CA Review TL
Meeting Date: June 23, 2026
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Geoff Patnoe, City Manager
Staff Contact: John Kim, City Traffic Engineer
[email protected], 442-339-2757
Subject: Ordinance to Establish All-Way Stop Control at the Intersections of Batiquitos Drive and Aviara Drive and at La Costa Avenue and Camino De Los Coches
Districts: 3, 4
Rec
ommended Action
Introduce an ordinance amending Section 10.28.325 and adding Sections 10.28.154, 10.28.155 and 10.28.156 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code to establish all-way stop control at the intersections of Batiquitos Drive and Aviara Drive and at La Costa Avenue and Camino De Los Coches.
Executive Summary
Staff evaluated the intersections of Batiquitos Drive and Aviara Drive and at La Costa Avenue and Camino De Los Coches for all-way stop signs in response to requests from the community and as part of the city’s ongoing efforts to improve traffic safety.
The evaluation was conducted in accordance with the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, which serves as the standard and guidance document for traffic control devices installed in the State of California, including traffic signs, road surface markings and traffic signals.
Based on this analysis, the intersections satisfy the criteria for all-way stop consideration.
On May 4, 2026, the Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission voted to approve staff’s recommendation to the City Council to establish all-way stop control at the intersections of Batiquitos Drive and Aviara Drive and at La Costa Avenue and Camino De Los Coches.
Staff are asking the City Council to introduce an ordinance to amend the Carlsbad Municipal Code to establish all-way stop control at these intersections. Only the City Council has the authority to make changes to the Carlsbad Municipal Code.
June 23, 2026
Item #11 Page 1 of 20
Explanation & Analysis
Multi-Way Stop Analysis
An all-way stop analysis, in accordance with the guidelines found in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, considers vehicle, pedestrian and bike volumes as well as other factors such as collision history, sight distance, movement conflicts and traffic operations to determine whether all-way stop control is justified at a particular intersection. The analysis conducted by staff is structured around the following four primary criteria and four other criteria in the manual:
• Criterion A allows consideration of a multi-way stop as an interim measure prior to installation of a traffic signal.
• Criterion B allows for consideration of a multi-way stop when there have been five or more reported collisions within a 12-month period that are susceptible to correction by a multi-way stop.
• Criterion C evaluates the traffic volumes to determine if a multi-way stop can be considered. Criterion C is satisfied if:
1) The vehicle volume entering the intersection from the major street, total of both approaches averages at least 300 vehicles per hour for any eight hours of an average day
2) The combined vehicular, pedestrian and bicycle volumes entering the intersection from the minor street, averages at least 200 units per hour for the same eight hours with an average delay to minor street vehicular traffic of at least 30 seconds per vehicle during the highest hour
3) If the 85th-percentile approach speed of the major-street traffic exceeds 40 miles per hour, or mph, the minimum vehicular volume thresholds are 70% of the values provided in Parts 1 and 2. (The 85th-percentile speed is the speed at or below which 85% of drivers naturally travel under free-flowing conditions. It is used to gauge the safe and reasonable operating speed of a roadway.)
• Criterion D allows consideration of a multi-way stop where no single criterion is satisfied but where Criteria B and C are satisfied to 80% of the minimum values.
Other Criteria
In addition to the four criteria listed above, the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices provides other criteria that may also be considered. The other criteria are described as:
A. The need to control left-turn conflicts;
B. The need to control vehicle/pedestrian conflicts near locations that generate high pedestrian volumes;
C. Locations where a road user, after stopping, cannot see conflicting traffic and is not able to negotiate the intersection unless conflicting cross traffic is also required to stop; and D. An intersection of two residential neighborhood collector (through) streets of similar design and operating characteristics where all-way stop control would improve traffic operational characteristics of the intersection.
June 23, 2026
Item #11 Page 2 of 20
Analysis results
Staff evaluated the subject intersections in accordance with the guidelines mentioned above.
Based on the analysis, each of these locations meets at least one of the criteria for all-way stop consideration.
Batiquitos Drive and Aviara Drive
None of the primary criteria were met for this intersection, but the other criteria B was met.
A — Interim measure: No
B — Collision history: No
C — Traffic volumes: No
D — Satisfy 80% of criteria: No
Other — B : Yes
La Costa Avenue and Camino De Los Coches
This intersection met one primary criterion — traffic volumes, and the other criteria B.
