DATE: December 10, 2019
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Steven E. White, Director
Department of Public Works and Planning
SUBJECT: Amendment of the Fresno County Ordinance Code to Modify the Chapter on Parking or Stopping Restrictions
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
Conduct second hearing on an Ordinance to amend Chapter 11.12 - Parking or Stopping Restrictions of the Fresno County Ordinance Code, to add Section 11.12.060 - Snow Removal Conditions, to prohibit or restrict the parking or standing of vehicles on designated streets, highways, or portions thereof, for the purpose of snow removal; adopt proposed amendment (Section 11.12.060) to Chapter 11.12; and waive reading of Ordinance in its entirety.
REPORT
The recommended action pertains to Flintridge Drive, a County maintained road, between State Route (SR) 168, also known as Tollhouse Road, and Cordwood Road in the County. Posting of “Tow-Away No Parking When Snow Removal Conditions Exist County Ord. No. 00-000” signs pursuant to Section 11.12.060 (proposed section) is intended to improve traffic safety and service. This item pertains to a location in District 5.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
If the recommended action is not approved by your Board, the Parking or Stopping Restrictions chapter of the Fresno County Ordinance Code will remain unchanged.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no Net County Cost associated with the recommended action. The estimated cost to install the Tow-Away No Parking When Snow Removal Conditions Exist signs is $925 for materials and $365 for labor and equipment for a total estimated cost of $1,290. Sufficient appropriations and estimated revenues are included in the Department of Public Works and Planning - Roads Org 4510 FY 2019-20 Adopted Budget.
DISCUSSION:
On November 19, 2019, your Board conducted the first hearing to add Section 11.12.060 - Snow Removal Conditions, to Chapter 11.12 - Parking or Stopping Restrictions of the Fresno County Ordinance Code.
The purpose of a “Tow-Away No Parking When Snow Removal Conditions Exist County Ord. No. 00-000” designation is to prohibit or restrict the parking or standing of vehicles on designated streets, highways, or portions thereof, for the purpose of snow removal. On roadways where snow conditions exist, snow removal equipment is utilized to facilitate the continuous flow of traffic. Flintridge Drive, a County maintained road, between SR 168 and Cordwood Road is narrow, causing the snow removal equipment to be restricted in operation to a defined path. Shoulders on Flintridge Drive are regularly utilized for parking vehicles before accessing seasonal recreational areas. When snow removal conditions exist, the shoulder-parked vehicles are obstructions in the roadway and restrict the snow removal equipment from operating. The installation of the proposed signs will allow for the enforcement necessary to keep the shoulders clear of parked vehicles and the roadways clear for snow removal equipment.
Section 22510 of the Stopping, Standing, and Parking chapter of the California Vehicle Code (CVC) states:
Local authorities may, by ordinance or resolution, prohibit or restrict the parking or standing of vehicles on designated streets or highways within their jurisdiction, or portions thereof, for the purpose of snow removal...No person shall stop, park, or leave standing any vehicle, whether attended or unattended, within the area marked by signs, except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic or in compliance with the directions of a traffic or peace officer.
The public, other agencies or County staff initiate requests to install the signs, which requires the addition of a section to the Fresno County Ordinance Code, Chapter 11.12 - Parking or Stopping Restrictions. Department staff proposes adding section 11.12.060 to Chapter 11.12 relating to Snow Removal Conditions, to allow for the proper signage to be installed at the location on Flintridge Drive between SR 168 (also known as Tollhouse Road) and Cordwood Road.
A notice that the Fresno County Parking or Stopping Restrictions Ordinance is proposed for amendment was published in the Fresno Business Journal before the second hearing on December 10, 2019. With your Board’s approval, the ordinance amendment will take effect 30 days after it is adopted and signs, where required, will be installed shortly thereafter and shall display the Ordinance number in place of the text “00-000”.
OTHER REVIEWING AGENCIES:
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) provides traffic enforcement on Fresno County roads. The CHP was notified on October 4, 2019 for review of the proposed ordinance amendment and concurs with this amendment.
REFERENCE MATERIAL:
BAI #10, November 19, 2019
ATTACHMENTS INCLUDED AND/OR ON FILE:
Vicinity Map
Ordinance
CAO ANALYST:
Sonia M. De La Rosa