Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Tory A. Newman, Director of Public Works
Subject: Ordinance Amending Chapter 7.04 (Prima Facie Speed Limits) to Reduce the Speed Limit in School Zones In the Unincorporated Areas of Bay Road in North Fair Oaks
RECOMMENDATION:
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Recommendation for:
A) Introduction of an ordinance amending Section 7.04.015 (Speed limit fifteen miles per hour) of Chapter 7.04 (Prima Facie Speed Limits) of Title 7 of the San Mateo County Ordinance Code to establish a speed limit of 15 miles per hour on the eastbound direction of Bay Road between Sixth Avenue and Haven Avenue, while children are present; and
B) Waive the reading of the ordinance in its entirety.
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BACKGROUND:
San Mateo County Ordinance Code Section 7.04.010 Prima Facie Speed Limits include vehicle speed limits of 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55 or 60 miles per hour (mph).
The California Vehicle Code (CVC) governs how speed limits are established and grants local jurisdictions the authority to establish speed limits. CVC Section 22358.4.(b) allows local jurisdictions to determine and declare a prima facie speed limit in the following manner near schools:
• 15 mph school zones contiguous to the school and within 500 feet of a school boundary; and
• 25 mph school zones between 500 feet and 1000 feet from a school boundary.
Furthermore, the CVC defines the criteria that must be satisfied for these speed limits to be implemented on streets near schools:
1. No more than two through traffic lanes; and
2. A posted speed limit of 30 mph or lower; and
3. Within a residence district (as defined by the CVC); and
4. Contiguous to a school.
Pursuant to the CVC section cited above, implementation of new speed limits requires adoption of an ordinance or resolution by this Board, and installation of appropriate signage. The reduced speed limits are in effect while children are going to or leaving the school, either during school hours or during the noon recess period, and when approaching school grounds that are not separated from the highway (street) by a fence, gate, or other physical barrier while the grounds are in use by children per the CVC.
DISCUSSION:
The City of Redwood City (City) has adopted a resolution to reduce the posted speed limits to 15 mph while children are present on certain streets within 500 feet of school grounds pursuant to their goal of strategic priorities to support traffic safety. The City has performed a study for streets in select school zones to justify the speed limit reduction. The section of Bay Road between Sixth Avenue and Haven Avenue in unincorporated North Fair Oaks was included as part of the City’s study and recommendations. The City has requested that the County adopt these reduced speed limits for the unincorporated street section that was outlined in their recommendations. The City will install and maintain the signs in the County right-of-way after obtaining an encroachment permit and executing a maintenance agreement.
The section of Bay Road between Sixth Avenue and Haven Avenue meets the definition of a residence district per Section 515 of the CVC and has a prima facie speed limit of 30 mph. The 30 mph prima facie speed limit was adopted by this Board in Ordinance No. 04492 on February 23, 2010. The Department of Public Works (Department) recommends that reducing vehicle speeds through this section of Bay Road can help improve safety for students walking and biking to school during school hours.
Pursuant to CVC Section 22358.4.(b)(1)(A), the Department recommends amending Section 7.04.015 (Speed limit fifteen miles per hour) of Chapter 7.04 (Prima Facie Speed Limits) of the San Mateo County Ordinance Code to establish a speed limit of 15 mph at the following location:
1. Eastbound direction of Bay Road between Sixth Avenue and Haven Avenue, while children are present.
The Department has reviewed and concurs with the recommendations of the study performed by the City as support for the speed limit reduction.
The Department has retained a consultant to perform a study on schools located within or contiguous to the unincorporated areas of the County to develop criteria for implementing slower speeds in designated school zones. The criteria may include prioritization of locations based on such items as: the built environment in the area; collision history; location in a Metropolitan Transportation Commission, SamTrans or C/CAG-defined equity priority/focus area; roadway usage; upstream and downstream speed limits; proximity to adjacent jurisdictions; and ease of enforcement. The study was initiated in May 2025 and is anticipated to be completed by October 2026. The Department recommends the speed limit reduction for the section of Bay Road before the completion of the study due to the work completed by the City to evaluate speed limits near schools in their jurisdictions and at the request of the City. The section of Bay Road discussed here is included in the Department’s study.
The County Attorney has reviewed and approved the Ordinance as to form.
COMMUNITY IMPACT:
The proposed lowering of the speed limits can directly enhance accessibility, safety, and connectivity for pedestrians, bicyclists, and those that travel through the street. The school zone speed limits are only in effect when children are present. The lowering of speed limits may negatively impact commuters by increasing travel times for those that travel through these streets when the school zone speed limits are in effect.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The staff costs for evaluating and processing requests for traffic regulations is 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 estimated cost of changing speed limit signs is approximately $600 per location, which is paid for by the Road Fund.
There is no impact to the General Fund.