REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Adopt a Resolution to Establish 15 Mile Per Hour Speed Zones at 35 Locations Adjacent to 16 Public Schools in Sunnyvale, Find the Action is Categorically Exempt under CEQA and Approve Budget Modification No. 7 for $107,600 for Installation of Signs
Report
BACKGROUND
Staff received a City Council request to consider the possibility of implementing 15 miles per hour (mph) speed limits at 35 locations adjacent to 16 Sunnyvale public schools (Attachment 1). City of Sunnyvale Municipal Code (SMC) Chapter 10.08 allows the City Traffic Engineer to place and maintain official traffic control devices when and as required under the City's traffic ordinances and resolutions or pursuant to the California Vehicle Code. These traffic control devices shall be installed as specified in the traffic control regulations document as per the latest standards and guidelines established by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). Standards and guidelines for establishing speed limits on city streets including school zones are given in the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CA MUTCD) and the 2014 California Manual for Setting Speed Limits published by Caltrans. Additionally, California Vehicle Code section 22358.4 allows a local agency to implement 15 MPH school speed zones in certain residential locations.
On February 28, 2012, staff prepared a Report to the Council (RTC No. 12-040, Attachment 2) for authorizing and establishing 15 mph speed zones at 37 locations near public schools in Sunnyvale. The Council did not approve changing the speed limits to 15 mph at these locations, and directed staff to further evaluate lowering the speed limit to 15 mph in school zones as part of a larger study.
In November 2012, the Comprehensive School Traffic Study was completed, which identified improvements on school routes near Sunnyvale public schools. This study did not recommend establishing 15 mph speed zones at schools, ...
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