I. RECOMMENDATION:
This is a future agenda item requested by Mayor Lander. Staff has no recommendation.
II. BACKGROUND:
Hydrants have a certain amount of distance near them that is designated as no parking so that they will not be blocked during a fire emergency. The vehicle code, chapter 9, section 22514 defines the no parking distance from a hydrant.
III. DISCUSSION:
Section 22514 states that the distance is to be 15 feet away from a hydrant. If a hydrant is located mid-block then 30 feet will be painted red on the curb. If a hydrant is located at a corner then 15 feet will be painted red on the curb.
This distance will ensure that fire trucks can access a hydrant when needed. However, it does not appear this standard was followed closely in the past as many hydrants have much shorter severely faded no parking paint on the curb than called for by the vehicle code. Residents may complain about the loss of parking on their streets when this distance is increased.
The Council does have the authority to reduce the no parking distance from 15 feet to any other distance by ordinance or resolution.
IV. ALTERNATIVES:
None. The vehicle code requires no parking paint be applied at hydrants. Public Works is currently in the process of repainting the faded curb paint at hydrants throughout town.
V. FISCAL IMPACT:
None. This is a budgeted item within the street materials budget.
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