TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: City Manager
SUBJECT: Disabled Blue Curb Parking Request at 4485 Lovett St MEETING DATE: March 11, 2024
RECOMMENDATION:
The City Council will consider denying or approving the blue curb parking request at 4485 Lovett St.
BACKGROUND:
The City received an application from the resident Antonio Lopez, resides at 4485 Lovett St, a multi-family residence, requesting an on-street physically challenged accessible parking space (blue curb) in front of their residence. The application was evaluated following the Screening Criteria, which the property did not meet.
Based on a thorough review, Staff recommended to the Traffic Commission that the blue curb request be denied consistent with the revised “Policy and Procedures for On-Street Physically Challenged Accessible Parking Space Policy (Blue Curb Parking Policy)” that was adopted by the City Council on October 11, 2022 (see Attachment 1).
The Traffic Commission during its regularly scheduled meeting on February 12, 2025, heard Staff report recommending denial and the applicants’ reasons requesting approval of their blue curb application (see Attachment 2). The Traffic Commission moved to not accept Staff’s recommendation and have City Council review the request for a decision.
The application was evaluated following the Screening Criteria, which the property did not meet due to the property having a driveway of sufficient length x width (20-feet x 14-feet) to accommodate a handicapped vehicle. The applicant stated that he is unable to park in the driveway because he rents a room in one of the units, and the other residents occupy the available driveway space. As a result, he is required to park on the street. He further explained that when nearby street parking is unavailable, he must park around the block, which poses a challenge due to a previous injury on the right side of his body that left him with lingering pain in his back and leg.
ANALYSIS:
Staff reviewed the existing conditions at 4485 Lovett St and the following was determined: (1) the property having an existing driveway of ample length (20 feet or more) or width (14 feet or more) that can be used for access by the physically challenged.
The reason behind the rejection of a disabled blue curb parking space request for applicants was due to the property having an existing driveway which is approximately 100-feet long and 18-feet wide. The driveway is of ample length (20-feet or more) and width (14-feet or more) and can be used for access by the physically challenged. A letter denying the blue curb request was mailed to the resident on December 9, 2024, subsequently, the resident submitted a “Request to Appeal to Traffic Commission” form which was received by the City on December 11, 2024.
Per the adopted Blue Curb Parking Policy, it is the objective of this policy to accommodate request for on-street physically challenged accessible parking spaces on residential streets/areas when no off-street or onsite parking option is available.
FISCAL IMPACT
No fiscal impact if the City Council denies the blue curb. If the City Council 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 which will come from the Public Works Operating Budget.
ALTERNATIVES:
Approve recommendation
Reject recommendation
Provide staff with further direction
RELATIONSHIP TO STRATEGIC GOALS:
This agenda item relates to the 2016 Strategic Plan:
Community Quality of Life
Guiding Principle 4, Support and evaluate community services, programs and events that promote healthy and quality lifestyles for our residents. Enhance public safety and social services through innovative programs that meet the needs of the residential and business communities.
Recommended by: Vilko Domic, Assistant City Manager
Reviewed by: Vilko Domic, Assistant City Manager
Approved as to form by: Noel Tapia, City Attorney
Respectfully submitted by: Ernie Hernandez, City Manager ATTACHMENTS:
Blue Curb Policy
Traffic Commission Agenda Report
CITY OF COMMERCE
AGENDA REPORT
Item No.