CC 2014-05-13_11.b. Radar Speed SurveyTO:
FROM:
BY:
MEMORANDUM
CITY COUNCIL
TERESA McCLISH, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
MIKE LINN, ASSISTANT CITY ENGINEER
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF CERTIFICATION OF THE FIVE-YEAR RADAR
SPEED SURVEY FOR SELECTED CITY STREETS
DATE: MAY 13,2014
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended the Council adopt a Resolution certifying the five-year radar speed
survey for selected City streets.
IMPACT ON FINANCIAL AND PERSONNEL RESOURCES:
Any costs associated with speed limit signs or traffic legends will be accommodated
within the FY 2013/14 Operating Budget.
BACKGROUND:
The California Vehicle Code requires an engineering and traffic speed survey to enable
the radar enforcement of any speed limit set by a local jurisdiction. Due to the
constraints of the pursuit method of enforcement on City streets, this requirement
effectively dictates all enforcement of locally adopted speed limits. Consequently, traffic
speed enforcement within the City is currently restricted to those limits expressly
established by the Vehicle Code, such as the 25 mph school zone limit when children
are present. Absent such express limits, the 55 mph maximum limit prevails.
The basic presumption of the engineering and traffic speed survey requirement is that
the majority of the public drives at a reasonable speed and that limits should be
established which reflect this. The 85th percentile is generally accepted as the statistical
break between reasonable and unreasonable drivers. Speed limits in California are
governed by the California Vehicle Code, Sections 22348 through 22413. California
MUTCD 2012 (Traffic Manual) defines the methodology for performing vehicle speed
surveys. The speeds of the vehicles are measured by conducting speed sampling,
using a radar speed gun. The radar gun operator is stationed in an unidentified vehicle
and takes speed measurements with a certified radar gun, sampling a minimum of 100
vehicles in each direction. The data is then quantified and the recommended speed
limit is set at the five-mile-per-hour increment reflecting the observed 85th percentile (or
critical) speed, unless the City Engineer determines that there are mitigating factors not
Item 11.b. - Page 1
CITY COUNCIL
CONSIDERATION OF CERTIFICATION OF THE FIVE-YEAR RADAR SPEED SURVEY
FOR SELECTED CITY STREETS
MAY 13,2014
PAGE 2 OF 6
readily observable to the driver. The accident history is also considered, and under
appropriate circumstances the City Engineer is permitted to lower the critical speed by
five-miles-per-hour.
As a rule, arbitrary five-mile-per-hour reduction of a properly determined speed limit
makes lawbreakers of approximately 35 percent of otherwise responsible drivers.
Establishing a speed limit at the recommended level where the existing posted speed
limit is lower should not be viewed as raising the speed limit. It is an establishment of
the speed that legally defined reasonable drivers are already driving, and it allows
enforcement of citations against those who are exhibiting unreasonable behavior. A
comparison of the recommended limits to the existing posted limits should be
minimized.
ANALYSIS OF ISSUES:
Staff representatives from the Police and Engineering Departments jointly reviewed the
status of City streets requiring radar speed surveys to determine their validity for
enforcement. Staff determined that there were 37 street segments where the surveys
had either expired or had never been performed. Staff performed the radar speed
surveys from December 2013 to March 2014.
On April 28, 2014, staff presented the 2014 radar speed survey to the Traffic
Commission. The Traffic Commission reviewed the material, identified several locations
for further analysis, and developed a recommendation to the Council to certify the
survey. The results of the survey, with the Traffic Commission comments incorporated,
are as follows:
Street Direction Posted 85th% Recommended
MPH MPH MPH
East 35 36.34 35 Ash St. (1300 Block) West 35 36.49 35
North not posted 41.31 40
Branch Mill Road South 30 40.21 40
North 35 30.01 30
Brisco Road (1 00 Block) South 35 28.83 30
North 35 37.45 35
Brisco Road (200 Block) South 35 36.58 35
North 45 46.20 45
Corbett Canyon Road (300 Block) South 45 44.09 45
East not posted 22.78 25
East Branch Street ( 1 00 Block) West not posted 23.09 25
East not posted 23.21 25
East Branch Street (300 Block) West not posted 22.44 25
East 30 33.90 30
East Branch Street (500 Block) West 30 36.50 30
Item 11.b. - Page 2
CITY COUNCIL
CONSIDERATION OF CERTIFICATION OF THE FIVE-YEAR RADAR SPEED SURVEY
FOR SELECTED CITY STREETS
MAY 13,2014
PAGE 3 OF 6
East 35 36.16 25 East Cherry Ave. (200 Block) West 35 36.48 25
East 35 39.30 40 El Camino Real (400 Block) West 35 33.79 35
East 35 36.63 35 El Camino Real (800 Block) West 35 37.56 40
East 45 40.72 40 El Camino Real (1000 Block) West 45 40.68 40
North 35 36.91 35 South Elm Street (1 00 Block) South 35 37.38 35
North 35 30.39 30 South Elm Street (300 Block) South 35 32.70 30
North 35 31.80 30 South Elm Street (400 Block) South 35 32.59 30
North 35 36.12 35 South Elm Street (500 Block) South 35 35.39 35
East 35 37.95 40 Fair Oaks Ave (400 Block) West 35 38.60 40
East not posted 30.64 30 Farroll Ave (900 Block) West not posted 28.98 30
East not posted 34.81 35 Farroll Ave (1000 Block)
West not posted 32.64 35
East 35 35.77 25 Farroll Ave (1200 Block)
West 35 37.57 25
East 35 37.01 35 E. Grand Ave. (11 00 Block) West 35 36.44 35
East 35 35.63 35 E. Grand Ave. (1300 Block) West 35 36.48 35
East 35 34.33 35
E. Grand Ave. (600 Block) West 35 36.09 35
North 35 35.57 35 Halcyon Road North (200 Block) South 35 35.12 35
North 40 37.23 35 Halcyon Road South (200 Block) South 40 37.39 35
North 40 39.87 40 Halcyon Road South (500 Block) South 40 40.57 40
North 40 38.77 40 Oak Park (800 Block) South N/A N/A N/A
North 45 39.55 40 Oak Park (900 Block) South N/A N/A N/A
North 40 40.94 40
Rancho Park Way (600 Block) South 40 40.76 40
East 40 42.79 40
The Pike (1000 Block) West 40 40.06 40
East 35 33.72 35
The Pike (1200 Block) West 35 35.50 35
Item 11.b. - Page 3
CITY COUNCIL.
