Loading...
RPVCCA_CC_SR_2014_07_15_03_Ord_Adopting_LA_Fire_CodeCrTYOF RANCHO PALOS VERDES PUBLIC HEARING Date: July 15, 2014 Subject: · Ordinance Adopting the L.A. County Fire Code Subject Property: Citywide 1. Declare the Hearing Open: Mayor Duhovic 2. Report of Notice Given: City Clerk Morreale 3. Staff Report & Recommendation: Building Official Christman 4. Public Testimony: Applicant: N/A Appellant: N/A 5. Council Questions: 6. Rebuttal: 7. Declare Hearing Closed: Mayor Duhovic 8. Council Deliberation: 9. Council Action: 3-1 CrrYOF RANCHO PALOS VERDES MEMORANDUM TO: FROM: DATE: SUBJECT: REVIEWED: HONORABLE MAYOR & CITY C UNCIL MEMBERS JOEL ROJAS, COMMU DIRECTOR July 15, 2014 ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE L.A. COUNTY FIRE CODE CAROLYNN PETRU, INTERIM CITY MANAGE~ Project Manager: Paul Christman, Building Offici~ RECOMMENDATION OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING, RECEIVE PUBLIC COMMENT AND CONTINUE THE PUBLIC HEARING TO AUGUST 19, 2014 BACKGROUND At this meeting, the second reading of the ordinance to adopt the new 2014 Los Angeles County Fire Code was proposed. At the June 3, 2014 City Council meeting, Staff presented an Ordinance for introduction to adopt the new 2014 Los Angeles County Fire Code, as previously amended by the City Council (June 3, 2014 City Council Staff Report is attached). For the reasons discussed below, Staff is now recommending that the City Council continue the public hearing to address an issue that arose since the last City Council meeting. DISCUSSION Adoption Process To accomplish the adoption by reference of the new Los Angeles County Fire Code, the first reading of Ordinance No. 558 was held on June 3, 2014. At the June 3rd meeting, the Council also set the time and place for the public hearing on the matter as July 15, 2014. Public notice of tonight's July 15th public hearing was published in the Peninsula News on June 19th and June 26, 2014. 3-2 State law permits local amendments to the State Building and Fire Codes, based upon express findings that such amendments are reasonably necessary due to local climatic, geological and/or topographical conditions. The proposed Resolution makes findings and determinations that the City's adoption of local modifications to the 2014 Los Angeles County Fire Code and to the 2013 California Fire Code, which were made by the County of Los Angeles and the City, as set forth in the proposed ordinance, are reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geological or topographical conditions. The adoption of proposed Ordinance No. 558 will adopt the 2014 Los Angeles County Fire Code, as previously amended by the City, and will bring the City's Fire Code regulations into compliance with the latest codes adopted by the Los Angeles County Fire Department. New Issue In reviewing the proposed amendments to the Fire Code that have been adopted by the County, i.t recently came to Staff's attention that the County has amended its Fire Code to prohibit all traffic calming devices, including speed humps and bumps, unless approved by the Fire Code Official. In that regard, Section 503.4.1 of the County Fire Code states: "503.4.1 Traffic Calming Devices. "Traffic calming devices, including but not limited to, speed bumps and speed humps, shall be prohibited unless approved by the fire code official." This provision conflicts with provisions of the City's Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program ("Program"), a copy of which is attached to this report. The Program provides that certain changes to streets (such as speed humps, medians, and traffic circles) may be approved by the City Council for traffic calming purposes, even if the Fire Code Official disapproves of the proposed change. If the City Council wishes to preserve these traffic calming options on City-owned streets, over the objection of the Fire Official, then the City Attorney proposes that the following change be made to Section 503.4.1 : 503.4.1 Traffic Calming Devices. Traffic calming devices that alter City-owned streets and rights-of-way, including but not limited to, speed bumps and speed humps, shall be prohibited unless approved by the City Council, after having received a recommendation from the fire code official. Traffic calming devices, including, but not limited to, speed bumps and speed humps, that are located on private streets or property shall be prohibited unless approved by the Fire Code Official. Coincidentally, Public Works staff intends to make a presentation about the Program to the City Council at the August 19th City Council meeting. Due to the timing of the presentation about the Program, Staff recommends that the Council continue the public hearing on the Fire Code to the August 19th City Council meeting so the Council can consider this matter and its potential impact upon the Program at the same time. 3-3 FISCAL IMPACT There are no fiscal impacts to the City associated with adoption of the new 2014 Los Angeles County Fire Code. Attachments: Resolution No._ Ordinance No. 558 June 3, 2014 CC Meeting Staff Report (minus attachments) Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program 3-4 RESOLUTION NO. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES MAKING EXPRESS FINDINGS AND DETERMINATIONS THAT MODIFICATIONS TO THE 2013 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE ARE REASONABLY NECESSARY BECAUSE OF LOCAL CLIMATIC, GEOLOGICAL OR TOPOGRAPHICAL CONDITIONS WHEREAS, Health and Safety Code Section 17958 provides that the City of Rancho Palos Verdes may adopt ordinances and regulations imposing the same or modified requirements as are contained in the regulations adopted by the State pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 17922; and WHEREAS, the State of California is mandated by Health and Safety Code Section 17922 to impose the same requirements as are contained in the most recent edition of the California· Fire Code (hereinafter referred to as the "Fire Code"); and WHEREAS, Health and Safety Code Section 17598.7(a) permits the City to make modifications or changes to the Fire Code, which are reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geological or topographical conditions; and WHEREAS, Health and Safety Code Section 17958.7 requires that the City Council, before making any modifications or changes to the Fire Code, shall make an express finding that such changes or modifications are reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geographic or topographic conditions. NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES DOES HEREBY FIND, DETERMINE AND RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. The Building Division has advised that certain said changes and modifications to the 2013 Edition of the California Fire Code, are reasonably necessary due to local conditions in the City of Rancho Palos Verdes as described below: A. Climatic Conditions. The City of Rancho Palos Verdes is located in an area subject to climatic conditions with long periods of low humidity and hot weather, combined with unpredictable seasonal high winds (Santa Ana wind conditions), resulting in increased exposure to fire risk. This combination of events creates an environment that is conducive to rapidly spreading fires or in which the fire department may have great difficulty in controlling fires occurring in hillside brush areas as well as structures not having built-in fire protection. Control of such fires requires rapid response. With the time that is required to deal with potential obstacles from the wind, such as fallen trees, street lights, and utility poles, in addition to the time required to climb approximately sixty (60) feet vertically up flights of stairs, the ability to respond rapidly is negatively impacted. Additionally, there is a significant increase in the amount of wind at approximately sixty (60) feet above the ground. Use of aerial type fire fighting apparatus above this height would place rescue personnel at increased risk of injury. High winds will also cause burning embers to become airborne resulting in the rapid spread of a fire to nearby structures. Immediate containment of a fire is the only method by which it can be 3-5 controlled during high wind conditions. In very high fire severity zones, a unique combination of low humidity, strong winds and dry vegetation exists. B. Geological Conditions. The City of Rancho Palos Verdes is located in a seismically active an~a identified as Seismic Zone 4. Geological conditions created by the numerous faults will result in increased fire danger to structures, delayed fire department response, and unique rescue challenges. Seismic events of sufficient magnitude will cause substantial damage to struc.tures. These damages are likely to be accompanied by a substantial number of fires that may exceed the fire department suppression capabilities. The viability of the public water system would be questionable at best after a major seismic event. Buildings with multiple levels would become vulnerable to uncontrolled fires due to a lack of available water and an inability to pump sufficient quantities of any available water to floors above the 55-foot level. A severe seismic event has the potential to negatively impact any rescue or fire suppression activities because it is likely to create significant physical obstacles and logistical challenges. With the probability of strong aftershocks there exists a need to provide increased protection for anyone on upper floors. Accordingly, built-in fire suppression systems provide the only adequate measure to mitigate the potential hazards from and damage caused by such fires. Further, the City is subject to occasional severe rainstorms. The impacts from these rainstorms are exacerbated if hillside areas have been burned by wildland fires because significant mud and debris flows can occur. Mud and debris flows can impair fire department access or delay response times if access roads are obstructed by mud or debris. C. Topographical Conditions. The topographical conditions of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes includes mountains, hills and canyons that tend to accelerate the periodic high velocity winds by means of a venture effect. These canyon winds and the significant growth of vegetation of a combustible nature increase the fire danger. Additionally, long periods of dry, hot weather, combined with unpredictable seasonal winds (Santa Ana wind conditions) result in increased exposure to fire risk. The hillside areas have access roads that are narrow, steep and contain many sharp curves, all of which makes timely response by a large fire apparatus difficult. Section 2. Amendments to the 2013 Edition of the California Fire Code, as contained in City of Rancho Palos Verdes Ordinance No. 558, are found reasonably necessary based on the climatic, geological and/or topographical conditions and are listed as follows: Fire Code Condition Findings Section 101.1 Administrative 304.1.2 Climatic, Local amendment .. brush clearance order to requmng m Topographical maintain defensible space for fire operations that is necessary due to Los Angeles County's unique climate and topography to reduce risk of fire and to minimize the spreading of fire to structures. 315.3.2.1 Climatic Prevents storage of combustible materials under stairways to help prevent fire in stairways from preventing safe exit in -2- 3-6 Fire Code Section 316.6.1 317 326.7 326.12.2 326.14 Condition Climatic, Topographical, Geological Climatic, Topographical Climatic, Topographical, Geological Climatic, Topographical Climatic, Topographical Findings event of fire. Necessary because of increased danger of fire in Los Angeles County due to hot and windy conditions. Imposes additional requirements for the grounding of construction under high-voltage transmission lines in order to protect property, the public, and firefighters responding to emergencies. Necessary due to Los Angeles County's unique climate and topography to reduce risk of fire, to reduce the possibility of fires being caused by downed high-voltage transmission lines, to minimize the spreading of fires that may begin under transmission lines, and to protect firefighters responding to emergencies under transmission lines. Further, necessary because risk of fire is increased due to the prevalence of earthquakes in Los Angeles County. Provides various design and location requirements for roof gardens and landscaped roofs for residential and commercial structures. Necessary due to Los Angeles County's unique climate and topography to reduce risk of fire, to reduce the possibility of fires being caused by rooftop vegetation, to minimize the spreading of fires, and to protect firefighters responding to emergencies by ensuring that the integrity of the roof is not compromised by a garden or landscaping. Further, necessary because risk of fire is increased due to the prevalence of earthquakes in Los Angeles County. Local amendment to require fire safety measures including but not limited to water supply, firebreaks, posting of fire watchers, access roads, restriction of activities during high fire hazard and other conditions to maintain reasonable fire safety. Necessary due to Los Angeles County's unique climate and topography to reduce risk of fire, to reduce the possibility of wildland fires spreading to structures, and to minimize impacts of fire. Further, necessary because risk of fire is increased due to the prevalence of earthquakes in Los Angeles County. Local amendment to reduce the threat of fires by requiring spark arrestors on chimneys that is necessary due to Los Angeles County's unique climate and topography to reduce risk of fire and to minimize impacts of fire. Such spark arrestors reduce the likelihood of embers exiting a chimney and igniting a fire. Local amendment requiring clearance of roadways