HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-02-27 - AGENDA REPORTS - SPEED HUMP CUSHION PGMAgenda Item: 12
1. CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
AGENDA REPORT
CONSENT CALENDAR
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL: TAA,/�
DATE: February 27, 2024
SUBJECT: UPDATE TO SPEED HUMP/CUSHION PROGRAM
DEPARTMENT: Public Works
PRESENTER: Joel Bareng
RECOMMENDED ACTION
City Council approve the update to the Citywide Speed Hump/Cushion Program (Program),
which will allow an individual property owner to request a speed hump/cushion evaluation. The
City of Santa Clarita would assume responsibility of surveying affected property owners on the
subject street and the costs associated with Program implementation.
BACKGROUND
On July 13, 2010, the City Council adopted a Citywide Speed Hump/Cushion Program
(Program). The Program established procedures and criteria for the installation of speed
humps/cushions on residential streets. On July 10, 2018, the City Council updated the Program
to change the minimum average daily traffic volume requirement from 2,000 vehicles to 1,500
vehicles.
The City of Santa Clarita (City) has successfully installed speed humps/cushions on the
following residential streets: Benz Road, Alaminos Drive, Canterwood Drive, Contessa Avenue,
Franwood Drive, Abelia Road, Thompson Ranch Drive, Pamplico Drive, Ermine Street, Dorothy
Street, and Santa Catarina Road. In each instance, the installation of speed humps/cushions has
reduced prevailing speeds as compared to pre -installation conditions.
The Program was designed so that requesting a speed hump/cushion study was initiated by a
Neighborhood Watch Group or Homeowners Association (HOA). Neighborhood Watch Groups
are no longer an option; therefore residential areas without an HOA have been excluded from the
Program. This update will redesign the Program so that a single property owner with an address
on the subject street can make an evaluation request.
The current Program requires that 67 percent of the property owners along the affected street
support installation of speed humps/cushions. This has put a burden on the property owners of
neighborhoods desiring speed humps/cushions by requiring them to coordinate a large mailing or
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door-to-door effort. This update will remove that requirement, authorizing City staff to perform
the neighborhood survey.
The current Program also states the cost to install speed cushions shall be borne by the property
owners of the subject street through formation of a benefit assessment district. To date, the City
has funded installation of all speed cushions - this update will bring the Program into
conformance with existing practice. If a subject street meets both minimum street/traffic criteria
and resident support, as outlined in the Program Package, the subject street will be added to the
City's speed cushion priority list, with installation subject to funding and City Council approval.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION
Other action as determined by the City Council.
FISCAL IMPACT
Adequate funds are available in the Traffic and Transportation Planning Administration
(1004400) budget for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 to support the recommended action.
ATTACHMENTS
Speed Cushion Package 2024
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Department of Public Works
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SPEED HUMP/CUSHION PROGRAM PACKAGE
Updated by City Council 2/27/2024
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Speed Hump/Cushion Program
On July 13, 2010, the City of Santa Clarita (City) City Council adopted procedures and policies
to allow the placement of speed humps/cushions on City -maintained roads. Speed
humps/cushions are designed to discourage speeding. Speed cushions have gaps or "cutouts"
that enable large emergency vehicles to pass through without the need to reduce their speed and
are the preferred method for City installation.
On residential streets that experience excessive speed — where 85% of drivers drive at least five
miles per hour (mph) over the speed limit, or 30 mph or greater — studies have shown that speed
humps/cushions decrease the 85th percentile speed by 4-6 mph.
Speed Humps/Cushions Requirements
A Homeowners Association (HOA) or property owner living on the subject street interested in having
speed cushions installed must submit a Speed Hump/Speed Cushion Request Form to the City.
To be eligible for consideration of speed humps/cushions, a residential street must:
• Have a speed limit of 25 mph,
• Be at least 500 feet long, among other physical requirements (see page 4),
• Have at least 1,500 vehicles using it every day,
• 85% of drivers must travel at 30 mph or greater, as observed during a City -conducted traffic
study, and
• 67% of property owners on the subject street must support installation of speed cushions,
based on a City -conducted survey.
Requesting Speed Cushions
The Speed Hump/Speed Cushion Request Form (see page 7) can be sent to the City's Traffic and
Transportation Division by email at traffic(2santaclarita.gov or mail:
City of Santa Clarita
Traffic and Transportation Planning Division
23920 Valencia Blvd., Suite 300
Santa Clarita, CA 91355
Property owners can also submit a virtual form at SantaClarlta.goy/RSC.
This Speed Hump/Cushion Program Packet will provide detailed information on request
procedures and street criteria, address frequently asked questions, and includes the Speed
Hump/Speed Cushion Request Form.
For additional information, contact the Traffic Division at (661) 255-4942.
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Speed Hump/Speed Cushion Program
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Procedures for Installing Speed Cushions
1. A Homeowners Association (HOA) or individual property owner that believes the
residents on their street will support the installation of speed humps/speed cushions must
submit a Speed Hump/Speed Cushion Study request Form to the City (see page 7).
