HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-04-22 City Council (4)TO:HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL
FROM:CITY MANAGER DEPARTMENT:COMMUNITY SERVICES
DATE:
SUBJECT:
APRIL 22, 2002 CMR:215:02
ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO ALTO
AMENDING SECTION 22.04.34 OF CHAPTER 22.04 OF THE PALO
ALTO MUNICIPAL CODE TO PREVENT THE USE OF MOTORIZED
VEHICLES OR MOPED "OFF ROAD" IN OPEN SPACE AREAS
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that Council approve the attached ordinance amending Chapter 22.04 of
the Palo Alto Municipal Code, making violations of the operation of motorized vehicles
within open space areas infractions.
BACKGROUND
Arastradero Preserve has had a problem in the past with people riding motorized bikes and
off-road vehicles through the open grassland fields of the Preserve. Dirt bikes and
motorcycles have not only scarred the landscape, but also frightened horses riding on trails
and bicyclists in the path of the fast-moving vehicles. To prevent motor vehicles from
entering the Preserve, pedestrian stiles built out of large logs were placed at all of the
entrances of the Preserve. These styles allow horses and hikers to walk over the logs to enter
the Preserve, but make it very difficult for a heavy motor bike or vehicle to be carried across
the stiles. This modification to the entry gates has proven effective in keeping motorized
vehicles out of the Preserve.
In March 2001, Council approved a Trail Master Plan for the Arastradero Preserve that
recommended removing the stiles from the entrance gates of the Preserve in order to make
the Preserve trails more accessible to persons with disabilities. A secondary intent is to make
the trail entrances safer for equestrians, bikes and hikers entering and exiting the gate at the
same time. Staff is beginning to implement the Master Plan. Removing the stiles at the five
entry gates to the Preserve will not only provide better access, but will also create a more
visually inviting entrance to the Preserve trails.
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Although the use of off-road vehicles and dirt bikes has been a particular problem at the
Arastradero Preserve, there have also been occasional incidents at Foothills Park and the
Baylands Preserve.
DISCUSSION
Palo Alto Municipal Code section 22.04.34, Motorized Vehicles, currently restricts the use
of motorized vehicles to persons with valid driver’s license, prohibits the repairs of vehicles
within open space areas, and prohibits the use of electric power generators within open space
parks. The ordinance does not, however, prohibit the operation of vehicles, mopeds or
scooters off designated parking lots or roads. The proposed amendment to the ordinance will
correct this deficiency and will protect open space habitat from damage.
Amending Chapter 22.04 to restrict the off-road operation of vehicles will enable Park
Rangers or Police Officers to issue citations to violators. Prominent notice of the restriction
of vehicles will be posted at the entrance gate to the Preserve and at other places within
Foothills Park and the Baylands Preserve.
RESOURCE IMPACT
Revenue from citations issued pursuant to this ordinance will be deposited to the City’s
General Fund. The revenue anticipated from the adoption of this ordinance will not be
significant.
POLICY IMPLICATIONS
The proposed amendment is consistent with existing City policy.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
This is not a project subject to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requirements.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A:Ordinance
PREPARED BY:
DEPARTMENT HEAD:
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL:
GREG BETTS ~
Superintendent, Open Space & Science
PAUL THILTGEN
Community Services Director
EMILY HARRISON
Assistant City Manager
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