|
DATE: |
October 22, 2025, and November 5, 2025 |
09 |
SUBJECT
Title
TRAFFIC ADVISORY COMMITTEE (10/22/2025 - ADOPT RECOMMENDATIONS INCLUDING INTRODUCING AN ORDINANCE; 11/5/2025 - SECOND READING OF AN ORDINANCE, UNLESS ORDINANCE IS MODIFIED ON SECOND READING, AND CEQA EXEMPTION FINDING (DISTRICTS: ALL)
Body
OVERVIEW
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 1950s 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 two months 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. 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 engineering and traffic condition studies. The TAC recommendations are provided to the Board for consideration.
The TAC recommends the Board act on 11 items from June 6, 2025, TAC meeting:
|
District. Item |
Location |
Request |
Description |
|
1. 1-A* |
Mesa Vista Way/Bonita Mesa Road from Sweetwater Road to the city limits of National City (west of Putter Drive) in Bonita. |
Review requested by residents. |
Certify the 35 MPH speed limit for radar enforcement. |
|
2. 2-A |
Blossom Valley Road from Lake Jennings Park Rd to Quail Canyon Road in Blossom Valley. |
Review requested by residents. |
Certify the 45 MPH speed limit for radar enforcement. |
|
2. 2-B* |
Alpine Boulevard from Arnold Way to Tavern Road in Alpine. |
Review requested by residents. |
Establish a 50 MPH speed limit and certify the speed limit for radar enforcement. |
|
3. 3-A* |
San Dieguito Road from El Apajo to the San Diego city limit (east of Circa Oriente) in Fairbanks Ranch. |
Review requested by residents. |
Certify the 45 MPH speed limit for radar enforcement. |
|
4. 4-A |
Vista Grande Road from Hillsdale Road to Dehesa Road in Hillsdale. |
Review requested by DPW staff. |
Certify the 40 MPH speed limit for radar enforcement. |
|
5. 5-A |
Mountain Meadow Road from Champagne Boulevard to Hidden Meadows Road in Hidden Meadows. |
Review requested by residents. |
Certify the 50 MPH speed limit for radar enforcement. |
|
5. 5-B |
Mountain Meadow Road from Hidden Meadows Road to end of County maintenance in Hidden Meadows. |
Review requested by residents. |
Certify the 35 MPH speed limit for radar enforcement. |
|
5. 5-C* |
Gird Road from Reche Road to 1,000’ south of Oak Cliff Drive in Fallbrook. |
Review requested by DPW staff. |
Combine with the adjacent southern segment and certify the 45 MPH speed limit for radar enforcement. |
|
5. 5-D* |
Gird Road from 1,000’ south Oak Cliff Drive to State Route 76 in Fallbrook. |
Review requested by DPW staff. |
Combine with the adjacent northern segment and certify the 45 MPH speed limit for radar enforcement. |
|
5. 5-E |
Mission Road and Live Oak Park Road in Fallbrook. |
Review requested by residents. |
Add the intersection to the County's traffic signal list for design and construction. |
|
5. 5-F |
East Vista Way and Hutchison Street in Bonsall. |
Review requested by residents. |
Add the intersection to the County's traffic signal list for design and construction. |
|
*Item requires two hearings. |
Approval of Items 1-A on Mesa Vista Way/Bonita Mesa Road in Bonita (District 1), 2-A on Blossom Valley Road in Blossom Valley (District 2), 2-B on Alpine Boulevard in Alpine (District 2), 3-A on San Dieguito Road in Fairbanks Ranch (District 3), 4-A on Vista Grande Road in Hillsdale (District 4), 5-A on Mountain Meadow Road in Hidden Meadows (District 5), 5-B on Mountain Meadow Road in Hidden Meadows (District 5), 5-C on Gird Road in Fallbrook (District 5), and 5-D on Gird Road in Fallbrook (District 5) would support speed enforcement which enhances roadway safety. Properly posted speed limits inform drivers on safe speeds, reduce the number and severity of collisions, and allow for enforcement.
Approval of Items 5-E on Mission Road and Live Oak Park Road in Fallbrook (District 5) and 5-F East Vista Way and Hutchison Street in Bonsall (District 5) will add the intersections to the County's traffic signal installation or modification list. The County's Traffic Signal List allows staff to seek funding for subsequent design and construction. Traffic control signals will provide safety enhancement measures for pedestrians, bicyclists, and all other road users. Properly designed traffic control signals help manage intersections safely and efficiently by coordinating vehicle and pedestrian movement.