A — Interim measure: No
B — Collision history: No
C — Traffic volumes: Yes
D — Satisfy 80% of criteria: No
Other — B: Yes
The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices worksheets for each of the intersections studied are provided in Exhibits 3 and 4. The following sections provide further explanation for the criteria satisfied at each intersection.
Intersection of Batiquitos Drive and Avia ra Drive
Batiquitos Drive and Aviara Drive are both
classified as local/neighboring streets in the
General Plan Mobility Element, the element
that covers transportation, and are located
within the southwest quadrant of the city,
as shown in the location map provided as
Exhibit 6. Batiquitos Drive is a two-lane
road with a striped median and has a curb-
to-curb width of approximately 46 feet.
Bike lanes are provided on both sides of
Batiquitos Drive and on-street parking is
not permitted. It has a posted speed limit of
40 mph. This segment of Batiquitos Drive
runs in an east–west direction. There is an uncontrolled marked crosswalk enhanced with rectangular rapid flashing beacons – pedestrian-activated warning devices installed at June 23, 2026
Item #11 Page 3 of 20
unsignalized crosswalks – crossing Batiquitos Drive on the west leg of the intersection for pedestrians accessing the Aviara Golf Club and the Batiquitos Lagoon trail to the south.
Aviara Drive is a two-la ne roadway with parking permitted in both directions. It has a curb-to- curb width of approximately 40 feet. Aviara Drive runs in a north-south direction terminating at Batiquitos Drive where it meets the driveway for the Aviara Golf Club. Both Aviara Drive and the golf club driveway are controlled by a stop sign at this intersection.
City staff received concerns regarding speeding and safety at this intersection, along with req
uests to install all-way stop control. In response to these requests, traffic data were collected for an all-way stop analysis on Feb. 4, 2026. The collected counts indicate that 221 pedestrians crossed at the intersection over the course of a typical day. With access to the trail and the Aviara Golf Club, implementing an all-way stop control is expected to reduce conflicts and enhance safety by clarifying who has the right-of-way and providing consistent crossing opportunities for pedestrians at this intersection, satisfying the Other Criterion B. Staff therefore recommend implementing an all-way stop control at the intersection of Batiquitos Drive and Aviara Drive.
With the installation of an all-way stop control, high-visibility crosswalk markings will be installed at all legs of the intersection. The existing rapid flashing beacons for the existing uncontrolled crosswalk will be removed because they are warning devices and are not allowed at stop-controlled crosswalk locations under the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.
Intersection of La Costa Avenue and C amino De Los Coches La Costa Avenue and Camino De Los
Coches are both classified as
neighborhood connector streets in the
General Plan Mobility Element and are
located within the city’s southeast
quadrant, as shown in Exhibit 6. La Costa
Avenue runs in an east–west direction,
and Camino De Los Coches intersects it at
a T-intersection currently controlled by a
stop sign.
West of Camino De Los Coches, La Costa
Avenue is a four-lane road with a striped
median and has a curb-to-curb width of
approximately 64 feet. East of the intersection, between Camino De Los Coches and Circulo Sequoia, it’s a two-lane road with an intermittent raised median. It has a curb-to-curb width ranging from approximately 40 feet to 64 feet. The posted speed limit is 45 mph west of Camino De Los Coches and reduces to 35 mph east of the intersection. The 85 th-percentile
speeds on La Costa Avenue were 45 mph eastbound and 42 mph westbound. Bike lanes are provided on both sides of La Costa Avenue, and on-street parking is not permitted.
Camino De Los Coches is a two-lane roadway with a striped median. It has a consistent roadway width of 64 feet and a posted speed limit of 40 mph. Bike lanes are also provided on both sides of Camino De Los Coches, and on-street parking is not permitted.
June 23, 2026
Item #11 Page 4 of 20
City staff have received concerns regarding pedestrian safety and vehicle speeds at this intersection, along with requests for an all-way stop control. In response to these requests, staff collected traffic data for the all-way stop analysis on Aug. 23, 2025.
Based on the data collected, traffic volumes on both La Costa Avenue and Camino De Los Coches met the volume thresholds for roadways with measured speeds above 40 mph, thereby satisfying Criterion C for all-way stop consideration.
