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DATE: |
March 13, 2024 and April 10, 2024 |
01 |
SUBJECT
ADMINISTRATIVE ITEM:
SECOND CONSIDERATION AND ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE:
Title
TRAFFIC ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND RELATED CEQA EXEMPTION (03/13/2024 - ADOPT RECOMMENDATIONS INCLUDING INTRODUCING AN ORDINANCE; 04/10/2024 - SECOND READING OF AN ORDINANCE, UNLESS ORDINANCE IS MODIFIED ON SECOND READING) (DISTRICTS: 1 & 5)
Body
OVERVIEW
On March 13, 2024 (08), the Board of Supervisors took action to further consider and adopt the Ordinance on April 10, 2024.
The Traffic Advisory Committee (TAC) supports the Department of Public Works (DPW) traffic engineering program. The TAC was established by the Board of Supervisors (Board) in the 1960s to provide traffic regulations and recommendations within the unincorporated areas of the region. To be effective, the TAC proposes policies that will enhance safety, reduce congestion, and be legally enforceable. The TAC meets every six weeks to review proposed additions, deletions, or changes to regulatory traffic control devices such as speed limits, stop signs, traffic signals, and parking regulations on County of San Diego (County) maintained roads.
Members of the public and other agencies can make requests or recommendations for transportation needs within the unincorporated areas of the region. The TAC also relies on various community engagement methods such as the Tell Us Now! Mobile app, toll-free hotlines, and a customer service request program to intake reports on a wide variety of traffic concerns and ensure the concerns are addressed. Requests or recommendations such as changes to traffic control, speed limits, stop signs, traffic signals, or parking regulations require direction and approval from the Board of Supervisors (Board). Upon receipt of a request or recommendation for the implementation of a traffic safety measure in unincorporated areas, the TAC reviews and investigates the requested item, including using engineering and traffic condition studies. The TAC recommendations are provided to the Board for consideration.
The TAC recommends the Board act on five items from the October 27, 2023, TAC meeting agenda:
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Items from the 10/27/2023 TAC Meeting |
|
District |
Item |
Location |
Action |
|
1 |
1-A* |
Sweetwater Road from State Route 54 to Central Avenue in Bonita |
Reduce the 45 MPH speed limit to 40 MPH and certify. |
|
5 |
5-A* |
Poinsettia Avenue from South Santa Fe Avenue to Smilax Road in San Marcos |
Reduce the 40 MPH speed limit to 35 MPH and certify. |
|
5 |
5-B* |
South Santa Fe Avenue from the Vista city limits to Smilax Road in Vista/San Marcos |
Reduce the 45 MPH speed limit to 40 MPH and certify. |
|
5 |
5-C* |
Mission Road from Winter Haven Road to Hill Avenue in Fallbrook |
(1) Reduce the 50 MPH speed limit to 45 MPH and certify. (2) Certify the 35 MPH speed limit. |
|
5 |
5-D* |
Lake Wohlford Road from Guejito Road to the Escondido city limits in Valley Center |
Reduce the 50 MPH speed limit to 45 MPH and certify. |
|
* Indicates second reading of the ordinance is required. These items are not in the vicinity of tribal lands. |
Approval of Item 1-A Sweetwater Road in Bonita (District 1), Item 5-A on Poinsettia Avenue in San Marcos (District 5), Item 5-B on South Santa Fe Avenue in Vista/San Marcos (District 5), Item 5-C on Mission Road in Fallbrook (District 5), and Item 5-D on Lake Wohlford Road in Valley Center (District 5) would support speed enforcement which enhances roadway safety. Properly posted speed limits provide feedback to drivers to improve traffic safety, reduce the number and severity of collisions, and allow for enforcement. If approved, DPW shall install or revise existing speed limit signs and striping to implement the Board’s direction within 30 days.