The Board’s action on Items 2-A on Blossom Valley Road in Blossom Valley (District 2), 4-A on Vista Grande Road in Hillsdale (District 4), 5-A on Mountain Meadow Road in Hidden Meadows (District 5), 5-B on Mountain Meadow Road in Hidden Meadows (District 5), 5-E on Mission Road and Live Oak Park Road in Fallbrook (District 5), and 5-F on East Vista Way and Hutchison Street in Bonsall (District 5) does not revise the San Diego County Code of Regulatory Ordinances (County Code) and therefore does not require a second reading of an ordinance. Board direction on October 22, 2025, would allow implementation by DPW.
The Board’s action on Items 1-A on Mesa Vista Way/Bonita Mesa Road in Bonita (District 1), 2-B on Alpine Boulevard in Alpine (District 2), 3-A on San Dieguito Road in Fairbanks Ranch (District 3), 5-C on Gird Road in Fallbrook (District 5), and 5-D on Gird Road in Fallbrook (District 5) would introduce an ordinance to amend and establish speed limit zones. This action would revise the County Code and requires two steps. On October 22, 2025, the Board will consider the TAC items. If the Board takes action as recommended, then on November 5, 2025, a second reading and adoption of ordinances amending the County Code would be necessary to implement the Board’s direction. If the proposed ordinance is altered on November 5, 2025, then on that date a subsequent meeting date will be selected for the ordinance’s adoption.
RECOMMENDATION(S)
TRAFFIC ADVISORY COMMITTEE
District 1:
Item 1-A. Mesa Vista Way/Bonita Mesa Road from Sweetwater Road to the city limits of National City (west of Putter Drive) in Bonita - Certify the 35 MPH speed limit for radar enforcement.
District 2:
Item 2-A. Blossom Valley Road from Lake Jennings Park Road to Quail Canyon Road in Blossom Valley - Certify the 45 MPH speed limit for radar enforcement.
Item 2-B. Alpine Boulevard from Arnold Way to Tavern Road in Alpine - Establish a 50 MPH speed limit and certify the speed limit for radar enforcement.
District 3:
Item 3-A. San Dieguito Road from El Apajo to the San Diego city limit (east of Circa Oriente) Fairbanks Ranch - Certify the 45 MPH speed limit for radar enforcement.
District 4:
Item 4-A. Vista Grande Road from Hillsdale Road to Dehesa Road in Hillsdale - Certify the 40 MPH speed limit for radar enforcement.
District 5:
Item 5-A. Mountain Meadow Road from Champagne Boulevard to Hidden Meadows Road in Hidden Meadows - Certify the 50 MPH speed limit for radar enforcement.
Item 5-B. Mountain Meadow Road from Hidden Meadows Road to end of County maintenance in Hidden Meadows - Certify the 35 MPH speed limit for radar enforcement.
Item 5-C. Gird Road from Reche Road to 1,000’ south of Oak Cliff Drive in Fallbrook - Combine with the adjacent southern segment and certify the 45 MPH speed limit for radar enforcement.
Item 5-D. Gird Road from 1,000’ south of Oak Cliff Drive to State Route 76 in Fallbrook - Combine with the adjacent northern segment and certify the 45 MPH speed limit for radar enforcement.
Item 5-E. Mission Road and Live Oak Park Road in Fallbrook - Place the intersection on the County’s traffic signal list for design and construction.
Item 5-F. East Vista Way and Hutchison Street in Bonsall - Place the intersection on the County’s traffic signal list for design and construction
CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
1. Find that the proposed project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as specified under Section 15301 of the CEQA Guidelines because the proposed action involves minor alterations of existing public facilities relating to regulatory traffic control on County of San Diego maintained roadways, resulting in negligible or no expansion of existing or former use.
2. Adopt the Traffic Advisory Committee’s recommendations.
3. Approve the introduction of the following Ordinance:
ORDINANCE ADDING SECTION 72.169.90., AMENDING SECTIONS 72.164.5., 72.162.21., AND 72.169.74.5., AND DELETING SECTION 72.169.74.6. OF THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY CODE RELATING TO SPEED LIMITS ON COUNTY MAINTAINED ROADS IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY.
If, on October 22, 2025, the Board takes action as recommended, then, on November 5, 2025:
1. Adopt the following Ordinance:
ORDINANCE ADDING SECTION 72.169.90., AMENDING SECTIONS 72.164.5., 72.162.21., AND 72.169.74.5., AND DELETING SECTION 72.169.74.6. OF THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY CODE RELATING TO SPEED LIMITS ON COUNTY MAINTAINED ROADS IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY.
