the adjacent property owner may be responsible for certain repairs.  For more information, please see the links below:
  • Sidewalk Maintenance Process Infographic
  • Sidewalk Information Webpage
• Street Light:  Report problems such as a street light out or a street light on during the day.  The City maintains over 40,000 street lights.  Click here for more information.
• Street Sweeping:  Request that a street be swept.  Some streets are swept on a regular schedule.  For more information, click here.
• Traffic Sign:  Report a problem with a traffic sign.  For more information, click here.
• Traffic Signal:  Report a problem with a traffic signal, such as a light out, flashing red, signals facing the wrong direction, or a timing issue.  The City maintains over 1,500 traffic signals.  For more information, click here.
• Other:  For faster service, please try to select the applicable problem type for your report. Problems reported under the "Other" category are not automatically processed and may require more time to review.  Scroll to the bottom of the Get It Done page for additional options.

Trees & Vegetation
The Transportation & Storm Water Department handles the problem types listed below. 

• Tree Hazard/Tree Maintenance:  Report an issue with a tree maintained by the City, such as:
  • Branch/Tree Down
  • Visibility of Traffic Signals/Signs
  • Blocking Street/Sidewalk
  • Dead/Unstable
• Other:  Request a Free Street Tree.  Click here for more information.

Storm Water & Drains
The Transportation & Storm Water Department handles the problem types listed below.  To report a water leak or a sewer issue, please call the Public Utilities Department at 619-515-3525.

• Storm Drain:  Report an issue such as:
  • Channel Cleaning
  • Clogged Storm Drain
  • Foul Odor
  • Grate Frame Broken/Missing
  • Object in Drain
• Street Flooded:  Report a problem involving street flooding.  For urgent issues, call 619-515-3525.
• Illegal Discharge:  Use this to report material or fluid being dumped or released into the City's Storm Water system (such as gutters and storm drains).
• Over Irrigation:  Use this to report over irrigation of landscaping, causing water to enter the City's Storm Water system.

Passport Appointments
The Office of the City Clerk offers Passport Services and appointments can be scheduled online through Get It Done.

• Schedule a Passport Appointment