City of Gonzales
CITY MANAGER DEPARTMENT
STAFF REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor Rios and City Council
DATE: January 21, 2025
FROM: Carmen Gil, City Manager
THROUGH: Carmen Gil, City Manager
SUBJECT: Presentation on Assembly Bill 413 (AB 413)
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council receive a presentation regarding Assembly Bill 413 (AB413), and provide direction.
BACKGROUND
The California Legislature passed Assembly Bill 413 on October 10, 2023. This law went into effect on January 1, 2024, but included a year grace period before enforcement on January 1, 2025. AB 413 is an unfunded state-mandate that is meant to improve pedestrian safety by prohibiting vehicles from parking within 20 feet of the driver's approach side of any marked or unmarked crosswalk or 15 feet from a bulb out. This means that as of January 1, 2025, any vehicle that is parked within 20 feet of the driver's approach side of any marked or unmarked crosswalk or within 15 feet of a bulb out at an intersection (whether painted or not), can be cited by law enforcement. This law is meant to improve pedestrian safety by giving approaching vehicles a clearer sight line of any pedestrian stepping off the curb and onto the roadway.
REVIEW AND ANALYSIS
The City’s limited staffing prevents the City from painting all of the curbs on all of the City’s intersections to comply with AB 413. However, the City is planning to paint curbs in areas that see high pedestrian traffic for added safety. The City also plans to work with volunteers willing to help paint areas in their neighborhoods so that there is a clear distinction of where cars are not to park. Violators can be cited whether the 20 feet from the curb is painted red or not.
AGENDA
ITEM
15 Staff has been conducting outreach to inform the community about the new law. Information was placed on the City’s social media sites and included in billing stuffers. The City will continue to conduct outreach regarding it, and will send periodic reminders. Like our counterparts, the City will start enforcing on a complaint basis. The fee for a violation will be $35. This keeps it streamlined with other parking violations.
Explain Recommendation and How it Supports the Vision
Gonzales will continue to be a safe, clean, family-friendly community, diverse in its heritage, and committed to working collaboratively to preserve and retain its small town charm.
Explain: AB 413 is a newly established unfunded mandate that we must adhere to that will support pedestrian safety.
Explain how the Recommendation Directly Implements the Mission The City Council and Staff of the City of Gonzales will realize our Vision by providing the leadership, commitment, and resources necessary to provide excellent services that enhance the quality of life of our diverse community.
Explain: See above for explanation.
City services will be delivered in a cost-effective, respectful, and friendly manner to insure the safety and well being of the residents and the promotion of business, recreational, housing and employment opportunities in an environmentally sustainable manner.
Explain: See above for explanation.
Strong fiscal policies allow us to provide appropriate infrastructure for:
• Public Safety X Yes No N/A
• Housing Yes No X N/A
• Recreation Yes No X N/A
• Environment Yes No X N/A
• Education Yes No X N/A
Explain: See above for explanation.
ALTERNATIVES
The City must establish an enforcement program around this new law, otherwise we are in violation and can be held liable.
BUDGET IMPACT
It is hard to estimate how much of a budget impact the enforcement of this new law will have. However, it will be significant as it will take staff time to paint the curbs and material. It will also take a great deal of staff time to be enforced. The fees collected through citations will not cover the impact to the budget.
CONCLUSION
It is recommended that the City Council receive a presentation regarding Assembly Bill 413 (AB 413), and provide direction.