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 allows 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 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 that underserved populations are prioritized. The Traffic Advisory Committee (TAC) relies on the Local Roadway Safety Plan 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 proposed actions have social, health and well-being, and environmental sustainability benefits. The Traffic Advisory Committee has made addressing sustainability a top priority by partnering with local communities and industry leaders in a public forum every two months 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 2025-26 Operational Plan in the Department of Public Works, Road Fund. If approved, this request will result in costs and revenue of $12,696 in Fiscal Year 2025-26 for staff time, materials, and supplies. The funding source is the 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 as an informational item. The items associated with this report are located within the Sweetwater (Item 1-A), Lakeside (Item 2-A), Alpine (Item 2-B), San Dieguito (Item 3-A), and Valle De Oro (Item 4-A), Fallbrook (Items 5-C, 5-D, and 5-E) Community Planning Group areas and the Hidden Meadows (Items 5-A and 5-B) and Bonsall (Item 5-F) Community Sponsor Group areas. TAC staff engaged each community group with items on the TAC agenda to solicit their interest in community review. All Community Planning and Sponsor Groups were informed of the items. No comments were received. These items have no impact on 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 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 1950s as an aid in providing uniform traffic regulations throughout the unincorporated region. The goal of the TAC is to provide 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. 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 and one representing each supervisorial district. The members-at-large typically have an interest in transportation planning or engineering issues. Represented agencies include the California Department of Transportation, California Highway Patrol, 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 sent to Community Planning and Sponsor Groups, posted online, and emailed through an interested person distribution list prior to the scheduled meeting.
The TAC meets every two months 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 an 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 11 items from June 6, 2025, TAC meeting.
Radar Certification and Speed Limits Items
The following nine 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 for a 5 MPH reduction based on roadway conditions such as collision history or allows rounding measured speeds down to the lower 5 MPH increment.
• Item 1-A. This review was requested by residents. Mesa Vista Way/Bonita Mesa Road in the unincorporated community of Bonita from Sweetwater Road to the city limit of National City (west of Putter Drive) is currently posted with a 35 MPH speed limit. Measured speeds on Mesa Vista Way/Bonita Mesa Road averaged 39.0 MPH. The TAC recommends certifying 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. There are no schools in the vicinity of this item. An ordinance modification is required to correct the western endpoint description.
• Item 2-A. This review was requested by residents. Blossom Valley Road in the unincorporated community of Blossom Valley from Lake Jennings Park Road to Quail Canyon Road is currently posted with a 45 MPH speed limit. Measured speeds on Blossom Valley Road averaged 48.9 MPH. The TAC recommends certifying 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. There are no schools in the vicinity of this item.
• Item 2-B. This review was requested by residents. Alpine Boulevard in the unincorporated community of Alpine from Arnold Way to Tavern Road is currently unposted for speed limit and is subject to the State maximum 55 MPH speed limit. Measured speeds on Blossom Valley Road averaged 57.2 MPH. The TAC recommends establishing a 50 MPH speed limit and certifying the 50 MPH speed limit for radar enforcement based on measured speeds and State law, which allows for a 5 MPH reduction based on roadway conditions such as collision history. There are no schools in the vicinity of this item.
• Item 3-A. This review was requested by residents. San Dieguito Road in the unincorporated community of Fairbanks Ranch from El Apajo to the San Diego city limit (east of Circa Oriente) is currently posted with a 45 MPH speed limit. Measured speeds on San Dieguito Road averaged 49.4 MPH. The TAC recommends certifying 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. There are no schools in the vicinity of this item. An ordinance modification is required to correct the eastern endpoint description.
• Item 4-A. This review was requested by DPW staff. Vista Grande Road in the unincorporated community of Hillsdale from Hillsdale Road to Dehesa Road is currently posted with a 40 MPH speed limit. Measured speeds on Vista Grande Road averaged 46.8 MPH. The TAC recommends certifying the 40 MPH speed limit for radar enforcement based on measured speeds and State law, which allows an additional 5 MPH reduction based on roadway conditions such as the presence of school age children, limited shoulders, and horizontal and vertical curvature. The principal of Vista Grande Elementary School was contacted for input and did not comment.
• Item 5-A. This review was requested by residents. Mountain Meadow Road in the unincorporated community of Hidden Meadows from Champagne Boulevard to Hidden Meadows Road is currently posted with a 50 MPH speed limit. Measured speeds on Mountain Meadow Road averaged 51.2 MPH. The TAC recommends certifying the 50 MPH speed limit for radar enforcement based on measured speeds. There are no schools in the vicinity of this item.
• Item 5-B. This review was requested by DPW staff. Mountain Meadow Road in the unincorporated community of Hidden Meadows from Hidden Meadows Road to the end of County maintenance is currently posted with a 35 MPH speed limit. Measured speeds on Mountain Meadow Road averaged 41.8 MPH. The TAC recommends certifying the 35 MPH speed limit for radar enforcement based on measured speeds and State law which allows an additional 5 MPH reduction based on roadway conditions such as collision history and equestrian, bicycle, and pedestrian presence. There are no schools in the vicinity of this item.
