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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-08-26 - AGENDA REPORTS - BENZ RD TRAFFIC ISSUES (2)Agenda Item. CITY OF SANTA CLARITA /AGENDA REPORT UNFINISHED BUSINESS City Manager Approval: Item to be presented by: DATE: August 26, 2008 /A SUBJECT:, BENZ ROAD TRAFFIC ISSUES AND RESPONSE TO NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING DEPARTMENT: Public Works RECOMMENDED ACTION I . City Council receive staff presentation and authorize the appropriation of $150,000 from City Council Contingency Account 19300-5401.001 to Account C4007601-5161.001, increase Transfers Out Account 100 19500-5501.60 1, and increase Transfers In Account 601-4711. 100 for the installation of temporary speed cushions at 20 to 30 locations along Benz Road, Canterwood Drive, Contessa Avenue, Franwood Drive, Alaminos Drive, and Kathleen Avenue as a pilot program in' accordance with the City's draft speed hump policy and procedures. 2. City Council direct staff to conduct a 6 -month evaluation on the effectiveness of the temporary speed cushions, which are to be removed unless the affected residents approve a benefit assessment district to pay for the installation of permanent speed humps/speed cushions. BACKGROUND At the June 10, 2008, City Council meeting, staff was directed to develop a proposed plan for additional traffic -calming measures to address the concerns of the residents along Benz Road. The residents along Benz Road continue to have concerns about traffic volumes which have increased from several hundred vehicles per day to approximately 3,300 vehicles per day following the opening of Copper Hill Drive in 2003; in which Benz Road became a short cut. AA PPROVED The City has taken a number of steps prior to the June 10 City Council meeting in coordination with Los Angeles County and the Sheriff s Department over the past five years to alleviate the cut -through traffic issue. These measures include multiway stop sign installations, striping modifications, additional speed and weight limit signs, peak -hour turn restrictions, and special enforcement, Traffic on Benz Road has been reduced by up to 1,500 vehicles per day due to these measures. The average daily traffic volume on Benz Road has been reduced to between 1,800 and 2,400 vehicles per day. See attached chronological summary for additional details. Several Benz Road residents continue to request that the City implement additional measures to further reduce cut -through traffic. The remaining cut -through traffic on Benz Road is estimated to be approximately 3 0 percent of total traffic on that roadway prior to the June 10 City Counci I meeting. The City sent a survey to 538 neighborhood households to determine if other area residents support implementing additional traffic -calming measures, as roadways adjacent and parallel to Benz Road might be negatively impacted by any further traffic restrictions on Benz Road. A total of 260 responses were received and 53 percent of the respondents stated that they prefer to leave the existing measures in place with no further restrictions to be put into operation. However, residents fronting Benz Road overwhelmingly expressed their desire to apply additional traffic restrictions. In response to the City Council direction at the June 10, 2008, City Council meeting, City staff developed a list of 13 potential options or actions (attached) that could further reduce traffic on Benz Road. These items include those suggested by the City Council, along with the pros and cons for each one. The four most practical options were presented at a neighborhood meeting on August 5, 2008, at Rosedell Elementary School. The options are listed below and a graphic depicting each option is attached (Exhibits "A," "13,31 "C," and "D"). I I - Speed humps (Exhibit "A") 2. Diagonal diverter at Alaminos Drive and Benz Road (Exhibit "B") 3. Additional turning restrictions at (Exhibit "C"): • Benz Road and Copper Hill Drive • Buckhorn Lane and Copper Hill Drive 4. Median on Copper Hill Drive (Exhibit "D") Of the 538 households invited, representatives from 50 households attended the public meeting. Staff presented each of the four options and attendees were asked to comment on each option. All comments were recorded and listed on neighborhood meeting notes (attached). City staff observed the following: • There was not a single option that all attendees could agree on. • The opinion of the residents along Benz Road does not reflect the opinion of a majority of the residents in the remainder of the neighborhood. • The majority of the residents (90 percent) did not attend the neighborhood meeting and therefore, staff does not have their input. • Some residents commented that the current peak -hour turn restrictions have diverted additional traffic onto their streets, limited their direct access to and from their homes, increased their travel distance, and inconvenienced them. • Some residents requested the City consider issuing preferential stickers so residents in this neighborhood would be exempt from the current turn restrictions. Staff has investigated this request and the City Attorney's Office has determined