The Board’s action on Item 1-A Sweetwater Road in Bonita (District 1), Item 5-A on Poinsettia Avenue in San Marcos (District 5), Item 5-B on South Santa Fe Avenue in Vista/San Marcos (District 5), Item 5-C on Mission Road in Fallbrook (District 5), and Item 5-D on Lake Wohlford Road in Valley Center (District 5) would introduce an ordinance to amend speed limit zones. This action would revise the County Code and requires two steps. On March 13, 2024, the Board would consider the TAC items. If the Board takes action as recommended on March 13, then on April 10, 2024, a second reading and adoption of ordinance amending the County Code would be necessary to implement the Board’s direction. If the proposed ordinance is altered on April 10, 2024, then on that date a subsequential meeting date will be selected for the ordinance’s adoption.
RECOMMENDATION(S)
TRAFFIC ADVISORY COMMITTEE
District 1:
Item 1-A. Sweetwater Road from State Route 54 to Central Avenue in Bonita - Reduce the existing 45 MPH speed limit to 40 MPH and certify the 40 MPH speed limit for radar enforcement.
District 5:
Item 5-A. Poinsettia Avenue from South Santa Fe Avenue to Smilax Road in San Marcos - Reduce the existing 40 MPH speed limit to 35 MPH and certify the 35 MPH speed limit for radar enforcement.
Item 5-B. South Santa Fe Avenue from the Vista city limits (near Montgomery Drive) to Smilax Road in Vista/San Marcos - Reduce the existing 45 MPH speed limit to 40 MPH and certify the 40 MPH speed limit for radar enforcement.
Item 5-C. Mission Road from Winter Haven Road to Hill Avenue in Fallbrook - (1) Reduce the existing 50 MPH speed limit to 45 MPH and certify the 45 MPH speed limit for radar enforcement from Winter Haven Road to 880’ south of Pepper Tree Lane. (2) Certify the existing 35 MPH speed limit for radar enforcement from 880’ south of Pepper Tree Lane to Hill Avenue.
Item 5-D. Lake Wohlford Road from Guejito Road to the Escondido city limit (east of Valley Center Road) in Valley Center - Reduce the existing 50 MPH speed limit to 45 MPH and certify the 45 MPH speed limit for radar enforcement.
CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
Consider and adopt the following Ordinance:
ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTIONS 72.161.35.1., 72.164.55., 72.169.52., 72.169.62., AND 72.169.62.1., DELETING SECTION 72.169.55., AND ADDING SECTION 72.164.55.1. OF THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY CODE RELATING TO TRAFFIC REGULATIONS IN THE COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO. (All Items)
EQUITY IMPACT STATEMENT
The review of traffic signs, intersection controls, and roadway markings supports vehicle safety on County of San Diego-maintained roads. The transportation system must be safe for all road users, for all modes of transportation, in all communities, and for people of all incomes, races, ethnicities, ages, and abilities. Understanding travel patterns, where correctable crashes are occurring, and the disproportionate impacts on certain communities will allow the Department of Public Works to identify actions to address the underlying causes, improve safety, and ensure there is justice in the enforcement of traffic regulations.
DPW’s Local Roadway Safety Plan (LRSP) reviews correctable collisions along road segments within the unincorporated areas of the region and uses the Healthy Places Index (3.0) and CalEnviroScreen 4.0 to ensure underserved populations are prioritized. The Traffic Advisory Committee (TAC) relies on the LRSP and performs reviews of regulatory traffic control devices such as signs and markings. While adherence to sign and marking standards developed by the California Department of Transportation is crucial to obtaining the compliance of most drivers, the TAC also relies on various community engagement methods such as the Tell Us Now! Mobile app, toll-free hotlines, and a customer service request program to intake reports on a wide variety of traffic concerns and ensure the concerns are addressed.
SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT STATEMENT
The Traffic Advisory Committee has made addressing sustainability a top priority by partnering with local communities and industry leaders in a public forum every six weeks to find timely, reasonable, and cost-effective in-road traffic solutions that reduce costly traffic delays, mitigate vehicle idling to reduce emissions, improve fire response times and regional readiness, and ensure justice in enforcement of traffic regulations.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funds for this request are included in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-24 Operational Plan of the Department of Public Works Road Fund. If approved, this request will result in costs and revenue of $13,992 in FY 2023-24 for staff time, materials, and supplies. The funding source is State Highway User Tax Account. There will be no change in net General Fund cost and no additional staff years.