CONSIDERATION OF CERTIFICATION OF THE FIVE-YEAR RADAR SPEED SURVEY
FOR SELECTED CITY STREETS
MAY 13,2014
PAGE 4 OF 6
Valley Road (500 Block) North 40 39.87 40
South 40 40.87 40
Valley Road (800 Block)
North 40 38.97 40
South 40 39.02 40
East 40 40.63 40
West Branch St. (600 Block) West 40 40.25 40
West Branch St. (800 Block) East 40 42.05 40
West 40 42.90 40
West Branch St. (1000 Block)
East 40 36.50 35
West 40 32.54 35
West Branch St. (1400 Block)
East 40 40.42 40
West 40 40.82 40
The results of the survey are as follows:
• The survey verified the current posted speed limit for the majority of the streets.
• Six streets are recommended for a 5 MPH reduction in the posted speed limit;
o South Halcyon Road (200 block)
o Oak Park Blvd. (900 block, northbound)
o West Branch Street (1 000 block)
o South Elm Street (400 block)
o El Camino Real (1 000 block)
o Brisco Road (1 00 block)
• Three streets are recommended for a 5 MPH increase in the posted speed limit:
o El Camino Real (400 block, eastbound)
o El Camino Real (800 block, westbound)
o Fair Oaks Ave. (400 block)
California Vehicle Code Section 627 allows engineering judgment to make downward 5
MPH adjustments under appropriate circumstances. Engineering believes the 5 MPH
reduction is warranted for the following streets:
East Cherry Avenue (200 block)
Current Posted Speed Limit: 35 MPH
85th Percentile Calculation: 36.16 MPH (east), 36.48 (west)
Recommended Speed Limit: 25 MPH
Justification: Following the speed survey, staff measured the roadway at
less than 40 feet in width, qualifying it as "residential". eve
Section 22352 allows posting of "residential" roadways at
the prima facie speed limit of 25 MPH.
Farroll Avenue (1200 block, westbound)
Current Posted Speed Limit: 35 MPH
85th Percentile Calculation: 37.57 MPH
Recommended Speed Limit: 25 MPH
Item 11.b. - Page 4
CITY COUNCIL
CONSIDERATION OF CERTIFICATION OF THE FIVE-YEAR RADAR SPEED SURVEY
FOR SELECTED CITY STREETS
MAY 13,2014
PAGE 5 OF 6
Justification: Two separate senior facilities are located in the 1200 block;
the Arroyo Grande Care Center at 1212 Farroll Avenue, and
the California Grandmother's Mobile Home Park at 1241
Farroll Avenue. CVC Section 22352 allows posting the
prima facie speed of 25 MPH for roadways adjacent to
senior facilities when "SENIOR" warning signs are in place.
East Branch Street (500 block, both directions)
Current Posted Speed Limit: 30 MPH
85th Percentile Calculation: 33.90 MPH (east) 36.50 (west)
Recommended Speed Limit: 30 MPH
Justification: See Attachment No. 3
South Elm Street (300 block, south)
Current Posted Speed Limit:
85th Percentile Calculation:
Recommended Speed Limit:
35 MPH
32.59 MPH
30 MPH
Justification: A senior apartment complex is located on the east side of
the roadway. CVC Section 22352 allows adjustment for
roadways adjacent to senior facilities when "SENIOR"
warning signs are in place.
West Branch Street (800 block, west)
Current Posted Speed Limit:
85th Percentile Calculation:
Recommended Speed Limit:
40 MPH
42.90 MPH
40 MPH
Justification: This segment of roadway is adjacent to the South County
Regional Center I Library campus. Staff performed a
sightline analysis for the common driveway and determined
that drivers could not see approaching vehicles from the
east at a 45 MPH speed due to the curvature of the road
(see Attachment No.4).
ALTERNATIVES:
The following alternatives are provided for the Commission's consideration:
Adopt a Resolution certifying the 2014 Radar Speed Survey;
Modify and adopt the Resolution with elimination of specific streets that will
remain unenforceable;
-Appropriate additional funding and direct staff to redo the vehicle speed survey
on specific streets;
Do not certify the survey and perform a new survey at a future date; or
Provide direction to staff.
