Rancho Santa Margarita to increase street sweeping following resident concerns

Rancho Santa Margarita is increasing its street cleaning services after residents complained of debris filling the streets.

According to a city staff report, the cost of street sweeping services rose over the last few years, leading the city to reduce its street cleanings from twice a month to once a month in April 2024.

But after residents voiced concerns about leaves and trash in the streets, the City Council voted unanimously on Wednesday, Jan. 8 to raise the cleanings back to twice per month.

The increase in street sweeping will begin in February. A set schedule of what streets will be impacted on which days was not immediately available.

During the winter months, weather like the recent Santa Ana winds can bring debris onto the streets, said Councilmember Anne Figueroa.

And Councilmember Bradley McGirr pointed to the Trabuco Canyon Airport Fire that burned over 23,000 acres and the ongoing fires in Los Angeles County.

“How many people have ash all over their house and gutters,” said Councilmember Bradley McGirr. “As I mentioned before, we have a lot of debris, leaves, trash and ash that are filling our gutters and roadways as well.”

Councilmember Keri Lynn Baert said she supports the seasonal change in street sweeping in Rancho Santa Margarita neighborhoods, but more outreach to residents is needed to alert them of the changes so they know when to avoid street parking.

“I had several conversations with residents about street sweeping. Most people weren’t really sure of their designated day or the frequency of the sweeping,” Baert said. “Given that on-street parking is common, I think improved communication can urge more residents to move their vehicles on the street sweeping days.”

The increase in street cleanings will be seasonal, running from October through April. For the current fiscal year, the increased cleanings will cost the city an additional $14,176 for February through April, according to the staff report.

In total, with the seasonal increase, the street sweeping service will cost the city $33,079 annually.

Staff estimated that increasing street sweeping to twice a month year-round would cost the city about $56,707 annually.