MEETING DATE:
July 9, 2024
SUBJECT:
Title
ORDINANCE NO. 2024-1544 - ORDINANCE REPEALING AND REPLACING MUNICIPAL CODE TITLE 12 REGARDING MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC
Body
Recommendation
Recommendation
INTRODUCE (first reading) Ordinance repealing and replacing the existing Municipal Code Title 12 titled Motor Vehicles and Traffic.
Body
Board or Commission Action
On June 5, 2024, the revisions to Title 12 were presented to Traffic Commission as an informational item.
Relevant Council Strategic Theme
Good Governance
Relevant Department Goal
Not Applicable
Executive Summary
Title 12 of the San Marcos Municipal Code establishes regulations, rules, and guidelines for the operation of motor vehicles within city limits. The purpose of Title 12 is to promote safe and efficient transportation while addressing parking, congestion, and compliance with state and federal traffic laws. In addition to a series of housekeeping updates, the amendment to Title 12 will add a new chapter providing regulations for the use of bicycles and e-bikes in the City of San Marcos.
Discussion
San Marcos Municipal Code Title 12 is proposed to be amended throughout for consistency and to address bicycle and e-bike provisions.
Proposed modifications are included in Ordinance 2024-1544 in Attachment 1. The revisions are provided in strikeout and underline format in Attachment 2. Key updates are discussed below.
Housekeeping Items.
Titles and authority references have been revised to match current practices, such as changing “Traffic Safety Commission” to “Traffic Commission” and updating the authority of certain regulations from the Public Works Director to City Engineer, City Traffic Engineer, or City Manager. References to the California Vehicle Code (CVC) are added throughout, and any inconsistencies with the CVC have been resolved. Updates to be consistent with current law have also been added throughout.
Authority to Establish On-Street Parking, Angle Parking, No Parking, and Time-Limited Parking.
The City Manager, by administrative resolution, or the City Council by resolution or ordinance, may designate locations of on-street parking, areas in which on-street parking is prohibited, and areas of time-limited parking in accordance with such standards, limitations, and rules as set forth in Title 12 or as may be determined by administrative resolution of the City Manager or by ordinance or resolution of the Council. In Chapter 12.20.030, areas of no parking are further defined.
Sleeping in Parked Automobiles.
Sections 12.20.100(d) and 12.20.120 through 12.20.140 are deleted for consistency with the separate ordinance that proposes to repeal those sections, amend Section 9.04.070, and add Chapter 10.33 to the San Marcos Municipal Code.
Bicycle and Electric Bicycle Regulations.
The proposed new chapter is directed at improving safety for bicycle and e-bike riders on public highways and in public places. Proposed provisions include making it unlawful to carry a person or be carried on a bicycle in a way other that it is designed; restricting the riding of bicycles on sidewalks within business districts; and using a wireless telephone while riding a bicycle unless it is configured for hands-free operation. The new provisions in Title 12 would provide that infractions by first-time violators could be satisfied by completing a bicycle safety program approved by the issuing agency, if such a program is available. This would allow deputies to address operator inexperience and lack of awareness more directly and efficiently than the traditional path of a direct citation triggering the California Vehicle Code (CVC) citation process and requiring traffic court. It also provides the opportunity for bicycle riders to become more educated about best practices through the diversion to safety programs.
Truck Routes.
Truck route language has been modified to parallel the CVC, and to correct discrepancies in the boundaries of such routes. Truck routes on Pico Avenue, Via Vera Cruz, and Linda Vista are deleted. Under the CVC, trucks may still drive on other streets for loading or unloading freight, but only by such deviation from the nearest truck route as is reasonably necessary to reach their destination.
Environmental Review
The proposed Ordinance has been reviewed for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). It is recommended that the Council determine that this is not a project as defined in Section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines because there is no potential for it to result in a physical change in the environment, either directly or indirectly. Even if the proposed Ordinance were to be considered a project subject to CEQA, it would be exempt from CEQA pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines because it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the proposed Ordinance would have a significant effect on the environment.
Fiscal Impact
No direct fiscal impact occurs as a result of the adoption of this ordinance.
Attachment(s)
Attachment 1: Ordinance 2024-1544
Attachment 2: Revisions to Title 12 in Strikeout/Underline Format
Prepared by: Stephanie Kellar, Deputy City Engineer
Reviewed by: Eddmond Alberto, City Traffic Engineer
Approved by: Michelle Bender, City Manager