Agenda Item #16.2
For City Council Meeting of: April 12, 2022
CITY OF SANTA ROSA
CITY COUNCIL
TO: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
FROM: NANCY ADAMS, TRANSPORTATION PLANNER
TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
SUBJECT: SHARED SCOOTER SYSTEM PILOT PROGRAM ORDINANCE AMENDMENT AGENDA ACTION: ORDINANCE
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended by the Transportation and Public Works Department that the Council introduce an ordinance to amend City Code Chapter 9-22 - Bicycles, Skateboards, Roller Skates, In-Line Skates, and Similar Devices to allow scooters to operate on public streets, public alleys, and public gutters during the City Council approved shared scooter system pilot program.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This ordinance will amend the existing code to allow for the shared scooter system pilot program and authorize the Assistant City Manager or Director of Transportation and Public Works Department to modify permit conditions related to the operation of a shared scooter system without requiring additional amendments to the ordinance.
BACKGROUND
Prior ordinance history related to Municipal Code Chapter 9-22- Bicycles, Skateboards, Roller Skates, In-Line Skates, and Similar Devices include 2648, 2672, 2728, and 3238. These amendments added language to address skateboards.
In 1996 and 2001, the City Council adopted ordinances 3249 and 3516, respectively, prohibiting skating activities and scooters on sidewalks and streets within the specified downtown area, the specified Railroad Square area, in shopping centers and other specified areas of public property.
PRIOR CITY COUNCIL REVIEW
On December 14, 2021, the Council, by Resolution No. 2021-232: 1) approved the City of Santa Rosa’s Shared Scooter System Pilot Program; and 2) authorized the Assistant City Manager or Director of Transportation and Public Works or designee to modify permit conditions, issue and/or revoke permits, and/or limit and/or suspend the operation of a shared scooter system.
On November 10, 2020, the City Council gave direction to develop a one-year pilot for a shared scooter system program.
On September 22, 2020, the City Council Climate Action Subcommittee provided comments and feedback on how shared scooters integrate into Climate Action Plan goals and policies.
In 2019, the City Council approved the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan Update 2018 which included a policy related to the City’s commitment to monitor and report on the pilot two-county bike share program funded by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC).
ANALYSIS
The ordinance makes two minor conforming changes to the City’s municipal code in connection with the City’s previous approval of the Shared Scooter Pilot Program. Specifically, the proposed ordinance amends Santa Rosa Health and Safety Code Chapter 9-22 to allow for the operation of scooters under the City’s the shared scooter system pilot program approved by the City Council on December 14, 2021, making changes as follows:
Exempts scooters operating under the City’s Shared Scooter System Pilot Program from the general prohibition against operation of scooters, and similar devices on public streets, public alleys, and public gutters (See addition of City Code Section 9-22.020 (D)) These devices will still be prohibited on sidewalks per the existing ordinance; and Expands the definition of “scooter” to include motorized scooters (See modification to City Code section 9-22.040(D) Definitions) A redline of the proposed modifications to Chapter 9-22 is included with this staff report as Attachment 1.
FISCAL IMPACT
Adoption of the Ordinance would not have a fiscal impact on the General Fund.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
This project is exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301, Existing Facilities, and CEQA Guidelines Section 15183, Projects Consistent with a Community Plan, General Plan or Zoning. Specifically, the project consists of the continued operation of the existing street network with a negligible expansion of use. In addition, the project implements the City’s General Plan by providing alternative modes of transportation, furthering connectivity and greenhouse gas reduction goals and policies.
BOARD/COMMISSION/COMMITTEE REVIEW AND RECOMMENDATIONS
On November 21, 2019, staff made a presentation to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Board (BPAB) on shared scooter devices as an informational item.
On October 12, 2020, the BPAB provided comments and feedback related to the operations of shared scooters.
On October 28, 2020, staff made a presentation to the Citizens Advisory Board (CAB) on shared scooter devices.
On March 17, 2021, staff made a presentation to the Downtown Action Organization (DAO) on shared scooter devices and was asked to return to the DAO when a draft permit process was developed.
On March 18, 2021, staff made a presentation to the Historic Railroad Square Association on shared scooter devices and was asked to return to the Association when a draft permit process was developed.
NOTIFICATION
A public hearing notice was posted at City Hall on March 30, 2022, and published in the Press Democrat as a one-eighth page on April 1, 2022 and posted on the City’s website, pursuant to Zoning Code Section 20-66.020(D).
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment 1 – Proposed Redlined Changes to City Code Chapter 9-22 Ordinance
CONTACT
Nancy Adams, Transportation Planner
Transportation and Public Works Department
(707) 543-3910
[email protected]
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