Additionally, this intersection is close to the La Costa Town Square, La Costa Canyon High School, Stagecoach Community Park and a church, which are facilities that generate high bicyclist and pedestrian activities. Traffic counts indicate that 115 bicyclists and 252 pedestrians used the intersection over the course of a typical day. Implementing all-way stop control is expected to reduce conflicts and enhance safety by clarifying right-of-way and providing consistent crossing opportunities for pedestrians at this intersection, thereby satisfying Other Criterion B.
Based on these findings, staff recommend installation of all-way stop control at the intersection of La Costa Avenue and Camino De Los Coches.
High-visibility crosswalk mark ings on Camino De Los Coches will be installed at the same time that the stop signs are installed. Crosswalk markings for crossing La Costa Avenue will be installed later when new pedestrian ramps are installed on the north side of La Costa Avenue as part of a future Capital Improvement Program project.
Community outreach
Staff have notified affected residents, business owners and others who may be interested in the installation of an all-way stop control at the three intersections. • Doorhangers to residents and property owners adjacent to the intersections • Email to the property management company of apartments in the vicinity • City Manager’s Update e-newsletter
• Updates on Nextdoor
Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission recommendation
Staff’s recommendations to install all-way stop control at the two intersections were presented to the Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission on May 4, 2026.
The commission supported staff’s recommendation to install an all-way stop control at the intersections of Batiquitos Drive and Aviara Drive and at La Costa Avenue and Camino De Los Coches.
The approved meeting minutes from this meeting are provided as Exhibit 5.
June 23, 2026
Item #11 Page 5 of 20
Fiscal Analysis
The total estimated cost to implement all-way stop control at the three intersections is approximately $16,000. Sufficient funds are available in the Traffic Engineering Operating Budget to cover the proposed work.
Estimated cost breakdown by location
Intersection
New stop signs
and associated
markings
Rapid flashing
beacons
removal
Total
Batiquitos Drive and Aviara Drive $7,000 $3,000 $10,000 La Costa Avenue and Camino De Los
Coches $6,000 — $6,000
Next Steps
Following the City Council’s introduction of the ordinance, the ordinance will be scheduled for adoption at the City Council’s next meeting. The ordinance will then become effective 30 days following adoption.
After the ordinance g oes into effect, staff will move forward with the installation of stop signs and associated pavement markings at these intersections. The existing rapid flashing beacons on Batiquitos Drive near the Aviara Drive intersection will be removed concurrently with the installation of all-way stop control.
Environmental Ev aluation
The proposed action to establish all-way stop control and associated roadway striping is categorically exempt from environmental review under California Environmental Quality Act, or CEQA, Guidelines Section 15301(c) because it involves the maintenance, repair or minor alteration of existing facilities with negligible or no expansion of the existing or former use. This exemption covers changes in traffic and parking regulations, including installation and replacement of related signs where such changes do not establish a higher speed limit along a significant portion of the street and will not result in more than a negligible increase in use of the street. No exceptions to the categorical exemption as set forth in CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2 or Carlsbad Municipal Code Section 19.04.070(C) apply.
The proposed action is also exempt from the requirements of a minor coastal development permit and coastal development permit because the proposed action is to establish all-way stop control. Activities of public utilities as specified in the repair, maintenance, and utility hookup exclusion adopted by the Coastal Commission, including but not limited to miscellaneous traffic safety projects, are exempt in accordance with Carlsbad Municipal Code Section 21.201.060.B.11. A permit issued by the city for a development which is categorically excluded or exempt from the coastal development permit requirements is exempt from the notice and hearing requirements of Carlsbad Municipal Code Chapter 21.201.
The proposed action to adopt an ordinance amending Sections 10.28.325 and adding Sections
10.28.154, 10.28.155 and 10.28.156 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code to establish all-way stop control at the intersections of Batiquitos Drive and Aviara Drive and at La Costa Avenue and June 23, 2026
Item #11 Page 6 of 20
Camino De Los Coches is also exempt from environmental review under CEQA Guidelines Sections 15061(b)(3) and 15378(b)(5) because it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the proposed action may have a significant effect on the environment.
Exhibits
1. City Council ordinance
2. Proposed changes to the Carlsbad Municipal Code
3. All-way stop application worksheet for Batiquitos Drive and Aviara Drive
4. All-way stop application worksheet for La Costa Avenue and Camino De Los Coches
5. Minutes from May 4, 2026, Traffic Safety and Mobility Commission Meeting (on file in the Office of the City Clerk)
6. Location map
7. Correspondence received by Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at 5 p.m.
June 23, 2026
Item #11 Page 7 of 20
Exhibit 1
ORDINANCE NO. CS-518 .