BUSINESS IMPACT STATEMENT
N/A
Details
ADVISORY BOARD STATEMENT
The Traffic Advisory Committee (TAC) agenda items are provided to the 28 Community Planning and Sponsor Groups. The items associated with this report are located within the Sweetwater (Item 1-A) and Fallbrook (Item 5-C) Community Planning Group areas as well as the North County Metro Planning Area (Items 5-A, 5-B, & 5-D). TAC staff engaged each community group with items on the TAC agenda to solicit their interest in community review. No Community Planning and Sponsor Group provided concerns on any items. These items are not in the vicinity of tribal lands.
BACKGROUND
The County of San Diego (County) Department of Public Works (DPW) operates a traffic engineering program that includes services such as establishing all traffic regulations, operating, and maintaining traffic signals and streetlights, issuing traffic control and special event permits, and addressing traffic-related customer service concerns. Members of the public and other agencies can make requests or recommendations for transportation needs within the unincorporated areas of the region. Requests or recommendations such as changes to traffic control, speed limits, stop signs, traffic signals, or parking regulations require direction and approval from the Board of Supervisors (Board).
The Board established the Traffic Advisory Committee (TAC) in the 1960s as an aid in providing uniform traffic regulations throughout the unincorporated region. The goal of the TAC is to provide the unincorporated communities with a road system that strives to enhance safety and reduce congestion. To accomplish this, traffic policies are established to provide persons using the road system with consistent and uniform regulations. In order to be effective, these policies are designed to be legally enforceable.
The TAC is composed of 17 representatives from different agencies including five members-at-large appointed by the Board, with one member representing each supervisorial district. The members-at-large typically have an interest in transportation planning or engineering issues. Represented agencies also include the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), California Highway Patrol (CHP), Insurance Brokers and Agents of San Diego, Pacific Safety Center, County Office of Education, San Diego Bicycle Coalition, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, the San Diego County Fire Authority, and DPW. Agenda items are posted online, emailed through an interested persons distribution list, and sent to Community Planning and Sponsor Groups prior to the scheduled meeting.
The TAC meets every six weeks to review traffic control requests, such as speed limits, stop signs, traffic signals, and parking regulations, submitted by any member of the community, Community Planning and Sponsor Groups, County staff, or other agencies. Upon receipt of a request for implementation of a traffic safety measure, the TAC reviews and investigates the requested item by gathering and analyzing information such as photographs, prevailing speeds, traffic volume, collision reports, and public testimony. The TAC investigates the request from the perspective of traffic engineers, motorists, bicyclists, pedestrians, law enforcement, school officials, auto insurance representatives, community representatives, and the public. After reviewing the data and discussing alternatives, the TAC submits a recommendation to the Board based upon traffic engineering principles, the California Vehicle Code, and driver expectations. The Board then makes the final decision as to what action will be taken.
The TAC recommends the Board act on five items from the October 27, 2023 TAC meeting agenda. These items are not in the vicinity of tribal lands.
All five items are periodic reviews required every seven years to comply with State law. These items certify or recertify the use of radar for speed enforcement on the listed road segments. In establishing radar enforceable speed limits, State law requires rounding measured speeds to the nearest 5 miles per hour (MPH) increment. The law also allows an additional 5 MPH reduction based on roadway conditions such as collision history, or alternatively, allows rounding measured speeds down to the lower 5 MPH increment:
• Item 1-A. This review was requested by DPW staff. Sweetwater Road from State Route 54 to Central Avenue in the unincorporated community of Bonita currently has a posted 45 MPH speed limit and measured speeds averaged 43.9 MPH. The TAC recommends reducing the existing 45 MPH speed limit to 40 MPH and certify the 40 MPH speed limit for radar enforcement based on measured speeds and State law which allows rounding measured speeds down to the lower 5 MPH increment. This road segment is not in the vicinity of a school. Amendment of this speed zone requires amendment of an ordinance and addition of an ordinance to separate this segment of Sweetwater Rd from the adjacent 45 MPH segment.
