Date: August 28, 2023
To: Public Works and Sustainability Commission
From: Department of Public Works
Subject: PUBLIC HEARING - PREFERENTIAL PARKING ZONE IN THE SOUTHERLY PORTION OF THE 500 BLOCK OF N. GERTRUDA
AVENUE
TITLE:
PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER THE REQUESTED PREFERENTIAL PARKING ZONE ALONG THE 500 BLOCK OF N GERTRUDA; AND
PROCEDURES:
A. OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING, TAKE TESTIMONY;
B. CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING; AND
C. RECOMMEND WHETHER THE REQUESTED PREFERENTIAL PARKING ZONE SHOULD BE ADVANCED FOR CITY COUNCIL CONSIDERATION. IF
YES, PROVIDE THE DAYS AND HOURS OF THE PROPOSED PARKING RESTRICTIONS FOR NON-RESIDENTS; RECOMMEND MODIFICATIONS TO THE CURRENT PARKING TIME RESTRICTIONS; OR OTHER
SUGGESTIONS FROM THE COMMISSION
SUMMARY:
In response to resident initiative staff is bringing forward a discussion for the consideration to establish a preferential parking zone (“PPZ”) for the southerly portion of the 500 block of N. Gertruda Avenue. A preferential parking program would allow only vehicles displaying a valid parking permit to park on City streets in the zone during certain hours of the day, up to and including 24 hours per day and seven days per week. Preferential parking zones are addressed in the Redondo Beach Municipal Code (“RBMC”) and allow the City Council to establish preferential parking zones on residential streets (or portions thereof) for the benefit of residents adjacent thereto. The required findings and procedures are outlined in RBMC §3-7.1701 to 1706. A summary of the requirements and procedure prior to consideration by the City Council is attached.
In this case, the area in question is within the Coastal Zone so establishing a PPZ at this location will also require a Coastal Development Permit, which requires further action by staff and additional findings by the City Council. Those actions will be undertaken by staff if the Public Works and Sustainability Commission (“Commission”) recommends at this hearing the matter be advanced for City Council consideration.
Administrative Report
Aside from and prior to addressing the requirements of the Coastal Development Permit, the RBMC requires specific thresholds be met to establish a preferential parking zone, including receiving sufficient signatures of petitioned residents in the zone, completion of a parking study asking whether there is an excessive impact of commuter vehicles on residential streets, and determination of certain findings by staff. These steps have been completed, leading to tonight’s hearing where the Commission is asked to determine whether there is a proper basis for making the required findings and moving the proposal forward.
BACKGROUND:
Preferential Parking Zones
State law makes no provision for private “ownership” or control of on-street parking spaces in the public right of way. They are, unless otherwise restricted by signage or curb markings, available to the public. The RBMC, however, does make provision for preferential parking zones, by resolution of the City Council, under certain conditions.
These conditions are intended to “enhance or protect that quality of life…threatened by noise, traffic hazards or environmental pollution resulting from commuter vehicle traffic”1.
When the required findings are made, a preferential parking zone is implemented through a permit parking system considered in a public hearing that allows properly permitted vehicles of the fronting residences to be exempt from restrictions otherwise posted. The City has established a number of preferential parking zones within the City. A map of the locations and the times and days of the various preferential parking zones is attached to this report.
Redondo Beach Municipal Code Section 3, Article 17 defines the process for establishing preferential parking zones. Preferential parking zones can be considered when a parking survey shows that street parking is excessively impacted by commuter vehicles. To initiate the parking survey, 66% of the residents on the block (or portion of the block) must sign for and submit a petition. A resident at 515 N. Gertruda Avenue submitted a petition of support for a preferential parking zone on the southerly half of the 500 block of N.
Gertruda Avenue. It was signed by 75% of the residences on the designated portion of the block (southeasterly of 521 N. Gertruda Ave.), satisfying the requirement. The requested parking restriction for non-permit holders was to prohibit parking from 8 AM to 10 PM seven days per week.
Neighborhood Setting
The 500 block of N. Gertruda Avenue is classified as a local street and is located within the Coastal Zone defined by the RBMC. Development along the block is split between residential and commercial / institutional development. The City Public Works Yard and several City owned parcels occupied by storage facilities are located on both sides of the street, north of the proposed preferred parking zone. The attachments include a map of the block and identify the residential and commercial properties as well as the proposed PPZ.
1 RBMC § 3-7.1701(a)
N. Gertruda Avenue runs northwesterly to southeasterly and has a 25-mph local street prima facie speed limit. It is approximately 44 feet wide with one travel lane in each direction that are separated for most of the block by a dashed yellow centerline. However, most of the portion of the block being considered for a preferential parking zone has no centerline.
