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Recommendation to request City Attorney to prepare an ordinance amending Long Beach Municipal Code (LBMC) Section 10.24.078 to prohibit parking of oversized and recreational vehicles on City rights-of-way within residential neighborhoods; and, amending LBMC Section 10.24.078 relating to the oversized and recreational vehicle parking permit process. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
Long Beach residents have complaints relating to oversized and recreational vehicle (RV) impacts, especially in residential neighborhoods and commercial corridors. The problem is worse in neighborhoods that lack adequate parking for its residents, as an RV can take three or four normal-sized parking spaces. Additionally, these large vehicles can sometimes create sight issues at intersections, driveways, and alleys.
The City has enforcement tools available to address some of these issues, but they are out of date and inconsistent with neighboring communities. The LBMC and California Vehicle Code have several sections defining parking restrictions for oversized vehicles. When reviewed together, these sections can be confusing and appear to be contradictory.
On March 6, 2017, the Department of Public Works transmitted a memo (Exhibit A) with an update on the oversized vehicle and RV restriction program, which provided answers to the City Council’s questions, detailed the regulations of other local cities, California Coastal Commission (Coastal Commission) requirements, enforcement and legality of LBMC Section 10.18.040, and provided recommendations for amending the LBMC.
Staff proposes amending the LBMC to restrict parking of oversized vehicles and RVs in residential areas citywide and post parking prohibition signs at all streets crossing city boundaries entering the City of Long Beach. Signs would also be posted at all freeway exit ramps within the city. For residential areas within the Local Coastal Program, the Coastal Commission will have to be consulted. The City will need to pass an Ordinance requesting the Coastal Commission certify the changes to the Local Coastal Program. Staff will schedule a meeting with the Coastal Commission to get their feedback on the draft language, and will submit the Ordinance to the Coastal Commission for their certification. The Coastal Commission will hold a public hearing on the request within three months unless Coastal Commission staff requests a one-year extension.
Prior to posting the signs, notices alerting residents of this change will be mailed in resident utility bills and posted to the City’s website and social media. There is an existing free on-line permit application system that will be used to generate temporary permits.
Currently, the City approaches parking restrictions on a case-by-case basis. This results in a staff-intensive and inconsistent approach. Staff recommends a more focused approach and believes it is necessary to change elements of the LBMC to provide more clarity. The restriction of oversized vehicles on commercial streets should continue to take place by evaluating each street individually. Further, any modifications should provide consistency throughout the City and minimize the cost of enforcement.
Specific changes to the LBMC should include:
• A prohibition against parking oversized vehicles within the City rights-of-way in residential neighborhoods. Vehicles parked on private residential property must be behind a gate, consistent with the current zoning requirements.
• Exceptions can be made for loading and unloading of oversized vehicles. The exception will be for a maximum period of 72 hours - an increase from the current maximum of 48 hours. Free permits for the exception can be obtained online through the City’s website. Staff suggests allowing 20 permits per year.
• Change the minimum length of an oversized vehicle from 20 feet to 22 feet to exclude pick-up trucks and sport utility vehicles. Boats and trailers would be subject to these limits.
• Change the permit approval of oversized vehicles from the Fire Department to the City Traffic Engineer.
• Allow posting of parking prohibition signs to be required at City entrance streets and not require posting on every street. Staff suggests including a mailer in utility bills and posting information on the City website to alert all residents of this new policy.
• Allow parking to continue within certain commercial/industrial areas of the City with limitations as determined by the City Traffic Engineer.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Amy R. Webber on May 10, 2017 and by Budget Analysis Officer Julissa Jose-Murray on May 19, 2017.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on June 6, 2017, so the LBMC can be amended expeditiously.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total cost to post signs at City entry points is estimated at $18,000, and is budgeted in the Capital Projects Fund (CP) in the Public Works Department (PW). This cost would cover the purchase and installation of 180 signs at $100 each. The signs would be installed by Public Works staff. Educational materials could cost approximately $20,000 for development and mailing of an informational flyer to residents and will be covered through existing appropriation. Enforcement of this restriction would be complaint-based only, thus no additional staffing is required. The existing on-line permit system will continue to be used, and no additional costs are necessary. There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
CRAIG A. BECK
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER