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03/02/1999, 4 - STANDARDS FOR THE DESIGN AND INSTALLATION OF STREET NAME SIGNS
Council Ageiitda Report—Street Name Sign Standards Page 2 The objectives of this Agenda Report are to: 1. Identify State and Federal standards that apply to the design and installation of street name signs; 2. Provide a synopsis of past and present City practice and standards for installing street name signs; and 3. Identify alternatives to existing practice and recommend a comprehensive policy that: Provides for street name signs that effectively assist the pubic with navigating throughout the community during daylight and evening hours; Provides for signs that are in keeping with the community's aesthetic values; and Complies with mandatory provisions of State and Federal standards. B. Framing the Issue. Street name signs provide needed information to the traveling public. They help long-term and new residents, visitors to commercial and residential areas, tourists, and drivers of delivery and service vehicles to navigate around town. To be effective, a street name sign must be legible during daylight and evening hours. The legibility of street name signs is influenced by their size, use of contrasting colors, reflectivity, number, placement and by ambient lighting at intersections. Other influences include the volume and speed of traffic at intersections. In general, the faster motorists are traveling, the larger the signs need to be to provide notice of a particular cross street. With the aging of the American population, concerns for the legibility of signs may also increase. Street name signs, including those located on mast arms at signalized intersections, are also an integral part of our urban landscape. They can complement that landscape or conflict and add clutter to it. Installing too many signs, large signs, or signs that use highly-contrasting colors and materials can visually conflict with surrounding areas. On the other hand, signs that blend into the background (and aren't seen) aren't useful. Issues of interior lighting, size, color, contrast, number and location all have an effect on the overall urban design character of a street corridor. Finally, the cost of installing and maintaining street nage signs may be significant. Installing a large number of signs, using large signs, and using interior-illuminated signs on mast arms all tend to increase costs. Also, "custom-designed" signs are, in general, more expensive than "off- the-shelf products. In conclusion, like all design challenges facing the City, a cost-effective street sign program will need to address concerns for how well the sign works (functional concerns) as well as how well they look and complement their settings (aesthetic concerns). The sign standards presented later on in this report represents staffs attempt to address functional, aesthetic, and cost concerns. In adopting a new sign policy,the Council will establish the appropriate balance of these concerns. C. Federal and State Standards that Apply to Street Name Signs. The City is responsible for the design, placement, operation and maintenance of street name signs. However, street name signs must conform to mandatory standards established by the State. These standards can be found in Traffic Manual (1996) published by the California Department of 4-2 Council Agenda Report—Street Name Sign Standards Page 3 Transportation (Caltrans). While the Traffic Manual contains many detailed standards for street name signs and mast arm signs, the only chapter of the Manual that has the "force and effect of law"is Chapter Eleven; within this Chapter,the standards can be divided into three categories: • Mandatory standards identified by the use of the term"shall." • Advisory standards identified by the use of the tetra "should." • Permissive standards identified by the use of the term"may." A synopsis of the mandatory standards for street name signs is provided below. Attached Exhibit F includes the pertinent sections of Chapter Eleven from the Traffic Manual along with other provisions from the manual that address street name signs. STATE-MANDATORY STANDARDS'.FOR STREET NAME'SIGNS Design Feature, - Standard Minimum Letter Size of Principal Legend(e.g. 100 mm(4 inches) first capital letter) Location&Number of Street Name Signs • At all signal-controlled intersections, a street name sip shall be visible to traffic approaching from all directions. • Required at all intersections in urban areas. • In business districts, two street name signs shall be visible from each approach Surface Shall be reflectorized Sources: Traffic Manual, Chapter 11,California Department of Transportation(1996) California Vehicle Code,Section 21366, State of California(1998) However, the State's standards do not present the entire regulatory picture. The State's Traffic Manual must be found in "substantial conformance" with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) which is published by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The latest version of the MUTCD (1997 revising the 1988 version) includes the following standards: : . : ..1-997-AMENDMENTS.TO THE:MUTC_D ifo�7r,$treet Name' Feature Y, ^'a'.S{`anU71L71 ♦ '_T�1e• . Size of Lettering(for roads with speed Capital letters: 6 inches(153 mm) Advisory limits of greater than 25 mph). • Lower case letters:4.5 inches(115 mm) Permissive • Street type abbreviations: 3 inches(76 mm) Size of Lettering(for roads with speed • Capital letters:4 inches(100 mm) Permissive limits of 25 mph or less). • Lower case letters: 2 inches(50mm) Sign Surface All street name signs must be"retroreflective" Mandatory Compliance Date for reflectivity 15 years from effective date of amendments Mandatory Amendments to Section 2D-39 of the MUTCD effective January 9, 1997 State and Federal sign standards emphasize visibility and legibility as the dominant design criterion and do not directly address urban design or aesthetic issues. While Federal and State 4-3 Council Agenda Report—Street Name Sign Standards Page 4 standards provide substantial advice and coaching, the City has substantial discretion in designing street name signs to be in keeping with the community's desired character. As the City is always concerned about liability, then complying with advisory standards promulgated by Federal and State agencies is one way of reducing the risk of litigation. However, the risks related to street name signs as compared to "traffic control" signs (such as speed limit and stop signs) is probably low given the information nature of street name signs. Not too many people have sued an agency for getting lost. D. Current City Street Name Sign Standards and Installation Practice. In approximately 1985, due to complaints from citizens, a major revision to the City sign standard took place. Very little has changed in subsequent years. The latest version was most recently adopted by the City Council in July 1997 (Resolution No. 8687) as a part of a comprehensive set of City wide standards. The specific standard for street name signs on poles is attached as Exhibit G. The size of the lettering and the requirement for reflectivity complies with both mandatory and advisory standards contained in the Caltrans Traffic Manual. Although not specified in adopted engineering standards, it has been the City's practice to install one street sign pole at each intersection. Whenever possible, street name signs are attached to light pole standards, stop sign poles or signal poles to minimize the number of obstacles at intersections. A photograph of a street name sign that comes close to meeting current City standards is shown below. MUM , 'y f"'.r fx'Y • �'4� l. y^'.'L Yf. '+'�"'• •u'r�XnF' ♦' 3d.,Y „y ;. -• nes. 4 � 4 N,Y' 1. .i....w.. - Does not mee current standards by me u mg airectional arrows The City has no adopted engineering standards for installation of street name signs (either lit or unlit) on traffic signal mast arms. In the downtown, unlit signs with brown backgrounds and white letters have been installed on the traffic signal mast amts at ten intersections, with various- sized lettering to test their visibility—see photograph on following page. Outside the downtown at signal-controlled intersections, both lit and unlit mast arm signs with green backgrounds and white letters have been installed at some locations. 4-4 I 1 f 1 • l l 11 JI 1 1 1 I �,^c.; ��•�� r-s��o �s�'r •�ss--mss. 1� ? � m�p� �z�=.�t�,y f k '•.. � ,�. W� F, �at.moi.!14-b."� T.�$.���r,�` � �. it i5�'����5"4a�p, 49 �.p'�`�rt � �,�,.�!