there is no legal authorization for the City to establish such preferential usage on public streets. • The majority of attendees were not in favor of Option 2 (diagonal diverter) or Option 3 (additional turning restrictions) due to a potential diversion of traffic onto their streets, while the residents fronting Benz Road were in favor of Options 2 and 3. • Option I (speed humps) was well received by the majority of attendees, but not by the residents fronting Benz Road. • Response for Option 4 (median on Copper Hill Drive) was mixed. The median along Copper Hill Drive eventually will be installed as part of future developments in that area. Staff will monitor developments in the City and in unincorporated Los Angeles County to ensure the median is installed at the appropriate time. As seen in Exhibit "A," the proposed speed hump/speed cushion locations were selected to further reduce cut -through traffic on Benz Road without diverting additional traffic onto other neighborhood streets. These locations were selected after staff conducted a field survey of the affected streets. Staff s evaluation took into account such factors as driveway and manhole locations, spacing, drainage, street grade, intersection locations, and lighting. One of the concerns regarding speed humps has been the issue of emergency vehicle response. The Los Angeles County Fire Department has a policy (attached) that strongly discourages the use of speed humps due to a reduction in response time, potential danger to patients in ambulances, and potential danger to Fire Department personnel. However, in the attached letter from the Fire Department, dated August 14, 2008, they acknowledge the City's need to address the concerns of the public and develop a course of action in matters of public policy. Furthermore, the Fire Department states that out of the three options of speed bumps, humps, and cushions; speed cushions are the least destructive of the three. For these reasons, staff recommends that instead of the standard speed hump, a speed cushion be utilized. Speed cushions are designed as three small speed humps spaced along the width of the road. Speed cushions cause standard vehicles to slow down; however, the wider axle of emergency vehicles allows them to pass without slowing down. A figure depicting speed cushions is attached (Exhibit "E"). Staff recommends temporary rubber speed cushions initially be utilized rather than permanent asphalt speed bumps. Temporary speed cushions are a manufactured product that can be affixed to the roadway and then later removed, if desired, with minimal damage to the roadway surface. Staff recommends the following four step plan: Step 1: a) Install temporary speed cushions at the 20 indicated locations on the attached figure. b) Leave existing peak -hour turn restrictions in place at the following intersections: Benz Road and Bouquet Canyon Road Sue Drive and Bouquet Canyon Road Benz Road and Copper Hill Drive Buckhorn Lane and Copper Hill Drive c) Collect speed and volume data along all streets with speed cushions. Step 2: a) Three months after installation of speed cushions remove existing peak -hour turn restrictions. b) Collect speed and volume data along all streets with speed cushions. Step 3: a) Six months after installation of speed cushions, collect input from the neighborhood I regarding speed cushions and peak -hour turn restrictions. Step 4: a) Develop a final plan, which may include removal of speed cushions, installation of permanent asphalt speed humps/speed cushions, and/or reestablishment of peak -hour turn restrictions, The final plan will be based on the willingness of the residents to pay for the permanent speed humps/speed cushions. Temporary speed cushions cost approximately $5,000 per location. The total cost to install speed cushions at 20 to 30 locations would be approximately $150,000. If the neighborhood decides to replace the temporary speed cushions with permanent asphalt speed humps/speed cushions, staff proposes the establishment of an assessment district and assess all affected households for the cost of the permanent speed humps/speed cushions. The assessment could be established for a multiyear period. Finally, tonight's recommendation can serve as a set of procedures and criteria to be applied to other residential streets should traffic speeds or volumes become a concern to residents. That is, if temporary speed humps/speed cushions are installed on any public residential street, the City would survey the affected residents six months after installation. If a simple majority (50 percent plus 1) of the households decide to make the speed humps/speed cushions permanent, the City would install permanent asphalt speed humps/speed cushions and establish an assessment district in the neighborhood to recoup the cost. The draft procedures and criteria are attached. ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS As directed by the City Council. FISCAL IMPACT The cost to install up to 30 temporary speed cushions along Benz Road, Canterwood Drive, Contessa Avenue, Franwood Drive, Alaminos Drive, and Kathleen Avenue is $150,000. ATTACHMENTS Benz Road Chronological Summary List of Potential Options for Reducing Traffic on Benz Road Exhibit "A" Exhibit "B" Exhibit "C" Exhibit "D" Benz Road Neighborhood Meeting Notes County of Los Angeles Fire Department Speed Hump Policy County of Los Angeles Fire Department Letter Dated August 14, 2008 Exhibit "E" Draft Speed Hump/Speed Cushion Procedures Draft Speed Hump/Speed Cushion Criteria Benz Road Chronological Summary The following is a chronological summary of events regarding traffic conditions in the Benz Road area: March 2003 - Benz Road was opened to Copper Hill Drive. Shortly thereafter area residents became increasingly concerned when traffic volumes began climbing from a few hundred vehicles per day to over 3,300 vehicles per day. 2003 and 2004 - City staff began working with residents to reduce traffic volumes including installation of centerline and edge line striping, speed limit signs, two multiway stop signs, and weight limit signs. Staff also worked with the Sheriffs Department to increase enforcement. March 22, 2005 - Residents brought their concerns to City Council. At that meeting, the City Council directed staff to continue working with residents, tile County, and the Sheriff s Department to reduce traffic volumes and vehicle speeds. 2005 - Staff held meetings with the residents and devised a least restrictive two-step plan of action that was acceptable to the residents. The goal of the plan was to reduce cut -through traffic and overall vehicular volumes on Benz Road to less than 2,000 trips per day. o The proposed Step I improvements included installing signs to restrict turns during peak -hours from Bouquet Canyon Road onto Benz Road and Sue Drive, and from Copper Hill Drive onto Buckhorn Lane and Benz Road. The latter improvements on Buckhorn Lane at Copper Hill Drive were contingent upon approval by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. o The proposed Step 2 improvements included signing and striping modifications restricting all but outbound right -turn movements from Benz Road and Buckhorn Lane onto Copper Hill Drive. Step 2 improvements would only be implemented if Step I improvements proved unsuccessful at reducing traffic volumes to less than 2,000 trips per day. 0 February 28, 2006 - City Council approved the two step plan. May 19, 2006 - The County Board of Supervisors approved a revised plan. While many County residents on Cross Creek Drive opposed the two step plan, staff worked with the County to reach a compromise for the implementation of Step 1. The compromise was to reduce the hours of turn restrictions from Copper Hill Drive onto Buckhorn Lane and from Copper Hill Drive onto Benz Road. March 20, 2006 - Staff instituted the morning -peak turn restrictions of Step I and installed signs restricting left turns from Bouquet Canyon Road onto Sue Drive and from Bouquet Canyon Road onto Benz Road. Benz Road Chronological Summary Page 2 June 8, 2006 - Staff instituted the evening -peak turn restrictions of Step I and installed signs restricting right turns from Copper Hill Drive onto Buckhorn Lane and from Copper Hill,Drive onto Benz Road. Staff also continued to work with the Sheriffs Department to enforce the new turn restrictions. January 2007 - Residents of Cross Creek Drive continued to petition the County for construction of back-to-back cul-de-sacs at the intersection of Canterwood Drive and Buckhorn Lane. The County held a public meeting to inform these residents and their neighbors that such improvements would require the support of the affected area to move forward. October 2006 to January 2007 - Traffic volume counts were collected on Benz Road near Dan Court and totaled between 1,500 and 1,850 vehicles daily. This indicated Step I improvements were working to achieve the results, desired by Benz residents, of reducing cut -through traffic. August 2007 - After residents commented the traffic volumes on Benz Road were greater south of Canterwood Drive than at the control location of Benz Road and Dan Court, staff conducted the following additional traffic counts while school was in session: • Traffic volume on the upper section of Benz Road between Dan Court and Copper Hill Drive (Count Location A on the attached Survey Area Map): Weekday average of 1,800 vehicles per day Weekend average 1,590 vehicles per day • Traffic volume on lower section between Alaminos Drive and Canterwood Drive (Count Location B on the attached Survey Area Map): Weekday average of 2,450 vehicles per day Weekend average of 2,130 vehicles per day • Average traffic volume (for Locations A and B combined): • Weekday average of 2,125 vehicles per day • Weekend average of 1,860 vehicles per day November 2007 - Staff met with County engineering to discuss the most recent traffic volume findings, neighborhood opposition to additional restrictions, and alternatives. County staff was pleased with the results of the current restrictions and concerned that any additional restrictions would be controversial and might adversely impact the community. April 23, 2008 - Many residents indicated additional restrictions on Benz Road would create higher traffic volumes on their streets, Staff worked with -the residents to develop a letter and questionnaire to send to residents in the Benz Road area for their input on additional traffic measures. Benz Road Chronological Summary Page 3 0 June 10, 2008 — Staff presented the findings of the Benz Road neighborhood survey to City Council and recommended leaving existing restrictions as is. The City Council directed staff to reevaluate the area and develop physical solutions to address the neighborhood concerns. 