2. City staff will conduct a formal evaluation, including collecting traffic speed and volume
measurements and reviewing the traffic accident history for the subject street (see Street
Criteria on page 4). Staff will also consult with the Sheriff's Department, Fire
Department and Transit Division. (Note: City shall use speed and volume data to
determine limits of affected property owners.)
If the required minimum street criteria for speed humps/speed cushions are met, the City
will send a survey form to all abutting property owners on the subject street as determined
by the traffic survey. Each survey form received back by the City must contain full name,
address, and signature of the property owner. Any survey form with incomplete information
is subject to rejection. If no response is received from an address, City staff will make at
least two attempts on separate days to contact the property owner.
4. At least 67% of the abutting property owners on the subject street, as determined by the
traffic survey, must support installation of speed cushions. Upon verification of the survey,
the HOA or property owners will be notified in writing of the results of the survey.
5. If the subject street meets both the minimum street criteria and property owner support,
the subject street will be added to the City's speed cushion priority list.
6. Based on available funding and approval by the City Council, the City will proceed with
installation of speed humps/speed cushions.
Speed Cushion Process Flowchart
HOA or property owner City conducts traffic Does street meet
submits request to City evaluation criteria?
Do 67% of property
owners support YES: City conducts NO: HOA or property
installation? property owner survey owner notified that
street is not eligible
NO: HOA or property YES: Location added
owner notified of to City's speed City Council approves Speed cushion
insufficient support cushion priority list speed cushion installed
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Street Criteria for Speed Cushion Installation
Street Type: The street must have a 25 mph speed limit and meet the definition of a
"Residence District," where there are at least 13 homes on one side of the street or 16
homes on both sides of the street within a quarter -mile (California Vehicle Code § 515).
2. Traffic Volume: Street shall have a minimum daily volume of 1,500 vehicles.
3. Traffic Speeds: A speed survey conducted by the City shall demonstrate that 85% of
drivers travel at 30 mph or more (the 85th percentile speed is greater than 30 mph).
4. Street Length: Street shall have a minimum length of 500 feet.
5. Street Width: Street shall have only one lane in each direction.
6. Street Grade: Street shall not exceed an average sustained grade of six percent.
7. Request: Speed Hump/Speed Cushion Request Form must come from a Homeowners
Association (HOA) or a property owner on the subject street.
8. Petition: At least two-thirds of the affected property owners (abutting properties) on the
subject street shall vote in favor of the speed hump/speed cushion.
9. Parallel Streets: Speed hump/speed cushion installation should not cause diversion of
traffic to other residential streets, to the satisfaction of the City Traffic Engineer.
10. Other Physical Considerations: Other physical characteristics that may limit the
feasibility of speed hump/speed cushions on a particular street include locations of
driveways, locations of access covers to underground utilities, locations of catch basins
and other drainage structures, existing drainage issues or difficulties, and visibility for
safe stopping distance from speed hump/speed cushion.
11. Removal Policy: The removal of any speed cushion or series of speed cushions shall be
based on a two-thirds vote of affected property owners (abutting properties) on the
subject street. No property owner initiated removals shall be considered within 36 months
after speed cushion installation to allow sufficient time for the speed cushions to have the
desired traffic -calming effect.
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Speed Hump/Speed Cushion Program
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a speed cushion?
Speed cushions in the City typically consist of three -to -four raised mounds that are similar to
traditional speed humps in that they are designed to discourage speeding. Speed cushions allow
emergency vehicles to pass through freely and can have less of an impact on bicyclists and
motorcyclists than speed humps.
Are speed cushions effective?
Speed humps/cushions have been
shown to reduce the speed of vehicles
on residential streets. Studies indicate
the 85th percentile speed (the speed at
which 85% of all vehicles travel)
decreased 4 to 6 miles per hour after
speed humps/cushions were installed.
Will a speed cushion affect emergency
response times to my home?
No, speed cushions are designed to have
a negligible impact on emergency
vehicle access. Emergency vehicles can
pass over the speed cushions at or near
the speed limit.
Can speed cushions be installed on any street?
Speed humps/cushions are not intended for use on all streets. They are permitted on residential
streets maintained by the City that have a minimum length of 500 feet, posted or prima facie
speed limit of 25 mph, daily traffic volume of at least 1,500 vehicles, and do not exceed a
sustained grade of six percent. Streets that meet this criteria will be evaluated by City staff to
determine if traffic volumes warrant speed cushion installation.
Who can request speed cushions? What does the process look like?
An individual property owner with an address on the subject street or the HOA that governs the
subject street can submit a Speed Hump/Cushion Study Request Form for speed hump
consideration. After the City receives the request, City staff will evaluate if the subject street
meets the physical and traffic criteria for speed cushions, and if met, will determine and survey
affected property owners abutting the subject street. With two-thirds support for speed cushions
from surveyed property owners on the subject street, the street will be listed on the City's speed
cushion priority list, with installation subject to funding and City Council approval.
