CITY OF LAGUNA NIGUEL
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
To: Honorable Mayor and Council Members
FROM: Jacki Scott, Public Works Director/City Engineer
DATE: November 19, 2024
SUBJECT: Introduction of Ordinance No. 2024-231, Amending Ordinance No. 91-45 to Establish the Prima Facie Speed Limit on Four Street Segments of Forbes Road and La Paz Road Within the City
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Waive full reading and introduce Ordinance No. 2024-231, by title:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA NIGUEL,
CALIFORNIA, AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 91-45
TO ESTABLISH THE PRIMA FACIE SPEED LIMIT ON FOUR
STREET SEGMENTS OF FORBES ROAD AND LA PAZ ROAD
WITHIN THE CITY
2. Direct that the proposed Ordinance be placed on the agenda for adoption at the December 3, 2024 City Council meeting.
3. Approve staff's recommendation of no changes to the existing speed limit on Avila Road (Moulton Parkway to La Paz Road).
BACKGROUND
In accordance with State law, Engineering and Traffic Surveys (E&TS) are required to establish speed limits and to update old surveys so that speed limits can be legally posted and enforced. In April 2023, based on the Traffic and Transportation Commission's recommendation, the City Council adopted speed limits for two street segments from the E&TS conducted between 2020 and 2022. For this report, the City conducted E&TS for additional segments because either construction was recently completed which significantly changed traffic conditions or the speed survey had just expired.
The California speed limit law is based on the "reasonable driver" premise, which concludes that most drivers (in statistical analysis, 85% of all drivers) drive in a reasonable and prudent manner based on the conditions they encounter and do not intentionally drive in a manner that will result in collisions or citations. As with most laws, speed limits need to depend on the voluntary compliance of the greater majority of motorists. Speed limits
cannot be set arbitrarily low, as this would create violators of the majority of drivers and would not command the respect of the public.
E&TS are conducted during off-peak hours on an average weekday when traffic is free flowing and individual driver behavior can be recorded. Once the information is gathered, the necessary calculations are made and an 85th percentile speed is determined. By law, the speed limit must be set at the closest 5 miles per hour (MPH) increment to the 85th percentile speed. If extreme or unusual conditions exist, then the speed limit may be lowered.
Pursuant to California Vehicle Code (CVC) Section 40802, E&TS are valid for five years but can be valid for seven years if the citing officers have the proper training and the electronic speed measuring device has the proper certifications. The Orange County Sheriff's Department deputies assigned to the City of Laguna Niguel possess the training and equipment calibration testing certificates required by the CVC; therefore, the City's E&TS are valid for seven years from the date of survey. With the passage of California Assembly Bill (AB) 43 in 2021, E&TS can remain valid for 14 years if a registered engineer determines that no significant changes in roadway or traffic conditions have occurred, including, but not limited to, changes in adjoining property or land use, roadway width, or traffic volume. Although the law allows up to 14 years between surveys, the City of Laguna Niguel updates its surveys every seven years to ensure that any changes in traffic patterns and driving behavior are appropriately documented.
California AB 43 authorizes local jurisdictions to reduce or keep existing speed limits on public streets. The new law allows local governments to resist the consistent increase in speed limits over time, known as "speed creep," specifically stating that if an E&TS finds that the speed limit is still more than reasonable or safe, the local authority may retain the existing speed limit if that speed limit was already established with an E&TS and if a registered engineer has evaluated the section of the highway and determined that no lanes have been added to the roadway since completion of the E&TS that established the prior speed limit.
ANALYSIS
Based on the surveys conducted, the following are the recommended speed limits for five street segments within the City:
Avila Road
A new speed survey for Avila Road from Moulton Parkway to La Paz Road was recently conducted to replace the survey that expired this summer. From the new speed survey, that segment of Avila Road would have required an increase in the posted speed limit based on the "reasonable driver" premise. However, Avila Road was evaluated in accordance with AB 43, and it is recommended that the existing speed limit be retained as shown in the following table.
Existing 85th Recommended
Speed Percentile
Street Segment Speed Limit
Limit Speed (MPH)
(MPH) (MPH)
Avila Road 35 40 35
Moulton Parkway to La Paz Road
Forbes Road
There are two street segments on Forbes Road that were recently evaluated that do not currently have a posted speed limit.
By State law, the speed limit shall be set at the nearest 5 MPH increment to the 85th percentile speed, which would be 30 MPH for both segments of Forbes Road. The City has discretion, per the CVC, to lower the speed limit by 5 MPH based on factors not readily apparent to motorists. Forbes Road is adjacent to a new senior care facility, a large multi-family development, and provides access to the Oso Creek Trail, which are all high pedestrian traffic generators. It is recommended to implement a posted speed limit of 25 MPH instead of 30 MPH for both segments of Forbes Road.
Based on the new speed surveys, the 85th percentile speeds and recommended speed limits are as follows:
Existing 85th
Recommended
Speed Percentile Speed Limit
Street Segment Limit Speed
(MPH)
(MPH) (MPH)
Forbes Road 29 25
-
Crown Valley Parkway to northern terminus
Forbes Road 25
- 30
Crown Valley Parkway to southern terminus
To further enhance pedestrian safety as residential land uses continue to expand on Forbes Road, the City received a $3.4 million grant to provide additional sidewalk on Forbes Road south of Crown Valley Parkway, extend the Oso Creek Trail to the southern city boundary, and improve the Forbes Road cul-de-sac intersection by installing a pedestrian crosswalk. The City will also install high-visibility crosswalks, rectangular rapid-flashing beacons, and solar-powered lighting at the intersections of Forbes Road and Getty Drive and Forbes Road and Cape Drive.