to provide adequate access for firefighting apparatus, to create defensible space for fire operations, and to reduce the possibility of wildland fires spreading to structures. Necessary due to Los Angeles County's unique climate and topography. -3- 3-7 Fire Code Section 503.1.2 503.2.1 503.2.5 503.4 503.7 503.7.1 Condition Climatic, Topographical, Geological Climatic, Topographical, Geological Climatic, Topographical, Geological Climatic, Topographical, Geological Climatic, Topographical, Geological Climatic, Topographical, Findings Provides for additional access requirements necessary because of terrain, climate or other factors that limit access. Necessary to ensure adequate response times due to the unique climatic and topographical conditions that increase the risk of fires in fire hazard severity zones. Further, necessary because risk of fire is increased due to the prevalence of earthquakes in Los Angeles County. Requires unobstructed clearance to sky on fire apparatus access roads with exception for protected tree species. Necessary to prevent obstruction of access roads by tree limbs or other obstructions and thus allow for quick response times to fires and other emergencies. Necessary to ensure adequate response times due to the unique climatic and topographical conditions that increase the risk of fires in fire hazard severity zones. Further, necessary because risk of fire is increased due to the prevalence of earthquakes in Los Angeles County. Provides for more stringent width, turning radius and grade specifications for access roads to ensure access for fire apparatus. Necessary due to unique climatic and topographical conditions that increase the risk of fires. Further, necessary because risk of fire is increased due to the prevalence of earthquakes in Los Angeles County. Adds speed bumps and speed humps to list of prohibited obstructions to fire apparatus access roads. Speed bumps and speed humps reduce response times to fires and other emergencies because fire apparatus have to slow down to pass over them or drive around them. Necessary to ensure adequate response times due to the unique climatic and topographical conditions that increase the risk of fires in fire hazard severity zones. Further, necessary because risk of fire is increased due to the prevalence of earthquakes in Los Angeles County. Requires fire apparatus access roads in recreational vehicle, mobile home, manufactured housing, sales lots, and storage lots. Necessary to ensure adequate water supply and access to such locations due to the unique climatic and topographical conditions that increase the risk of fires in fire hazard severity zones. Further, necessary because the risk of fire is increased due to the prevalence of earthquakes in Los Angeles County. Requires additional fire apparatus access roads in mobilehome parks and special occupancy parks. Necessary to ensure -4- 3-8 Fire Code Section 504.5 507.5.1.2 507.5.10 901.6.3.1 901.6.3.4 903.2.11.3 Condition Geological Climatic, Topographical, Geological Climatic, Topographical, Geological Climatic, Topographical, Geological Climatic, Topographical, Geological Climatic, Topographical, Geological Climatic, Geological Findings adequate water supply and access to such locations due to the unique climatic and topographical conditions that increase the risk of fires in fire hazard severity zones. Further, necessary because risk of fire is increased due to the prevalence of earthquakes in Los Angeles County. Provides various design and location requirements for solar photovoltaic systems installed on roofs of buildings for residential and commercial structures. Access and spacing requirements ensure firefighter access to the roof, provide access pathways to specific areas of the roof, provide for venting cut-out areas, and to provide emergency egress from the roof. Necessary because of increased danger of fire in Los Angeles County due to climatic and topographical conditions. Requires a draft hydrant for swimming pools and spas located in the fire hazard severity zone in order to provide a source of water to fight fires. Necessary because of unique climatic and topographical conditions that increase the risk of fires in fire hazard severity zones. Further, necessary because risk of fire is increased due to the prevalence of earthquakes in Los Angeles County. Provides posting of sign to notify fire department of draft hydrant for swimming pools and spas in fire hazard severity zone. Necessary because of unique climatic and topographical conditions that increase the risk of fires in fire hazard severity zones. Further, necessary because risk of fire is increased due to the prevalence of earthquakes in Los Angeles County. Provides signage requirements for water control valves in order to facilitate fire fighter identification and use of said valves in an emergency. Necessary because of unique climatic and topographical conditions that increase the risk of fires in fire hazard severity zones. Further, necessary because risk of fire is increased due to the prevalence of earthquakes in Los Angeles County. Provides clearance requirements for water control valves in order to facilitate fire fighter identification and use of said valves in an emergency. Necessary because of unique climatic and topographical conditions that increase the risk of fires in fire hazard severity zones. Further, necessary because risk of fire is increased due to the prevalence of earthquakes in Los Angeles County. Provides an additional level of _protection to occupancies in case of a fire by requiring installation of automatic fire sprinklers. Necessary because of large number of buildings -5- 3-9 Fire Code Condition Findings Section over three stories in Los Angeles County that increases the risk of fire due to damage or collapse of buildings due to the increased prevalence of earthquakes in Los Angeles County. 903.2.11.7 Climatic, Provides an additional level of protection to occupancies in Topographical, case of a fire by requiring installation of automatic fire Geological sprinklers. Necessary because of unique climatic and topographical conditions that increase the risk of catastrophic fires in fire hazard severity zones and due to the topography that reduces response times to fires. Further, necessary because risk of fire is increased due to the prevalence of earthquakes in Los Angeles County. 903.4.2 . Climatic, Requires installation of exterior fire alarm visual device. Geological Visual alarms are necessary to warn both disabled and non- disabled persons. Necessary because of increased likelihood of fires due to climatic conditions. Further, necessary because risk of fire is increased due to the prevalence of earthquakes in the County. 903.7 Climatic, Requires installation of devices for the automatic fire sprinkler Geological system within an exit stairway enclosure. Necessary because of increased likelihood of fires due to climatic conditions. Further, necessary because risk of fire is increased due to the prevalence of earthquakes in the County. 905.2.1 Climatic Construction and installation requirements for Class I standpipes to ensure adequate fire protection systems and water supply due to fires in Los Angeles County's hot and windy climate. 905.2.1.1 Climatic Construction and installation requirements for Class I standpipes to ensure adequate fire protection systems and water supply due to fires in Los Angeles County's hot and windy climate. 905.2.1.2 Climatic Construction and installation requirements for Class I standpipes to ensure adequate fire protection systems and water supply due to fires in Los Angeles County's hot and windy climate. 905.2.1.3 Climatic Construction and installation requirements for Class I standpipes to ensure adequate fire protection systems and water supply due to fires in Los Angeles County's hot and windy climate. 905.4 Climatic Installation and regulation of Fire Protection System to ensure proper location of hose connection to control fires in Los Angeles County's hot and windy climate. 905.5.3 Climatic Installation and regulation of interior wet standpipes to ensure adequate fire protection system due to fires in Los Angeles -6- 3-10 Fire Code Condition Findings Section County's hot and windy climate. 905.6.1 Climatic Local amendment regarding installation and regulation of Fire Protection System to ensure proper location of hose connection to control fires. Necessary because of increased danger of fire in Los Angeles County due to hot and windy conditions. 905.6.1.1 Climatic Size requirements for Class III standpipes to ensure adequate fire protection system. Necessary because of increased danger of fire in Los Angeles County due to hot and windy conditions. 905.9 Climatic Additional requirements to fire protection system for testing, maintenance and operation. Necessary because of increased danger of fire in Los Angeles County due to hot and windy conditions. 905.12 Climatic Requires installation and other guidelines related to inlets for fire protection systems in basements. Necessary because of increased danger of fire in Los Angeles County due to hot and windy conditions. 905.12.1 Climatic Requires installation and other guidelines related to inlets for fire protection systems in basements. Necessary because of increased danger of fire in Los Angeles County due to hot and windy conditions. 905.12.2 Climatic Requires installation and other guidelines related to inlets for fire protection systems in basements. Necessary because of increased danger of fire in Los Angeles County due to hot and windy conditions. 905.12.3 Climatic Requires installation and other guidelines related to inlets for fire protection systems in basements. Necessary because of increased danger of fire in Los Angeles County due to hot and windy conditions. 905.12.4 Climatic Requires installation and other guidelines related to inlets for fire protection systems in basements. Necessary because of increased danger of fire in Los Angeles County due to hot and windy conditions. 910.2.1.1 Climatic, Requires smoke and heat removal for basement level parking Geological garages. Necessary to increase ability of fire fighters to respond to fires in parking garages. Necessary because of increased danger of fire in Los Angeles County due to hot and windy conditions and the prevalence of earthquakes in Los Angeles County. 910.4 Climatic Requirements for mechanical smoke exhaust in buildings. Necessary because of increased danger of fire in Los Angeles County due to hot and windy conditions. 912.2.1 Climatic, Requires fire department connections to be located within 150 Topoirraphical, feet of a public fire hydrant and at a safe distance from the -7- 3-11 Fire Code Section 912.7 912.8 914.9.l 1007.9.1 1103.2 1104 1104.6.7 Condition Geological Climatic, Topographical Climatic, Topographical Climatic Climatic, Topographical, Geological Climatic, Geological Climatic, Geological Climatic, Geological Findings building. Necessary because of increased danger of fire in Los Angeles County due to hot and windy conditions. Further, necessary because the risk of fire is increased due to the prevalence of earthquakes in Los Angeles County. Requires red paint on fire department connections subject to rust or corrosion in order to identify them to firefighters and protect from the elements. Necessary because of increased danger of fire in Los Angeles County due to hot and windy conditions. Requires breakable caps or plugs for fire hose couplings to protect them from the elements and to ensure easy access to the fire department connection during fires. Necessary because of increased danger of fire in Los Angeles County due to hot and windy conditions. Requires spray booths to have automatic fire sprinkler system protection under specified conditions. Necessary because of increased danger of fire in Los Angeles County due to hot and windy conditions. Further, necessary because the risk of fire is increased due to the prevalence of earthquakes in Los Angeles County. Requirements for signage warning against elevator use in an emergency. Necessary to ensure proper notice and evacuation in case of fire or other emergency. Necessary because of increased danger of fire in Los Angeles County due to hot and windy conditions. Further, necessary because risk of fire and need for evacuation is increased due to the prevalence of earthquakes in Los Angeles County. Adopts International Fire Code requirements for radio coverage in existing buildings. Necessary to increase fire and life safety and increase ability of fire fighters to rescue people trapped m buildings during an emergency and to communication between fire fighters when responding to fire and life safety emergencies. Necessary because of the prevalence of earthquakes in Los Angeles County and the risk of fires due to the climate in Los Angeles County. Adopts International Fire Code requirements regarding egress requirements for existing buildings. Necessary to increase fire and life safety and to minimize fire danger from hazardous materials. Necessary because risk of fire and spillage of hazardous materials is increased due to the prevalence of earthquakes in Los Angeles County. Adopts requirement to keep fire escapes clear and unobstructed to allow for safe evacuation of buildings in event -8- 3-12 Fire Code Section 1105.1 2007.9 2007.10 2007.10.2 2007.10.3 2404.4 2503 Condition Climatic, Topographical, Geological Climatic, Topographical Climatic, Topographical Climatic, Topographical Climatic, Topographical Climatic Climatic, Geological Findings of fire or other life safety emergency. Necessary to increase fire and life safety in evacuations because of the prevalence of earthquakes in Los Angeles County and the risk of fires due to the climate in Los Angeles County. Requirement for fire access roads for tire storage yards to enable fire apparatus