9 August 5, 2008 —The City Manager's Office held a neighborhood meeting at Rosedell Elementary School during which four feasible alternatives were presented to the residents for their feedback. 0 Current- City staff continues to work with the Sheriffs Department on enforcement and monitoring traffic volumes to assure that the measures continue to be effective. S \P\V\TRAFF1C\Gus\Be" Road\Bew Road ChronologN doc List of Potential Options for Reducing Traffic on Benz Road I . Bouquet Canyon realignment and Copper Hill Drive extension. Pros: Benz Road would no longer be connected to Bouquet Canyon Road. Cons: expensive option - $ 10 million 2. Speed humps. Pros: reduce average speeds, sorne reduction of volurnes Cons: increase emergency response time, increase noise 3. Traffic signal at Copper Hill Drive and Kathleen Drive. Pros: none Cons: does not meet signal warrants, minimal impact on trip reduction 4. Traffic signal at Alaminos Drive and Benz Road. Pros: none Cons: does not rneet signal warrants, minimal impact on trip reduction 5. Right -turn lane at David Way and Bouquet Canyon Road. Pros: improved efficiency for southbound travelers, potential trip reduction on Benz Road Cons: none 6. One-way street system. Pros: none Cons: difficult to control wrong -way travel, applicable to grid system 7. Cul-de-sac or partial closure on Benz Road. Pros: additional or full reduction of cut -through traffic on Benz Road Cons: diversion of trips to other residential streets in area, limits access 8. Horizontal deflection measures (roundabouts, chokers, bulb -outs, diagonal diverters). Pros: reduce average speeds Cons: limited reduction in volumes 9. Vertical deflection measures (raised intersections or speed tables). Pros: reduce average speeds Cons: limited reduction in volumes 10. Additional turning restrictions. Pros: additional reduction of cut -through traffic on Benz Road Cons: diversion of trips to other residential streets in area, limits access I 11. Median on Copper Hill Drive. Pros: additional reduction of cut -through traffic on Benz Road Cons: increases travel distance for some residents, expensive option - $1.2 million 12. Mobile photo speed enforcement. Pros: reduce average speeds Cons: limited reduction in volumes, per California law can only issue warnings 13. Additional Sheriffs Department enforcement. Pros: effective in encouraging motorists to comply with speed limit Cons: none S TVATRAFFICIAMBen/ Road\List of'Polential Options ror Reducing Traffic on Ben/ Road doc Benz Road Neighborhood Meeting Notes Rosedell Elementary School August 5, 2008 Option 1: Speed Humps This was the most popular option with the most support among attendees. Residents on Alaminos Drive preferred this option and one asked if the speed humps could be extended all the way down Alaminos Drive. Also, it was asked if the turn restrictions could be removed if Optionl is instituted. Benz Road residents expressed their opinions that Option I would not do'enough to discourage cut -through traffic. They also noted that the City considered speed humps unsafe just five years ago and asked why the City considered them safe now. A few Benz Road residents noted that the speed humps would be loud and decrease their quality of life. One resident stated that Option I was not drastic enough. Someone else said that 25 mph speed bumps would not help with speeding issues in their neighborhood, but that they are better than nothing. A resident who lives at the corner of Benz Road and Copper Hill Drive recommended that the City install a multiway stop sign at the corner of Benz Road and Copper Hill Drive. This resident noted that people who make a right turn onto Copper Hill Road are not affected. Motorists race past his house every day and he feels unsafe backing out of his garage. A resident of Calwood Street asked that Calwood Street be included in Option I and that the speed humps on Alaminos extend past Calwood Street. A resident of Canterwood Drive expressed his opinion that Option I is the least inconvenient and safest for the children in terms of slowing down neighborhood traffic. Several residents from Cross Creek Drive supported Option 1. One speaker stated that her access should not be impacted and expressed her concern that barricades (Options 2, 3, and 4) might impede firefighters. Someone else suggested that Option I be implemented with the turn restrictions. remaining in place if residents in the area could receive stickers or permits to exempt them from those turn restrictions. A Dan Court resident supported Option I with turn restrictions and residential permits to exempt area residents from turn restrictions. Another Dan Court resident asked that advance -warning signs be included with Option I as many motorists speed through the area. Another resident