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Gonzales staff outline enforcement plan for AB 413 daylighting rule; volunteer painting program under development
Summary
City staff briefed the Gonzales City Council on Jan. 21 about implementing AB 413, the statewide daylighting law that bans parking within 20 feet of crosswalks and 15 feet of bulb‑outs and discussed complaint‑based enforcement, volunteer curb‑painting and limited statutory exceptions.
City staff updated the Gonzales City Council on Jan. 21 about implementation of Assembly Bill 413 — the daylighting law that prohibits parking within 20 feet of marked or unmarked crosswalks and within 15 feet of a bulb‑out — and sought council direction on how to proceed with enforcement and volunteer painting of curb segments.
A city staff presenter explained that the law applies statewide and is enforceable whether or not a curb or curve is painted. “It makes it illegal to park within 20 feet of a marked or unmarked crosswalk and within 15 feet of a bulb out, whether it's painted or not,” the presenter said, and added the city has been informing residents through utility bills and social media.
Staff told the council enforcement will begin on a complaint basis and that the city intends to streamline parking citations for the new violation with existing local parking fines; the presenter said a $35 streamlined citation amount is being used for the daylighting violation in Gonzales. City staff noted exceptions that by statute carry higher fines, including blocking handicap access ramps and certain bus stop areas — staff said those violations can carry fines of about $250.
The council and staff discussed volunteer painting programs to help mark priority areas because public‑works staff have limited capacity to paint every curb in town. Staff said they are developing a volunteer waiver and a program to provide supplies and coordinate volunteers; the program will identify priority locations to focus limited volunteer effort and staff oversight.
City Attorney (Mike, on Zoom) pointed out that a small number of violations are set at higher statutory rates and require no discretion. Police and the chief warned council that residents should not independently paint curbs or create their own curb‑markings, and that the city ordinance reserves curb‑painting authority to the city: “We wanna be careful that we don't have people involved in self help in painting the curbs red,” the chief said, noting unauthorized painting can create enforcement and legal complications.
Council members also asked staff to explore permitted parking programs for specific neighborhoods if residents petition for such a program; one councilmember suggested leaving the process to residents who wish to pursue permitted zones rather than pursuing a citywide program.
Staff said they will return with a volunteer program plan and waivers, identify priority locations for painting, and continue public outreach about the law and enforcement approach. The item was informational and required no council action at the meeting.