to gain access to fight fires. Necessary to increase fire and life safety and to minimize risk of fire spreading beyond storage areas. Necessary because risk of fire due to climate and topography in Los Angeles County and due to the prevalence of earthquakes in Los Angeles County. Provides for additional public safety evacuation/landing area on high-rise buildings. Necessary due to large number ofhigh- rise buildings m Los Angeles County and difficulty in evacuating high-rise buildings m case of fire or other emergency. Provides for requirements for helistops in fire hazard severity zones to enable helicopters and associated water tenders and support equipment to safely operate to conduct operations to combat fires in those areas. Necessary because of increased danger of fire in Los Angeles County due to hot and windy conditions and topography that hinders the ability for fire apparatus to gain access to remote portions of the County. Requires a hydrant next to helistops in fire hazard severity zones to enable helicopters to fill their tanks to facilitate water drops on wildland fires in those areas. Necessary because of increased danger of fire in Los Angeles County due to hot and windy conditions and topography that hinders the ability for fire aooaratus to gain access to remote portions of the County. Adopts requirements for fire apparatus access to helistops in fire hazard severity zones to enable support equipment and apparatus associated with helicopter operations to combat fires in those areas. Necessary because of increased danger of fire in the county due to hot and windy conditions and topography that hinders the ability for fire apparatus to gain access to remote portions of the County. Provides for spray booths to be equipped with automatic fire sprinklers. Necessary because of increased danger of fire in Los Angeles County due to hot and windy conditions. Provides requirements for fruit and crop ripening operations to prevent ignition of ethylene gas and reduce risk of fire and explosion. Necessary because of increased danger of fire in Los Angeles County due to hot and windy conditions and to reduce risk of fires and explosion from earthquakes. -9- 3-13 Fire Code Condition Findings Section 2504 Climatic, Provides requirements for fruit and crop ripening operations to Geological prevent ignition of ethylene gas and reduce risk of fire and explosion. Necessary because of increased danger of fire in Los Angeles County due to hot and windy conditions and to reduce risk of fires and explosion from earthquakes. 2505 Climatic, Provides requirements for fruit and crop ripening operations to Geological prevent ignition of ethylene gas and reduce risk of fire and explosion. Necessary because of increased danger of fire in Los Angeles County due to hot and windy conditions and to reduce risk of fires and explosion from earthquakes. 2506 Climatic, Provides requirements for fruit and crop ripening operations to Geological prevent ignition of ethylene gas and reduce risk of fire and explosion. Necessary because of increased danger of fire in Los Angeles County due to hot and windy conditions and to reduce risk of fires and explosion from earthquakes. 2507 Climatic, Provides requirements for fruit and crop ripening operations to Geological prevent ignition of ethylene gas and reduce risk of fire and explosion. Necessary because of increased danger of fire in Los Angeles County due to hot and windy conditions and to reduce risk of fires and explosion from earthquakes. 2810 Climatic Provides requirements for the safe storage of combustible pallets to reduce risk of fire. Necessary because of increased danger of fire in Los Angeles County due to hot and windy conditions. 3104.21 Climatic, Increased clearance requirements for combustible vegetation Topographical near tents and membrane structures. Necessary to increase fire and life safety around such structures and to create defensible space. Necessary because of fire risk due to climate and unique topography of Los Angeles County. Table 3206.2 Climatic, Provides for increased separation for aisles. Necessary Geological because of unique climatic conditions that increase the risk of fires. Further, necessary because risk of fire is increased due to the prevalence of earthquakes in Los Angeles County. 3206.7.1 Climatic Requires installation of smoke and heat vents. Necessary because of increased danger of fire in Los Angeles County due to hot and windy conditions. 3208.2.2 Climatic Provides for effectiveness of sprinkler systems by prohibiting solid shelves, which would restrict water from extinguishing fire on shelves. Necessary because of increased danger of fire in Los Angeles County due to climatic conditions. 3505.9 Geological Requires protective devices to be installed on fuel gas and oxygen lines to increase safety and reduce risk of explosion and fire. Necessary because risk of leaks or tank failure is -10- 3-14 Fire Code Condition Findings Section increased due to the prevalence of earthquakes in Los Angeles County. 4907.1 Climatic, Local amendment providing that defensible space Topographical requirements shall also comply with Chapter 3 of this code. Necessary due to Los Angeles County's unique climate and topography to reduce risk of fire and to minimize impacts of fire in Fire Hazard Severity Zone. 5003.11.3.8 Climatic, Creates requirements for floors in buildings where hazardous Geological materials are used or stored. Necessary to increase fire and life safety and to minimize fire danger from hazardous materials. Necessary because risk of fire and spillage of hazardous materials is increased due to the prevalence of earthquakes in Los Angeles County. 5608.1.2 Topographical 5608.1.3 Topographical 5704.2.8.3 Geological Requires secondary containment of flammable and combustible liquids that are necessary to increase fire and life safety and to prevent fires involving flammable and combustible liquids from spreading. Necessary because risk of leaks or tank failure is increased due to the prevalence of earthquakes in Los Angeles County. 5704.2.8.16.1 Climatic, Requires foam deluge system. Necessary because of increased Geological danger of fire in Los Angeles County due to climatic conditions and because risk of leaks or tank failure is increased due to the prevalence of earthquakes in Los Angeles County. 5704.2.9.1.1 Climatic, Requires all above-ground tanks exceeding 1,500 square feet Geological of liquid surface area used for the storage of Class I or Class II flammable liquids to be provided with foam fire protection. Necessary because of increased danger of fire in Los Angeles County due to climatic conditions and because risk of leaks or tank failure is increased due to the prevalence of earthquakes in Los Angeles County. 5704.2.9.6.1.3 Climatic, Provides for additional spacing between tanks to reduce fire Geological danger and help prevent fire from spreading to adjacent tanks. Necessary because of increased danger of fire in Los Angeles County due to climatic conditions and because risk of leaks or tank failure is increased due to the prevalence of earthquakes in Los Angeles County. 5704.3.7.6 Climatic, Construction and fire access requirements for liquid storage Geological rooms. Necessary because of increased danger of fire in Los Angeles County due to climatic conditions and because risk of -11- 3-15 Fire Code Condition Findings Section explosion or container failure lS increased due to the prevalence of earthquakes in Los Angeles County. 5706.5.1.l Climatic, Provides increased distances for bulk transfer and process Geological transfer operations so that they are farther away from the public and other buildings. Necessary because of increased danger of fire m Los Angeles County due to climatic conditions and because risk of leaks or tank failure is increased due to the prevalence of earthquakes in Los Angeles County. 5706.5.1.19 Climatic, Class I, II or III liquids shall be transferred from a tank vehicle Geological or tank car only into an approved atmospheric tank or approved portable tank. Necessary because of increased danger of fire in Los Angeles County due to climatic conditions and because risk of leaks or tank failure is increased due to the prevalence of earthquakes in Los Angeles County. 6104.4 Climatic, Requirements for LP gas storage tank distances. Necessary Geological because of increased danger of fire in Los Angeles County due to climatic conditions and because risk of leaks or tank failure is increased due to the prevalence of earthquakes in Los Angeles County. 8104 Climatic, Creates requirements for fire access roads and storage Topographical requirements for tire storage in automobile wrecking yards. Necessary to enable fire apparatus and fire fighters to gain access to fight fires and respond to emergencies. Necessary because risk of fire due to climate and topography in Los Angeles County. 8106 Climatic, Creates requirements for fire access roads and storage Topographical requirements for tire storage in automobile wrecking yards. Necessary to enable fire apparatus and fire fighters to gain access to fight fires and respond to emergencies. Necessary because risk of fire due to climate and topography in Los Angeles County. 8108 Climatic, Creates requirements for fire access roads and storage Topographical requirements for tire storage in automobile wrecking yards. Necessary to enable fire apparatus and fire fighters to gain access to fight fires and respond to emergencies. Necessary because risk of fire due to climate and topography in Los Angeles County. BIOS.I Climatic, Provides for increased fire-flow to allow for more water to be Topographical available to fight fires. Necessary because of increased danger of fire in Los Angeles County due to climatic and topographical conditions. B105.l.1 Climatic, Provides for increased fire-flow to allow for more water to be Topographical available to fight fires. Necessary because of increased danger -12- 3-16 Fire Code Condition Findings Section of fire m Los Angeles County due to climatic and topographical conditions. B105.2 Climatic, Provides for increased fire-flow to allow for more water to be Topographical available to fight fires. Necessary because of increased danger of fire m Los Angeles County due to climatic and topographical conditions. B105.3 Climatic, Provides for increased fire-flow at mobile home parks in Very Topographical High Fire Hazard Severity Zones to allow for more water to be available to fight fires. Necessary because of increased danger of fire m Los Angeles County due to climatic and topographical conditions. B105.4 Climatic, Provides for increased fire-flow for subdivisions of land to Topographical allow for more water to be available to fight fires. Necessary because of increased danger of fire in Los Angeles County due to climatic and topographical conditions. C102.2 Climatic, Provides for hydrant spacing on streets to ensure hydrants are Topographical accessible to firefighters. Necessary because of increased danger of fire in Los Angeles County due to climatic and topoi:rraphical conditions. C105.2 Climatic, Provides for hydrant spacing to ensure that water is available Topographical to fight fires. Necessary because of increased danger of fire in Los Angeles County due to climatic and topographical conditions. C105.2.1 Climatic, Provides for hydrant spacing for cul-de-sacs to ensure that Topographical there is adequate water supply available to fight fires. Necessary because of increased danger of fire in the County due to climatic and topographical conditions. C105.2.2 Climatic, Provides for hydrant spacing for buildings other than single Topographical family dwellings to ensure that there is adequate water supply available to fight fires. Necessary because of increased danger of fire in the County due to climatic and topographical conditions. C106 Climatic, Provides requirements for on-site hydrants to ensure that there Topographical is adequate water supply available to fight fires. Necessary because of increased danger of fire in Los Angeles County due to climatic and topographical conditions. K103 Climatic, Provides vanous design and location requirements for Topographical, temporary haunted houses, ghost walks, and similar Geological amusement uses where the means of egress are not apparent due to decorative materials confusing sounds and or visual effects. Necessary because of increased danger of fire in Los Angeles County due to climatic and topographical conditions and the prevalence of earthquakes in Los Angeles County. -13- 3-17 Section 3. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this resolution, shall cause this resolution and her certification to be entered in the Book of Resolutions of the Council of this City, and shall cause a copy hereof to be forthwith transmitted to the California Building Standards Commission. -14- 3-18 PASSED, APPROVED, and ADOPTED this 15th day of July, 2014. MAYOR ATTEST: CITY CLERK -15- 3-19 STATE OF CALIFORNIA ) COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES )ss CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES ) I, Carla Morreale, City Clerk of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, hereby certify that the above Resolution No. _ was duly and regularly passed and adopted by the said City Council at a regular meeting held on July 15, 2014. Carla Morreale, City Clerk City of Rancho Palos Verdes -16- 3-20 ORDINANCE NO. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THE 2014 LOS ANGELES COUNTY FIRE CODE, WHICH IS TITLE 32 OF THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY CODE; AND AMENDING THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES MUNICIPAL CODE THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. Chapter 8.08 of Title 8 of the Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows: Seetlons: 8.08.010 8.08.020 8.08.030 8.08.040 8.08.050 8.08.060 "Chapter 8.08 FIRE CODE Fire Code adopted. Fire Code amended-Fireworks displays. Violations-Penalties. Responsibility. list of Infractions. Very high fire hazard severity zone map. 8.08.010 Fire Code adopted. Except as hereinafter provided in this chapter, the 2014 Los Angeles County Fire Code, Title 32, of the Los Angeles County Code, as amended and in effect on April 24, 2014, which constitutes an amended version of the California Fire Code, 2013 Edition, published by the California Building Standards Commission, including Chapters 1 through 80 and Appendices B, BB, C, CC and K, and Chapters 1 through 7, Chapters 9 through 10, Chapters 20 through 36, Chapters 50 through 55, Chapters 57 though 67 and Chapter 80 of the International Fire Code, 2012 Edition, published by the International Code Council, are hereby adopted by reference and shall constitute and may be cited as the Fire Code of the city of Rancho Palos Verdes. In the event of any conflict between provisions of the California Fire Code, 2013 Edition, Title 32 of the Los Angeles County Code, or any amendment to the Fire Code contained in the Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code, the provision contained in the Municipal Code shall control. A copy of the Fire Code shall be maintained in the office of the city clerk and shall be made available for public inspection while the code is in force. 8.08.020 Fire Code amended-Fireworks displays. A. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 8.08.010, Section 101.1 is amended to read: 101.1 Title. These regulations shall be known as the Fire Code of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, hereinafter referred to as "this code." B. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 8.08.010, Section 5608.1.2 is added to the Fire Code to read: ' 2013 Code adoption 3-21 5608. 1.2 Displays. Permits are required from the City to conduct a fireworks display. The City Council shall have the power to adopt reasonable rules and regulations for the granting of permits for supervised public displays of fireworks by the municipality, fair associations, amusement parks or other organizations. Every such display shall be handled by a competent operator approved by the City Council, and shall be of such character and so located, discharged or fired as in the opinion of the City Council after proper investigation, so as not to be hazardous to property or endanger any person. Applications for permits shall be made in writing to the Fire Chief not less than thirty days in advance of the date of display or other use. The Fire Chief shall within ten days after receipt of said application make a report and recommendation to the City Council. If the City Council finds that such display can be made without danger or nuisance to the general public, it shall grant the permit; otherwise it shall deny it. If the City Council finds that such display as applied for may create danger or nuisance to the public, but that if displayed subject to conditions may not create such danger or . nuisance, it shall grant the permit subject to conditions. After such permit is granted, sale, possession, use and distribution of fireworks for such display subject to the conditions of this Chapter and such other conditions, if any, as may be imposed by the City Council, is lawful for the purpose only for which such permit is granted. In all cases the decision of the City Council shall be final. C. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 8.08.010, Section 5608.1.3 is added to read: 5608.1.3 Insurance. The permittee shall furnish a certificate of insurance in an amount deemed adequate by the City Council for the payment of all damages which may be caused either to a person or persons or to property by reason of the permitted display, and arising from any acts of the permittee, his agents, employees or subcontractors. The policy shall provide limits of bodily injury and property damage liability of not less than two million dollars ($2,000,000) combined single limits for each occurrence annually. The policy may have a deductible not to exceed fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000). A deductible in excess of fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000) may be permitted provided a security deposit, such as, but not limited to, a surety bond, pledge of assets or bank letter of credit covering the value of the excess is approved by the City Council. The certificate of insurance shall provide that the insurer will not cancel the insured's coverage without fifteen (15) days prior written notice to the City, that the City shall not be responsible for any premium or assessments on the policy, and that the duly licensed pyrotechnic operator required by law to supervise and discharge the display, acting either as an employee of the insured or as an independent contractor and the City, its officers, agents, and employees are included as additional insureds, insofar as any operations under this Section are concerned. 8.08.030 Violations-Penalties. Ordinance No. Page 2 of 6 3-22 A. Every person violating any provision of the Fire Code or of any permit or license granted hereunder, or any rule, regulation or policy promulgated pursuant hereto, is guilty of a misdemeanor unless such violation is otherwise declared to be an infraction by Section 8.08.050 of this chapter. Each such violation is a separate offense for each and every day during any portion of which such violation is committed. B. Every violation determined to be a misdemeanor hereunder is punishable in such manner and to such extent as is provided by 1.08.01 O(A) of this Code. Every violation determined to be an infraction hereunder is punishable in such manner and to such extent as is provided by Section 1.08.01 O(B) of this Code. C. For the purposes of this section a forfeiture of bail shall be equivalent to a conviction. 8.08.040 Responsibility. Any person who personally or through another willfully, negligently, or in violation of law sets a fire, allows a fire to be set, or allows a fire kindled or attended by such person to escape from his or her control, allows any hazardous material to be handled, stored or transported in a manner not in accordance with nationally recognized standards, allows any hazardous material to escape from his or her control, neglects to properly comply with any written notice of the chief, or willfully or negligently allows the continuation of a violation of the Fire Code and amendments thereto is liable for the expense of fighting the fire or for the expense incurred during a hazardous materials incident, and such expense shall be a charge against that person. Such charge shall constitute a debt of such person and is collectible by the public agency incurring such expense in the same manner as in the case of an obligation under a contract, expressed or implied. 8.08.050 List of Infractions. In accordance with Section 8.08.030 of this chapter, the violation of the following sections or subsections of the Fire Code shall be infractions: 303.1-303.9 Asohalt kettles 304.1.1 Waste material 304.1.2 Veaetation 304.2 Combustible waste rubbish-storaae 305.2 Hot ashes and snontaneous ianition sources 310.4 Removal "No smokina" sian 315.3.2.1 Stairway -storage under 503.4 Obstructina access roadway 505.1 Address identification 507 .5.4-507.5.5 Obstruction of fire hvdrants 507.5.6 Physical protection -fire hvdrants 507.5.7 Fire-fighting water source markers 507.5.8 Identification -private fire hydrant 507.5.9 Private fire hydrant caps or plugs 605.5 Electrical extension cords 901.7 Failure to notify fire department 901.6.3.1 Sians -above around water control valves 901.6.3.2 Locks -above ground water control valves Ordinance No. Page 3 of6 3-23 901.6.3.3 Identification -above around water control valves 906.1-906.10 Fire extinguishers 912.7 Identification -fire department connection 912.8 Breakable caps or plugs -fire department connection 1007.9 Exit doors identification 1008.1.9.1 Door -operating devices 1104.3 Sign illumination 2003.2 "No Smoking• signs within aircraft hangers 2108.4 Fire extinguisher -dry cleaning plant 2108.5 No smoking signs -dry cleaning plant 2311.2.2 Waste oil storage 2403.2.7 Weldina wamina signs 2403.4 Ooerations and maintenance 2403.4.3 Metal waste cans for rags and waste 2404.7.8.5 Filter disposal 2405.3.4 Dio tank covers 2405.4.2 Portable fire orotection eouioment 2406.5 Maintenance -powder coatina 2407.1 Maintenance -electrostatic aooaratus 2407.5.2 Signs -"Danger" 2408.5 Sources of ianition ( oraanic oeroxides) 2505.1 Housekeeoina -fruit rioenina room 2803.3.1 Lumber yards -housekeepina 2803.3.3 Combustible waste 3103.12.6.1 Exit sian illumination 3104.21 Veaetation removal 3603.2 Open flame device -boat or marina 3603.4 Rubbish containers -marina 3604.4 Portable fire extinguishers -marinas 4811.9 Fire department access -motion picture production locations 4811.12 Blocked or obstructed fire hydrants and aooliances 5003.5 Hazardous materials sianaae 5003.7.1 No smokina sians -hazardous materials 5004.11 Combustible materials clearance -hazardous materials storaae 5005.3.8 Combustible materials clearance -hazardous materials use 5303.4 Markings -compressed oases 5303.5 Security -compressed gases 5701.6 Maintenance and operating practices -flammable and combustible liauids 5704.2.3.1 "No smoking" sign 5704.3.3.4 Emotv containers 6107.2 "No smoking" signs -LPG container 6107.3 Combustible material clearance LPG container 8104 Auto wrecking yards -fire aooaratus access 8.08.060 Very high fire hazard severity zone map. Ordinance No. Page4 of 6 3-24 The city council of the city of Rancho Palos Verdes hereby designates very high fire hazard severity zones, as recommended by the director of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and the county of Los Angeles fire department, as designated on the map entitled Fire Hazard Severity Zone, which are on file in the city's community development department." SECTION 2. All inconsistencies between the Fire Code, as adopted by this Ordinance, and the 2013 edition of the California Fire Code, as set forth in Part 9 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, are changes, modifications, amendments, additions or deletions thereto authorized by California Health and Safety Sections 17958.5 and 17958. 7. SECTION 3. The numbering of the most recent edition of the California Fire Code has been completely revised from earlier editions. All references to the International and Unifonn Codes In the Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code that are not amended by this or a subsequently enacted ordinance shall refer instead to the successor section or sections contained in the California Fire Code as adopted and amended by the County of Los Angeles in Title 32 of the Los A~eles County Code. SECTION 4. To the extent the provisions of this Ordinance are substantially the same as previous provisions of the Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code, these provisions shall be construed as continuations of those provisions and not as new enactments. SECTION 5. If any section, subsection, subdivision,· paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase of this Ordinance or any part hereof or exhibit hereto is for any reason held to be invalid, such invalidity shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance or any part thereof or exhibit thereto. The City Council of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes hereby declares that it would have passed each section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase hereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, subdivisions, paragraphs, sentences, clauses or phrases be declared invalid. SECTION 6. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this Ordinance and shall cause a copy hereof to be forthwith transmitted to the California Building Standards Commission. PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS_ DAY OF_, 2014. Mayor Attest: City Clerk STATE OF CALIFORNIA ) COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES ) Ordinance No. Page 5 of 6 3-25 I, Carla Morreale, City Clerk of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, do hereby certify that the whole number of members of the City Council of said City is five; the foregoing Ordinance No. _passed first reading on June 3, 2014, was duly and regularly adopted by the City Council of said City at a regular meeting thereof held on July 15, 2014, and that the same was passed and adopted by the following roll call vote: Ayes: Noes: Absent: Abstain: City Clerk Ordinance No. Page 6 of 6 3-26 CJTYOF RANCHO PAIDS VERDES MEMORANDUM TO: FROM: DATE: SUBJECT: REVIEWED: HONORABLE MAY JOEL ROJAS, CO DIRECTOR JUNE 3, 2014 & CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE L.A. COUNTY FIRE CODE CAROLYNN PETRU, INTERIM CITY MANAGE~ Project Manager: Paul Christman, Building Offic~c__, RECOMMENDATION INTRODUCE FOR FIRST READING BY TITLE ONLY, AND WAIVE FURTHER READING, ORDINANCE NO. _, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THE 2014 LOS ANGELES COUNTY FIRE CODE, WHICH IS TITLE 32 OF THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY CODE; AND AMENDING THE RANCHO PALOS VERDES MUNICIPAL CODE BACKGROUND On July 1, 2013, the California Building Standards Commission published the new California Building Standards Code. The California Building Standards Code Is a compilation of building standards that apply to all occupancies in California. It includes the building code, plumbing code, electrical code, mechanical code, fire code, administrative code, and energy code, among others. Any city may establish more restrictive building standards than those in the California Building Standards Code if a city finds that the more stringent standard or "local amendment" is necessary