ORDINANCE NO. __________
ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA AMENDING SANTA ROSA CITY CODE TITLE 9 - HEALTH AND SAFETY 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 WHEREAS, 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; and WHEREAS, on December 14, 2021, the City Council, by Resolution No. RES-2021-232, approved the City of Santa Rosa’s Shared Scooter System Pilot Program and 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; and WHEREAS, the Council also amended the Santa Rosa City Code, Title 9 - Health and Safety Code Chapter 9-22 to allow for scooters to operate on public streets, public alleys, and public gutters for the duration of the Shared Scooter System Pilot Program approved by City Council Resolution No. RES-2021-232; and WHEREAS, the Council now desires to allow for the use of all scooters in public streets, public alleys and public gutters, whether the scooter is part of a City scooter program or not; and WHEREAS, adoption of this ordinance 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.
THE PEOPLE OF THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:
The City Council finds, based on evidence and records presented, that amending Chapter 9-22, Bicycles, Skateboards, Roller Skates, In-Line Skates, And Similar Devices of the Santa Rosa City Code to allow scooters to operate on public streets, public alleys, and public gutters is necessary to for more widespread scooter use and alignment with Council goals related to sustainability and economic vitality.
Section 9-22.020, subsection D, of Chapter 9-20 of the Santa Rosa City Code is amended to read as follows:
“(D) This prohibition shall not apply to scooters operating on public streets, public alleys, and public gutters.” This ordinance shall take effect on the 31st day following its adoption.
This ordinance was introduced by the Council of the City of Santa Rosa on March 26, 2024.
IN COUNCIL DULY PASSED AND ADOPTED this _____ day of ___________, 2024.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN/RECUSE:
ATTEST: _________________________ APPROVED: ______________________________ City Clerk Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM: ________________________
City Attorney
Ord. No. __________