•� �'t�' i",0y�.a3 `�` :e t •I'2} �' "' ��a N+���} c-4L. � � ��, au: }�a �'�y°�.IarS',�r `� 'n�Ft( ��iGs� y�"•�� .y-. �2, 1 ',� � e 4 fl• �� .,, 5� h �, Yyn Y F �y1 vs 1 d Al ri Santa Rosa 2 t 11 • • •. J 1 • t.�.` 4 u�.'} {.�] }l �I'� � 1 �S� S r2 4h7,• y�r^.1 {Z J` 1 C •� ly �I Y'JM A> [ '1 � jI�Y 1 4 I a � Lr.. � � '�•�." •1 f 7 nF is p ��`•� � '�.F�'` '�` r � !'Ep;IAI1 �fJ x T a +r , Y Cf.- 1I � 1 � •. iCS • .��'k ���Y�IY 1};�Y.�.^n�VY Zf `K"P G L Y1.Y''t.�Y 1.} �`�- A'Y � Y �t y ..V- M -trr. rte! �� F N IF A 7�"�r �+Yfv v ���tl y'2�L � r � f• K R'+�� ate_ O s o s St r� a � N !f a , ti��"• f u wY .... � 1 r .� v jlllr` 1 11M Council Agenda Report—Street Name Sign Standards Page 6 Attached Exhibit D lists signal-controlled intersections in San Luis Obispo, notes where mast arm signs have been installed, differentiates between lit and unlit signs, and provides other information. E. The Evolution of City Street Signing Practice. City records that document past City Council actions to establish a street name sign policy are not readily available; and staff was unable to find any Council Resolution adopting a specific design standard for street name signs prior to 1995. From interviewing past and present staff members, the following evolutionary picture begins to take shape: • In the late 1960's or the early 1970's, with advice from the Design Review Board (a citizens advisory group charged with providing advice on the design of City capital facilities and installations), the City Council supported a design for street name signs on poles. These signs can still be found at some intersections, have cream non- reflective lettering on a brown background, and are mounted on round steel poles. The original older signs had steel faces overlain with colored porcelain. Staff recalls that a porcelain sign cost about $300 and delivery took about six to eight weeks. These types of signs were installed up to the mid to late 1980's. i � e b. ,Y Older pole sign with cream colored letters on a brown background. Letters are nonreflective. • In approximately 1985, the Public Works Department began ordering extruded hollow aluminum sign faces with the brown backgrounds pre-applied at the factory. The Department also purchased the equipment needed to heat apply reflective white lettering. It was felt that this "in house" strategy would save time and money associated with installing "replacement" 4-6 Coancil Ageada Report—Street Name Sign Standards Page 7 signs. However,the number of signs actually fabricated by City staff may not have been significant, and most signs were ordered from Zumar Industries,the City's long-time sign supplier. Staff recalls that a sign cost about $130- $150 and delivery took about three to four weeks. These "hollow extruded blade" Zumar signs are the basis for the City's current standard for street name signs (see Exhibit G). From a maintenance and vandalism perspective, both the early design and the current design lend themselves "torque vandalism" whereby someone hangs or pulls down on one end and bends the sign downwards toward the street. This occurs because the specified mechanism for holding the signs in position can not be designed to withstand these forces. • Recently, the Public Works Department has been experimenting with a new design. Examples can be found on Palm Street at the Morro and Nipomo intersections — see photograph below. These signs have brown backgrounds with white reflective letters. The letter size is larger than the current adopted standard and meets the advisory MUTCD standard.The sign better meets the expectations of Councilmember Romero and responds to concerns of Mr. Walter (Exhibit B). The sign faces are fabricated from a fat "extruded blade" of aluminum sheeting, are rectilinear in form, and lack the angled sides that are part of the current sign standard. These signs also incorporate reflective white strips at the top and bottom of the sign face to help frame the sign name. These signs cost about$60 each and have a two week delivery or can manufactured at the Corporation Yard in one day when time allows. When mounted on the galvanized "break away"punch poles, they can be located over other signs, such as stop signs or parking control signs, thereby eliminating the need for additional poles. For the few experimental signs installed,there has been no vandalism. The design associated with the"blade"sign is able to withstand the forces of vandals. I � f 7. i I Al 1 ..F 1 Experimental sign with reflective white letters on brown background. Includes reflective Strips along the top and bottom the sign face. (Sign is 230 mm high(9")by 610 mm long(24") 4-7 Council Agenda Report—Street Name Sign Standards Page 8 F. Design Analysis 1. Street Name Signs-Pole mounted and Mast Arm mounted Element Functional Issues Aesthetic Issues Letter Size The larger the letters, the more legible the The larger the letters,the more dominant the sign is to motorists. The faster the moving sign becomes and the greater potential for vehicles, the larger the letters need to be to aesthetic conflicts. Also, the larger the provide the desired advance warning. letters, the larger the sign face itself must Separate advance warning signs may be become. Depending on their setting, provided prior to intersections and are most advance warning signs can add to the clutter useful on streets with higher traffic volumes of signs along street frontages. and speeds. Separate advance warning signs may be Depending on their setting,advance warning provided prior to intersections and are most signs can add to the clutter of signs along useful on streets with higher traffic volumes street frontages. and speeds. Font Style Square serifed fonts (such as the style used Square serifed fonts may be more legible in in this report) may be more legible than a compact form while non-serifed fonts tend Non-serifed fonts (example shown here) to be more extended and may require a because the small serifs (tags on individual larger sign face to be legible. An example letters) provide visual clues to the lettering. using the same font size follows: However, there are many factors that Street Name influence legibility and the difference Street Name between serifed and non-serifed fonts may Condensing open fonts (e.g. Street Name I be insignificant. may make them less legible. Contrast The higher the contrast between a sign's Using high-contrast colors emphasizes the lettering and its background (e.g. black on presence of the sign,may conflict with less- white being high contrast), the more legible stark character of adjoining landscape and the sign will be. Street lighting at building environments, but does meet the intersections and use of reflective letters can objective of providing information to the compensate for some lack of contrast. motorists. Colors(those White lettering on blue or "Caltrans" green A blue color is seldom found in adjoining staff has found backgrounds creates high contrasts and landscape or building areas but is a natural being used improves visibility. sky color. Green colors(depending on tone elsewhere) Examples of the "Caltrans" standard are: and shade) may complement landscape State routes (portions of Santa Rosa Street, areas. Brown colors may compliment Broad Street, South Street and Madonna building. Road). White lettering on a brown background is However, the acceptability of a particular the current SLO standard and has been used color may be influenced by the width of the for both non-lit and intemally lit signs in roadway and the height of adjoining cities such as Irivine. buildings and landscape elements. On two- White lettering on blue background is lane roads with street trees and two or three uncommon but is used for intemally lit signs story buildings adjoining them (such as in in cities such as Tracy where it has a the downtown),brown signs or signs painted subdued calming affect. a muted shade of green may be harder to Colors can be reserved for special spot but more compatible than deep blue conditions: one for Cal-trans; one for lit signs. On wider roads in commercial areas signs and another for all other sites. with low-scale adjoining buildings, color selection may be less critical. 