HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-03-06; Traffic Safety Commission; ; Status Report on the City of Carlsbad Pedestrian Action PlanCITY OF CARLSBAD
TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION
STAFF REPORT
COMMISSION MEETING OF: March 6, 1995 ITEM NO. 6A
LOCATION: Citywide
INITIATED BY: Thelma Hayes, 580 Laguna Drive, Carlsbad, California 92008
REQUESTED ACTION: Status Report on the City of Carlsbad Pedestrian Action Plan.
BACKGROUND:
Ms. Hayes has sent a letter to staff (attached) and requested that staff update the Traffic
Safety Commission on the Pedestrian Action Plan.
DATA:
On March 1, 1988, the Carlsbad City Council established the Pedestrian Action Plan that
included the following five key elements of the plan:
Key Element No. 1 -Expand the Pedestrian Section of the Circulation Element at the
time revisions to the General Plan take place. Insert a policy statement(s) that relates to
pedestrian needs and objectives.
Key Element No. 2 -Develop an action plan for adopting and expanding the Downtown
Pedestrian Circulation Study prepared by Willdan Associates in 1984. This action plan
will inventory, evaluate, and prioritize locations within the City where sidewalks or other
pedestrian facilities are missing or in need of repair and identify areas where it is
necessary to complete pedestrian linkages. Funding for the study will be requested from
SANDAG.
Key Element No. 3 -Develop a Pedestrian Education Program. This program will focus
on providing guidelines and information to pedestrians on a variety of subjects such as
crosswalks, traffic signal pedestrian push buttons and signal indications, ways to provide
input to the planning process, pedestrian safety, designated City department to report
maintenance problems, pedestrian -vehicle relationship and funding availability in the
yearly Capital Improvement Program for pedestrian facilities. New articles, leaflets, post
cards, information meetings, and other resources would be used to accomplish this
objective.
CITY OF CARLSBAD
TRAFFIC SAFETY COMMISSION
STAFF REPORT
COMMISSION MEETING OF:
( continued)
March 6, 1995 ITEMNO. 6A
Key Element No. 4 -Develop a program to provide attention to the pedestrian planning
and implementation process. This program will focus on the steps to ensure follow-
through on the entire pedestrian process and facilities implementation, from initial design
concepts to construction.
Key Element No. 5 -Designate an engineering and/or planning staff member to have
specific pedestrian related responsibilities. An employee(s) of the City of Carlsbad will
have responsibilities to oversee the comprehensive planning for pedestrian needs and
ensure that the overall planning process meets the needs of the pedestrian, but not
necessarily as a full-time responsibility.
In 1994, the City Council adopted revisions to the General Plan. Included in the updated
and revised General Plan was a re-write of the Circulation Element. In the Circulation
Element, an expanded section on Alternate Modes of Transportation (Page 5) was
provided that included pedestrian related issues. A copy of the Circulation Element is
provided.
Staff will present a verbal status report at the March 6, 1995 Traffic Safety Commission
meeting.
RECOMMENDATION:
Information item only.
NECESSARY CITY COUNCIL ACTION:
No City Council action required.
January 2, 1995
Thelma I. H~yes
580 Laguna Drive
Po.;t Office Box 1366
Carlsbad,CA 92018
(619) 434-3580
Traffic Safety Commission
Attn: Robert T. Johnson, Jr. P.E.
Traffic Eng ineer
City of Carlsbad
2075 Las Pa lmas Dr.
Carlsbad, CA 92009
Dear Commiss ioners:
ENG!NEE:RiNG
DEPA f~Tfv\ENT
On March 1, 19 95 will be the seventh anniversary of t h e City
Counci l 's a doption of the Pedestrian Action Plan.
Again, I wo uld like to request that there be an item for t he
agenda of t he March meeting of the Traffic Safety Commission for
a report on the progress on action taken to carry out t h e plan.
Key Element No . 1 reads "Expand Pedestrian Section of the
Circulation Element at the time revisions to the General Plan
take p l ace. I nsert a policy statement(s) that relates to
pedestrian needs and objectives." Will you kindly cover what the
General Plan c hanges have been? Will you report what
recommendat ions were made in public testimony and the action
taken?
Some o f t he items for update are:
The amount available in the fund from the $200,000 annual
allocation for sidewalk installation and repair, where
expenditures h ave been made and the plans for the future.
Existing and missing sidewalks within the mile radius of each
school shown with maps on the overhead projector and the plan for
completion o f this priority.
The Wi l dan Plan recommended that pedestrian linkages be
completed. Al though it did not specifically mention pedestrian
linkages from one side of the railroad track to the other, it is
evident that t hese are needed as the use of the track increases.
Are there p lans to meet this demand? As you know for many years
I have suggested the relatively inexpensive installation of a
pedestrian bridge hung under the overpass at Carlsbad Boulevard
at the southern end of the Maxton Brown Park Extension. This
linkage has the double safety bonus of crossing both the
Pedestrian Safety page 2
boulevard and the railroad track.
Another often mentioned pedestrian linkage is to public
transportation. Safe footing or sidewalks within 400 feet of bus
stops will accommodate children, the elderly and those who may
wish or could be induced to give up their cars.
