TITLE
Recommendation to request City Attorney to draft an ordinance amending Long Beach Municipal Code Chapter 10.04, Obstruction of Streets and Sidewalks, to prohibit work or obstruction in the public rights-of-way during peak traffic hours. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The City of Long Beach (City) is experiencing a significant increase of construction in the public rights-of-way (ROW) resulting in contractors violating the Peak Hour Directive set forward by the City Engineer (Exhibit A). The Peak Hour Directive seeks to minimize impacts to traffic flow by prohibiting work or obstructions in the ROW during peak traffic hours (6:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.). Currently, some contractors disregard the Peak Hour Directive with minimal consequences. The proposed Ordinance would amend the Long Beach Municipal Code (LBMC) to include the requirements of the Peak Hour Directive, which would allow staff to write administrative citations to entities who fail to comply.
The proposed Ordinance would prohibit work or obstructions in the ROW during peak traffic hours. Under the proposed Ordinance, no person or entity shall affect a "Traffic Lane Closure," perform work within or on any public street or right-of-way or in any manner obstruct a public street or right-of-way on those "Street Classifications Subject to Work Hour Restrictions" during "Peak Traffic Hours.” Exemptions to the Ordinance include emergency work and work associated with a traffic plan approved by the City Engineer.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Amy R. Webber on April 26, 2018 and by Budget Analysis Officer Julissa Jose-Murray on April 24, 2018.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action on this item is not time critical.
FISCAL IMPACT
No budget adjustment is necessary for this recommendation. Revenue will be realized in conjunction with written citations issued to violators.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
CRAIG A. BECK
DI...
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