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HomeMy WebLinkAbout24-Development Services L I':~" .'.'r~L CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION From: James Funk, Director Dept: Development Services Subject: Approval of the Draft Administrative Policy for Stop Sign Warrants. Date: 05/17/2001 File No.: MCC Date: 5/21/01 Synopsis of Previous Council Action: May 10, 2001 Draft Administrative Policy for Stop Sign Warrants approved by the Legislative Review Committee. Recommended motion: Approve Draft Administrative Policy for Stop Sign Warrants. ~~ r) James Funk Contact person: .1::Im..!': FlInk nir",dnr Phone:fi?n Supporting data attached: Staff Report, Draft Policy Ward: All FUNDING REQUIREMENTS: Amount: -0- Source: (Acc!. No.) NIA (Acct. Description) Finance' Council Notes: Agenda Item No. Jt:L 5 Jell /01 CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION STAFF REPORT Subiect: Approval of the Draft Administrative Policy for Stop Sign Warrants. Backaround: The City Administrative Policy for Stop Sign Warrants was developed and is being proposed to address a need to be responsive to residential traffic problems that are not adequately addressed by CAL TRANS guidelines alone. The proposed policy continues the use of the CAL TRANS guidelines and conditions for justification of installing stop signs at an intersection. These conditions, called "Warrants for Stop Signs", are summarized as "Policy A-1 State Warrants for Multi-Way Stop Control" and "A-2 State Warrants for TwolOne-Way Stop Control". In addition, staff is proposing a "City Administrative Policy" for warrants for local residential streets. This proposed policy is much more sensitive to residential neighborhood conditions, yet the conditionslcriteria remain measurable, quantifiable, and objective. Staff distributed the proposed City Administrative Policy to the Mayor and Common Council, and Nick Gonzalez, Assistant to the MayorlCommunity Liaison, distributed it to the Neighborhood Cluster Association. The Legislative Review Committee reviewed this policy and recommended approval at their meeting on May 10, 2001. FinanciallmDact: None Recommendation: That the Mayor and Common Council adopt the Administrative Policy for Stop Sign Warrants. DRAFT CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO ADMINIS1RA11VE POUCY FOR STOP SIGN WARRANTS Report p1epE1ed underthesupelVision c:I: AIi Cayir, PE March 19,2001 TICI/ ISlech EngiIIeEln;, n:. STOP SIGNS The stop sign shall be used where traffic is required to stop, except at signalized intersections. Because a stop sign causes a substantial inconvenience to motorists, it should only be used where warranted. The California Vehicle Code (CVC Section 22450, b) provides that "not withstanding any other provision of law, a local authority may adopt rules and regulations by ordinance or resolution providing for the placement of stop sign at any location on a highway under its jurisdiction where the stop sign would enhance traffic safety". STATE OF CALIFORNIA (CAL TRANS) TRAFFIC MANUAL The State of California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has specific guidelines and conditions for justification of installing stop signs at an intersection. These guidelines and conditions called "Warrants for Stop Signs" are described in Caltrans Traffic Manual, and summarized below: 1. Multi-way Stop Signs The "Multi-way Stop" installation may be useful at some intersections. It should ordinarily be used only where the volume of traffic on intersecting roads is approximately equal. Ultimately, a traffic control signal may be more appropriate for an intersection with a heavy volume of traffic. Any of the following conditions may warrant Multi-way Stop installation: 1.1 Where a "traffic signal is warranted and urgently needed, a multi-way stop may be installed as interim measure until the signal is installed. 1.2 Five or more right angle andlor turning movement accidents in recent 12 months. 1.3 Minimum traffic volumes meeting all three conditions below: 1.3.1 Combined vehicle volume on both streets during any 8 hours averages 500+ veh/hr. 1.3.2 Combined vehicle and pedestrian volume on minor street during the same 8 hours averages 200+ unit/hr, with an average delay to minor street vehicles during the maximum hour of the same 8 hours averages 30 see/hr. 1.3.3 85th percentile approach speed exceeds 40 mph (64 km/h), min. vehicular volume warrant is 70% of the above requirements. 2. Two-way Stop Signs: If there are no stop signs at an intersection, a stop sign would be warranted on one of the crossing streets where one or more of the following conditions exist: 2.1. On the less important road at its intersection with a main road where accident history justifies the placement of Stop signs. 2.2. On a county road or city street with its intersection with a State highway. 2.3. At the intersection with two main highways. The highway traffic to be stopped depends on the approach speeds, volumes and turning movements. 2.4. On a street entering a legally established through highway or street. 2.5. On a minor street where the safe approach speed is less than 10 mph (16 km/h). 