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Home My WebLink AboutCC RES 93-002RESOLUTION NO. 93-2 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING THE GOLE' CART LANE PLAN/TRANSPORTATION PILOT PROGRAM WHEREAS, the State of California Assembly Bill 3298 is a State-mandated local program authorizing the City of Palm Desert to develop a Golf Cart Transportation Pilot Program; and WHEREAS, the City of Palm Desert has prepared a Golf Cart Transportation Engiiieering Study and has established a Golf Cart Transportation Committee and golf cart and operator safety criteria; and WHEREAS, the State of California Assembly Bill 1229 establishes the City of Palm Desert golf cart five-year pilot program beginning January 1, 1993. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED as follows: SECTIOIV 1: That the City Council of the City of Palm Desert adopts the Golf Cart Lane Plan/Transportation Pilot Program (attached hereto and made a part hereof as Exhibit "A" ) . SECTION 2: That the City Council of the City of Palm Desert finds that the Golf Cart Lane Plan will accommodate golf carts without an adverse impact upon traffic safety and considers the commuting needs of employees, businesspersons, shoppers, students, and sportspersons. PASSED, APPROVED, and ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Palm Desc�rt, California, at its Regular Meeting held on the 14th day of January, 1993, by the following �ote, to wit: AYES : NOES : ABSENT: ABSTAIN: ATTEST: � CRITES, KELLY, SNYDER, WILSON, BENSON NONE NONE NONE SHEILA R. GIL'�GAN, CI��CLERK CITY OF PALi'GrDESERT, �C�iLIFORNIA , , "� / I %/yL� � ��w11, L-- ' ��G�:�-- - JE M. BENSON, MAYOR .� . .....�.,......�,.. ._,.. �:J G'i <<^`i �.'' i i:,''i 3:`- C=•�--�� r.•,.; �,_ � � D� � b � �' ------------------------ �, . . ._ ------- - -- Rf�:SUL�'TIOti ti0. 93- EXHIBIT "A" CITY OF PALM DESERT GOLF CART LANE PLAN/TRANSPORTATION PILOT PROGRAM I. Yurpose 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, k�usiciessperson, and shopper as well as the sportsperson. It is the further intent of tlie 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 e�isting 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 exclusi� e 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 oth��r motorists . III. Golf Cart Routes The City Council, by Resolution, has found and determined that the ru��tc�5 established within this plan will accommodate the commuting needs of emplu� t�t�� , F� RESOLUTIOIY NO. S EXHIBIT "A" CITY OF PALM DESERT GOLF CART LANE PLAN/TRANSPORTATION PILOT PROGRAM Uusiiiesspersons, shoppers, students, and sportspersons without an adverse i►npact 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 coiiditioiis, 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, attaclied hereto and made a part hereof. [V. Land Use, Population Density, and Settlement Patterns Golf cart routes were established to maYimize 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 eYisting public right-of-way. Finally, golf cart routes were selected that minimize conflicts with noncompatible land uses, roadways, and undeveloped areas. V . Transportation Interfacin� 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 aiid bicyclists. In some conditions, the City may designate, with signage and sy-mbols, 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 Uicyclists and pedestrians, when no parallel improvements for the pedestrians and bicyclists are ava.ilable. 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. 3 RESOLUTIUN NO. 93• EXHIBIT "A" CITY OF PALM DESERT COLF CART LANE PLAN/TRANSPORTATION PILOT PROGRAM VI. Citizen and Communitv Involvement Citizeii iciput 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. Lon�-R.an�e Golf Cart Lane Plan 1 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 I I I. Rest Facilities and Amenities t1s 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. I'ublic Parking During the pilot program, the City will encourage businesses along and adjaceiit to golf cart routes to provide golf cart parking. The City has identified certaiii public/institutional buildings and parks to incorporate golf cart parking. The City has passed a Traffic Demand Management Ordinance which reqt�ires Uusinesses employing 100 employees or more to consider golf cart route aild golf cart parking improvements as a part of the development. X. Route Mod.ifications The golf cart routes within this plan may be amended by adding or delcticig certain routes by resolution of the City Council. It is the intent of the Cit�� 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 accommc�ci<ite golf carts without an adverse impact upon traffic safety. 4 RESOLUTION NO. P 2 EXHIBIT "A" CITY OF PALM DESERT GOLF CART LANE PLANiTRANSPORTATION PILOT PROGRAM XI. Golf Cart Lane Desi�n Criteria Miriimum general design criteria for golf cart lanes and minimum uniform specifications for golf cart symbols have been established by the City Eiigineer <�uci the Golf Cart Transportation Committee. The general lane design criteria and uiiifurm s��mbol specification shall be considered discretionary unless otherwise stated as mandatory. (a) 141iiiimum General Desi�n 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 (?) 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 tllan 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 Desi�n 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 (?} 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 Desi�n - 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 e�isting symbol for purposes of marking golf cart routes. After approval, if different from State arid National design, City shall modify e�isting symbols . (e) Symbol and Markin� 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 aild pedestrians . 5 RESOLUTION NO. 93 F EXHIBIT "A" CITY OF PALM DESERT GOLF CART LANE PLAN/TRANSPORTATION PILOT PROGRAM ( f) State Hi�hwa_y and Local Highway Crossin�s - 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 Desi�n Criteria Nlinimum 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) Brake 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 � 6 RESOLUTION NU. 9 EXHIBIT "A" CITY OF PALM DESERT GOLF CART LANE PLAN/TRANSPORTATION PILOT PROGRAM 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 miilimum 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 actioiis . 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 inciderit 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 Proc.•ess 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 reco�•er a portion of the cost of inspection, enforcement, and golf cart lane plaii maintenance . (d) An education and information package describing the requirements of tiie City Golf Cart Transportation Program. 7 Rr:SULUTION NO. 93 EXHIBIT "A" CITY OF PALM DESERT GOLF CART LANE PLAN/TRANSPORTATION PILOT PROGBAM XV . Reportin� Requirements Ttie City shall prepare a Golf Cart Transportation Plan program report e�•ery two y-ears to ttie California Legislature. The reports shall include accidents in� olving 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, ntimUer of golf carts permitted, estimated total miles driven by all permitted golf carts, estimated air pollution reduction from the operation of electric golf carts, aiicl aiiy other pertinent information. XVI. Enforcement of Golf Cart Transportation Plan The City Council finds and determines that the City shall provide law enforcemeiit 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 aiid 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. 8