4-8 Council Agenda Report—Street Name Sign Standards Page 9 Element Functional Issues Aesthetic Issues Brown backgrounds with creme letters (old Brown backgrounds with creme letters may sign standards) provides less contrast and be more complementary to earth-toned may be more difficult to read, especially at colors found in adjoining landscape and unlit intersections. building areas. Using a deeper tone of brown could increase contrast. Street name signs are meant to be easily found by the motorists. While not glaringly (Note: in coastal cities such as Morro Bay loud, they nonetheless should not dissolve and Pismo Beach, blue signs work well into the background becoming hard to find since the dominant landscape feature is the or hard to read once found. Pacific Ocean. In San Luis Obispo, brown and green signs work well since dominant landscape features are the Mottos and surrounding hillsides. The City of Santa Barbara uses signs with deep brown backgrounds.) Abbreviations Using street abbreviations (e.g. St. Rd., No direct effect. However, reference next Ave.) can provide useful information when item. the street's proper name is shared between various street classifications (such as Street, Court,Alley,etc.) Reflectivity Signs with reflective lettering (required by Reflective surfaces may be out of character State standards) are easier to see than those in some non-commercial settings; the flash without reflective lettering. of light off their surfaces might be a distracting element although not considered significant. Directional Directional block arrows enable motorists to Using directional arrows in combination Block Arrows better understand the progression of street with block numbers and street abbreviations addresses and know which way to turn at an can extend the length or broaden the width (Pole intersection. of the sign face. (Current standard only Mounted) includes abbreviations and block number but no arrows, although they have been used in some instances.) Number Installing a single pole (current practice) Installing more than one street name sign at (Pole may not be as visible for motorists traveling an intersection will increase visual clutter. in all directions at an intersection. Installing This may or may not be a significant visual Mounted) two signs visible from each direction at an concern depending on the presence of other intersection will increase visual access and signs in the area, the width of the sidewalk, in "business districts," would comply with and the character of adjoining land uses. mandatory State standards. Installing more signs will increase maintenance costs and may create additional obstacles for pedestrians. 4-9 Council Ageada Report—Street Name Sign Standards Page 10 Element Functional Issues Aesthetic Issues Uniformity of An alternative might be to have all City In itself, using different colors for State or Color arterial streets use one color while State City routes does not have an aesthetic (Mast Arm routes use the `Caltrans green" color. impact. Using different colon might further Mounted) differentiate state routes from City arterial streets. Number& Installing a sign on the mast arm, one for The greater the number of signs at an Mounting each cross street (a total of two signs), intersection, the more visual clutter may be may be sufficient to inform the motoring created. Mast arm signs are more visually Location public of street names. However, on wide dominant (a benefit to visitors) when they (Mast Arm streets (with four or more lanes), two signs are installed in the middle or near the end of Mounted) may be needed if they are located near the the extended signal arm and less dominant(a vertical pole of the traffic signal and not on benefit to the view corridor) when they are the ends of the signal mast arm. installed close to the vertical pole. In "business districts," to comply with California Vehicle Code standards, two street name signs should be visible from each approach. Therefore, to meet the letter of the law,a mast arm sign and"street level" signs attached to the signal pole would be required. Interior Mast arm signs with interior lighting do the Because of their enhanced visibility, interior- Lighting best job of informing motorists during lit signs may conflict with the character of (Mast Arta evening hours. They can be easily located adjoining land uses. These conflicts may be by motorists, more easily seen from greater most pronounced: Mounted) distances, and are of special assistance to those who do not know the City's street • In residential areas where ambient system. They are usually reserved for lighting is relatively low;or signalized arterial streets only. • Along two-lane streets where residents Interior-lit signs can improve access to and businesses are located relatively emergency facilities (such as hospitals) that close to the roadway. are located off of arterial streets. 2. Street Name Poles at non-Signalized intersections The following is a brief design analysis of street name poles. Element Functional Issues Aesthetic Issues Silver galvanized "break away"punch poles are The silver color of the poles may create greater Pole easier to install and more easily repaired and contrasts with adjoining landscaped and replaced, which reduces maintenance costs. building areas and create a "harder edged" Type They can be easily adjusted to accommodate appearance to the sign. Their color does not other signs, such as "One Way' signs, thereby complement green or brown signs but may reducing the need for additional poles. complement blue signs, however they can be powder coated various colors. Round metal poles are more expensive to install, Olive green sign poles may create less of a repair or replace; if they are painted green, they contrast with adjoining landscaped and building are more expensive to maintain. areas. Their color complements brown or green signs and maybe blue signs. 4-10 Council Agenda Report—Street Name Sign Standards Page 11 From this analysis, staff has identified the following factors(listed in no particular order)that can influence signing policies and standards: Visibility of the sign during daylight and evening hours air Federal and State standards ar Type of street being signed (arterial vs. local roads) air Width of roadway &w, Ownership of street(City vs. State) mr Character,type and scale of adjoining land uses air Special land use considerations (such as access to emergency facilities) sr Deviation from existing and past City standards and practice gr Modifications to existing signs needed to comply with new standards ® Compliance time frame or The relative costs of various policy options G. Conclusion: The issue over the number of signs, their color, size,reflectivity and whether or not some are internally illuminated comes down to some basic Council decisions: Do the existing standards fit the needs of the community and its visitors or not? People have been coming to San Luis Obispo for many years some getting lost, some not. San Luis Obispo is not an easy city to get around in. Few streets lead directly to major locations; most locations need multiple changes of direction. Staff has received requests for larger,better and additional signing and has tried to respond. That response, in tum, has generated a response of its own, opposing changes. Vandalism and budgetary cutbacks of 1993 and liability concerns have promulgated the installation of a new type of sign pole to respond to those issues. Staff has attempted, in this report, to address everyone's concerns equally. No one answer exists that will satisfy everyone. However, listed below is staffs attempt to provide better signage while maintaining the traditional sense of signing emanating from past standards. H. Highlights of Recommended Street Name Sign Standards. The following provides a synopsis of the recommended standards (Exhibit A provides further detail). These standards would apply to both existing and yet-to-be created street intersections. Various components of these standards are discussed below. 