20011204_m



COUNTY OF SAN MATEO ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES AGENCY


Date:					November 19, 2001

Set Time:					9:15 a.m.

Hearing Date:					December 4, 2001

To:			Honorable Board of Supervisors

From:			Marcia Raines, Director of Environmental Services

Subject:			Consideration of renaming the northern segment of Mirada Road to "North Mirada Road" and its southern segment to "South Mirada Road," located in both unincorporated Miramar and the City of Half Moon Bay.

			File Number:	PLN 2000-00382 (Maldonado)

RECOMMENDATION

Adopt the resolution to rename a public street, County File Number: PLN 2000-00382, by making the required finding and adopting the conditions of approval listed in Attachment A.

PROPOSAL

The U.S. Postal Service proposes to rename the northern segment of Mirada Road "North Mirada Road" and the southern segment "South Mirada Road." The proposal also includes renumbering the northern segment by adding a "0" to each address, and renumbering the north side of the southern segment to coincide with the City of Half Moon Bay's numbering on the south side of the street.

BACKGROUND

Report Prepared By: Sara Bortolussi, Project Planner, Telephone 650/363-1839

Applicant: U.S. Postal Service, Half Moon Bay Postmaster (Mary Maldonado)

Owner: Not applicable

Location: Mirada Road

APNs: various, 40 total

Existing Zoning: CCR/DR/CD and R-1/S-17/DR/CD

General Plan Designation: Medium Density Residential/Commercial Recreation

Environmental Evaluation: The proposed street naming does not significantly impact development and is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under the General Rule of CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3). This section states that an activity is not subject to CEQA if it can be seen with certainty that the activity in question will have no significant effect on the environment.

Setting

The subject road is located north of the City of Half Moon Bay and is divided into two parts by Arroyo de en Medio Creek with a narrow foot path providing pedestrian and bicycle access between the two segments. The northern segment of the road is parallel to Cabrillo Highway and directly adjacent to the Pacific Ocean, and is accessed from Cabrillo Highway via Medio Avenue. The southern segment of Mirada Road is accessed directly from Cabrillo Highway. The northern side of the southern segment is within the County's jurisdiction, while the southern side is within the City of Half Moon Bay's jurisdiction.

Project History

The applicant (Half Moon Bay Postmaster) originally proposed to rename the northern segment of Mirada Road "Old Mirada Road" and to renumber the north side of the southern segment to coincide with the City of Half Moon Bay's numbering on the south side of the street. The applicant submitted the application because of mail delivery problems caused by the existing duplicate block numbering ranges on the two segments of the street. A map of the existing conditions of Mirada Road is included as Attachment C to this report, and the original applicant proposal is included as Attachment E.

The applicant's original proposal was referred to many reviewing agencies for comment. County Communications Dispatch (CCD) suggested that "Old Mirada Road" was too similar to the existing Mirada Road, and that it would likely cause confusion for emergency dispatch personnel because it included duplicate block numbering on the two road segments. CCD suggested that both segments of the road be renamed to differentiate the two segments, and that renumbering should occur on both segments to eliminate duplicate block numbering.

Planning staff also received a copy of a petition dated April 26, 2000, opposing the applicant's original proposal. The petition was signed by both business and property owners on the northern segment of Mirada Road stating that changes in address could result in significant loss of business and proposing an alternative to the applicant's original proposal. This alternate resident proposal was supported through the signed petition. A map of the alternate resident proposal is included as Attachment F of this report. The alternate resident proposal involved renumbering the properties located on the unincorporated side of the southern segment of Mirada Road, with no road renaming for either segment. This proposal would result in the numbering on the unincorporated side of Mirada Road being out of sync with the existing numbering on the opposite side of the road, and would not meet the objectives of the applicant or the CCD.

Planning staff met with the applicant and devised a third proposal that meets the needs of the CCD and the applicant. All three proposals were summarized and analyzed by staff and a letter sent to all affected property owners, including owners of property located on the south side of the southern section of Mirada Road within the City of Half Moon Bay's jurisdiction. Attachment "G" is a copy of the letter sent to the 40 affected property owners. Twenty written responses were received via the postage paid envelopes provided with each letter. Attachments "H" and "I" are two tables summarizing the comments received. The responses generally are in support of the staff proposal.

