Parks/Tree Trimming

1. Where to call to have a tree in the parkway trimmed?
2. Is there a charge to have trees trimmed?
3. Can anyone request a tree be trimmed?
4. Will you trim trees inside my property?
5. Can I request that the Park crews clean up the City parkway?
6. What must be done if a resident wants a tree or trees removed from their parkway?
7. What reasons for removing a tree are considered?
8. How will the resident know if the committee approved the tree removal?
9. Is there a fee for removing the tree?
10. Can I choose the tree replacement?
11. How long will it take to have the tree removed?
12. What if the Committee determines the parkway is too small for a tree or the resident does not want the replacement tree planted in the parkway?
13. Would the Committee deny a request for a tree removal?

Sewer /Wastewater 

1. What is the National City’s responsibility regarding private sewer laterals?
2. Can you tell me if my property is on sewer or septic?
3. How often is the sewer main line in front of my property rodded?
4. If there is a foreign substance flowing into a storm drain inlet, who should I call to report it?
5. What is the location of my private sewer lateral and my property line clean-out?
6. I have a question regarding my sewer bill, whom can I talk to?
7. What if my sewer backs up?
8. Who is responsible for cleanup as a result of a sewer backup?
9. What is the National City’s responsibility regarding private sewer laterals?
10. Can you tell me if my property is on sewer or septic?
11. How often is the sewer main line in front of my property rodded?
12. If there is a foreign substance flowing into a storm drain inlet, who should I call to report it?
13. What is the location of my private sewer lateral and my property line clean-out?
14. I have a question regarding my sewer bill.  Whom can I talk to?
15. What if my sewer backs up?
16. Who is responsible for cleanup as a result of a sewer backup?
17. How do I prevent a backup?
18. How am I billed for sewer?

Street Division

1. Who do I call to report a pothole in the street?
2. How long does it take to have a tree trimmed?
3. Who do I call to report a streetlight out or not working properly?
4. How long does it take to have the streetlight repaired?
5. Who do I call if a traffic signal is not working properly?
6. How long does it take to have the traffic signal repaired?
7. Why didn’t the street sweeper sweep my street today?
8. How do I request red curb or blue curb with a disabled parking sign installed in front of my house or business?
9. Can I place informational signs on the sidewalk in front of my residents or business?
10. How do I report the dumping of a mattress, trash or other debris?

Parks/Tree Trimming

1. Where to call to have a tree in the parkway trimmed?
   
   The City of National City has adopted a grid system for tree maintenance. Residents may call the Public Works Department for more information at (619) 336-4580.
     
2. Is there a charge to have trees trimmed?
   
   There is no charge to our citizen for this service.
    
3. Can anyone request a tree be trimmed?
   
   Only the resident or property owner can request the tree in their parkway be trimmed.
    
4. Will you trim trees inside my property?
   
   No. The Park Division only maintains trees in the City’s parkways medians and public parks.
    
5. Can I request that the Park crews clean up the City parkway?
   
   No. The Park Division does not provide this service.  Clean up of leaves, flowers, berries, and other small debris which fall from the City trees is the responsibility of the property owner.
    
6. What must be done if a resident wants a tree or trees removed from their parkway?
   
   A letter must be written to the Street Tree Committee explaining the reason for the tree removal. The letter should provide the street location and explain why the tree should be removed.  Photographs or receipts for repairs can be provided to the Committee. The letter should be mail to, 1243 National City Boulevard, National City, CA 91950.
    
7. What reasons for removing a tree are considered?
   
   If the tree is dying or dead, tree roots are damaging public improvements (sidewalks, streets, curbs, gutters, sewer lines or other undergrounds utilities, or if the tree is considered to be an imminent hazard (i.e. uprooting or leaning).
    
8. How will the resident know if the committee approved the tree removal?
   
   A letter will be sent to the resident advising them of the committee’s decision.
    
9. Is there a fee for removing the tree?
   
   A street tree replacement fee of $65 per tree is required for the removal and is payable to the Finance Department, 1243 National City Boulevard, National City, CA 91950.
    
10. Can I choose the tree replacement?
    
    The resident or owner of the property can select a replacement tree from the approved Street Tree list as follows, Hong Kong Orchid, Bottle Brush, Crepe Myrtle, Magnolia, New Zealand Christmas Tree, Podocarpus, Purple Leaf Tree, Evergreen Pear or Queen Palm.
     
11. How long will it take to have the tree removed?
    
    Once the Parks Division is notified the replacement fee has been paid by the resident, the tree crew will remove the tree within 2-3 weeks and the replacement tree planted.
     
