COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Brett Fulgoni, Director of Public Works
DATE: June 3, 2025
SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution Establishing a “Keep Clear” Pavement Marking Policy
Description:
The City Council will consider adopting the “Keep Clear” Pavement Marking Policy, which establishes standardized criteria for the placement, evaluation, and removal of “Keep Clear” pavement markings on City streets to improve safety and traffic flow.
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 approving the establishment of the “Keep Clear” Pavement Marking Policy for the City of Santa Maria.
BACKGROUND:
“Keep Clear” pavement markings are traffic control tools intended to reduce congestion and improve access to critical fac ilities and driveways by discouraging vehicles from stopping and blocking intersections and driveways. Historically, such markings have been installed in Santa Maria on a case -by-case basis without standardized policy guidance.
This policy was reviewed and recommended for approval by the City’s Traffic Committee on April 23, 2025.
DISCUSSION:
The proposed policy outlines clear criteria for when and where “Keep Clear” pavement markings are appropriate, prioritizing locations where there are significant del ays due to left-turn movements or documented safety concerns. The policy balances the need for traffic control with the need to reduce unnecessary signage and visual clutter in the public right-of-way.
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.” In accordance with this authority, the Traffic Committee reviewed and 2 recommended that the “Keep Clear” Pavement Marking Policy be approved on April 23, 2025.
The policy also outlines exemptions for essential services such as fire stations, police and emergency access, and school crossings. It further establishes removal criteria to ensure markings remain effective and justified over time.
Alternative(s)
1. Do not adopt the policy and continue evaluating marking requests without formal criteria.
2. Direct staff to revise the policy and return at a future meeting.
Fiscal Considerations
Implementation of the policy may result in costs related to the installation or removal of pavement markings, which will be absorbed within the existing Public Works maintenance budget.
Impact to the Community
Adoption of the policy will enhance roadway efficiency and safety by ensuring “Keep Clear” markings are used consistently and only in appropriate locations, improving access for emergency services, schools, and areas experiencing congestion-related delays.
ATTACHMENT(S)
A. Resolution
B. Keep Clear Pavement Marking Policy