FOR THE COUNCIL MEETING OF MAY 7, 2024
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: City Council
FROM: Interim City Manager Alex Posada
BY: Director of Public Works Brett Fulgoni
SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution to Approve the Establishment of Preferential Parking Privileges in The Pacific Crest Estates Neighborhood
Description:
The City Council will consider approving the establishment of preferential parking privileges in the Pacific Crest Estates neighborhood.
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 Resolutio n approving the establishment of preferential parking privileges to vehicles displaying a valid parking permit in the Pacific Crest Estates Neighborhood bounded by the southerly Right of Way of West Battles Road, easterly R ight of Way of Biscayne Street, northerly Right of Way of Sonya Lane, westerly Right of Way of Pergola Street, and the existing pedestrian path.
BACKGROUND:
Various residents of the Pacific Crest Estates neighborhood have requested preferential parking privileges (permit parking) be established in the Pacific Crest Estates neighborhood between the southerly Right of Way (ROW) of West Battles Road, easterly ROW of Biscayne Street, northerly ROW of Sonya Lane, westerly ROW of Pergola Street, and the existing pedestrian path. The residents have requested this parking restriction be established because residents of the Pacific Crest Estates neighborhood are being negatively impacted by residents from the adjacent apartment complexes. The residents of the Pacific Crest Estates neighborhood have had issues with blight and illicit activity, and the permit parking is anticipated to deter future nuisances. The existing No-Stopping Zones along Western Avenue will remain.
DISCUSSION:
To confirm resident support for preferential permit parking, s taff sent questionnaires to residents with property frontage in the area bounded by the streets previously identified.
The proposed parking district includes 291 properties. 253 of the 291 properties 2 responded to the questionnaire, with 249 responses in su pport of the proposed parking changes. The results of the questionnaire achieved the 85 percent approval rate requirement, as is required by the City’s Traffic Committee policy.
Per City Council Resolution No. 2061 and CAM 63 -15, a Traffic Committee was formed to “be responsible for the review, approval or denial, and recommendations to City Council on all matters and requests relating to traffic circulation and safety within the public right-of-way.” City staff brought the request to the Traffic Committe e with various neighborhood residents in attendance. The Traffic Committee discussed the issue regarding nuisance vehicles and the impacts on the Pacific Crest Estates Neighborhood residents. The Traffic Committee recommends the establishment of preferenti al permit parking between the southerly ROW of West Battles Road, the easterly ROW of Biscayne Street, the northerly ROW of Sonya Lane, the westerly ROW of Pergola Street, and the existing pedestrian path, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The existing No-Stopping Zones along Western Avenue will remain.
The Santa Maria Municipal Code, Section 7 -5.14, provides the authority to the City Council, by Resolution, to locate and designate certain areas where parking is limited or prohibited during certain hours.
Noted below are guidelines related to the proposed parking restriction:
The proposed preferential parking privileges shall become effective at midnight on June 4, 2024. The permits expire at midnight on December 31, 2025. Vehicles displaying a valid permit are exempt from the parking restrictions in the permit area.
By showing proof of residency, residents may obtain a maximum of five permits per house from the Finance Department.
The placards are displayed in the vehicles where they are visible to enforcement officers.
The residents pay $7 per permit for the cost to print and issue the permits. This fee excludes enforcement and program maintenance costs such as pole and sign installation.
The guidelines noted above are identical for all areas throughout t he City with permitted parking. The requested restriction covers approximately 0.08 square miles of the Pacific Crest Estates Neighborhood encompassed by the southerly ROW of West Battles Road, easterly ROW of Biscayne Street, northerly ROW of Sonya Lane, westerly ROW of Pergola Street, and the existing pedestrian path. The proposed parking restriction lies along the single-family residential frontage. Additionally, the requested restriction covers approximately 11,500 linear feet, excluding driveways. This will result in the restricted use of approximately 760 parking spaces. Unrestricted on -street parking is available on the northerly right -of-way of Provance Avenue fronting the apartment complex and the easterly right-of-way of Pergola Street.
Alternative(s)
3 City Council may elect to deny or modify the proposed permitted parking restriction.
Fiscal Considerations
The proposed parking restriction will require the installation of approximately 50 street poles and signs, as well as printed parking permits. The Public Works Department has estimated the cost of the poles and signs to be approximately $5,000 in staff time and materials.
Impact to the Community
When implemented, it is anticipated that non -residents will be less likely to park in the subject area. The adjacent surrounding roadways, such as the easterly ROW of Pergola Street may experience an increase in parked vehicles that do not belong to the pr operty owner. Residents and non -residents who park in the permitted parking district may receive parking citations for parking without a permit.
ATTACHMENTS
A. Proposed Preferential Parking Privileges for the Pacific Crest Estates Neighborhood