Key Element No. 4 states, "Develop a program to provide attention
to the pedes t rian planning and implementation process. This
program will focus on the steps to ensure follow-through on the
entire pedes tr ian process and facilities implementation from
initial des ign concepts to construction." Will you elaborate on
what this program is and how it is carried out?
Publicizing the subject of this meeting would be a step to
further carry ing out Key Element No. 3--Develop A Pedestrian
Education Program.
This request is submitted in the spirit of recognizing your
contributions to the health and safety of Carlsbad's citizens and
the enhanceme nt and enjoyment of our environment.
Sincerely your s,
g/~J_.~
Thelma I. Hayes
c.. City Counc il
Heritage Hall was built in 1926 to house the congregation of St. Pattick's Church at the southeast
comer of Harding Street and Oak Avenue. In 1952 the church was moved across the street where
it became the City's first administrative offices. Over the next few years it served as home to the
City Manager, City Council. Police Department and Fire Department, and as a County branch
library. As new City offices were constructed and City departments moved out, use of the building
changed from that of City Hall, to the City horary, to the children's h'brary, to a studio for the North
County Ballet Finally, in 1979 the sturdy little structure was slated for demolition to make way
for a parking lot; however, it was rescued from demolition by a coalition consisting of Friends of
the Llorary, the Carlsbad Historical Society and volunteer building tradesmen who arranged for it
to be moved to Magee Historical Park. With only minor repairs, the old church once again became
a public meeting place.
Note: Information derived in part from SEEKERS OF TI-IE SPRING, by Marjorie Howard-Jones.
Contents
I. INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................... 1
A. BACKGROUND AND INTENT .............................................................................................. 1
B. STATE LAW ......................................................................................................................... 1
C. RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER ELEMENTS ............................................................................ 1
D. THE CITY OF CARLSBAD SETTING ................................................................................... 2
E. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM ................................................................................. 2
II. GOALS, OBJECTIVES, AND IMPLEMENTING POLICIES AND ACTION PRO-
GRAMS ...................................................................................................................... 4
STREETS ANO TRAFFIC CONTROL ....................................................................................... 4
A. Goals ............................................................................................................................... 4
B. Objectives ••••••••••.••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 4 C. Implementing Policies and Action Programs ................................................................... 4
ALTERNATIVE MODES OF TRANSPORTATION .................................................................... 5
A. Goal ................................................................................................................................ 5
B. Objectives ....................................................................................................................... 5
C. Implementing Policies and Action Programs ................................................................... 6
AIR TRANSPORTATIO~ ........................................................................................................... 7
A. Goal ................................................................................................................................ 7
B. Objectives ....................................................................................................................... 7
C. Implementing Policy and Action Program ....................................................................... 7
PUBLIC UTILITY ANO STORM DRAINAGE FACILITIES .......................................................... 7
A. Goals ............................................................................................................................... 7
B. Objectives ....................................................................................................................... 7
C. Implementing Policies and Action Programs ................................................................... 7
SCENIC ROA0WA YS ................................................................................................................ 8
A. Goal ................................................................................................................................ 8
8. Objectives ....................................................................................................................... 8
C. Implementing Policies and Action Programs ................................................................... 8
REGIONAL CIRCULATION CONSIDERATIONS ...................................................................... 9
A. Goals ............................................................................................................................... 9
B. Objectives ..................................................................................................................... 10
C. Implementing Policies and Action Programs ................................................................. 1 O
Ill. CIRCULATION PLAN NOTES ............................................................................ 10
IV. MAPS ....... ..... ...... ......................... .... .. ........... ........... ..... ... . ... . .. . .... .... .. . ..... ......... .. 11
Map 1: CIRCULATION PLAN .................................................................................................. 11
Map 2: BICYCLE ROUTES ................................................................. ~ ................................... 12
Map 3: HIGH PRESSURE GAS & PETROLEUM MAINS ........................................................ 13
V. FIGURES ............................................................................................................. 14
Figure 1: STREET DESIGN STANDARDS .............................................................................. 14
VI. GLOSSARY ......................................................................... ~ .............................. 15
: (1/{(l/ 1/JtJ\ I.II.\/J \I
I. INTRODUCTION
A. BACKGROUND AND INTENT
The Circulation Element for the City of Carlsbad
is a comprehensive plan for the circulation of people,
goods, energy, water, sewage, stonn waters, communica-
tions, and services. The primary focus of the document is
to provide for the safe and efficient movement of people
and goods within the City and to provide for public access
to all existing and future land uses identified in the Land
Use Element of the General Plan. It also identifies how
transportation systems will link with surrounding juris-
dictions and be coordioared with regional transportation
plans.
To ensure that circulation facilities are provided
concurrent with their need., the City bas adopted numerous
policies, programs and ordiNUJN";S, including the Growth
Management Program. In addition, new regulations have
mandated compliance with the requirements of the Cali-
fornia Clean Air Act and Federal Clean Water Acts.
These new state and federal regulations require implemen-
tation of both a Transportation Demand Management
Program and Storm Water Quality Management Pro-
gram, respectively. The Circulation Element incorpo-
rates policies and action plans to implement these new
requirements together with requiremmts of the Growth
Management Program.