La Paz Road
Two segments on La Paz Road were recently surveyed following completion of construction that significantly changed traffic conditions.
By State law, the speed limit shall be set at the nearest 5 MPH increment to the 85th percentile speed, which would be 40 MPH for both segments of La Paz Road. It is
recommended to implement a posted speed limit of 40 MPH on La Paz Road from Aliso Creek Road to Rancho Niguel Road, which would be a 5 MPH reduction from the existing speed limit. The new roadway alignment with concrete k-rail barrier on La Paz Road between Rancho Niguel Road and Crown Valley Parkway is a factor not readily apparent to motorists, which gives the City discretion to lower the speed limit by 5 MPH. It is recommended to implement a posted speed limit of 35 MPH instead of 40 MPH on La Paz Road from Rancho Niguel Road to Crown Valley Parkway due to the vertical and horizontal curvature of the roadway, reduced roadway width, and limited sight distance.
This would be a 10 MPH reduction from the existing speed limit on this segment of La Paz Road.
Based on the new speed surveys, the 85th percentile speeds and recommended speed limits are as follows:
Existing 85th Recommended
Speed Percentile Speed Limit
Street Segment Limit Speed
(MPH)
(MPH) (MPH)
La Paz Road 45 42 40
Aliso Creek Road to Rancho Niguel Road
La Paz Road
Rancho Niguel Road to Crown Valley 45 38 35
Parkway
The latest speed survey summary is provided as Attachment "A".
Traffic and Transportation Commission Review
On October 23, 2024, the Traffic and Transportation Commission reviewed the Speed Limits for Avila Road, Forbes Road, and La Paz Road discussion item (Attachment "B").
Based on the information presented by staff during the meeting, the Traffic and Transportation Commission approved staff's recommendation of no changes to the existing speed limit on Avila Road and recommended that the City Council adopt an ordinance to establish new speed limits on the following four street segments:
• Forbes Road (Crown Valley Parkway to northern terminus) - 25 MPH • Forbes Road (Crown Valley Parkway to southern terminus) - 25 MPH • La Paz Road (Aliso Creek Road to Rancho Niguel Road) - 40 MPH • La Paz Road (Rancho Niguel Road to Crown Valley Parkway) - 35 MPH Draft meeting minutes are provided as Attachment "C". The proposed ordinance is provided as Attachment "D".
FISCAL REVIEW
The estimated cost to install the new speed limit signs is $2,000. There are sufficient funds in the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Public Works Department operating budget to cover the cost of the new signs.
LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney's Office has reviewed and approved Ordinance No. 2024-231 as to form.
CONCLUSION
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Waive full reading and introduce Ordinance No. 2024-231, by title:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA NIGUEL,
CALIFORNIA, AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 91-45
TO ESTABLISH THE PRIMA FACIE SPEED LIMIT ON FOUR
STREET SEGMENTS OF FORBES ROAD AND LA PAZ ROAD
WITHIN THE CITY
2. Direct that the proposed Ordinance be placed on the agenda for adoption at the December 3, 2024 City Council meeting.
3. Approve staffs recommendation of no changes to the existing speed limit on Avila Road (Moulton Parkway to La Paz Road).
Tamara S. Letourneau
City Manager Public Works Director/City Engineer
Attachments:
. Speed Survey Summary
B. Traffic and Transportation Commission Staff Report, October 23, 2024 C. Traffic and Transportation Commission Draft Meeting Minutes, October 23, D. Ordinance No. 2024-231
ATTACHMENT A
Speed Survey Summary
City of Laguna Niguel
Speed Survey Summary
UPDATED 10/11/2024
PREVIOUS DATE OF E&TS CURRENT DATE OF E&TS SURVEY
STREET/LOCATION SPEED LIMIT FOR PREVIOUS SPEED LIMIT FOR CURRENT EXPIRES (MPH) SPEED LIMIT (MPH) SPEED LIMIT
AVILA ROAD
1 Moulton Parkway to La Paz Road 35 06/19/17 35 09/24/24 09/24/31
FORBES ROAD
North of Crown Valley Parkway N/A 25 09/24/24 09/24/31
South of Crown Valley Parkway N/A = 25 02/16/22 02/15/29
LA PAZ ROAD
Aliso Creek Road to Rancho Niguel Road 45 04/14/15 40 09/24/24 09/24/31 Rancho Niguel Road to Crown Valley Parkway 45 04/14/15 35 09/24/24 09/24/31
ATTACHMENT B
Traffic and Transportation Commission Staff Report,
October 23, 2024
CITY OF LaGUNA NIGUEL
TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
AGENDA ITEM
To: Traffic and Transportation Commission Members
FROM: Kathy Nguyen, Engineering Services Manager/City Traffic Engineer DATE: October 23, 2024
SUBJECT: Speed Limits for Avila Road, Forbes Road, and La Paz Road
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Traffic and Transportation Commission:
1. Approve staff's recommendation of no changes to the existing speed limit on Avila Road (Moulton Parkway to La Paz Road); and,
2. Recommend that the City Council adopt an ordinance to establish new speed limits on the following street segments:
• Forbes Road (Crown Valley Parkway to northern terminus) - 25 MPH • Forbes Road (Crown Valley Parkway to southern terminus) - 25 MPH • La Paz Road (Aliso Creek Road to Rancho Niguel Road) - 40 MPH • La Paz Road (Rancho Niguel Road to Crown Valley Parkway) - 35 MPH
BACKGROUND
In accordance with State law, Engineering and Traffic Surveys (E&TS) are required to establish speed limits and to update old surveys so that speed limits can be legally posted and enforced. In April 2023, based on the Traffic and Transportation Commission's recommendation, the City Council adopted speed limits from the E&TS conducted between 2020 and 2022. For this report, the City conducted E&TS for additional segments because either construction was recently completed which significantly changed traffic conditions or the speed survey had just expired.