KEY ISSUES

A.	Procedures

	The Planning Division has formulated procedures for street naming. Because of the sensitive nature of this particular road naming application, Planning staff conducted two public notifications prior to the preparation of the staff report in order to solicit comments from affected parties. Prior to the Planning Commission hearing, three steps were involved in the processing of this application.

	1.	Examination of maps to determine if there are similar or identical names within 5 to 10 miles that might be confused with the proposed street name.

		This is a required step for all new street naming applications. Both Planning staff and CCD felt that the original proposal, Old Mirada Road, was too similar to Mirada Road and that the problem would be aggravated by the applicant's proposal to renumber the southern segment with duplicate block numbers. In addition, numerous residents expressed to Planning staff that the name "Mirada Road" has a historical significance that should be preserved. Planning staff believes that by adding the "North" and "South" designations and by renumbering the two segments, the two roads will be clearly differentiated while still retaining the historic name for both. The renumbering will rectify the existing duplicate block numbering on the road which will ensure that emergency vehicles, delivery trucks, residents, and visitors can easily identify the location of particular properties.

		There are no other roads within 5 to 10 miles that might be confused with the proposed street names.

	2.	Notification of appropriate agencies of the proposed street name and public hearing.

		The table below indicates the agencies that were notified and summarizes the comments provided by each:


Agency	Recommendation
Agency	Support Proposal	Support Other Proposal	No Comment	Comments
Department of Public Works			X
Building Inspection Section			X
Half Moon Bay Fire	X
Coastal Commission			X
Mid-Coast Community Council Planning and Zoning Committee		X		See copy of letter (Attachment J)
California Highway Patrol			X
Sheriff's Office			X
Assessor's Office			X
Half Moon Bay Post Office	X
Pacific Gas and Electric			X
County Communications Dispatch	X
Pacific Bell			X
City of Half Moon Bay Planning Department				Wanted to ensure that all affected residents were notified
City of Half Moon Bay Public Works Department				Stated that staff proposal seemed reasonable



		The San Mateo County Public Safety Communications Division (911 Dispatch) requested that the name change become effective 45 days after approval to allow for record updating. Both the Public Works and Planning Departments of the City of Half Moon Bay wanted to ensure that all affected residents were notified, and neither expressed objections to the proposal.

		The Planning and Zoning Committee of the Mid Coast Community Council recommended a fourth proposal that involves renumbering all properties on the both sides of the southern segment of Mirada Road to block numbering ranging from 501 to 940. This proposal would not affect the address numbering for the businesses, nor would it result in any road name changes. However, this proposal would also not meet the objectives of the applicant to improve mail addressing, sorting, and delivery, nor would it meet the needs of CCD for two distinct road names with distinct block number ranges. In addition, San Mateo County does not have the authority to renumber addresses of properties located within the City of Half Moon Bay.

	3.	Public Notification

		a.	Posting required in at least three places in the affected area at least ten days prior to the public hearing.

			Signs were posted on February 13, 2001, 16 days prior to the Planning Commission public hearing. Additional signs will be posted in the affected area following the Board of Supervisors' action.

		b.	Published legal notice at least ten days prior to the public hearing.

			Notices have been posted and published. In addition to the above notification procedures, Planning staff sent copies of the original applicant proposal to all affected property owners located in the unincorporated County in June 2000. After the proposal was changed to the current proposal based on input from CCD and affected property owners, Planning staff sent a letter, graphics, comment card, and a postage paid envelope to all affected property owners both in the unincorporated County and the City of Half Moon Bay.

			Comments were received from 20 residents regarding the proposal. Six residents stated their support of the staff proposal, three residents stated their support of the original applicant proposal, and four residents stated their support of the alternate resident proposal. Attachments H and I are summaries of the comments collected. In addition, staff spoke with two other callers who supported the changes but had specific concerns about how addresses would be assigned. Staff has included a condition of approval relative to the renumbering that addresses their specific concerns.

			An additional issue was raised by one resident regarding his desire that the two segments of Mirada Road be reconnected, therefore, eliminating the need for any road name changes or renumbering. There are currently no plans to reconnect the two segments, and Department of Public Works staff has indicated that reconnection is highly unfeasible.

