HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-04-14; City Council; Resolution 2026-077Exhibit 1 RESOLUTION NO. 2026-077 .
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CARLSBAD,
CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING THE CITY OF CARLSBAD TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT
PROGRAM 2026 UPDATE
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California has determined it necessary,
desirable and in the public interest to adopt a traffic management program to reduce vehicle speeds
and improve safety on city streets; and
WHEREAS, the Carlsbad Residential Traffic Management Program, or CRTMP, was adopted by
the City Council in 2001 and revised in 2011; and
WHEREAS, the City of Carlsbad Traffic Management Program, or TMP, 2026 update would
replace the CRTMP and continue to improve quality of life in neighborhoods by reducing vehicle speeds
and improving safety while balancing the needs and priorities of all roadway users in the city; and
WHEREAS, the process and eligibility criteria for traffic calming on residential streets and a
separate process for traffic management on non-residential streets are specified in the TMP; and
WHEREAS, the TMP was presented to the Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission, or TS&MC, for
their feedback on Feb. 2, 2026; and
WHEREAS, the TS&MC supported the TMP.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Carlsbad, California, as
follows:
1.That the above recitations are true and correct.
2.That the City Council has determined that the proposed action to adopt the City of
Carlsbad Traffic Management Program 2026 update is exempt from environmental
review under California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines, or CEQA, Section
15061(b)(3) and 15378(b)(5) as it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility
the proposed action may have a significant effect on the environment.
3.That the City of Carlsbad Traffic Management Program 2026 update (Attachment A) is
adopted and effective immediately.
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PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City
of Carlsbad on the 14th day of April, 2026, by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: Blackburn, Bhat-Patel, Acosta, Burkholder, Shin.
NAYS: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
ABSENT: None.
______________________________________
KEITH BLACKBURN, Mayor
______________________________________
SHERRY FREISINGER, City Clerk
(SEAL)
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Attachment A
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City of Carlsbad Traffic Management Program 1
Table of Contents
About this program ............................................................................................................. 3
Goal and Approach ............................................................................................................. 4
Strategies ............................................................................................................................ 4
Traffic calming overview ..................................................................................................... 5
How the program works ..................................................................................................... 6
Is your neighborhood eligible? ........................................................................................... 7
Phase 1: Education and Enforcement ................................................................................. 7
Phase 2: Traffic Management ........................................................................................... 10
Petition (request for inclusion into Phase 2) .................................................................... 15
Traffic calming measures removal/revision process (Phase 2) ........................................ 16
Petition (request to remove/revise traffic calming measure(s)) ...................................... 17
Program update procedures ............................................................................................. 18
Traffic calming toolbox ....................................................................................... Appendix A
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About this program
Introduction
Being able to walk or ride bicycles without being confronted by speeding cars and trucks is a key
factor in a neighborhood’s quality of life. But residents in all areas of Carlsbad, like those in
other U.S. cities, often face unsafe or undesirable conditions because of drivers speeding on their neighborhood streets or using them instead of the major arterial roadways. Community
members have continued to express concerns about these traffic problems to city officials, the
Police Department and Traffic & Transportation staff, asking that their neighborhood quality of life be improved by reducing vehicle speeds and volumes.
The City Council approved the Carlsbad Residential Traffic Management Program in 2001 to
provide a comprehensive citywide program to minimize excessive speeds and high traffic
volumes in neighborhoods across the city. The program, based on an approach developed by a
committee of community members, provides the means for residents to ask the city to make
improvements to address their concerns about speeding and traffic in their neighborhoods, the
process by which city staff evaluates such requests and a set of traffic calming measures to be
considered as possible measures to slow drivers down and discourage cut-through traffic.
The program is structured around three key requirements:
• The first is the support of the residents in any neighborhood where traffic calming is
needed.
• The traffic calming measures must also meet with the approval of emergency agencies
so that they do not significantly impact response times.
• The residents must be willing to live with the actual traffic calming measures designed
to slow traffic and reduce cut-through traffic in their neighborhood.
The City Council approved an update to the program in 2011.
As modes of travel and traffic volumes evolve, so do traffic calming measures, techniques and
methodologies. Accordingly, this update is intended to update the program and traffic
management tools to reflect the best current traffic safety practices and simplify the program to
better address residents’ traffic concerns.
Non-residential streets
The processes established in this program were specifically designed for residential streets
rather than commercial streets or the city’s main transportation corridors, which have very
different uses and characteristics. Requests for traffic calming measures on non-residential
streets will be reviewed by city staff. A Traffic Calming Review Committee, as defined in Phase 1
of this program, will evaluate the requests to determine if a project would be appropriate,
feasible and would balance the needs of all users of the roadway system, including emergency
response. Traffic calming projects on non-residential streets, which are generally much more
complex and costly than traffic projects on residential streets, may then be developed as Capital
Improvement Program projects, as appropriate.
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City of Carlsbad Traffic Management Program 3
Traffic calming measures considered for non-residential streets should follow the guidelines
described in the Mobility Element, the element of the city’s General Plan that covers
transportation. The Mobility Element provides guidelines for the city’s livable street system,
which is designed to support safe, comfortable travel for everyone — pedestrians, cyclists,
transit riders and drivers — while reinforcing the character and quality of surrounding
neighborhoods. It identifies the modes of travel that are prioritized on different street
typologies to provide a balanced mobility system that meets the mobility needs for all modes
and people of all ages and abilities. It also identifies preferred attributes for each of the street
types and provides guidance on traffic calming measures that should be considered according to
these typologies.
