Leaves, rain, and Public Works

This was issued by the City of Lake Forest Park but except for the specific Municipal Code cited applies to Shoreline, Kenmore, and every city in the region.

As we move into the rainy season and leaves start to fall, the Public Works Department starts turning its attention to the City’s drainage system.

It is time to check the storm drains and clear leaves from them to keep the stormwater flowing.

Street sweeping is a component of the drainage system maintenance, and is perhaps the most visible to the citizens.

The City is encouraging residents to clear any blocked storm drains that are adjacent to or in front of their property keeping in mind:

• Please do not create piles of leaves expecting the sweeper to sweep them away. Use your yard waste tote so they can be composted.
• DO NOT rake leaves and debris into the street, ditch lines, or right of ways. 
• The sweeper cannot handle large piles of leaves. If the sweeper encounters large piles of leaves they must drive around them or the pile of leaves could damage the street sweeper and the process may come to a screeching halt. 
• Municipal Code 16.25.025 makes it illegal to collect lawn clippings, leaves or branches and discharge them into the path of surface water. 
• Never try to clear a storm drain or culvert if there is moving water greater than knee deep, and always be wary of traffic when working near a roadway. 

Wet leaves are surprisingly heavy, so be careful not to overexert yourself. Debris from storm drains should be placed in yard waste containers. If flooding is severe, or you find evidence of dumping, please call 206-368-5440 for Lake Forest Park and 206-801-2700 for Shoreline.