HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC AG PKT 2008-12-08 #CAGENDA STAFF REPORT
DATE: December 8, 2008
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
THRU: David Carmany, City Manager
FROM: Vince Mastrosimone, Director of Public Works
SUBJECT: RED CURB ADJACENT TO FIRE HYDRANTS
SUMMARY OF REQUEST:
The City Council is asked to receive and file this informational report regarding
painting the curb red in front of fire hydrants.
BACKGROUND:
At the November 10th meeting, Council Member Miller asked that this topic be
agendized and discussed by Council. He asked that curbs be painted red in front
of fire hydrants.
California Vehicle Code Section 22514 is the law governing parking near fire
hydrants.
22514. No person shall stop, park, or leave standing any vehicle within 15 feet of
afire hydrant except as follows:
(a) If the vehicle is attended by a licensed driver who is seated in the front seat
and who can immediately move such vehicle in case of necessity.
(b) If the local authority adopts an ordinance or resolution reducing that
distance. If the distance is less than 10 feet total length when measured along
the curb or edge of the street, the distance shall be indicated by signs or
markings.
(c) If the vehicle is owned or operated by a fire department and is clearly
marked as a fire department vehicle.
The Seal Beach Police Department interprets this section to mean that no one
may park within 7.5 feet of either side of a fire hydrant. If the City were to paint
red curb in front of each hydrant, 15 feet of on-street parking would be removed.
Agenda Item C
Page 2
Staff recommends that the City not paint red curb in front of every fire hydrant.
Parking in front of fire hydrants is already covered in the California Vehicle Code.
Painting would be redundant. If there is a pattern of repeated violations by
motorists parking next to particular fire hydrants, it can be addressed by
increased enforcement by the Police Department. Painting the curb would be
expensive and they would need to be repainted every 2-3 years due to the
quality of paint we are allowed to use. Many people would object to having red
curb in front of their home or business.
The breakdown of fire hydrant locations is as follows:
Old Town 171
Hill 54
Leisure World 203
CPE 118
CPW 25
Old Ranch 33
Misc. Citywide 80
Total 684
Staff recommends that any violations of Vehicle Code Section 22514 be
addressed through enforcement rather than red curb.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
There are no financial impacts related to the staff recommendation.
RECOMMENDATION:
It is respectfully recommended that the City Council receive and file this report.
SUBM E
Vince Mastrosimone
Director of Public Works
NOTED AND APPROVED:
O~ ~~
David Carmany, City Manager