of Franwood Drive also supported implementing Option I with turn restrictions and residential permits to exempt from turn restrictions. A resident of Jenny Court expressed disbelief that Option I would work. Residents of Kathleen Avenue preferred Option I as long as Kathleen Avenue could be included. A resident of Newbird Drive supported Option 1. Benz Road Neighborhood Meeting Notes Rosedell Elementary School August 5, 2008 Several attendees spoke who did not indicate their street locations. One speaker supported Option I with turn restrictions and residential permits to exempt residents from turn restrictions. Someone else declared support for speed humps as long as Calwood Street was included because of traffic before and after school. Another speaker stated that speed humps are the fairest solution. It was asked how the 520 homes planned for West Copper Creek might affect these options. Option 2: Semi-Diaj!onal Diverter There was little support for Option 2. Residents on Alaminos Drive unanimously stated that Option 2 would divert traffic back to Alaminos Drive and to otherpeighborhoods. One speaker stated that Option 2 sacrifices outlying neighborhoods. If Option 2 is put in place, other neighborhoods would come before the City Council and the problem would repeat and spread. Someone else mentioned that this option would "cut them off." Benz Road residents noted that Option 2 would take the "load" off of Benz Road. One mentioned that Option 2 is preferred because it has an effect similar to the eventual realignment of Bouquet Canyon Road. Someone else preferred a combination of Option I and Option 4. A Brian Court resident pointed out that Option 2 would be bad for emergency responders. This person was evacuated during the fires last year, and this option would prevent an evacuation through Copper Hill Drive. Another speaker from Canterwood Drive also mentioned that Option 2 would impede evacuation routes. A Franwood Drive resident contended that Option 2 would divert traffic to Alaminos Drive. This speaker also asked how bus service might be affected and stated that Option 2 would be a "horrible" option when school is in session. Of those who did not state their street' location, four people were against Option 2. One person suggested gating the neighborhood and only allowing access to residents. Option 3, Partial Closure Phase 11 There was little support for Option 3. A resident of Alaminos Drive noted that Option 3 would divert traffic onto Alaminos Drive. A resident of Benz Road announced that Option 3 would be 100 percent effective. Residents on Cross Creek Drive did not support Option 3. They stated that Options 3 and 4 would negatively influence evacuation potential. Existing turn restrictions already divert traffic onto Kathleen Avenue. One speaker stated that she is not happy with the current system and Benz Road Neighborhood Meeting Notes Rosedell Elementary School August 5, 2008 ' "hates this option." She currently has to travel 1.3 miles out of her way to go home using Kathleen Avenue because of the turn restrictions. Speakers who did not identify their street locations expressed their lack of support for Option 3. One stated that it diverts traffic to Kathleen Avenue. Another suggested that Option 3 would restrict fire and emergency access from Copper Hill Drive. Someone else pointed out that motorists would just make a right turn and then a U-turn if this option is installed. Another speaker stated that whatever is done to address these issues affecting Benz Road residents should not.affect other adjacent streets. Option 4, Copper Hill Drive Medians A Cross Creek Drive resident pointed out that Option 4 only helps with morning traffic, not the evening traffic, which is much worse. A resident on Kathleen Avenue asked that the current turn restrictions be removed if Option 4 is implemented. I Speakers who were not identified by street locations did not support Option 4. One speaker stated that cut -through traffic would just make a mid -block U-turn. Someone else said that Option 4 does not address traffic from Bouquet Canyon Road and Option 4 limits evacuation potential. One speaker suggested a "No Right Turn on Red" sign be installed at the intersection of Bouquet Canyon Road and Plum Canyon Road to dissuade cut -through traffic. Two people requested multiway stop signs at the intersection of Copper Hill Road and Benz Road. Another speaker noted that Option 4 might cause the line of cars attempting to complete mid -block U-turns to overflow into the through lane. County of Los Angeles Fire Department Speed Hump Policy 1. INTRODUCTION A. Purpos : To provide information regarding this Department's policy on Speed Bumps and the Installation of Speed Humps. Background: Speed bumps and speed humps are designed to reduce vehicular speed, however, they impede the response of emergency vehicles. B. Scope: Informational to all Department personnel. C. Author: The Assistant Fire Chief (Fire Marshal) Fire Prevention Division, shall be responsible for the content, revision and annual maintenance of this Procedure. D. Definitions: SPEED BUMP: A roadway speed control measure that is from three to six inches in height with a