12. What if the Committee determines the parkway is too small for a tree or the resident does not want the replacement tree planted in the parkway?
    
    If this should occur the replacement tree will be planted in one of the City’s parks.
13. Would the Committee deny a request for a tree removal?
    
    If the request does not meet the criteria for removal the Tree Committee can ask the Parks Division to trim the roots of the tree in an efforts to prevent any further damage to the walkways and utilities and to preserve the trees.

 Sewer /Wastewater

1. What is the National City’s responsibility regarding private sewer laterals?
   
   The property owner is fully responsible for maintaining adequate sewage flow to and through the sewer lateral, from the property structure to and into the City's sewer main.  When failure or stoppage of a sewer lateral occurs, City crews will respond only to check the City’s sewer main to verify that the sewer main is open and sewage is flowing.  If the sewer main is found to be clear, it is the responsibility of the property owner to call a licensed plumber or drain cleaning service to correct the problem. Verbal assistance and answers to questions can be received by calling us at 619-336-4580.
2. Can you tell me if my property is on sewer or septic?
   
   By performing a dye test at your property, we can determine if it is on sewer or septic. To schedule a dye test, call us at 619-336-4580.
3. How often is the sewer main line in front of my property rodded?
   
   As a general rule, the entire sewer system consisting of 100 miles of sewer main lines are rodded and cleaned on the average of once each year.
4. If there is a foreign substance flowing into a storm drain inlet, who should I call to report it?
   
   If you notice a foreign substance flowing into a storm drain inlet, please call us at 619-336-4380 to report the location.
5. What is the location of my private sewer lateral and my property line clean-out?
   
   The City does not maintain records of private lateral and clean-out locations. However, it may be possible that the wastewater division can assist you or your plumber in determining where to start looking. Contact the Public Works Department at 619-336-4580 for further information.
6. I have a question regarding my sewer bill, whom can I talk to?
   
   For any questions regarding your sewer bill, please contact us at 619-336-4580.
7. What if my sewer backs up?
   
   We are on duty seven days a week, 24 hours a day. If you have a backup, call us at (619) 336-4580 (during working hours) or call the Police Department's non-emergency number at (619) 336-4411 (after hours). We will dispatch a stand-by crew to your address to find out if the stoppage is in the City’s main or your private line (sewer lateral). If the sewer main is found to be clear it is the responsibility of the property owner to call a licensed plumber or drain service cleaning to correct the problem. The property owner is responsible for maintaining adequate flow to and through the sewer lateral from the property structure to and into the City’s sewer main. If the stoppage is in the City’s main City crews will fix it as quickly as possible and keep you informed about what is being done.
8. Who is responsible for cleanup as a result of a sewer backup?
   
   If a problem with a City main caused the backup we can help with the cleanup. The wastewater supervisor will take pictures of the flooded areas and assess the damage to determine if a cleanup
9. What is the National City’s responsibility regarding private sewer laterals?
   
   The property owner is fully responsible for maintaining adequate sewage flow to and through the sewer lateral from the property structure to and into the City's sewer main.  When failure or stoppage of a sewer lateral occurs City crews will respond only to check the City’s sewer main to verify that the sewer main is open and sewage is flowing.  If the sewer main is found to be clear it is the responsibility of the property owner to call a licensed plumber or drain cleaning service to correct the problem. Verbal assistance and answers to questions can be received by calling us at (619) 336-4580.
10. Can you tell me if my property is on sewer or septic?
    
    By performing a dye test at your property we can determine if it is on sewer or septic. To schedule a dye test call us at 619-336-4580.
11. How often is the sewer main line in front of my property rodded?
    
    As a general rule, the entire sewer systems consisting of 100 miles of sewer main lines are rodded and cleaned on the average of once each year.
12. If there is a foreign substance flowing into a storm drain inlet, who should I call to report it?
    
    If you notice a foreign substance flowing into a storm drain inlet, please call us at 619-336-4380 to report the location.
13. What is the location of my private sewer lateral and my property line clean-out?
    
    The City does not maintain records of private lateral and clean-out locations. However, it may be possible that the wastewater division can assist you or your plumber in determining where to start looking. Contact the Public Works Department at (619) 336-4580 for further information.
14. I have a question regarding my sewer bill.  Whom can I talk to?
    
    For any questions regarding your sewer bill please contact us at (619) 336-4580.
15. What if my sewer backs up?
    
