Shedding Light On Street Light Problems

Public Works staff relies on community members to report problems with street lights. If you see that one is out in your neighborhood, please report it to the Department of Public Works by calling 707-588-3300 or submit a service request through Reach Rohnert Park. 

Once the request is received, Steve Gossage, the city's electrician, will begin the process of repairing the light. The amount of time it takes to repair a light depends on the light standard and whether or not parts will need to be ordered. 

Most of the street lights throughout the city are common "Type 1 Cobra Heads".  They are located along Rohnert Park Expressway, Commerce Boulevard and in most neighborhoods. Each light pole, depending upon the type of street, is between 25 and 33 feet tall. The light fixture is mounted on a long steel arm. These lights can be replaced fairly quickly depening upon workload and availability of supplies. 

Other street lights, like the "Town and Country" style located in F Section, take a bit longer. The style is antiquated and not commonly made. It can take up to two months to receive a new fixture. 

Once replaced, problems may still exist. The light, even with the new fixture, may flicker and go out. If this problem persists it may be necessary to replace an internal component. This is a common occurance due to the overall age and materials used to construct the older light standard.  

Brightly lighted streets help to keep the community safe, but Public Works staff may sometimes be in the dark about street light problems. Your help is needed to ensure that street lights are working properly. Please contact Public Works to let us know about any lights that may be out in your neighborhood. When reporting a street light, please try to provide the general location and the street light number, which is located at eye level on the pole.