HomeMy WebLinkAboutRes 93-2 Ord 703 Golf Cart Transportation Program INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM
City of Palm Desert
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
FROM: JOHN WOHLMUTH, ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION MANAGER
DATE: JANUARY 14, 1993
SUBJECT: GOLF CART TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM
Recommendation:
1) Waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 93-2, adopting the Golf Cart Lane
Plan, more commonly known as the City of Palm Desert Golf Cart Transportation Pilot
Program, subject to CVAG's review and comment; 2) waive further reading and adopt
Ordinance No. 703 as an urgency ordinance, amending Palm Desert Municipal Code
Section 10.76 pertaining to traffic regulations for certain golf carts on certain
streets.
Background:
A Golf Cart Transportation Engineering Study was completed in December 1991
identifying a golf cart circulation system and street legal golf cart lane design
criteria. Earlier in 1991, the Golf Cart Transportation Committee developed minimum
operator requirements and minimum golf cart modification requirements. All of this
information was utilized by City staff to draft an Assembly Bill allowing certain golf
carts on certain Palm Desert streets. The draft of the Assembly Bill was modified
by Assembly staff and denoted AB1229. As this bill was considered by four
Assembly and Senate Committees as well as the Governor's Office, it went through
more modifications. The resulting bill was signed into law in May 1992 and prepared
in Government Code format during the next few months.
City staff considered the Engineering Study to be the Golf Cart Lane Plan. After
review by the City Attorney, it is clear that the Engineering Study should not be
considered the entire Golf Cart Plan. Therefore, a golf cart lane plan must be
adopted by the City Council. In addition, the City must send the golf cart lane plan
to CVAG, the appropriate transportation planning agency, for review and comment.
CVAG staff has a copy of the Engineering Study, and we will forward the Golf Cart
Lane Plan to CVAG for review and comment. If the City Council adopts the Golf Cart
Lane Plan, it is doing so subject to CVAG's review and comment.
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GOLF CART TRANSP—., ATION PROGRAM January 14, 1992
Staff Report Page 2
By adopting the ordinance amending Palm Desert Municipal Code Chapter 10.76, Palm
Desert Police will enforce the Golf Cart Lane Plan, minimum golf cart modifications,
and operator requirements. The Golf Cart Lane Plan/Transportation Pilot Program
is required to be adopted by the City Council to meet the State requirements.
Staff asks that the City Council make a finding that passage of this ordinance is
urgent and, therefore, may allow continuance of the program and allow for
enforcement. Palm Desert Police will continue to offer amnesty during January 1993
for golf cart operators without permits. The City Council will probably be modifying
the program due to future expansion, safety concerns, future development, and
public interest. This is the first program of its kind; therefore, learning,
experience, and public input are very useful in making the program convenient,
insure safety, and become a greater benefit to the environment.
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the Golf Cart Lane Plan by resolution
subject to CVAG's review and comment, and adopt the urgency ordinance, amending
Palm Desert Municipal Code Section 10.76 pertaining to traffic regulations for certain
golf carts on certain streets.
Respectfully submitted, REVIEWED AND CONCUR:
HN WOH M T BRUCE A. ALTMAN
VIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION MANAGER CITY MANAGER
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CITY COUNCIL ACTION:
l(O APPROVED ,� DENIED
RECEIVED OTHER
MEETING DATE \
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VERIFIED BY:
Original on File wr ,City Clerk' s Office
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CITY OF PALM DESERT
GOLF CART LANE PLAN/TRANSPORTATION PILOT PROGRAM
Purpose and Intent:
Assembly Bill No. 1229 authorizes the City of Palm Desert to establish a five-year
Golf Cart Transportation Pilot Program commencing January 1, 1993. It is the
intent of this legislation and the City of Palm Desert to develop an electric golf
cart transportation system to accommodate the employee, student,
businessperson, and shopper as well as the sportsperson. It is the further intent
of the legislation to authorize the City of Palm Desert to carry out an electric golf
cart transportation program that extends the use of the golf Cart beyond the
existing law provided the City establish golf cart lanes, minimum golf cart
standards, operation requirements, permit procedures, and reporting practices.
