Adopt-A-Road
The Adopt-A-Road program allows the public to directly contribute to roadside maintenance through litter collection and removal. In addition to the aesthetic benefits of cleaner and more beautiful roadsides, participants help to prevent potential pollutants from entering our waterways. Participating in the Adopt-A-Road program is a great way to promote civic responsibility and community pride.
What is the process?
Select a Location
Decide on the general location you would like to adopt.
Contact Public Works
Talk with the Adopt-A-Road Coordinator to discuss available adoption opportunities and select a specific site. Contact information for Public Works can be found on our Contact Us page.
Apply for a Permit
Complete and submit the Adopt-A-Road Permit Application. Upon application approval, an Encroachment Permit will be mailed to you.
Coordinate the Recognition Sign
Review the Recognition Sign Guidelines and discuss your recognition sign details with the Adopt-A-Road Coordinator. Allow approximately one month for recognition panel placement.
Schedule a Safety Orientation
Schedule and attend a safety orientation with the Adopt-A-Road Coordinator and collect your supplies and safety handouts - Guidelines for Handling Litter and our CREW PLANS.
Keep Your Road Clean
Abide by the provisions listed in your Encroachment Permit and enjoy participating in the Adopt-A-Road program!
Who is eligible?
Individuals, organizations, businesses, and service groups may adopt sections of County-maintained roadside. Subject to County approval, minors age 16 and older may participate with parent or guardian permission, provided that they are adequately supervised.
Eligibility shall not be denied on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, age, political affiliation, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, or medical condition (unless the disability or medical condition would affect the participant’s or public’s safety).
Is there a charge for this service?
There is no fee charged for non-profit organization or individual participation. Businesses are charged a one-time fee for recognition sign fabrication and installation (refer to current Public Works Fee Schedule). A participant may elect to provide customized decals for the recognition signs at their own cost (requires County approval).
Participants are supplied orange litter bags and disposable gloves at no cost. The County provides pick up and disposal of filled litter bags and other debris collected from the adoption site free of charge.
When and where is this service offered?
This service is available throughout the year during regular business hours except during scheduled holidays.
Location, directions and hours of operation
Click on location name to show hours of operation, directions and phone information
Monday - Friday 8-5
976 Osos Street Room 206
San Luis Obispo, CA 93408
Tel: (805) 781-5252
Fax: (805) 781-1229
FAQS
The Adopt-A-Road (AAR) Program is solely administered by the County of San Luis Obispo Public Works Department.
Individuals, organizations, businesses, and service groups may adopt sections of County-maintained roadside. Subject to County approval, minors age 16 and older may participate with parent or guardian permission, provided that they are adequately supervised.
Eligibility shall not be denied on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, age, political affiliation, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, or medical condition (unless the disability or medical condition would affect the participant’s or public’s safety).
Although there is inherent advertising value in Adopt-A-Road signs, they are not a forum for advertising or public discourse. Their purpose is to recognize who is providing the adoption service, not what services they provide, what products they sell, or where they are located.
Usually, the name entered on the AAR Program Application will be displayed on the recognition sign. However, panel rules for individuals, organizations, and businesses allow a few exceptions. Items that can be displayed on Adopt-A-Road recognition signs are detailed in the Recognition Sign Guidelines.
Permits are issued for a period of five years. A participant may cancel their Permit at any time without consequence or fee from the County.
Allow approximately one month for recognition sign placement. AAR work is not contingent on the installation of a recognition panel. The participant must attend a safety orientation and begin work within 30 days of the start date on the Adopt-A-Road Encroachment Permit (Permit), regardless of whether or not the recognition sign has been installed. In addition, work must continue throughout the Permit period, even if a panel is damaged, stolen, or knocked down.
The County has the authority to enforce AAR Program Regulations and Permit provisions. The County monitors a participant’s performance for work quality and safety. If a minor infraction occurs, the AAR Coordinator will warn the participant directly. However, if minor infractions continue or a more serious infraction occurs, the County will issue a warning letter. If a third warning is necessary, the participant’s Permit will be revoked. If a participant (or a member of their working group) acts with deliberate disregard for their own safety, the safety of County employees, or the safety of the traveling public, the participant’s Permit will be immediately revoked.