(Since this update also addresses traffic calming on non-residential streets, the name of the
program has been changed to the City of Carlsbad Traffic Management Program.)
Goal and approach
Carlsbad’s traffic management program is designed to safely reduce excessive traffic speeds
without creating new problems for drivers or emergency responders or others who use the
roadways.
The program evaluates areas where excessive speeds have been reported and addresses those
concerns through a collaborative program that can involve a range of traffic calming measures. These traffic calming measures can take many forms, including what are known as the three Es:
Education: Increase awareness and knowledge among road users about safe and
responsible behaviors to promote safe speeds, discourage distracted driving and
compliance with traffic laws.
Enforcement: Police presence and selective enforcement of vehicle code violations.
Engineering: Physical measures and other techniques such as speed cushions, traffic
circles or, in certain situations, stop signs. These measures are based upon engineering
principles, financial, public safety response and environmental considerations.
Strategies
Managing traffic is a key component in improving and maintaining the community’s quality of
life. The City of Carlsbad follows the following strategies to identify and address issues about
speeding and safety concerns on city streets:
• Promoting neighborhood safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and residents
• Maintaining reasonable vehicular access
• Preserving emergency service response times, evacuation routes, and accessibility
for oversized utility vehicles and emergency equipment
• Maintaining, encouraging and enhancing pedestrian, bicycle, transit and alternative
modes of travel
• Encouraging and incorporating resident participation
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• Balancing on-street needs such as parking with the reasonable and safe function of
the street
• Using city resources and funds efficiently and effectively
• Considering achievable options for funding
• Using a combination of education, enforcement and engineering (the three Es)
• Satisfactorily addressing legal and liability issues
• Developing recommendations that adhere to state law
According to the Institute of Transportation Engineers resource, “Transportation and Land
Development,” residential streets should ideally be designed and constructed to a “residential
neighborhood scale” to achieve vehicle speeds and traffic volumes consistent with typical
neighborhood uses. Residential neighborhood scale is typically accomplished by restricting
roadway length so that a driver slows, stops or makes a significant turning movement every
300-700 feet.
Complaints related to excessive vehicle speeds often originate on residential streets that have
not been designed to this residential neighborhood scale. The City of Carlsbad Traffic
Management Program attempts to resolve speeding issues through education and enforcement
first. If education and enforcement still do not address speeding concerns, staff can then
consider installing a series of traffic management measures based on residential neighborhood
scale to encourage compliance with the speed limits in residential neighborhoods.
Traffic calming overview
The City of Carlsbad wants residents to feel safe in their neighborhoods. If a resident is
concerned about speeding and other unsafe conditions in their neighborhood streets related to
speeding, the traffic management program provides access to traffic calming resources that can help. What is traffic calming?
"Traffic calming” is a term that generally refers to a method of slowing vehicles that uses
physical design, signs, painted markings, road use rule changes and other transportation
engineering measures to improve safety for motorists, vehicle drivers, pedestrians and cyclists.
Let’s work together
The City of Carlsbad Traffic Management Program is designed to facilitate neighborhood
collaboration to identify traffic safety concerns and weigh potential solutions.
Laws, regulations and policies
City staff can consider a variety of tools and solutions to address neighborhood concerns about
traffic safety including the California Manual on Traffic Control Devices, which establishes the
state’s standards for the design, placement, and use of traffic signs, signals and pavement
markings. All of the possible solutions are in keeping with the authority and responsibility given
to local authorities by the California Vehicle Code and California Fire Code to protect public
health and welfare.
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The California Fire Code, as adopted by the city, sets requirements for road standards and
prohibits traffic calming unless approved by the fire code official. It applies to all roadways that
are required for emergency vehicle access including neighborhood streets. The Fire Code is also
considered to ensure adequate road width, access for emergency response, appropriate road
surface and ability to turn around.
State law sets the baseline for those who can use public streets and how cities may regulate
travel. It is the policy of the State of California that all people have an equal right to use public
streets and that no agency may restrict the use of streets to only certain individuals. With
certain exceptions provided for in the California Vehicle Code, the specific authority to regulate
travel upon streets can only occur in specific instances related to implementation of the city’s
Mobility Element, among other exceptions.
How the program works
The program is designed in such a way that residents of each street with identified concerns,
and with neighborhood support and commitment, can play a part in the program. The
procedures to implement traffic management measures and techniques are described on the
following pages and are referred to as phases.
In general, the established procedures are consistent with the methodology currently used in
Carlsbad to address any traffic-related concerns. The procedures require, and are designed to
encourage, substantial neighborhood participation, following the process used by staff to
formulate solutions to problem locations and the methods for proposing those solutions to the
Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission for support of the recommendation and to the City Council
for final resolution.
The City of Carlsbad Traffic Management Program has two main phases. The cost, complexity,
effectiveness and impact on residents increase with each phase:
Phase 1 Education and Enforcement
Phase 1 focuses on awareness and behavior, using education and
targeted enforcement to encourage safer driving habits. These tools are
typically low-cost, can be implemented quickly, and rely on city staff to
address speeding concerns before more intensive traffic management
measures are considered.
Phase 2 Traffic Management
Phase 2 measures consist of cost-effective traffic management features
that may reduce vehicle speeds.
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Is your neighborhood eligible?
