What began as a discussion about inadequate parking has evolved into a significant concern over the complexities of street cleaning schedules and parking enforcement practices. Fullerton residents are expressing growing frustration with the city’s street-sweeping operations, which have become increasingly convoluted and difficult to navigate.
The current street sweeping schedule divides tasks according to odd and even-numbered addresses, which has led to confusion among residents trying to remember when their streets are scheduled for cleaning. Odd-numbered addresses are serviced during the 1st and 3rd weeks of each month, while even-numbered addresses are swept during the 2nd and 4th weeks. For those with busy lives or limited awareness of this system, missing a cleaning day can result in costly citations.
Compounding the problem is the city’s lack of effective communication regarding changes to the street sweeping schedule. Recent adjustments to the timing for the Tuesday and Monday zones require residents to alter their routines on short notice, with enforcement reinitiated following only brief warning periods. This insufficient communication has led to unwarranted tickets and further confusion among residents.
The city’s parking guidelines add another layer of complexity. Officials caution against parking in designated street sweeping areas to ensure effective cleaning, but for many residents, interpreting the “No Parking for Street Sweeping” signs can lead to anxiety and mistakes.
Unpredictable weather conditions, such as heavy rain or mechanical issues, can also impact scheduled street sweeping, creating further uncertainty. When these services are canceled, residents are often left guessing whether their streets will be cleaned or if they will face delays.
The City Council approved approximately $350,000 for street sweeping sign replacements that were posted in April 2025. While city staff assure that the Sanitation Fund will reimburse the General Fund for these expenses, many residents question whether such funds might be better allocated to addressing more pressing community needs rather than fixing city-created complications.
With over 40 years of operation, the City’s Street Sweeping program was managed in-house until 2019, when it was outsourced to Sweeping Corp of America (SCA). Currently, three sweepers operate weekly, contributing toward compliance with stormwater regulations by removing debris, oils, and pollutants from local streets. However, the effectiveness of these sweeps is directly threatened by parked vehicles, prompting the implementation of parking enforcement for street sweeping in 2023.
The ongoing complications surrounding street sweeping and parking in Fullerton highlights an urgent need for improved communication and a reevaluation of enforcement policies to better serve the community.
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Categories: Community Voices, Local Government, Local News
I support changing the street sweeping back to in-house, but the other problem is more people with cars residing in residences designed to accommodate a smaller number of vehicles. One solution is effective mass transit, another is requiring adequate off street parking for new developments. A third solution would be for residents to use their garages tor parking their vehicles and not for storage or game rooms or illegal rentals.
“ The current street sweeping schedule divides tasks according to odd and even-numbered addresses, which has led to confusion among residents trying to remember when their streets are scheduled for cleaning.” Is it really confusing? If you live at an odd numbered address your street is swept on odd numbered weeks in the month, even numbered weeks for even numbered addresses.
Can people really not read signs? Street sweeping exists for public health reasons. People have to take some responsibility if they want to park on streets. It isn’t that difficult. The real problem is too many cars for designated parking spaces and areas.
Matt,
Good points.
But if you really want get down to it, the problem is too many people! Overpopulation has many impacts; 50 years ago there were fewer people living in those houses. Today, most of those properties are still here, but have more persons living in them. The cost of living here hasn’t helped, what with having to have roommates or two families combined to make the rent or mortgage, well, more cars per house/dwelling/apartment.
Maybe we can start parking on our roofs.