• Item 5-C. This review was requested by DPW staff and was reviewed concurrently with Item 5-D. Gird Road in the unincorporated community of Fallbrook from Reche Road to 1,000’ south of Oak Cliff Drive is currently posted with a 45 MPH speed limit. Measured speeds on Gird Road averaged 50.9 MPH. The TAC recommends combining this speed zone with the adjacent southern speed zone, establishing a 45 MPH speed limit, and certifying the 45 MPH speed limit for radar enforcement on Gird Road from Reche Road to State Route 76 based on measured speeds and State law which allows an additional 5 MPH reduction based on roadway conditions such as collision history. There are no schools in the vicinity of this item. An ordinance modification is required to combine the speed zone segments.
• Item 5-D. This review was requested by DPW staff and was reviewed concurrently with Item 5-C. Gird Road in the unincorporated community of Fallbrook from 1,000’ south of Oak Cliff Drive to State Route 76 is currently posted with a 45 MPH speed limit. Measured speeds on Gird Road averaged 51.3 MPH. The TAC recommends combining this speed zone with the adjacent southern speed zone, establishing a 45 MPH speed limit and certifying the 45 MPH speed limit for radar enforcement on Gird Road from Reche Road to State Route 76 based on measured speeds and State law, which allows an additional 5 MPH reduction based on roadway conditions such as collision history. There are no schools in the vicinity of this item. An ordinance modification is required to combine the speed zone segments.
Traffic Control Signal Items
The following two items are reviews to establish a traffic signal. The California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CA MUTCD) provides nine warrants for consideration of a traffic signal based on intersection operating conditions (i.e., traffic volumes or recent collision history).
• Item 5-E. This item is a review requested by area residents. This item will place the intersection of Mission Road and Live Oak Park Road in the unincorporated community of Fallbrook on the County’s Traffic Signal List for design and construction. This allows the County to seek funding to initiate design. A subsequent environmental review would be conducted for the proposed traffic signal before construction. Three of the CA MUTCD warrants for traffic signals are satisfied at this intersection: eight-hour vehicular volume, four-hour vehicular volume, and peak hour warrant. The TAC recommends placing this intersection on the traffic signal list to enhance road safety by interrupting heavy traffic at intervals to permit other traffic, vehicular or pedestrian, to cross, provide for the orderly movement of traffic, and improve the intersection’s existing operating conditions. There are no schools in the vicinity of this item.
• Item 5-F. This item is a review requested by area residents. This item will place the intersection of East Vista Way and Hutchison Street in the unincorporated community of Bonsall on the County’s Traffic Signal List for design and construction. This allows the County to seek funding to initiate design. A subsequent environmental review would be conducted for the proposed traffic signal before construction. Three of the CA MUTCD warrants for traffic signals are satisfied at this intersection: eight-hour vehicular volume, four-hour vehicular volume, and peak hour warrant. The TAC recommends placing this intersection on the traffic signal list to enhance road safety by interrupting heavy traffic at intervals to permit other traffic, vehicular or pedestrian, to cross, provide for the orderly movement of traffic, and improve the intersection’s existing operating conditions. There are no schools in the vicinity of this item.
A summary of TAC recommendations is provided in Attachment A. An ordinance required to implement the Board’s direction is presented in Attachment B.
The Board’s action on Items 2-A on Blossom Valley Road in Blossom Valley (District 2), 4-A on Vista Grande Road in Hillsdale (District 4), 5-A on Mountain Meadow Road in Hidden Meadows (District 5), 5-B on Mountain Meadow Road in Hidden Meadows (District 5), 5-E on Mission Road and Live Oak Park Road in Fallbrook (District 5), and 5-F East Vista Way and Hutchison Street in Bonsall (District 5) does not revise the San Diego County Code of Regulatory Ordinances (County Code) and therefore does not require a second reading of an ordinance. Board direction on October 22, 2025, would allow implementation by DPW.
The Board’s action on Items 1-A on Mesa Vista Way/Bonita Mesa Road in Bonita (District 1), 2-B on Alpine Boulevard in Alpine (District 2), 3-A on San Dieguito Road in Fairbanks Ranch (District 3), 5-C on Gird Road in Monserate (District 5), and 5-D on Gird Road in Monserate (District 5) would introduce an ordinance to amend and establish speed limit zones. This action would revise the County Code and requires two steps. On October 22, 2025, the Board will consider the TAC items. If the Board takes action as recommended, then on November 5, 2025, a second reading and adoption of ordinances amending the County Code would be necessary to implement the Board’s direction. If the proposed ordinance is altered on November 5, 2025, then on that date a subsequent meeting date will be selected for the ordinance’s adoption.
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 establish/certify/recertify speed limits and establish traffic signals supports the Community Quality of Life Initiative in the County of San Diego’s 2025-2030 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
Deputy Chief Administrative Officer
ATTACHMENT(S)
A. Summary of Traffic Advisory Committee Recommendations from the June 6, 2025, Meeting
B. Ordinance Clean and Info Amending the County Code to Implement the Board's Direction