length of one to three feet. These are commonly used in parking lots and on some private roadways. They require fire department apparatus slowing to 5 mph or less at the speed bump. SPEED HUMP: A roadway speed control measure that is a maximum of 2 5/8" in height with a length of approximately 12 feet They require fire department apparatus slowing to 15 mph at the speed hump. 11. RESPONSIBILITY All Personnel shall refer to this policy whenever inquiries are received regarding this subject. Ill. POLICY A. Speed bumps are not allowed as a roadway speed control measure. They pose a danger to heavy equipment, such as fire apparatus, and are difficult to see at night, subjecting personnel to potential head, neck and back injuries, while responding to emergency incidents. Studies have indicated an increase in response time to areas with speed bumps. In some studies the response time was three times that for areas without speed bumps. (05101199) 1 V7 -C2 -S11 B. Speed humr)s'are not recommended by the DeRartment, however, speed humps will be allowed if all traffic mitigation Orocedures have proven ineffective in controlling vehicular traffic, including: Traffic engineering improvements 2. Increased signage 3. Increased law enforcement 4. Circulation of a petition by the City or County Public Works agency, receiving approval from at least 75% of the residents fronting the roadway in question, supporting the installation of speed humps. C. SReed humps may be allowed under the following conditions: 1 Presentation of documentation to the Fire Prevention Division, Water, Subdivision and Access Unit, by Public Works, documenting the outcome of efforts made by law enforcement agencies to control traffic, how long they were able to monitor traffic conditions, and the outcome. a. Speed humps shall not be installed on streets with grades greater than 5 percent. b. Speed humps shall not be installed within 100 feet of any intersection. C. Speed humps shall not be installed within 25 feet of either side of a fire hydrant. d. Speed humps shall not be installed in the area in front of any building that might obstruct ladder truck or emergency vehicle operations. e. Speed humps shalI be clearly marked with high visible pavement marking, striping and signage, per Department of Public Works Standards. f. Speed humps shall not be located on a thoroughfare which impacts an area servicing more than seventy five homes or residential units. (05101199) 2 V7 -C2 -Sl I D. All plans for the installation of sReed humps shall be reviewed and approved by the Water, Subdivision, and Access Unit, Fire Prevention Division. Operations Bureau personnel shall be consulted for their recommendation. E. Approved speed humps shall be visib!y marked, and the area shall be properly posted to warn of their installation. F. Once speed humps are installed, the local fire station shall be notified of their location. G. When setting requirements for Regional Planning or Community Development tract maps, the Water, Subdivision and Access Unit shall ensure that requirements restrict the installation of speed bumps and speed humps. (06101/99) 3 V7-C2-SI1 COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES 'V P FIRE DEPARTMENT 40 0 8 �67' FIRE PREVENTION DIVISION , f., 004? August 14, 2008 TO: Robert G. Newman Director of Public Works City of Santa Clarita FROM: Inspector Jim LeClair Land Development Unit Los Angeles County Fire Department SUBJECT: SPEED CUSHION INSTALLATIONS FOR BENZ ROAD NEIGHBORHOOD We appreciate the notification of your intentions. As you know, we cannot endorse the proposed installation; however, we do understand there are extenuating circumstances that require traffic management. The Fire Department understands the need to effectively address the concerns of the public and to develop a responsive course of action in matters of public safety, The need to provide for public safety is, in fkt, why we provide our services. It has been ' documented in several studies that speed humps, bumps and cushions can delay the response of emergency vehicles, including fire, ambulance, and police. Speed bumps, which are the worst of the three, can cause injury to emergency personnel and members of the public who are transported by ambulance. Speed bumps, humps and cushions can also cause damage to emergency vehicles. Again, all three agencies are affected. Tlie costs of this damage will ultimately be bom by the tax -paying public. Speed cushions can still cause injury, but are the least destructive of the three. Please refer to www.ladl)w.org/traffic for Design Layout/Schernatc. If you have any questions, please contact Jim LeClair, Land Development Unit, Fire Prevention Division, at (323) 725-8703 or a more timely response is to email at ileclair(affire.lacounty.gov DRAFT PROCEDURES FOR THE INSTALLATION OF SPEED HUMPS/SPEED CUSHIONS 1. A representative of the local residential street, who believes the residents on his/her street will support the installation of speed humps/speed cushions, will submit a request in writing to the Traffic Division. Traffic Division staff will make an initial determination of whether the street in question is eligible for further consideration for the installati * on of speed humps/speed cushions. Criteria considered will include, but not be limited to street conforms to the definition of "Residence District" in the California Vehicle Code and qualifies for a 25 mph speed limit and street has a grade of 6 percent or less. City staff will also consult with the Sheriff and Fire Departments. If it is determined, upon initial study, that the street in question is not eligible for speed humps/speed cushions, the representative will be notified in writing as to why the street is not eligible. 