The California speed limit law is based on the "reasonable driver" premise, which concludes that most drivers (in statistical analysis, 85% of all drivers) drive in a reasonable and prudent manner based on the conditions they encounter and do not intentionally drive in a manner that will result in collisions or citations. As with most laws, speed limits need to depend on the voluntary compliance of the greater majority of motorists. Speed limits cannot be set arbitrarily low, as this would create violators of the majority of drivers and would not command the respect of the public.
E&TS are conducted during off-peak hours on an average weekday when traffic is free flowing and individual driver behavior can be recorded. Once the information is gathered, the necessary calculations are made and an 85th percentile speed is determined. By law, the speed limit must be set at the closest 5 miles per hour (MPH) increment to the 85th percentile speed. If extreme or unusual conditions exist, then the speed limit may be lowered
Pursuant to California Vehicle Code (CVC) Section 40802, E&TS are valid for five years but can be valid for seven years if the citing officers have the proper training and the electronic speed measuring device has the proper certifications. The Orange County Sheriff's Department deputies assigned to the City of Laguna Niguel possess the training and equipment calibration testing certificates required by the CVC; therefore, the City's E&TS are valid for seven years from the date of survey. With the passage of California Assembly Bill (AB) 43 in 2021, E&TS can remain valid for 14 years if a registered engineer determines that no significant changes in roadway or traffic conditions have occurred, including, but not limited to, changes in adjoining property or land use, roadway width, or traffic volume.
California AB 43 authorizes local jurisdictions to reduce or keep existing speed limits on public streets. The new law allows local governments to resist the consistent increase in speed limits over time, known as "speed creep," specifically stating that if an E&TS finds that the speed limit is still more than reasonable or safe, the local authority may retain the existing speed limit if that speed limit was already established with an E&TS and if a registered engineer has evaluated the section of the highway and determined that no lanes have been added to the roadway since completion of the E&TS that established the prior speed limit
ANALYSIS
A new speed survey for Avila Road from Moulton Parkway to La Paz Road was recently conducted to replace the survey that expired this summer. From the new speed survey, that segment of Avila Road would have required an increase in the posted speed limit based on the "reasonable driver" premise. However, Avila Road was evaluated in accordance with AB 43, and it is recommended that the existing speed limit be retained as shown in the following table:
Existing 85th Recommended
Speed Percentile Speed Limit
Street Segment Limit Speed
(MPH) (MPH) (MPH)
Avila Road 35 40 35
Moulton Parkway to La Paz Road
Additionally, two segments on Forbes Road and two segments on La Paz Road were recently surveyed following completion of construction that significantly changed traffic conditions. Based on the new speed surveys, the 85t percentile speeds and recommended speed limits are as follows:
Existing 85th Recommended
Speed Percentile Speed Limit
Street Segment Limit Speed
(MPH)
(MPH) (MPH)
Forbes Road 29 25
Crown Valley Parkway to northern terminus -
Forbes Road 30 25
Crown Valley Parkway to southern terminus
La Paz Road 45 40
Aliso Creek Road to Rancho Niguel Road 42
La Paz Road
Rancho Niguel Road to Crown Valley 45 38 35
Parkway
Forbes Road
By State law, the speed limit shall be set at the nearest 5 MPH increment to the 85th percentile speed, which would be 30 MPH for both segments of Forbes Road. The City has discretion, per the CVC, to lower the speed limit by 5 MPH based on factors not readily apparent to motorists. Forbes Road is adjacent to a new senior care facility, a large multi-family development, and provides access to the Oso Creek Trail, which are all high pedestrian traffic generators. It is recommended to implement a posted speed limit of 25 MPH instead of 30 MPH for both segments of Forbes Road.
To further enhance pedestrian safety as residential land uses continue to expand on Forbes Road, the City received a $3.4 million grant to provide 380 feet of sidewalk gap closure on Forbes Road south of Crown Valley Parkway, extend the off-street Oso Creek Trail by 3, 100 feet to the southern city boundary, and improve the Forbes Road cul-de- sac intersection to install a pedestrian crosswalk. The City will also install high-visibility crosswalks, rectangular rapid-flashing beacons, and solar-powered lighting at the intersections of Forbes Road and Getty Drive and Forbes Road and Cape Drive.
La Paz Road
By State law, the speed limit shall be set at the nearest 5 MPH increment to the 85th percentile speed, which would be 40 MPH for both segments of La Paz Road. It is recommended to implement a posted speed limit of 40 MPH on La Paz Road from Aliso Creek Road to Rancho Niguel Road, which would be a 5 MPH reduction from the existing speed limit. The new roadway alignment with concrete k-rail barrier on La Paz Road between Rancho Niguel Road and Crown Valley Parkway is a factor not readily apparent to motorists, which gives the City discretion to lower the speed limit by 5 MPH. It is recommended to implement a posted speed limit of 35 MPH instead of 40 MPH on La Paz Road from Rancho Niguel Road to Crown Valley Parkway due to the vertical and horizontal curvature of the roadway, reduced roadway width, and limited sight distance.
