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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-04-23 - AGENDA REPORTS - UPDATE SPEED HUMP/CUSHION PGMO Agenda Item: 1 1. CITY OF SANTA CLARITA AGENDA REPORT UNFINISHED BUSINESS CITY MANAGER APPROVAL: TAA,/� DATE: April 23, 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, which will allow an individual property owner to request a speed hump/cushion evaluation with the initial support of ten percent of the property owners on the subject street and establish timelines for subsequent installation or removal requests. The City of Santa Clarita would assume responsibility of surveying affected property owners on the subject street and costs associated with program implementation. BACKGROUND On July 13, 2010, the City Council adopted the City of Santa Clarita's (City) 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. On February 27, 2024, the City Council considered amendments to the Program and directed staff to return with revisions. The Program updates proposed action make the following modifications to the request, survey, and removal processes and formalizes the City's financial responsibilities for the Program. Request for Speed Cushions The current Program requires that a Neighborhood Watch Group or Homeowners Association initiate the request for speed cushions, which excludes neighborhoods without either group. The proposed update instead requires an individual property owner on the subject street segment to request speed cushions. Once the City receives this request, staff will establish preliminary boundaries of the subject street segment for speed cushions and require the requester to collect signatures from ten percent of property owners within the preliminary street segment to demonstrate support in concept for installation of speed cushions. Page 1 Packet Pg. 9 O Survey Process After the property owner demonstrates ten percent support, the City will conduct engineering and traffic evaluations to ensure the street segment meets Program criteria. If so, staff will conduct a survey of property owners within the established boundary, to ascertain 67 percent support of installation. In alignment with the current process, property owners outside the established boundary will not be surveyed, which may include property owners on the same street but outside the limits of the proposed speed cushions or property owners on adjacent streets not included in the request. Property owners outside of the subject street segment typically do not meet minimum criteria for speed cushions. The established boundary defines the property owners that are directly affected by speeding and the speed cushions on a subject street segment. The current Program requires that the requester be responsible for collecting signatures. The proposed update authorizes the City to conduct the survey. Staff will mail a survey form to property owners within the established boundary, and if no response is received from an address, staff will make at least two attempts on separate days to contact the property owner. Upon staff verification, property owners will be notified in writing of the results. Removal and Duplicate Request Procedures The proposed update to the Program establishes a timeline for removal requests and for requests for installation/removal after the initial request fails to gain sufficient property owner support. After speed cushions have been installed, property owners on the subject street segment must wait at least 36 months to initiate a removal request. If the City receives a removal request after sufficient time has passed, staff will survey property owners within the prior established boundary, and if 67 percent support removal, the City will remove the speed cushions. In the event that a request for installation or removal fails to meet minimum Program requirements, property owners on the subject street segment must wait at least 36 months to submit another request. Financial Responsibility The current Program requires installation of speed cushions to be funded by the property owners through a benefit assessment district; however, to date, the City has funded installation of all speed cushions. The proposed update to the Program brings financial responsibility for installation of speed cushions into conformance with the practice implemented since the start of the Program. Throughout the process as proposed through this update, the City would be responsible for supporting staff and equipment/material costs associated with evaluating street conformance to traffic and engineering standards set forth in the Program, completing the survey of 67 percent support, and installing the speed cushions, if warranted and supported by the property owners on the subject street segment and funded and approved by the City Council. Costs to the City will vary based on a variety of circumstances, including the collection and evaluation of traffic and engineering data, response rate of property owners to the survey, and Page 2 Packet Pg. 10 O scope of the potential installation. Staff estimates that the preliminary traffic and engineering evaluation of a request costs $3,000 in staff time. If a street meets the minimum traffic criteria, the City would conduct the survey of property owners on the subject street segment, which includes mailing survey forms and following up in person on two separate days if the property owner does not respond, estimated to cost $5,000 in staff time. If the request meets both the traffic criteria and gains 67 percent support from property owners on the subject street segment, it is added to the City's speed cushion priority list. All installations and associated costs are funded and approved by the City Council through individual agenda items, subject to available funding. Since January 2023, the City has received over 40 requests for speed cushions. Not every street segment requested meets traffic and engineering standards outlined in the Program or gains the required support from other property owners. To date, the City has successfully installed speed cushions on 11 street segments. hi all cases, the installation of speed cushions reduced prevailing speeds and collision rates as compared to pre - installation conditions. 