			Most residents and business owners of both segments of Mirada Road indicated that any changes would affect them. Staff believes that the proposed road renaming and renumbering is necessary for improved delivery of public services, recognizing that all of the residents and businesses will be affected by the change and that there will be a period of adjustment following any changes. The Half Moon Bay Post Office has offered to provide several services to all affected residents that are anticipated to help with the transition to the new road names and the subsequent renumbering of residences and businesses.

B.	Signage

	Numerous property owners and residents expressed their desire for better signage for Mirada Road to clearly delineate the two segments. Several residents of the southern segment expressed concerns about the unsafe conditions caused when large delivery trucks and other vehicles looking for addresses on the northern segment inadvertently travel down the southern segment. Business owners and residents of the northern segment expressed specific concerns about whether prospective customers would be able to locate their businesses in the event of a street name change and renumbering.

	Planning staff has consulted with Caltrans regarding the installation of signage to replace the existing signs on Cabrillo Highway for the proposed South Mirada Road. Also, Caltrans staff has indicated a willingness to install additional signage below the existing signage on Cabrillo Highway that will direct the public to North Mirada Road via Medio Avenue. Staff has recommended a condition of approval requiring further coordination between County Public Works staff and Caltrans to ensure that the sign changes occur within a reasonable timeframe.

C.	Required Finding

	In order to approve this request to name a public road, the following finding is required:

		That the proposed street naming of Mirada Road in the unincorporated Half Moon Bay area would assist in the effective delivery of public services and would not be detrimental to the public welfare in the neighborhood.

	Both the Planning Commission and staff believe this finding can be made because the proposal clearly delineates the two unconnected segments of Mirada Road with two separate names, and eliminates duplicate block numbering to assure that both emergency services personnel and the public can identify and locate specific addresses.

ATTACHMENTS

A.	Recommended Finding and Conditions of Approval
B.	Sample Board of Supervisors Resolution
C.	Location and Vicinity Map
D.	Map of Existing Conditions
E.	Map of Staff Proposal
F.	Map of Applicant Proposal
G.	Map of Alternate Resident Proposal
H.	Letter Sent to all Affected Property Owners
I.	County Residents Response/Summary
J.	Half Moon Bay Residents Response/Summary
K.	Letter from MCCC Planning and Zoning Subcommittee
L.	Map of MCCC Planning and Zoning Committee Proposal
M.	Letter from Carl Mehler
N.	Letter from Mary Dyball
O.	Agency Notification List


SB:cdn - SMBL2445_WCU.DOC

Attachment A

COUNTY OF SAN MATEO
ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES AGENCY

RECOMMENDED FINDING AND CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL


Permit or Project File Number: PLN 2000-00382					Hearing Date: December 4, 2001

Prepared By: Sara Bortolussi				For Adoption By: Board of Supervisors


RECOMMENDED FINDING

1.	Find that the proposed street naming of North Mirada Road and South Mirada Road in the unincorporated Half Moon Bay area would assist in the effective delivery of public services and would not be detrimental to the public welfare in the neighborhood.

RECOMMENDED CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL

1.	The proposed street naming of North Mirada Road and South Mirada Road in the unincorporated Half Moon Bay area shall become effective 45 days after approval to allow for public safety record updating.

2.	The applicant will request that the Planning Division and the Building Inspection Section shall provide new addresses for the parcels located in the unincorporated County within 30 days of permit approval. New addresses shall be distinct from the existing addresses, and on North Mirada Road the new address will be created by adding a "0" to the existing address.

3.	All new address signage for the parcels served by both public roads shall conform to the minimum standards set forth by the Half Moon Bay Fire Department. New address signage shall be installed by the respective property owners within 45 days of permit approval.

4.	The applicant will request that the Public Works Department shall install new road signs in the County rights-of-way within 45 days of permit approval.

5.	The applicant will request that Caltrans install new road signs in the state highway right of way to reflect the change in road name from Mirada Road to North Mirada Road and South Mirada Road.


