Default rule and exceptions
San Francisco Public Works clears catch basins, the storm drains at street corners, and asks residents to call 311 when a catch basin is blocked or overflowing. Property owners, businesses and residents are asked to keep sidewalks free of debris and leaves.
| Party | What they are responsible for |
|---|---|
| San Francisco Public Works | Clears catch basins; takes reports of blocked or overflowing catch basins through 311. |
| Property owners, businesses and residents | Are reminded to keep sidewalks free of debris and leaves to minimize potential localized flooding. |
| Exceptions | None on record |
What the source says
Last verified against the primary source on Sep 30, 2026.
Catch basins are the storm drains located at most corners of the City's street intersections.
If you see that litter on top of a catch basin is preventing water from entering the catch basin or water is overflowing from inside the catch basin, call 311, or submit a
the San Francisco Department of Public Works (DPW) is clearing catch basins and reminding property owners, businesses and residents to prepare by ensuring sidewalks are free of debris and leaves to minimize potential localized flooding.
City rules rest on state law. Read California's sidewalk statute, quoted verbatim, or see all 50 states in one table.
Common questions
Who pays for storm drains: street flooding in San Francisco, CA?
The city / utility. Clears catch basins; takes reports of blocked or overflowing catch basins through 311.
What is this based on for San Francisco, CA?
This verdict is sourced to Overflowing Catchbasins and 3 sources in total, each independently re-checked before publication.
Sources
- Overflowing Catchbasinsofficial-guide · verified-primary · accessed 2026-09-30
- Overflowing Catchbasinsofficial-guide · verified-primary · accessed 2026-09-30
- Public Works Gets Ready for Upcoming Rain & Reminds Residents to Prepareofficial-guide · verified-primary · accessed 2026-09-30
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