This would be a 10 MPH reduction from the existing speed limit.
The latest speed survey summary is provided as Attachment "A".
Staff recommends that the Traffic and Transportation Commission approve staffs recommendation of no changes to the existing speed limit on Avila Road. Staff also recommends that the Traffic and Transportation Commission recommend that the City Council adopt an ordinance to establish new speed limits of 25 MPH on Forbes Road north and south of Crown Valley Parkway, 40 MPH on La Paz Road from Aliso Creek Road to Rancho Niguel Road, and 35 MPH on La Paz Road from Rancho Niguel Road to Crown Valley Parkway (Attachment "B").
FISCAL REVIEW
The estimated cost to install the new speed limit signs is $2,000. There are sufficient funds in the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Public Works Department budget to cover the cost of the new signs.
LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney's Office has reviewed the ordinance and approved as to form.
CONCLUSION
Staff recommends that the Traffic and Transportation Commission:
1. Approve staff's recommendation of no changes to the existing speed limit on Avila Road (Moulton Parkway to La Paz Road); and,
2. Recommend that the City Council adopt an ordinance to establish new speed limits on the following street segments:
• Forbes Road (Crown Valley Parkway to northern terminus) - 25 MPH • Forbes Road (Crown Valley Parkway to southern terminus) - 25 MPH • La Paz Road (Aliso Creek Road to Rancho Niguel Road) - 40 MPH La Paz Road (Rancho Niguel Road to Crown Valley Parkway) - 35 MPH Engineering Services Manager/
City Traffic Engineer
Attachments:
A. 2024 Speed Survey Summary
B. Proposed City Ordinance
ATTACHMENT A
Traffic and Transportation Commission Agenda Item -
October 23, 2024
2024 Speed Survey Summary
City of Laguna Niguel
Speed Study Summary
UPDATED 10/11/2024
PREVIOUS DATE OF E&TS CURRENT DATE OF E&TS SURVEY
STREET/LOCATION SPEED LIMIT FOR PREVIOUS SPEED LIMIT FOR CURRENT EXPIRES' (MPH) SPEED LIMIT (MPH) SPEED LIMIT
ALICIA PARKWAY
1 Pacific Park Drive to Aliso Creek Road 50 04/14/15 50 02/26/20 02/25/27 2 Aliso Creek to Highlands Avenue 50 06/20/17 50 02/12/22 02/11/29 3 Highlands Avenue to Niguel Road 50 06/20/17 50 02/10/22 02/09/29 4 Niguel Road to Crown Valley Parkway 40 02/25/16 40 02/20/20 02/19/27
ALISO CREEK ROAD
5 Alicia Parkway to La Paz Road 45 06/13/17 45 02/16/22 02/15/29 La Paz Road to Moulton Parkway 40 06/13/17 40 02/16/22 02/15/29
ALISO NIGUEL
Pacific Park Drive to Moulton Parkway 30 05/20/15 30 02/24/20
AUGUSTA DRIVE
8 Niguel Road to Seminole Place 30 07/06/17 30 02/22/22 02/21/29
AVILA ROAD
Moulton Parkway to La Paz Road 35 06/19/17 35 09/24/31
10 La Paz Road to Alicia Parkway 35 06/19/17 35 02/10/22 02/09/29
BARKENTINE BOULEVARD
11 Caravel Place to Camino del Avion 25 04/17/15 25 03/09/20 03/09/27
BEACON HILL WAY
Golden Lantern to Ridgeway Avenue 35 06/20/17 35 02/17/22 02/16/29 13 Ridgeway Avenue to Niguel Road 35 06/20/17 35 02/17/22 02/16/29
BEAR BRAND ROAD
14 Camino del Avion to Gate 30 06/28/17 30 02/24/22 02/23/29
CABOT ROAD
Paseo de Colinas to Crown Valley Parkway 45 06/27/17 45 02/09/22 02/08/29 16 Crown Valley Parkway to 1200' south of Rapid Falls 45 04/20/15 45 02/24/20 02/23/27 17 Rapid Falls to North City Limits 45 04/20/15 45 02/24/20 02/23/27
City of Laguna Niguel
Speed Study Summary
UPDATED 10/11/2024
PREVIOUS DATE OF E&TS CURRENT DATE OF E&TS SURVEY
STREET/LOCATION SPEED LIMIT FOR PREVIOUS SPEED LIMIT FOR CURRENT EXPIRES' (MPH) SPEED LIMIT (MPH) SPEED LIMIT
CAMINO CAPISTRANO
18 North City Limits to Paseo de Colinas 35 06/27/17 35 02/24/22 02/23/29 Paseo do Colinas to South City Limits 35 04/15/15 35 02/27120 02/26/27
CAMINO DEL AVION