A
N ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTION 10.28.325 AND ADDING SECTIONS
10.28.154, 10.28.155 AND 10.28.156 OF THE CARLSBAD MUNICIPAL CODE
TO ESTABLISH ALL -WAY STOP CONTROL AT THE INTERSECTION S OF
BATIQUITOS DRIVE AND AVIARA DRIVE AND AT LA COSTA AVENUE AND
CAMINO DE LOS COCHES
W
HEREAS, pursuant to Article XI, Section 5 of the California Constitution, and Government Code Section 37100, the City Council may pass ordinances not in conflict with the Constitution and the laws of the State of California or the United States; and
WHEREAS, the City of Carlsbad, California is a charter city, duly organized under the California Constitution, the Charter of the City of Carlsbad, and the laws of the State of California; and WHEREAS, Vehicle Code Section 21100 delegates the authority to local authorities to regulate traffic by means of official traffic control devices meeting the requirements of Vehicle Code Section 21400; and
WHEREAS, the City Council desire s to protect the public safety and welfare of persons and property within the City of Carlsbad; and
WHEREAS, staff evaluated the intersections of Batiquitos Drive and Aviara Drive and at La Costa Avenue and Camino De Los Coches for having stop signs in all directions in response to requests from the community and as part of the city’s ongoing efforts to improve traffic safety; and WHEREAS, staff determined that the proposed all-way stops meet the requirements of the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices , would improve safety, and therefore warrants the establishment of all-way stop control at the intersections of Batiquitos Drive and Aviara Drive and at La Costa Avenue and Camino De Los Coches; and
WHEREAS, existing rectangular rapid flashing beacons on Batiquitos Drive near the intersection of Aviara Drive will be removed with the establishment of all-way stop control; and WHEREAS, on May 4 , 202 6, staff presented the recommendations to the Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission; and
WHEREAS, the Commission supported staff’s recommendation to install all-way stop control at the intersections of Batiquitos Drive and Aviara Drive and at La Costa Avenue and Camino De Los Coches; and
June 23, 2026
Item #11 Page 8 of 20
W HEREAS, there are sufficient funds in the Traffic Engineering operating budget to implement the all-way stop controls and related improvements at the two intersections.
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California, ordains as follows:
1. The above recitations are true and correct.
2. That the City Council has determined that the proposed action to establish all-way stop control, install associated roadway striping and remove Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons is categorically exempt from environmental review under California Environmental Quality Act, or CEQA, Guidelines Section 15301(c) because it involves the maintenance, repair or minor alteration of existing facilities with negligible or no expansion of the existing or former use. This exemption covers changes in traffic and parking regulations, including installation and replacement of signs in connection therewith, where such changes do not establish a higher speed limit along a significant portion of the street and will not result in more than a negligible increase in use of the street. No exceptions to the categoric al exemption as set forth in CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2 or Carlsbad Municipal Code Section 19.04.070(C) apply.
3. That the City Council has determined that the proposed action is exempt from the requirements of a minor coastal development permit and coastal development permit because the proposed action is to establish all -way stop control . Activities of public utilities as specified in the repair, maintenance, and utility hookup exclusion adopted by the Coastal Commission, including but not limited to miscellaneous traffic safety projects, are exempt in accordance with Carlsbad Municipal Code Section
21.201.060.B.11. A permit issued by the city for a development which is categorically excluded or exempt from the coastal development permit requirements is exempt from the notice and hearing requirements of Carlsbad Municipal Code Chapter 21.201.
4. That the City Council has determined that the proposed action to adopt an ordinance amending Section 10.28.325 and adding Sections 10.28.154, 10.28.155 and 10.28.156 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code to establish all -way stop control at the intersections of Batiquitos Drive and Aviara Drive and at La Costa Avenue and Camino De Los Coches, is also exempt from environmental review under CEQA Guidelines Sections 15061(b)(3) June 23, 2026
Item #11 Page 9 of 20
and 15378(b)(5) because it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the proposed action may have a significant effect on the environment.