The City contains many scenic and historical
areas traversed by existing and proposed roadways. From
an aesthetic, enviroomcntal and historical perspective, it
is important to preserve u much of the natural qualities of
these areas as possible in order to maintain the distinctive
character of the City. In previous venioos of the General
Plan, the City maintained a separate Scenic ~ys
Element to accomplish the task of preserving and enhanc-
ing the scenic quality of the City. Changes to State law in
1981 eliminated the mandatory inclusion of a Scenic
Roadways Element within the General Plan. In an effort
to reduce the number and complexity of elements within
the City's Galcral Plan, the goals, objectives, policies and
action plans necessary to preserve the scenic quality of
roadways within the City have hem rctaiord, l>ut have
been incorporated into the Circulation Element.
The Circulation Element includes several maps
and graphics. Street classifications used in Carlsbad,
described according to their function and the amount of
traffic they carry, are shown in Table 1: Street Classifica-
tions. The Circulation Plan is illustrated on Map 1. The
Street Design Standards used by the City are shown on
Figure 1. Bicycle Routes and High Pressure Gas and
Petroleum Mains are shown on Map 2 and Map 3.
B. STATE LAW
A Circulation Element is required by State law
(Government Code Section 65032(b)) and must consist of
"the general location and extent of existing and proposed
major thoroughfares, transportation routes, terminals,
and other local public utilities and facilities, all correlated
with the Land Use Element of the General Plan". The
Circulation Element must state the overall goals, objec-
tives and policies concerning the circulation needs of the
City and specifically address issues relating to major
thoroughfares, transportation routes, terminals and other
local public utilities and facilities. The City of Carlsbad's
Circulation Element also addresses issues of public tran-
sit, bicycle and pedestrian routes and facilities, railroads
and light rail transit, air travel, paricing, transportation
demand management, and vehicular and pedestrian safety.
C. RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER
ELEMENTS
The Circulation Element is most closely related
to, and is· a reflection of, the Land Use Element of the
General Plan. The Circulation Plan was developed in
conjunction with computerized traffic modeling aud analy-
sis utilizing the projected land uses a:mtained in Carlsbad's
Land Use Elcmmt as well as land use plans of surrounding
communities. The most recent modeling effort for the City
of Carlsbad was conducted in 1990 by the San Diego
Asaociation of Gove~ (SANDAG) using the
TranPlan computer program. Results of the modeling
effort indicate that the propoacd Circulation Plan con-
tained in this docummtwill adequately serve the proposed
land uses.
The comprehensive nature of the Circulation
Elcmmt requires that it relate to and correlate with all
Paae 1
other elements of the Gc:ncral Plan including the Noise,
Housing, Open Space and Conservation, Parks and Rec-
reation, and Public Safety Elements. All these elements
address various aspects of the circulation system and
together they provide the basic policies and guidelines for
the development of a safe, efficient and aesthetically
pleasing transportation network. These elements should
be referred to for more detailed discussion. For example,
the public facilities discussed in the Circulation Element
are also discussed in the Land Use Element. It is the policy
of the City of Carlsbad that the Circulation Element be
consistent with all other elements of the General Plan.
D. THE CITY OF CARLSBAD
SETTING
The dominant natural and manmade features in
Carlsbad, which establish the framework within which the
circulation network must function, include the Pacific
Ocean to the west, the three natural lagoons extending
from the ocean to the interior of the City, the steep hills and
canyons which punctuate the eastern half of the commu-
nity, Highway 78 along the northern boundary, the Coast
Highway, the AT&SF railroad and Interstate 5. These
features all serve to separate the coastal portion of the City
from the interior portion. There are three major, existing.
arterial roads in the City, including, El Camino Real
which runs north and south through the center of the City,
Palomar Airport Road which runs east and west through
the center of the City, and Rancho Santa Fe Road which
runs along the southern and easterly boundary of the City.
In addition, Carlsbad has a general aviation commuter
airport located in the central portion of the City adjacent
to the intersection of Palomar Airport Road and El
Camino Real. Goals, objectives, and policies and pro-
grams related to air tramportation are included in this
element, but are also discussed in the Land Use Element.
Given the existing topographic constraints, the
City has developed an integrated land use and circulatioo
plan to take advantage of the natural landfonn features
and the existing transportation facilities. A major chal-
lenge for the City in the future will be to complete the
remaining roadway segments oft.be Circulation Element
in a timely manner within a climate of increasingly strict
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< II<< I I 11/fJ \ I .I I . \JI \ I ,
environmental guidelines. The City must also find ways
to refine the existing circulation network in the developed
portions oft.be City to accommodate increased redevelop-
ment activity and the development of surrounding com-
munities. Finally, it is recogniz.ed that the City circulation
system is a part of the larger regional, state, and national
transportation systems. As such, the City circulation
system will continue to be influenced by the demands
placed upon it by larger transportation system needs .
E. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT
PROGRAM
The construction of unbuilt circulation element
roads and public utilities will be brought about through a
combination of construction activities undertaken by the
development community and the City of Carlsbad. The
guiding theme for the construction of the circulation
element infrastructure is the provision of facilities prior to
or concurrent with the need for such facilities. To this end
the City has established the Growth Management Pro-
gram, the Capital Improvement Program and a develop-
ment exaction program consisting of public facility im-
pact fees and direct developer construction of public road
and utility improvements.