Participation in the City of Carlsbad Traffic Management Program generally requires a street to
meet all of the following requirements:
1. Meets the definition of a residence district (as defined by California Vehicle Code
Section 515) or a designated school zone (as defined by the California Manual on
Uniform Traffic Control Devices Section 1A.13)
2. Meets the definition of a “local street” under California Vehicle Code Section 40802
3. A resident has made a request that staff consider a street for the City of Carlsbad Traffic
Management Program process
4. The street has not been evaluated as part of the program in the past two years
This program does not preclude the Traffic Calming Review Committee, the City Manager or the
City Council from separately considering traffic calming measures for a street that does not meet these eligibility criteria.
Phase 1: Education and Enforcement
The process is initiated when the Transportation Department’s Traffic & Mobility Division
receives a traffic-related request from a resident or group of residents.
Step 1.1 Initiating a traffic request procedure
A resident or group of residents can initiate a request by sending an
email to traffic@carlsbadca.gov, calling (442) 339-5332, or submitting a
request through the Carlsbad Connects app. The following information
is required for requests:
• Name and contact information of requester(s), including home
addresses
• Specific location of the street(s) (e.g., Nueva Castilla Way from
La Costa Avenue to Levante Street)
Upon receiving the correspondence and verifying that the street
satisfies program eligibility requirements, staff will assign an engineer
to investigate and conduct an engineering study of the street(s).
Step 1.2 Investigation/studies
Staff will gather preliminary data about the concern. Field reviews and
appropriate traffic studies will be conducted. They may include:
• Geometric conditions of the road
• Parking availability, restrictions
• Vehicle, pedestrian and bicycle counts
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• Location of existing traffic control devices on streets that are
near or intersect with the proposed street
• Location of existing traffic calming measures on other sections
of the road or on streets that intersect with the proposed
street
• Collision analysis
• Speed data
• Other studies as determined appropriate
The Phase 1 strategy will be formulated after the data is collected.
Step 1.3 Evaluation by the Traffic Calming Review
Committee
The City Manager will establish a Traffic Calming Review Committee
consisting of staff from the Traffic & Mobility Division, Fire and Police
departments and other staff as determined by the City Manager.
• After Traffic & Mobility Division staff collect data from the field
reviews, the Traffic Calming Review Committee will discuss the
request.
• The Police Department will analyze the capabilities and
limitations of enforcement in addressing traffic concerns.
• The Fire Department will analyze potential impacts on
emergency response routes and fire safety considerations,
providing input to ensure that traffic management solutions
maintain essential public safety functions.
• The Traffic Calming Review Committee will then make
recommendations on possible Phase 1 measures, if needed.
Step 1.4 Recommending Phase 1 measures
Phase 1 measures from the City of Carlsbad Traffic Management
Program toolbox (Appendix A) may be recommended by the Traffic
Calming Review Committee and implementation of these measures can
be accomplished by city personnel. Traffic & Mobility Division staff can
issue work orders for the installation of signs or striping by city staff.
Traffic & Mobility Division staff can implement temporary speed
feedback signs on the subject street as a tool to collect speed data in
Step 1.2 and to educate drivers of their speed.
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These speed feedback signs typically will be in place for two weeks. In
the first week, the displays on the units will be turned off to collect
speed data. During the second week, the displays will be turned on and
will display the speed of approaching vehicles to educate drivers about
their speed.
Where applicable, the Traffic Division of the Police Department will
develop, implement and monitor an enforcement strategy under the
direction of the officer in charge.
Step 1.5 Communication with residents
Information on appropriate traffic calming strategies and techniques
proposed to address the identified concern will be shared with the
resident(s) who initiated the request, including information about the
issuance of work orders. Traffic & Mobility Division staff will also
outline the engineering and enforcement approach that will be used to
mitigate the traffic-related concerns.
Step 1.6 Phase 1 monitoring
Effectiveness of the implemented measures and/or strategies will be
monitored by Traffic & Mobility Division staff and, as appropriate, by
the Police Department. The residents who originated the request will
be informed of the monitoring results.
Approximately six months after completion, staff will take another
speed measurement to evaluate the effectiveness of Phase 1 measures
in reducing speeds.
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Phase 2: Traffic Management
If all applicable Phase 1 options have been completed and do not appear to adequately address
the problem after being in place for at least six months (as determined by a follow-on speed
measurement completed in Step 1.6), Phase 2 of the City of Carlsbad Traffic Management
Program may be considered.
Step 2.1 Phase 2 eligibility determination
Not all residential streets and/or residential areas will qualify to
participate in Phase 2 of the City of Carlsbad Traffic Management
Program based upon the established process. All of the following
eligibility criteria must be met for a street to be considered for further
processing through the program:
1. Completion of Phase 1 of the City of Carlsbad Traffic
Management Program
2. The critical or 85th percentile speed (the speed at which 85%
of the vehicles are traveling at or below) must be greater
than 32 mph as determined by speed data collected in
Phase 11
3. A petition showing 67% or more residents and non-resident
owners of residences in the project’s area of influence
support the traffic calming consideration
4. Assessment of eligibility by the city’s Traffic Calming Review
Committee that traffic calming would not hamper
emergency response (e.g., connector streets to arterials may
not be eligible)
The data collected in Step 1.6 will also be considered for further
processing to Phase 2 of the program. The need for a traffic calming
measure and its effectiveness is reduced when measured speeds are
less than 32 mph.