5. Title 10, Chapter 28, Section 325 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code is amended to read as follows:
§ 10.28.325 Batiquitos Drive
Drivers shall stop where the following described streets intersect Batiquitos Drive:
Poinsettia Lane
Aviara Drive
6. Title 10, Chapter 28, Section 154 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code is added to read as follows:
§ 10.28.154 Aviara Drive
Drivers shall stop where the following described streets intersect Aviara Drive:
Batiquitos Drive
7. Title 10, Chapter 28, Section 155 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code is added to read as follows:
§ 10.28.155 La Costa Avenue
Drivers shall stop where the following described streets intersect La Costa Avenue:
Camino De Los Coches
8. Title 10, Chapter 28, Section 156 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code is added to read as follows:
§ 10.28.156 Camino De Los Coches
Drivers shall stop where the following described streets intersect Camino De Los Coches:
La Costa Avenue
EFFECTIVE DATE: This ordinance shall be effective thirty days after its adoption and the City Clerk shall certify the adoption of this ordinance and cause the full text of the ordinance, or a summary of the ordinance prepared by the City Attorney to be published at least once in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Carlsbad within fifteen days after its adoption.
June 23, 2026
Item #11 Page 10 of 20
INTRODUCED AND FIRST READ at a Regular Meeting of the Carlsbad City Council on the 23rd day of June, 2026, and thereafter
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Ca rlsbad on the __ day of ________, 2026, by the following vote, to wit:
AY
ES:
NAYS:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
APPROVED AS TO FORM AND LEGALITY:
_______
__________________________
CINDIE K. McMAHON, City Attorney
_______________________________________
KEITH BLACKBURN, Mayor
_______
________________________________
SHERRY FREISINGER, City Clerk
(SEAL)
June 23, 2026
Item #11 Page 11 of 20
Staff propose amending the Carlsbad Municipal Code, Title 10 – Vehicles and Traffic, Chapter 28 – Special Stops, as reflected below:
§ 10.
28.325 Batiquitos Drive
Drivers shall stop where the following described street intersects Batiquitos Drive:
Poinsettia Lane
Aviara Drive
St
aff propose adding the following sections to the Carlsbad Municipal Code, Title 10 – Vehicles and Traffic, Chapter 28 – Special Stops, as reflected below:
§ 10.
28.154 Aviara Drive
Drivers shall stop where the following described streets intersect Aviara Drive:
Batiquitos Drive
§ 10.
28.155 La Costa Avenue
Drivers shall stop where the following described streets intersect La Costa Avenue:
Camino De Los Coches
§ 10.
28.156 Camino De Los Coches
Drivers shall stop where the following described streets intersect Camino De Los Coches:
La Costa Avenue
Exhibit 2
June 23, 2026
Item #11 Page 12 of 20
California MUTCD 2014 Edition
(FHWA’s MUTCD 2009 Edition, including Revisions 1 & 2, as amended for use in California) Page 1 of 2 Chapter 2B – Regulatory Signs, Barricades, and Gates January 13, 2012 Part 2 – Signs
MULTI-WAY STOP CRITERIA
Transportation Department, City of Carlsbad
CALC JDN DATE 03/26/2026
CHK KF DATE 03/26/2026
Major St: Batiquitos Drive Critical Approach Speed 40 mph Minor St: Aviara Drive Critical Approach Speed 25 mph
Critical speed of major street traffic > 40mph RURAL (R) Otherwise URBAN (U)
The decision to install multiway stop control should be based on an engineering study. The following criteria should be considered in the engineering study for multiway stop sign installation:
Criteria A - Interim Traffic Control Measure SATISFIED YES NO Where traffic control signals are justified, the MULTI-WAY STOP is an interim measure that can be installed quickly to control traffic while arrangements are being made for the installation of the traffic control signal.
Criteria B - Accident Experience SATISFIED YES NO
Five or more reported crashes within a 12-month period that are susceptible to correction by a MULTI- WAY STOP installation. Such crashes include right-turn and left-turn collisions as well as right-angle collisions.
Criteria C - Minimum Traffic Volumes SATISFIED YES NO
C.1 Major Street Vehicular Volume Yes No
The vehicle volume entering the intersection from the major street, total of both approaches averages at least 300 vehicles per hour for any 8 hours of an average day.
U R
10 AM
11 AM
12 PM 1 PM 2 PM 3 PM 4 PM 5 PM Hour
Both Approaches
Major Street 300 210 187 259 198 211 292 264 262 207 Average= 235 C.2 Minor Street Vehicular, Pedestrian & Bicycle Volume Yes No The combined vehicular, pedestrian and bicycle volumes entering the intersection from the minor street, averages at least 200 units per hour for the same eight hours.