The Growth Management Program establishes
minimum standards for the provision of basic public
infrastructure including circulation element roads, sewer
collection, sewer treatment, water distribution and flood
control. In addition, the Growth Management Program
requires the preparation of Local Facilities Management
Plans to ensure that the public facility standards are met
through buildout for each of the 25 local facility zones .
For the most part, roads and public utilities will
be constructed as a condition of development activity in
accordance with the dictates of the Growth Management
Program. Where a particular facility exceeds the financial
capability of any one developer or the need for the facility
cannot be attributed to a single development, the City, and
various utility districts within the City, have established
facility impact fees to generate the revenues needed to
finaoa: construction of those facilities. These impact fees
combined with direct developer construction activities
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•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
: TABLE 1: STREET CLASSIF1CATIONS : • • • • • : Local Streets; • • • * provide immediate access to adjoining properties • ■ * are designed to discourage through-traffic
* carry a minimum amount of traffic (estimated average daily trips:· 500 maximum)
Collector Streets;
* provide immediate access· to adjoining properties
• • • • • • •
* serve as the connecting link for traffic between local and arterial streets ■
* generally carry light to moderate traffic volumes (estimated average daily trips: 500 to 5,000)
Controlled Collectors;
• * provide no access or limited access to adjacent properties
* serve_ as a major connecting link for traffic between local and arterial streets
* carry moderate traffic volumes (estimated average daily trips: 5,000 to 10,000)
Secondary Arteria~:
* provide limited access to adjacent properties
* serve to move traffic between collector streets and larger arterials or the freeways
* have two traffic lanes in each direction with a painted median
* carry moderate traffic volumes (estimated average daily trips: 10,000 to 20,000)
Major Arterials;
* prohibit access to adjacent properties unless no other alternative exists
* provide intra~ty circulation and connections to freeways and regional roads
* have a minimum of two traffic lanes in each direction with a raised median
* carry moderate to heavy traffic volumes (estimated average daily trips: 20,000 to 40,000)
Prime Arterials;
' • prohibit access to adjacent properties unless no other alternative exists
• • provide for regional and intra~ty circulation and connections to freeways and other regional roads
: • carry very heavy traffic volumes (estimated average daily trips: 40,000 or more)
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Page 3
•
will assure completion of the majority of the circulation
element network. The remaining portion of the network
for which the need is not attributable to future develop-
ment, must be financed through other local, regional and
federal funding sources. An example of one such facility
is the improvement of Carlsbad Village Drive west of
Interstate 5 which will be funded through redevelopment
tax increment bonds.
Timing for the construction of the missing circu-
lation element links is, for the most part, a function of
development activity. For those facilities fiMDN"ld through
facility impact fees or other funding sources, the City
prepares on a yearly basis a Capital Improvement Pro-
gram ( CIP). The CIP establishes the next year's construc-
tion.program and also outlines the five year and buildout
improvement needs for the City. The CIP must balaoa:
the availability of revenues with the various competing
needs for public facility construction. Taken as a whole,
the Capital Itnprovement Program, Growth Management
Program and development exaction program will assure
timely completion of the circulation element facilities as
needed by the residents of Carlsbad and surrounding
communities.
II. GOALS, OB CTIVES,
AND IMPLEMENTING
POLICIES AND ACTION
PROGRAMS
STREETS AND TRAFFIC
CONTROL
A. Goals
A. l A City with an integrated transportation
network serving local and regional needs which accommo-
dates a balance of different travel modes based on safety,
convenience, attractiveness, costs, environmental and so-
cial impacts.
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( '//U l I 11/0 \ I .I I \II.\ J -
A.2 A City with an adequate circulation infra-
structure to serve the projected population.
A.3 A City with a comprehensive network of
roads which provides appropriate access to all land uses.
A.4 A City with properly maintained, smooth
functioning and safe traffic control systems.
B. Objectives
8 .1 To provide an adequate circulation infra-
structure concurrent with or prior to the actual demand
for such facilities.
8 .2 To design streets for the safe and efficient
movement of people, goods and services within and
through the City in the most environmentally sound and
aesthetically pleasing manner possible.
B.3 To maintain a clear and consistent set of
standards for the design and construction of roads and
traffic control devices.
8 . 4 To create a priority list for the construction
of new traffic signals.
B.S To provide safe, adequate and attractively
landscaped parking facilities.
8 .6 To implement and regularly update devel-
oper fee programs for financing of circulation facilities.
B. 7 To enba1" the economic value of property
and improve the economic competitiveness of the City
through the construction of well-designed, efficient, and
cost effective transportation facilities.
C. Implementing Policies and
Action Programs
C.l llcquire new dewlopmmt to comply with ·
the adopted (Septanber 23, 1986) Growth Management
performance standards for circulation facilities.
. < II<< l I 11/0\ I I I \II \ I
C.2 Establish a network of truck routes through-
out the Citytoprovideforthcsafcmovcmmtoftrucks into
and out of commercial :zones while reducing conflicts with
traffic in residential, school and recreational areas.
C.3 Use the street design standards contained in
this element (Figure 1: Street Design Standard.1) as guide-
lines for what is reasonable and desirable. Allow varia-
tions to occur in accordance with established City policy
regarding engineering standard.1 variances.