Step 2.2 Determining the project area of influence
The street or streets directly impacted by potential solutions, including
all dwelling units or other land uses bordering the subject street or
streets, comprise the project area of influence.
The project area of influence will be established by the Traffic Calming
Review Committee based on the characteristics of the street, location
of concerns received and potential diversion of traffic due to traffic
calming. The establishment of the project area of influence shall
1 The Federal Highway Administration reports that findings have shown that a critical speed above 32 mph
corresponds to a marked increase in the risk of severe injury to a pedestrian.
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consider the implementation of measures on a roadway system as
opposed to singular, isolated installations.
Step 2.3 Phase 2 concept plan development and
neighborhood meeting
City staff, using the data collected in Phase 1, will prepare a draft
concept plan within the boundaries of the project’s area of influence.
Appropriate Phase 2 measures will be selected from the City of
Carlsbad Traffic Management Program Toolbox (Appendix A). Traffic &
Mobility Division staff will present the draft concept plan to the Traffic
Calming Review Committee for review and approval to present at a
neighborhood meeting.
All residents and property owners from the project area of influence
will be invited to a neighborhood meeting hosted by the city. At the
meeting, staff will explain the Phase 2 process that may lead to the
installation of the traffic management measures proposed for their
neighborhoods.
Discussion will include:
• Neighborhood concerns
• Traffic data gathered
• Evaluation results from Phase 1
• Potential Phase 2 solutions
• Advantages/disadvantages of specific Phase 2 features
• Phase 2 approval process
Representatives of the Fire and Police departments will be invited to
attend the meeting to explain response needs of the emergency
service providers, enforcement and any concerns with potential traffic
management on the street.
Upon presentation of the draft Phase 2 concept plan at the
neighborhood meeting and taking into consideration the
neighborhood’s input, the Traffic Calming Review Committee may
amend the draft concept plan.
Step 2.4 Mailing a survey for Phase 2 concept plan
support
This amended traffic calming plan will then be presented to the
neighborhood through a survey mailed to homes in the project area.
The purpose of the survey will be to determine if the neighborhood (as
defined by the project area of influence) is in favor of the proposed
plan. The survey will include data gathered in Phase 1 and will include
any potential impacts to public safety response.
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Residents and non-resident owners within the project area of influence
are eligible to participate in the support survey via regular mail. The
survey will be considered valid if a minimum of 67% of the residents
contacted fill out and return the completed survey. Staff will then
analyze the returned surveys to determine if 67% or more of the
project area of influence respondents support the Phase 2 plan.
The return rate and support rate shall be calculated by staff and
reported as a whole number, rounded down to the nearest whole
number as appropriate. For example, a 66.9% return or support rate
will be truncated to 66% not rounded up to 67%.
For projects that include connecting cul-de-sac streets within the
project area of influence, staff will calculate mail survey results in two
ways as listed below:
1) Mail surveys returned within the entire project area of
influence
2) Mail surveys returned on the affected street(s) only
The results of these surveys will show the level of support from
residents living on the subject street segment and those who are not,
for information purposes only. The 67% requirement will remain the
respondents in the project area of influence.
If fewer than 67% of the surveys are returned, the resident(s) may
request that staff reevaluate the street starting from Phase 1.
Reevaluation will be conducted by city staff after a minimum of one
year after the failed survey.
Step 2.5 Recommendation by the Traffic Safety & Mobility
Commission and final approval by the City Council
The resident-approved Phase 2 concept plan will be brought to the
Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission to hear public testimony on the
matter and for the commission’s recommendation. A duly noticed
public meeting will be held by the City Council to receive the
recommendations of the Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission for
Phase 2 implementation.
If the City Council decides that the Phase 2 concept plan is acceptable
as presented, the City Council will adopt a resolution authorizing the
installation of the proposed measures and authorizing the
appropriation of any necessary funding. The City Council may consider
other options such as returning the Phase 2 concept plan to the
neighborhood for refinement.
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Step 2.6 Phase 2 implementation
Depending on the scope of the proposed measures, implementation of
Phase 2 in most cases will require preparation of project design plans,
specifications and cost estimates either by city staff or private
consultants. Project construction will be performed by contractors
awarded construction contracts through the city’s standard
construction bidding process.
Step 2.7 Phase 2 monitoring
Phase 2 measures that have been installed will be monitored for
effectiveness during the first year following completion of the
installation. Staff will analyze traffic data results, accident history,
observed deficiencies and/or impacts of the Phase 2 measures,
comments, and suggestions or complaints received.
Traffic is measured by “critical speed,” or the 85th percentile speed,
which is the speed at which 85% of the vehicles are traveling at or
below. If the “after” speed measurement indicated that the
implemented measures are not effective in reducing speeds on the
subject street, i.e. the critical speed is higher than the 32-mph
threshold, staff could repeat the Phase 2 process with a modified
traffic calming plan for the street.
If the implemented measures are deemed to be effective, defined as
reducing the critical speed to less than the 32 mph threshold, but
residents of the neighborhood believe that the impacts and results of
the Phase 2 measures still do not fully address their concerns, they may
request removal or revision of the implemented measures. The request
must follow the Traffic Calming Measures Removal/Revision Process
and be submitted no earlier than one year from the date of installation
of the Phase 2 traffic calming measures.
