To: Board of Supervisors
From: Public Works
Agenda Section: Departmental
Vote Requirement: Majority
SUBJECT:
title
Introduction of an Ordinance Amending Section 431-92 of Chapter 1 of Division 3 of Title IV of the Humboldt County Code Relating to Parking Restrictions on Railroad Avenue in the Fields Landing Area
end
RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Board of Supervisors:
1. Introduce the attached ordinance amending Section 431-92 of Chapter 1 of Division 3 of Title IV of the Humboldt County Code relating to parking restrictions on Railroad Avenue in the Fields Landing area; and
2. Find that the attached ordinance is exempt from environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Sections 15301 and 15304 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations; and
3. Set the attached ordinance for adoption on Dec. 17, 2024, or at least one (1) week away from the date of the Board of Supervisors meeting at which the ordinance is first introduced; and
4. Direct the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors to publish the pre-adoption summary of the attached ordinance and to post a certified copy of the full text of the ordinance in the office of the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors at least five (5) days prior to the Board of Supervisors meeting at which the ordinance will be adopted [California Government Code Section 25124(b)(1)]; and
5. Direct the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors to publish a post-adoption summary of the ordinance with the names of the Supervisors voting for and against the ordinance, and to post in the office of the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors a certified copy of the full text of the adopted ordinance and amendments along with the names of those Supervisors voting for and against the ordinance, within fifteen (15) days after adoption of the attached ordinance [California Government Code Section 25124(b)(1)]; and
6. Direct the Department of Public Works to file the attached notice of exemption stating that the attached ordinance is exempt from environmental review with the Humboldt County Clerk in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act.
Body
STRATEGIC PLAN:
The recommended actions support the following areas of the Board of Supervisors’ Strategic Plan:
Area of Focus: Safe & Healthy Communities
Strategic Plan Category: 1007 - Improve the transportation network to be multi-model, safe, sustainable and equitable
DISCUSSION:
The attached ordinance establishes additional parking restrictions on Railroad Avenue between the hours of 12:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. in order to address traffic safety issues in the Fields Landing area of Humboldt County. Imposition of the proposed parking restrictions requires the issuance of a Coastal Development Permit since Railroad Avenue falls with the state jurisdiction of the coastal zone. An application for a waiver of the permitting requirements has been filed by the Humboldt County Department of Public Works. Approval of the waiver is anticipated to occur sometime in December 2024. Signage will not be posted on Railroad Avenue until the permit waiver has been issued.
The attached ordinance affects traffic regulations on existing County maintained roads. The installation of signs, striping, pavement marking, and/or other traffic control devices and appurtenances will be done in accordance with the latest addition of the California Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices; the Americans with Disabilities Act; the latest edition of the California Building Code; and the Protection of Underground Infrastructure as set forth in Government Code Sections 4215, et seq.
Such work is considered exempt pursuant to Section 15301(c) of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations which specifically creates an exemption for existing highways and streets, sidewalks, gutters, bicycle and pedestrian trails and similar facilities, including, without limitation, road grading for the purpose of public safety and other alterations that do not create additional automobile lanes. Additionally , minor excavations associated with such work are considered exempt pursuant to Section 15304(f) of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations which specifically creates an exemption for minor trenching and backfilling where the surface is restored.
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
Humboldt County Road Fund (1200-325)
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Adoption of the attached ordinance will require the installation of regulatory signs on Railroad Avenue. The estimated cost associated with manufacturing and installing the required signage is approximately $500. and is covered by the Humboldt County Road Fund budget unit 1200-325.
The Humboldt County Road Fund has a negative balance. This is partially due to the timing of Federal Emergency Management Agency reimbursements, which can take years for the County of Humboldt to receive. The Department of Public Works utilizes other state and local funding, such as Regional Surface Transportation Program funds, for the Humboldt County Road Fund match for reimbursable projects. Despite those additional funding sources, Road Fund projects are underfunded and will very likely have a negative impact on the General Fund if additional revenue sources are not secured.
STAFFING IMPACT:
The recommended actions will not impact current staffing levels.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
California Highway Patrol and Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Board may choose not to adopt the attached ordinance. However, this alternative is not recommended since it would not improve traffic safety in the relevant locations.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Ordinance Amending Section 431-92 of Chapter 1 of Division 3 of Title IV of the Humboldt County Code Relating to Parking Restrictions on Railroad Avenue in the Fields Landing Area
2. Pre-adoption Summary
3. Post-adoption Summary
4. California Environmental Quality Act Notice of Exemption
PREVIOUS ACTION/REFERRAL:
Meeting of: None
File No.: None