Title
a. Introduce, waive reading, and set a hearing for March 1, 2022 to consider adoption of an ordinance amending Section 12.12.010 of Title 12 of the Monterey County Code to revise, uphold and/or adopt speed limits on various county road segments; and
b. Find that the adoption of the ordinance is categorically exempt per Section 15301(c) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Introduce, waive reading, and set a hearing for March 1, 2022 to consider adoption of an ordinance amending Section 12.12.010 of Title 12 of the Monterey County Code to revise, uphold and/or adopt speed limits on various county road segments; and
b. Find that the adoption of the ordinance is categorically exempt per Section 15301(c) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
Engineering and Traffic Surveys (E&TS) are required as the basis for local authorities to establish speed limits higher or lower than those prescribed in the California Vehicle Code (CVC). These include radar measurement of operating speeds, analysis of accident records, and field reviews to inventory road conditions and roadside conditions not readily apparent to drivers. An appropriate speed limit is recommended based upon analysis of the acquired data and actual road and traffic conditions. According to the CVC, only those prima facie speed limits based on E&TS are enforceable by radar.
CVC Section 40802 requires that E&TS for speed limits should be conducted once every five (5) years by governing municipalities. Additionally, CVC Section 40802 contains provisions that allow an E&TS to be valid for up to fourteen (14) years if a registered engineer evaluates and determines that no significant changes in roadway or traffic conditions have occurred, including, but not limited to, changes in adjoining property or land use, roadway width, or traffic volume.
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