The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutCC RES 98-128RESOLUTION NO. 98-128 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING THE CITY OF PALM DESERT GOLF CART LANE PLAN/TRANSPORTATION PILOT PROGRAM AS THE CITY OF PALM DESERT GOLF CART TRANSPORTATION PLAN, WITH CERTAIN AMENDMENTS. WHEREAS, the State of Califomia Assembly Bill 3298 was 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 prepared a Golf Cart Transportation Engineering Study and has established a Golf Cart Transportation Committee and golf cart and operator safety criteria; and WHEREAS, the State of Califomia Assembly Bill 1229 established the City of Palm Desert golf cart five-year pilot program beginning January 1, 1993; and WHEREAS, pursuant to A.B. 1229, the City of Palm Desert adopted the City of Palm Desert Golf Cart Lane Plan/Transportation Pilot Program; WHEREAS, the State of California Assembly Bill 110 repealed the five-year pilot program and authorizes establishment of a "Golf Cart Transportation Plan" similar in scope and effect to the City of Palm Desert Golf Cart Lane Plan/Transportation Pilot Program; and WHEREAS, the City of Palm Desert desires to amend the City of Palm Desert Golf Cart Lane Plan/Transportation Pilot Program to conform to A.B. 110. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED as follows: SECTION 1: That the City Council of the City of Palm Desert adopts and renames the City of Palm Desert Golf Cart Lane Plan/Transportation Pilot Program as the City of Palm Desert Golf Cart Transportation Plan. SECTION 2: That the City of Palm Desert hereby amends the City of Palm Desert Golf Cart Transportation Plan to read as set forth in Exhibit "A", attached hereto and made a part hereof. SECTION 3: That the City Council of the City of Palm Desert finds that the City of Palm Desert Golf Cart Transportation Plan considers the travel needs of commuters and o.. other students and will accommodate golf carts without an adverse impact upon traffic safety. RM\HPD\105078 PASSED, APPROVED, and ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Palm Desert, California, at its Regular Meeting held on the 8thday of October , 1998, by the following vote, to wit: AYES: Crites, Ferguson, Kelly, Spiegel, Benson NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None MAY ATT T: SHEILA R. GILCIGAN,5;T CLERK CITY OF PALM DESE , CALIFORNIA APPROVED AS TO FORM: DAVID J. ERWIi`4, CITY ATTORNEY 1 J 7 J RM\HPD\105078 -2- RESOLUTION NO.9s-128 EXHIBIT "A" CITY OF PALM DESERT GOLF CART TRANSPORTATION PLAN I. Purpose and Intent; Assembly Bill No. 1229 authorized the City of Palm Desert to establish a five-year Golf Cart Transportation Pilot Program commencing January 1, 1993. Assembly Bill No. 110 discontinued the pilot program of A.B. 1229 and authorizes establishment of a "Golf Cart Transportation Plan" by a city. It is the intent of this legislation and the City of Palm Desert to continue, with necessary amendments to comply with A.B. 110, its existing golf cart transportation system as a Golf Cart Transportation Plan within the meaning of A.B. 110, thereby continuing to accommodate the travel needs of commuters and other users and extending the use of the golf cart beyond the previously 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 Califomia Vehicle Code and amendments thereto, such definitions shall apply. (a) "City" means the City of Palm Desert. (b) "Golf Cart" means an electric powered 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 25 miles per hour and is designed to carry golf equipment and not more than two persons, including the driver. (c) "Golf Cart Lanes" is synonymous with "golf cart routes" and means all publicly -owned facilities that provide for golf cart travel including roadways designated by signs or permanent markings which are shared with pedestrians, bicyclists, and other motorists in the plan area. There shall be three categories of golf cart lanes: RM\HPD\105078 (1) Class I golf cart lanes provide a right-of-way completely separated from any highway, with cross traffic by other motorists minimized, and designated for the exclusive use of golf carts, or, where feasibly safe and when no parallel improvements for pedestrians and bicyclists are available, designated for the shared use of golf carts, bicyclists and pedestrians. (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 45 miles per hour or less and are shared with pedestrians, bicyclists and other motorists. III. Golf Cart Routes The City Council, by Resolution, has found and determined that the routes established within this plan will accommodate the travel needs of commuters and other users without an adverse impact upon traffic safety. Existing golf cart routes were designed and made part of the Golf Cart Engineering Study of December 1991 and subsequent amendments thereto. The Golf Cart Engineering Study is on file for review at the Administrative Services Department, Environmental Conservation Division. 