II. Definitions
The following words and phrases when used in this plan shall have the definitions
respectfully ascribed to them in this section. Whenever any words or phrases
used in this plan are not defined but are defined in the California Vehicle Code
and amendments thereto, such definitions shall apply.
(a) "City" means the City of Palm Desert.
(b) "Golf Cart" means an electric motor vehicle having not less than three
wheels in contact with the ground and an unladen weight of less than 1,300
pounds which is designed to be and is operated at not more than 15 miles
per hour and is designed to carry golf equipment and not more than two
persons, including the driver.
(c) "Golf Cart Lanes" means all publicly-owned facilities that provide for golf
cart travel. There shall be three categories of golf cart lanes:
(1) Class I golf cart lanes provide a right-of-way completely separated
from any highway, designated for the exclusive use of golf carts,
with cross traffic by other motorists minimized.
(2) Class II golf cart lanes provide a restricted right-of-way on a
highway designated by striping and signage for the exclusive or
semi-exclusive use of golf carts, with through travel by motor
vehicles or pedestrians prohibited, but with vehicle parking and
cross traffic by pedestrians and other motorists permitted.
(3) Class III golf cart lanes are lanes on local streets with speed limits of
25 miles per hour or less and are shared with pedestrians and other
motorists.
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CITY O)i' PALM DESERT •GOLF CART LANE PLAN/TRANSPORTATION PILOT PROGRAM PAGE 2
III. Golf Cart Routes
The City Council, by Resolution, has found and determined that the routes
established within this plan will accommodate the commuting needs of employees,
businesspersons, shoppers, students, and sportspersons without an adverse
impact upon traffic safety.
Golf cart routes were designed and made part of the Golf Cart Engineering Study.
The Golf Cart Engineering Study is on file for review at the Department of Public
Works. The Golf Cart Engineering Study identifies existing local roadway
conditions, proposed golf cart routes, recommended golf cart class categories,
recommended improvements, including but not limited to striping and signing,
estimated cost for improvements, and a longer range golf cart circulation system
for future facility planning.
Golf cart routes are marked and identified on Exhibit "A", Golf Cart Lane Plan,
attached hereto and made a part hereof.
IV. Land Use, Population Density, and Settlement Patterns
Golf cart routes were established to maximize the utilization of golf carts for inter-
country club transportation, residential transportation, commercial/office
transportation, and public/institutional transportation. Golf cart routes were
selected that optimize access for the higher density land uses and the utilization
of existing public right-of-way. Finally, golf cart routes were selected that
minimize conflicts with noncompatible land uses, roadways, and undeveloped
areas.
V. Transportation Interfacing
It shall be the goal, objective, and policy of the City to only designate golf cart
routes that will safely interface with other modes of existing permitted
transportation. Where feasible and safe, golf carts will share Class III public
right-of-way golf cart routes with pedestrian, bicyclists, and motorists. Where
feasible and safe, Class II lanes will share public right-of-way with pedestrians
and bicyclists. In some conditions, the City may designate, with signage and
symbols, Class II lanes as shared access with bicyclists and golf cart operators.
Where feasible and safe, Class I golf cart lanes may share right-of-way with
bicyclists and pedestrians, when no parallel improvements for the pedestrians and
bicyclists are available.
The City has designed a striping and signage system which notifies the golf cart
operator of a change in lane category. In addition, for the protection of the golf
cart operator, all Class II and Class I golf cart crossings of local and State
highways will only be designed and permitted at controlled intersections.
The City may design Class I golf cart routes along non-roadway improved public
right-of-way, including but not limited to bicycle lanes, storm drain right-of-
way, and public park lands.
All routes shall be designed to safely interface with handicap facilities.
CI1 Y OFPALM DESE
RT S
4111
GOLF CART LANE PLAN/TRANSPORTATION PILOT PROGRAM PAGE 3
VI. Citizen and Community Involvement
Citizen input and community involvement have been utilized in the preparation of
this plan. The City has established a Golf Cart Transportation Committee. This
Committee is the appropriate planning body to consider all public comments as well
as review and make recommendations on the specific route designations. The Golf
Cart Transportation Committee shall maintain representation of City staff, City
Council, law enforcement, regional air quality management district, electrical
energy provider, State Department of Transportation, golf cart industry, local
businesses, citizens, and other interested parties.
The City Council and/or Golf Cart Transportation Committee shall consider all golf
cart transportation modifications.