C. 4 M.inimiz.e the number of access points to
major and prime arterials to enhance the functiooing of
these streets as throughways.
C.5 Use good road design practice to minimize
the number of intersectiom and other conflicting traffic
movements.
C.6 Use good road design practice to minimize
noise on adjacent land uses.
C. 7 Provide traffic control devices along all
roadway segments and at intersections.
C. 8 Provide for the safe movement of traffic and
pedestrians around all road and utility comtruction projects.
C. 9 Pursue Transnet and other regional, state and
federal funding sources to finance regional roads and
transportation facilities.
C .10 Provide grmer flexibility in the design
standard.1 for hillside roads to minimiz.e grading and visual
impacts.
C .11 Intercooncct Ind synchroniz.e the operation
of traffic signals along arterial streets, whcncver feasible.
C.12 Prq,arcandmaintaina Traffic Signal Quali-
fication List to n:commmd priorities for the construction
of new traffic signals.
C.13 Establish and maintain an official street
naming and addressing plan to remove conflicts, duplica-
tion, and uncertainty.
C.14 Encourage joint public/private efforts to
improve parking and circulation in developed areas.
, C.15 Encourage increased public parlcing in the
Village and beach areas of the City.
C.16 Require new development to construct all
roadways needed to serve the proposed development prior •
to or concurrent with the circulation needs created by the
development.
C.17 Coordinate the planning and construction of
new roads with existing roads in adjoining neighborhoods.
C.18 Require new development to dedicate and
improve all public rights~f-way for circulation facilities
needed to serve development.
ALTERNATIVE MODES OF
TRANSPORTATION
A. Goal
A City which promotes, encourages, and accom-
modates a variety of transportation modes as alternatives
to the automobile.
B. Objectives
B. l To provide infrastructure and facilities nec-
essary to accommodate pedestrians, bicycles, and other
non-automobile modes of transportation.
B.2 To reduce the number and severity of vehicu-
lar, bicycle and pedestrian-related accidents.
B.3 To prioritize future sidcwallc construction.
Page 5
C. Implementing Policies and
Action Programs
C .1 Encourage the construction of sidewalks
along all public roadways with special emphasis given to
collectors, arterials, and areas with high pedestrian traffic
generators such as schools, commercial centers, transpor-
tation facilities, public buildings, beaches and parks.
C .2 Encourage pedestrian circulation in commer-
cial areas through the provision of convenient parlcing
facilities, increased sidewalk widths, pedestrian-oriented
building designs, landscaping, street lighting and street
furniture.
C.3 Design pedestrian spaces and circulation in
relationship to land uses and available parking for all new
construction and redevelopment projects.
C. 4 Link public sidewalks to the network of
public and private trail systems.
C.5 Provide for handicapped access to and along
public sidewalks and along as much of the trail system as
feas ible.
C. 6 Install sidewalks and trail systems within
existing and new industrial developments.
C. 7 Encourage school districts to implement safety
programs for pedestrians and bicyclists within the public
school system.
C. 8 Maintain a Traffic Safety Commission com-
posed of Carlsbad citifflll for the purpose of studying
matters of traffic and pedestrian safdy and making rec-
ommendations to the City Council regarding measures to
promote and improve traffic and pedestrian safety.
C. 9 Employ improved traffic control devices and
monitor police accident reports to increase pedestrian and
bicyclist safety.
C .10 Prepare and maintain an inventory of all
missing and incomplete sidewallc scgmmts within the City
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for the purpose of prioritizing future sidewalk construc-
tion.
C.11 Coordinate the location of bicycle routes
with the Parlc.s and Recreation Element and the Open
Space and Conservation Element.
C.12 Extend bicycle routes to cultural, educa-
tional and recreational facilities whenever practical.
C.13 Develop and implement employer incentive
programs to encourage the placement of strategic bicycle
storage lockers, and the construction of safe and conve-
nient bicycle facilities.
C.14 Design bicycle routes in accordance with
the "Bike Route Standards" Chapter 1000 of the State of
California Highway Design Manual.
C.15 Improve bicycle access to beach areas.
C.16 Review, periodically, the Circulation Ele-
ment Bicycle Route Map and revise, as necessary, to
reflect existing roadway cooditions and changed land
uses.
C.17 Coordinate with the San Diego Association
of Governments (SANDAG) and the North County Tran-
sit District (NCfD) on the installation of any new trolley
or light rail transit systems.
C .18 Provide linkage to bus, pedestrian and
bicycle routes from any new light rail commuter transit
facility.
C.19 F.ncouragc passive and active use of the
railroad right-of-way as trail linkage and bicycle path-
way.
C.20 Plan and coordinate park-and-ride facilities
with CAL TRANS, NCfD and SANDAG.
C.21 Encourage commuter usage of buses,
carpools and vanpools through a combination of employer
incentives, public education programs and construction of
CIR( l I. 11 /tJ\ /11. \JI:\ I
safe, convenient and aesthetically pleasing transfer facili-
ties.
C. 22 Encourage the expansion of bus service and
new routes into developing or redeveloping areas of the
City
AIR TRANSPORTATION
A. Goal
A City which balances the needs of the existing
general aviation airport with the needs of the citizens of the
city.