U R
10 AM
11 AM
12 PM 1 PM 2 PM 3 PM 4 PM 5 PM Hour
Both Approaches
Minor Street 200 140 49 57 56 66 65 55 102 98 Average= 69 Minor Street Vehicle Delay Yes No N/A
Peak
Hour
Peak Hour
Volume
Minimum Delay Requirement,
seconds per vehicle
Average Delay,
seconds per vehicle
30 seconds
C.3 70-Percent Reduction Yes No
If the 85th-percentile approach speed of the major-street traffic exceeds 40 mph, the minimum vehicular volume warrants may be reduced to 70 percent of the values given in C1 and C2.
Exhibit 2
Exhibit 3
June 23, 2026
Item #11 Page 13 of 20
California MUTCD 2014 Edition
(FHWA’s MUTCD 2009 Edition, including Revisions 1 & 2, as amended for use in California) Page 2 of 2
Chapter 2B – Regulatory Signs, Barricades, and Gates January 13, 2012 Part 2 – Signs
MULTIWAY STOP CRITERIA
Transportation Department, City of Carlsbad
Major St: Batiquitos Drive Critical Approach Speed 40 mph Minor St: Aviara Drive Critical Approach Speed 25 mph
Criteria D – Combination of Criteria SATISFIED YES NO
REQUIREMENT CRITERIA FULFILLED
THREE CRITERIA
SATISFIED 80%
B. Four or more reported crashes within a 12-month period. Yes No C.1. Major Street Volume of at least 240 vehicles per hour Yes No C.2. Minor Street Volume of at least 160 units per hour Yes No
Other criteria that may be considered in an engineering study include:
Optional Criteria A – Left Turn Conflicts SATISFIED YES NO
The need to control left-turn conflicts.
Optional Criterial B – Vehicle/Pedestrian Conflicts SATISFIED YES NO
The need to control vehicle/pedestrian conflicts near locations that generate high pedestrian volumes.
Optional Criteria C – Sight Distance SATISFIED YES NO
Locations where a road user, after stopping, cannot see conflicting traffic and is not able to negotiate the intersection unless conflicting cross traffic is also required to stop.
Optional Criteria D – Residential Street SATISFIED YES NO
An intersection of two residential neighborhood collector (through) streets of similar design and operating characteristics where multi-way stop control would improve traffic operational characteristics of the intersection.
June 23, 2026
Item #11 Page 14 of 20
California MUTCD 2014 Edition
(FHWA’s MUTCD 2009 Edition, including Revisions 1 & 2, as amended for use in California) Page 1 of 2 Chapter 2B – Regulatory Signs, Barricades, and Gates January 13, 2012 Part 2 – Signs
MULTI-WAY STOP CRITERIA
Transportation Department, City of Carlsbad
CALC LPC DATE 4/27/2026
CHK TBB DATE 4/27/2026
Major St: La Costa Avenue Critical Approach Speed 45 mph Minor St: Camino De Los Coches Critical Approach Speed 40 mph Critical speed of major street traffic > 40mph RURAL (R) Otherwise URBAN (U)
The decision to install multiway stop control should be based on an engineering study. The following criteria should be considered in the engineering study for multiway stop sign installation:
Criteria A - Interim Traffic Control Measure SATISFIED YES NO Where traffic control signals are justified, the MULTI-WAY STOP is an interim measure that can be installed quickly to control traffic while arrangements are being made for the installation of the traffic control signal.
Criteria B - Accident Experience SATISFIED YES NO
Five or more reported crashes within a 12-month period that are susceptible to correction by a MULTI- WAY STOP installation. Such crashes include right-turn and left-turn collisions as well as right-angle collisions.
Criteria C - Minimum Traffic Volumes SATISFIED YES NO
C.1 Major Street Vehicular Volume Yes No
The vehicle volume entering the intersection from the major street, total of both approaches averages at least 300 vehicles per hour for any 8 hours of an average day.
U R 7 AM 8 AM 1 PM 2 PM 3 PM 4 PM 5 PM 6 PM Hour
Both Approaches
Major Street 300 210 327 436 317 247 357 316 336 241 Average= 323 C.2 Minor Street Vehicular, Pedestrian & Bicycle Volume Yes No The combined vehicular, pedestrian and bicycle volumes entering the intersection from the minor street, averages at least 200 units per hour for the same eight hours.