Parking is allowed on each side of the street, although it is prohibited for two hours on Thursday mornings along the east side and two hours on Friday mornings along the west side for street sweeping. In addition, some of the commercial parking area, covering approximately the southerly 200 feet on each side of the street, is limited to four hours between 8 AM and 6 PM every day of the week.
At one time, long ago, the street intersected the Pacific Coast Highway (“PCH”) at Beryl Street in a multi-legged intersection. However, N. Gertruda Avenue was physically closed to PCH with a raised concrete sidewalk, parkway and landscaping, most likely to improve operations along PCH as it become a major arterial for the community. When N. Gertruda Avenue was closed at the southern end, it was done without creating a modern cul-du-sac that provides a proper turning radius for vehicles. This complicates the parking congestion and movement of vehicles at the south end. The north end of the block intersects N.
Catalina Avenue at a signal-controlled intersection.
Parcels with addresses on this block (and south of the City owned parcels) along the westerly side of N. Gertruda are predominantly residential. On the east side, there are both residential and commercial parcels. There is a total of nine residential parcels in the proposed preferential parking zone, containing 28 residences.
In addition to these residential parcels, there are two commercial parcels on the east side of the street, with addresses on PCH, that abut and are comingled with residential properties along this portion of N. Gertruda Avenue. One of these, occupied by three automotive repair businesses, has driveway access to N. Gertruda Avenue. The other parcel, sharing a small takeout restaurant and an acupuncture office has a parking lot accessed via a driveway apron on PCH. Another parcel on the southernmost portion of the west side of the street is a commercial property (financial services) with driveway access to a small garage structure from N. Gertruda Avenue.
DISCUSSION:
Parking Survey
The RBMC provides a several factors that should be considered before staff can determine that a preferential parking zone should be brought to the Commission for consideration. Among them, and the most data driven, is the parking survey to determine whether all or a portion of the block is excessively impacted by the parking of commuter vehicles on City streets.
Per RBMC Section 3-7.1703, street parking is excessively impacted by commuter vehicles when:
1. More than 75% of the legal on-street parking spaces are occupied by resident and non-resident vehicles; and
2. More than 25% of the legal on-street parking spaces are occupied by non-resident motor vehicles.
A parking survey was conducted by Engineering staff for morning (7AM to 9AM), midday (11:30 AM to 1:30 PM) and afternoon/evening (5 PM to 7 PM) periods on the following dates:
Monday, March 6, 2023
Thursday, March 9, 2023
Tuesday, March 14, 2023
Thursday March16, 2023
Thursday March 23, 2023
The parking survey consisted of recording the license plates of all vehicles parked along both sides of the southerly portion of the 500 block of N. Gertruda Avenue, the proposed PPZ. The survey also flagged vehicles parked only in front of residential parcels in the same portion of the block. The Police Department provided Engineering Staff with address information where the vehicle was registered, indicating whether it was registered to a resident of N. Gertruda Avenue, another street in Redondo Beach, or an address outside of the City or State. For the purposes of this request, Staff considered resident vehicles to be any registration address on the 500 block of N. Gertruda Avenue. Staff classified all other vehicles as non-resident.
The available curb space for on-street parking in the proposed PPZ, including one ADA accessible parking space, is about 630 feet. This provides approximately 28 available parking spaces (not including the ADA space) using typical parking space lengths to be considered in the parking study. Approximately 15 of these spaces are available for parking in front of commercial parcels and the other 13 spaces are available in front of residential parcels. The analysis to determine whether the parking was excessively impacted by nonresident vehicles according to the criteria shared above was performed twice; one time for all 28 parking spaces and a second time for just the 13 spaces in front of residential parcels.
This was done to determine if a preferential parking zone could be established for the parking area in front of residential parcels if not for all the parking area in this portion of the block. A summary of the parking survey results is included in the attachments and is discussed next.
First to be considered is the count of vehicles parked along the entire length of available parking in this portion of the block, the 28 spaces. During the five days of the survey and for all time periods, 60% of the available parking spaces were occupied on average. When individual time periods are considered, the average parking occupancy rates are 46% in the morning, 79% in the midday and 54% in the afternoon / evening. For all periods, the threshold 75% utilization rate is only satisfied during the midday. The next criterium is that at least 25% of the available on-street parking is occupied by non-residents. The survey revealed that, on average over the five days, 34% of the parked vehicles were non-resident vehicles. When individual time periods are considered, the average nonresident parking occupancy rates are 19% in the morning, 55% in the midday and 28% in the afternoon / evening. The 25% nonresident utilization rate is satisfied on average, driven by the midday and afternoon / evening time periods. However, because both criteria (utilization rate over 75% and non-resident parking rate over 25%) need to be satisfied, parking is only considered to be excessively impacted during the midday, when considering all available parking on this portion of the block.