1. Pole Signs at Intersections: The number of sign poles at intersections would typically not increase; staff is only recommending increased numbers at certain intersections not the entire City. However, staff is recommending that the more highly visible experimental sign become the new City Standard. To comply with State mandatory standards, street name signs should be included on two corners in "business districts." Staff has narrowly interpreted the definition of "business district" to mean the Central Commercial (CC) zone in downtown San Luis Obispo. Many of the downtown's intersections already have signs on two corners and those that don't typically have signal poles or street light standards that can efficiently accommodate additional signs as needed. Staff recommends that the new standard also be modified to include a directional arrow above the block number; and delete the use of street abbreviations when their use would require a sign 4-11 Council Ageada Report—Street Name Sign Standards Page 12 longer than 750 mm (30"+/-). We believe that for most streets, the direction of the addressing is more important to motorists than knowing the street abbreviation. (Note: while State and Federal advisory standards recommended letter sizes for street abbreviations, they do not mandate that abbreviations be used.) Both State and Federal standards require (although there is no fine for non-compliance) that street signs have reflective surfaces—although the degree of reflectivity is not specified. Federal standards allow local and state transportation agencies until January of 2012 to comply with this requirement. Within this time frame a significant number of street name signs will need to be replaced anyway. Staff believes that reflective white lettering on a brown background enhances sign visibility while not significantly affecting the aesthetic acceptability. Visibility is enhanced (over creme/brown) by a slightly greater contrast between letter and background colors. Concerning the design of the sign poles, staff believes that the "break away" unfinished pole is a superior design. It is easier to install, repair, and replace than the standard steel pole. Because of its "break-away" nature, it is the safer to the public when hit and likewise decrease the City's liability. Its height is adjustable to suite a particular location and to accommodate other signs. For acute aesthetic areas(such as the downtown) it can be ordered"powder coated"(at a increase in cost) in a variety of colors. This yields a permanent color solution that does not require periodic painting. The aesthetic impact of this strategy is not significant since only one pole sign would be installed at most intersections and, in the downtown, existing signal poles and street light standards can often be used leaving only a minimal number of locations for new poles. 2. Non-Lit Mast Arm Signs at Signalized Intersections. The proposed standard would require that mast arm signs be installed outside the commercial core, generally along four-lane arterial streets or State routes. Staff s rationale for this standard is that four-lane arterial streets usually enable faster traffic and warrant additional notice for motorists. In contrast, two lane roads usually have lower traffic speeds and are more likely to be in residential areas where additional signage is less important. The recommended size of lettering on the mast arm sign complies with the advisory Federal standards contained in the 1997 MUTCD. The size of the lettering, the number of letters in a street's name, and the use of abbreviations all work together to dictate the overall length of the sign. Staff recommends that a maximum sign face length of 1.5 meters (5 feet) be established — however most mast arm street name signs would be shorter. Along sections of Monterey within the commercial core, traffic is moving more slowly (a stated objective of the Downtown Concept Plan) in relatively narrow travel lanes. On this street overhead mast mounted signs are not recommended,pole mounted signs should suffice. Along the three lane Higuera and Marsh Streets, and the four lane Santa Rosa Street mast arm mounted signs are warranted. The wider streets and narrow lanes mean drivers have less opportunity to search poles for small signs. The overhead signs provide easy and quick directional guidance. Staff recommends that brown mast arm signs be retained at these types of 4-12 Council Agenda Report—Street Name Sign Standards Page 13 intersections but that the lettering size be standardized to comply with advisory Federal standards contained in the 1997 MUTCD. 3. Interior-Lit Mast Arm Signs at Signalized Intersections. The proposed standard limits the installation of these types of signs to signalized arterial streets outside the downtown. Interior-lit signs would also be allowed at signal-controlled intersections that are in close proximity to emergency facilities such as hospitals should they not be located on an arterial street. Interior-lit signs in residential areas along arterials should not add appreciably to light levels since signalized intersections are fully lit by street lighting (usually two luminares) anyway. New installations would only occur with major signal upgrade projects or new installations. Two differing standards are proposed: a) white lettering on green background for all Cal-trans routes and while lettering on brown background for all remaining installations. The "white on green" is the Cal-trans standard and cannot be changed, however "white on brown" mimics the same standard of pole signs in the City and still provides the information needed at night. This represents a change from those already installed and attempts to better meet aesthetic concerns while providing visual guidance at night. I. Implementing new Standards. Once Council direction is received, new City Standards will be developed by the Engineering Division of Public Works. Approximately every two years the entire set of City Standards are brought to the Council for adoption by Resolution. All standards are currently done and depending on the direction received tonight will soon be ready for Council action. Next, again depending on direction received and the degree of immediacy expressed by the Council, staff will proceed to implement the new standards. The degree of implementation could range from change out all signs now to change out signs only as needed and implement the new standard on any upcoming city projects. FISCAL IMPACT Generally, the greater the number of signs (lit and non-lit) the higher the installation, operating and maintenance costs of the City's sign program will be. However, the current maintenance budget already provides for all sign maintenance and the minimal number of additional signs recommended should not affect the need for additional budget. Should the Council request that the entire sign system be changed out to meet the recommended standard or some other one, staff will have to return to the Council with a report on the cost of such an operation. The Staff recommendation does not include any major sign removals or additions at this time and therefore there is no fiscal impact to the General Fund. The new standards would only be implemented with new projects (private projects or new Council approved signal locations) or projects to rehabilitate or repair intersections or existing signalized intersections. 4-13 Council Agenda Report—Street Name Sign Standards Page 14 ALTERNATIVES As with many projects, the various combinations and permutations available are near limitless. Below, staff has listed a few alternatives for Council consideration. Alt. Description Impacts 1 • Continue to employ existing pole standards; Sign visibility would not be enhanced at major • Remove selected lit and non-lit mast arm arterial street or state route intersections. signs while keeping others on major 4-lane streets; Installation and maintenance costs could be slightly • Refrain from installing any new interior-lit reduced. signs and substitute unlit mast arm signs. 2 • Create a new pole sign standard that retains Option does not address the needs of new current letter size but uses reflective cream intersections in City growth areas. Visibility at some colored letters; major street intersections would not be enhanced. • Retain all current mast arm signs but don't Visibility of pole signs would be nominally reduced install any new ones. with the reduction in color contrast between background and letters 3 • Continue to employ existing pole standards; Sign visibility would not be enhanced at major • Remove all non-Caltrans lit mast arm signs arterial street or state route intersections. Advance while keeping others on major 4-lane streets; notice signs would need to be close to roadway or • Refrain from installing new interior-lit signs street lighting to be sufficiently visible during dark and substitute"advance notice"signs or unlit hours and would be most functional on State Routes mast arm signs. where traffic speeds are greater. Advance notice signs could add to clutter in sidewalks. 4 • Continue to employ existing pole standards; The functional or aesthetic effects of this strategy is • Review current conditions at the signalized unknown. This strategy would tailor the treatment of intersections listed on Exhibit E and specify existing intersections to the Council's wishes and any exceptions to the recommended policy at provide guidance for new intersections. It would particular intersections. also be time consuming to pursue. 