TO: Traffic Commission
SUBJECT: 2241 Strong Avenue Blue Curb Request
MEETING DATE: May 11, 2022
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended to deny the applicant’s request for a blue curb due to the applicant not meeting the criteria set by the Blue Curb Policy as the property has existing parking onsite.
BACKGROUND:
The City of Commerce received an application from a resident at 2241 Strong Avenue, a single-family residence, requesting an on-street physically challenged accessible parking space (blue curb) be installed in front of their residence. The resident Ricardo Reyes requests that City staff look at existing on-street parking conditions to see if his request for a blue curb could be granted. Mr. Reyes was contacted, and he specified that the reason for the blue curb request is because there is only one parking space on-site that is accessible since their driveway narrows to about 8-feet wide which does not allow them to comfortably open the vehicle doors and access their vehicle and there are two handicapped people in the residence, his wife and himself. Mr. Reyes also mentioned that there are vehicles for sale being parked by their property which takes away parking for the residents and he has to find parking far from his property. He stated that it is difficult for his wife and himself to walk long distances since he has a knee injury, and his wife had a stroke two years ago. Mr. Reyes was informed that since the location is on a public street if the City were to install a blue curb it would be available to anyone who has a placard and is not a designated parking space. Mr. Reyes submitted the required blue curb request application along with the required signatures of the neighboring residents, which can be seen in Attachment 1. A map of the signatures collected can be seen in Figure 3.
CITY OF COMMERCE
AGENDA REPORT
Item No. 2
Traffic Commission Agenda Report – Meeting of 04/13/2022 2241 Strong Avenue Blue Curb Request
Property Facts Explanation
Request Address Location 2241 Strong Avenue
Property Type per LA County Assessor Map Single-Family Residential Number of Units per LA County Assessor Map 1 unit
Land Use Low Density Residential
Speed Limit 25 mph
Street Width 38’ (feet)
Driveway (Width/Length) 12’x24’ then narrows to 8’x34’
Lane Geometrics 1 lane in each direction
Alley No
Number of Vehicles in Household 4
Number of available parking spaces on property 3: 2 in garage and 1 in driveway Can the driveway be used for access by the
disabled person’s vehicle?
Yes
Street Parking Availability Parking on both sides of the street.
On-site Parking Availability Parking available inside garage and driveway.
Garage Yes.
Reason for Request The applicant is requesting a blue curb space because there are two people
who require handicap parking and there
is only one parking space in the
driveway that can be accessed by the
disabled person’s vehicle.
Figure 1: Vicinity Map
Traffic Commission Agenda Report – Meeting of 04/13/2022 2241 Strong Avenue Blue Curb Request
ANALYSIS:
The resident submitted the required blue curb request application along with the 5 required signatures of the neighboring residents. The applicant also filled out and submitted the “Screening Application” form, please refer to Attachment 1 for the submitted application.
The Screening Criteria serves as an initial screening tool for applicants based on 9 criteria.
Each application will be reviewed following the screening criteria on a case-by-case basis and at the discretion of the Traffic Commission:
Screening Criteria Questions 1 through 9:
1. Does the request property have a driveway? (Yes)
2. Can at least one vehicle park in the driveway? (Yes)
3. Does the request property have a garage or carport? (Yes)
4. Does the request property have access to a back alley where a car can park inside the property or along the alley? (No)
5. Is there an existing blue curb within 1 block that can be used? (No)
6. Is this request for an apartment with 5 or more units? (No)
7. Does the request property have on-site parking? (Yes)
8. Is this request for bus or van pick up use? (No)
9. Is this request for a business or commercial property? (No) The applicant does not meet the criteria set forth by the Blue Curb Policy. As result, staff is recommending denial of the Blue Curb request. If the Blue Curb request is denied by the Traffic Commission, the request may be appealed by the applicant to the City Council by submitting their request for appeal in writing to the City Clerk's Office within 14 calendar days from date of denial. If denied, Mr. Reyes will be contacted and informed of the appeal process and the 14-calendar day appeal period.
Traffic Commission Agenda Report – Meeting of 04/13/2022 2241 Strong Avenue Blue Curb Request
Figure 2: View of the front area of the applicant’s residence.
Figure 3. Map of Properties Where Signatures Were Collected.
The applicant collected signatures from neighboring properties as indicated by a red dot above. Applicant’s residence is indicated by a red star.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve staff recommendation
2. Reject staff recommendation
3. Provide staff with further direction
Traffic Commission Agenda Report – Meeting of 04/13/2022 2241 Strong Avenue Blue Curb Request
FISCAL IMPACT:
No fiscal impact if the Commission does not approve the installation of the disabled blue curb parking space. If the Commission approves the installation, the lump sum cost of painting the curb blue and installing the disabled person sign next to the blue curb is approximately $800.
Respectfully submitted,
Daniel Hernandez,
Director of Public Works
Recommended & prepared by:
Traffic Engineering
ATTACHMENTS:
1. 2241 Strong Avenue Blue Curb Request Completed Application
2. Valid Disabled Person Placard Identification Receipt and Driver’s License
Attachment 1: Completed Application (1 of 4)
Attachment 1: Completed Application (2 of 4)
Attachment 1: Completed Application (3 of 4)
Attachment 1: Completed Application (4 of 4)
Attachment 2: Valid Disabled Person Placard Identification Card and Driver’s License