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City of Carlsbad Traffic Management Program Process
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Name (please print) Address (please print) Email address and
telephone number Signature
(attach additional sheets as necessary)
Petition
Request to proceed into Phase 2 of the Carlsbad Traffic Management Program
CONTACT NAME: DATE:
CONTACT ADDRESS:
CONTACT EMAIL ADDRESS: ____________________________________________
CONTACT TELEPHONE NUMBER:: ____________________________________________
The undersigned state they that they are requesting that the City of Carlsbad consider inclusion into Phase 2 of the
Carlsbad Traffic Management Program for traffic calming measure(s) consideration on
_______________________________(street name).
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Traffic calming measures removal/revision process (Phase 2)
Individual residents within a neighborhood may suggest that one or more traffic calming
measures be removed or revised even after critical speed is measured to be less than 32 mph. If
so, a resident-led petition favoring the change signed by at least 67% of the residents and non-
resident owners within the project area of influence or expanded project area of influence, if
applicable, must be sent to staff. The petition shall indicate the proposed revision or removal of
the traffic calming measures. Eligibility criteria for signing the petition will be the same as for
previously indicated voting procedures (one signature per household or property). A sample
petition is provided on the next page for use by the neighborhood contact person to collect
signatures.
Staff will review the petition, determine if the 67% minimum threshold is met, and notify all
residents and non-resident owners within the project area of influence of the results. A petition
will not be accepted by staff during the monitoring year, which is the first year after the Phase 2
measures are implemented.
If the petition has 67% or more valid signatures, it will be submitted to the Traffic Safety &
Mobility Commission for consideration. All individuals within the project area of influence will
be notified in writing of the meeting and will have an opportunity to address the commission
with their concerns. The Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission recommendation, whether to
deny or uphold the petition, will be forwarded to the City Council for final approval.
All residents and non-resident owners within the neighborhood project area of influence will be
notified by mail of the date when the City Council will consider their request for removal or
revision of the traffic calming measure(s). Each interested resident will have an opportunity to
address the City Council. A final decision will be made by the City Council based upon staff input,
Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission recommendations and resident comments.
As appropriate, staff will initiate action on the City Council's decision. All residents and non-
resident owners within the project area of influence will be notified of the City Council decision
by mail.
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Name (please print) Address (please print) Email address and
telephone number Signature
(attach additional sheets as necessary)
Petition
Request to remove/revise traffic calming measure(s)
CONTACT NAME: DATE:
CONTACT ADDRESS:
CONTACT EMAIL ADDRESS: ____________________________________________
CONTACT TELEPHONE NUMBER:: ____________________________________________
The undersigned state they that they are requesting that the City of Carlsbad consider removing or revising the
traffic calming measure(s) installed on ________________________________(street name).
The measure or measures to be removed/revised are: ______________________________________
The undersigned further state that they have read the Travel Calming Removal/Revision Process section
contained in the City of Carlsbad Traffic Management Program.
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Program update procedures
It is intended that the City of Carlsbad Traffic Management Program be dynamic and subject to
change. Traffic calming measures, techniques and/or methodologies continue to evolve. What
was once in favor and popular to implement may have been subsequently found by agencies or
the community to be undesirable, unworkable or unacceptable to the neighborhood.
Revisions to the City of Carlsbad Traffic Management Program are expected. When revisions are
suggested, a formal review and approval process of the revision(s) will be followed.
Step 1 Initiation of revision
A change or revision may be initiated by the City Council, staff or a resident. The requested
revision should be made in writing, with the reasons for or the intent of the revision clearly
stated. A compelling reason to initiate the update process or to change the process must be
offered to be favorably received.
Step 2 Review by staff
Suggested revisions will be thoroughly researched and reviewed by city staff, including
emergency services, to determine if they are appropriate for inclusion in the City of Carlsbad
Traffic Management Program based on possible outcomes of the proposed revisions. As
necessary, comments from stakeholders will be solicited. Changes to traffic calming measures,
procedures or methodologies will only be considered by the Traffic Safety & Mobility
Commission once during a rolling 12-month period.
Step 3 Response to initiator
Staff will respond in writing to the individual(s) proposing the revisions, commenting on their
suitability or requesting additional information as needed. Revisions deemed unacceptable by
staff will not be processed further. Revisions recommended by staff for further consideration
will be scheduled for discussion at a Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission meeting.
Only those suggested revisions that significantly enhance the overall City of Carlsbad Traffic
Management Program as determined by the city’s Traffic Calming Review Committee, which
consists of staff in Public Works Transportation, Fire and Police departments at a minimum, will
be considered for acceptance and submitted to the Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission.
Step 4 Review by the Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission
All revisions proposed during any 12-month period will be reviewed by the Traffic Safety &
Mobility Commission by the end of that 12-month period. The recommendations of the Traffic
Safety & Mobility Commission for all such proposed revisions will be forwarded to the City
Council for approval. The Traffic Safety & Mobility Commission review meetings will be duly
noticed and open to the public for their input on revisions or changes.
Step 5 Review and approval by the City Council
In a public meeting, the City Council will consider the recommendations of the Traffic Safety &
Mobility Commission. Staff may be directed by the City Council to implement the revisions to
the program and the supporting documents or to take no action on the requested revision or to
return at a later date taking into consideration input from the public and City Council discussion.
Noticing procedures for the City Council meeting will be the same as for the Traffic Safety &
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City of Carlsbad Traffic Management Program 18
Mobility Commission meeting, and all interested residents will be encouraged to attend the City
Council meeting to make their opinions known.