4. If it is determined that the street is eligible for further consideration, the representative of the street will be notified to submit a petition (forms provided by the City) from the abutting property owners or residents indicating a simple majority (50 percent plus 1) support the installation of speed humps/speed cushions on their street. The sponsor of the petition is required to contact every property owner or resident of the abutting properties on the subject street. If the sponsor is unable to contact a property owner or resident, "NO CONTACT" will be noted on the petition signature space with the days and times the contact was attempted. It is required that the sponsor make at least two attempts on separate days to contact a property owner or resident. - Any petitions submitted prior to eligibility determination (Step 2) by City staff will not be processed until eligibility is determined. In addition, any petitions submitted with incomplete information are subject to rejection. 5. Upon verification of the petition, City staff will conduct a formal evaluation * based on the attached Draft Criteria for the Installation of Speed Humps/Speed Cushions, including collecting traffic speed and volume measurements and reviewing the traffic accident history for the subject street. In addition, the Traffic Division will submit the petition to the Sheriff and Fire Departments for their comments. 6. Upon completion of the formal evaluation, the representative will be notified in writing as to whether or not the subject street meets the minimum criteria for installation of speed humps/speed, cushions. It is the representative's responsibility to notify the other abutting property owners or residents of the results of the formal evaluation. 7. The City will identify appropriate locations for speed humps/speed cushions along the subject street and will install temporary rubber speed cushions at these locations. DRAFT PROCEDURES FOR THE INSTALLATION OF SPEED HUMPS/SPEED CUSHIONS Page 2 Six months after installation of the temporary speed humps/speed cushions, the City will conduct a Benefit Assessment Area (BAA) vote of all households along the subject street. If a simple majority (50 percent plus 1) of the households decide to make the speed humps/speed cushions permanent and indicate a willingness to contribute to the BAA, the City will work with the residents to install permanent asphalt speed humps/speed cushions and establish the necessary BAA to recoup the cost. 9. The physical installation of speed humps/speed cushions and the associated traffic control devices shall conform to the design standards established by the City and all City procedures for roadway work within the public right-of-way, including all appropriate permits and inspections. S \PW\TRAFF1C\Gus\Draft Speed Hurnp Procedures doc DRAFT CRITERIA FOR THE INSTALLATION OF SPEED HUMPS/SPEED CUSHIONS I Street Type: Street shall conform to the definition of a "Residence District" (California Vehicle Code Section 515) and qualify for a 25 mph speed limit. 2. Traffic Volume: Street shall have a minimum daily traffic volume of 2,000 vehicles or a minimum hourly traffic volume of 150 vehicles during any peak period. Traffic Speeds: A speed survey shall demonstrate that the 85th percentile speed is greater than 30 mph. 4. Cut Through Traffic: A traffic survey shall indicate that 30 percent or more of the traffic volume is using the roadway as "cut through" route, Street Length: Street shall have a minimum length of 500 feet. Street Width: Street shall have only one lane in each direction and have a width of 40 feet or less. Street Grade: Street shall not exceed a sustained grade of six percent. Resident Survey: A simple majority (over 50 percent) of the affected residents (i.e. properties abutting the subject street) shall vote in favor of the installation of speed humps. 9. Parallel Streets: Speed humps installation shall not cause diversion of traffic to other residential streets. Consideration may be given to placement of speed humps on parallel streets to avoid traffic diversion, 10. Other Physical Considerations: Other physical characteristics that might limit -the feasibility of installing speed humps on a particular street include locations of driveways, locations of access covers to underground utilities, locations of catch basins and other drainage structures, and existing drainage issues or difficulties. 11. Removal Poli�gE. The removal of any speed hump, or series of speed humps, shall be considered following the same criteria and procedures used to determine installation. S \PW\TKAFF1C\Gus\Draft Speed Hunip Criteria doe