20 East City Limits to Golden Lantern 06/28/17 40 02/08/22 02/07/29 21 Golden Lantern to Bear Brand 40 06/28/17 40 02/08/22 02/07/29 22 Bear Brand to Niguel Road 45 06/28/17 45 02/08/22 02/07/29 Niguel Road to Crown Valley Parkway 45 06/28/17 45 02/08/22 02/07/29
CHAPPAROSA PARK ROAD
24 Golden Lantern to End of Cul-de-sac 30 06/28/17 30 02/24/22 02/23/29
CHARLES ROAD
25 Niguel Road to Ridgeway Avenue 30 04/16/15 30 03/09/20 03/09/27
CLUB HOUSE DRIVE
26 Niguel Road to Crown Valley Parkway 35 06/19/17 35 02/17/22 02/16/29 27 Crown Valley Parkway to Pacific Island Drive 35 06/19/17 35 02/17122 02/16/29
CROWN VALLEY PARKWAY
28 1-5 Freeway to Cabot Road 40 06/22/17 40 02/09/22 02/08/29 29 Cabot Road to Greenfield Drive 45 04/20/15 45 02/24/20 02/23/27 30 Greenfield Drive to Moulton Parkway 50 06/22/17 50 02/09/22 02/08/29 31 Moulton Parkway to La Paz Road 45 10/11/17 45 02/09/22 02/08/29 32 La Paz Road to Niguel Road 45 10/11/17 45 02/08/22 02/07/29 33 Niguel Road to Via Valle 45 06/22/17 45 02/09/22 02/08/29 34 • Via Valle to Club House Drive 50 06/22/17 50 02/08/22 02/07/29 35 Club House Drive to Camino del Avion 50 06/22/17 50 02/08/22 02/07/29
City of Laguna Niguel
Speed Study Summary
UPDATED 10/11/2024
PREVIOUS DATE OF E&TS CURRENT DATE OF E&TS SURVEY
STREET/LOCATION SPEED LIMIT FOR PREVIOUS SPEED LIMIT FOR CURRENT EXPIRES' (MPH) SPEED LIMIT (MPH) SPEED LIMIT
EAST NINE DRIVE
36 Club House Drive to Gate 30 04/20/15 30 03/05/20 03/05/27
EL LAZO ROAD
37 Alicia Parkway to Avila Road 35 06/19/17 35 02/16/22 02/15/29
FORBES ROAD
38 North of Crown Valley Parkway N/A 25 09/24/24 09/24/31 25 = 25 02/16/22 02/15/29
39 South of Crown Valley Parkway
GOLDEN LANTERN, STREET OF THE
40 Crown Valley Parkway to Paseo de Colinas 45 04/15/15 45 02/20/20 02/19/27 41 Paseo do Colinas to Marina Hills Drive 45 04/14/15 45 02/20/20 02/19/27 42 Marina Hills Drive to Sardina Lane 50 05/20/15 50 02/20/20 02/19/27 43 Sardina Lane to Camino del Avion 50 07/06/17 50 02/16/22 02/15/29
GREENFIELD DRIVE
44 North City Limits to Crown Valley Parkway 35 06/22/17 35 02/16/22 02/15/29 45 Crown Valley Parkway to El Sur 25 04/15/15 25 02/27120 02/26/27
HEATHER RIDGE
46 Pacific Park Drive to Avila Road 35 06/19/17 35 03/01/22 02/28/29
HIDDEN HILLS ROAD
47 Golden Lantern to Niguel Ranch Road 35 06/27/17 35 02/22/22 02/21/29
HIGHLANDS AVENUE
48 Alicia Parkway to Niguel Road 40 04/14/15 40 03/02/20 03/02/27 49 Niguel Road to Pacific Island Drive 40 04/15/15 40 03/02/20 03/02/27
IVY GLENN LANE
50 Alicia Parkway to Niguel Road 25 04/17/15 25 02/20/20 02/19/27
KINGS ROAD
51 La Paz Road to Crown Ridge 30 04/16/15 30 02/26/20 02/25/27
City of Laguna Niguel
Speed Study Summary
UPDATED 10/11/2024
PREVIOUS DATE OF E&TS CURRENT DATE OF E&TS SURVEY
STREET/LOCATION SPEED LIMIT FOR PREVIOUS SPEED LIMIT FOR CURRENT EXPIRES' (MPH) SPEED LIMIT (MPH) SPEED LIMIT
KITE HILL DRIVE
52 Alicia Parkway North to Alicia Parkway South 30 04/17/15 30 03/02/20 03/02/27
LA PAZ ROAD
53 North city limits to Avila Road 40 06/13/17 40 02/16/22 02/15/29 54 Avila Road to Aliso Creek Road 45 06/13/17 45 02/16/22 02/15/29 Aliso Creek Road to Rancho Niguel Road 45 04/14/15 40 09/24/24 09/24/31 56 Rancho Niguel Road to Crown Valley Parkway 45 04/14/15 35 09/24/24 09/24/31
MARINA HILLS DRIVE
57 Golden Lantern to Parc Vista West 45 04/14/15 45 03/04/20 03/04/27 58 Parc Vista West to Niguel Road 04/14/15 45 03/04/20 03/04/27
MOULTON PARKWAY
59 North City Limits to Aliso Creek Road 50 06/13/17 50 02/10/22 02/09/29 60 Aliso Creek Road to Rancho Niguel Road 50 06/13/17 50 02/10/22 02/09/29 61 Rancho Niguel Road to Crown Valley Parkway 50 06/13/17 50 02/09/22 02/08/29
MOUNT VERNON STREET
Ridgeway Avenue East to Ridgeway Avenue West 30 05/20/15 30 03/09/20 03/09/27
NIGUEL HEIGHTS BOULEVARD
63 Avila Road to Aliso Creek Road 30 04/16/15 30 02/26/20 02/25/27
NIGUEL RANCH ROAD