VII. Long-Range Golf Cart Lane Plan
A longer range Golf Cart Lane Plan has been made part of the City Golf Cart
Transportation Engineering Study. This longer range plan will be utilized to
coordinate with transportation improvements completed as a part of development
and transportation capital improvement projects. Because of the nature of a pilot
program, facility flexibility will be designed into improvements to insure long-term
use of public right-of-way.
V III. Rest Facilities and Amenities
As a part of this plan and as illustrated on Exhibit "A", rest facilities, electric
golf cart changing stations, public telephones, public restrooms, and drinking
water locations are identified. The City has designated all current public park
and future parks as appropriate rest facilities.
IX. Public Parking
During the pilot program, the City will encourage businesses along and adjacent
to golf cart routes to provide golf cart parking. The City has identified certain
public/institutional buildings and parks to incorporate golf cart parking.
The City has passed a Traffic Demand Management Ordinance which requires
businesses employing 100 employees or more to consider golf cart route and golf
cart parking improvements as a part of the development.
X. Route Modifications
The golf cart routes within this plan may be amended by adding or deleting
certain routes by resolution of the City Council. It is the intent of the City to
phase-in any and all route and lane expansion during the five-year pilot program.
The City Council Resolution shall include a finding that the route will accommodate
golf carts without an adverse impact upon traffic safety.
CITY OF PALM DESERT
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GOLF CART LANE PLANWANSPORTATION PILOT PROGRi PAGE 4
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XI. Golf Cart Lane Design Criteria
Minimum general design criteria for golf cart lanes and minimum uniform
specifications for golf cart symbols have been established by the City Engineer
and the Golf Cart Transportation Committee. The general lane design criteria and
uniform symbol specification shall be considered discretionary unless otherwise
stated as mandatory.
(a) Minimum General Design Criteria for Class I Golf Cart Lanes - Class I golf
cart lanes shall be a minimum of six (6) feet in width in each direction, have
a minimum clearance of seven (7) feet, improved hardened surface capable
of weights of up to 1,300 pounds, totally separated from vehicle traffic or
separated by a minimum six-inch vertical and six-inch horizontal curbing,
designed with a maximum grade of 10%, radius of curvature may not be less
than fifteen (15) feet, shall be designed for golf carts to be safely operated
at speeds of 15 miles per hour unless posted with speeds of less than 15
miles per hour, and clearly designating all transitions to other golf cart
routes.
(b) Minimum General Design Criteria for Class II Golf Cart Lanes - Class II golf
cart lanes shall be a minimum of six (6) feet in width, have a minimum
clearance of seven (7) vertical feet, have consistent street surface, have
separation from vehicle traffic designated by a solid white line and either
a street symbol stenciled onto street pavement or golf cart lane symbol or
sign posted along route designed with safe and clearly marked street
transitions, and shall be parallel to only local highways that meet critical
California Traffic Manual design criteria.
(c) Minimum General Design Criteria for Class III Golf Cart Lanes - Class III
golf cart lanes shall be designated golf cart routes parallel to local highways
with a maximum posted speed limit of 25 miles per hour. All golf cart route
transitions shall be clearly marked. It is the intent of Class III golf cart
routes to be shared with pedestrians, bicycles, and motorists.
(d) Symbol Design - The City shall design a golf cart route symbol and provide
said symbol to National Traffic Control Devices Committee and State of
California Traffic Control Devices Committee for review, comment, and
approval. Until said symbol is approved, City may utilize an existing
symbol for purposes of marking golf cart routes. After approval, if
different from State and National design, City shall modify existing
symbols.
(e) Symbol and Marking Placement - The City shall clearly mark all Class I and
Class II golf cart routes with signs and by symbols a minim of every 300 feet
in each direction. The City shall mark all dangerous conditions, obstacles,
and hazards along all golf cart routes as required. The City shall mark all
golf cart route transitions and shared facilities with bicycles and
pedestrians.
CITY OF PALM DESERT
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GOLF CART LANE PLAN/ANSPORTATION PILOT PROG' PAGE 5
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(f) State Highway and Local Highway Crossings - The City may only permit golf
cart crossings on State highways and local highways, with speed limits
greater than 25 miles per hour, at controlled intersections. The City shall
limit the golf cart route crossings on State highways to the minimum amount
necessary to access critical community amenities.