Item 11.b. - Page 5
CITY COUNCIL
CONSIDERATION OF CERTIFICATION OF THE FIVE-YEAR RADAR SPEED SURVEY
FOR SELECTED CITY STREETS
MAY 13,2014
PAGE 6 OF 6
ADVANTAGES:
Adoption of the speed survey will provide a legal basis for the Police Department to
enforce the identified City roadway segments. Establishing appropriate speed limits
improves safety. In addition, the majority of changes involve a lower speed limit, which
may help address citizen concerns.
DISADVANTAGES:
Modifications to the speed limits can often result in citizen concerns, but staff believes
all proposed changes are appropriate based upon the data obtained.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
A CEQA review is not required.
PUBLIC NOTIFICATION AND COMMENTS:
The Agenda was posted in front of City Hall on Thursday May 8, 2014. The Agenda
and report were posted on the City's website on Friday, May 9, 2014.
Attachments:
1. California Vehicle Code Section 627
2. California Vehicle Code Sections 22348 to 22366
3. Engineering Justification: E Branch 500 Block
4. Engineering Justification: W Branch 800 Block, west
5. Print Ad :.... San Luis Obispo Tribune
_j
Item 11.b. - Page 6
RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ARROYO GRANDE CERTIFYING THE FIVE-YEAR RADAR SPEED
SURVEY FOR SELECTED CITY STREETS
WHEREAS, the City Council of Arroyo Grande has conducted engineering and traffic speed
surveys (collectively referred to herein as the "surveys"), dated April 2014, on various City
streets in accordance with the requirements of the California Vehicle Code, copies of which are
on file at the Community Development Department; and
WHEREAS, the Assistant City Engineer and the Community Development Director have
analyzed the surveys, made appropriate adjustments, and made recommendations for the
establishment of speed limits on said streets in accordance with the requirements of the
California Vehicle Code; and
WHEREAS, radar enforcement of any speed limit other than those expressly established by
State law requires that such speed limits be based upon an engineering and traffic speed
survey as has been conducted; and
WHEREAS, the Police Chief has carefully reviewed and fully supports the recommendations of
the Assistant City Engineer and the Community Development Director.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Arroyo Grande
hereby certifies the surveys and establishes speed limits on various City streets as provided
below:
·--::._;:,~;c\:;_:_~·: .. \:..,..,Street:-~; .:. 'E·_~ · .. ·_·'"; . :Direction·.-~ ·--~MPH' .
East 35 Ash St. (1300 Block) West 35
North 40 Branch Mill Road South 40
North 30 Brisco Road (1 00 Block) South 30
North 35
Brisco Road (200 Block) South 35
Corbett Canyon Road (300 Block) North 45
South 45
East 25 East Branch Street (1 00 Block) West 25
East 25
East Branch Street (300 Block) West 25
East 30 East Branch Street (500 Block) West 30
East Cherry Ave. (200 Block) East 25
West 25
East 40
El Camino Real (400 Block) West 35
East 35 El Camino Real (800 Block) West 40
East 40
El Camino Real (1 000 Block) West 40
Item 11.b. - Page 7
RESOLUTION NO.
PAGE 2
... ;:~~.:,:· :.' .. ;·::· ~-,.~::'Street: . .,, ~·. :..~!!
South Elm Street (1 00 Block)
South Elm Street (300 Block)
South Elm Street (400 Block)
South Elm Street (500 Block)
Fair Oaks Ave (400 Block)
Farrell Ave (900 Block)
Farrell Ave (1000 Block)
Farrell Ave (1200 Block)
E. Grand Ave. (11 00 Block)
E. Grand Ave. (1300 Block)
E. Grand Ave. (600 Block)
Halcyon Road North (200 Block)
Halcyon Road South (200 Block)
Halcyon Road South (500 Block)
Oak Park (800 Block)
Oak Park (900 Block)
Rancho Park Way (600 Block)
The Pike (1000 Block)
The Pike (1200 Block)
Valley Road (500 Block)
Valley Road (800 Block)
West Branch St. (600 Block)
West Branch St. (800 Block)
West Branch St. (1 000 Block)
West Branch St. (1400 Block)
;_;;;· ;,.·•: \,i Dir:ection ·'. ' MPH
North 35
South 35
North 30
South 30
North 30
South 30
North 35
South 35
East 40
West 40
East 30
West 30
East 35
West 35
East 25
West 25
East 35
West 35
East 35
West 35
East 35
West 35
North 35
South 35
North 35
South 35
North 40
South 40
North 40
North 40
North 40
South 40
East 40
West 40
East 35
West 35
North 40
South 40
North 40
South 40
East 40
West 40
East 40
West 40
East 35
West 35
East 40
West 40
Item 11.b. - Page 8
RESOLUTION NO.
PAGE 3
On motion by Council Member ____ , seconded by Council Member ____ , and by
the following roll call vote, to wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
The foregoing Resolution was passed and adopted this ___ day of ___ , 2014.
Item 11.b. - Page 9
RESOLUTION NO.
PAGE4
TONY FERRARA, MAYOR
ATTEST:
KELLY WETMORE, CITY CLERK
APPROVED AS TO CONTENT:
STEVEN ADAMS, CITY MANAGER
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
TIMOTHY J. CARMEL, CITY ATTORNEY
Item 11.b. - Page 10
v '' . f
Attachment No. 1
CALIFORNIA VEHICLE CODE
DIVISION 1. WORDS AND PHRASES DEFINED [100-680]
(Division I enacted by Stars. 1959, Ch. 3.)