Next to be considered is the count of vehicles parked along only the residential parcels in this portion of the block, the 13 spaces. During the five days of the survey and for all time periods, just under 72% of the available parking spaces were occupied on average. When individual time periods are considered, the average parking occupancy rates are 71% in the morning, 82% in the midday and 63% in the afternoon / evening. For all periods, the threshold 75% utilization rate is again only satisfied during the midday. The next criterium is that at least 25% of the available on-street parking is occupied by non-residents. The survey revealed that, on average over the five days, 42% of the vehicles were nonresident vehicles. When individual time periods are considered, the average nonresident parking occupancy rates are 31% in the morning, 60% in the midday and 35% in the afternoon / evening. The 25% nonresident utilization rate is satisfied on average, and for all time periods. However, because both criteria (utilization rate over 75% and nonresident parking rate over 25%) need to be satisfied, parking is only considered to be excessively impacted during the midday, when considering parking in front of only the residential properties.
Other Considerations
In addition to the parking survey, the RBMC requires staff to consider other factors including, but not limited to, the size and configuration of the area as it relates to police enforcement of parking and traffic regulations, the potential impacts of parking and traffic congestion on adjacent areas if a PPZ is established on this block and whether other measures would better solve the problem. Staff finds that none of these factors serve to support an establishment of the PPZ beyond the midday time period as warranted by the parking survey.
Finally, staff must consider the ramifications of being in the Coastal Zone. The findings required to determine that a parking restriction in the Coastal Zone does not limit access to the coast or otherwise violate the Coastal Act are not easily satisfied. Staff will not pursue this unless and until the item is recommended by the Commission to move on to the City Council, given the time and resources required.
Based on the above information, and using the criteria in the RBMC to determine whether the street is excessively impacted, staff cannot fully recommend approval of the requested preferential permit parking zone comprised of either all available spaces or only those in front of residential parcels for the 8 AM to 10 PM time period that was requested. However, a midday time period could be supported if desired by the residents. If a preferential parking zone is recommended, staff would work with the residents to confirm some agreeable shorter time period for permitted exclusions to future parking restrictions. Once done, staff would prepare a report for the City Council to consider based on the information presented so far and assuming future research determines that establishing a PPZ would not be out of compliance with the Coastal Act.
It should be mentioned that the abutting commercial property owner and tenants have legitimate expectations to use street parking as well during their hours of operation. Street parking for the restaurant is allowed by right for that land use. The auto shops, if applying for a conditional use permit today, would be conditioned to limit using the street for business purposes (car storage, for instance.) However, because a CUP was not required when the property was established for this purpose in 1974, there is no such condition and, barring violation of some other parking restriction, their use of street parking is considered legal and non-conforming. Finally, staff is also aware that parking further north on the block is heavily occupied in front of the City owned parcels during the day. At night however, most of the City staff has left, and on-street parking becomes more available, despite a bit longer walk to the residential parcels.
The Commission may also elect to recommend against the implementation of a preferential parking zone. If so recommended, staff could work with the residents to determine if some other parking restriction, applicable to all vehicles, might be used to reduce the midday heavy use. If the Commission recommends against the preferential parking zone, the residents may appeal the matter to the City Council within 30 days of this hearing.
ALTERNATIVES AVAILABLE:
1. Recommend staff advance consideration of a preferential parking zone to the City Council after working with residents to establish an agreeable midday restriction for non-permit holders and completing the work required to comply with the Coastal Act.
2. Recommend against a preferred parking zone with expectation that staff will work with abutting property owners and tenants to determine whether some other parking restriction would benefit adjoining uses.
3. Other actions as determined by the Public Works and Sustainability Commission.
COORDINATION:
Coordination of the parking survey was shared between the Public Works Department and the Police Department.