5 • Continue to employ existing pole standards; Current compatibility issues would not be addressed; • Maintain existing mast arm signs but don't nor would the need for mast atm signs at existing or install any new ones. new major intersections be addressed. ATTACHMENTS EXHIBIT A: Street Name Sign Standards EXHIBIT B: Letter from Mr. Walter EXHIBIT C: Romero Correspondence EXHIBIT D: Sign Information at Stop Controlled Intersections EXHIBIT E: May 151, 1998 Letter from Ken Schwartz EXHIBIT F: Excerpt From Caltrans Traffic Manual (1996) for Street Name Signs EXHIBIT G: City-Adopted Standard for Pole Street Name Signs (1997) EXHIBIT H: Staff response to Mr. Romero 1:adm in/ccnenda/st=1namesi=4 4-14 Exhibit A - Proposed Street Name and Street Pole Standards Street Name-non-signalized intersections-Standard 1. Size of Sign: 230mm x 750mm(9"x 30")with White striping top and bottom 2. Size of Lettering: 150mm(6")Capital letters; 100mm(4")lowercase letters 3. Colors: White lettering on Brown background 4. Reflectivity: White letters to be reflective 5. Font: Serifed 6. Block Numbers and Directional arrows:Mandatory;arrows to point in the direction of increasing addresses. 7. Material: Single blade aluminum. S. Abbreviations:Advisory;to be used when possible without exceeding max.sign length. 9. Location:on comer of intersection with highest visibility 10. Number. One per intersection except in downtown business district where two are necessary;located on opposite corners Street Name-signalized,non internal illumination-Standard 1. Size: 300mm x 2.4m(12"x 8')maximum;minimize overall length as possible 2. Size of Lettering: 200mm(8")Capital letters; 150mm(6")lowercase letters 3. Colors: White lettering on Brown background for all non-state highway intersections; White lettering on Green background for all state highway intersections 4. Reflectivity:White letters to be reflective 5. Font: serifed 6. Block Numbers and Directional arrows:Mandatory;arrows to point in the direction of increasing addresses. 7. Material: Single blade aluminum S. Abbreviations:Advisory;to be used when possible without exceeding max.sign length. 9. Location: Hung from signal mast atm except on Monterey Street where they shall be pole mounted. 10. Number:One for two lane roadways;two(one for each direction)for three and four lane roadways. Street Name-signalized, internally illuminated-Standard 1. Applicability: Only applies to signalized arterial street intersections 2. Size: 350mm x 2.4m(14"x 8')maximum;minimize overall length as possible 3. Size of Lettering:200mm(8")Capital letters; 150mm(6")lowercase letters 4. Colors: White lettering on Brown background for all non-state highway intersections; White lettering- on etteringon Green background for all state highway intersections. 5. Font: serifed 6. Block Numbers and Directional arrows: Mandatory;arrows to point in the direction of increasing addresses. 7. Material: Aluminum frames with high impact strength plastic inserts. 8. Abbreviations: Advisory;to be used when possible without exceeding max.sign length. 9. Location:Hung from signal mast arm. 10. Number:One for two,three lane roadways;two(one for each direction)for four and greater lane roadways. Street Name Pole-non signalized-Standard 1. Size/type: Square tube 25mm(I"),breakaway. 2. Height:2.1 in(7')to bottom of first sign 3. Color/finish: Galvanized except for Downtown which shall be powder coated Brown Lagenda reports/streetsign exhibit A 4-15 HIBIT B . Job 0 14 fii - Apt. 405 645 Neil Avenue Columbus, Ohio 43215 To the Mayor's office San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 Dear Mr. Mayor: The enclosed clipping from The Columbus Dispatch prompts this letter to you. Periodically I come to San Luis Obispo to visit my daughter. I agree with her that SLO is a beautiful city and a great place to live. However, it suffers a flaw ITS STREET SIGNS! n' � �My impression is that the street == are decrepit, illegible, damaged, improperly placed and missing. They leave a visiting person lost and frustrated. The need for new signs is manifest. This article describes the street sign system in Columbus, Ohio. The system is user friendly, very helpful to business, residents and visitors. It helps reduce lost time and accidents. It instills pride in the neighborhood. It helped bring prominence to Columbus throughout the Midwest. New street signs would make San Luis Obispo an even better place to live. Res �ctfully, Armin Walter AW/bc RECEIVED Enc, MAR Z 3 1997 SLO CITY.COU;,101L 4-16 i M a J.S. x a: rand r to dsts. re-they the r� 300. SO i to T cart L . New, dIntal samples Placed at '. roads in Rerppe will be placed af. the intersection of Lee, Uhy and Cental locations south of Broad Sheet this jne: Tel, . :.conH art ive: toFranklin :Coon s street signs A 6 be ��easier to seeAt !e- ��y�}�� pyp��p .` 286 signs County of Broad.Street the year. . H The-county `"a_ eeryS 0 .. 8i�bn COmmiccinIIelS aM ex-- d, ws will lace 286 south' . oma, half the t 9,000 plan today. � � �9 will get the ns, Broad Street with larger ver- art to .'rhe letters on the siorts with bios- gger letters ; so small they are hard�ffia :s vd distance," said Chief Deputy.Engineer By Kewn MaYhood Dean Rine. New signs WE. have 7-inch-igh let- 3" fid`COrOfry p teis, compered to the standard 34nch. New `W; Drn'IDg Wong, you see the next inter-. 0°lors were tesed but-white:letters a;. section appmebing. green background remain the easiest 'to Is it the nun seek? ': see, said Mu~hael P. Meeks, .the`.bormtY> Y� F. You tap the brakes and tam on the traffic��• high beams, struggling to fend the sign �� seams for � to '�. ... Despite the reflecting green and white,You. . all. of the signs the can't make out the lettess.. .. "John wereplaces re �have Been stolen a' You tap the brakes a time or two again, . capital. . ; r :..:;.. thea molter sa9me mrfiiendly words as the . last week and saw one of our signs in a; '•; headlights, of.impatient followers brighten dorm room,"Meeks said. :.1 •_ `. .in your rearview mirror. Instead of being 10 feet off the.grourx;:• What sleet ii gds2:.: the new signs will:be .15 feet —."high.: Middle-aged drives and othermyo- enough that you can't get at them by ' g pis,take heart . standing on the hood of a car,"Circle said: The office of FranklinThe new 9 E�-. pole is dei ®>am designed to r • :. neer John Circle wiIl begin replacing sheet slick and hard to climb. •.:..: n sighs in the cormty with markers more than . . The pole also is supposed to break.: .; .twice as large and perched higher above away in an accident and.-be-easily moye3 ' the intersections 'Father than..anchoring the poles The larger versions also are supposed csete,a 5-foot screw will be turned iuto'the' to save taxpayers money: They arsde- ground and the pole bolted into the screw . .� signed to be much harder to steal .. top. When roads are widened,•the .oniony`'. Last year, the county spent $200,000 :will unboh the pole pull out the screw and .i replacing stolen or damaged signs move the assembly to a new spot, saving Cirde's office will start by replacing money,Meeks said . 4-17 7/s8---= 44HISIT C-1 December 9, 1997 MEMORANDUM TO: John Dunn FROM: Dave Romero SUBJECT: Street and Traffic Maintenance I have recently completed a course entitled 55 Alive which is oriented toward older drivers in order that they may determine and accommodate their limitations with advancing years. One of the sessions requested traffic complaints,those submitted by other attendees relating to SLO are as follows: _r 1) The streets are in terrible condition,with many potholes. 2) There are no signs indicating a pedestrian crosswalk in the mid-block on Marsh between Chon o and Morro. (These signs do exist. The drivers just don't see them.) 3) The stop sign on Buchon at Beach is obscured by foliage(I have called this in to Public Works in the past). / 4) Many streets are dark, and because of older drivers' eyesight limitations, are 104X s somewhat hazardous(this reflects many ongoing concerns with keeping all of our street- lights in operation). 5) The narrowing of the roadway on Higuera for northbound traffic between South and High Streets is confusing and hazardous. ✓ 6) Can't locate street name signs. (All street intersections have them but they're often hard to see. I have previously suggested Public Works initiate a program to improve street signs in downtown.) A I had other concerns which I presented,however, those listed above came from other members of the class. I believe it is important that our Public Works Department view all of our traffic facilities with the eye of senior drivers who have certain limitations not apparent to younger motorists. As r • 4-18 _ EX"ISIT c-2 January 10, 1998 MEMORANDUM TO: John Dunn FROM: Dave Romero Y SUBJECT: Public Works Operations The following is a list of minor concerns which we didn't get a chance to cover during our meeting last week. of 1) I am concerned that utility excavations are left low, when they are temporarily repaved,thereby creating a rough crossing for motorists(sometimes for many months)until a permanent paving contract is awarded. I believe we should rethink this approach and bring the temporary paving up to surface level and maintain it unl!il 9- permanent paving can be applied. 