• Item 5-A. This review was requested by DPW staff. Poinsettia Avenue from South Santa Fe Avenue to Smilax Road in the unincorporated community of San Marcos currently has a posted 40 MPH speed limit and measured speeds averaged 39.4 MPH. The TAC recommends reducing the existing 40 MPH speed limit to 35 MPH and certify the 35 MPH speed limit for radar enforcement based on measured speeds and State law which allows rounding measured speeds down to the lower 5 MPH increment. This road segment is not in the vicinity of a school.
• Item 5-B. This review was requested by DPW staff. South Santa Fe Avenue from Vista city limit to Smilax Road in the unincorporated community of Vista/San Marcos currently has a posted 45 MPH speed limit and measured speeds averaged 47.2 MPH. The TAC recommends reducing the existing 45 MPH speed limit to 40 MPH and certify the 40 MPH speed limit for radar enforcement based on measured speeds, collision history, and State law which allows an additional 5 MPH reduction based on roadway conditions not readily apparent to the driver. This road segment is not in the vicinity of a school.
• Item 5-C. This review was requested by DPW staff. Mission Road from Winter Haven Road to 880’ south of Pepper Tree Lane in the unincorporated community of Fallbrook currently has a posted 50 MPH speed limit and measured speeds averaged 52.3 MPH. Mission Road from 880’ south of Pepper Tree Lane to Hill Avenue in the unincorporated community of Fallbrook currently has a posted 35 MPH speed limit and measured speeds averaged 37.9 MPH. The TAC recommends reducing the existing 50 MPH speed limit to 45 MPH and certifying the 45 MPH speed limit for radar enforcement from Winter Haven Road to 880’ south of Pepper Tree Lane based on measured speeds, collision history, and State law which allows an additional 5 MPH reduction based on roadway conditions not readily apparent to the driver. Further, the TAC recommends certifying the existing 35 MPH speed limit for radar enforcement from 880’ south of Pepper Tree Lane to Hill Avenue based on measured speeds. A representative from the Fallbrook High School supported the TAC recommendation.
• Item 5-D. This review was requested by DPW staff. Lake Wohlford Road from Guejito Road to the Escondido city limit (east of Valley Center Road) in the unincorporated community of Valley Center currently has a posted 50 MPH speed limit and measured speeds averaged 48.9 MPH. The TAC recommends reducing the existing 50 MPH speed limit to 45 MPH and certify the 45 MPH speed limit for radar enforcement based on measured speeds and State law which allows rounding measured speeds down to the lower 5 MPH increment. This road segment is not in the vicinity of a school.
ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT
The proposed action consists of the approval of recommendations from the Traffic Advisory Committee relating to regulatory traffic control on County of San Diego maintained roadways (e.g., establish parking prohibitions, install traffic control signage, establish and certify/recertify speed limits for enforcement). Section 15301 consists of the operation, repair, maintenance, permitting, leasing, licensing, or minor alteration of existing public or private structures, facilities, or mechanical equipment or topographical features, involving negligible or no expansion of existing or former use. The key consideration is whether the project involves negligible or no expansion of use. The proposed action involves minor alteration of existing public facilities resulting in negligible or no expansion of existing or former use and is therefore categorically exempt from California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review in accordance with Section 15301 of the CEQA Guidelines.
LINKAGE TO THE COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO STRATEGIC PLAN
Today’s proposed action to certify/recertify speed limits supports the Community Quality of Life Initiative in the County of San Diego’s 2024-2029 Strategic Plan with the objective of providing services that enhance communities through increasing the well-being of our residents and our environments. Today’s requested action fulfills this initiative by improving the opportunity for motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists to interact safely with the roadway and each other.
Respectfully submitted,
Dahvia lynch
Interim Deputy Chief Administrative Officer
ATTACHMENT(S)
A. Summary of Traffic Advisory Committee Recommendations
B. Ordinance Required to Implement Recommendations