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 the Golf Cart Route Map, attached hereto and made a part hereof. IV. Land Use. Population Density. and Settlement Patterns As required by AB 1229, golf cart routes were established to maximize the utilization of golf carts for intercountry 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. Analysis of land use and population density and settlement patterns are not required by A.B. 110. RM\HPD\105078 -2- 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, Class I and Class II lanes will share public right-of-way with pedestrians and bicyclists. Where feasible and safe, golf carts will share Class III public right-of-way golf cart routes with pedestrian, bicyclists, and motorists. The shared use of pedestrians, bicyclists and golf cart operators on Class I routes shall be so designated with signage and symbols. 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 golf cart crossings of 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. VI. Citizen and Community Involvement Citizen input and community involvement were utilized in the preparation of the pilot program and this transportation 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 Committee shall strive to maintain diverse representation, which may include representation from City staff, City Council, law enforcement, local businesses, citizens, and other interested parties. The City Council and/or Golf Cart Transportation Committee shall consider all golf cart transportation plan 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 to insure Tong -term use of public right-of-way. RM\HPD\105078 -3- VIII. Public Parking During the pilot program, the City has encouraged, and will continue to 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. IX. Route Modifications The golf cart routes within this plan may be amended by adding or deleting certain routes by resolution of the City Council. The City Council Resolution shall include a finding that the route will accommodate golf carts without an adverse impact upon traffic safety. X. Golf Cart Lane Design Criteria Minimum general design criteria for golf cart lanes have been established by the City Engineer and the Golf Cart Transportation Committee. The general lane design criteria shall be considered discretionary unless otherwise stated as mandatory. Minimum uniform specifications for golf cart signs and symbols have been established by the California Traffic Control Devices Committee and the National Committee on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. (a) Minimum General Design Criteria for Class I Golf Cart Lanes - A Class I golf cart lane shall: have a desired minimum of nine (9) feet in width, but in no event less than 6 (six) feet in width; have a minimum vertical clearance of seven (7) feet; have improved hardened surface capable of weights of up to 1,300 pounds; be totally separated from vehicle traffic or separated by a minimum six-inch vertical and six-inch horizontal curbing; be designed with a maximum grade of 10%; have a radius of curvature of not less than fifteen (15) feet; 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 have signage clearly designating all transitions to other golf cart routes and clearly warning of the shared use, if any, of golf carts, pedestrians and bicyclists. (b) Minimum General Design Criteria for Class II Golf Cart Lanes - Class 11 golf cart lanes shall be a minimum of six (6) feet in width, have a minimum vertical clearance of seven (7) feet, have consistent street surface, have separation from vehicle traffic designated by a solid white line and either a ..e RM\HPD\105078 -4- street symbol stenciled onto street pavement or golf cart lane symbol or sign posted along route designed with safe and clearly marked street transitions. (c) Minimum General Design Criteria for Class 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 45 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 and Marking Placement - The City shall clearly mark all golf cart routes with signs and symbols 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. All signs and symbols shall be spaced within such distances as are necessary to ensure the safety of golf cart users, motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists. (e) State Highway and Local Highway Crossings - The City may not permit golf cart crossings of state highways with speed limits greater than 25 miles per hour unless authorized by the department of transportation. The City shall limit requests for golf cart route crossings on state highways to controlled intersections and to the minimum amount necessary to access critical community amenities. XI. 