because of local climatic, geological or topographical conditions. In December 2013, the City Council adopted the new 2013 State Building, Residential, Green Building Standards, Plumbing, Electrical and Mechanical Codes by reference with local amendments. At that time, Staff had intended, similar to previous years, to recommend adoption of the 2014 Los Angeles County Fire Code with local amendments. However, Staff was informed by the County that the 2014 Los Angeles County Fire Code would not be adopted by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors until early 2014. Therefore, in the interim, the City Council adopted the 2013 State Fire Code by reference 3-27 along with the 2013 State Building, Residential, Green Building Standards, Plumbing, Electrical and Mechanical Codes. The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has since adopted the 2014 Los Angeles County Fire Code on March 25, 2014. The County's ordinance became effective on April 24, 2014. It is Staff's intent to adopt the 2014 Los Angeles County Fire Code by reference with the same local amendments that the City has adopted in the past. An ordinance that accomplishes this has been drafted for introduction ~his evening. DISCUSSION New 2014 L.A. County Fire Code As in the past, the City is adopting the Los Angeles County Fire Code, which in tum adopts the State Fire Code with amendments. The 2014 Los Angeles County Fire Code and The Los Angeles County Building Code Chapter 7 A, include ignition resistant construction requirements that apply to all new construction (additions and new homes) located within in a Very· High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ). Since the entire City, with the exception of a small area off of Western Avenue, is Identified as a VHFHSZ, this means that almost all ~ construction in the City will be subject to compliance with these more restrictive standards. These stricter ignition resistant requirements have been applied to all new construction {new homes and additions/remodels) in the City since January 1, 2011. Since that time, Staff has encountered a handful of situations where applicants have expressed a concern with the cost and necessity of complying with the strict ignition resistant construction requirements. For example, residents seeking to replace their windows find that they need to use more expensive tempered glass in order to be in compliance. Furthermore, the requirements occasionally create inconsistencies in the design and appearance of a residence, whereby the addition Is required to have fire resistive eaves or ignition resistant exterior materials that may· not exactly match the older existing portion of the residence. Notwithstanding these concerns, Staff believes the ignition resistant construction requirements contained in L.A. County Building Code Chapter 7 A and the forthcoming 2014 L.A. County Fire Code provide greater fire protection to City residents. The adjacent communities of Rolling Hills and Rolling Hills Estates also utilize the same more restrictive requirements contained in the LA County Fire & Building Codes. Local Amendments The attached ordinance also contains existing local amendments that have been adopted by the City Council in the past. These local amendments address issues such as Fireworks Displays, Insurance, Violations-Penalties, Responsibility, Infractions, and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map. Adoption Process When adopting a code by reference, State law requires that the City Council schedule a public hearing after first reading of the ordinance. The public hearing can occur in conjunction with the second reading of the ordinance. Pursuant to Government Code 50022.3, the notice of the public hearing must be published once a week for two 3-28 successive weeks, with at least 5 days intervening between the respective publications dates. If there is no newspaper of general circulation, as is the case in the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, the notice is posted for two consecutive weeks. In addition, the City Clerk is required to keep on file a copy of the code to be adopted by reference for at least 15 days before the public hearing. Pursuant to said adoption process, introduction of the ordinance adopting the 2014 Los Angeles County Fire Code with the local amendments is occurring tonight. The ordinance will be presented again to the Council for adoption on July 15, 2014 along with the noticed public hearing. Public notice of the July 1 Slh public hearing will be published in the Peninsula News on June 19th and 25th. CONCLUSION Staff· recommends that the 2014 Los Angeles County Fire Code be adopted by reference with the same local amendments that the City has adopted in the past. An ordinance that accompli~hes this has been drafted for introduction this evening. FlSCAL IMPACT There are no fiscal impacts to the City associated with adoption of the 2014 Los Angeles County Fire Code. Attachments: Draft Ordinance No. _ Letter from L.A. County Fire dated April 7, 2014 Letter from L.A. County Fire dated May 1, 2014 3-29 CITY OF RANCHO PALOS VERDES NEIGHBORHOOD TRAFFIC CALMING PROGRAM A community leadership guide Public Works Department December 2008 3-30 3-31 INTRODUCTION The mission of a Traffic Calming Program is to provide a mechanism to improve community livability, preserve community character and enhance the local neighborhoods by working with the residents to implement solutions to concerns created by automobile traffic on neighborhood streets. Neighborhood traffic management programs are becoming standard practice for many cities around the world that are taking an active role in managing growth and making sure their roadways are safe and attractive. Citizens play an integral role in developing successful traffic management programs for their streets by working with City Staff and utilizing education, engineering, and enforcement to determine ways to attempt to manage and calm traffic. This guide is designed to provide community leaders with a model to guide residents towards a better understanding of the available tools, the steps to seek traffic calming and improve the livability of residential neighborhoods. This guide does not address safety issues such as installing stop signs, traffic signals or other traffic control device issues. Such issues are topics for the Traffic Safety Commission {TSC) and City Staff to address utilizing their professional expertise and understanding of the City. The Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program has been designed to ensure that each neighborhood with a demonstrated traffic problem has access to neighborhood traffic calming measures. The program requires significant citizen involvement. The program has been designed to address neighborhood concerns in a timely manner by relying on Staff to take the initial steps to address a perceived problem. City Staff will design final traffic calming measures, the Traffic Safety Commission will review plans and, if acceptable, make a recommendation to the City Council for approval. GOALS Goals of the Program are: 111 Reduce the speed of vehicles on residential streets with demonstrated speeding problems to levels consistent with speeds on more typical Rancho Palos Verdes residential streets. • Develop and emphasize focused neighborhood educational programs which address residential traffic problems. I§ Implement selective enforcement actions in neighborhoods with demonstrated, or perceived, traffic-related problems. 111 Eliminate, or discourage, non-local, cut-through traffic on residential streets. 111 In implementing the Program Goals, care will be taken to: o Encourage citizen participation throughout the program by seeking the input of affected residents and non-resident property owners through neighborhood meetings, written communication and open forum opportunities with the Traffic -3- City of Rancho Palos Verdes Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program 3-32 Safety Commission. o Minimize impacts on emergency vehicle response times caused by implementation of neighborhood traffic calming measures. o Limit the potential for shifting traffic problems from one residential neighborhood to another when implementing traffic calming measures. o Respond to complaints in a timely manner. TRAFFIC CALMING TOOLS -OVERVIEW PRELIMINARY Preliminary traffic calming measures are those traffic control devices and programs implemented to inform and educate motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians as well as enforce violations of traffic regulations. These measures are used as initial traffic calming efforts and do not require community support through the petition process. They can also be used for situations where traffic impacts have been found not to be excessive or serious, but where modifications to driver behavior and/or education have been determined to be appropriate. Some common basic elements include: 111 Traffic Education Package • Lawn Signs 11 Targeted Sheriff Enforcement 11 Radar Trailer Placement Preliminary traffic calming measures may be implemented immediately upon receiving a citizen request, as well as upon completion of the Engineering Study (if performed). Detailed information on each of these measures is provided on the following pages. LEVEL1 Level 1 traffic calming measures may be implemented as a result of the Engineering Study. They are primarily used to reinforce existing traffic regulations and remind drivers of their surroundings. They include standard signing and pavement marking elements as found in the California Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices. These measures do not require a second petition in order to be installed. These mitigations include the following: 111 Truck Restrictions 11 Speed Limit Signs • Speed Limit Pavement Markings l'l No Outlet Signs - 4 - City of Rancho Palos Verdes Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program 3-33 LEVEL2 Level 2 traffic calming mitigations are traffic control devices and roadway design features primarily designed to slow traffic and discourage bypass traffic within residential areas. They are employed when the use of preliminary and Level 1 traffic calming elements cannot effectively address traffic concerns and have the support of a substantial number of affected residents. Level 2 traffic calming measures available in Rancho Palos Verdes include: 11 Entrance Treatments II! Curb Extensions/Chokers II! Bulbouts 11 Medians/Center Islands 11 Traffic Circles 11 Radar Feedback Signs 11 Visual Roadway Narrowing 111 Speed Humps/Tables Level 2 traffic calming measures must be initiated through a petition process. The petition, which is shown on page 32, must have the support of 60% of the property owners on the section of street (or neighborhood) within the limits of the requested traffic calming measures as recommended in the Engineering Study. The limits generally consist of all properties between the first and last device in a series, as well as any property within 200 feet of any device. Construction plans for the Level 2 measures are designed by City Staff in consultation with the petition's sponsors. When possible, trial installations utilizing delineators, portable curb sections, barricades or other devices will be installed to determine effectiveness and community opinion. The duration of the trial period will normally be less than three months. During this period City Staff will evaluate the plan. The community's input will be solicited and a final plan will be developed by staff. If the trial installation is successful, the Level 2 traffic calming measure will be installed on a permanent basis pending resident funding. Installation of Level 2 measures that affect the roadway surface may be delayed or accelerated based on the City's scheduled road rehabilitation projects. Level 2 measures that affect the roadway surface will be installed after or during a road rehabilitation project which is scheduled in the near future. This will avoid installing and paying for the Level 2 measure twice. For a summary of traffic calming tools see page 30. - 5 - City of Rancho Palos Verdes Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program 3-34 PROCESS The process by which a perceived problem is identified, reviewed, and possibly mitigated consists of a series of education, enforcement, and engineering steps. The process is summarized in the following steps and on the flow chart on page 9. 1. Initial Complaint from a Resident The initiation of City involvement in mitigating a neighborhood or street traffic problem begins with a complaint by an individual resident or a group of residents. The complaint generally involves a perception that a significant number of motorists traveling through a neighborhood are violating the law in some way, such as speeding. 