    We are on duty seven days a week, 24 hours a day. If you have a backup call us at (619) 336-4580 (during working hours) or call the Police Department's non-emergency number at (619) 336-4411 (after hours). We will dispatch a stand-by crew to your address to find out if the stoppage is in the City’s main or your private line (sewer lateral). If the sewer main is found to be clear, it is the responsibility of the property owner to call a licensed plumber or drain service cleaning to correct the problem.
    
    The property owner is responsible for maintaining adequate flow to and through the sewer lateral from the property structure to and into the City’s sewer main.
    If the stoppage is in the City’s main, we’ll fix it as quickly as possible and keep you informed about what is being done.
16. Who is responsible for cleanup as a result of a sewer backup?
    
    If a problem with a City main caused the backup we can help with the cleanup. The wastewater supervisor will take pictures of the flooded areas and assess the damage to determine if a cleanup crew is needed. If a cleanup crew is required the wastewater supervisor will call the professional company that is contracted by the City and make necessary arrangements to have the property cleaned and sanitized.
17. How do I prevent a backup?
    
    As soon as you notice slow-running drains you should stop using your home's drainage fixtures.  Give us a call and we will come out. If we find a sewer main blockage, we will open it. If the problem is in your sewer lateral, call your plumber to clear the blockage before it gets bad enough to become a backup.
    Roots, grease and debris are the most common cause of blocked sewers. Take these precautions:
    • Roots: Don’t plant trees or large shrubs near sewer lines. Roots grow toward breaks and cracks in lines in search of a ready water source. If roots get inside the pipe they form balls that clog the line.
    • Grease: Dispose of grease and fats with your trash – not down the drain! Grease in drains collects and hardens into a plug.
    • Illegal plumbing connections: Don’t connect French drains, sump pumps and other flood control systems to your sanitary sewer. It’s illegal and debris and silt will clog your line. Consult a plumber to undo any illegal connections.
18. How am I billed for sewer?
    
    Sewer service charges are billed on the annual property tax bill for both for residential and businesses.  The charge is determined based upon water usage with a pre-determined percentage subtracted to account for outdoor uses such as landscaping and irrigation. For more information on sewer service charges, please call us at 619 336-4580.

Street Division

1. Who do I call to report a pothole in the street?
   
   Call Public Works at (619) 336-4580 or fax your request to (619) 336-4397. The pothole report will be placed on our street maintenance schedule. Please provide the location of the pothole and your contact information. We may contact you if additional information is needed.
2. How long does it take to have a tree trimmed?
   
   Once on the schedule it will take 7 to 10 working days.
3. Who do I call to report a streetlight out or not working properly?
   
   Call Public Works at (619) 336-4580 or fax your request to (619) 336-4397.  Please provide the location of the streetlight and your contact information. We may contact you if additional information is needed.
   
   Two thirds of the streetlights in the City are owned and maintained by SDG&E. After notified we will determine who owns the light and have our contractor or SDG&E repair it as soon as possible.
4. How long does it take to have the streetlight repaired?
   
   Please allow 7 to 14 working days for completion of the street light repair.
5. Who do I call if a traffic signal is not working properly?
   
   Public Works maintains all of the traffic signals in the City. To report a traffic signal light out or malfunction, call us at (619) 336-4580, or fax the information to (619) 336-4397.  Please provide the location of the traffic signal and your contact information.
   
   If your concern is how long a light stays red or green, please report the problem to our City’s Traffic Engineer (619) 336-4380.
6. How long does it take to have the traffic signal repaired?
   
   Most repairs take 7 working days to complete.
7. Why didn’t the street sweeper sweep my street today?
   
   There may have been parked cars in front of your home or equipment breakdown.  In the event of a holiday or severe weather conditions the street sweeper will not service your street.
   
   If your street is not swept at the usual time it may be postponed until the following week. To obtain the route schedule for your area or for any other sweeping related questions, please contact us at (619) 336-4580.
8. How do I request red curb or blue curb with a disabled parking sign installed in front of my house or business?
   
   Requests for new installations of red or blue curbs must go through the Traffic Engineer (619) 336-4380.
9. Can I place informational signs on the sidewalk in front of my residents or business?
   
   Residents and businesses cannot place signs in the public right-of-way.  To keep the parkways and sidewalks safe for pedestrians signs are not allowed on public property.  For more information, please call us at (619) 366-4580.
10. How do I report the dumping of a mattress, trash or other debris?
    
    Call Public Works at (619) 336-4580 and we will send a crew out to pick it up as soon as possible. We will remove the items from public property, but if the trash or debris is on private property it is the responsibility of the property owner to remove.
    
    If city assistance is needed to have a property cleaned or abated of trash we will forward the information to our City’s code conformance officer for action. Code conformance can be reached directly at (619) 336-4210.