Prepared by:
Andy Winje, City Engineer
Submitted by:
Ted Semaan, Public Works Director
ATTACHMENTS
1. Parking Study with Analysis
2. Permit Parking Policy
3. Preferential Parking Zones
4. Map – 500 Block N Gertruda
Analysis of License Plate / Parking Study for 500 Block of N. Gertruda ‐ Portion Southeasterly of City Yard Total
Nonresident
Vehicles Total Vehicles
Percentage of
Non‐resident to
Total
Nonresident
Vehicles parked
in Residential
Zones
Total Vehicles
parked in
Residential
Zones
Percentage of
Non‐resident
to Total
Morning 4 18 22.22% 3 9 33.33%
Noon 17 27 62.96% 9 12 75.00%
Evening 7 19 36.84% 4 10 40.00%
Morning 5 16 31.25% 4 12 33.33%
Noon 14 20 70.00% 9 10 90.00%
Evening 5 11 45.45% 4 5 80.00%
Morning 4 8 50.00% 2 6 33.33%
Noon 20 26 76.92% 10 13 76.92%
Evening 8 15 53.33% 4 8 50.00%
Morning 8 13 61.54% 6 10 60.00%
Noon 15 20 75.00% 6 10 60.00%
Evening 7 15 46.67% 4 8 50.00%
Morning 6 10 60.00% 5 9 55.56%
Noon 11 18 61.11% 5 8 62.50%
Evening 12 16 75.00% 7 10 70.00%
Consideration of Entire Cul du Sac
All Parked Vehicles Non‐Resident Parked Vehicles
28 Total Spaces 28 Total Spaces
5 Day Averages >75% 5 Day Averages >25%
Morning 13 46.43% No Morning 5.4 19.29% No
Noon 22.2 79.29% Yes Noon 15.4 55.00% Yes
Evening 15.2 54.29% No Evening 7.8 27.86% Yes
All 16.8 60.00% No All 9.5 34.05% Yes
Consideration of Residential Frontage in Cul du Sac
All Parked Vehicles Non‐Resident Parked Vehicles
13 Residential Spaces 13 Residential Spaces
5 Day Averages >75% 5 Day Averages >25%
Morning 9.2 70.77% No Morning 4.0 30.77% Yes
Noon 10.6 81.54% Yes Noon 7.8 60.00% Yes
Evening 8.2 63.08% No Evening 4.6 35.38% Yes
All 9.3 71.79% No All 5.5 42.05% Yes
3/6/20233/9/2023
3/14/20233/16/20233/23/2023
4 CITY OF REDONDO BEACH TRAFFIC ENGINEERING DIVISION POLICY REQUEST FOR PERMIT PREFERENTIAL PARKING:
1. The resident must obtain a petition of the neighborhood signed by occupants of no-less than 66% of the dwelling units comprising no-less that 50 percent of the developed frontage of the areas proposed for the preferential parking zone. The petition must state the fee charged for the preferential parking permit, the schedule of fines, and the hours and days the neighborhood is impacted by nonresident vehicles.
2. Submit the petition to the City Engineer, or Transportation Engineer, of Engineering and Building Services.
3. Engineering Services shall conduct a parking survey to determine if the street parking is excessively impacted by the parking of commuter vehicles. Street parking is excessively impacted when more than 75% of the legal on-street parking spaces are occupied by vehicles; and more than 25% of the legal onstreet parking spaces are occupied by nonresident vehicles. The City Engineer may consider other factors such as enforcement of parking regulations or impact to adjacent areas with the establishment of a preferential parking zone in regards to approving or denying the request.
4. If the City Engineer determines the street shall be so designated, the recommendation shall be presented before the Public Works Commission. A public hearing shall be given with the owners and occupants of each parcel given notice of such meeting.
5. The Public Works Commission shall recommend or deny the request. If the Public Works Commission recommends against the request, the recommendation may be appealed within 30 days to the City Council.
The above process is explained in detail in Sections 3-7.1701 through 3-7.1706 of the Redondo Beach Municipal Code.
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North Redondo Beach
Preferential Parking Zones
Preferential Permit Parking Program
Time
24 Hrs - Every Day
8 AM - 6 PM Mon-Fri
8 AM - 10 PM Mon - Fri
8 AM - 10 PM Every Day
10 AM - 8 PM Seasonal, Nov. 15 - Dec. 31
2 PM - 10 PM Mon-Fri, 8 AM - 10 PM Sat
8 PM - 3 AM Every Day
10 PM - 3 AM Every Day
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South Redondo Beach
Preferential Parking Zones
Preferential Permit Parking Program
Time
24 Hrs - Every Day
8 AM - 6 PM Mon-Fri
8 AM - 10 PM Mon - Fri
8 AM - 10 PM Every Day
10 AM - 8 PM Seasonal, Nov. 15 - Dec. 31
2 PM - 10 PM Mon-Fri, 8 AM - 10 PM Sat
8 PM - 3 AM Every Day
10 PM - 3 AM Every Day
Coordinate System: NAD 1983 StatePlane California V FIPS 0405 Feet 8/24/2023 AGATE ST
N. IRENA AVE
N. ELENA AVE
N. GUADALUPE AVE
N. GERTRUDA AVE
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BERYL ST
N. PACIFIC COAST HWY
N. PACIFIC COAST HWY
No Parking - Friday 6 AM - 8 AM
No Parking - Friday 6 AM - 8 AM
No Parking - Friday 8 AM - 10 AM
No Parking - Thursday 8 AM - 10 AM
Sign
Handicap Parking
Street Sweeper Friday
4 Hr Time Limit 8AM-6PM
Curb Markings
Blue Curb
Green Curb
Red Curb
Land Use
Residential
Commercial
PPZ
Proposed Area
Preferential Parking Zone-500 BLK N GERTRUDA AVE