Ordinance amending the Administrative Code to require the Department of Public Works to perform evaluations and periodically report on mechanical street sweeping operations, including submittal of written performance reports to the Board of Supervisors and the Mayor; amending the Health Code to revise and clarify outdated terms concerning garbage receptacle requirements and authorize a process for the imposition of administrative fines; and affirming the Planning Department’s determination under the California Environmental Quality Act.

This ordinance enacts several changes related to city cleanliness and code enforcement.

Key Provisions:

• Mechanical Street Sweeping Evaluation: The Department of Public Works (DPW) will be required to conduct comprehensive evaluations of its mechanical street sweeping operations at least once every ten years. These evaluations will assess equipment effectiveness, debris collection, route completion rates, and public complaints. DPW must submit a written report with findings and recommendations for improvement to the Board of Supervisors and the Mayor by January 31, 2027, and every ten years thereafter. The City Services Auditor will have 60 days to comment on draft reports.
• Garbage Receptacle Requirements: Outdated terms in the Health Code concerning garbage receptacles will be revised for clarity. Refuse must be stored to prevent animal access and dispersal by wind. Putrescible refuse and other refuse destined for disposal must be in suitable metal or solid plastic receptacles with tight-fitting lids. Plastic bags alone are not sufficient. Cardboard boxes must be emptied, flattened, and tied.
• Enforcement of Refuse Violations: Violations of the garbage receptacle requirements can be addressed through infractions with escalating fines (first offense: $80-$100, second: $150-$200, subsequent: $250-$500). Alternatively, DPW is authorized to issue administrative citations under Administrative Code Chapter 100, with penalties not to exceed $1,000 per violation.
• Environmental Affirmation: The ordinance affirms the Planning Department's determination that the actions comply with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

Effective Date: The ordinance will become effective 30 days after enactment.