2.6. At an unsignalized intersection in a signalized area. 2.7. At intersections where a combination of high speed, restricted view and accident records indicates a need for control by the Stop sign. CALIFORNIA VEHICLE CODE AND LOCAL AUTHORITY The following are excerpts from the California Vehicle Code (CVC) regarding local authorities authority on stop signs: Local Authority, .CVC 21351 Local authorities in their perspective jurisdictions shall place and maintain or cause to be placed and maintained such traffic signs, signals and other traffic control devices upon streets and highways as required hereunder, and may place and maintain or cause to be placed and maintained such appropriate signs, signals and other traffic control devices as may be authorized hereunder or as may be necessary to properly indicate and carry out the provisions of this code or local traffic ordinances or to warn or guide traffic. Stop Signs on Local Highways, CVC 21354..., a local authority may designate any highway under its jurisdiction as a through highway and may erect stop signs at entrances thereto or may designate any intersection under its exclusive jurisdiction as a stop intersection and erect stop signs at one or more entrances thereto. Administrative Stop Wanant Policy Report prepared by Transtech Engineers. Inc. for City of San Bemardino . Stop Signs, CVC 21355 ... The Department of Transportation and local authorities in their respective jurisdictions may erect stop signs at any location so as to control traffic within an intersection. Stop Requirements, CVC 22450, b) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a local authority may adopt rules and regulations by ordinance or resolution providing for the placement of a stop sign at any location on a highway under its jurisdiction where the stop sign would enhance traffic safety. LOCAL AUTHORITY ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY FOR STOP SIGNS It is recommended that stop signs should be installed if the conditions meet the Caltrans Stop Warrants. However, there may be unique and local conditions, which may require installation of stop signs even if the Caltrans warrants are not met. In order to take such unique and local conditions into consideration in evaluating an intersection for stop signs, some local agencies have developed "Administrative Pollicies for Stop Sign Installation". The Administrative Policy is in addition to Caltrans warrants, and would be used to further analyze the intersection, in the event Caltrans warrants are not met. The installation of stop signs or other traffic control devices at locations where State (Caltrans) warrants are not met must be considered carefully by the local agency, given there is some perceived or real protection from liability associated with complying with the framework of the Caltrans warrants analysis process. In summary, the Administrative Policy would enable the staff to review the unique conditions of an intersection and further evaluate if stop sign installation should be considered. The attached Administrative Policy has four sections, which can be used to evaluate stop sign installation: Section A-1: State warrants for multi-way stop control. Section A-2: State warrants for 2-way stop control. Section B: Petition warrants by City Administrative Policy. Section C: Accidents and safety warrants by City Administrative Policy. If any of the sections listed above are met a stop sign can be installed. Each section is explained in detail on the attached forms. DEMOCRACY OF JUDGEMENT Please note that Criteria "B" is a type of warrant for a stop sign based on the common "democratic" knowledge and experience of the residents living in the neighborhood. The democracy of a judgement of residents having first hand experience of the traffic conditions is given credence. The criteria gives weight to the collective perceptions of the people in the neighborhood. Also, some people in a neighborhood may not support installation of a stop sign for reasons such as noise, unnecessary delay, increased congestion, and potential for "running" unwarranted stop signs which may give pedestrians a false sense of security. Administrative Stop Wa"'8nt Policy Report prepared by Transtech Engineers. Inc. for City of San Bernardino City of San Bernardino WARRANTS FOR STOP SIGN INSTALLATION Location Existing Control Prepared by/Date Checked by/Date POLICY Stop sign may be warranted at an intersection where any of the following warrants A-1, A-2, B or C are met A-1 STATE WARRANTS FOR MULTI-WAY STOP CONTROL Warrant is satisfied if any of the following criteria are met CRITERIA REQUIREMENTS REMARKS y N A-1.1 Traffic signals are warranted and urgently needed, multi-way stop need to be installed as interim measure until signal is installed A-l.2 Five or more right angle and/or turning movement accidents in recent 12 months All 3 Combined vehicle volume on both streets during any 8 hours conditions averages 500+ veh/hr listed to Combined vehicle and pedestrian volume on minor street during the the right same 8 hours averages 200+ uniUhr, A1.3 must be And met to Delay to minor street vehicles during the maximum hour of the same satisfy 8 hours averages 30 secJhr warrant 85th percentile approach speed exceeds 40 mph (64 km/h), min. A-1.3 vehicular volume warrant is 70% of the above requirements A-1: IS STA TE WARRANT FOR MUL TI-WA Y STOP CONTROL SA TISFIED7 A-2 STATE WARRANTS FOR TWO/ONE-WAY STOP CONTROL Warrant is satisfied if any of the following criteria are met CRITERIA REQUIREMENTS REMARKS Y N A-2.1. On the less important road at its intersection with a main road where accident history justifies the placement of Stop signs. A-2.2. On a county road or city street with its intersection with a Stare highY'ay. At the intersection with two main highways. The highway traffic to be A-2.3 stopped depends on the approach speeds, volumes and turning movements. A-2.4 On a street entering a legally established through highway or street. , A-2.5 On a minor street where the