64 Stonegate Lane to Marina Hills Drive 35 04/16/15 35 03/04/20 03/04/27
City of Laguna Niguel
Speed Study Summary
UPDATED 10/11/2024
PREVIOUS DATE OF E&TS CURRENT DATE OF E&TS SURVEY
STREET/LOCATION SPEED LIMIT FOR PREVIOUS SPEED LIMIT FOR CURRENT EXPIRES! (MPH) SPEED LIMIT (MPH) SPEED LIMIT
NIGUEL ROAD
65 Alta Terra to Highlands Avenue 30 04/17/15 30 02/20/20 02/19/27 66 Highlands Avenue to Alicia Parkway 40 06/26/17 40 02/10/22 02/09/29 67 Alicia Parkway to Crown Valley Parkway 40 06/26/17 40 02/23/22 02/22/29 68 Crown Valley Parkway to Marina Hills Drive 40 06/26/17 40 02/22/22 02/21/29 69 Marina Hills Drive to Club House Drive 50 06/26/17 50 02/22/22 02/21/29 70 Club House Drive to Camino del Avion 50 04/14/15 50 02/20/20 02/19/27
NUEVA VISTA DRIVE
71 Moulton Parkway to Crown Valley Parkway 30 04/17/15 30 02/27/20 02/26/27
OCEAN WAY
72 Pacific Island Drive to Cannes 25 07/06/17 25 02/24/22 02/23/29
OLD RANCH ROAD
73 Golden Lantern to Gate 30 06/27/17 30 02/24/22 02/23/29
PACIFIC ISLAND DRIVE
74 Alicia Parkway to Club House Drive 45 04/14/15 45 03/02/20 03/02/27 75 Club House Drive to Starview Lane 45 04/14/15 45 03/02/20 03/02/27 76 Starview Lane to Crown Valley Parkway 45 04/14/15 45 03/02/20 03/02/27
PACIFIC PARK DRIVE
77 Alicia Parkway to La Paz Road 45 45 03/01/22 02/28/29 78 La Paz Road to SR-73 Freeway N/A - 45 03/01/22 02/28/29
PARC VISTA
79 Marina Hills Drive East to Via Vetti 30 04/15/15 30 03/04/20 03/04/27 Via Valle to Marina Hills Drive West 30 04/15/15 30 03/04/20 03/04/27
PASEO DE COLINAS
81 Camino Capistrano to El Sur 45 04/15/15 45 02/27/20 02/26/27 82 El Sur to Golden Lantern 45 04/15/15 45 02/24/20 02/23/27
City of Laguna Niguel
Speed Study Summary
UPDATED 10/11/2024
PREVIOUS DATE OF E&TS CURRENT DATE OF E&TS SURVEY
STREET/LOCATION SPEED LIMIT FOR PREVIOUS SPEED LIMIT FOR CURRENT EXPIRES' (MPH) SPEED LIMIT (MPH) SPEED LIMIT
RANCHO NIGUEL ROAD
83 Greenfield Drive to Rancho de Linda 35 04/16/15 35 02/24/20 02/23/27 84 Rancho de Linda to Moulton Parkway 35 04/16/15 35 02/24/20 02/23/27 85 Moulton Parkway to La Paz Road 35 06/22/17 35 03/01/22 02/28/29
RIDGEWAY AVENUE
86 Beacon Hill Road to Mount Vernon Street North 35 06/20/17 35 02/23/22 02/22/29 Mount Vernon Street North to Niguel Road 35 07/06/17 35 02/23/22 02/22/29
SEA GLEN
Chapparosa Park to Sweet Meadow 25 04/15/15 25 03/09/20 03/09/27
SON SERRA
89 Parc Vista North to Parc Vista South 30 07/14/16 30 03/04/20 03/04/27 ST. CHRISTOPHER
90 Golden Lantern North to Via Laguna 35 05/20/15 35 02/19/20 02/18/27 91 Via Laguna to Golden Lantern South 35 04/15/15 35 02/19/20 02/18/27
TALAVERA DRIVE
92 West of Pacific Island Drive 30 04/15/15 30 03/02/20 03/02/27
TESSIER STREET
93 Hidden Hills Road to Marina Hills Drive 30 04/17/15 30 03/09/20 03/09/27
VALLE VISTA
94 Tropea to Marina Hills Drive 30 06/26/17 30 02/22/22 02/21/29
VIA MARINI
95 Parc Vista North to Parc Vista South 25 04/16/15 25 03/05/20 03/05/27
YOSEMITE DRIVE
96 Aliso Creek Road to La Paz Road 30 04/16/15 30 02/26/20 02/25/27 'Survey validity may be extended from 7 to 14 years with support from AB 43.
ATTACHMENT B
Traffic and Transportation Commission Agenda Item -
October 23, 2024
Proposed City Ordinance
ORDINANCE NO. 2024-XX
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA NIGUEL, CALIFORNIA,
AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 91-45 TO ESTABLISH
THE SPEED LIMIT ON FOUR STREET SEGMENTS WITHIN THE CITY The City Council of the City of Laguna Niguel does ordain as follows:
SECTION 1. RECITALS
The City Council, by the adoption of Ordinance No. 91-45 on August 20, 1991, established speed limits on a substantial number of streets located within the City
2. To comply with State Law, the City Council must adopt new or revised speed limits in accordance with the latest Engineering and Traffic Surveys.