2) There are many locations where City arterial streets cross over the freeway where the asphalt paving has settled adjacent to the concrete structure bridging the freeway. This creates a jarring condition for motorists and must be maintained on a regular basis. 3) I have inquired a number of times regarding replacement of missing downtown trees. I have been told staff was waiting until colder and wetter weather so as to minimize watering problems and assure better survival of the trees. It is now well into the rainy season and there are still many locations downtown where there are existing tree wells but no trees. ✓ 4) I am continually getting complaints from citizens that they are unable to find our street name signs, even though they are located at each intersection. This problem is particularly critical in the downtown and on arterial and connector streets. I believe the Public Works Department should make a concerted effort to provide larger and some-times advance name signs for all of our downtown, collector and arterial streets. 5) I have not had a response regarding what staff proposes to do, if anything, concerning the drainage problem at Jeffrey and Daly. DR:ss 4-19 �; - "M18IT C-3 M-27 0 40 v.:W:.� 4..E.'a.. _.�..anv.r�:S..�i.a....✓..su"...a fir-...+._:�« � mss_ June 1, 1998 TO: John Dunn FROM: Dave Romero SUBJECT: Street Signs On January 10, 1998 I presented you a memo which included a reference to the possibility of improving the visibility of street name signs for downtown,collector and arterial streets (Item 4 on the attached memo). On May 8'I received a non-responsive response from Public Works,not addressing t'e particular issue at all,but referring to a letter from Armin Walter. Prior to my retirement in 1992,staff was working on a project to upgrade street name signs in the downtown,however,that project was dropped after I retired. We have made virtually no progress on this issue since that time. Motorists visiting San Luis Obispo have great difficulty in dealing with congested downtown traffic,viewing all the stores,and trying to find tiny street name signs. I believe this is a service we need to provide our tourists and residents--both in downtown and on collector and arterial streets. If staff feels this is not a worthy endeavor I will glad to bring it before the Council. DR:ss Attachment 4-20 EXHIBIT C-4 memoinnoum September 30, 1998 R e ee i ire d TO: John Dunn OCT 72 1998 FROM: Dave Romero City of S.L.O. ED Administration SUBJECT: Public Works Concerns I attended the candidates' forum as an observer yesterday evening. This was held at Creekside, therefore,the attendees tended to be older and residents of the various mobile home parks nearby. Two questions brought up by the attendees which I wound up answering, (since the candidates didn't know)were as follows: 1) "When are we going to see some progress on street repaving and particularly, when is something going to be done to put a smooth-out blanket on Higuera?" My response was that we have quite a bit of money budgeted this year for street work and that we were in the process of preparing plans. I was not able to give them a time frame on Higuera. 2) "Why don't we have street name signs at all intersections? The street signs we do have are hard to see." My response was that there are street name signs at each street intersection unless they have been stolen, usually by students living it up on the week end. This brings to mind a long time concern of mine regarding the Public Works Department setting up a program to update our street signs,particularly in the downtown and on arterial and collector streets. I am enclosing a copy of recent correspondence that I have had with you and Public Works. It is my belief that the non-responsive response that I received on 5/1/97 indicates that Public Works was not planning to do anything to upgrade the signs. I hear this complaint over and over, particularly from older people or from visitors to the city. I believe it is now time for the Department to give serious consideration to setting up some kind of program to upgrade street signs. DR:ss Enclosures 4-21 o m N N N N .'� OD 00 CD 00 'r •'� 00 t N a V] (A V] V] C C iz d = d S 'E 7E E $ > > m o 'E B 0o S m c N N W a e 0 m U E c as i .E 2 2 2 .E -2 2 ..+ ... L E -5 -2 .S .` .� .� .E 's L C N a C 0 0 w 0 O 0 0 G) C C C G) 0 0 U L 0 C w 0 C 0 d 4) a N 0 N N 02 Ev E E E E E E E E 'ovv E E E E -8 Ev E E 'c E E E E E E E E -'3 1 9 0 d 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 ° ° o 0 0 o d o d o o d o 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 GLi Q j U d' U U U U U U U U m U U U U OW U U 9 U U U U U U U U Ac. V O v W O W W W W cc W W W ca W cc u W p G) W W O U .0 U W rW p W W W W 0 0 W W O W �"' p W W W W w C r r r ':. 0 N 0 d 0: w '% OC d 0 d d a) u L GLi y W C C W C W W d C y C C C C G) C d a) C d C C C C d _ W d W N U r m W _a W W -- m W r 19 _a W W a W W of , C C Sr- .W„ U — W W y _ u U U C O iO n, W W Cos) O i � i i O p � v O p p q n i p C /U /.�M O /aM��`i N a te, U /N�M /M�N U V1 /�,�/N� C CA /N�� U /M�/—��/��N N R te\ cc C M iC Q i0 N m W W m N t6 li 'L. 'L —L d G) U _ Q) r Q] r Q1 : . G) d - U U G) d `J U U •' d Q) U G) G) G) G) U r L r p r O r L r r r r r r r r r. L r r r r r r r r r r O W U W p W O W 4�0 0 0 W W W W W m 0 W W W W O W W p W W W W W m W W � dC. � � d d d. d d � o. d c c c as c u c d u d e e c c c c c e e c m c c d c c c c c c c c T - - W W W '99 — — W W W — — .9 �. W R .9 W .9 W W — — W H UO N N N y N � N V] N Ou N N N N N N 7 4 4 cpi N 7 G7 R N t'1 t%, er, e%i gig = x x x x x x x x x x � C o C O V s � a x x 711 x x x L c O x X x x C C O � U to .. E &X x x x x x x XX X x X X X X x x T t - � O _ ami N > I h >, o E TE o p, OG o c C o ° A C i0 Z C .W , V N = W L O E L C O O O Gi L O CL N O — O U H V .W. N d ` c O 10 00 N O N cs o c -CIO: a C u W N W o a o c _° � oirn [a o ca' .p] � � � � zOav� v'� m Ux5 � 0a �nFW- O W W W i � .� _° , , , , , . . , , , 01 G • , • C E E E 0 0 0 - - _ S C W W W W W W W W W W La -p a -a -o -o -o -o -o 0 0 0 o +°% y 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 v �' C 0 0 0 0 0 ` Loco Lco Cko Otto 01) CLO (10 mo 00-0 0010 Opo Otto m07mmtm, M" Im, a M" mIMuUUUUUtirs° uoV SSSSSSSSSSSS 4-22 0 to oc-o a m .. CL C C C C as to CA V1 w C o y E UU V U C C v C Z U C r0 CC m LN ea a) u m m m 0 aci Q 0 00 oG 04 to 0. co Q m W O ca x z z z Im z :. .. °� m m y —C3 LC LC W R l7 A R A A A �_ �_ W m m A LC A l0 .R E Vi E L V 9 ` .� 'i 'L '` ` '` '` 'i •� 'C i y •2 •� _ o o v v v v v a E E E E a E E E E E E E E E E E E E H � ^ d d d d O 0 0 0 0 o o o o o 0 0 0 0 0 0 o 0 ° o o O t Q U U U U Y- U U U U U U U U U U U U U U U O "a ^ a c e mis m m G m m . m cM a m p '' �' 'L r r •� r r .d .d d .0 •d •N a) C W r r L Ira L E od, ami m ami amiami ami ami CO ami ami _ a� C C C C C C C� d a7 as = W m W w m is m is c_a ie is m m is mccl = d - r = e E W m U U V V C O i p p 0 a-. p O a. O L O O L p i L .O+ O m m O m 0 0 V co C/) Q C%] V Cn N N N N N C O V N airiC Q % iC 'atG iG W m m R iC m iC iC iC W iC tC V '„`.A N N R ® Q C LO. 70 di 'L �L •LL 'LL 'L 'L 'LL L 'L 'L 'L 'L 'L. 'L. —L '�. L 'L 'LL 'Y. y � L //��,,'L- p r O U N N a) N U N d U a1 a1 W d U d a) a) a1 U V a) a) a) d a1 ®V a) U .O L r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r r E C L L r o c h m m m m m W m m m R m m m m m m m m m R m R R m Q m o o m o 3 00% m ac c c c c e c c c c c e c c c c c c c c c c e T W m m a R m m 0 0 0 0 w m w 0 m m - C* 0 R V V 0 W y d O .t O E"' V � •et Q � of -RTN N �O Q Q Q %D b c'1 to <'1 t+� H5 N N N N � � N V V Q V] w w C S a e XXX XXXXXcc (iL O O- V C .