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 Hump/Cushion Program Package Page 3 Packet Pg. 11 1.a O� gAh Tq Ct l �P City of U y °G�aFo f SANTA CLARITA �s oECE�^0. Department of Public Works Traffic and Transportation Planning Division SPEED HUMP/CUSHION PROGRAM PACKAGE Updated by City Council 4/23/2024 Packet Pg. 12 1.a OF ,PINTA C� a U Y 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 (speed cushions) on City -maintained roads. Speed cushions are designed to discourage speeding. Speed Cushion Installation Requirements To be eligible for consideration of speed cushions: • 10% of property owners on the subject street must support the initiation of the speed cushion evaluation, and • The subject street segment must: o Have a speed limit of 25 mph and 85% of vehicles travelling at 30 mph or greater, as observed during a City -conducted traffic study, o Have at least 1,500 vehicles using it every day, o Be at least 500 feet long, o Have only one lane in each direction, and o Not exceed an average sustained grade of six percent. Other physical characteristics that may limit the feasibility of 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 cushions. Speed cushion installation should not cause significant diversion of traffic to other residential streets, to the satisfaction of the City Traffic Engineer. If these are all met, 67% of property owners on the subject street must support installation of speed cushions based on a City -conducted survey. Requesting Speed Cushions A 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. The Speed Hump/Speed Cushion Request Form (see page 6) 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. For additional information, contact the Traffic Division at (661) 255-4942. 2 Packet Pg. 13 �oF gNNTA ti Speed Hump/Cushion Program �a Procedures for Processing Speed Cushion Requests An individual property owner that believes the residents on their street will support the installation of speed cushions must submit a Speed Hump/Speed Cushion Study Request Form to the City (see page 6). The City will determine on a preliminary basis the property owners on the subject street segment that would abut the potential speed cushion installation and direct the requestor to collect signatures to demonstrate at least 10% of those property owners support the evaluation of speed cushions. 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. Staff will also consult with the Sheriff's Department, Fire Department and Transit Division. The City will use speed and volume data to determine limits of affected property owners. If the required minimum street criteria for speed cushions are met, the City will send a survey form to all abutting property owners on the subject street segment 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 segment, as determined by the traffic survey, must support installation of speed cushions. Upon verification of the survey, the property owners will be notified in writing of the results of the survey. 5. If the subject street segment meets both the minimum street/traffic criteria and property owner support, the subject street segment will be added to the City's speed cushion priority list. Based on available funding and approval by the City Council, the City will proceed with installation of speed cushions. Speed Cushion Subsequent Request Timeline Installation Requests A Speed Hump/Speed Cushion Request Form must come from a property owner on the subject street segment to initiate this process. No property owner -initiated request for speed cushions will be considered within 36 months of any prior formal request for speed cushions on the subject street that failed to gain 67% support. Removal Requests The removal of any speed cushion or series of speed cushions will be based on a two-thirds vote of property owners on the subject street segment, administered by the City at the request of an abutting property owner with a petition signed by 10% of property owners within the established boundary. No removal requests will be considered within 36 months after speed cushion installation to allow sufficient time for the speed cushions to have the desired traffic -calming effect; nor will a removal request be considered within 36 months of a previous removal request that failed to gain 67% support. 3 Packet Pg. 14 �oF gNNTA ti Speed Hump/Cushion Program �a Frequently Asked Questions What is a speed cushion? Speed cushions in the City typically consist of three or four raised, separated 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 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 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, among other requirements listed on page 2. 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? An individual property owner with an address on the subject street can submit a Speed Hump/Cushion Study Request Form for speed cushion consideration. After the City receives the request, City staff will direct the requestor to collect signatures from at least 10% of the property owners on the subject street segment based on preliminary review by City staff. If an installation request fails to gain sufficient support from property owners on the subject street segment, subsequent installation requests will not be considered within 36 months. 