Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is the process to have a stop sign installed?

The following information is taken from the CalTrans Traffic Manual.

Because the Stop sign causes a substantial inconvenience to motorists, it should only be used where warranted. A Stop sign is not a "cure-all" and is not a substitute for other traffic devices. Stop signs should not be used for speed control. Many times the need for a Stop sign can be eliminated if the sight distance is increased by removing obstructions.

Stop Sign Warrants:
1. Where traffic signals are warranted and urgently needed, the multiway stop may be an interim measure that can be installed quickly to control traffic while arrangements are being made for the signal installations.
2. A collision problem, as indicated by five or more reported collisions within a 12 month period of a type susceptible of correction by a multiway stop installation. Such collisions include right and left turn collisions as well as right angle collisions.
3. Minimum traffic volumes;
    a) The total vehicular volume entering the intersection from all approaches must average at least 500 vehicles per hour for any 8 hours of an average day, and
    b) The combined vehicular and pedestrian volume from the minor street or highway must average at least 200 units per hour for the same 8 hour, with an average delay to minor street vehicular traffic of at least 30 seconds per vehicle during the maximum hour, but
    c) When the 85th percentile approach speed exceeds 40 mi/hr, the minimum vehicular volume warrant is 70% of the above requirements.

If you believe that your location of concern still warrants a Stop sign, contact Public Works at 781-5252 to discuss the situation further.

How do i get a speed limit established or revised?

The California Vehicle Code requires that for a speed limit to be legally enforceable the speed limit must be established based on an engineering speed survey. An engineering survey involves a field measurement of existing speeds. From the collected data the 85th percentile is the legally enforceable speed. This applies up to 55 mph.
For areas that meet the legal definition for residential or business districts, 25 mph may be posted.

What is the process to establish a no parking zone?

County staff reviews and endorses needs for parking restrictions based on individual requests. Please send a letter requesting a parking restriction with return information so the staff can review it.

What is a speed hump and what is the speed hump policy?

A "speed hump" covers the entire width of a roadway, for a distance of twelve feet, with a maximum height of about two and a half inches. "speed humps" differ significantly from the "speed bump" which are commonly found in parking lots and other private development areas. Bumps are often higher, and cover much less length of roadway, as little as one foot.

For a street to be considered for the installment of speed humps, it must meet the following criteria:

• Minimum length 1/4 mile
• "Residence District" as defined by the California Vehicle Code
• Qualifies for a 25 mph speed limit
• Local streets only, no collectors or arterials
• Sustained grade less than 6%
• Grades up o 8% may be allowed over short distances
• Maximum length of 6% grade is 400 feet
• Minimum traffic volume of 1000 vehicles per day. This is the level at which the character of the residential steer degrades.
• 60% of vehicles exceed the 25 mph limit.
• No significant shift of traffic or other residential streets.

Any request for speed humps must be supported by written documentation which demonstrates that substantial support is present on the specific street being considered. A petition must be submitted bearing the names, signatures, address and phone numbers of at least 60% of the affected households. It is the responsibility of the party making the request to circulate the petition.

After receiving a request in the form of a valid petition, the Department will review the street to determine if it meets the criteria of the policy. If a street is evaluated and meets all the criteria except the minimum traffic volume, the residents along the affected street may elect to fund the full cost of the installation. Typical costs have been $2000 per hump, with a minimum of three humps required at any installation.

Staff will forward the request, along with the Department's recommendation, to the appropriate community advisory council for their consideration. Following that, the Board of Supervisors will make the final determination of the installation or removal of any speed humps.

If you wish to receive a pamphlet explaining Speed Humps in more detail use our Contact Us page. Be sure to include your name and address.

If you wish to discuss speed humps with a staff member, call Public Works (805) 781-5252 or if you have any other questions not covered here.