+ O ?t •� ci O U U a) r m X X X X X X X ^ a V C L C O y 3 3 V 0 c , X X X �' m o r y U rn Lm c 3 'm N h W N + m E ecoXXXXXXX XX X XXXXX X X XX XX -Z to m W II o a o R cis an d a F V o > - V W C C m H Ld• L O y O H C as v v v T T Tz v� O c o t c o O c N c d d d c m u m iC on o f m O o m 3 :: C W W N mia mia m 'm [a � zOv� O c t n o � � -, O �n o t E c > > > > > L O h m C E O R W m i.l 1 L y H N N h R R R W m m z 0 CA T T T T m y t y N y U m C C C O O O O O C C C C C C LU.. ` d U 6i 7 y y H 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 O 10 10 O O O N � m L L t H1. m -23 EXHIBIT -E San Luis Obispo, May 1, 1998 John Dunn, CAO Pec"iv City of San LuisObispo c c/ 990 Palm Street RAY Q San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 1 1998 City Qf Adminiss t o Dear John, Thank you for your time at hmch Wednesday. As always, I very much enjoy our conversation and your observations on a broad range of topics. I expressed to you that I was troubled with what I was seeing in the City's graphics program and we discussed several of those cases specifically. As you were not aware of any graphics program that had been put together and submitted for Council approval(which I could understand), I came away with the sense that someone m our departmental structure has taken it upon him/herself to make changes. This leaves me confiised because my Councils were very much interested in the City's appearance. Specifically, they wanted a visitor to know upon entering San Luis Obispo that we were different. Consequently, one ofthe first things that we did was to replace all of the "offthe shelf'porcelain enamaled signs, frames and standards with our own individual designs and/or choices of color which were at a scale and character appropriate to our city. We didn't want to be lice the next city down the road. To be succinct as you requested, I am attaching a page listing examples which you or your staff could check out and respond to. I have no problem with someone building a better mousetrap, but I want to be convinced that the old mouse trap is not effective. Sincerely, f LenSchwartz Vista bispo, CA 93405 4-24 DEVIATIONS FROM CITY APPROVED STREET SIGNAGE STANDARDS The standard sign can be seen at the vast majority of street intersections throughout the city; example: Monterey and Osos. The color is soft adobe brown;the street name and block numbers are cream white for good contrast with sign body. The script(name?)was thoughtfully selected to be readable using first letter capitals and lower case for word body. The shape of the sign is essentially rectangular with ends slightly cut inwardly and all four comers rounded. The text was organized with street name and block number contained in the same rectangle; e.g.: Monterey Street 500> and not Monterey Street 500> The locations listed below are illustrative of some of the deviations from SLO street signing standards and the question is,why have these deviations been permitted? 1. Morning Glory and Fuller(Arbors) Non-conforming sign shape. 2. Fuller and Poinsettia (Arbors) Graphics- end spacing of Poinsettia. 3. Tank Farm and Poinsettia Non-conforming sign shape;numbers below name. 4. La Vneda @ Johnson Non-conforming color, sign shape and lettering- all capitals. 5. La Vmeda and Marian La Vneta meets standard;Marian has numbers below. (How can the only signs in this tract be so different?) 6. Fated Osos P' r"'' Non-conforming shape, size and colors. Signalized intersections. What is happening here in the last few months? The adobe brown signs used downtown which conform to the color and spirit of previous street identification have now given away to garish green(most often lighted as well)with white lettering. These are being erected most everywhere. Typical problem: instead of saying to visitors using upper Monetery Street motels that SLO is different, we tell them by these off the shelf signs that SLO is just the typical anyplace anywhere. Sad!!! Someone is not thinking holistically. Absolute worst example: Osos and Bushon This signalized intersection deep within a neighborhood the streets names of which are well understood by its inhabitants,now has a hanging green/white lighted sign to identify Buchon and a sizable green/white metal sign to identify Osos. A conglomeration if ever there was one. 4-25 EXHIBIT F 11- OFFICIAL TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES Traffic Manual Sign sizes and legends for various type facilities shall be erected on rural areas to identify important are found in the "Traffic Sign Specifications." roads not otherwise marked. Supplemental name Where greater emphasis or visibility is desired, signs may be installed in advance of intersections a larger size may be used. as necessary. In business districts,two street name Railroad Advance Warning approach signs shall signs shall be visible on each approach to the be erected as provided in CVC Section 21362. intersection. Railroad Advance Warning approach signs shall Note: Authority and reference cited: CVC be yellow and black. The standard size shall be Section 21400. 900 mm in diameter. On low volume local streets, a 750 mm size may be used. 11-03.4 Construction and Maintenance Zone and Note: Authority and reference cited: CVC Incident Management Area Signs Section 21400. Construction and maintenance zone signs,and 11-03.3 Guide Signs incident area signs,are used to warn and otherwise inform highway users of special conditions Guide signs are used to provide information to resulting from work in progress or an accident or highway users not provided by regulatory,warning other incident in the area. Pursuant to CVC or work zone and incident area signs. They are Section 21400,Uniform Standards Prescribed by reflectorized or illuminated, unless otherwise the Department of Transportation,The Department specified in the "Traffic Sign Specifications". has determined and publicized specifications for "The minimum letter height for the principal uniform types of warning signs,lights and devices legend shall be 100 mm. to be placed upon a highway. The specifications At each signal-controlled intersection on streets for these devices are contained in the current issue and highways,there shall be street name signs as of the "Trac Controls for Construction and provided in CVC Section 21366. Maintenance Work Zones" (Chapter 5 Traffic Street and highway name signs shall be erected Manual)• in urban areas at all street intersections regardless Note: Authority and reference cited: CVC of other route markings that may be present, and Section 21400. School Zone Signs 11-04 The Department and local authorities shall Note: Authority and reference cited: CVC establish wan-ants for traffic control devices near Section 21372. schools as provided in CVC Section 21372. Recommended warrants are contained in the Departments' "School Area Pedestrian Safety" pamphlet(Chapter 10,Traffic Manual.) 4-26 Traffic Manual SIGNS 4-77 14996 Guide Signs 4-04 4-04.1 Application of Guide Signs For most guide signs,the legend is so variable that therecan beno standardized size.The signsize Guide signs are essential to guide motorists must be fixed primarily in terms of length of the along streets and highways, to inform them of message and size of the lettering and spacing intersecting routes, to direct them to cities,towns, necessary for legibility. However, for signs with villages,or other important destinations,to identify standardized designs, such as route markers, it is nearby rivers and streams, parks, forests, and practicable to fix standard sizes. Refer to the historical sites, and generally to give such current edition of the Caltrans approved "Traffic information to help them along their way in the Sign Specifications"publication for standard sizes. most simple,direct manner possible. Under some circumstances,the available space Signs which are requested primarily for may limit sign width.Where clearances are limited, recognition or advertising purposes shall not be and standard-sign design cannot be used,a reduced installed. Private advertising is prohibited on the letter height, interline and edge spacing may be State highway right-0f--way by Section 5403(a)of used. When a reduction in the standard size is the Business and Professions Code. No sign nor its necessary,the design shouldbe as nearly comparable support shall bear any commercial advertising to standards as possible. material except Specific Service signs authorized Requirements for retroreflectorization or by Statute. No flashing lights or distracting legend illumination are stated under the specific headings shall be placed on guide signs. for individual guide signs or groups of signs. 