Title
Receive a preliminary analysis report in response to Board Referral No. 2025.11 seeking to adopt an ordinance to prohibit recreational vehicles parking on the entirety of Railroad Avenue, establish a tow-away zone, and authorizing the immediate removal of vehicles that violate this no-parking restriction.
Body
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Receive a preliminary analysis report in response to Board Referral No. 2025.11 and:
b. Direct that staff proceed with completion of referral based on description in this report; or,
c. Direct that staff:
i. Proceed with completion of referral based on modifications by the Board; or,
ii Return to Board with a more comprehensive analysis of referral and anticipated effort for completion; or,
iii. Rescind referral.
d. Provide further direction, as appropriate.
PRELIMINARY ANALYSIS:
Background:
On September 16, 2025, the Board added Supervisor Church’s Referral No. 2025.11 to the County Board of Supervisors’ referral matrix. The referral is seeking to adopt an ordinance to prohibit recreational vehicles parking on the entirety of Railroad Avenue, establish a tow-away zone, and authorizing the immediate removal of vehicles that violate this no-parking restriction.
Proposed Project Description:
Railroad Avenue is a County maintained road in the Pajaro community, an unincorporated community south of the City of Watsonville. It is Public Works, Facilities and Parks (PWFP) staff understanding from the Board Referral, that roadside parking of recreational vehicles on Railroad Avenue has created a consistent and increasing public health and safety concern for the community and businesses of Pajaro, particularly regarding unhoused persons living in recreational vehicles along this road without appropriate services, disruptions for residents and businesses, crime, traffic hazards caused by parked vehicles blocking travel lanes, and the illegal dumping of trash and refuse.
The referral involves completion of the following tasks:
• Perform traffic engineering study for parking prohibition warrants. This includes performing community outreach and coordination, for needs assessment and full understanding.
• Prepare ordinance and Board Report to present to the Board for consideration. Includes the amount of time to route an item through the levels of departmental review prior to an item being taken to the Board for consideration.
• Schedule and present a public hearing per California Government Code Sections 65090 and 6061.
• If approved, allow thirty days to pass per California Government Code Section 25123.
• Install requisite signage.
Estimated Project Cost:
Costs associated with the completion of this referral include staff time and materials. Estimated cost may be upwards of $15,000. Staff costs will be absorbed by lead department and assisting departments (PWFP and Office of the County Counsel [OCC]).
Staffing Level Estimate:
It is anticipated that one (1) to two (2) PWFP staff, along with OCC staff will be utilized to complete a response to the subject referral. Additional field crew personnel will be required for installation of signs. Time impacts associated with this request may include staff time from PWFP, specifically Traffic Engineering; Housing and Community Development (HCD); OCC; Environmental Health Bureau (EHB); Office of Homeless Services; the County Administrative Office (CAO); and the law enforcement agencies such as the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and Monterey County Sheriff's Office (MCSO).
Departmental Challenges:
Coordination with local community and stakeholders for the proposed parking prohibition.
Proposed Response Date:
Staff proposes to return to the Board prior to February 28, 2026.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
The recommended action supports the Board of Supervisors’ Strategic Plan Goals for Well-Being and Quality of Life, and Safe and Resilient Communities. Should the study demonstrate a need, these services will enhance the County’s transportation safety and accessibility, improving the quality of life for County residents.
X Well-Being and Quality of Life
__ Sustainable Infrastructure for the Present and Future
X Safe and Resilient Communities
__ Diverse and Thriving Economy
__ Administrative
Prepared by: Chad Alinio, PE, Senior Civil Engineer
Approved by: Randell Ishii, MS, PE, TE, PTOE, Director of Public Works, Facilities and Parks
Attachments:
Attachment A - Board Referral No. #2025.11