COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

Department of Public Works

DATE:

October 22, 2009

BOARD MEETING DATE:

November 10, 2009

SPECIAL NOTICE/HEARING:

None

VOTE REQUIRED:

Majority

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

James C. Porter, Director of Public Works

SUBJECT:

Installation of a Yield Sign and One No Parking Zone in Broadmoor Village, Town of Colma Area

RECOMMENDATION:

Adopt resolutions:

1.

Authorizing the installation of one new yield sign that directs traffic on eastbound “A” Street to yield to traffic on southbound Reiner Street and westbound “A” Street in Broadmoor Village, Town of Colma Area; and

2.

Authorizing the establishment of one no parking zone in the Broadmoor Village, Town of Colma Area.

BACKGROUND:

California Vehicle Code Section 21351 allows local authorities in their respective jurisdictions to install traffic signs as may be necessary to control traffic within an intersection.

Section 21356 of the California Vehicle Code allows local authorities to install yield signs at entrances to intersections or highways.

Section 22507 of the California Vehicle Code and Section 7.28 of the County Ordinance Code allow the Board of Supervisors to establish zones that prohibit or restrict the stopping, parking, or standing of vehicles.

DISCUSSION:

A segment of “A” Street, near the intersection of Reiner Street in unincorporated Broadmoor Village, is an unmaintained County right of way, and also serves as a driveway for the San Pedro Commons Senior Community Center. The Manager of San Pedro Commons, a Senior Community on "A" Street, often noticed his tenants exiting from "A" Street onto Reiner Street without first checking the traffic conditions on Reiner Street. Because he was concerned for his tenants' safety, he contacted the Department to determine if anything could be done to make the intersection safer for his tenants and the surrounding community.

Department staff investigated the site to determine if it warranted additional traffic controls. Based on the investigation, our staff recommends to your Board that an additional traffic control device and parking restriction be established at this location. The proposed yield sign installed on the westerly segment of “A” Street will direct eastbound drivers on the non-maintained portion of “A” Street to yield to vehicles on Reiner Street and to westbound through traffic along the maintained portion of “A” Street. The proposed No Parking Zone will increase sight distance for drivers exiting the westerly branch of “A” Street. Results of the investigation and a map of the subject area are in Attachment “A”.

Property owners on adjacent blocks extending a minimum of 300 feet from the proposed sign and parking zone location were notified of the date and time of the Board’s meeting when these items will be considered. In addition, local community groups including the Broadmoor Property Owners Association and Holy Angels School were likewise notified.

The yield sign and parking zone proposals meet the Department of Public Works' installation criteria for these items.

There have been no objections or support received to date.

The location of signs and parking zones on County maintained streets are currently shown on maps in the Department of Public Works, and will be made available in list form on the Department’s web site. The master lists will be updated to reflect the recommended changes if your Board approves the proposed resolution.

Approval of these resolutions contributes to the Shared Vision 2025 outcome of a Healthy Community by increasing traffic safety in the neighborhood. The new yield sign will more clearly assign right-of-way to the street with higher volume, which may reduce traffic conflicts. The new no parking zone will increase sight distance, which will provide drivers with additional decision-making time at the intersection.

County Counsel has reviewed and approved the Resolution as to form.

FISCAL IMPACT:

The cost for staff time involved in evaluating and processing requests for traffic regulations is part of the administrative cost associated with evaluating traffic-related requests involving the County maintained road system, and is financed with Road Funds. The cost of placing one yield sign, legend and limit line markings and designating a no parking zone is approximately $1,300. The cost of the signs and markings will be financed with Road Funds. There will be no impact to the General Fund.

Attachment:

Attachment “A” – Map of Proposed Traffic Control Device Locations