Proposed revisions will not interfere with or delay the processing of a neighborhood traffic
calming program in progress. A neighborhood that has started development of its traffic calming
program will continue the process without change.
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APPENDIX A
TRAFFIC CALMING TOOLBOX
Traffic control vs. traffic calming
Traffic control devices focus on directing vehicle flow with official signs, signals and striping placed in the
public right-of-way advising drivers on how they should behave while traveling. Common examples of
recognized traffic control devices include stop signs, speed limit signs, curve warning signs and
centerline striping. These devices have been officially approved by the State of California Department of
Transportation (Caltrans) in keeping with the legislative authority provided for in the California Vehicle
Code.
Conversely, traffic calming measures focus on altering vehicle flow by using physical road changes to
force drivers to slow down and behave more safely in residential/pedestrian areas. Common examples
of recognized traffic calming measures include speed humps, road narrowing, and traffic circles. Not all
traffic calming measures have been officially approved by the State of California but still remain
available as a safe and viable “tool” in a jurisdiction’s “toolbox.”
Put another way, traffic control devices inform drivers of the rules of the road, while traffic calming
measures introduce physical features that drivers must negotiate as they travel along the roads.
Each tool listed is unique and has a specific purpose for addressing residential street traffic concerns
that require some form of traffic calming. Each tool has its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
More than just a structural feature on a street, traffic calming tools also encompass education,
enforcement and engineering.
Alternative methods for reducing speed
Though this program provides some tools in the toolbox, there are alternative features that could also
be considered as a part of a traffic calming plan. While the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control
Devices does not recommend the use of stop signs as speed control devices, stop signs do have the
effect of causing vehicles to slow at intersections. Although stop signs are not shown as a traffic calming
measure in the toolbox in Appendix A, the city may consider stop signs as a possible traffic calming
alternative where appropriate and warranted as determined by staff and as authorized by the City
Council.
The following pages identify tools that have been endorsed and are available for use in Carlsbad. These
tools were selected based on their demonstrated efficacy in addressing traffic concerns and
consideration of impacts on emergency response times, evacuation routes and accessibility for large
public utility and service vehicles. This approach ensures that traffic management solutions enhance
neighborhood safety while preserving critical community functions.
Each traffic calming measure is briefly described with application and possible advantages and
disadvantages.
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APPENDIX A
A-1
Phase 1 Education
Description
Conversations, meetings, emails,
letters and handouts to residents
regarding neighborhood traffic and
pedestrian safety issues.
Application
Traffic education is intended to make
residents aware of local residential
speed limits and other neighborhood
traffic and safety concerns.
Advantages
Allows residents to express views
and obtain answers
Identifies issues of concern and
solutions
Disadvantages
Effectiveness may be limited
Limited audience
Special considerations
Meetings need to stay focused on specific traffic issues
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APPENDIX A
A-2
Phase 1 Police Enforcement
Description
The Police Department deploys
officers to observe drivers’
behavior, perform targeted
enforcement on residential streets.
Application
Targeted police enforcement used
to make drivers aware of local
speed limits and to reduce speeds
by issuing citations.
Advantages
Effective, visible enforcement
Driver awareness increased
Can be used on short notice
Can reduce speeds temporarily
Disadvantages
Temporary measure
Requires long-term use to be effective
Limited police resources
Special considerations
Typically, it is only used on residential streets with documented speeding problems
Typically, it is only effective while an officer is monitoring speeds
Benefits are short-term without regular periodic enforcement
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APPENDIX A
A-3
Phase 1 Temporary Speed Feedback Signs
Description
A portable device equipped with a
radar unit that detects, displays
and records the speed of passing
vehicles. The sign can be set to
display the speed on its screen or
show a blank screen for data
collection only.
Application
Temporary speed feedback signs
may help discourage speeding on
neighborhood streets through
education (when set on display
mode) by showing drivers their
current speed.
Advantages
Educational tool
Good public relations tool
Encourages speed compliance
Can reduce speeds temporarily
Disadvantages
Not an enforcement tool
Ineffective on multi-lane roadways
Less effective on high-volume streets
Limited resources to install
Signs required to be mounted on existing
infrastructure like streetlight poles and roadside
signposts
May not be effective at lowering vehicle speeds
Special considerations
Can be installed on a standard streetlight where a resident indicates there is a speeding
problem
Typically, it is only effective in reducing speeds when the sign is present and set on display
mode
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APPENDIX A
A-4
Phase 1 Speed Limit Signs
Description
25-mph speed limit signs are installed on
neighborhood residential streets that meet
the legal definition of a residence district in
the California Vehicle Code.
Application
Speed limit signage encourages slower
vehicle speeds along residential streets. Signs
are only installed along streets where
speeding is a problem.
Advantages
Clearly indicates prima facie speed limit
Usually popular with residents
Low cost of installation
Disadvantages
Not effective by themselves
May add to sign pollution
Increases cost of sign maintenance
Special considerations
Requires police enforcement and community compliance to be effective
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APPENDIX A
A-5
Phase 1 Speed Limit Pavement Legends
Description
Painting of speed limit legends on the
roadway adjacent to speed limit signs.
Application
Speed limit pavement legends increase driver
awareness of the speed limit to help reduce
speeding.