627.
(a) "Engineering and traffic survey," as used in this code, means a survey of
highway and traffic conditions in accordance with methods determined by the
Department of Transportation for use by state and local authorities.
(b) An engineering and traffic survey shall include, among other requirements
deemed necessary by the department, consideration of all of the following:
( 1) Prevailing speeds as determined by traffic engineering measurements.
(2) Accident records.
(3) Highway, traffic, and roadside conditions not readily apparent to the driver.
(c) When conducting an engineering and traffic survey, local authorities, in
addition to the factors set forth in paragraphs (1) to (3), inclusive, of
subdivision (b) may consider all of the following:
(1) Residential density, if any of the following conditions exist on the particular
portion of highway and the property contiguous thereto, other than a business
district:
(A) Upon one side of the highway, within a distance of a quarter of a mile, the
contiguous property fronting thereon is occupied by 13 or more separate
dwelling houses or business structures.
(B) Upon both sides of the highway, collectively, within a distance of a quarter
of a mile, the contiguous property fronting thereon is occupied by 16 or more
separate dwelling houses or business structures.
(C) The portion of highway is longer than one-quarter of a mile but has the ratio
of separate dwelling houses or business structures to the length of the highway
described in either subparagraph (A) or (B).
(2) Pedestrian and bicyclist safety.
(Amended by Stars. 2000, Ch. 45, Sec. I. E.ff'ective January f. 2001.)
#
Item 11.b. - Page 11
~~-~~IVE INFORMATION
ATTACHMENT NO.2
Code: I Select Code "I Section: [
VEHICLE CODE • VEH
DIVISION 11. RULES OF THE ROAD [21000-23336] (Division 11 enacted by Stats. 1959, Ch. 3.)
CHAPTER 7. Speed Laws [22348-22413] (Chapter 7 enacted by Stats. 1959, Ch. 3.)
------'
ARTICLE 1. Generally [22348-22366] (Heading of Article 1 amended by Stats. 1959, Ch. 11. )
I Search I (j)
~ (a) Notwithstanding subdivision (b) of Section 22351, a person shall not drive a vehicle upon a highway
with a speed limit established pursuant to Section 22349 or 22356 at a speed greater than that speed limit.
(b) A person who drives a vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than 100 miles per hour is guilty of an
infraction punishable, as follows:
(1) Upon a first conviction of a violation of this subdivision, by a fine of not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500).
The court may also suspend the privilege of the person to operate a motor vehicle for a period not to exceed 30
days pursuant to Section 13200.5.
(2) Upon a conviction under this subdivision of an offense that occurred within three years of a prior offense
resulting in a conviction of an offense under this subdivision, by a fine of not to exceed seven hundred fifty dollars
($750). The person's privilege to operate a motor vehicle shall be suspended by the Department of Motor
Vehicles pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 13355.
(3) Upon a conviction under this subdivision of an offense that occurred within five years of two or more prior
offenses resulting in convictions of offenses under this subdivision, by a fine of not to exceed one thousand
dollars ($1,000). The person's privilege to operate a motor vehicle shall be suspended by the Department of
Motor Vehicles pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 13355.
(c) A vehicle subject to Section 22406 shall be driven in a lane designated pursuant to Section 21655, or if a lane
has not been so designated, in the right-hand lane for traffic or as close as practicable to the right-hand edge or
curb. When overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction, the driver shall use either
the designated lane, the lane to the immediate left of the right-hand lane, or the right-hand lane for traffic as
permitted under this code. If, however, specific lane or lanes have not been designated on a divided highway
having four or more clearly marked lanes for traffic in one direction, a vehicle may also be driven in the lane to
the immediate left of the right-hand lane, unless otherwise prohibited under this code. This subdivision does not
apply to a driver who is preparing for a left-or right-hand turn or who is in the process of entering into or exiting
from a highway or to a driver who is required necessarily to drive in a lane other than the right-hand lane to
continue on his or her intended route.
(Amended by Stats. 2004, Ch. 300, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2005.)
22349. (a) Except as provided in Section 22356, no person may drive a vehicle upon a highway at a speed
greater than 65 miles per hour.
(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person may drive a vehicle upon a two-lane, undivided
highway at a speed greater than 55 miles per hour unless that highway, or portion thereof, has been posted for a
higher speed by the Department of Transportation or appropriate local agency upon the basis of an engineering
and traffic survey. For purposes of this subdivision, the following apply:
(1) A two-lane, undivided highway is a highway with not more than one through lane of travel in each direction.
(2) Passing lanes may not be considered when determining the number of through lanes.
(c) It is the intent of the Legislature that there be reasonable signing on affected two-lane, undivided highways
described in subdivision (b) in continuing the 55 miles-per-hour speed limit, including placing signs at county
boundaries to the extent possible, and at other appropriate locations.
(Amended by Stats. 1999, Ch. 724, Sec. 41. Effective January 1, 2000.)
Item 11.b. - Page 12
22350. No person shall drive a vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent having
due regard for weather, visibility, the traffic on, and the surface and width of, the highway, and in no event at a
speed which endangers the safety of persons or property.
(Amended by Stats. 1963, Ch. 252.)
22351. (a) The speed of any vehicle upon a highway not in excess of the limits specified in Section 22352 or
established as authorized in this code is lawful unless clearly proved to be in violation of the basic speed law.
