COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Brett Fulgoni, Director of Public Works
DATE: August 5, 2025
SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution Approving the Proposed Establishment of No Stopping Zones on West Morrison Avenue
Description:
The City Council will consider a Resolution approving the establishment of No Stopping Zones on West Morrison Avenue in front of Santa Maria High School to improve visibility for student and pedestrian crossings, and to enhance vehicle safety for drivers turning left from South Thornburg Street onto West Morrison Avenue.
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 No Stopping Zones on West Morrison Avenue.
BACKGROUND:
City staff and Santa Maria Joint Union High School District (SMJUHSD) staff conducted an on -site meeting at Santa Maria High School on June 4, 2025, to observe traffic patterns. Following the observations, both City and SMJUHSD staff recommend the installation of No Stopping Zones on West Morrison Avenue adjacent to Santa Maria High School.
Vehicles currently parked along West Morrison Avenue contribute to congestion and limit visibility for both drivers and pedestrians. Establishing No Stopping Zones at the intersections of South Thornburg Street and South Pine Street will enhanc e pedestrian safety by increasing visibility of approaching vehicles. In particular, the No Stopping Zone at South Thornburg Street will improve safety for drivers turning left onto West Morrison Avenue by reducing visual obstructions and preventing vehicles from parking too close to the intersection. This location has a history of sideswipe collisions involving improperly parked vehicles.
2 DISCUSSION:
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”. The Traffic Committee has reviewed the request for No Stopping Zones and recommends their establishment. The City Council has the authority to locate, establish, or eliminate No Stopping Zones within the City.
The No Stopping Zones recommended to be established are described as follows:
South side of West Morrison Avenue, west of South Pine Street, beginning 20 feet west of the southwest ADA ramp at the intersection of West Morrison Avenue and South Pine Street, continuing west for a length of 40 linear feet. North side of West Morrison Avenue and South Thornburg Intersection, beginning 25 feet east of the northwest ADA ramp at the intersection, continuing east for a length of 45 linear feet.
North side of West Morrison Avenue and South Thornburg Intersection, beginning 80 feet east of the northwest ADA ramp at the intersection, continuing east for a length of 20 linear feet.
Alternative(s)
The alternative to the recommended action would be to not approve the establishment of the No Stopping Zones.
Fiscal Considerations
The installation of the No Stopping Zones will require labor and materials to paint the curb red. Periodic maintenance will be needed as the paint fades over time. Staff estimate the initial installation cost to be approximately $300.
Impact to the Community
Approximately two parking spaces on the north side and two spaces on the south side of West Morrison Avenue will be removed to enhance visibility for both drivers and pedestrians.
ATTACHMENT(S)
A. Resolution
B. Proposed No Stopping Zones to be Established on West Morrison Avenue