safe approach speed is less than 10 mph (16 km/h). A-2.6 At an un-signalized intersection in a signalized area. A-2.7 At intersections where a combination of high speed, restricted view and accident records indicates a need for control by the Stop sign. A-2: IS STA TE WARRANT FOR TWO/ONE-WA Y STOP CONTROL SA T1SFIED? . . B. PETITION WARRANTS FOR LOCAL RESIDENTIAL STREETS BY CITY ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY Use only at residential street intersections excluding arterials, collectors, local collectors, where ADT do not exceed 2,500 Vehicles on each Intersecting Street Warrant 8 is satisfied if 8 and any two of the criteria 8.1 through 8.12 are met CRITERIA REQUIREMENTS REMARKS Y N Is there a petition signed by more than 60% of property B. owners/residents located within 600 feet of proposed stop sign; AND TWO OF THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA ARE MET. B-1. Schoollocaled within 600 feet of intersection and intersection is on "suggested route to school". B-2. Streets leading to intersection do not intersect at right angles. B-3. One or more streets leading to intersection is at a grade of more than 5%. Where one or more of the approaches, requiring the stop sign(s), . B-4. does not meet the required minimum sight distance, due to permanent view obstruction or roadway geometry. B-5. Intersection is abutting a park, major shopping center or other high pedestrian use facility. B-6. Pedestrian volume greater than 480 units/hr in any 8 hour period. The combined vehicular and pedestrian volume crossing the major B-7 street exceeds 125 units during at least two hours where at least 200 vehicles enter the intersection each hour from all approaches during any 8-hour period. B-8. One approach of the intersection is a driveway serving a commercial area. B-9. One approach of the intersection is a driveway servicing a residential property. Pass through (non-local traffic) on the subject residential street exceeds 50 vehicles per hour and exceeds 40% of Ihe vehicle traffic B-10 during the hours from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m: on a non-holiday Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, with local traffic defined as vehicles traversing/commuting through the neighborhood. B-11 The vehicle volume entering the intersection from all approaches exceeds 600 units during any hour at an intersection. Less than desirable pedestrian or vehicular conditions not listed B-12 above or contained in the criteria of the State of Califomia for the installation of stop signs exist at the intersection (as determined/verified by the City's licensed Traffic Engineer. 8: IS 8 PLUS ANY TWO OF THE CRITERIA 8-1 THROUGH 8.12 SA TISFIED? I. . . . C. ACCIDENTS AND SAFETY WARRANTS FOR LOCAL RESIDENTIAL STREETS BY CITY ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY Use Only at Residential Street Intersections Where ADT do not exceed 2,500 Vehicles on each Intersecting Street Warrant C is satisfied if C and any two conditions C.1 through C.10 are met CRITERIA REQUIREMENTS REMARKS Y N Three or more accidents in a 12 month period susceptible to correction C. by stop signs; or at least 200 vehicles enter the intersection each hour from all approaches during any consecutive 8 hour period; AND TWO OF THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA ARE MET. Cot. School located within 600 feet of intersection and intersection is on "suggested route to school". C-2. Streets leading to intersection do not intersect at right angles. C-3. One or more streets leading to intersection is at a grade of more than 5%. Where one or more of the approaches, requiring the stop sign(s), does not C-4. meet the required minimum sight distance, due to permanent view obstruction or roadway geometry. C-5. Intersection is abutting a park, major shopping center or other high pedestrian use facility. C-6. Pedestrian volume is greater than 480 unit/hr in the B-hour period. The combined vehicular and pedestrian volume crossing the major street C-7. exceeds t25 units during at least two hours where at least 200 vehicles enter the intersection each hour from all approaches during any B-hour period. CoB. One approach of the intersection is a driveway serving a commercial area. C-9. One approach of the intersection is a driveway servicing a residential property. Pass through (non-local traffic) on the subject residential street exceeds 50 vehicles per hour and 40% of the vehicle traffic during the hours from 7:00 C-tO. a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on a non-holiday Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, with local traffic defined as vehicles traversing/commuting through the neighborhood. C-tt The vehicle volume entering the intersection from all approaches exceeds 600 units during any hour at an intersection. Less than desirable pedestrian or vehicular conditions not listed above or C-t2 contained in the criteria of the State of Califomia for the installation of stop signs exist at the intersection (as determined/verified by the City's licensed Traffic Engineer. C: IS C PLUS ANY TWO CRITERIA C-1 THROUGHC-12 SATISFIED? DID THIS LOCATION MEET ANY OF THE WARRANTS A.1, A.2, B OR C ABOVE? IF YES, CHECK WARRANTS MET D D D D A.1 A.2 B C IF ANY OF THE WARRANTS ARE MET, A STOP SIGN SHOULD BE INSTALLED AFTER APPROVAL BY MAYOR AND COMMON COUNCIL AND THE INTERSETION IS DESIGNATED A "STOP INTERSECTION" BY THE MAYOR AND COMMON COUNCIL. Good traffic engineering judgment must be exercised before installing stop signs at certain intersections (whether it meets the warrants or notf