COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Brett Fulgoni, Director of Public Works
DATE: May 5, 2026
SUBJECT: Adoption of Resolution Approving a Proposed Establishment of Limited Time Parking Zones and No Stopping Zones On Carmen Lane
Description:
The City Council will consider a dopting a Resolution establishing two-hour maximum parking zones on each side of Carmen Lane, with No Stopping Zones starting 50 feet west of the railroad terminus to the terminus, to provide short -term parking for users of the new dog park while the long-term roadway improvements are developed.
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 limited time parking zones and no stopping zones on Carmen Lane.
BACKGROUND:
A request was received from the City of Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department to modify the existing no stopping zones along Carmen Lane near the new dog park and adjacent development to allow two-hour maximum parking. The park opened in February 2026, and staff is evaluating options to provide short -term parking opportunities for park users. The request would involve replacing the existing No Stopping restrictions on both sides of Carmen Lane, from Western Avenue to the railroad terminus, with time -limited parking.
The Committee noted that this segment of Carmen Lane was previously discussed during the review of the proposed roadway alignment adjacent to Jimenez Elementary School.
A roadway alignment concept was approved by City Council; however, insufficient funds and staff resources are currently available to advance the project. Staff anticipates recommending this effort be included as a future Capital Improvement Project. The two - hour parking zone is intended as an interim measure until long -term roadway improvements can be completed.
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 re quest and recommends approval of the two -hour parking zone with the addition of 50 linear feet of no stopping zone at each end of Carmen Lane. The City Council has the authority to locate, establish, or eliminate parking zones within the City.
The two -hour maximum parking zone and no stopping zones recommended to be established are described as follows:
Carmen Lane, 2-Hour Maximum Parking, along the northerly curb face, beginning 20 linear feet east of the curb return of the northeast curb ramp of the intersection of Carmen Lane and South Western Avenue and continuing 510 linear feet east, then resuming 20 linear feet east of the curb return of the northeast curb ramp of the intersection of Carmen Lane and Bay Rose Place and continuing an additional 560 linear feet east.
Carmen Lane, 2-Hour Maximum Parking, along the southerly curb face, beginning 20 linear feet east of the curb return of the southeast curb ramp of the intersection of Carmen Lane and South Western Avenue and continuing 540 linear feet east , then resuming after the ramp and continuing an additional 630 linear feet east. Carmen Lane, No Stopping Zone, along the northerly curb face, beginning at the railroad terminus and continuing 50 linear feet west.
Carmen Lane, No Stopping Zone, along the southerly curb face, beginning at the railroad terminus and continuing 50 linear feet west.
Alternative(s)
The alternative to the recommended action would be to not approve the establishment of the limited time parking zones and no stopping zones.
Fiscal Considerations
The Public Works Department will be responsible for installing two-hour parking signage and red curb along Carmen Lane. Staff has estimated the cost of sign and red curb installation to be approximately $1,200 in staff time and materials.
3 Impact on the Community
The establishment of time-limited parking will provide short-term parking access for users of the new dog park along Carmen Lane while discouraging long -term vehicle storage.
The no stopping zones at the railroad terminus will mai ntain safety at the end of the parking area for vehicles that need to complete a turnaround. This is an interim measure pending future Capital Improvement Project funding for long -term roadway improvements.
ATTACHMENT(S)
A. Resolution
B. Location Map