3. The City Council desires to establish the speed limit on four street segments:
• Forbes Road (Crown Valley Parkway to northern terminus) - 25 MPH • Forbes Road (Crown Valley Parkway to northern terminus) - 25 MPH • La Paz Road (Aliso Creek Road to Rancho Niguel Road) - 40 MPH • La Paz Road (Rancho Niguel Road to Crown Valley Parkway) - 35 MPH SECTION 2. SPEED LIMITS
Engineering and Traffic Surveys for speed limits are regularly conducted once every seven years by governing municipalities for the purpose of complying with Section 40802 of the California Vehicle Code. This law requires that speed surveys must be performed with the use of radar or other electronic devices at locations where speed limits are to be enforced with the use of radar.
The speed limits prior to the adoption of this amendment ordinance are identified in the controlling document used by the City of Laguna Niguel for speed limits. It is entitled "City of Laguna Niguel, Engineering and Traffic Surveys for Speed Limits, dated May 1991." This Ordinance amends the previously adopted document by adding the street segments) and the declared prima facie speed limit as identified below.
Ordinance No. 2024-XX Page 2
DECLARED PRIMA
NAME OF STREET FACIE SPEED LIMIT,
AND PORTION AFFECTED MILES PER HOUR
Forbes Road 25
Crown Valley Parkway to northern terminus
Forbes Road 25
Crown Valley Parkway to southern terminus
La Paz Road 40
Aliso Creek Road to Rancho Niguel Road
La Paz Road 35
Rancho Niguel Road to Crown Valley Parkway
The declared prima facie speed limit set out above is hereby adopted, and Ordinance No. 91-45 is hereby amended to include the establishment of the speed limit set out above.
SECTION 3. MAINTENANCE OF SPEED LIMIT ORDINANCES
The City of Laguna Niguel Director of Public Works/City Engineer is hereby directed, in conjunction with the City Clerk, to collect and compile and have available for public review and inspection a file of all City ordinances establishing speed limits on streets within the City, including Ordinance No. 91-45, this Ordinance, and all future speed limit ordinances.
SECTION 4. SEVERABILITY
If any subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase of this Ordinance or any part thereof is for any reason held to be unconstitutional or otherwise unenforceable, such decision i shall not affect the validity of the remaining portion of this Ordinance or any part thereof. The City Council hereby declare that they would have passed each subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause, or phrase thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause, or phrase be declared unconstitutional or otherwise unenforceable.
SECTION 5. EFFECTIVE DATE
This Ordinance shall take effect 30 days after its adoption.
SECTION 6. CITY CLERK'S CERTIFICATION
The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this Ordinance and cause the same to be posted at the duly designated posting places within the City and published once within fifteen (15) days after passage and adoption as required by law; or, in the alternative, the City Clerk may cause to be published a summary of this Ordinance and post a certified copy of the text of this Ordinance in the Office of the City Clerk five (5) Ordinance No. 2024-XX Page 3
days prior to the date of adoption of this Ordinance, and, within fifteen (15) days after adoption, the City Clerk shall cause to be published the aforementioned summary and shall post a certified copy of this Ordinance, together with the vote for and against the same, in the Office of the City Clerk.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this _ _ day of . 2024.
Kelly Jennings, Mayor
ATTEST:
Marissa J. Asistin, City Clerk
ATTACHMENT C
Traffic and Transportation Commission Draft Meeting Minutes, October 23, 2024
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF
THE CITY OF LAGUNA NIGUEL
TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION
October 23, 2024 - 7:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER - Chair Clements called the Regular Traffic and Transportation Commission Meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Commission Members: Chair Gregory Clements - Present
Vice Chair Robin Cashion - Present
Commissioner Robert Brown - Present
Commissioner Roberto Caudillo - Present
Commissioner John Kinney - Present
Council Liaisons: Council Member Ray Gennawey - Present Council Member Gene Johns - Absent
City Staff Present: Public Works Director Jacki Scott
City Traffic Engineer Kathy Nguyen
Principal Civil Engineer Jeremy Hohnbaum
Administrative Sergeant Gerard McCann
Commission Secretary Kaylee Choa
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Vice Chair Cashion
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Rob W. spoke on overflow parking from the Windridge Apartments into the Niguel Ranch Homeowner Association neighborhood.
CONSENT CALENDAR
A MOTION was made by Commissioner Kinney, seconded by Vice Chair Cashion, to approve the Consent Calendar as presented.
Motion carried 4-0-1; with Chair Clements abstaining.
Minutes of the Regular Traffic and Transportation Commission Meeting on August 28, 2024
Approved as written.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
1. City of Laguna Niguel Active Transportation Plan Update #2 Principal Civil Engineer Hohnbaum and consultant Paul Martin with Mark Thomas & Company, Inc. gave a presentation on the City of Laguna Niguel's Active Transportation Plan.
Traffic & Transportation Commission Regular Minutes Page 1 of 2 October 23, 2024 Discussion ensued between Commissioners and staff.
There were no public comments.
A MOTION was made by Vice Chair Cashion, seconded by Commissioner Caudillo, to receive the presentation and file the report.
Motion carried 5-0.
2. Speed Limits for Avila Road, Forbes Road, and La Paz Road City Traffic Engineer Nguyen provided a report on Engineering and Traffic Surveys to establish speed limits on Avila Road, Forbes Road, and La Paz Road.
Discussion ensued between Commissioners and staff.
There were no public comments.
