DATE: AUGUST 22, 2023 – INTRODUCED
SEPTEMBER 12, 2023 – 2ND READING
DEPARTMENT: PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
FROM: DAVID JACOBS, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
BY: ADRIANA ROBLES, CITY ENGINEER
TITLE: SPECIAL CURB MARKING POLICY UPDATE
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
A motion to approve the Proposed Salinas Blue Curb Markings Policy and to adopt an Ordinance amending Article VI of Chapter 20 (Stopping, Standing and Parking) of the Salinas Municipal Code.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
On March 21, 2023, the Salinas City Council approved a Resolution for a residential blue curb zone request and requested staff to review the blue curb marking policy to establish criteria that would allow for approval of requests in residential areas to better accommodate disabled residents. City staff surveyed other City policies and compiled relevant data for the Council’s consideration. Staff recommends the approval the Proposed Salinas Blue Curb Markings Policy and the adoption of an ordinance amending Article VI of Chapter 20 (Stopping, Standing and Parking).
BACKGROUND:
At its March 21, 2023, meeting the City Council reviewed a request for a one accessible blue zone at 1224 Hawaii Place. The request did not meet the City’s existing policy, and therefor was recommended to be denied. The City Council deliberated the item and resolved to approve the request for one blue accessible zone designation at 1224 Hawaii Place and requested staff to review the blue curb marking policy to establish criteria that would allow for approval of similar requests to better accommodate disabled residents (Attachment 1).
City staff researched the blue curb markings policies in other cities to help inform the policy update. In total the City was able to compile blue curb markings policies from sixteen (16) other cities for comparison. A comparison table (Attachment 2) was created to juxtapose the policy requirements of each agency.
The City’s existing policy for the consideration of blue zone curb markings (Attachment 3), was adopted August 15, 2006 via Resolution No. 19056. Blue curb markings prohibit stopping, standing, or parking except for disabled persons as permitted by the California Vehicle Code. The City’s existing policy established the following criteria:
Off-street parking facilities for the residential property do not exist. The property does not have a garage, driveway, or other on-site parking space that can be provided for the disabled member of the household; or On-street parking is unavailable. This criterion requires that the site be located adjacent to a school, apartment, and/or other businesses that consume on-street residential parking supply; and The path of travel from the proposed on-street parking stall to the home meets ADA/Title 2 path of travel requirements.
Proof that the disabled resident has a permanent disabled placard on file; and Signed statement acknowledging applicant understands that the on-street disabled parking requested can be used by other residents in the community that have a disabled placard.
After receiving feedback from the Council at its March 21, 2023, meeting and after conducting a survey of other city policies, staff recommends a Proposed Salinas Blue Curb Markings Policy and an ordinance amending Article VI of Chapter 20 (Stopping, Standing and Parking). The revised policy will require the following criteria:
A Complete Signed Application and Waiver Liability Form: An applicant must submit a complete Special Parking Restrictions Requests Form with a signed liability waiver. Incomplete, applications will be returned to the applicant with notes for correction. If an applicant fails to complete the application the request will be denied.
Proof of a permanent disabled placard: Applicant must possess a valid State issued permanent disable plate or placard. Proof can be provided by submitting a copy of supporting documentation issued by the DMV. Temporary disability placards are not eligible for the installation of a blue curb markings.
Proof of Residence: This criterion requires that the applicant demonstrate they are a resident of the requested address. The address must be a single-family residence. Proof can be provided by submitting a copy a utility bill, state issued ID, or rental agreement.
Description of the situation that validates the need. This criterion requires that the applicant describe the situation. The applicant will demonstrate that all other options for off-street parking have been exhausted.
Payment: The applicant must submit payment in accordance with the City of Salinas City-wide Fee schedule for the given fiscal year. The applicant must provide the initial payment for “the one-time set-up” fee and an annual renewal costs per location to refresh the curb markings.
To improve operational efficiencies and reduce program cost, the new policy proposes delegating the authority to approve or deny the request for curb markings to the City Engineer. Notifications of the approval will be provided to neighboring properties. Residents will have twenty-eight (28) calendar days to appeal the decision to the Traffic and Transportation Commission following mailing of the notification. Submitted appeals shall: 1) be in writing and addressed to the City of Salinas Traffic and Transportation Commission; 2) provide grounds for the appeal specifying how the decision is not in alignment with this policy; and 3) include a recommended alternative action. The new policy will grant the Traffic and Transportation Commission the authority to approve or deny the appeal. Appeals to the Traffic and Transportation Commissions approval or denial will be heard by the City Council.
In evaluating options to update the special curb marking policy, staff analyzed other city policies and identified opportunities for efficient procedures. The goal was to update the blue curb marking policy to better accommodate disabled residents. The proposed policy also reduces operational inefficiencies and program costs.
Updates to the Ordinance are listed below:
Update Article numbering.
Delete references to Parking meters previously repealed by Council.
Add Establishment of parking zones
a. Grant authority to the City Engineer to maintain and establish curb markings. b. Move Curb markings regulations to this section.
4. Delete Bus zones
5. Update Parking time limited hen signs duly posted.
6. Delete Parking prohibited 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. when signs duly posted; removal of cars.
7. Update Parking prohibited when signed duly posted; Removal of vehicles. a. Grant authority to the Chief of Police to remove vehicles.
8. Delete Parking prohibited on certain streets between 3:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m.
9. Add Traffic and Transportation Commission authority.
Traffic and Transportation Commission
At its June 8, 2023, meeting, the Traffic and Transportation Commission voted (3-2) on revised motion to recommend to Council approval of the Special Curb Markings Policy with the removal of the fees for applicants of blue curb markings and adding an appeal process to the policy. Commissioners Cox, Howell and Canseco voted in favor of the revised recommended motion. Commissioners Quigley and Gonzalez Reyes voted against the revised recommended motion.
The proposed policy incorporates the Traffic and Transportation Commission’s recommendation to define an appeal process. Staff is dedicated to full cost recovery and therefore does not recommend waiver of the fees associated with the curb markings applications. Fees are currently set at $914.00 for the initial setup and $318.50 for annual maintenance. Fees are adjusted annually consistent with the Citywide Schedule of Fees and Charges for City Services.
CEQA CONSIDERATION:
Not a Project. The City of Salinas has determined that the proposed action is not a project as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (CEQA Guidelines Section 15378). In addition, CEQA Guidelines Section 15061 includes the general rule that CEQA applies only to activities which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. Where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to CEQA. Because the proposed action and this matter have no potential to cause any effect on the environment, or because it falls within a category of activities excluded as projects pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378, this matter is not a project. Any subsequent discretionary projects resulting from this action will be assessed for CEQA applicability.
STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVE:
This action supports the Council’s initiative of “Youth and Seniors”.
FISCAL AND SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT:
The proposed policy update would have no impact to the General Fund. The applicant’s request would not be subsidized by the community. The proposed policy requires that the applicant fund the cost to install and maintain requested curb markings.
ATTACHMENTS:
Resolution
Ch 20 Article VI Ordinance Update
Attachment 1: Resolution 22616
Attachment 2: Blue Curb Markings Policy Comparison Table Attachment 3: Existing Salinas Blue Zone Policy
Attachment 4: Proposed Salinas Blue Curb Markings on Residential Streets Policy
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