2 .. Preliminary Traffic Calming Upon receipt of a complaint, City Staff will discuss the issue with the requestor, log the complaint into a database for tracking purposes and take several actions as appropriate. City Staff will conduct a field review of the neighborhood or street of concern. The Sheriff may be contacted to provide additional targeted enforcement in the area. When identified, enforcement will be emphasized during specific times and days when the traffic problems are prevalent. Staff will also schedule placement of the City;s radar trailers to help educate motorists regarding their speed. To further assist residents in understanding traffic calming issues, Staff will send the requestor a Traffic Education Package. This package contains several pamphlets and other materials designed to explain how and why various traffic controls are utilized. Staff will also make available to the community lawn signs for their use. The use of these devices is strongly suggested to illustrate the community's involvement in the traffic calming process 3. Neighborhood Petition for a Traffic Calming Engineering Study If preliminary traffic calming actions do not mitigate the perceived traffic problem to the satisfaction of the neighborhood, the residents of a street or neighborhood can request a formal Traffic Calming Engineering Study by City Staff to identify the actual traffic conditions and determine if additional traffic calming measures are needed. This request cannot be submitted prior to 90 days after the initial request (from Step 1) is received. The request for a Traffic Calming Engineering Study must be in the form of a petition as illustrated on page 32. The petition must clearly identify the study limits, either as a street with specific limits or a neighborhood with the boundary streets shown. A map may be attached to the petition to better identify the limits of the study. The petition must be signed by at least 60% of the fronting property owners within the requested study limits. The Study will be broken into two portions: (1) data collection and analysis, and (2) development of traffic calming measures. This is done to ensure that funds are not - 6 - City of Rancho Palos Verdes Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program 3-35 spent on both portions of the study if the initial segment does not support implementation of traffic calming measures. If the results provide for development of further traffic calming measures, funds will be spent on further Study. Upon receipt of a petition, Staff will validate the signatures and determine if all requirements have been met. 4. Traffic Calming Engineering Study City Staff will conduct the first portion of the Traffic Calming Engineering Study, which will consist of traffic volume counts, speed measurements, a review of the reported accident history, documentation of the existing traffic controls, review of roadway characteristics and any other pertinent information. Generally the study will be completed within eight weeks from validation of the petition, although the size of the study area may affect this schedule. Upon completion of this portion of the study, Staff will determine if the minimum traffic calming thresholds are satisfied. If the minimum traffic calming thresholds are met, Staff will identify the following: };;>-Appropriate Level 1 traffic calming measures; and, );>-" 2-3 acceptable Level 2 traffic calming measures per the approved traffic calming tools. Staff will prepare a report documenting this information, including specific design, location and cost parameters. As part of the Engineering Study process, adequate notification will be provided to the community as a whole. This notification will include: • Information signs shall be placed within the limits of the Study, stating: • The City will place door hangers at every residence within the limits of the Study, as well as within 500 feet of any potential traffic calming device location. 5. Traffic Safety Commission Review of Traffic Calming Engineering Study Staff will present the Traffic Calming Engineering Study to the Traffic Safety Committee (TSC) for their review, and/or modification as appropriate. The - 7 - City of Rancho Palos Verdes Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program 3-36 presentation will be scheduled as soon as possible after completion of the Study, pending availability of the TSC and previously scheduled items. To ensure a full and comprehensive consideration of each traffic calming request, only one Traffic Calming Engineering Study will be presented at any TSC meeting. The TSC meeting is the formal opportunity for residents requesting traffic calming to present their concerns to the TSC, and it is strongly encouraged that the community attends their scheduled meeting. A Traffic Calming Engineering Study will be presented before the TSC whether or not the minimum thresholds are met. If the thresholds are not satisfied, the Study will document the findings and explain why additional traffic calming measures are not appropriate. If the minimum thresholds are satisfied, the Study will include appropriate Level 1 traffic calming measures as well as two or three traffic calming measures of Level 2 that will be available for consideration by the neighborhood. 6. Traffic Calming Cost Based on the results of the Traffic Safety Commission's review of the Engineering Study, any traffic calming measure approved by the City Council would be installed by the City at no cost to the residents. 7. Engineering Plan Preparation for Level 2 Mitigations Staff will prepare engineering plans, specifications and cost estimates for use in construction of Level 2 traffic calming measures. Generally, plan preparation will be completed within six weeks. Staff will notify the TSC regarding status of this step and will present the construction plans to the TSC for their review and recommendation to the City Council. Staff will then present these plans to the City Council for final approval. 8. "Before" Counts Taken Prior to construction, comprehensive "before" traffic counts will be taken to document speed and volume data. 9. Traffic Calming Measures Implemented City Staff will advertise the project for construction and will proceed with award and implementation of a contract to install the approved traffic calming measures. 10. Monitor Effectiveness The TSC will be regularly notified of the progress on Level 2 traffic calming installation. Approximately 60 days after implementation, "after" traffic counts will be taken to document speed and volume data. This information will be placed on the City's website for public review. - 8 - City of Rancho Palos Verdes Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program 3-37 NEIGHBORHOOD TRAFFIC CALMING PROGRAM FLOWCHART City of Rancho Palos Verdes ·Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program December 2008 Initial Complaint from Resident/Neighborhood ! If Preliminary Traffic Calming Preliminary Traffic Calming -is successful, then ~ No further action Staff Field Review I If Preliminary Traffic Calming is necessary , , unsuccessful, then Neighborhood Petition for a Traffic Petition cannot be submitted prior to 90 days after Calming Engineering Study initial request is received. Generally completed within eight weeks from validation of Petition ,, Traffic Calming Engineering Study Completed + If traffic calming thresholds are No further action Traffic Safety Commission (TSC) not met and the TSC concurs necessary Review of Enginering Study ~ ~ If traffic calming thresholds are met and the TSC concurs ... Level 1 Level 2 ,, Traffic Calming -Engineering Plan Preparation for Level 1 Measures Installed Level 2 Measures Plans generally co mpleted ,, Monitor Approximately 60 days after installation of Level 1 and/or 2 Measures ' "After" Counts Taken -~ J, Post "Before and After" data to City website for Public Review -9- within six weeks ,, Review by Traffic Safety Commission + Final approval by City Council .L "Before" Counts Taken • Construction of Level 2 Measures + Monitor Approximately60 d installation of Level Measures ays after 2 City of Rancho Palos Verdes Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program 3-38 DETERMINE ELIGIBILITY FOR TRAFFIC CALMING 1. Minimum Thresholds for Level 2 Measures Traffic calming tools are not appropriate for all roadways. Arterial and collector roadways are vital components of the City's traffic circulation system and are intended to provide conduits that allow vehicles to move efficiently between destinations. Reducing their ability to accomplish this purpose would increase congestion throughout the City and may result in traffic diverting to local residential streets. Therefore, Level 2 traffic calming actions are reserved for streets with the following characteristics: 111 Streets designated in the City's circulation element as local roadways; 111 Streets located in Residence Districts as defined by Section 515 of the California Vehicle Code: A "residence district" is that portion of a highway and the property contiguous thereto, other than a business district, (a) upon one side of which highway, within a distance of a quarter of a mile, the contiguous property fronting thereon is occupied by 13 or more separate dwelling houses or business structures, or (b) upon both sides of which highway, collectively, within a distance of a quarter of a mile, the contiguous property fronting thereon is occupied by 16 or more separate dwelling houses or business structures. A residence district may be longer than one-quarter of a mile if the above ratio of separate dwelling houses or business structures to the length of the highway exists. • Streets with a prevailing (85th percentile) speed of 7 mph or more over the posted or designated speed limit. 111 Streets with no more than one through travel lane in each direction. 111 Streets with an average daily traffic of at least 1,500 vehicles per day or peak hour traffic of at least 150 vehicles per hour. -10 - City of Rancho Palos Verdes Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program 3-39 11 Streets that receive a minimum total score of 51 points based on the table below, which identify values assigned to each data element identified in the Traffic Calming Engineering Study: Data Points Basis for Points 0 to 40 Extent that the 85th percentile* speed exceeds speed limit: 2 Travel Speed points assigned for every 1 mph over speed limit. Streets with average daily traffic over 1,500 vehicles per day or ADTVolume Oto 30 peak hour traffic over 150 vehicles per hour will be assigned 5 points with every additional 200 vehicles per day or 50 vehicles per hour. Crashes Oto 10 1 point for every correctable collision reported based on the past 5 years of data. School Proximity Oto 5 School ground on segment 5 points. Within 500 feet 3 points. Within 1,000 feet 1 point. Sidewalks or 0 to 5 No sidewalks or pathways exist along at least one side of the pathways street 5 points. Pedestrian Oto 10 Yellow crosswalk on the street 5 points. Major crosswalk Crossings located on the street 10 points. Total Points 100 *The 85th percentile speed is the speed at or below which 85 percent of the vehicles travel. When data such as speed and volume is gathered at more than one location within a neighborhood, points will be assigned for each location and then averaged to ensure equitable comparisons. 2. Prioritization of Level 2 Traffic Calming Requests Due to limited funding for traffic calming measures, all requests for Level 2 traffic calming will be evaluated and ranked against other streets and neighborhoods based on the table presented above. City Staff will complete the Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program point worksheet (see page 33). If the minimum thresholds above are met, the City will rank the request against other requests that have already been submitted. USE OF FUTURE TECHNOLOGIES FOR TRAFFIC CALMING Technologies regarding traffic calming measures are continually evolving. The use of these technologies in the future should be considered for installation in the City of Rancho Palos Verdes. As these technologies become accepted within the traffic engineering profession, they can be added to this document as a Traffic Calming Tool. -11 - City of Rancho Palos Verdes Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program 3-40 PRELIMINARY TRAFFIC CALMING TOOLS EDUCATION PROGRAMS Education programs are an important element of a comprehensive traffic calming program. This tool includes efforts to make the public more aware of their own driving behavior and their impact on others. Pedestrian and bicycle programs alert and educate pedestrians and bicyclists on roadway safety. Driver information and education on existing laws can help improve driver behavior. Traffic calming education allows residents to express views and obtain answers with regards to traffic conditions within their neighborhoods. As part of the process, solutions are discussed and appropriate actions can then be pursued. Driving behavior by residents may be improved by making them more aware of how their actions affect others in their neighborhood. Cost • Fr~e to public Positive Aspects 111 Educational tool 11 Good public relations for neighborhoods • Effective for temporary speed reduction needs Negative Aspects 11 Not self-enforcing 11 Duration of effectiveness is limited 111 May require temporary lane closures Further information about these programs can be obtained by contacting Public Works at 310-544-5252. -12 - City of Rancho Palos Verdes Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program 3-41 POLICE ENFORCEMENT The Sheriff Department deploys motorcycle or automobile Deputies to perform targeted enforcement on local residential streets. Targeted enforcement is used to make drivers aware of speed limits and other traffic regulations. This is intended to reduce speeding as well as other illegal and undesirable driving behaviors through the issuance of traffic citations. The presence of Sheriff Deputies is also used as an educational device to help motorists understand how their actions affect livability within a neighborhood, which encourages better driving practices. Enforcement is a highly effective tool when present. Driver awareness is immediately increased and it can be implemented on relatively short notice. For long-term effectiveness, enforcement should be utilized on a recurring basis at varying periods. Effectiveness is also enhanced when it is used in conjunction with educational devices, such as radar trailers and feedback signs. The ability to use enforcement on a widespread basis is limited by the availability of Sheriff resources. Cost " Traffic enforcement is part of the City's regular activities and is budgeted accordingly. Positive Aspects Ill Effective while officer is actually