B. Objectives
8.1 To encourage the continued operation of
McClellan-Palomar Airport as a general aviation airport.
8 .2 To prohibit the expansion of McClellan-
Palomar Airport unless approved by a majority vote of
Carlsbad electorate as required by the Carlsbad Munici-
pal Code Section 21.53 .015 .
C. Implementing Policy and Action
Program
Coordinate with the San Diego Association of
Governments and the Federal Aviation Administration to
protect public health, safety and welfare by ensuring the
orderly operation of the Airport and the adoption of land
use measures that minimize the public's exposure to
excessive noise and safety hazards within areas around the
airport.
PUBLIC UTILITY AND STORM
DRAINAGE FACILITIES
A. Goals
A. l A City with a comprehensive network of
utilities and storm drainage facilities which provide ap-
propriate public utility and flood control services to all
land uses.
A.2 A City in which the public utility and storm
drainage infrastructure are constructed concurrent with or
prior to the actual demand for such facilities.
B. Objectives
8 .1 To maintain a clear and consistent set of
standards for the design and construction of public utili-
ties.
8 .2 To implement and regularly update devel-
oper fee programs for the financing of public utility and
storm drainage facilities.
8 .3 To enhance the economic value of property
and improve the economic competitiveness of the City
through the construction of well designed. efficient and
cost effective public utility and storm drainage facilities.
8 .4 To maintain current master plans for the
expansion of local public facilities for sewer, potable
water, reclaimed water and storm drainage.
8 .5 To comply with all federal, state and local
laws and regulations regarding the preservation and en-
hancement of water quality.
C. Implementing Policies and
Action Programs
C. l Require new development to construct all
public facilities needed to serve the proposed development
prior to or concurrent with the circulation needs created by
the development.
C.2 Develop, and update periodically, a set of
standards for the design and construction of public utili-
ties.
C.3 Coordinate the planning and construction of
public utilities with existing public utilities in adjoining
Page 7
neighborhoods.
C. 4 Require new development to dedicate and
improve all public rights-of-way for public utility and
storm drainage facilities needed to serve development.
C .5 Inform the public and contractors of the
danger involved, and the necessary precautions that must
be taken when working on or near, pipelines or utility
transmission lines.
C. 6 Monitor the adequacy of public utilities as an
integral part of the Growth Management Plan and Public
Facilities Management System.
C. 7 Ensure developer conformance with all
adopted public utility and storm drainage master plans
and adopted ordioaua::s regarding the provision of public
utility and storm drainage facilities .
C. 8 Ensure continued coordination between the
City and special utility districts and public utility compa-
nies operating in Carlsbad.
C.9 Develop and implement a program of"Best
Management Practices" for the elimination and reduction
of pollutants which enter into and/or are transported
within storm drainage facilities.
C .1 O Review and update, on a regular basis,
master plans for the expansion oflocal public facilities for
sewer, potable water, reclaimed water and storm drain-
age.
SCENIC ROADWAYS
A. Goal
A City which preserves and cnbances the \ -~,ia1,
environmental and historical characteristics of U-, :al
community through sensitive planning and de: of
transportation and utility corridors.
Page 8
( I/{ ( l I I //" \ /. / / \ II. \ I •
B. Objectives
B .1 To enhance the scenic, environmental and
historical quality of roadways in conjunction with the
Circulation, Open Space and Conservation, and Parks
and .Recreation Elements of the General Plan.
B.2 To establish a route map identifying existing
and future scenic roadway, railroad and utility corridors
within the City.
B.3 To consider a system of routes and specia
treatments to increase the enjoyment of and opportunities
for recreational and cultural pursuits and tourism in
Carlsbad.
B. 4 To provide a process for the establishment of
convenient and safe scenic routes to major recreational
areas and points of historic, scenic or cultural signifi-
cance.
B.5 To provide multiple recreational uses, such
as bikeways, roadside rests and observation points, when
appropriate, on lands within and adjacent to designated
scenic corridors, and provide a means of coordinating
scenic roadways with other transportation and recre-
ational opportunities within the City.
B.6 To provide a means of enhancing scenic
roadways and making them identifiable to the traveling
public.
C. Implementing Policies and
Action Programs
C. l Implement the policies, standards and guide-
lines rauincd within the Carlsbad Scenic Corridor Guide-
lines.
C.2 Establish four categories of scenic corridors
C II<< l I 1/lfl\ I I I \/I.\/
and designate streets to be included within those catego-
ries as follows:
Community Theme Corridors -connect
Carlsbad with adjacent municipalities and present the
City of Carlsbad to persons entering and passing through
the community. Community Theme Corridors include:
El Camino Real
Carlsbad Boulevard
Palomar Airport Road
La Costa A venue
Melrose Drive
Community Scenic Corridon -interconnect
major subareas of the present and planned Carlsbad
community. Community Scenic Corridors include:
College Boulevard
Cannon Road
Carlsbad Village Drive
Faraday Avenue
Interstate 5
La Costa A venue
Olivenhain Road/Rancho Santa Fe Road
Poinsettia Lane/Carrillo Way
Natural Open Space and Recreation Corri-
dors -offer spectacular views of waterscapes, landforms,
wildlife and the Pacific Ocean. Natural Open Space and
Recreation Corridors include:
Adams Street/Park Drive
Batiquitos Drive
Jefferson Street (portion adjacent to Buena Vista
Lagoon)
Railroad Corridor -pn:sc:ots the City of Carlsbad
to people passing through the City by rail. The only
Railroad Corridor is:
.Atcbisoo Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad
C.3 Review and update periodically the list of
roadways designated as scenic corridors.
