CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
June 4, 2024 {{section.number}}k
ADOPTION OF A “RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CORONADO,
CALIFORNIA, EXTENDING AN EXISTING RED CURB ZONE AND DESIGNATING AN EIGHTEEN-FOOT (18’) WHITE CURB LOADING ZONE ADJACENT TO CHRIST CHURCH DAY SCHOOL AT 901 C AVENUE”
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt a “Resolution of the City Council of the City of Coronado, California, extending an existing red curb zone and designating an eighteen-foot (18’) white curb loading zone adjacent to Christ Church Day School at 901 C Avenue.”
BACKGROUND:
The City received an email from John Sturges, Property and Safety Committee Chairman at Christ Church Day School (901 C Avenue), requesting the installation of a loading zone in front of the school. The proposed loading zone, located in the northeastern section of the 900 block of C Ave, aims to facilitate safe drop-off and pick-up for parents, preventing the need for children to cross the street.
The Traffic Operations Committee reviewed this request on February 22, 2024, and unanimously voted in favor of installing a white curb loading zone at this location.
ANALYSIS:
The 900 block of C Ave is home to Graham Memorial Presbyterian Church and School, Christ Episcopal Church, and Christ Church Day School. The area is heavily used in the mornings and afternoons for child drop-offs and pick-ups and serves as a prime parking location for visitors spending the day in the Downtown area. (See Attachment 2 – Vicinity Map & Proposed Loading Zone).
Loading zones are typically designated through either white or yellow-painted curb zones. White zones are used for “passenger only” loading, while yellow zones are for loading and unloading of materials, freight, and passengers. In accordance with Municipal Code Section 56.30.100, white curb zones in front of elementary schools shall be operative between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The City’s policy (i.e., “warrant”) regarding the use of white (passenger) loading zones is attached (see Attachment 3). In general, the policy states such zones are warranted in areas with significant loading/unloading demands, listing several types of land uses, including schools, where such conditions exist. It also references the Coronado Municipal Code Section 56.30.110, which limits loading zones to no more than one-fourth of the total block length in areas designated for business uses.
The 900 block of C Avenue is zoned for residential uses (R-3 and R-3P designations) but is primarily fronted by churches and schools. The block already features several white and green loading zones totaling 195’ and 20’, respectively. Although the block is not zoned for business uses, it should be noted that the total length of existing loading zones exceeds one-fourth of the overall block length. Additionally, the existing white curb zone, totaling 155 feet, is signed to be in effect from 7:30-8:30 a.m. and 2:00-3:00 p.m., presumably to reduce its impact on the neighborhood.
The requested loading zone adjacent to 901 C Avenue would be 18’ in length and would be in effect from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. The existing red curb zone on C Avenue at Ninth Street would be extended from 14’ to 20’, resulting in an 18 ’loading zone, which is the standard length for one car at the end of a row.
Considering all of the above, the requested white passenger loading zone meets the City’s warrant requirements, has been supported for installation by the Traffic Operations Committee, and is recommended for approval by staff.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The cost to install a white curb loading zone curb zone with associated sign and post is $225, to be paid by the requestor.
ALTERNATIVE:
The City Council could elect to not install a white curb loading zone at this location.
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT:
Installation, modification, or removal of relatively small amounts of red, blue, white, yellow, and green curb zones is categorically exempt pursuant to Article 19, Section 15301 – Existing Facilities – Operation and minor alterations of public facilities involving negligible or no expansion of use.
PUBLIC NOTICE:
None required. Courtesy notices were sent to properties within 300’ of proposed loading zone.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution No. 2024-43
2. Vicinity Map & Proposed Loading Zone
3. Warrant Policy for White Curb Zone
Submitted By: Public Services and Engineering Department / Dave Eastlick