(b) The speed of any vehicle upon a highway in excess of the prima facie speed limits in Section 22352 or
established as authorized in this code is prima facie unlawful unless the defendant establishes by competent
evidence that the speed in excess of said limits did not constitute a violation of the basic speed law at the time,
place and under the conditions then existing.
(Enacted by Stats. 1959, Ch. 3.)
22352. The prima facie limits are as follows and shall be applicable unless changed as authorized in this code and,
if so changed, only when signs have been erected giving notice thereof:
(a) Fifteen miles per hour:
( 1) When traversing a railway grade crossing, if during the last 100 feet of the approach to the crossing the driver
does not have a clear and unobstructed view of the crossing and of any traffic on the railway for a distance of
400 feet in both directions along the railway. This subdivision does not apply in the case of any railway grade
crossing where a human flagman is on duty or a clearly visible electrical or mechanical railway crossing signal
device is installed but does not then indicate the immediate approach of a railway train or car.
(2) When traversing any intersection of highways if during the last 100 feet of the driver's approach to the
intersection the driver does not have a clear and unobstructed view of the intersection and of any traffic upon all
of the highways entering the intersection for a distance of 100 feet along all those highways, except at an
intersection protected by stop signs or yield right-of-way signs or controlled by official traffic control signals.
(3) On any alley.
(b) Twenty-five miles per hour:
(1) On any highway other than a state highway, in any business or residence district unless a different speed is
determined by local authority under procedures set forth in this code.
(2) When approaching or passing a school building or the grounds thereof, contiguous to a highway and posted
with a standard "SCHOOL" warning sign, while children are going to or leaving the school either during school
hours or during the noon recess period. The prima facie limit shall also apply when approaching or passing any
school grounds which are not separated from the highway by a fence, gate, or other physical barrier while the
grounds are in use by children and the highway is posted with a standard "SCHOOL" warning sign. For purposes
of this subparagraph, standard "SCHOOL" warning signs may be placed at any distance up to 500 feet away from
school grounds.
(3) When passing a senior center or other facility primarily used by senior citizens, contiguous to a street other
than a state highway and posted with a standard "SENIOR" warning sign. A local authority may erect a sign
pursuant to this paragraph when the local agency makes a determination that the proposed signing should be
implemented. A local authority may request grant funding from the Pedestrian Safety Account pursuant to
Section 894.7 of the Streets and Highways Code, or any other grant funding available to it, and use that grant
funding to pay for the erection of those signs, or may utilize any other funds available to it to pay for the erection
of those signs, including, but not limited to, donations from private sources.
(Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 240, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2014.)
22353. When conducting an engineering and traffic survey, the City of Norco, in addition to the factors set forth in
Section 627, may also consider equestrian safety.
(Added by Stats. 2002, Ch. 186, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2003.)
22354. (a) Whenever the Department of Transportation determines upon the basis of an engineering and traffic
survey that the limit of 65 miles per hour is more than is reasonable or safe upon any portion of a state highway
where the limit of 65 miles is applicable, the department may determine and declare a prima facie speed limit of
60, 55, SO, 45, 40, 35, 30 or 25 miles per hour, whichever is found most appropriate to facilitate the orderly
movement of traffic and is reasonable and safe, which declared prima facie speed limit shall be effective when
Item 11.b. - Page 13
appropriate signs giving notice thereof are erected upon the highway.
(b) This section shall become operative on the date specified in subdivision (c) of Section 22366.
(Repealed (in Sec. 24) and added by Stats. 1995, Ch. 766, Sec. 25. Effective January 1, 1996. Section became operative, by
its own provisions, on date described in Section 22366.)
22354.5. (a) Whenever the Department of Transportation determines, upon the basis of an engineering and traffic
survey, to increase or decrease the existing speed limit on a particular portion of a state highway pursuant to
Section 22354, it shall, prior to increasing or decreasing that speed limit, consult with, and take into consideration
the recommendations of, the Department of the California Highway Patrol.
(b) The city council or board of supervisors of a city or county through which any portion of a state highway
subject to subdivision (a) extends may conduct a public hearing on the proposed increase or decrease at a
convenient location as near as possible to that portion of state highway. The Department of Transportation shall
take into consideration the results of the public hearing in determining whether to increase or decrease the speed
limit.
(Added by Stats. 1991, Ch. 219, Sec. 1.)
~ Whenever the Department of Transportation determines upon the basis of an engineering and traffic
survey that the safe and orderly movement of traffic upon any state highway which is a freeway will be facilitated
by the establishment of variable speed limits, the department may erect, regulate, and control signs upon the
state highway which is a freeway, or any portion thereof, which signs shall be so de.signed as to permit display of
different speed limits at various times of the day or night. Such signs need not conform to the standards and
specifications established by regulations of the Department of Transportation pursuant to Section 21400, but
shall be of sufficient size and clarity to give adequate notice of the applicable speed limit. The speed limit upon the
freeway at a particular time and place shall be that which is then and there displayed upon such sign.
{Amended by Stats. 1973, Ch. 78.)