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Speed Hump/Speed Cushion Program
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Who pays for the traffic study, property owner survey, and installation of speed cushions?
The City is responsible for all costs associated with studying, surveying, and installing speed
cushions and is also responsible for the ongoing maintenance of the speed cushions.
How do I know if my neighbors will be interested in having speed cushions installed?
If you observe a large number of vehicles speeding on your street, your neighbors may share
your concerns. Some neighbors may be opposed to speed cushions for the following reasons:
• The additional traffic signs, street painting, and speed cushions detract from the appearance
of the neighborhood.
• Parking on some areas of the street may be limited due to placement of the speed cushions.
• Some drivers may speed up between speed cushions to make up for perceived time lost.
• Some residents report that noise levels increase with vehicles going over speed cushions.
I live on a private street — can I participate in this program?
The City does not have jurisdiction over private streets. This Speed Hump/Cushion Program
only applies to residential streets that are maintained by the City and meet the street criteria
defined on Page 4 of this packet. If you aren't sure if you live on a private street, call the Traffic
Division at (661) 255-4942.
Can speed cushions be removed?
Property owners on the subject street can request that speed cushions be removed. The City will
conduct a survey, and with two-thirds agreement, will remove the speed cushions.
Note: No property owner initiated removals shall be considered within 36 months after speed
cushion installation to allow sufficient time for the speed cushions to have the desired traffic -
calming effect.
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The following is an application form to request speed humps/cushions. Each request must be made by the
governing Homeowners Association (HOA) or an individual property owner on the subject street. The
request will be processed in accordance to the City of Santa Clarita's adopted Speed Hump/Cushion
procedure.
Street Study Information
Each request must provide the name of the street or streets on which a study is requested and the
boundaries of the street segment.
Requested Street:
Boundary Area:
Requested Street:
Boundary Area
From:
From:
If more streets are requested, please attach a separate sheet.
To:
To:
City staff will make an initial determination of whether the street(s) requested is eligible for further
consideration based on the City of Santa Clarita's adopted Speed Hump/Cushion criteria. City staff retains
the right to modify this request by either expanding or shortening the boundary area as well as including
neighboring streets not initially requested if it is found that traffic will be diverted as a result of placing
speed humps/cushions on requested street(s).
Contact Information
Name:
Address:
Santa Clarita, CA Zip:
Phone:
Signature:
Submission Options
Via mail: Via email:
City of Santa Clarita trafficksantaclarita.gov
Traffic and Transportation Planning Division
23920 Valencia Blvd., Suite 300 Online:
Santa Clarita, CA 91355 SantaClarlta.goy/RSC
CITY USE ONLY 7
❑ Eligible ❑ Not Eligible Initials: Packet Pg. 75
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CONSTRUCTION NOTES:
1. SPEED CUSHIONS SHALL BE 14' X 6' X 3"
2. SPEED CUSHIONS SHALL BE INSTALLED
ACROSS THE ROADWAY AS INDICATED ON
CITY STANDARD PLAN 002-1.
3. W17-1 "SPEED HUMP" SIGNS SHALL ONLY BE
INSTALLED FOR STREET LOCATIONS WITH A
SINGLE ROW OF SPEED CUSHIONS. INSTALL
IN EACH DIRECTION AT LEAST 100' PRIOR TO
THE SINGLE SPEED CUSHION ROW.
4. W84(CA) "SPEED HUMPS AHEAD" SIGNS
SHALL BE INSTALLED FOR A SERIES OF
SPEED CUSHION ROWS ALONG A STREET
SEGMENT. INSTALL EACH SIGN AT LEAST
100' PRIOR TO THE FIRST SPEED CUSHION
ROW OF THE SERIES IN THE RESPECTIVE
DIRECTION OF TRAVEL.
5. W13-1P(15) ADVISORY SPEED PLAQUE SIGN
SHALL BE INSTALLED TO SUPPLEMENT
W17-1 OR W84(CA).
SIGN LEGEND
MODULE DIMENSIONS
WIDTH - 18" (+/- 16 )
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LENGTH - 42" (+/- $')
THICKNESS - 3" (+/- $') SPEED
HUMP
SPEED CUSHION SPECS U
WIDTH - 6'
LENGTH - 14'
HEIGHT - 3"
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SPEED CUSHION MARKING DETAIL
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PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
MATERIAL - 100% RECYCLED SYNTHETIC AND NATURAL RUBBER COMPOSITE
TENSILE STRENGTH - MINIMUM 50OPSI
SHORE HARDNESS - MINIMUM 70A
SPECIFIC GRAVITY - 1.1
MARKINGS - RUBBER MODULES ALL BLACK, BLACK WITH WHITE REFLECTIVE
SQUARE MARKINGS AND WHITE REFLECTIVE ARROW CHEVRONS
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(18" x 18')
STANDARD PLANS FOR THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITAI
TRAFFIC STANDARD PLAN
AND
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PLANNIING CONSTRUCTON DETA E 002 2
DIVISION
DECEMBER 20231 NOT TO SCALE I SHEET 2 OF 2
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