4 Packet Pg. 15 �oF gNNTA cL 1.a ti Speed Hump/Cushion Program �a Who pays for the traffic study, property owner survey, and installation of speed cushions? The City is responsible for all costs associated with studying, formal surveying, and installing speed cushions and is also responsible for the ongoing maintenance of the speed cushions. The requestor is responsible for demonstrating 10% of property owners within a preliminary boundary on the subject street segment provided by the City support speed cushion installation. 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. The Program only applies to residential streets that are maintained by the City and meet the criteria defined on page 2 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 segment can request that speed cushions be removed with a petition demonstrating 10% of property owners support removal. The City will conduct a survey, and with two-thirds agreement, will remove the speed cushions. No requests for removals will be considered within 36 months after speed cushion installation to allow sufficient time for the speed cushions to have the desired traffic -calming effect, nor will a removal request be considered within 36 months of a previous removal request. Packet Pg. 16 1.a OF gANTA �,� U - Speed Hump/Cushion Study Request Form o� 4 The following is an application form to request speed cushions. Each request must be made by an individual property owner on the subject street. Upon receipt of this request, City staff will determine a preliminary boundary of affected property owners on the subject street segment, to the satisfaction of the City Traffic Engineer, and will provide the requester with a petition form. The requester must demonstrate a minimum of 10% of the total number of those property owners on the subject street segment support the request for speed cushions. The request will be processed in accordance to the City of Santa Clarita's adopted Speed Cushion Program. No request for speed cushions will be considered within 36 months of any prior formal request for speed cushions. Street Study Information Each request must provide the name of the street(s) 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 retains the right to modify this request by either expanding or shortening the project boundary area as well as including neighboring streets not initially requested, to the satisfaction of the City Traffic engineer. 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 SantaClarita.gov/RSC CITY USE ONLY 6 ❑ Eligible ❑ Not Eligible Initials: Packet Pg. 17 1.a OF gANTA �,� U - Speed Hump/Cushion Study Removal Form o� 4 The following is an application form to request removal of speed cushions. Each request must be made by an individual property owner on the subject street. Upon receipt of this request, City staff will determine a preliminary boundary of affected property owners on the subject street segment, to the satisfaction of the City Traffic Engineer, and will provide the requester with a petition form. The requester must demonstrate a minimum of 10% of the total number of those property owners on the subject street segment support the removal of speed cushions. The request will be processed in accordance to the City of Santa Clarita's adopted Speed Cushion Program. No requests removals will be considered within 36 months after speed cushion installation to allow sufficient time for the speed cushions to have the desired traffic -calming effect; nor will a removal request be considered within 36 months of a previous removal request. Street Information Each request for removal of speed cushions must provide the name of the street or streets on which the removal(s) is/are being requested. Requested Street: Boundary Area Requested Street: Boundary Area From: From: Contact Information Name: Address: Santa Clarita, CA Zip: Phone: Signature: To: To: Submission Options Via mail: Via email: City of Santa Clarita traffi cgsantaclarita. 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. 18 to ROADWAY WIDTH = 34' ROADWAY WIDTH = 36' ROADWAY WIDTH = 40' Li Li z z m m 7 -w -w Q. '00 00 00 0 (L z 0 7- (n o WIDTH = 34' "Q WIDTH = 36 'o WIDTH = 40' (L -N C14 c\4 mr U) 0 Lu o 'o (L (L E Li HUMP*'10i Li HUMP* z zz HUMP* AL J AL J 0 -9- mof Of Of m m (L D D D U u 0 0 E U) cn CENTER OF PAVEMENT MARKING SHALL BE 6' FROM CENTERLINE OF ROADWAY. **SIGNS TO BE INSTALLED ACCORDING TO CITY STANDARD PLAN 002-2, NOTES E 3, 4, AND 5. 0 0 STANDARD PLANS FOR THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA< '-21 _2 TRAFFIC 14' SPEED CUSHON LAYOUT STANDARD PLAN AND ENGLISH cn TRANSPORTATION ROADWAY WIDTH W=34' PLANNIING ROADWAY WIDTH W=36' DIVISION 002-1 E ROADWAY WIDTH W=40' 0 DECEMBER 20231 NOT TO SCALE SHEET 1 OF 2 I Packet Pg. 19 1.a 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 ) / \ LENGTH - 42" (+/- $') THICKNESS - 3" (+/- $') SPEED HUMP SPEED CUSHION SPECS U WIDTH - 6' LENGTH - 14' HEIGHT - 3" W 17-1 ❑ IMElElEl ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ r ❑ ❑ - ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ 16' 1 ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ SPEED CUSHION MARKING DETAIL NOT TO SCALE SPEED HUMPS AHEAD W84 ((,-%( 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 m W 1.3- 1 p (18" x 18') STANDARD PLANS FOR THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITAI TRAFFIC STANDARD PLAN AND TRANSPORTATION SPEED CUSON ENGLISH PLANNIING CONSTRUCTON DETA E 002 2 DIVISION Q t7 O w a Z O_ U a 0 w w a U) O H w Q a DECEMBER 20231 NOT TO SCALE I SHEET 2 OF 2 Packet Pg. 20