Public Works Department

Welcome to the Department of Public Works website.  Public Works provides services integral to our community on a daily basis.  Our department's mission is to provide quality services with commitment, courtesy and pride.  In partnership with the Palo Alto community, we strive to offer efficient, cost effective and environmentally responsible services that make Palo Alto a beautiful, vibrant and appealing City in which to live and work.

Director of Public Works, Mike Sartor, oversees the diverse responsibilities that range from the construction and maintenance of public facilities, streets, sidewalks and storm drains; implementation of Citywide sustainability initiatives; administration of the National Flood Insurance Program; oversight of the City’s Urban Forest; approval of construction work done in the City right-of-way; operation of the City Fleet; Waste Management and Recycling; and the administration and operation of the Regional Water Quality Control Plant.  

The Department is comprised of three divisions -

Engineering Services
Designs and constructs City-owned facilities, streets, sidewalks, storm drains and parks infrastructure; provides engineering support to City Departments and the private development community for construction in the public right of way.

Environmental Services
Operates and maintains the Regional Water Quality Control Plant; maintains a Pretreatment Program for control of industrial and commercial dischargers; provides pollution prevention information and programs to residents and businesses; manages the City’s solid waste programs.

Public Services
Maintains and renovates City-owned and leased structures, streets, sidewalks, storm drains, street sweeping, street signage and parking lots; manages the City’s Urban Forest; and maintains the City’s fleet.