The City of Gardena Public Works Department maintains, and repairs sidewalks, curbs, and gutters along City of Gardena roads. These rights-of-way are the joint responsibility of the City of Gardena and the property owner on whose property the sidewalk crosses. Property owners are responsible for routine maintenance of sidewalks, curbs, and gutters, such as sweeping, and removal of debris and trash. The Public Works Department handles raised or displaced sidewalks by ramping, grinding, or replacing.Grinding or patching of driveway approaches can be scheduled through the Public Works Department, however, the replacement of driveway aprons (approaches) are the responsibility of the homeowner. If you desire to replace the driveway approach, you need to secure a permit from the Engineering Department.

Regarding water retention in gutters, if your curb and gutter retains water, it is possible that this predicament continues the length of your street. To remedy this situation, the entire street/curb gutter area may need major reconstruction. We can't repair one low gutter and pass the problem on to your neighbor. This is a problem in many curbs and gutters throughout Gardena and is amplified by the lack of slope, as most of our streets are very flat. Occasional sweeping of these low areas may assist in keeping the water from becoming stagnant. With over 200 miles of curb in the City, each request for service will be reviewed and prioritized based on the amount of repair needed. The Street Maintenance Division of the Public Works Department concentrates on smaller activities. If the problem is spread over a large area, the repair or replacement may become a Capital Improvement Project which will be scheduled as funding is made available.

For more information, to report a sidewalk, curb, or gutter in need of repair, or to discuss the dual rights and responsibilities between property owners and the City of Gardena, contact the Public Works Department located at 1717 W. 162nd Street, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, or call them at (310) 217-9568.