XII. Golf Cart Minimum Design Criteria
Minimum golf cart design criteria for operation on golf cart lanes have been
established by the City Engineer and Golf Cart Transportation Committee. The
following elements are minimum design requirements:
(a) The golf cart must be electrically powered.
(b) The golf cart must be the shape and size that conforms to the industry
standards of manufactured golf carts.
(c) The golf cart must be equipped and safely operated with:
(1) B rake lights
(2) Front and rear turn signal indicator lights
(3) Either left side and right side mirrors, left side and rear view
mirrors, or a multi-directional cross bar rear mirror
(4) Head lamps
(5) Rear lights
(6) Reflectors that conform to CVC Section 24607
(7) Parking brake
(8) Horn
(9) Windshield
(10) Seat belts
(11) Safely equipped or properly loaded to conform with CVC Section
24002
(12) A golf cart locking device
CITY OF PALM DESERT 1111 S
GOLF CART LANE PLAN/TRANSPORTATION PILOT PROGRAM PAGE 6
XIII. Golf Cart Operator Safety Criteria
Minimum golf cart operator safety criteria for golf cart use on golf cart lanes have
been established by the City Engineer, Police Captain, and Golf Cart
Transportation Committee. The following safety criteria for operators are the
minimum criteria set and adopted by the City Council:
(a) A golf cart operator must have a valid driver's license issued by the State
of California or an acceptable foreign jurisdiction or be physically disabled
and determined to be able to operate an electric golf cart by their physician
in writing and the City.
(b) Golf cart operators must have financial responsibility for their actions. In
the event of an incident on a public street, golf cart operators must show
proof of financial responsibility to all parties affected by the incident by
exchanging insurance information.
(c) Golf cart operators must maintain golf cart in a safe condition.
(d) Golf cart operators may only operate golf carts on public streets after one
hour prior to sunrise and prior to one hour after sunset.
(e) Golf cart operators may only travel on designated golf cart routes with a
City golf cart permit.
XIV. City Permit Process
The golf cart permit process has been established. Permitted golf carts must meet
the minimum golf cart design criteria. Permitted golf cart operators must meet the
minimum golf cart operator safety criteria. In addition, the City shall establish
the following process for permitting golf carts:
(a) An inspection process completed by the City.
(b) A permit decal showing proof of compliance. The decal shall be visibly
posted on the right rear fender of the permitted golf cart.
(c) A permit fee of $10 for a two-year period to allow the City to recover a
portion of the cost of inspection, enforcement, and golf cart lane plan
maintenance.
(d) An education and information package describing the requirements of the
City Golf Cart Transportation Program.
CITY OF PALM DESERT 4111
GOLF CART LANE PLAN/TRANSPORTATION PILOT PROGRAM PAGE 7
XV. Reporting Requirements
The City shall prepare a Golf Cart Transportation Plan program report every two
years to the California Legislature. The reports shall include accidents involving
or related to the operation of golf carts participating in the program, violations
of City ordinances involving golf carts, any modifications to the pilot program,
number of golf carts permitted, estimated total miles driven by all permitted golf
carts, estimated air pollution reduction from the operation of electric golf carts,
and any other pertinent information.
XVI. Enforcement of Golf Cart Transportation Plan
The City Council finds and determines that the City shall provide law enforcement
for the Golf Cart Transportation Pilot Program and enforce the rules and
regulations of the Palm Desert Municipal Code, the Streets and Highways Code
(Chapter 5, Division 25, Sections 1930 through 1937) , and Section 21716 of the
California Vehicle Code. It is the intention of the City Council to continue in force
and effect until change as provided by law of those traffic, vehicle, and operator
requirements within the Golf Cart Transportation Plan, the Streets and Highways
Code, and the California Vehicle Code. Any person operating a golf cart in
violation of this Plan is guilty of an infraction.
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Joe A. Gonsalves & Son
A �1 2' PROFESSIONAL LEGISLATIVE REPRESENTATION
rl Il1i i II, PARK EXECUTIVE BLDG. • SUITE 800 • 925 L ST. • SACRAMENTO,CA 95814-3750 • 916 • 441-0597
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March 4, 1992
Mr. John Wohlmuth
City of Palm Desert
73-510 Fred Waring Drive
Palm Desert, CA 92260
Dear John:
As you are aware, AB 1229 by Assembly Member Hunter passed the
Senate Transportation Committee on Tuesday, March 3 by a vote of
7 to 1.
