Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Ann M. Stillman, Director of Public Works
Subject: Authorizing Establishment of a “No Parking” zone on El Camino Real south of Columbia Avenue in the unincorporated North Fair Oaks area
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution establishing a “No Parking” zone on the easterly side of El Camino Real commencing at a point 33 feet southerly of the intersection of Columbia Avenue and extending southerly a distance of 60 feet, more or less in the unincorporated North Fair Oaks area.
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BACKGROUND:
This Board has adopted similar resolutions regarding parking restrictions.
Section 22506, et seq., of the California Vehicle Code and Section 7.30.010, of the San Mateo County Ordinance Code provides that local authorities may prohibit or restrict the stopping, parking, or standing of vehicles by resolution or ordinance on state highways in their respective jurisdictions. Caltrans does not require local agencies to submit a resolution for their approval of parking restrictions on state highways.
DISCUSSION:
SamTrans notified the nearby property owners and posted on-site signs of their intent to move an existing bus stop in the North Fair Oaks area on El Camino Real near 5th Avenue to a new location near Columbia Avenue in January 2024. SamTrans also indicated in their notifications that moving the bus stop would impact on-street parking at the new location and they did not receive any comments. Subsequently SamTrans moved the bus stop to the new location near Columbia Avenue. SamTrans evaluated the relocated bus stop on El Camino Real near Columbia Avenue and as a result, they contacted the Department of Public Works (Department) to request that a no parking zone be established at the bus stop to improve visibility and access for passengers.
The Department conducted a field investigation and determined that establishing a no parking zone at this location will allow SamTrans buses to load and unload passengers at the curb and improve visibility of the passengers waiting at the bus stop. The bus stop configuration and on-street parking does not provide adequate space for buses to pull into the bus stop area to load and unload passengers at the curb and sidewalk. In June 2024, the Department informed 34 property owners within a 300-foot radius of the proposed parking restrictions to improve the SamTrans bus stop and provided contact information for any inquiries or feedback. No inquiries or feedback was received. The Department recommends establishment of a no parking zone on the east side of El Camino Real as shown on Exhibit A to improve bus passenger use and visibility at the bus stop.
The location of parking zones and other traffic restrictions on County-maintained streets and State Highways within the unincorporated County areas are shown on maps in the Department’s office and website. The Department’s master list of parking restrictions will be updated to reflect the recommended changes, should this Board approve the proposed resolution.
County Attorney has reviewed and approved the Resolution as to form.
EQUITY IMPACT:
This proposed parking restriction will improve public transit operations for SamTrans and the public by increasing visibility of passengers at the bus stop and improving the loading and unloading of passengers. This proposed parking restriction would result in the removal of approximately three (3) on-street parking spaces along El Camino Real.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The staff costs for evaluating and processing requests for traffic regulations are paid for by the Road Fund as part of the administrative cost associated with evaluating traffic-related requests on the County maintained road system. The cost of purchasing and installing signs and painting parking zone markings varies and averages approximately $600 per parking zone designation, which is paid for by the Road Fund.
There is no impact to the General Fund.
Attachment: Exhibit A - Map of “Proposed No Parking Restriction on El Camino Real in the unincorporated North Fair Oaks area”