A MOTION was made by Commissioner Brown, seconded by Commissioner Kinney, to recommend that the City Council:
1. Approve the Traffic and Transportation Commission's recommendation of no changes to the existing speed limit on Avila Road (Moulton Parkway to La Paz Road); and,
2. Adopt an ordinance to establish new speed limits on the following street segments:
• Forbes Road (Crown Valley Parkway to northern terminus) - 25 MPH • Forbes Road (Crown Valley Parkway to southern terminus) - 25 MPH • La Paz Road (Aliso Creek Road to Rancho Niguel Road) - 40 MPH • La Paz Road (Rancho Niguel Road to Crown Valley Parkway) - 35 MPH Motion carried 5-0.
STAFF, CITY COUNCIL, AND COMMISSION COMMENTS
City Traffic Engineer Nguyen provided an update on the Traffic Management Center that will be constructed at Laguna Niguel City Hall.
Vice Chair Cashion spoke about the OCTA/Caltrans I-5 South County Improvements Project and inquired about the northbound right turn signal at the intersection of Camino Capistrano and Avery Parkway.
ADJOURNMENT - Chair Clements adjourned the meeting at 8:04 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Kaylee Choa
Traffic and Transportation Commission Secretary
Traffic & Transportation Commission Regular Minutes Page 2 of 2 October 23, 2024
ATTACHMENT D
Ordinance No. 2024-231
ORDINANCE NO. 2024-231
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF LAGUNA NIGUEL, CALIFORNIA,
AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 91-45 TO ESTABLISH
THE PRIMA FACIE SPEED LIMIT ON FOUR STREET SEGMENTS OF FORBES
ROAD AND LA PAZ ROAD WITHIN THE CITY
The City Council of the City of Laguna Niguel does ordain as follows:
SECTION 1. RECITALS
The City Council, by the adoption of Ordinance No. 91-45 on August 20, 1991, established speed limits on a substantial number of streets located within the City subject street segments.
The City Council desires to establish the prima facie speed limit on four street segments based upon the latest Engineering and Traffic Surveys:
• Forbes Road (Crown Valley Parkway to northern terminus) - 25 MPH • Forbes Road (Crown Valley Parkway to northern terminus) - 25 MPH • La Paz Road (Aliso Creek Road to Rancho Niguel Road) - 40 MPH • La Paz Road (Rancho Niguel Road to Crown Valley Parkway) - 35 MPH SECTION 2. SPEED LIMITS
Engineering and Traffic Surveys for speed limits are regularly conducted once every seven years by governing municipalities for the purpose of complying with Section 40802 of the California Vehicle Code. This law requires that speed surveys must be performed with the use of radar or other electronic devices at locations where speed limits are to be enforced with the use of radar.
The speed limits for other City streets prior to the adoption of this Ordinance are identified in Ordinance 91-45, as amended, and in the controlling document used by the City of Laguna Niguel for speed limits. It is entitled "City of Laguna Niguel, Engineering and Traffic Surveys for Speed Limits, dated May 1991." This Ordinance amends the previously adopted document by adding the street segments and the declared prima facie speed limits as identified below.
55842.00001\42842343.1
Ordinance No. 2024-231 Page 2
DECLARED PRIMA
NAME OF STREET FACIE SPEED LIMIT,
AND PORTION AFFECTED MILES PER HOUR
Forbes Road 25
Crown Valley Parkway to northern terminus
Forbes Road 25
Crown Valley Parkway to southern terminus
La Paz Road 40
Aliso Creek Road to Rancho Niguel Road
La Paz Road 35
Rancho Niguel Road to Crown Valley Parkway
The declared prima facie speed limits set out above are hereby adopted, and Ordinance No. 91-45 is hereby amended to include the establishment of the speed limits set out above.
SECTION 3. MAINTENANCE OF SPEED LIMIT ORDINANCES
The City of Laguna Niguel Director of Public Works/City Engineer is hereby directed, in conjunction with the City Clerk, to collect and compile and have available for public review and inspection a file of all City ordinances establishing speed limits on streets within the City, including Ordinance No. 91-45, as amended, this Ordinance, and all future speed limit ordinances. The Director of Public Works/City Engineer is hereby directed to place appropriate signage notifying the public of the new speed limits as adopted herein before any enforcement of the speed limits may occur.
SECTION 4. SEVERABILITY
If any subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase of this Ordinance or any part thereof is for any reason held to be unconstitutional or otherwise unenforceable, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portion of this Ordinance or any part thereof. The City Council hereby declare that they would have passed each subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause, or phrase thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause, or phrase be declared unconstitutional or otherwise unenforceable.
SECTION 5. EFFECTIVE DATE
This Ordinance shall take effect 30 days after its adoption.
SECTION 6. CITY CLERK'S CERTIFICATION
The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this Ordinance and cause the same to be posted at the duly designated posting places within the City and published once within fifteen (15) days after passage and adoption as required by law; or, in the 55842.00001\42842343.1
Ordinance No. 2024-231 Page 3
alternative, the City Clerk may cause to be published a summary of this Ordinance and post a certified copy of the text of this Ordinance in the Office of the City Clerk five (5) days prior to the date of adoption of this Ordinance, and, within fifteen (15) days after adoption, the City Clerk shall cause to be published the aforementioned summary and shall post a certified copy of this Ordinance, together with the vote for and against the same, in the Office of the City Clerk.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this day of _ 2024.
Kelly Jennings, Mayor
ATTEST:
Marissa J. Asistin, City Clerk
55842.00001\42842343.1