Advantages
Supplements speed limit signs
May help reduce speeds
Usually popular with residents
Disadvantages
Not effective or enforceable by
themselves
Increases street maintenance cost
Special considerations
Should only be installed on streets where speeding is a documented problem
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APPENDIX A
A-6
Phase 1 Warning Signs
Description
Standard warning signs give drivers
advanced notice of roadway conditions.
Application
Warning signs advise motorists to reduce
their speed.
Advantages
Informs drivers of roadway conditions
Low cost of installation
Disadvantages
May add to sign clutter
Increases cost of sign maintenance
Not a regulatory sign
Special considerations
Advisory only, cannot be enforced
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APPENDIX A
A-7
Phase 2 Speed Table/Raised Crosswalk
Description
Speed tables/raised crosswalks are
constructed 3 to 4 inches above the
elevation of the street. They feature
ramps on the approaches and a flat top,
typically about the length of a passenger
car.
Application
Speed tables/raised crosswalks help
reduce vehicle speeds at mid-block
locations or intersections.
Advantages
Reduces vehicle speeds
Access not affected
Generally, results in a gentler ride as
compared to speed humps
Disadvantages
May increase noise
Affects emergency response times
Increases in maintenance costs
May not be as aesthetically pleasing
Special considerations
Requires special signage and markings which may lead to sign clutter
Careful attention required for drainage issues and other design issues
Works well in combination with curb extensions and curb radius reductions
Fire Department and Police Department evaluation
Fire Department and Police Department shall have final approval of speed table locations and
spacing.
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APPENDIX A
A-8
Phase 2 Speed Cushions
Description
Field-formed asphalt approximately 3.5
inches in height and 12 feet in length
installed in a series across a roadway.
Transverse cuts across the cushion allow
some emergency vehicles to pass without
vertical deflection.
Application
Speed cushions may help reduce vehicle
speeds without significantly impacting
some emergency vehicle response time.
Advantages
Reduces vehicle speeds
May reduce vehicle volumes
Disadvantages
May increase noise
Aesthetics
May divert traffic to other streets
Increases in maintenance costs
Affects emergency response times
Special considerations
Requires special signing and markings
To control vehicle speeds, the spacing must be carefully evaluated
Fire Department and Police Department evaluation
Fire Department and Police Department shall have final approval of speed cushion locations
and spacing.
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APPENDIX A
A-9
Phase 2
Narrowing Lanes (Striping)
Description
Striping used to narrow traffic lanes. The
“extra” pavement width can be used to
create or add to bicycle and/or parking
lanes. Lane striping can also be used to
visually simulate the hardscape features
that define the horizontal traffic calming
measures found in this Toolbox.
Application
Narrowing lanes with striping can be used
to help slow vehicle speeds. Horizontal
measures can be simulated with striping
but may not be as effective as traffic
calming measures that use hardscape to
deflect traffic.
Advantages
Can be quickly implemented in some
circumstances
May reduce travel speeds
May improve safety
Disadvantages
Not effective as a stand-alone measure
May lead to loss of parking
Increases regular maintenance
Some residents may oppose striping on
neighborhood streets
Increases resurfacing costs
Special considerations
Narrowed travel lanes may change how it “feels” to drive on the road, encouraging slower speeds
Can be installed quickly
Designated parking lanes can be created
Adds striping to neighborhood streets
Fire Department and Police Department evaluation
Fire Department and Police Department shall have final approval of narrowing lanes to reduce
speeds.
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APPENDIX A
A-10
Phase 2 Turn Restrictions via Signs
Description
Standard “No Left Turn,” “No Right Turn”
or “Do Not Enter” signs used to prevent
undesired turning movements onto
residential streets.
Application
Turn restriction signage can be used to
help reduce cut-through traffic on
residential streets.
Advantages
Redirects traffic to main streets
May help reduce cut-through traffic
Low cost
Disadvantages
May divert traffic to other streets
Inconvenient to residents
Enforcement required
Adds to sign clutter
Violation rates can be high without
enforcement
Special considerations
Installed at entry points of a neighborhood to prevent traffic from entering
It has little or no effect on speeds for through vehicles
With active enforcement, violation rates can be reduced
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APPENDIX A
A-11
Phase 2 Speed Feedback Signs
Description
A device equipped with a radar unit that
detects, displays and records the speed
of passing vehicles. The sign can be set
to display the speed on its screen, a
slow-down message or a blank screen
for data collection only.
Application
Speed feedback signs may help
discourage speeding on neighborhood
streets through education (when set on
display mode) by showing drivers their
current speed or a slow-down message.
Advantages
Educational tool
Positive public relations tool
Encourages speed compliance
Can help reduce vehicle speeds
Disadvantages
Not an enforcement tool
Less effective on multi-lane roadways
Less effective on high-volume streets
Special considerations
None
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APPENDIX A
A-12
Phase 2 Entry Treatment
Description
Entry treatments consist of raised
landscaped median islands and textured
pavement features and are located at
entries to neighborhoods.
Application
Entry treatments help reduce speed.
They provide visual cues to drivers that
they are entering a residential area or
that surrounding land uses are
changing.
Advantages
May reduce vehicle speeds
Creates an identity for the
neighborhood
May help reduce cut-through traffic
Opportunity for landscaping
Disadvantages
Increase in noise
May require removal of parking
Can impede truck movements
Creates physical obstruction
Increases in maintenance costs
Special considerations
Entry treatments have minimal influence on drivers’ routine behavior
Overall speeds and volumes are usually only minimally affected
Entry treatments make drivers more aware of the neighborhood environment
Care should be taken not to restrict pedestrian visibility at adjacent crosswalk
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APPENDIX A
A-13
Phase 2 Center Island Narrowing
Description
Center island narrowing is the
construction of a raised island in the
center of a wide street.
