FOR THE COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 5, 2024
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: City Council
FROM: Interim City Manager Alex Posada
BY: Director of Public Works Brett Fulgoni
SUBJECT: Establishment of a Large Vehicle Parking Restriction on Grant Street
Description:
The City Council will consider approving the establishment of a large vehicle parking restriction on Grant Street to improve safety for drivers.
Environmental Notice: The activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines; therefore, pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) no environmental review is required.
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt a Resolution establishing a large vehicle parking restriction on Grant Street, along the northerly right of way, beginning at the northeast intersection of Lincoln Street and Grant Street and extending 90 feet east to the southerly driveway of the 1870 Broadway Commercial Shopping Center.
BACKGROUND:
Santa Maria resident Ms. Lydia Mora has requested the establishment of a large vehicle parking restriction on West Grant Street, adjacent to the Lincoln Street intersection, due to the negative impact the large trucks have on the availability of residential parking and the detriment to audio and visual quality of life for the residents on West Grant Street. The vehicles are not precluded from parking in this area under Santa Maria Municipal Code section 7 -5.18, which precludes large vehicles from parking in residential areas. The Traffic Committee reviewed and approved the request during the December 20, 2023 , meeting.
DISCUSSION:
Per Section 22507 (a) of the California Vehicle Code, “Local authorities may, by ordinance or resolution, prohibit or restrict the stopping, parking, or standing of vehicles, including, but not limited to, vehicles that are six feet or more in height (including any load thereon) within 100 feet of any intersection, on certain streets or highways, or portions thereof, during all or certain hours of the day.”
2 Per Section 7-5.17 of the Santa Maria Municipal Code, “The City Council, by order duly entered in the minutes of a regular or adjourned regular meeting thereof, shall designate the particular streets or highways or portions thereof upon which parking by vehicles whose overall length exceeds twenty-two (22) feet is prohibited and shall cause signs to be erected on such streets or highways or portions thereof at a distance of not more than one hundred sixty-five (165) feet apart.”
The large vehicle parking restricted zone recommended to be established is described as follows:
1. Grant Street, along the northerly right of way, beginning at the northeast intersection of Lincoln Street and Grant Street and extending 90 feet east to the southerly driveway of the 1870 Broadway Commercial Shopping Center.
Alternative(s)
The alternative to the recommended action would be to not approve the establishment of the large vehicle parking restriction on Grant Street.
Fiscal Considerations
Establishing the height-restricted parking zone will require labor and materials to erect poles and mount signs. The posts and signs will need long-term maintenance as the signs fade, vehicular collisions or vandalism occurs. Staff estimates it will cost the City $500 to install the signs. The Alternative Transportation Enhancement expenditure account will be used to cover these costs.
Impact to the Community
The large vehicle parking restriction will increase on -street parking availability for passenger vehicles. It wi ll reduce the line -of-sight issues faced by passenger vehicles turning from Lincoln Street to Grant Street.
ATTACHMENTS
A. Drawing Proposed Large Vehicle Parking Restriction on Grant Street