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DATE: |
October 16, 2019 and October 30, 2019 |
04 |
SUBJECT
Title
TRAFFIC ADVISORY COMMITTEE (10/16/2019 - ADOPT RECOMMENDATIONS; 10/30/2019 - SECOND READING OF AN ORDINANCE) (DISTRICTS: 1, 2, 3, & 5)
Body
OVERVIEW
As part of the Department of Public Works (DPW) traffic engineering program, the Board of Supervisors (Board) established the Traffic Advisory Committee (TAC) as an aid in providing uniform traffic regulations throughout the unincorporated areas of the county. The goal of the TAC is to make recommendations to the Board on traffic matters to provide the communities in the unincorporated region with a safe and efficient road system. To accomplish this, it is necessary that traffic policies be established and used to provide persons using the road system with consistent and uniform regulations that are effective and can be legally enforced. 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-maintained roads. Upon receipt of a request or recommendation for a traffic regulation in unincorporated areas of the county, the TAC reviews and investigates the requested item including engineering studies and studies of traffic conditions.
The TAC recommends the Board act on four items from the July 26, 2019, meeting agenda:
• Item 1-A is a periodic review that is required every seven years and was requested by DPW staff to comply with state law. This will recertify the use of radar for speed enforcement on Briarwood Road from Sweetwater Road to State Route 54 in Bonita. The roadway is currently posted with a 40 MPH speed limit and measured speeds averaged 40.9 MPH. Road operating conditions including collision experience and the narrowing of travelled lanes for installation of bicycle lanes during this summer’s regular resurfacing project support a 35 MPH posted speed limit along with the use of radar for enforcement.
• Item 2-A is a periodic review that is required every seven years and was requested by DPW staff to comply with state law. This will recertify the use of radar for speed enforcement on Potrero Valley Road from State Route 94 and Potrero Park Drive in Potrero. The roadway is currently posted with a 40 MPH speed limit and measured speeds averaged 37.9 MPH. Road operating conditions, an adjacent school zone, and measured speeds that allow for a speed reduction support a 35 MPH posted speed limit along with the use of radar for enforcement.
• Item 3-A is a periodic review that is required every seven years and was requested by DPW staff to comply with state law. This will recertify the use of radar for speed enforcement on Mary Lane from the Escondido City Limits (near Jasmine Place) to Summit Drive in unincorporated Escondido. The roadway is currently posted with a 45 MPH speed limit and measured speeds averaged 46.0 MPH. Road operating conditions including collision experience and high residential driveway density support a 40 MPH posted speed limit along with the use of radar for enforcement.
• Item 5-A is a periodic review that is required every seven years and was requested by DPW staff to comply with state law. This will recertify the use of radar for speed enforcement on Winter Haven Road from Mission Road to Brooke Road in Fallbrook and certify the speed limit for radar enforcement. The roadway is currently posted with a 45 MPH speed limit and measured speeds averaged 44.5 MPH. Road operating conditions, adjacent land uses including schools and residences, and measured speeds that allow for a speed reduction support a 40 MPH posted speed limit along with the use of radar for enforcement.
The Board’s action on Item 1-A, 2-A, 3-A, & 5-A would revise the San Diego County Code of Regulatory Ordinances (County Code) and would require two steps. On October 16, 2019, the Board would consider the TAC items. If the Board takes action on October 16, 2019, then on October 30, 2019, a second reading of an ordinance amending County Code would be necessary to implement the Board’s direction.
RECOMMENDATION(S)
TRAFFIC ADVISORY COMMITTEE
District 1:
Item 1-A. Briarwood Road from Sweetwater Road to State Route 54 in Bonita - Reduce the 40 MPH speed limit to 35 MPH and certify the 35 MPH speed limit for radar enforcement.
District 2:
Item 2-A. Potrero Valley Road from State Route 94 and Potrero Park Drive in Potrero - Reduce the 40 MPH speed limit to 35 MPH and certify the 35 MPH speed limit for radar enforcement.
District 3:
Item 3-A. Mary Lane from the Escondido City Limits (near Jasmine Place) to Summit Drive in Escondido - Reduce the 45 MPH speed limit to 40 MPH and certify the 40 MPH speed limit for radar enforcement.
District 5:
Item 5-A. Winter Haven Road from Mission Road to Brooke Road in Fallbrook - Reduce the 45 MPH speed limit to 40 MPH and certify the 40 MPH speed limit for radar enforcement.
