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 Lake Boulevard west of Oak Knoll Drive in the unincorporated Emerald Lake Hills area
RECOMMENDATION:
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Adopt a resolution establishing a “No Parking” zone on the northerly side of Lake Boulevard in the Emerald Lake Hills area commencing at a point 290 feet westerly of the Lake Boulevard and Oak Knoll Drive intersection and extending westerly a distance of 380 feet, more or less.
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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.
On April 11, 2025, the Department of Public Works (Department) was made aware of a tall fence with barb wire at the top that was built by the Emerald Lake Country Club (Country Club) in the Lake Boulevard road right of way (ROW). The Country Club operates a facility in the Emerald Lake area, which includes a lake for its members to use for recreational purposes. The property is surrounded by an existing fence built several years ago, generally on the property line, to keep unauthorized users from entering the property. Specific segments of the existing fence are in a state of disrepair, and the Country Club initiated a fence replacement project without appropriate permits and in a location different from where the existing fence is located.
After investigation, on April 15, 2025, the Department issued a Stop Work Notice Violation (DPW2025-00627) to the Country Club for installing the fence within the road ROW without the necessary encroachment permit. The Department required that the Country Club submit a survey depicting the alignment of the existing fence generally located on the Country Club property line, the recently constructed fence, and the property line. The survey indicated that the partially installed fence at some locations was at least 5.8 feet inside of the road ROW.
On May 2, 2025, the Country Club applied for an encroachment permit (DPW2025-00663) to address the Stop Work Notice Violation with the Department and a Fence Height Exception (PLN2025-00138) with the Planning and Building Department.
On September 24, 2025, a field meeting was conducted with County representatives, and it was determined that the recently constructed fence (Phase 1) in the ROW would be permitted to remain under specific conditions and because the Country Club’s existing collapsed fence was not providing the desired protection to the Country Club’s facility. It was also determined that the portion of the fence that had not yet been constructed (Phase 2) must be installed in the same location as the existing fence, which is not in the road ROW and generally on the Country Club’s property.
On October 16, 2025, the Planning and Building Department provided the Country Club with information outlining the steps that must be taken to allow the fence (Phase 1) to remain. A building permit and Fence Height Exception is required to legalize the Phase 1 fence and to permit the Phase 2 fence. In addition, the Country Club is required to coordinate with the Department to establish a no-parking zone along defined portions of the Phase 1 fence. If the parking restrictions are approved by the Board, the Country Club will be required to procure, install, and maintain no-parking signs attached to the Phase 1 fence from directly across from and between 519 Lake Boulevard and 2445 Park Avenue. The Country Club must also execute a maintenance agreement with the Department to ensure that the Phase 1 fence and the No Parking signs installed are properly maintained and to indemnify and hold harmless the County.
Upon completion of the aforementioned requirements, the Department will issue an after-the-fact encroachment permit to legalize the Phase 1 fence. No encroachment permit is required for Phase 2 of the fence provided it is constructed in the exact same location as the existing fence or further within the property line of the Country Club unless traffic control work within the road ROW is required. Based on the conditions established for the Phase 2 fence, parking restrictions will not be required along the Phase 2 fence.
DISCUSSION:
The Country Club and Cal Fire seek to restrict parking along Lake Boulevard west of Oak Knoll Drive across from and between 519 Lake Boulevard and 2445 Park Avenue. The parking restriction would ensure unobstructed vehicle flow and emergency access for those traveling along this portion of Lake Boulevard.
The Department conducted a field investigation and determined that parked vehicles on the north side of the road would encroach into the travel way and would block vehicle access along Lake Boulevard due to the location of Country Club’s Phase 1 fence construction. Cal Fire has determined that for the Phase 1 segment of fence to remain, a “No Parking” zone on the north side of Lake Boulevard must be implemented as shown on Exhibit “A” to provide adequate minimum access width for emergency vehicles traveling along Lake Boulevard.
The Planning and Building Department sent out public notifications for the fencing project and received 1 response in support of the fencing project.
The Country Club will be responsible for purchasing, installing, and maintaining the “No Parking” signs. The “No Parking” signs will be attached to the fence, directly across from and between 519 Lake Boulevard and 2445 Park Avenue, in a manner approved by and satisfactory to the Department, should this Board approve the proposed resolution. The location of the proposed “No Parking” zone is shown on Exhibit “A”.
The location of parking zones and other traffic restrictions on County-maintained streets 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.
The County Attorney has reviewed and approved the Resolution as to form.
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
The recommended parking restriction supports unhindered access for vehicles traveling along Lake Boulevard and supports emergency access along Lake Boulevard and for the community. This parking restriction would result in the removal of approximately six (6) shoulder parking spaces along Lake Boulevard. However, parking is available on the south side of Lake Boulevard.
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, installing, and maintaining signs will be borne by the Country Club should this Board approve the proposed resolution.
There is no impact to the General Fund.
Attachment: Exhibit “A” - Map of Proposed “No Parking” Restriction along Lake Boulevard