ATTACHMENT 3
Resolution NO. 2025 – XX Page 1 of 2 May 21, 2025
RESOLUTION NO. 2025 - XX
A Resolution of the City Council of the Town of Atherton to Reduce the Posted Speed Limit in Certain School Zones Consistent with California State Law
WHEREAS, the California Vehicle Code (CVC) Section 22358.4(b) grants authority to local jurisdictions to reduce the posted speed limit to 15 mph within 500 feet of school grounds on roads meeting certain conditions; and WHEREAS, speeding traffic along school routes is a top barrier to walking and biking to school; and
WHEREAS, the reduced speed limits in school zones are consistent with City Council goals; and
WHEREAS, San Mateo County C/CAG has developed a San Mateo County Safe Routes to School High Injury Network Report, identifying routes where students traveling to or from school may face increased safety challenges WHEREAS, City Council reviewed the policy parameters and provided direction to staff to implement reduced speed limits in school zones per state law at all qualified roadway segments contiguous to K-12 schools within the City boundary; and
WHEREAS, the reduced speed limits will be in effect while children are going to or leaving the school, either during school hours or during the noon recess period.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF ATHERON, CALIFORNIA, HEREBY RESOLVES that:
1. In accordance with CEQA Guidelines section 15061(b)(3) and 15301, the reduction of speed limits near school zones and along safety corridors is exempt from CEQA review under the “common sense” and “existing facility” exemptions, respectively, because it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility reducing vehicle speed limits near schools may have a significant effect on the environment and it concerns only minor alterations of an existing street system involving no expansion of use.
ATTACHMENT 3
Resolution NO. 2025 – XX Page 2 of 2 May 21, 2025
2. Pursuant to CVC Section 22358.4(b), 15 miles per hour shall be the prima facie speed limit at a distance within 500 feet of a school boundary where applicable on the road segments identified below.
3. The road segments identified below meet the requirements of road segments eligible for a prima facie speed limit of 15 miles per hour pursuant to CVC Section 22358.4(b).
4. The speed limits near school zones shall be in effect while children are going to or leaving the school, either during school hours or during the noon recess period.
School Zones
School Street Prima Facie
Speed Limit
Las Lomitas Elementary Camino al Lago* 15 mph
Laurel Elementary Edge Road 15 mph
Nativity Laurel Ave** 15 mph
Sacred Heart Schools Emilie Ave 15 mph
*Shared with County of San Mateo
**Shared with Menlo Park
I hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution was duly and regularly passed and adopted by the City Council of the Town of Atherton at a regular meeting thereof held on the 21st day of May, 2025, by the following vote.
AYES: Council Members:
NOES: Council Members:
ABSENT: Council Members:
ABSTAIN: Council Members:
_________________________________
Elizabeth Lewis, MAYOR
Town of Atherton
ATTEST:
____________________________
Anthony Suber, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
___________________________
Mona G. Ebrahimi, City Attorney