4-042 Design of Guide Signs 4-04.3 Placement of Signs Guide signs are normally rectangular in shape Guide signs should be placed so that they can be with the longer dimension horizontal- Signs for read in advance of a point where a driver decision destinations shall have a white reflectorized legend is required. If approach speeds are high, the and border on a green opaque background. Service installation of an additional advance guide sign signs, such as GAS,FOOD,and LODGING shall should be considered. have a blue background. Recreational signs shall General details of location, heights, lateral have a brown background. clearances,and erection of guide signs are provided Guide signs must be legible to approaching in Section 4-01. drivers. Where speeds or volumes are high,largerA m9.Amum spacing of 60 m between guide signs are required. Where a vehicle is moving signs should be maintained on conventional slowly or must stop, small signs may be used. highways. Upper case and lower case letters are normally used A minimum spacing of 240 m between guide for street names and destinations. Capital letters signs should be maintained on freeways and shall be used for other information,such as cardinal expressways. directions,distances,lane use,etc.. The minimum When clear roadside recovery areas are letter height for the principle legend shall be 100 provided,guide signs should be placed as far from mm. Tables at the end of this section give letter the traveled way as possible,up to a maximum of 9 widths, spacing, arrow and route shield layouts, m. They should be placed in protected locations etc., for sign design. where possible. Regardless of the letter size, the legend on a guide sign must be kept to a minimum to be legible 4-04.4 Placement of Street Name Signs at a glance. Guide signs should be limited to three lines of principle legend. Where two or more signs 1. Intersection Street Name Signs. The are included in the same overhead display, extra Vehicle Coderequiresthat streetname signs effort should be made to further reduce and simplify be placed at all signalized iW271*on and the amount of legend. 478 SIGNS Traffic Manual be visible to traffic from all directions. This where a study indicates that the visibility of is generally the responsibility of the local a reflectorized sign may be inadequate due jurisdiction. to competition from ambient lighting, In retail business districts, two street internally illuminated signs may be name signs should be visible from each warranted. The design features and approach. mounting position of internally illuminated The signs shall be placed parallel to street name signs are shown in the Standard the street they name. Plans. Reflectorized signs and internally illuminated signs should be mounted in the (a) Post Mounted Signs. Letters shall same position. be open capitals not less than 100 mm in When internally illuminated signs are height or 100 nun upper case and 75 added to an existing pole,the added weight mm lower case letters. The designation andwind load could require stronger poles. of"St.","Ave.","Blvd.",etc.,is to be in The weight and wind load on new letters not less than 50 mm in height. installations is provided for in the Standard All signs shall be installed horizontally Plans. In either case, the plans should be and the color combination shall be reviewed by the Office of Structures. visible at 45 m in the daytime under clear weather conditions. 2. Advance Street Name Signs. In rural areas, advance road or street name signs (b) Mast Arm Mounted Signs. In shall beplacedforsignalizedorchannelized designing street name signs,the standard intersections and at all intersections on sign should: multilane highways. They should also be used in advance of all except minor • Have a white legend on a green intersections on major two-lane highways. background On urban multilane highways,advance • Be single sheet when reflectorized mid-block street name signs should be used • Have a minimum letter size of 150 whenever space on the right orin the median mm upper case and 115 mm lower is available. If structurally adequate case luminaire poles are available, the street • Be double faced name signs may be mounted on them at a • Be hinge mounted height of approximately 4.6 m.Refer to the • Have a maximum sign panel length current Caltrans "Standard Plans". of 2.4 m Advance street name signs may be erected separately or below an intersection Variance from these design standards wamingsign.When combined with ayellow may be desirable for compatibility with diamond sign, the color shall be a black contiguous city and county installations.In message on a yellow background. addition, a symbol or letter designation may be included on the sign face to identify 4-04.5 Establishing Business Routes the governmental jurisdiction. If used,the length of the designation shall not exceed State business routes and Interstate Loops are the height of the sign and should be established by the District Directors. positioned to the left of the street name. U. S. business routes require AASHTO The standard installation shall be approval. Applications may be made by reflectorized signs. However, at locations memorandum and shall include a written re uest 4- 8 �16mm 0 HOLE kXHIBIT G 25mm 600 OR 750mm '5Omm 10 Llw o�100mm Q �_T 150mm QM 75mm ` %O �m A B NOTES: 0 16x380mm CADMIUM PLATED CARRIAGE BOLT. O8 ORNAMENTAL TOP SHALL BE 14 GAUGE ANODIZED ALUMINUM. CENTER CROSS SADDLE SHALL BE ONE PIECE OR INTERLOCKING CAST ANODIZED ALUMINUM. B © ONE PIECE 50mm CAST ANODIZED ALUMINUM POST CAP WITH THREE 10mm STAINLESS STEEL ALLEN HEAD SET SCREWS. 0 50mm I.D. GALVANIZED PIPE. SEE STANDARD DRAWING FOR DESIRED LENGTH, LOCATION AND INSTALLATION. C QE ALLEN HEAD SET SCREWS SHALL BE COUNTER SUNK INTO THE POST TO PROVIDE POSITIVE SET. E D ASSEMBLY GENERAL NOTES: 1. EACH FOUR—WAY UNIT SHALL CONSIST OF TWO DOUBLE FACE SIGNS MOUNTED AT RIGHT ANGLES WITH ONE ANOTHER, ASSEMBLED AS SHOWN. 2. SIGN SHALL BE GREEN—ANODIZED ALUMINUM EXTRUSION OF 6063T-4 ALLOY MATERIAL. ALL ANODIZING SHALL CONFORM WITH ALUMILITE SPECIFICATION 215—R1. 3. SIGN FACES SHALL BE BROWN HIGH—INTENSITY REFLECTIVE SHEETING, WITH WHITE LETTERING APPLIED IN ACCORDANCE WITH MANUFACTURER'S SPECIFICATIONS. 4. USE 75mm LOWER CASE LETTERING AFTER FIRST LETTER OF WORD. 5. REFLECTIVE SHEETING SHALL CONFORM TO CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SPECIFICATIONS. APPROVED BY CITY ENGINEER DATE w w 0f JISIONS BY APP DATE Sdt1 STREET NAME New Standard RMH MDW 2-95 a LLUS SIGN Metric canversion ,7DL I WAP 1-97 �8� ionuory 1997 Edition A40 c?vHN31 T H-1 kk Memo TO: Dave Romero Via: John Dunn,City Administrative Officer Fray Mike McCluskey, Director of Public Works CC: Todd Martin Date: January 28, 1998 Re: Councilmember Request—Misc.comments-Alive at 55 meeting Response to numerous items: 1. "Can't locate street name signs". The street name signs'location have remained the same for the last 25 years according to the City Engineer. This is the first I have heard of any complaints. However, we did install a new"high reflectivity" street name sign at the comer of Morro and Palm that is cheaper and brighter than the adopted City Standard and are monitoring the public response (if any) before deciding if we should proceed to recommend a change city-wide. Also, the latest signal upgrade project includes street name signs on the arms of the traffic signals to help the public both in daylight and at night locate major streets around town. We plan no other action than continuing to observe the reaction to traffic signal signing and new street name signing. I:addiv/axequests/romero/drr 98-4.doc 0 Page 1 4-30 j13IT H-2 Memo TO.. Council Member Romero Via John Dunn,City Administrative Officer R al Mike McCluskey, Director of Public Wo CC: Ken Hampian,Joe McDermott ■_,�'� Date: May 8,1998 Re: Councilmember Request—98-20-Provide for better street signage As previously discussed in response to request No. 98-4, staff is currently installing new "high reflectivity°street name signs where existing signs are missing or damaged. The test location (Morro and Palm) has not provoked any public controversy and therefore we have proceeded to install the superior signs where and when needed. It was difficult to ascertain exactly what your request was with this request. You had apparently read the letter from Armin Wafter(Columbus, Ohio)and the attached article and then discussed this with John Dunn. John requested we,respond back to you. If the request is to install new sign posts and signs much like Franklin, Ohio (described in the article), this department would need specific direction and a major budget direction to do so. As seen in the picture and described in the article the sign posts are much taller than the "normal"sign post and the street name signs are significantly larger also. As for Mr. Walter's statement that signs are missing or damaged; we replace all missing signs when notified. The illegible issue (I assume being non-reflective at night) is being addressed with the new signs when needed. However,if the author did not like the"white lettering on brown background"there is little we can or want to do about it. The colors were specifically chosen (long before me and maybe before you) to become a city standard and I assume that to change them would need-a process to obtain input from the ARC and others before instituting such a change. I:addiv/ccmprequests/romero/dn98-20.doc f n 0 Page 1 4-31