Frequently Asked Questions

All streets in Moraga are rated on a Pavement Condition Index (PCI) on a scale from 1 to 100, with 100 being the best. In addition, each street is also rated on usage- how many people use the road. Is it a cul-de-sac or thoroughfare? The usage rating and the PCI are entered into a computerized Pavement Management System (PMS), which calculates the priority of street repairs, given available funding.

Bi-yearly the Town performs street improvements based on assessed needs of the Pavement Management System and the availability of funds. Even though a particular street may be rated low on the PCI, if it is not used by a large volume of people, a road that is in better condition that is used by more people may be repaired first. It is less expensive to maintain a good street than to repair a bad street.

If you see a streetlight that is out or malfunctioning you can report it yourself on the PG&E website or by calling PG&E at 800-743-5000.  You can also call the Town Public Works office at 925-888-7026. Be sure to have an exact location and pole number (located approximately 7 feet from the bottom of the pole), for the problem pole.

Broken sidewalks are the responsibility of the private property owner. Once a year, the Town inspects all sidewalks for defects that may be hazardous to pedestrians, where the Town could be included in a liability situation. If a sidewalk is determined to be dangerous, the Town notifies the property owner that it must be fixed, or the Town will arrange to have it fixed and bill the property owner.

The property owner. Section 12.04.010, A of the Moraga Municipal Code states that:

The owner of a parcel of real property which fronts on any portion of a sidewalk area between the property line and the parcel and the street line, including a parking strip and curb, is responsible for the repair and maintenance of the sidewalk area and shall pay the cost and expense of repair and maintenance.

Encroachment Permits

An Encroachment Permit (PDF) is needed whenever work is to be done that will encroach or impede the public right of way. Fees are as follows (for the fiscal year of 2019/2020):

• Administrative Fee: $125
• Inspection: $156 per hour (minimum 2 hours)
• Concrete Permit Fee: $312
• Street Cut Permit: $564
• Street Storage Permit: $78 per day
• Work Outside Permit Hours: $624 (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. unless noted below. Roads with restricted working hours are Moraga Road, Moraga Way, Rheem Boulevard and St. Mary’s Road. Working hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.)
• Pavement Restoration Bond of $3,165.90 plus $126.64 per square foot over 25 square foot

Encroachment permits can be obtained from the Public Works/Engineering Department at the Town Offices at:
329 Rheem Boulevard
Moraga, CA 94556
Please call the Public Works office at 925-888-7026 for more information.

Drainage Pipes

As of February 15, 2005 drainage pipes (roof drains, gutters etc.) installed through curbs are prohibited due to federally mandated storm water pollution prevention. Please call the Public Works office, 925-888-7026 if you have any questions or for specific information regarding drainage pipes.

Most creek maintenance is the responsibility of the private property owner. The Town’s creek cleaning activities are almost entirely within the street right of way, or in certain stream beds known as M-ditches. Property owners are encouraged to check creek beds and sides for overgrown weeds, trees, or brush which will impede the flow of water.

If you have questions regarding responsibility of maintenance please call the Town Public Works/Engineering Office at 925-888-7026.

No, only during rare extreme circumstances when the Town Council determines that the area is in an immediate state of emergency. Homeowners are advised to contact local suppliers and purchase their own sandbags.

If you were sent a letter notifying you of a safety problem at your property you need to fix the listed problem within the following 14 days. Most of the time these letters are sent to property owner’s whose landscaping is encroaching onto the public right of way.

For example: bushes at a corner house may be growing too large causing a sight obstruction for traffic at the intersection or blocking pedestrian traffic on the sidewalk. Tree branches may be growing too large and sticking out into the roadway causing an obstruction for large vehicles such as school buses.

Section 8.88.190 of the Moraga Municipal Code states that:

An open house sign may not be placed on a fence, utility pole or structure, nor a public sidewalk, street, median strip, traffic island or public landscaped area. The Town may remove a sign which encroaches on a public street or right-of-way and collect a fee for the cost of removal as established by council resolution.

The current fee is $40. Your sign can be returned to you by calling the Public Works office at 925-888-7026 for more information.