present at the location 21 Can be targeted to specific time periods that are deemed to be most problematic !l! Can be implemented on short notice !l! Targets violators without affecting normal traffic Negative Aspects 11 It is a temporary measure Ill Enforcement may be limited by police availability 111 Expensive tool For police enforcement, contact the Lomita Sherriff at 310-539-1661. -13 - City of Rancho Palos Verdes Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program 3-42 RADAR TRAILER This is a mobile trailer-mounted radar display that informs drivers of their speed. This element is applicable on roadways where speeding is a problem. Radar trailers are mobile devices that can be parked on the side of the roadway, then detect and display the speed of approaching vehicles. They are typically moved on a daily basis, and perform basically the same function as a radar feedback signs, but are placed for much shorter periods of time. Radar trailers help discourage speeding by alerting motorists of their speed. Radar trailers are an effective educational tool that clearly illustrates the speed of motorists. They are well received by the public and encourage voluntary speed compliance. Radar trailers are especially effective in reducing speeds of motorists who are generally observant of traffic laws but inadvertently exceed the speed limit. Their use in conjunction with enforcement can increase their effectiveness as well as enhance the long-term effectiveness of enforcement activities. They are less effective on higher volume roadways and are not a method of issuing traffic citations. Their effectiveness decreases after they have been relocated to other locations. Cost " Radar trailers are part of the City's regular activities and are budgeted accordingly. Positive Aspects Ill Educational tool Ill Good public relations for neighborhoods m Effective for temporary speed reduction needs 111 Portable • Quick implementation Negative Aspects 11 Not self-enforcing 11 Duration of effectiveness is limited 11 Subject to vandalism -14- City of Rancho Palos Verdes Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program 3-43 LAWN SIGNS Traffic calming lawn signs are placed on private property by the owners to provide a friendly reminder to motorists that they are traveling through a residential neighborhood and should utilize appropriate driving behavior. The City has designed signs with a Rancho Palos Verdes theme, and maintains a supply for use by residents. In addition, the act of placing signs on their property may encourage residents to become more involved in promoting traffic calming within their neighborhood as well as other neighborhoods. Traffic calming lawn signs may have some degree of positive influence on the behavior of drivers. They are generally well received by residents and allow a proactive approach to a neighborhood concern by residents. Lawn signs are not typically a permanent feature and should not be left up for more than 6 months or until Level 1 or 2 mitigations are installed. There is no specific data on the long-term effectiveness of these devices. Cost • Lawn signs are free to the public Positive Aspects 111 Provides a reminder to motorist Negative Aspects • Not self-enforcing -15 - City of Rancho Palos Verdes Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program 3-44 LEVEL 1 TRAFFIC CALMING TOOLS TRUCK RESTRICTION SIGNS Restricting the entry of trucks into residential neighborhoods can be achieved through the posting of truck restriction signs if approved by City Council. The restrictions typically apply to all commercial vehicles over three (3) tons. This method is most applicable on residential streets to reduce cut-through traffic of commercial vehicles. Cost 11 Truck restriction signs are provided by the City if deemed appropriate. Positive Aspects 111 Redirects commercial traffic through main streets Iii Reduces noise and air pollution due to trucks in residential streets Negative Aspects 111 Not self-enforcing • Causes an inconvenience for residents in the event of truck services needed for moving, deliveries and other heavy services. -16 - City of Rancho Palos Verdes Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program 3-45 SPEED LIMIT SIGNS This element is a basic method aimed at slowing traffic through visual reminders of the legal speed limits. It can be applied to most streets that have speeding. 25 mph speed limit signs may be installed on local residential streets that meet the legal 25 mph residential speed limit per the California Vehicle Code. However the signs are not required for enforcement. Installing speed limit signage encourages motorists to reduce their speed in residential neighborhoods by reminding them of the legal speed limit. Speed limit signs can promote appropriate driving behavior by clearly indicating the legal speed limit. They are generally well received by residents, but may add to sign clutter. Effectiveness is usually dependant upon recurring enforcement. Cost 11 Speed limit signs are provided by the City if deemed appropriate Positive Aspects 11 Provides a clear definition of legal speed limit 111 Provides context for enforcement efforts Negative Aspects 11 Not self-enforcing a Negative impact on the aesthetics of the street SPEED LIMIT • -17- City of Rancho Palos Verdes Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program 3-46 SPEED LIMIT PAVEMENT MARKINGS 25 mph speed limit pavement markings may be installed on local residential streets that meet the legal 25 mph residential speed limit per the California Vehicle Code. The markings are not required for enforcement and are typically installed adjacent to 25 mph speed limit signs. They can also be used independently of signs when there is a desire to reduce sign clutter. Installing speed limit pavement markings encourages motorists to reduce their speed in residential neighborhoods by reminding them of the legal speed limit. Since they appear directly in front of vehicles on the roadway, they increase the number of locations where the information is provided to motorists, potentially increasing the ability to notify motorists of the speed limit. Speed limit pavement markings can promote appropriate driving behavior by clearly indicating the legal speed limit. They are generally well received by residents and do not add to sign clutter. Effectiveness is usually dependant upon recurring enforcement. Cost " Pavement markings are provided and maintained by the City if deemed appropriate. Positive Aspects Ill Provides a clear definition of legal speed limit 11 Provides context for enforcement efforts Negative Aspects 111 Not self-enforcing 111 Negative impact on the aesthetics of the street -18 - City of Rancho Palos Verdes Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program 3-47 LEVEL 2 TRAFFIC CALMING TOOLS ENTRANCE TREATMENTS Entrance treatments consist of physical and/or textural changes to streets and are located at key entryways into a neighborhood. There are numerous types of entrance treatments including textured pavement, center islands, signs, chokers and over head structures. Entrance treatments create visual, and in some cases audible, cues that tell drivers they are entering a local residential area or that the surrounding land uses are changing. The intent is a reduction in speed. Entrance treatments have minimal influence on a familiar ~rivers' routine behavior. Overall speeds and total volumes may be nominally influenced, but it is believed that drivers are made more aware of the environment in which they are driving and are more considerate of pedestrians. Unfamiliar drivers may be influenced to avoid the use of a neighborhood street with an entrance treatment when searching for a through route. Cost " Entrance treatments cost varies depending on the treatment. Custom signs start at $500 each; center islands start at $10,000 each; chokers start at $10,000 each. There may be beautification grants available to landscape these mitigations through the City's recycle program. Positive Aspects l!ll Deters unfamiliar drivers l!ll Creates a sense of community §'! Aesthetically pleasing Negative Aspect l!ll Speed and volume may not be effected l!ll Landscape must be maintained by the residence/HOA -19 - City of Rancho Palos Verdes Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program 3-48 RADAR FEEDBACK SIGNS Radar feedback signs are devices mounted either permanently or semi permanently (long- term) that detect and display the speed of approaching vehicles. They are typically installed in conjunction with speed limit signs and are placed on street lights or posts. They perform basically the same function as a radar trailer, but are placed for much longer periods of time. Radar feedback signs help discourage speeding by alerting motorists of their speed. Radar feedback signs are an effective educational tool that clearly illustrates the speed of motorists. They are well received by the public and encourage voluntary speed compliance. Radar feedback signs are especially effective in reducing speeds of motorists who are generally observant of traffic laws but inadvertently exceed the speed limit. Their use in conjunction with enforcement can increase their effectiveness as well as enhance the long-term effectiveness of enforcement activities. They are less effective on higher volume roadways and are not a method of issuing traffic citations. Speed feedback signs are typically mounted on or near speed limit signs and can be mobile units Cost: g; Radar feedback signs cost approximately $8,000 each. Advantages: l!l Real-time speed feedback l!l Does not physically slow emergency vehicles or buses Ill Permanent or on a rotational installation zi Can record speed and volume data for use in education and enforcement efforts Disadvantages: Ill May require a power source Ill Only effective for one direction of travel l!l Long-term effectiveness uncertain -20 - City of Rancho Palos Verdes Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program 3-49 TRAFFIC CIRCLES Traffic circles require drivers to slow to a speed that allows them to comfortably maneuver around them. Traffic circles are used when three or more roads intersect. They are created by constructing a raised island placed at the center of the intersection. They may be landscaped with ground cover and/or street trees. The primary purpose of traffic circles is to slow traffic while providing right-of-way control at intersections. An additional benefit is that they reduce the number of angle and turning-type collisions. Traffic circles are very effective at lowering speeds in their immediate vicinity. Traffic circles are most effective when constructed in a series on a local service street. However they can be difficult for large vehicles to negotiate and must be carefully designed to ensure that pedestrian and emergency vehicles mobility is not compromised. Cost " Traffic circles cost approximately $10,000 to $30,000 each, depending upon size, the presence of irrigation and electrical connections. There may be beautification grants available to landscape these mitigations through the City's recycle program. Positive Aspects 11 Traffic Circles are effective in moderating speeds a If designed well, they can have positive aesthetic value 111 Placed at an intersection, they can calm two streets at once Negative Aspects 111 They may be difficult for large vehicles (such as fire trucks) to circumnavigate 111 They must be designed so that the circulating lane does not encroach on the crosswalks a They may require the elimination of some on-street parking 11 Landscaping must be maintained by the residents/HOA -21 - City of Rancho Palos Verdes Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program 3-50 CURB EXTENSIONS OR CHOKERS Curb extensions or chokers narrow the street by widening the sidewalk or the landscaped parking strip. These devices are employed to make pedestrian crossings easier, to narrow the roadway, and/or to slow traffic. Curb extensions effectively improve pedestrian access by reducing the street crossing distance and improving sight distance. They also influence driver behavior by changing the appearance of the street. Cost " Curb extensions costs $15,000 to $30,000 per location, depending upon size and irrigation. There may be beautification grants available to landscape these mitigations through the City's recycling program. Positive Aspects 11i Visually narrow street a Can enhance the aesthetics of a street ;;; Narrowed roadway section may contribute to reduction of speeds Negative Aspects 11i May not be self-enforcing 111 Landscape must be maintained by residents/HOA a Removes parking -22 - City of Rancho Palos Verdes Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program 3-51 BULBOUTS Bulbouts narrow the street width at intersections, creating a shorter and safer pedestrian crossing and encouraging drivers to slow down. Bulbouts may be striped or may be curbed islands containing special paving or landscaping which maintain current drainage patterns. Corner bulb- outs are typically used adjacent to intersections where parking is restricted. They can also enhance the livability of a neighborhood by increasing the separation between the street and residences/sidewalk. Bulbouts effectively reduce speeds in their immediate vicinity by physically narrowing the roadway, which has the effect of reducing motorist's willingness to travel at high speeds. They can influence driver behavior by changing the appearance of the street, especially through landscaping. Bui bouts can provide physical separation between turning vehicles and parked vehicles, thus enhancing access for exiting or entering the traffic flow. They also can reduce the speed of turning vehicles. Bulbouts designed without a curb-side opening may adversely affect bicyclists by reducing their separation from