C. 4 Utilize and update the criteria for designating
scenic roadways and selecting community identity entries
outlined in the Carlsbad Scenic Corridor Guidelines
Manual.
C.S Include roadways as scenic routes which
provide significant views of the ocean. lagoons, open
space lands, back country and urban activity.
C.6 Enhance and preserve the natural and devel-
oped environments along each designated scenic route.
C. 7 Approve projects adjacent to El Camino Real
only if the proposed project is consistent with the El
Camino Real Corridor Development Standards.
C.8 Coordinate the planning, design and imple-
mentation of designated scenic corridors with the Plan-
ning, Engineering, Parks and Recreation and Utilities and
Maintenance Departments.
C. 9 Coordinate the scenic corridor program with
the State, County and adjacent cities wherever possible.
C.10 Review the need to establish additional
special overlay z.ones along designated scenic corridors
and initiate the appropriate rez.oning if an overlay zone is
warranted.
C.11 Develop guidelines to improve the visual
quality of the corridor adjacent to the Atchison Topeka
and Santa Fe Railway.
C.12 Scdc financial assistance from federal and
state sources wbcncver possible to assist in the irnplemen-
tatioo of the sc:enic roadways program.
REGIONAL CIRCULATION
CONSIDERATIONS
A. Goals
A. l A City with a modem public utility and
transportatioo system based upon integrated programs for
Page 9
the management of air quality, water quality and land
resources.
A.2 A City with a transportation system which
helps minimize air pollution and traffic congestion and
suppons commerce and economic development.
A.3 A City which participates with other cities in
the County, through the San Diego Association of Gov-
ernments, in working toward the solution of regional
transportation issues .
8. Objectives
B. l TodevelopprogramsandstrategiesforTrans-
portation Demand Management consistent with the San
Diego Regional Air Quality Strategy.
8 .2 To participate with other cities in the County
in developing the Regional Growth Management Strategy
which addresses air quality , transportation system man-
agement, and transportation demand management for San
Diego County on a "regional community" basis.
8 .3 To comply with all federal, state and local
laws and regulations regarding the preservation and en-
hancement of air quality.
C. Implementing Policies and
Action Programs
.C . l Implement the policies of the Regional Growth
Management Strategy when the program is adopted by the
City .
C. 2 Encourage the inclusion of onsite or nearby
amenities such as day care facilities, dry cleaners and
convenience stores within residential and industrial projects
to reduce vehicular trips.
C.3 Coordinate with CAL TRANS as develop-
ment proceeds and CAL TRANS funds become available
to ensure that the capacity of on/off ramps is adequate.
Page 10
CJRCl I. IHO\ EJI\11:.\ r ,
C .4 Consider noise impacts in the design ofroad
systems and give special consideration to those road
corridors in scenic or noise sensitive areas.
Ill. CIRCULATION PLAN
NOTES
Several areas of the Circulation Plan require
further explanation of the City's intent. As a result, the
following notes are provided to clarify the plan.
A. Rancho Del Oro -Classified as a secondary
arterial roadway only if a freeway interchange with SR78
is provided. If an interchange is not provided, this
roadway is not to be included in the plan.
B. Tamarack Avenue -Classified as a modified
collector street between Carlsbad Boulevard and Skyline
Road. An 80-foot right-of-way west of Jefferson to
Carlsbad Boulevard should be maintained. Secondary
arterial standards should be maintained between Jefferson
Street and Adams Street.
C. A venida Encinas -The City might downgrade
the southernmost link of this roadway (between Lakeshore
Gardens Mobile Home Park and Carlsbad Boulevard) to
a collector street if a master plan for the immediate area
indicates low intensity development. Such downgrading
should not require an amendment to this element.
D. Leucadia Boulevard Extension -The City
should support and encourage adjoining jurisdictions to
extend Leucadia Boulevard from Interstate 5 to El Camino
Real.
E. Melrose Drive -The City should support and
encourage adjoiningjurisdictions to extend Melrose Drive
from the Carlsbad city limits south to an appropriate
coMection. Melrose shall maintain its classification as a
prime arterial north of Rancho Santa Fe Road. South of
Rancho Santa Fe Road, Melrose may be built to second-
ary or modified standards without an amendment to this
element but should preserve adequate right-of-way to
construct a full width major arterial road.
PACIFlC
OCEAN
CITY OF CARLSBAD
CIACUL.A TION PLAN
+++ RAILROAD
-FREEWAY
-PAI~ ARTERIAL
-MAJORARTEAIAL
SECONDARY ARTERIAL
COLLECTOR STREET
CIRCULATION PLAN
t....