Application
Center islands can be installed on wide
streets to help lower speeds and/or to
prohibit left-turning movements. They
also provide a mid-point refuge area for
pedestrians.
Advantages
May help reduce vehicle speeds
Can reduce vehicle conflicts
Reduces pedestrian crossing width
Landscaping and identity opportunity
Disadvantages
May require parking removal
May reduce driveway access
May impact emergency vehicles
May divert traffic to other streets
Special considerations
When used to block side street access, it may divert traffic
May visually enhance the street with landscaping
Bicyclists prefer not to have travel way narrowed
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APPENDIX A
A-14
Phase 2 Curb Radius Reduction
Description
Removal of existing larger radius curb
returns at an intersection and
construction of smaller radius curb
returns.
Application
Curb radius reductions can slow vehicle
turning speeds and shorten pedestrian
crossing distance.
Advantages
Shorter pedestrian crossing width
Slower vehicle turning speeds
Opportunity for landscaping
Disadvantages
Impacts large vehicle turns
Special considerations
Careful attention needs to be given to drainage issues
Turning radii for larger vehicles may cause them to turn into oncoming lanes, or design
corner curbs to facilitate vehicle loads so larger length vehicles can mount corner curbs.
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APPENDIX A
A-15
Phase 2 Traffic Circle
Description
Traffic circles are raised circular islands
installed in an existing intersection.
Traffic circles require drivers to slow
down to maneuver around the circle.
Application
Traffic circles can provide speed control.
Advantages
Effectively reduces vehicle speeds
Reduces collision potential
Better side-street access
Opportunity for landscaping
Disadvantages
May increase bicycle/automobile conflicts
Affects emergency response times
Can restrict large vehicle access
More expensive than some other options
May affect left-turning movement for some
vehicles
May require parking removal
Special considerations
Traffic circles are best used in a series or with other devices
About 30 feet of curbside parking must be prohibited in advance of circle
Requires the installation of signs and pavement markings
Traffic circles are less effective at T-intersections
Fire Department and Police Department evaluation
Fire Department and Police Department shall have final approval of traffic circle locations.
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APPENDIX A
A-16
Phase 2
Raised Intersection
Description
A raised intersection is a flat, raised area
covering an entire intersection. There
are ramps on all approaches. The
plateau is generally about 4 inches high.
Typically, the raised intersection is
finished with textured pavement.
Application
Raised intersections can reduce vehicle
speeds and provide for safer pedestrian
crossings.
Advantages
Effectively reduces vehicle speeds
Enhances pedestrian safety
Can be aesthetically pleasing
Disadvantages
Expensive to construct and maintain
May require drainage modifications
Affects emergency response times
Special considerations
Makes intersections more pedestrian-friendly
Special signage is required
May require bollards around corners
Fire Department and Police Department evaluation
This measure is one of the least acceptable to the Fire Department and the Police
Department and its use requires extensive evaluation of the specific location and impacts on
emergency response times.
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APPENDIX A
A-17
Phase 2
Mid-Block Choker
Description
Mid-block chokers are curb extensions
that narrow a street by extending
the curbs towards the center of the
roadway. The remaining street cross-
section consists of two narrow lanes.
Application
Mid-block chokers can help reduce
speeds by narrowing the roadway so
two vehicles can pass slowly in opposite
directions.
Advantages
Effectively reduces vehicle speeds
Shorter pedestrian crossing width
Improves sight distance
Opportunity for landscaping
Disadvantages
May require parking removal
May create hazard for bicyclists
May create drainage issues
May impede truck movements
May impact driveway access
Special considerations
Preferred by many emergency response agencies to other measures
Provides excellent opportunities for landscaping
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APPENDIX A
A-18
Phase 2 Chicane
Description
A chicane is a series of two or more
staggered curb extensions on
alternating sides of a roadway. The
horizontal deflection causes motorists
to reduce speed.
Application
Chicanes help reduce vehicle speeds.
Advantages
Effectively reduces vehicle speeds
Low impact on emergency vehicles
Opportunity for landscaping
Disadvantages
Potential loss of parking
Increased maintenance
May impact driveways
May be expensive
Special considerations
May require removal of substantial amounts of on-street parking
Most effective when traffic volumes are approximately equal in both directions
May increase conflicts with pedestrians and bicyclists
Provides landscaping opportunities
Most residents would have their driveways affected
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APPENDIX A
A-19
Phase 2 Intersection Bulb-Out
Description
Intersection bulb-outs narrow the street
by extending the curbs toward the
center of the roadway.
Application
Intersection bulb-outs are used to
narrow the roadway and to create
shorter pedestrian crossings. They also
influence driver behavior by changing
the appearance of the street.
Advantages
Improves pedestrian visibility
Shorter pedestrian crossing width
May reduce vehicle speeds
Opportunity for landscaping
Disadvantages
May require parking removal
May create drainage issues
Impacts large vehicle turns
Special considerations
Intersection bulb-outs at transit stops enhance service
May require landscape maintenance to preserve sight distances
Turning radii for larger vehicles may cause them to turn into oncoming lanes
Consider design for bicyclists
Fire Department evaluation
Intersection bulb-outs shall be restricted to only one of the two intersecting streets.
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