vehicles. Cost " Bulbouts start at $5,000 per corner depending upon size. There may be beautification grants available to landscape these mitigations through the City's recycle program. Positive Aspects 11 Pedestrian crossing distance is reduced 11 Narrowed roadway section may contribute to reduction of speeds a Breaks up driver's view path Negative Aspects 11 May create a hazard for bicyclists who are less visible to turning vehicles and cross traffic 11 May require partial or total removal of parking 111 Landscape must be maintained by the residents/HOA PLAM -23 - City of Rancho Palos Verdes Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program 3-52 CHICANES A curved street alignment that can be designed into new developments or retrofitted in existing right-of-ways is called a chicane. The curvilinear alignment requires additional maneuvering and shortens drivers' sight-lines, resulting in lower speeds. This device can be applied to any street where speed control is desired, provided the street is wide enough to accommodate the curvilinear design. Cost ,. Chicanes start at $10,000 each. There may be beautification grants available to landscape these mitigations through the City's recycle program. Positive Aspects 11 Provides a speed reducing effect 11 Changes the look of the street, making it more aesthetically pleasing 11 Has minimal impact on emergency response Negative Aspects 11 Can involve extensive design and expensive implementation a May require partial or total removal of on-street parking 11 May require modification of drainage features and other utilities -24- City of Rancho Palos Verdes Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program 3-53 MEDIANS/CENTER ISLAND Medians, also called center islands, are raised islands in the center of the roadway that separate traffic directions. Medians are used on wide streets to narrow the travel lanes, interrupt sight distances down the center of the roadway, and ease pedestrian crossing. They are in the center of the roadway that separate opposing directions of traffic. They may be striped or may be curbed islands containing special paving or landscaping. These devices are employed to narrow the roadway, thus reducing the speed of traffic, as well as provide pedestrian refuge areas. They can also reduce speeds by eliminating long, straight, unobstructed segments of roadway that encourage motorists to exhibit poor driving behaviors. Medians and center islands effectively reduce speeds in their immediate vicinity by physically narrowing the roadway, which has the effect of reducing motorists' willingness to travel at high speeds. They also improve pedestrian mobility by providing refuge areas. They can influence driver behavior by changing the appearance of the street, especially through landscaping. These devices can enhance the aesthetics of a neighborhood through well-maintained landscaping, which can emphasize the residential nature of a street. Cost " Medians start at $5,000, depending upon size and the presence of irrigation and electrical connections. There may be beautification grants available to landscape these mitigations through the City's recycle program. Positive Aspects 111 Narrowed roadway section may contribute to reduction of speeds 111 Provides pedestrian refuge areas when crossing • Opportunity for landscaping and visual enhancements to the neighborhood Negative Aspects 111 Long medians may interrupt emergency access and operations a May interrupt driveway access and result in U-turns at the end of medians 111 May require removal of parking 11 Landscape must be maintained by the residents/HOA -25 - City of Rancho Palos Verdes Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program 3-54 VISUAL ROADWAY NARROWING Visual roadway narrowing is accomplished by installing striping to separate the through travel lane from the shoulder/parking lane. It can also be used to create bike lanes where appropriate. The extra pavement can be further delineated by installing diagonal striping between the curb and the edge striping. Visually narrowing the roadway is intended to reduce speeds by creating a confined feeling for motorists, known as side friction. Because it does not include any construction activities, it is a more cost effective and less intrusive traffic calming technique than the other engineering devices contained in this Program. Visual roadway narrowing can typically be installed quickly with little impact to residents. It has speed reduction effects and can be easily modified if necessary. However some residents may oppose the striping for aesthetic reasons. Since striping can only affect motorist perception and not physically require modified driving behavior, it is not as effective as construction measures. A second way to visually narrow a street is to plant street trees. As the trees mature the street will feel visually smaller. There is grant funding available thru the City's recycling program to pay for these trees. City permits will be required to plant within the City's right-of-way. Furthermore careful selection of trees must be chosen so as to not obstruct views. Cost !l! Striping costs vary depending upon the width of the roadway and presence of diagonal hatching. Maintenance after installation will be included in the City's regular pavement striping budget. Positive Aspects ll! Does not affect on-street parking I!! Has a speed reducing effect fl Low initial cost Negative Aspects ll! Not self-enforcing !l! Negative impact on the aesthetics of the street -26 - City of Rancho Palos Verdes Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program 3-55 SPEED HUMPS/TABLES Speed humps and tables are areas of pavement raised 2-3 inches in height over a length of 12-22 feet. The combination of different heights, lengths and spacing will affect the speed a vehicle can comfortably go over the hump/table as well as the speed between humps/tables. Speed humps and tables are marked with signs and pavement markings. They can be used on local streets where speed control is desired or where cut-through traffic is to be discouraged. Speed humps and tables are not used on streets designated as primary response routes for emergency vehicles, located on transit routes and on streets whose grade exceeds 8%. Speed humps and tables will be limited to streets not greater than 40 feet wide with a maximum of 3,000 vehicles per day. The speed humps/tables shall not be installed within horizontal curves of less than 300 feet centerline radius and vertical curves with less than the minimum safe stopping sight distance. They shall not be installed where the minimum safe stopping sight distance is not achieved. Speed humps/tables will not be installed on any streets where it is determined that an increase in accidents will occur with the installation. Speed humps/tables should not be installed ·on streets with more than 5 percent of long wheel base vehicles travel unless there is a reasonable alternative route. Special consideration should be made with regards to motorcycles, bicycles and other types of special vehicles that use the street. Cost is $5,000 -$10,000 each depending on the total number of humps or tables. Positive Aspects l!l Speed humps and tables are very effective at reducing speeds 11 Used in conjunction with landscaped islands or chokers, they can enhance the aesthetics of a street Negative Aspects 111 They cause a "rough ride" for all drivers l!l They force large vehicles, such as emergency vehicles and those with rigid suspensions, to travel at slower speeds 111 They may increase noise and air pollution -27 - City of Rancho Palos Verdes Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program 3-56 REMOVAL OF TRAFFIC CALMING DEVICES If residents of a neighborhood request to have their traffic calming measures removed, a new petition must be submitted with 60% support of from the original traffic calming petition limits. This petition cannot be submitted less than one year after installation of the traffic calming measures. City Staff will validate the petition and present the petition to the Traffic Safety Commission. After the Traffic Safety Commission reviews the request, its recommendation will be presented to the City Council for final action. The City Council may require residents participation in covering the cost of the removal including: • Inspection fees • Changing of signing, stripping, pavement markers 11 Redesign m Disposal of asphalt, concrete etc. 111 Design changes or engineering The process to have the traffic calming devices removed is as follows: 11 Residents contact City Staff m Residents submit a petition for the removal of the traffic calming devices 111 City Staff verifies the petition and presents it to the TSC for a recommendation to the City Council • If required by the City Council, a Trust Deposit will be set up for residents' financial participation • If approved by the City Council, the devices will be removed 11 A follow up report is sent to the Traffic Safety Commission and the City Council -28 - City of Rancho Palos Verdes Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program 3-57 3-58 SUMMARY of NEIGHBORHOOD TRAFFIC CALMING TOOLS Speed Measure Reduction Preliminary Education Proarams minor moderate- Police Enforcement major moderate- Radar Trailer major Lawn Signs minor Level 1 Truck Restriction Sians no Soeed Limit Sians minor Speed Limit Pavement Markings minor No Outlet Signs minor Level2 Entrance Treatments minor moderate- Radar Feedback Signs minor moderate- Traffic Circles minor moderate- Curb Extensions or Chokers minor Bui bouts minor moderate- Chicanes minor moderate- Medians/center island minor Visual Narrowing minor moderate- Speed Humps/Tables minor Volume Noise Reduction Increase none no none no minor no none no minor no none no none no none no minor no minor no moderate- minor minor minor no minor no minor no minor no minor no moderate minor -30 - Loss of Emergency Increased Parking Impacts Maintenance no no no no no no no no no no no no no no minor no no minor no no minor no no minor moderate-moderate- minor minor minor moderate- no no minor moderate-moderate- minor moderate minor moderate-moderate- minor minor minor minor minor minor moderate-moderate- minor minor minor moderate-moderate- minor minor minor no no minor moderate- no moderate minor City of Rap.cho Palos Verdes Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program 3-59 ENGINEERING STUDY We, the undersigned, request the City of Rancho Palos Verdes Public Works Department to undertake traffic engineering studies for the purpose of developing preliminary recommendations to mitigate existing traffic problems occurring on (Subject Street) be'fween (first cross-street) and (second cross-street). Existing traffic problems include the following: __ Excessive travel speeds __ High volumes of non-local traffic __ Bicycle mobility Vehicle noise -- __ Pedestrian mobility Truck traffic -- __ Other..__ _________________________ _ Name (please print) Address (please print) Telephone No. Date Signature Petition Spokesperson: _________ Telephone No.: _______ _ -31 - City of Rancho Palos Verdes Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program 3-60 LEVEL 2 TRAFFIC CALMING PETITION We, the undersigned, desire, agree with, and request implementation of the following traffic calming tools( s ): Install (specified traffic calming tool) on (subject street) between (first cross-street) and (second cross-street) or at (specified location) per the attached conceptual plans dated (month/day/year). I understand that the proposed traffic calming tools may have a direct impact on my property. By signing this petition, I acknowledge that I have read the detailed description of the traffic calming tools being proposed. Name (please print) Address Telephone No. Date Signature Petition Spokesperson: ________ _ Telephone No: _______ _ City of Rancho Palos Verdes _ 32 _ Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program 3-61 NEIGHBORHOOD TRAFFIC CALMING PROGRAM POINT WORKSHEET This worksheet will be completed by City staff. It will be used to assign points to a street for prioritization of potential neighborhood traffic calming. (Note: Neighborhood Traffic Calming Area of Impact = "AOI"). Name of Neighborhood (street location):---------------- 1. Travel Speed (40 pts. max.) Extent that the 851h percentile speed exceeds speed limit; 2 points assigned for every 1 mph over speed limit. Points a5th Percentile Speed: Date Measured:----- Speed Limit:-------- ADT Volume& (30 pts. max.) Total weekday ADT divided by 100, rounded to nearest whole number or weekday i;>eak hour volume divided by 10, rounded to the nearest •.vhole number (use higher number). Streets with average daily traffic over 1,500 vehicles per day or peak hour traffic over 150 vehicles per hour will be assigned 5 points with every additional 200 vehicles per day or 50 vehicles per hour. Volume: (vpd or vph) Date Counted:------ 2. Crashes (10 pts. max.) 1 point for every correctable collision reported based on the past 5 years of data. Number of Collisions: Period: ~-------- 3. School Proximity (5 pts. max.) School grounds abut candidate street = 5 points. AOI is located within 500 feet of school grounds = 3 points. AOI is located within 1,000 feet of school grounds = 1 point. 4. Sidewalks or Pathways (5 pts. max.) No sidewalk or pedestrian pathway exists along at least one side of the street= 5 points. A sidewalk or pedestrian pathway exists on at least one side of the street = O points. 5. Pedestrian Crossings (10 pts. max.) School crosswalk (yellow crosswalk) is located on a street in the AOI = 5 points. Major crosswalk is located on a street in the AOI = 10 points. Total Score:======= Comments: Evaluator: ~-------------Date:~-----------~ -33 - City of Rancho Palos Verdes Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program 3-62