DATE: March 3, 2025
TO: Mayor and Members of the City Council
VIA: Stefan Chatwin, City Manager
Marlene Subhashini, Assistant City Manager
FROM: Andrew Brozyna, Public Works Director
Laura Galli, Engineering Manager
Justin Lai, Senior Civil Engineer
DEPARTMENT: Public Works
SUBJECT: UPDATE ON THE DAYLIGHTING LAW - ASSEMBLY BILL NO. 413 AND THE CITY’S IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council, by Minute Order, receive and accept the status update on Assembly Bill No. 413 (AB 413) Daylighting Law implementation. This is an informational report only. No additional action is required.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
AB 413 or the “daylighting” law went into effect on January 1, 2024, which restricts parking vehicles within twenty (20) feet in advance of the vehicle approach side of any unmarked or marked crosswalk, or fifteen (15) feet of any crosswalk when the location has a curb extension (bulb out). The staff report summarizes steps taken to date, priority areas for implementation, and discusses next steps including coordinating with the Foster City Police Department (FCPD) for enforcement and education.
BACKGROUND
On October 10, 2023, the Governor approved AB 413 in an effort to improve safety of pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers by increasing overall visibility at crosswalks. AB 413 is also referred to as the “daylighting law,” which makes it illegal to stop, stand, or park
a vehicle within 20 feet of the vehicle approach side of any unmarked or marked crosswalk or 15 feet of any crosswalk where a curb extension is present. This bill was authored by Assembly Member Alex Lee and supported by the California Bicycle Coalition (CalBike) and Streets for All. Note that AB 413 was considered a "gut and amend" bill, meaning the original intent of the bill was significantly changed through amendments, essentially replacing the original text and creating a new law with the same bill number but substantially different regulations regarding vehicle parking near crosswalks.
While the bill went into effect on January 1, 2024, it was not enforceable by citation, until January 1, 2025, unless the area was painted or signed. Currently, this is state law and now both “marked” and “unmarked” crosswalks are enforceable by citation, regardless of the presence of red curb or no parking signage.
ANALYSIS
The Traffic Review Committee (TRC) received presentations pertaining to staff’s implementation and education plan on April 25, 2024, and September 26, 2024. During these meetings, the TRC indicated support of the plan and were in favor of the process.
Due to the vast number of crosswalks within the City, it would be difficult to stripe or sign all the restrictions. Staff have proposed to install red curb in phases, with priority given to areas with higher volumes of vulnerable roadway users.
The first phase includes installing red curbs where Safe Routes to School encourage pedestrians to travel. This work will be performed in-house by City maintenance crews.
The second phase includes incorporating the addition of red curbs as part of the annual paving projects. The paving projects traditionally have a striping contractor who can easily add additional red curb striping to the scope. Staff have included red curb additions to this year’s Street Resurfacing Project CIP 301-722. The third phase would be to install red curb at other high pedestrian locations, such as shopping centers and parks. The third phase will most likely overlap with the second due to the multiyear effort for both phases. This work would also be performed in-house by City maintenance crews.
By spreading the implementation in phases over multiple years, it creates a more manageable workload. Currently, the FCPD has been focusing on education and will continue to educate the public well into this year. This includes providing notices that include information about the law and talking with residents (Attachment 1). Staff understand that this is a new law, and many citizens might not be aware of the new requirements. Currently, a citation for violating the law would be approximately $40.
Additionally, staff has posted information on the City’s website to educate the public on the new law and is working with the Communications division to educate and create awareness to residents through social media posts as well as preparing a City-wide mailer for inclusion within the water and wastewater utility bills.
CEQA
Not Applicable
FISCAL IMPACT
While there are no costs associated with this update, this law will result in a substantial increase to required maintenance. The costs of additional labor and materials (paint and in some cases signage) will be absorbed by the current Streets Operations and Maintenance budget via the General Fund; Gas Tax, Measure A, M, W, and SB 1 funds when work is incorporated into specific Capital Improvement Program Projects; and the General Fund for costs associated with public outreach and enforcement.
CITY COUNCIL VISION, MISSION, AND VALUE/PRIORITY AREA
Facilities and Infrastructure
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1 - AB 413 Educational Notice