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 issues on County 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, read title, and waive further reading of the following Ordinance:
ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTIONS 72.161.95., 72.164.11., 72.169.54.1., AND 72.169.77.3. OF THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY CODE RELATING TO SPEED LIMITS ON COUNTY MAINTAINED ROADS IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY (Items 1-A, 2-A, 3-A, & 5-A).
If, on October 16, 2019, the Board takes action as recommended, then, on October 30, 2019:
Consider and adopt the following Ordinance:
ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTIONS 72.161.95., 72.164.11., 72.169.54.1., AND 72.169.77.3. OF THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY CODE RELATING TO SPEED LIMITS ON COUNTY MAINTAINED ROADS IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY (Items 1-A, 2-A, 3-A, & 5-A).
FISCAL IMPACT
Funds for this request are included in the Fiscal Year 2019-20 Operational Plan for the Department of Public Works Road Fund. If approved, there will be no change in net General Fund cost and no additional staff years.
BUSINESS IMPACT STATEMENT
N/A
Details
ADVISORY BOARD STATEMENT
All Traffic Advisory Committee agenda items are routinely provided to all 26 Community Planning and Sponsor Groups. The items associated with this report are located in the Sweetwater, Potrero, and Fallbrook Community Planning Group areas. The Sweetwater Community Planning Group sent a representative to the Committee meeting to express support for a reduction of the existing 40 MPH speed limit to 35 MPH on Briarwood Road from Sweetwater Road to State Route 54 (Item 1-A). The Potrero and Fallbrook Community Planning Groups did not provide input. Item 3-A is located in the North County Metro Sub Regional Planning Area and is not represented by a community group.
BACKGROUND
The County of San Diego’s (County) Department of Public Works (DPW) operates a traffic engineering program which 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. Within the traffic engineering program, the public and other agencies can make requests or recommendations for transportation needs within the unincorporated areas of the county. Requests or recommendations such as changes to traffic control, speed limits, stop signs, traffic signals, or parking regulations require Board of Supervisors (Board) direction. The Board established the Traffic Advisory Committee (TAC) as an aid in providing uniform traffic regulations throughout the unincorporated areas of the county. The goal of the TAC is to provide the unincorporated communities of the county with a safe and efficient road system. To accomplish this, it is necessary that traffic policies be established and used to provide persons using the road system with consistent and uniform regulations that are effective and can be legally enforced.
The TAC is composed of representatives from different agencies and two members-at-large appointed by the Board, one representing District 2 and the other representing District 3 or 5. Represented agencies include: California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), 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 posted online, emailed through an interested persons distribution list, and sent to Community Planning 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 members of the public, Community Planning and Sponsor Groups, County staff, or other agencies. Upon receipt of a request for a traffic regulation, 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, law enforcement, school officials, auto insurance representatives, and the general public. After reviewing the data and discussing alternatives, the TAC submits a recommendation to the Board based upon sound traffic engineering principles, the California Vehicle Code, and driver expectation. The Board then makes the final decision as to what action will be taken.
The TAC recommends the Board act on four items from the July 26, 2019, TAC meeting agenda:
• Item 1-A is a periodic review that is required every seven years and was requested by DPW staff to comply with state law. This will recertify the use of radar for speed enforcement on Briarwood Road from Sweetwater Road to State Route 54 in Bonita. The roadway is currently posted with a 40 MPH speed limit and measured speeds averaged 40.9 MPH. Road operating conditions including collision experience and the narrowing of travelled lanes for installation of bicycle lanes during this summer’s regular resurfacing project support a 35 MPH posted speed limit along with the use of radar for enforcement. Approval of this item would support speed enforcement, which increases roadway safety and retains mobility. Properly posted speed limits provide feedback to drivers to improve traffic safety, reduce the number and severity of collisions, and support law enforcement officers in enforcement.
• Item 2-A is a periodic review that is required every seven years and was requested by DPW staff to comply with state law. This will recertify the use of radar for speed enforcement on Potrero Valley Road from State Route 94 and Potrero Park Drive in Potrero. The roadway is currently posted with a 40 MPH speed limit and measured speeds averaged 37.9 MPH. Road operating conditions, an adjacent school zone, and measured speeds that allow for a speed reduction support a 35 MPH posted speed limit along with the use of radar for enforcement. Approval of this item would support speed enforcement, which increases roadway safety and retains mobility. Properly posted speed limits provide feedback to drivers to improve traffic safety, reduce the number and severity of collisions, and support law enforcement officers in enforcement.