U R 7 AM 8 AM 1 PM 2 PM 3 PM 4 PM 5 PM 6 PM Hour
Both Approaches
Minor Street 200 140 87 162 314 107 282 113 171 177 Average= 177 Minor Street Vehicle Delay Yes No N/A
Peak
Hour
Peak Hour
Volume
Minimum Delay Requirement,
seconds per vehicle
Average Delay,
seconds per vehicle
3 PM 263 30 seconds 12 seconds
C.3 70-Percent Reduction Yes No
If the 85th-percentile approach speed of the major-street traffic exceeds 40 mph, the minimum vehicular volume warrants may be reduced to 70 percent of the values given in C1 and C2.
Exhibit 3
Exhibit 4
June 23, 2026
Item #11 Page 15 of 20
California MUTCD 2014 Edition
(FHWA’s MUTCD 2009 Edition, including Revisions 1 & 2, as amended for use in California) Page 2 of 2
Chapter 2B – Regulatory Signs, Barricades, and Gates January 13, 2012 Part 2 – Signs
MULTIWAY STOP CRITERIA
Transportation Department, City of Carlsbad
Major St: La Costa Avenue Critical Approach Speed 45 mph Minor St: Camino De Los Coches Critical Approach Speed 40 mph
Criteria D – Combination of Criteria SATISFIED YES NO
REQUIREMENT CRITERIA FULFILLED
THREE CRITERIA
SATISFIED 80%
B. Four or more reported crashes within a 12-month period. Yes No C.1. Major Street Volume of at least 240 vehicles per hour Yes No C.2. Minor Street Volume of at least 160 units per hour Yes No
Other criteria that may be considered in an engineering study include:
Optional Criteria A – Left Turn Conflicts SATISFIED YES NO
The need to control left-turn conflicts.
Optional Criterial B – Vehicle/Pedestrian Conflicts SATISFIED YES NO
The need to control vehicle/pedestrian conflicts near locations that generate high pedestrian volumes.
Optional Criteria C – Sight Distance SATISFIED YES NO
Locations where a road user, after stopping, cannot see conflicting traffic and is not able to negotiate the intersection unless conflicting cross traffic is also required to stop.
Optional Criteria D – Residential Street SATISFIED YES NO
An intersection of two residential neighborhood collector (through) streets of similar design and operating characteristics where multi-way stop control would improve traffic operational characteristics of the intersection.
June 23, 2026
Item #11 Page 16 of 20
Exhibit 5
Mi
nutes from May 4, 2026, Traffic Safety and Mobility
Commission Meeting
(on file in the Office of the City Clerk)
June 23, 2026
Item #11 Page 17 of 20
6 LOCATION MAP
June 23, 2026
Item #11 Page 18 of 20
1 Morgen Fry
From: Angela MacLean <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, June 17, 2026 3:11 PM
To: City Clerk
Subject: Proposed four-way stop at intersection of La Costa and Camino de Los coches To whom it may concern,
I am a homeowner just east of the intersection referenced above and do not feel that a proposed three- way stop is necessary. Perhaps a flashing stop that is triggered when cars are turning east or west from Camino de Los Coches is a more reasonable solution but a permanent 3 way is not necessary. The new proposed stop is too close to the one just east of this intersection and the one to the west.
Thank you for taking this into consideration. I’m not able to attend the City meeting.
If you have any questions, please let me know. Sincerely.
Mary “Angela” MacLean
7376 Sitio Lima Carlsbad CA 92009
214-316-9307
CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is
safe.
Exhibit 7
June 23, 2026
Item #11 Page 19 of 20
1 Morgen Fry
From: Scott Sporrer <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, June 17, 2026 4:54 PM
To: City Clerk
Subject: Proposed four-way stop at La Costa Avenue and Camino de los Coches
As a resident of the La Costa Oaks neighborhood that uses that intersecƟon on a daily basis, though I am hesitant to impede the pace of my own commute, I realize the danger of that intersecƟon and have almost had a few few accidents there myself given the traffic associated with local high school school students. I presume that this change would significantly improve the safety associated with that intersecƟon and probably improve the flow of traffic when the high school is in and out of session.
