San Diego Municipal Code Div. 14 Public Utilities Department

Engineering and Capital Projects Department, Transportation Department, Environmental Services Department, and Stormwater Department (Retitled from “Water Department” to “Public Utilities Department, Public Works Department, Transportation and Stormwater Department, and Environmental Services Department” on 10-24-2017 by O-20864 N.S.; effective 11-23-2017.) (Retitled from “Public Utilities Department, Public Works Department, Transportation and Stormwater Department, and Environmental Services Department” to “Public Utilities Department, Engineering and Capital Projects Department, Transportation Department, Environmental Services Department, and Stormwater Department” on 1-27-2022 by O-21404 N.S.; effective 2-26-2022.) (Retitled from “Public Utilities Department, Engineering and Capital Projects Department, Transportation Department, Environmental Services Department, and Stormwater Department” to “Public Utilities Department, Engineering and Capital Projects Department, Transportation Department, Environmental Services Department, Stormwater Department, and Strategic Capital Projects Department” on 11-3-2022 by O-21566 N.S.; effective 12-3-2022.) (Retitled from “Public Utilities Department, Engineering and Capital Projects Department, Transportation Department, Environmental Services Department, Stormwater Department, and Strategic Capital Projects Department” to “Public Utilities Department, Engineering and Capital Projects Department, Transportation Department, Environmental Services Department, and Stormwater Department” on 12-18-2024 by O-21900 N.S.; effective 1-17-2025.)

(a) The Public Utilities Department is a City department. The department is responsible for providing water treatment and distribution services in the City of San Diego and wastewater disposal and treatment services for the City and participating agencies in San Diego County.

(b) The Director is the administrative head of the department and is
appointed by, and may be removed by, the City Manager. The Director is
the appointing authority of all personnel authorized in the department.

(c) The Public Utilities Department, under the direction of the City Manager,
with policy direction from the City Council, is responsible for performing
those duties and functions assigned and directed by the City Manager,
including managing water treatment and distribution services; managing
wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal services; managing and
maintaining water infrastructure and facilities; long range planning for the
City’s water resources; and environmental monitoring and other
compliance activities related to the City’s water-related permits and
regulatory requirements.

Ch. Art. Div.
2 2 14 1

San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 2: Government (1-2025)

(Incorp. 1–22–1952 by O–5046 N.S., contained in O–3433 N.S., adopted 5–27-1947.) (Retitled from “Director of Water Department” to “Public Utilities Department” and

amended 10-24-2017 by O-20864 N.S.; effective 11-23-2017.)

(a) The Engineering and Capital Projects Department is a City department. The department is responsible for managing the City’s Capital Improvements Program (CIP).

(b) The Director is the administrative head of the department and is
appointed by, and may be removed by, the City Manager. The Director
is the appointing authority of all personnel authorized in the department.

(c) The Engineering and Capital Projects Department, under the direction of
the City Manager, with policy direction from the City Council, is
responsible for performing those duties and functions assigned and directed
by the City Manager, including managing the construction, rehabilitation,
restoration, and improvement of the City of San Diego’s capital facilities;
managing all phases of public improvement projects, including planning,
contracting, design, project management, and construction management;
providing engineering and construction services; and providing inspection
services of private development in the right-of-way.
(“Public Works Department” added 10-24-2017 by O-20864 N.S.; effective
11-23-2017.)
(Retitled from “Public Works Department” to “Engineering and Capital Projects
Department” and amended 1-27-2022 by O-21404 N.S.; effective 2-26-2022.)

(a) The Transportation Department is a City department. The department is responsible for managing the City’s transportation network.

(b) The Director is the administrative head of the department and is appointed
by, and may be removed by, the City Manager. The Director is the
appointing authority of all personnel authorized in the department.

(c) The Transportation Department, under the direction of the City Manager,
with policy direction from the City Council, is responsible for performing
those duties and functions assigned and directed by the City Manager,
including operating and maintaining City assets in the right-of-way,
including streets, sidewalks, streetlights, traffic signals, trees, and other
vegetation; and planning and coordinating work in the right-of-way,
including utility undergrounding.

Ch. Art. Div. 2 2 14 2

San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 2: Government (1-2025)

(“Transportation and Stormwater Department” added 10-24-2017 by O-20864 N.S.; effective 11-23-2017.) (Retitled from “Transportation and Stormwater Department” to “Transportation Department” and amended 1-27-2022 by O-21404 N.S.; effective 2-26-2022.)

(a) The Environmental Services Department is a City department. The department is responsible for providing residential refuse and recycling collection; pursuing waste reduction; and managing City landfills.

(b) The Director is the administrative head of the department and is appointed
by, and may be removed by, the City Manager. The Director is the
appointing authority of all personnel authorized in the department.

(c) The Environmental Services Department, under the direction of the City
Manager, with policy direction from the City Council, is responsible for
performing those duties and functions assigned and directed by the City
Manager, including refuse and recycling collection services; managing the
City’s solid waste franchise system; operating and maintaining active and
inactive City landfills; maintaining and monitoring City-owned
underground storage tanks; overseeing hazardous materials management
at City facilities; collection and proper disposal of household hazardous
waste; asbestos, lead and mold inspection and abatement services for City
facilities; and code enforcement services for waste-related activities and
lead paint hazards.
(“Environmental Services Department” added 10-24-2017 by O-20864 N.S.;
effective 11-23-2017.)
(Amended 10-26-2018 by O-21004 N.S.; effective 11-25-2018.)

Ch. Art. Div.
2 2 14 3

San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 2: Government (1-2025)

(a) The Stormwater Department is a City department. The department protects and enhances San Diego’s communities through infrastructure that prioritizes clean water and flood management and treats stormwater as a valuable resource that supports public health, the economy, the environment, and our water supply.

(b) The Director is the administrative head of the department and is appointed by,
and may be removed by, the City Manager. The Director is the appointing
authority of all personnel in the department.

(c) The Stormwater Department, under the direction of the City Manager, with
policy direction from the City Council, is responsible for performing those
duties and functions assigned and directed by the City Manager, including
operating and maintaining storm drain structures, storm drain pipes,
stormwater pump stations, drainage channels, and stormwater best
management practices; protecting and improving the water quality of rivers,
creeks, bays, lakes, and the ocean; conducting monitoring, inspection, and
enforcement in compliance with the Municipal Stormwater Permit and other
applicable state regulations; managing the City’s street sweeping program;
and reducing flood risk throughout the City.
(“Stormwater Department” added 1-27-2022 by O-21404 N.S.; effective 2-26-2022.)

Ch. Art. Div. 2 2 14 4

San Diego Municipal Code Chapter 2: Government (12-2004)

Article 2: Administrative Code