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Council adopts traffic-calming policy to guide neighborhood requests, sets voting thresholds
Summary
The Larkspur City Council adopted a formal traffic-calming policy on Feb. 19 establishing a multi-step process for resident requests, low-cost (level 1) remedies, higher-cost physical (level 2) measures, neighborhood outreach and voting thresholds (50% response and 60% approval among respondents).
The Larkspur City Council on Feb. 19 adopted Resolution O-9-25, creating a city traffic-calming policy that formalizes how residents can request street speed or cut-through traffic interventions and how the city will analyze and implement measures.
Public Works Director Julian Skinner said the policy formalizes a multi-step process: an initial resident report and staff preliminary investigation; low-cost, reversible “level 1” measures such as new striping or signage; and higher-cost “level 2” physical treatments (speed cushions, small traffic circles, choke points) that require neighborhood outreach, professional traffic analysis and multi-agency review. Skinner described the practical limits of traffic-calming work on higher-classified streets (collectors and arterials) and emphasized the policy focuses on local residential streets.
The policy establishes these procedural steps: Public Works determines an area of influence and works with an initiating resident or HOA; the city will pursue level 1 measures first and collect monitoring data; if issues persist, staff and a traffic engineer will design level 2 solutions, seek input and an on-paper vote from the affected neighborhood; a ballot requires at least 50% of the neighborhood to respond and a 60% affirmative vote to move forward; emergency responders and police will be surveyed for operational impacts before any physical installations.
Julian Skinner noted that some neighborhoods may fund installations privately if the city budget cannot cover the work. He described an implementation timeline that typically includes a year of post-installation monitoring and potential adjustments. The council and staff said they will review outcomes and potential budget allocations in upcoming budget discussions.
James Holmes, a Larkspur resident, commented during public comment that the voting thresholds should reflect units in the neighborhood and urged a stronger majority for level 2 changes; council members and staff acknowledged the point and said the policy can be revisited if the city sees implementation issues. The council adopted the resolution by roll call vote (Council member Andre: yes; Council member Margolis: yes; Council member Paulson: yes; Mayor Way: yes).