Sincerely,
ScoƩ Sporrer
CAUTION: Do not open aƩachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
June 23, 2026
Item #11 Page 20 of 20
From: Robert Vaughan
To: City Clerk
Subject: proposed all-way stop at the intersection of La Costa Avenue and Camino De Los Coches Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2026 5:38:47 PM
Regarding a proposed all-way stop at the intersection of La Costa Avenue and Camino De Los Coches:
I don’t think this is necessary for the brief times around school hours when this intersection becomes busy.
The noise and additional pollution caused by cars having to stop on La Costa Avenue when the is no traffic on Camino De Los Coches will be more disruptive.
Rob Vaughan
7353 Sitio Lima
650-766-5690
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All Receive - Agenda Item #_____
For the Information of the:
CITY COUNCIL
Date: ___________ CA ____ CC____
CM ____ ACM ____ DCM (3) ____
11 6/22/2026 x x
x x x
From: Daniel Williams
To: City Clerk
Subject: Proposed All Way Stop
Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2026 8:02:02 PM
Hi,
My name is Dan Williams and I live in the La Costa Oaks area just off of RSF and Avenida Soledad. I read about the upcoming discussion about putting in a four way stop sign at Camino De Los Coches and La Costa Avenue and I wanted to email my support for it. Our kids are going to start going to La Costa Canyon hight school and riding their bikes to LCC and that intersection is on thier way to school. I have seen cars driving incredibly fast down that road, both straight and turning on to Camino De Los Coches from La Costa at high speeds. It’s dangerous for those cars to be traveling fast with kids riding thier bikes to school. I think a four way stop sign would dramatically help reduce those speeds and increase safety.
I hope you all vote in favor of adding a four way stop sight toCamino De Los Coches and La Costa Avenue.
Thank you
Dan Williams
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From: Robert Peterson
To: City Clerk
Subject: All-way Stop
Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2026 9:27:58 PM
Dear City Council:
I live in the La Costa Oaks neighborhood and am opposed to the proposed all-way stop at La Costa Ave and Camino de los Coches. It increasingly difficult to navigate our neighborhood and adding more stop signs will only create more congestion, more impatient drivers and more danger.
Please do NOT approve this stop sign. If you'd like more information, feel free to contact me.
Thank you,
Robert W. Peterson
3553 Corte Romero, Carlsbad, CA 92009
760-710-1415
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From: Katherine Kincaid
To: City Clerk
Cc: Brooks Kincaid
Subject: In Support of All-Way Stops: La Costa Avenue & Camino De Los Coaches Date: Saturday, June 20, 2026 1:41:01 PM
To whom it may concern,
I am a resident of La Costa Oaks south. I cannot attend the council meeting on Tuesday, so I am sharing my support of all-way stops at La Costa and Camino De Los Coaches via email.
I have encountered many near-accidents at that intersection, the latest as recent as last week. I was driving eastbound on La Costa and a car failed to yield to my right-of-way and turned left from Coaches onto La Costa in front of me. I was able to brake and swerve to avoid collision but twas deeply upset since I had my three children in the car.
Thank you for taking my experience into consideration as the city makes their decision.
Sincerely,
Katherine E. Kincaid
3551 Sitio Damasco, Carlsbad, CA 92009
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From: Daniel Boilini
To: City Clerk
Subject: 4-way stop signs on Aviara Drive, and Batiquitos.
Date: Monday, June 22, 2026 3:06:36 PM
Please don't do. It is not only totally unnecessary , it is frustrating to make drivesr stop for no reason, and I do mean no reason. Ipass this area all the l time. tmight give some small benefit tothose coming out of the golf course parking lot or Aviara drive, but is a waste of fuel; stop starts cause pollution. I looked at d this from all 4 sides. I just don't need the reason for it. tI might give some small benefit to a small number of of drivers to the irritation of those on Batiquitos like myself.. Carlsbad used to be a rather conservative, level-mindedg city, and now seems to b more and more taken over b yrhe radical fringe. Why they are doing this I just don't understand.
It is a sad situation.Take a beautiful street and ruin it with unnecessary stop signs.
By the way, I use intersection daily where Kestral and Batiquitos cross. Should we put 4 stop signs there? . Kestrel has more traffic than that coming out of the Golf course parking lot. So, once again, why are you doing this ?
Regards,
Daniel Boilini
Carlsbad
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All Receive - Agenda Item #_____
For the Information of the:
CITY COUNCIL
Date: ___________ CA ____ CC____
CM ____ ACM ____ DCM (3) ____
11 6/23/2026 x x
x x x