22356. (a) Whenever the Department of Transportation, after consultation with the Department of the California
Highway Patrol, determines upon the basis of an engineering and traffic survey on existing highway segments, or
upon the basis of appropriate design standards and projected traffic volumes in the case of newly constructed
highway segments, that a speed greater than 65 miles per hour would facilitate the orderly movement of
vehicular traffic and would be reasonable and safe upon any state highway, or portion thereof, that is otherwise
subject to a maximum speed limit of 65 miles per hour, the Department of Transportation, with the approval of
the Department of the California Highway Patrol, may declare a higher maximum speed of 70 miles per hour for
vehicles not subject to Section 22406, and shall cause appropriate signs to be erected giving notice thereof. The
Department of Transportation shall only make a determination under this section that is fully consistent with, and ~
in full compliance with, federal law.
(b) No person shall drive a vehicle upon that highway at a speed greater than 70 miles per hour, as posted.
(c) This section shall become operative on the date specified in subdivision (c) of Section 22366.
(Repealed (in Sec. 26) and added by Stats. 1995, Ch. 766, Sec. 27. Effective January 1, 1996. Section became operative, by
its own provisions, on date described in Section 22366.)
~ (a) Whenever a local authority determines upon the basis of an engineering and traffic survey that a speed
greater than 25 miles per hour would facilitate the orderly movement of vehicular traffic and would be reasonable
and safe upon any street other than a state highway otherwise subject to a prima facie limit of 25 miles per hour,
the local authority may by ordinance determine and declare a prima facie speed limit of 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, or
60 miles per hour or a maximum speed limit of 65 miles per hour, whichever is found most appropriate to
facilitate the orderly movement of traffic and is reasonable and safe. The declared prima facie or maximum speed
limit shall be effective when appropriate signs giving notice thereof are erected upon the street and shall not
thereafter be revised except upon the basis of an engineering and traffic survey. This section does not apply to
any 25-mile-per-hour prima facie limit which is applicable when passing a school building or the grounds thereof or
when passing a senior center or other facility primarily used by senior citizens.
(b) This section shall become operative on the date specified in subdivision (c) of Section 22366.
(Repealed (in Sec. 28) and added by Stats. 1995, Ch. 766, Sec. 29. Effective January 1, 1996. Section became operative, by
its own provisions, on date described in Section 22366.)
Item 11.b. - Page 14
22357.1. Notwithstanding Section 22357, a local authority may, by ordinance or resolution, set a prima facie
speed limit of 25 miles per hour on any street, other than a state highway, adjacent to any children's playground
in a public park but only during particular hours or days when children are expected to use the facilities. The 25
mile per hour speed limit shall be effective when signs giving notice of the speed limit are posted.
(Added by Stats. 1989, Ch. 508, Sec. 1.)
22358. (a) Whenever a local authority determines upon the basis of an engineering and traffic survey that the limit
of 65 miles per hour is more than is reasonable or safe upon any portion of any street other than a state
highway where the limit of 65 miles per hour is applicable, the local authority may by ordinance determine and
declare a prima facie speed limit of 60, 55, 50, 45, 40, 35, 30, or 25 miles per hour, whichever is found most
appropriate to facilitate the orderly movement of traffic and is reasonable and safe, which declared prima facie
limit shall be effective when appropriate signs giving notice thereof are erected upon the street.
(b) This section shall become operative on the date specified in subdivision (c) of Section 22366.
(Repealed (in Sec. 30) and added by Stats. 1995, Ch. 766, Sec. 31. Effective January 1, 1996. Section became operative, by
its own provisions, on date described in Section 22366.)
22358.3. Whenever a local authority determines upon the basis of an engineering and traffic survey that the prima
facie speed limit of 25 miles per hour in a business or residence district or in a public park on any street having a
roadway not exceeding 25 feet in width, other than a state highway, is more than is reasonable or safe, the local
authority may, by ordinance or resolution, determine and declare a prima facie speed limit of 20 or 15 miles per
hour, whichever is found most appropriate and is reasonable and safe. The declared prima facie limit shall be
effective when appropriate signs giving notice thereof are erected upon the street.
(Amended by Stats. 1972, Ch. 1095.)
22358.4. (a) (1) Whenever a local authority determines upon the basis of an engineering and traffic survey that
the prima facie speed limit of 25 miles per hour established by paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 22352
is more than is reasonable or safe, the local authority may, by ordinance or resolution, determine and declare a
prima facie speed limit of 20 or 15 miles per hour, whichever is justified as the appropriate speed limit by that
survey.
(2) An ordinance or resolution adopted under paragraph (1) shall not be effective until appropriate signs giving
notice of the speed limit are erected upon the highway and, in the case of a state highway, until the ordinance is
. approved by the Department of Transportation and the appropriate signs are erected upon the highway.
(b) (1) Notwithstanding subdivision (a) or any other provision of law, a local authority may, by ordinance or
resolution, determine and declare prima facie speed limits as follows:
(A) A 15 miles per hour prima facie limit in a residence district, on a highway with a posted speed limit of 30 miles
per hour or slower, when approaching, at a distance of less than 500 feet from, or passing, a school building or
the grounds of a school building, contiguous to a highway and posted with a school warning sign that indicates a
speed limit of 15 miles per hour, while children are going to or leaving the school, either during school hours or
during the noon recess period. The prima facie limit shall also apply when approaching, at a distance of less than
500 feet from, or passing, school grounds that are not separated from the highway by a fence, gate, or other
physical barrier while the grounds are in use by children and the highway is posted with a school warning sign that
indicates a speed limit of 15 miles per hour.
