Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Ann M. Stillman, Director of Public Works
Subject: Resolution Establishing a “No Parking” zone on Fifth Avenue at Middlefield Road in the unincorporated North Fair Oaks area
RECOMMENDATION:
title
Adopt a resolution establishing a “No Parking” zone on the southerly side of Fifth Avenue commencing at a point 42 feet southwesterly of the intersection of Middlefield Road and extending southwesterly a distance of 89 feet, more or less.
body
BACKGROUND:
This Board has adopted similar resolutions regarding parking restrictions.
Section 22507, 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.
Middlefield Road is generally oriented in a north-south direction.
The Department recently evaluated the Fifth Avenue and Middlefield Road intersection for functionality and efficiency relative to eastbound vehicular traffic. This work included review of existing marked parking restrictions (curb painting and signs) and the supporting documentation. Staff was unable to locate the resolution(s) supporting the parking restrictions that exist in the field on the southwest side of Fifth Avenue at Middlefield Road. The proposed parking restrictions include recognizing and modifying the existing parking restriction zone to “No Parking Anytime”.
DISCUSSION:
The Department of Public Works (Department) seeks to improve the usability and efficiency of the right-turn only lane for the eastbound traffic on Fifth Avenue at and approaching Middlefield Road. According to posted signs, parking is allowed in the right-turn only lane except between 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., and during specified hours on street sweeping days. Additionally, there is an existing “No Parking” curb marking at the corner of the intersection.
The Department has determined that there is inadequate space for vehicles to utilize the right-turn only lane when vehicles are parked along the curb. The Department recommends adopting a resolution to recognize the existing “No Parking” curb marking and to modify the existing parking restriction on the south side of Fifth Avenue as shown on Exhibit “A”. The proposed parking restrictions would remove approximately three parking spaces along the curb and provide an unobstructed right-turn only lane for 89 feet for the eastbound right turn movement onto Middlefield Road south. When the right-turn lane is not obstructed by parked vehicles, approximately four to five vehicles can queue to make a right turn onto Middlefield Road. Because drivers are permitted to make a right turn on a red light, this helps reduce queueing of traffic on Fifth Avenue, increases traffic flow for the turning movement, and minimizes delays at the intersection.
The Department notified 60 property owners within 300 feet of the proposed parking restrictions of the date and time of the Board meeting to consider these recommendations.
The location of parking zones and other traffic restrictions on County-maintained streets are shown on maps in the Department’s office and website. Should this Board approve the proposed resolution, the Department’s master list of parking restrictions will be updated to reflect the recommended changes.
County Attorney has reviewed and approved the Resolution as to form.
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 Zone of Fifth Avenue and Middlefield Road