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 present an unobstructed view to the rear from the driver's seat. (d) The golf cart must be equipped and safely operated with: (1) Brake lights (2) Front and rear turn signal indicator lights RM\RPD\105078 -5- (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 (13) A covered passenger compartment (14) A backup buzzer. XII. 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 Califomia 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 and to possess knowledge of traffic signals, signs, rules, laws, and safety sufficient to have obtained a driver's license in the absence of the disability. (b) Golf cart operators must maintain golf cart in a safe condition and ensure that an unobstructed view to the rear is maintained at all times the cart is in operation on public streets. RM\HPD\105078 -6- (c) A maximum of two persons may ride in the golf cart and may only ride in the main passenger compartment equipped with safety belts. Both the driver and any passenger must wear safety belts at all times that the golf cart is being operated on public streets. (d) Golf carts may be operated upon, across or along public streets and highways only with a valid permit and only as provided in the plan. (e) Golf cart operators must comply with the financial responsibility requirements of Vehicle Code section 16020 et. seq. (f) Golf carts may be operated on public streets only during the time period between one hour before sunrise and one hour after sunset. XIII. 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 educational brochure describing the requirements of the City Golf Cart Transportation Program. XIV. Reporting Requirements The City shall cooperate with the Department of the Califomia Highway Patrol in the preparation of any reports required by law. RN\HPD\105078 -7- XV. Enforcement of Golf Cart Transportation Plan The City Council finds and determines that the City shall provide law enforcement for the Golf Cart Transportation Plan and enforce the rules and regulations of the Palm Desert Municipal Code, the Streets and Highways Code (Chapter 6, Division 2.5, Sections 1950 through 1967), and Section 21716 of the Califomia 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 punishable by a fine not exceeding one hundred dollars ($100.00). RM\HPD\105078 -8- DINAH SHORE DRIVE GERALD FORD DRIVE FRANK SINATRA DRIVE DESERT MEM MAGNESIA FALLS EL PASEO GRAPEVINE STREET HAYSTACK ROAD MESA VIEW CITY Of PALM D[SLR/ GOLF CART TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM ROUTE MAP I Po. COUNTRY CLUB 0 0 Q Et FRED WARING DRIVE STATE HIGHWAY 111 NOTE: ALL STREETS WITH 25 MPH SPEED LIMITS AND ALL STREETS IN RESIDENCE AND BUSINESS DISTRICTS ARE CLASS 3 GOLF CART ROUTES. %O ti N HOMEY LANE EAST a' LEGEND NOT m SCALE - • - • - CLASS 1 = SEPARATE PATH CLASS 2 = STRIPED LANE - CLASS 3 = SHARED ROADWAY CHARGING STATION STATE HIGHWAY CROSSING EXISTING ROUTES GOLF CARTS PROHIBITED JUNE 1998 COSTCO CENTER DINAH SHORE DRIVE PAW KW DPW END GERALD FORD FRANK SINATRA HOVLEY LANE WEST !MAGNESIA FALLS COLLEGE OF THE -Z- DESERT - CMC CENTER C//Y Of PALM O[SFR/ GOLF CART TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM -• PLAAIMA/G IIAP M DRIVE DRIVE DESERT WILLOW GOLF COURSE OO DESERT SPRINTS NADU PLACE PLACE —. —. MARRIO1-rs ▪ DESERT SPRINGS RESORT 1'— . —a—., � L..HOVLEY LANE EAST I QUICKSILVER • PALM OE&RT HIGH saga \DESERr Tit CETIFER a�561C •r- MIN OE IJIZA vJJ,� Y aY ■ COUNTRY CLUB FRED WARING DRIVE STATE HIGHWAY 111 ^w l• GRAPEVINE STREET zIip Q16) • 61 HAYSTACK ROAD I ♦ • MESA NEW EL PASEO morIO Iz Iv FAIRWAY4DRIVE THE LIVING OBEID NOTE: ALL STREETS WITH 25 MPH SPEED LIMITS AND ALL STREETS IN RESIDENCE AND BUSINESS DISTRICTS ARE CLASS 3 GOLF CART ROUTES. 1O DRIVE ti R HOVLEY LANE END NOTJO Saul - LEGEND - •—• - CLASS 1 = SEPARATE PATH CLASS 2 = STRIPED LANE - --- CLASS 3 = SHARED ROADWAY CHARGING STATION • STATE HIGHWAY CROSSING EXISTING ROUTES PLANNED ROUTES (97-98) FUTURE ROUTES (PROPOSED) GOLF CARTS PROHIBITED JLUNE 1998