Engineering

The Engineering Division carries out the Public Works Department’s mission of making Santa Rosa a better place to live through a variety of functions. The Division’s engineers, technicians, and environmental specialists manage the design and construction of City facilities, inspect public improvements constructed by private development, oversee the storm water quality program, and perform materials testing and surveying services.

Several project teams implement City projects such as street improvements, storm drains, sewer and water main replacements, and creek restoration (e.g. Prince Memorial Greenway). They prepare the plans and specifications (either in-house or through consultants), put the project out to bid, inspect the construction and manage the construction contract. The actual construction is performed by private contractors selected through competitive bidding. The survey section assists with these projects by providing accurate information for the designers and performing staking for construction.

Engineering Division technicians inspect public improvements constructed by new subdivisions and other development projects. The vast majority of new streets and utilities are added to the City systems through private developments. This section also issues permits to anyone needing to work in the public right of way.

The materials laboratory ensures that the materials included in both the City and private development projects meet specifications and are placed properly.

The storm water section administers the City’s program to reduce the amount of pollutants that enter the streams flowing through the City and to improve creek heath through restoration and community involvement. The program includes administration of a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit from the Regional Water Quality Control Board in conjunction with Sonoma County and the Sonoma County Water Agency. Permit activities include public education, construction site management, industrial facility inspections, drainage facility maintenance, and enforcement of discharge regulations.