SB:cdn - SMBL2445_WCU.DOC


Attachment N



STREET NAME CHANGE NOTIFICATION LIST




1.	Building Inspection Section
2.	Sheriff's Department
3.	County Communications Dispatch (911)
4.	Fire Marshal (CDF)
5.	Thomas Brothers Map Company
6.	Pacific Bell Telephone
7.	California Highway Patrol
8.	Assessor's Office
9.	Postmaster of Burlingame
10.	Superintendent of Schools
11.	Pacific Gas and Electric Company
12.	Department of Public Works



SB:cdn - SMBL2445WCU.DOC


Attachment H

COUNTY RESIDENTS RESPONSE/SUMMARY
SURVEY #	ALTERNATIVES				COMMENTS
SURVEY #	No Change	Applicant Proposal	Alternate (resident) Proposal	Staff Proposal	COMMENTS
1				X	We do not object to your plan to renumber and rename Mirada Road. [Had additional concerns about specific property renumbering.]
2					No comment.
3				X	We are in favor of the staff proposal. We are in desperate need of a sign on the corner of Hwy 1 and Mirada Road to direct traffic since the creek divides Mirada Road in half.
4		1st choice	3rd choice	2nd choice	All the proposals would be an improvement. [See numerical rank in order of preference.]
5	X				I prefer "Old Mirada Road" to "Mirada Road North and South." However, any renaming of the street is bad for me, as I have stationery and postcards, all printed at considerable expense, that will become obsolete. So my preference would be for no change at all. But in the interest of public safety, I am prepared to accept this, if absolutely necessary.
6		X			I like the applicant proposal.
7					Don't change the name of the street. Change the street numbers only.
8			X		See Attachment L [Supports alternate resident proposal and includes discussion of repairing Mirada Road so that it is not two halves.]
9					Mary Dyball
10			X		I am in favor of the "Alternate Resident Proposal;" no change to the road name for either segment. I have lived at 435 for 20 years and have never had a problem with the existing numbering system. Continue the numbering sequence from the northern section. Emergency personnel should be aware of the County-City line by now.
11				X	I think your staff proposal is a very good one in renaming Mirada Road (separated by Arroyo de en Medio Creek) as Mirada Road North and Mirada Road South. Road signs should be installed on Cabrillo Highway to indicate the South side as well as the North side of Mirada Road. These signs should help the delivery people. As it is, the present Mirada Road sign is very misleading to persons looking for a particular address which is located on the north side of the creek. [Additional comments about specific parcel renumbering.]
12				X	I have lived here many years and am relieved to read your proposal which hopefully will alleviate a serious problem. I would like to offer suggestions and amendments: (1) Name each half "North Mirada Road" and "South Mirada Road" [not Mirada Road North, etc]; (2) Remove two signs on Cabrillo Highway and replace with 6 new signs [shown on attached paperwork] and; (3) Your proposed renumbering of the two sections is perfectly acceptable and will obviously correct what is currently completely haphazard and random numbering.

SB:cdn - SMBL2445_WCU.DOC


Attachment I

CITY OF HALF MOON BAY RESIDENTS RESPONSE/SUMMARY
SURVEY #	ALTERNATIVES				COMMENTS
SURVEY #	No Change	Applicant Proposal	Alternate (resident) Proposal	Staff Proposal	COMMENTS
13			X		I'd like the alternate (resident) proposal to be imposed.
14				X	I favor the staff proposal. If it looks like you might be doing something other than the staff proposal, please call me and let me know what it might be. Otherwise, you're doing a good job in my opinion- full steam ahead!
15		X			In favor of the applicant proposal.
16		2nd choice	1st choice		[See numerical rank in order of preference]
17					I agree that the system as it exists is less than perfect although it has never created problems for the residents as far as I know. The applicant's proposal seems quite reasonable and I fail to see why renaming the northern section would be any less confusing to 911 dispatchers than renaming both sections. The staff proposal is also reasonable as far as renaming the northern section (I think "Old Mirada Road" is better than "North") but I can see no reason to also rename the southern section since it only inconveniences more people. The idea of adding a zero to the premises on the northern section seems reasonable. In summary, I would suggest: 1) Rename the northern section "Old Mirada Road; 2) Add a zero to premises on the northern section; 3) Renumber the County side of the southern section to match the City side; and 4) Do not rename the southern section.
18					I have no objection to the changing of the name of Mirada Road, as long as it has Mirada Road in the name.
19				X	Hurrah! Finally! We favor the staff proposal; 1) It delineates two different parts of Mirada Road; 2) The addition of a "0" still gets the mail to the correct address even if the "North" portion of the [new] road name is left off.
20					Follow map-making protocol and define the city numbering grid from its proper 100 block intersection at Kelly and Main. This would establish a "West" and "North" directional designations as noted.

SB:cdn - SMBL2445_WCU.DOC

Signage

Required Finding

ATTACHMENTS