TC - Item 3B - Installation of Red Curb at Fire Hydrant Policy DiscussionROSEMEAD TRAFFIC COMMISSION
TO: TRAFFIC COMMISSION
STAFF REPORT
FROM: MATT HAWKESWORTH, ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER/
ACTING PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
DATE: AUGUST 6, 2015
SUBJECT: INSTALLATION OF RED CURB AT FIRE HYDRANT POLICY DISCUSSION
SUMMARY
The California Vehicle Code (CVC) regulates or prohibits parking near a fire hydrant
regardless of whether or not the curb has been painted red. CVC Section 22514 states:
No person shall stop, park, or leave standing any vehicle within 15 feet of a fire 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.
As a matter or practice and in many cases per a resident's or business's request the Traffic
Commission has reviewed the request and the City Council has formally approved the
painting of red curb sections near fire hydrants. One of the unintended consequences of
painting the red curb to define the 15 foot radius is that some remaining curb sections are
shorter than a standard parking space; however, cars continue to try to park in the space
subsequently blocking driveways or drive approaches. The City has begun receiving
requests, mainly from residents to either shorten the red curb space to allow for adequate
parking space or to paint the entire sections red to keep cars from blocking driveways. Both
options are possible based on the CVC, but in order to provide consistency on a city-wide
basis, a policy regarding red curb painting at fire hydrants may be appropriate
Staff Recommendation
It is recommended that the Traffic Commission provide direction regarding the development
of a policy for red curbs at fire hydrants.
Traffic Commission Meeting
August 6, 2015
Pace 2 of 2
ANALYSIS
The Califomia Vehicle Code (CVC) regulates or prohibits parking near a fire hydrant
regardless of whether or not the curb has been painted red. CVC Section 22514 states:
No person shall stop, park, or leave standing any vehicle within 15 feet of a fire 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 City of Rosemead Municipal Code Section 17.112, Figure 17.112 -3 (Attachment B)
defines a standard parallel parking space as having a minimum length of 22. As a practice
the City has not typically painted prescribed stalls in residential neighborhoods. Included with
the report as Attachment A are some examples within the City of Rosemead where the
remaining curb space outside of the 15 foot buffer are insufficient for a regular parallel parking
space.
Since the CVC also allows a City to set a distance of less than 15 feet from a fire hydrant,
this may also be a consideration. Staff has reached out to the Los Angeles County Fire
Department to see if they have any specific concerns or requests regarding spaces of less
than 15 feet, but as of the time of finalizing this staff report, a response had not been received.
If a response is received prior to the Traffic Commission meeting, the information will be
provided to the Commission.
PUBLIC NOTICE PROCESS
This item has been noticed through the regular agenda notification process.
Submitted by:
Y
Sean Sullivan Matth rwE. worth
Public Works Manager Actic
Works Director
Attachments
A. Location Examples
B. City Municipal Code Section 117.112 -3
'ter dor
— - 3
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2703 Strathmore St
2619 Strathmore St
2453 Strathmore St
STALL AND AISLE DIAGRAM DIMENSIONS:
.;F,vsLE wioTrls PERGiART
4
PARALLEL PARKING - MINIMUM PARKING AND AISLE DIMENSIONS
®ADOXTOEIIDWACE
p +� NGA@IALD@rC
F FENC -.O OTHER
ca.$:AucWN /}
NOTE DMVRNWARENOTTOSCAL17
PARKING ANGLE 3
30° 4
45° 5
50° 9
90°
AISLE WIDTH 1
14' 1
14' 2
2Q Z
ZS
WRECi10N OF TRAFFIC ,
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wi x
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FIGURE 17.112 -3
52
ACCEPTABLE LANDSCAPE LOCATIONS:
NOTE: DRAWINGS ARE NOT TO SCALE.
TITLE 17- ZONING ARTICLE 4- SUPPLEMENTAL STANDARDS 1 53