(B) A 25 miles per hour prima facie limit in a residence district, on a highway with a posted speed limit of 30 miles
per hour or slower, when approaching, at a distance of 500 to 1,000 feet from, a school building or the grounds
thereof, contiguous to a highway and posted with a school warning sign that indicates a speed limit of 25 miles
per hour, while children are going to or leaving the school, either during school hours or during the noon recess
period. The prima facie limit shall also apply when approaching, at a distance of 500 to 1,000 feet from, school
grounds that are not separated from the highway by a fence, gate, or other physical barrier while the grounds are
in use by children and the highway is posted with a school warning sign that indicates a speed limit of 25 miles per
hour.
(2) The prima facie limits established under paragraph (1) apply only to highways that meet all of the following
conditions:
(A) A maximum of two traffic lanes.
(B) A maximum posted 30 miles per hour prima facie speed limit immediately prior to and after the school zone.
Item 11.b. - Page 15
(3) The prima facie limits established under paragraph (1) apply to all lanes of an affected highway, in both
directions of travel.
( 4) When determining the need to lower the prima facie speed limit, the local authority shall take the provisions of
Section 627 into consideration.
(5) (A) An ordinance or resolution adopted under paragraph (1) shall not be effective until appropriate signs giving
notice of the speed limit are erected upon the highway and, in the case of a state highway, until the ordinance is
approved by the Department of Transportation and the appropriate signs are erected upon the highway.
(B) For purposes of subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1), school warning signs indicating a speed limit of 15 miles
per hour may be placed at a distance up to 500 feet away from school grounds.
(C) For purposes of subparagraph (B) of paragraph (1), school warning signs indicating a speed limit of 25 miles
per hour may be placed at any distance between 500 and 1,000 feet away from the school grounds.
(D) A local authority shall reimburse the Department of Transportation for all costs incurred by the department
under this subdivision.
(Amended by Stats. 2007, Ch. 384, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2008.)
~ It is the intent of the Legislature that physical conditions such as width, curvature, grade and surface
conditions, or any other condition readily apparent to a driver, in the absence of other factors, would not require
special downward speed zoning, as the basic rule of section 22350 is sufficient regulation as to such conditions.
(Added by Stats. 1959, Ch. 11.)
22359. With respect to boundary line streets and highways where portions thereof are within different
jurisdictions, no ordinance adopted under Sections 22357 and 22358 shall be effective as to any such portion
until all authorities having jurisdiction of the portions of the street concerned have approved the same. This
section shall not apply in the case of boundary line streets consisting of separate roadways within different
jurisdictions.
(Amended by Stats. 1963, Ch. 209.)
~ (a) Whenever a local authority determines upon the basis of an engineering and traffic survey that the limit
of 65 miles per hour is more than is reasonable or safe upon any portion of a highway other than a state highway
for a distance of not exceeding 2,000 feet in length between districts, either business or residence, the local
authority may determine and declare a reasonable and safe prima facie limit thereon lower than 65 miles per
hour, but not less than 25 miles per hour, which declared prima facie speed limit shall be effective when
appropriate signs giving notice thereof are erected upon the street or highway.
(b) This section shall become operative on the date specified in subdivision (c) of Section 22366.
(Repealed (in Sec. 32) and added by Stats. 1995, Ch. 766, Sec. 33. Effective January 1, 1996. Section became operative, by
its own provisions, on date described in Section 22366.)
22361. On multiple-lane highways with two or more separate roadways different prima facie speed limits may be
established for different roadways under any of the procedures specified in Sections 22354 to 22359, inclusive.
(Amended by Stats. 1963, Ch. 209.)
22362. It is prima facie a violation of the basic speed law for any person to operate a vehicle in excess of the
posted speed limit upon any portion of a highway where officers or employees of the agency having jurisdiction
of the same, or any contractor of the agency or his employees, are at work on the roadway or within the right-
of-way so close thereto as to be endangered by passing traffic. This section applies only when appropriate signs,
indicating the limits of the restricted zone, and the speed limit applicable therein, are placed by such agency within
400 feet of each end of such zone. The signs shall display the figures indicating the applicable limit, which shall not
be less than 25 miles per hour, and shall indicate the purpose of the speed restriction. Nothing in this section shall
be deemed to relieve any operator of a vehicle from complying with the basic speed law.
(Amended by Stats. 1970, Ch. 515.)
22363. Notwithstanding any speed limit that may be in effect upon the highway, the Department of
Transportation in respect to state highways, or a local authority with respect to highways under its jurisdiction,
may determine and declare a prima facie speed limit of 40, 35, 30, or 25 miles per hour, whichever is found most
Item 11.b. - Page 16
appropriate and is reasonable and safe based on the prevailing snow or ice conditions upon such highway or any
portion thereof. Signs may be placed and removed as snow or ice conditions vary.
(Amended by Stats. 1974, Ch. 545.)
22364. Whenever the Department of Transportation determines, upon the basis of an engineering and traffic
survey, that the safe and orderly movement of traffic upon any state highway will be facilitated by the
establishment of different speed limits for the various lanes of traffic, the department may place signs upon the
state highway, or any portion thereof. The signs shall designate the speed limits for each of the lanes of traffic.
(Amended by Stats. 1982, Ch. 681, Sec. 84.)