The bill has been referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee.
My office will notify you when the bill is scheduled for hearing.
In the meantime, I will keep you updated on any developments as
they arise.
I have enclosed a copy of the Committee' s analysis for your file.
If you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to
call.
Sincerely,
ON D. GONSALVES
ADG/bb
Enclosure
cc Carlos Ortega
SENATE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE BILL NO • AB 1229
Senator Quentin L. Kopp, Chairman AUTHOR• HUNTER
VERSION:
(Orig.) :
(As Amend. ) : . . 01/14/92
FISCAL• YES
SUBJECT:
Golf cart transportation pilot program.
DESCRIPTION:
This bill would establish a five-year pilot program authorizing
the City of Palm Desert to develop and operate a golf cart
transportation system on local roads.
ANALYSIS:
Existing law authorizes a local authority to designate a highway,
or portion of a highway, for the combined use of regular
vehicular traffic and golf carts, provided that a) the
designation of a "joint-use" highway is limited to within one
mile of a golf course and b) any operation of a golf cart on a
highway with- a speed limit greater than 25 miles per hour is
prohibited.
Existing law authorizes a local authority to establish rules and
regulations, including crossing zones and speed limits for golf
carts on the "joint-use" highways.
Other provisions of law a) require that vehicles operated on
state and local roadways must be equipped with specified safety
and operating equipment and b) set uniform design standards for
traffic control devices and road facilities.
This bill would:
1. Establish a five-year pilot project authorizing the City of
Palm Desert to adopt a golf cart transportation system and plan
to serve the functional commuting needs of employees, students,
business persons, shoppers and sportspersons. The project would
have to be reviewed and commented upon by the appropriate
transportation planning agency.
2. Require the plan to include, but not be limited to, the
following:
a) Route selection, land use, coordination with other modes
of transportation, citizen involvement, rest facilities and
parking facilities;
b) A requirement that Palm Desert adopt design and marking
specifications for the golf cart lanes, including, but not
limited to, three separate classes of lanes similar to the
bicycle lanes provided for under current law;
AB 1229 (HUNTER, Page 2
c) A requirement that Palm Desert adopt minimum design
criteria for golf carts, as well as minimum safety criteria for
golf cart operators. The city would adopt a permit process for
golf carts under which each golf cart must be inspected prior to
its initial permitting and upon each renewal;
d) A requirement that a golf cart operator have either a
valid California driver's license or a driver's license from an
acceptable foreign jurisdiction;
• e) A requirement that Palm Desert adopt other safety
measures, including requirements of financial responsibility for
golf carts, the maintenance of golf carts in a safe condition and
the restriction of their operation to certain hours;
f) A requirement that the city adopt ordinances restricting
the operation of golf carts on highways to only those highways
approved in the golf cart plan. In addition, the city shall be
required to adopt an ordinance that only those golf carts
retrofitted with specified safety features may be operated in the
golf cart pilot program. A violation of either ordinance shall
be an infraction;
g) A requirement that the city make annual reports to the
Legislature concerning any accidents involving golf carts, any
violations of city ordinances involving golf carts, and a summary
of any new actions taken by the city in the previous year
concerning the pilot program;
h) A requirement that during this five-year pilot program
the city shall not establish a golf cart lane along State Route
111, nor shall the city establish crossing lanes for State Route
111 except at intersections either signalized or grade separated;
i) A sunset date of January 1, 1998 .
3 . Declare that the state is not liable for any injury arising
from the implementation of this pilot project.
COMMENTS:
1. AB 3298 (Hunter, 1990) required Palm Desert to conduct a
study on the feasibility of implementing a golf cart
transportation pilot program. The city's consultant concluded
that, from an engineering standpoint, a golf cart system was
feasible.
2 . The bill raises a number of policy and safety issues for the
committee:
a) Are golf carts, with a maximum speed of 15 miles per
hour, sufficiently safe and maneuverable to share roadways with
regular motor vehicles and where these other vehicles are
traveling at speeds over 25 miles per hour?
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