• Item 3-A is a periodic review that is required every seven years and was requested by DPW staff to comply with state law. This will recertify the use of radar for speed enforcement on Mary Lane from the Escondido City Limits (near Jasmine Place) to Summit Drive in unincorporated Escondido. The roadway is currently posted with a 45 MPH speed limit and measured speeds averaged 46.0 MPH. Road operating conditions including collision experience and high residential driveway density support a 40 MPH posted speed limit along with the use of radar for enforcement. Approval of this item would support speed enforcement, which increases roadway safety and retains mobility. Properly posted speed limits provide feedback to drivers to improve traffic safety, reduce the number and severity of collisions, and support law enforcement officers in enforcement.
• Item 5-A is a periodic review that is required every seven years and was requested by DPW staff to comply with state law. This will recertify the use of radar for speed enforcement on Winter Haven Road from Mission Road to Brooke Road in Fallbrook and certify the speed limit for radar enforcement. The roadway is currently posted with a 45 MPH speed limit and measured speeds averaged 44.5 MPH. Road operating conditions, adjacent land uses including schools and residences, and measured speeds that allow for a speed reduction support a 40 MPH posted speed limit along with the use of radar for enforcement. Approval of this item would support speed enforcement, which increases roadway safety and retains mobility. Properly posted speed limits provide feedback to drivers to improve traffic safety, reduce the number and severity of collisions, and support law enforcement officers in enforcement.
The Board’s action on Items 1-A, 2-A, 3-A, & 5-A would revise the San Diego County Code of Regulatory Ordinances (County Code) and would require two steps. On October 16, 2019, the Board would consider the TAC items. If the Board takes action to approve the TAC recommendation on October 16, 2019, then on October 30, 2019, a second reading of an Ordinance amending Sections 72.161.95., 72.164.11., 72.169.54.1., and 72.169.77.3. (Items 1-A, 2-A, 3-A, & 5-A) of the County Code would be necessary to implement the Board’s direction.
ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT
The proposed action consists of the approval of recommendations from the TAC relating to regulatory traffic control issues on County maintained roadways (e.g., establish parking prohibitions, install traffic control signage, establish and certify/recertify speed limits for enforcement). 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 CEQA review in accordance with Section 15301 of the CEQA.
LINKAGE TO THE COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO STRATEGIC PLAN
Today’s proposed actions to establish and certify speed limits for radar enforcement supports the Living Safely Initiative in the County of San Diego’s 2019-24 Strategic Plan with the objective of making San Diego the safest urban county in the nation. Today’s requested actions fulfill this initiative by improving the opportunity for motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists to interact safely with the roadway and each other.
Respectfully submitted,
SARAH E. AGHASSI
Deputy Chief Administrative Officer
ATTACHMENT(S)
A. Summary of Traffic Advisory Committee Recommendations
B. Ordinance Required to Implement Recommendations
AGENDA ITEM INFORMATION SHEET
REQUIRES FOUR VOTES: ☐ Yes ☒ No
WRITTEN DISCLOSURE PER COUNTY CHARTER SECTION 1000.1 REQUIRED
☐ Yes ☒ No
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PREVIOUS RELEVANT BOARD ACTIONS: 1-A. August 8, 2012 (14), approved the existing 40 MPH and recertification for the use of radar for speed enforcement on Briarwood Road from Sweetwater Road to State Route 54. 2-A. March 13, 2013 (05), approved the existing 40 MPH and recertification for the use of radar for speed enforcement on Potrero Valley Road from State Route 94 to Potrero Park Drive. 3-A. July 11, 2012 (07), approved the existing 45 MPH and recertification for the use of radar for speed enforcement on Mary Lane from the Escondido City Limit to Summit Drive. 5-A. July 11, 2012 (07), approved the existing 45 MPH and recertification for the use of radar for speed enforcement on Winter Haven Road from Mission Road to Brooke Road. |
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BOARD POLICIES APPLICABLE: N/A |
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BOARD POLICY STATEMENTS: N/A |
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MANDATORY COMPLIANCE: N/A |
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ORACLE AWARD NUMBER(S) AND CONTRACT AND/OR REQUISITION NUMBER(S): N/A |
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ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT: Department of Public Works |
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OTHER CONCURRENCE(S): |
N/A |
CONTACT PERSON(S):
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Brian Albright |
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Derek R. Gade |
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Name |
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Name |
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858-694-2233 |
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858-694-3897 |
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Phone |
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Phone |
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Brian.Albright@sdcounty.ca.gov |
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Derek.Gade@sdcounty.ca.gov |
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E-mail |
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E-mail |