22365. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any county or city, which is contained, in whole or in part,
within the South Coast Air Quality Management District, may, if the county or city determines that it is necessary
to achieve or maintain state or federal ambient air quality standards for particulate matter, determine and declare
by ordinance a prima facie speed limit that is lower than that which the county or city is otherwise permitted by
this code to establish, for any unpaved road under the jurisdiction of the county or city and within the district.
That declared prima facie speed limit shall be effective when appropriate signs giving notice thereof are erected
along the road.
(Added by Stats. 1997, Ch. 16, Sec. 1. Effective May 30, 1997.)
ill§§. (a) Whenever the Director of Transportation determines the date upon which the state may establish a
maximum speed limit of 65 miles per hour on highways without subjecting the state to a reduction in the amount
of federal aid for highways, the director shall notify the Secretary of State of that determination.
(b) The notice required under subdivision (a) shall state that it is being made pursuant to this section.
(c) The notice shall specify a date which is either the date determined pursuant to subdivision (a), or a later date
designated by the director.
(Added by Stats. 1995, Ch. 766, Sec. 34. Effective January 1, 1996.)
Item 11.b. - Page 17
Engineering Justification
Vehicle Speed Survey
East Branch Street-500 Block
April21, 2014
Description
Attachment No. 3
The existing posted speed limit was 30 miles per hour. Radar speed surveys were
performed in both the westbound and eastbound directions of East Branch Street and are
intended to cover the 400, 500 and 600 blocks, a distance of 0.35 miles. The results are
as follows:
East Branch Street-500 Block Westbound
85th Percentile: 33.90 MPH
East Branch Street-500 Block Eastbound
85th Percentile: 36.50 MPH
East Branch Street is classified as a minor arterial roadway with an approximate ADT
(Average Daily Traffic) of 11,400 vehicles per day. The 500 block is approximately 0.10
mile in length. However, the 500 block is primarily an older residential neighborhood,
sandwiched between school property to the east (the Paulding Middle School occupies
property on both the northern and southern sides of the roadway in the 600 block) and
commercial property to the west ( 400 block). There are six driveways for single family
homes on the north side of the 500 block, and three on the south side, one of which is a
common driveway for a multi-use development.
This segment of East Branch Street collects traffic travelling southbound on Corbett
Canyon (from San Luis Obispo) and westbound Huasna Road (from the County) to
proceed westbound through the Village commercial area. The roadway grade descends
travelling westward with varying grades as follows:
600 Block, Huasna Road to Garden Street 6%
500 Block, Garden Street toLe Point Terrace 3%
400 Block, Le Point Terrace to Crown Hill 7%
Crown Hill terminates at East Branch Street at an approximate 35° angle at a downward
grade. Crown Hill is one of two main roadways enabling access to the Paulding Middle
School and all the residences roughly bordered by Crown terrace to the west, the Arroyo
Grande Creek to the north, Corbett Canyon (Highway 227) to the east and Crown Hill to
the south. The other roadway access is Le Point Street off of Corbett Canyon (Highway
227). Traffic increases greatly during dropoff and pickup times for the middle school but
residential traffic continues to some degree throughout the day. The driver sight distance
for southbound Crown Hill vehicles to access East Branch Street requires them to look fat
a skewed angle to the east before entering into traffic.
Item 11.b. - Page 18
Justification
It is my engineering judgment that vehicles travelling westbound transition from school
property in the 600 Block, to a residential neighborhood in the 500 Block, and then to
commercial area to the west and the combination ofthe skewed angle of Crown Hill
terminating at East Branch Street justifies lowering the speed limit by 5 MPH in the both
directions. The speed limit recommendations for the 500 Block are as follows:
East Branch Street-500 Block Westbound
85th Percentile: 33.90 MPH
Recommended Speed: 30 MPH
East Branch Street-500 Block Eastbound
85th Percentile: 36.50 MPH
Recommended Speed: 30 MPH
Item 11.b. - Page 19
ARROYO GRANDE
TRAFFIC COMMISSION
NOTICE OF MEETING
Attachment No. 4
NOTICE is hereby given that the Traffic Commission of the City of
Arroyo Grande will be receiving input from residents on the 2014
Vehicle Speed Survey. Staff performed surveys on a number of
streets and determined that the current speed limits were
justified. However, the following streets are recommended for
adjustment:
Street Current Recommended
Speed
Limit Speed Limit
Branch Mill Road not posted 40
Brisco Road (100 Block) 35 30
East Branch Street ( 1 00 Block) not posted 25
East Branch Street (300 Block) not posted 25
El Camino Real (1 000 Block) 45 40
Fair Oaks Ave (400 Block) 35 40
Farroll Ave (900 Block) not posted 30
Farroll Ave (1000 Block) not posted 35
Halcyon Road South (200 Block) 40 35
Oak Park (900 Block) 45 40
West Branch St. (1 000 Block) 40 35
Recommendations made by the Traffic Commission will be
presented to the City Council for action on May 13, 2014.
Any person may submit written comments to the Engineering
Department before the Traffic Commission hearing or appear
and be heard at the time of the hearing. Please telephone (805)
473-5420 for further information, or visit the Engineering
Department at 300 East Branch Street, Arroyo Grande, CA,
during normal business hours of 8:00a.m. to 5:00p.m.
Date and Time of Meeting:
Place of Meeting:
Monday, April 28, 2014, 6:00p.m.
Arroyo Grande Council Chambers
215 East Branch Street
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
Item 11.b. - Page 20
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Item 11.b. - Page 24