Berkeley Municipal Code Ch. 2.72 Public Works Department

*For Charter provisions authorizing the council to create City departments, see Charter § 31.

A Public Works Department is created, which shall be under the direction of the Director of Public Works, subject to the general administrative direction of the City Manager. (Ord. 6863-NS § 1 (part), 2005; Ord. 5434-NS § 2 (part), 1982; Ord. 3069-NS § 11.01, 1949)

The Director of Public Works, subject to the approval of the City Manager, shall organize and maintain such divisions in the Public Works Department as the operations may in their judgment require. (Ord. 6863-NS § 1 (part), 2005; Ord. 5434-NS § 2 (part), 1982; Ord. 3069-NS § 11.02, 1949)

The Director of Public Works shall be responsible for the supervision and control of all divisions of the department and for the performance of the functions herein assigned to such department. (Ord. 6863-NS § 1 (part), 2005; Ord. 5434-NS § 2 (part), 1982; Ord. 4777-NS § 1 (part), 1975; Ord. 4736-NS § 7 (part), 1974; Ord. 3264-NS (part), 1952; Ord. 3069-NS § 11.03, 1949)

The functions of the Public Works Department are:

A. The construction and maintenance of all streets, alleys, paths, rights-of-way, and courts now open or which hereafter may be opened;

B. The performance of traffic engineering, including the planning, design, installation and maintenance of traffic signs and markings;

C. The construction, maintenance and operation of the sewer and storm drain systems;

D. The installation, maintenance and operation of street lighting, of the police and fire alarm systems, of traffic signals, and of all other electrical equipment and facilities of the City, including the police and fire radio communication systems;

E. The supervision of all work done on streets, alleys and other public ways by anyone other than the City;

F. Supervision and maintenance of off-street parking facilities, off-street and on-street parking meters;

G. The performance of all phases of engineering work required in connection with all the functions of the department;

H. The keeping of records of all surveys and measurements made, which records shall be open for public inspection;

I. The general maintenance and repair of all public buildings belonging to the City and located within the City limits and such other public properties belonging to the City as may be designated by the City Manager;

J. The cleaning, maintenance and repair of public buildings, which are in the City Hall area and used by the City for general administrative purposes, and such other buildings owned by the City;

K. The supervision and control of the corporation yard;

L. The repair and maintenance of all motor equipment of the City;

M. Operation of a centralized shop;

N. Supervision and control of the City refuse disposal program;

O. Provision of staff support to appropriate boards and commissions;

P. Ensuring equal opportunities for disabled persons;

Q. The cleaning of streets;

R. Develops and implements the City’s transportation plans and policies including bike and pedestrian planning, transit, and transportation demand management;

S. Operates and manages downtown parking garages;

T. Maintains and installs traffic signs, pavement markings, and parking meters.

U. The performance of such other functions as may be assigned by the City Manager, or prescribed by ordinance of the Council or by applicable state law. (Ord. 6863-NS § 1 (part), 2005; Ord. 6290-NS § 1 (part), 1995; Ord. 5434-NS § 2 (part), 1982; Ord. 4777-NS § 1 (part), 1975; Ord. 4736-NS § 7 (part), 1974; Ord. 4064-NS (part), 1965; Ord. 3350-NS (part), 1953; Ord. 3254-NS (part), 1952; Ord. 3069-NS § 11.04, 1949)

For the purpose of this section, engineering work as cited hereinafter shall consist of analysis and design of facilities and structures, preparation of remediation measures, and review, preparation, processing and recordation of maps, plans and documents. For the services hereinafter set forth, fees and charges shall be paid in advance to the City Engineer in the amount set forth in the public works master fee schedule, as adopted by resolution of the City Council.

A. Engineering work required for sewer plans and specifications.

B. Engineering work required in abandonment of easement.

C. Engineering work required in abandonment of streets, paths, walks, steps, and similar public ways.

D. Whenever work is caused to be done under federal, state or local law, whether such work is done under assessment district or improvement plan, public proceedings or private contract, hourly fees and charges in the amount set forth in the public works master fee schedule for engineering work, field inspection and for field survey party shall be charged for the following:

1. Review of plans and specifications.

2. Engineering work and inspection required for grading or regrading streets.

3. Engineering work and inspection required for concrete sidewalks, curbs and curb gutter.

4. Engineering work and inspection required for pavement in roadway area.

5. Engineering work and inspection required for culverts and drainage.

6. Engineering work and inspection required for sewers.

7. Engineering work and inspection required for structures of masonry construction of either brick or concrete.

E. Moving and replacing street monuments.

F. All engineering services in connection with work ordered or authorized by the Council or other work not specifically provided for herein.

G. Whenever engineering or inspection services are to be performed and fees paid therefore, as herein provided in Subsections A, D and E, a minimum fee corresponding to one hour of engineering work shall be charged.

H. Field survey party.

I. No fees shall be charged for public consultations or assistance rendered in records examination. (Ord. 5986-NS § 1, 1990; Ord. 5934-NS § 1, 1989; Ord. 5710-NS § 1 (part), 1979; Ord. 5481-NS § 2 (part), 1982; Ord. 5353-NS § 1, 1981; Ord. 5278-NS § 1, 1980; Ord. 5067-NS § 1 (part), 1978; Ord. 4755-NS § 1, 1975; Ord. 4360-NS (part), 1968; Ord. 4108-NS (part), 1965; Ord. 3841-NS (part), 1962; Ord. 3699-NS (part), 1959; Ord. 3326-NS § 1, 1953)

Prior to doing work for which engineering services are performed, as herein provided, a permit shall be secured therefor from the Public Works Department. The fee for the issuance of the permit shall be as set forth in the public works master fee schedule as adopted by resolution of the City Council. (Ord. 5934-NS § 1, 1989; Ord. 5481-NS § 2 (part), 1982; Ord. 5353-NS § 1, 1981; Ord. 5278-NS § 1, 1980; Ord. 5170-NS § 1 (part), 1979; Ord. 5067-NS § 1 (part), 1978; Ord. 4360-NS (part), 1968; Ord. 3699-NS (part), 1959; Ord. 3326-NS § 2, 1953)

In case of absence or disability of the Assistant City Manager for Public Works, a member of the Public Works Department designated by the City Manager shall perform the duties and exercise the powers of the Assistant City Manager for Public Works. (Ord. 5434-NS § 2 (part), 1982; Ord. 3069-NS § 11.05, 1949)