7
MAP 1
Page 11
CrTYOFCARLSSAO
BICYCLE ROUTES
-+++-RALROAD
-FREEWAY
BICYCLE ROUTES
BICYCLE ROUTES
_:_,,,
<.,:-~.u:(
:.ILA-.1:RA
7 I I
__f""\_J
MAP2
Page 12
f-lGH PRESSURE GAS & PETROLEUM MAINS
GAS MAINS
uue So.Cal.Ou
••••• SOO&E
•••
PETROLEUM MAINS
-----10· San Diego~
■ • • ■ 16" San Diego~
l
••••• •
J"\._J
MAP3
Page 13
STREET DESIGN STANDARDS
PRME ARTERIAL STREET
~ 'N: I 26
______ ,.._ _______________ ..:C,....:6:...._ _________________ •_' ..:.0-----! p ,_
t.
::
~AJOR ARTERIAL STREET
:../W: I ')2
,0 92 I _;
SECONDARY ARTERIAL STREET
COLLECTOR STREET
P:_ I 4 s 5 5 !
• I •• 1. ., it_ ' s 5 4 5 PL
~ 1 12% I I 2•1. I 2·).
LOCAL ST1CL,
I
2 FOR CONTROLLED COLLECTOR. R/W = 68'
AND CURB-TO-CURS W1D TH MUST BE 48'.
2% ..-:::::::::
R 1W,00 3
-lO · 3'5
l
3 FOR CUL-DE-SACS, R/W I.IAY BE REDUCED TO
56' AND CURB-TO-CURB v.1DTH TO J6'.
1 These illustrations represent t~icol cross sections of the
streets described in the Circulation. Element. They are
not intended to represent aDsolute stonaords.
KEY
R/W = RIGHT OF WA Y
~ = CENTER LINE
PL s PROPER TY LINE
< /He l I. 11 ltJ\ /11. \IL\ r
VI. GLOSSARY
ARTERIAL
A VERA GE DAILY TRIPS (ADT)
CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION (CAL TRANS)
CALTRANS
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
(Plan) (CIP)
CIP
DESIGNATED SCENIC CORRIDOR
GENERAL AVIATION AIRPORT
RIGHT-OF-WAY
An arterial street provides for the movement of
large amounts of traffic . It carries traffic from
collector streets to other collectors, arterials or
freeways .
Average Daily Traffic (ADT) is an average 24-
hour traffic volume at a given location for some
period of time less than a year. While an AADT
is for a full year, an ADT may be measured for
six months, a season, a month, a week, or as
little as two days. An ADT is a valid number
only for the period over which it was measured.
The state agency in charge of transportation
planning, construction and maintenance of the
state's highway system.
See California Department of Transportation.
A city's governmental budget that programs
public facilities to fit its fiscal capability some
years into the future . Capital improvement
programs are usually projected five years in
advance and should be updated annually, so as to
provide a link to the annual budgeting process.
See Capital Improvement Program
A roadway that has been subjected to all of the
steps contained in the Scenic Roadway Element
to qualify as a scenic corridor which is found to
possess scenic or historical amenities worthy of
preservation, and which is implemented by the
adoption of a Specific Plan and overlay zoning.
An airport classified by the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) as a general utility facility
serving mainly aircraft with a maximum gross
takeoff weight of 12,500 pounds or less, light
propeller-driven, turboprop, and business jet
general aviation aircraft.
The area of land which has been dedicated for
public use for transportation purposes (i.e. a
street, freeway or railroad).
Page 15
ROADWAY
SANDAG
SAN DIEGO ASSOCIATION OF GOVERN-
1\IENTS (SANDAG)
SCENIC CORI_UDOR
TRANSPORTATION DEMAND MANAGE-
MENT (TDM)
Page 16
< IU< l I 1110\ I .I/. \II. \I
A strip of land which is covered by a street,
public thoroughfare or freeway used for vehicu-
lar transportation.
See San Diego Association of Governments.
The regional planning agency for the San Diego
Region of which Carlsbad is a member agency.
The bands of land generally adjacent to the
scenic roadway right-of-way that complete the
visual appearance and integrity of the total
composition of the scenic roadway. The bound-
aries of the scenic corridor may coincide with
the boundaries of the visual corridor but are
usually less. The following list includes future
routes, as designated on the adopted Circulation
Element of the General Plan, that the staff feels,
when constructed, may qualify to be added to
the "Master List". When considering future
improvement plans for these routes, the City
should consider the potential scenic and historic
amenities along these routes:
1. Cannon Road -from Interstate 5 to El
Camino Real.
2. Batiquitos Drive -from Poinsettia Lane to El
Camino Real.
3. Melrose Drive -along the right-of-way
throughout the City of Carlsbad.
4. Poinsettia Lane/ Alga R.oad -from Carlsbad
Boulevard to future alignment of Melrose Drive.
5. Park Drive -from intersection with Kelly
Drive to its terminus.
A comprehensive set of strategies designed to
influence travel behavior with respect to mode,
time, frequence, route, or distance in order to
improve the efficiency and effectiveness of
roads, highways, and public transit services.
Principal strategy measures involve, but are not
limited to, ridesharing and alternative work
hours.
., < II« l I. II ltJ\ I.I I \II \ I
TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM MANAGE-
l\1ENT (TSM)
A process that addresses ways to improve overall
transportation system performance through a
variety of low-cost management actions which
foster more efficient use of existing transporta-
tion systems. TSM is an umbrella tenn for
parking management and traffic management,
and transit management.
Page 17