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Traffic commission votes to ask council to bar street parking on declared red-flag days
Summary
The Rolling Hills Estates Traffic Commission on July 24 voted to recommend the City Council consider an ordinance to prohibit street parking on days designated as "red flag" by fire/weather authorities to keep evacuation routes clear.
The Rolling Hills Estates Traffic Commission on July 24 voted to recommend the City Council consider an ordinance that would prohibit street parking on days officially declared as red flag days by fire or weather authorities.
Christian (city staff) summarized a staff report and the commission’s earlier discussion of Los Angeles’ red-flag parking approach, saying the measure is “not meant to be a punitive thing. This is really focused around safety during an emergent event.” Commissioner Charlie moved that the commission ask the council to pursue an ordinance “excluding street parking on red flag days.” The motion was seconded and passed by voice vote.
Why it matters: Commission members and residents said parked vehicles on narrow streets and roadside easements can block access for fire apparatus and slow resident evacuation on severe-fire days. Staff’s report cited an LA ordinance that disallowed parking when the Los Angeles Fire Department declared a red-flag period and described signage and public education that city staff and commissioners view as a possible model.
How it would work: Staff told commissioners that red-flag declarations generally originate from the National Weather Service and local fire offices; once a declaration is issued at the local level, temporary parking restrictions would go into effect for the declared period. Commissioners discussed notification methods including Alert South Bay, the community association’s email/text systems (referred to in the record as “Dwelling Live” and a new gate-software “GoAccess”), sirens with voice messaging, and physical markers at gates (for example, a red flag at association gates) as options to alert residents.
Implementation questions: Staff and commissioners said several implementation details—exact signage, where signs would be placed, enforcement procedures and whether restrictions would be limited to particular neighborhoods or apply citywide—would need to be defined before any ordinance request to council. Christian said staff would gather more information and bring recommendations forward to the council for further discussion.
Public comment: Resident Judith Haynel supported action, urging improved visibility in foggy conditions and noting the safety risks at specific curves on Eastfield and Crest roads. Commissioners said any recommendation to council should be accompanied by public education and targeted notification plans.
Votes at a glance: - Approve affidavit of posting for the Traffic Commission regular meeting — motion moved/seconded; approved by voice vote (administrative). - Approve Traffic Commission minutes from May 22, 2025 — motion moved/seconded; approved by voice vote (administrative). - Recommend City Council consider an ordinance prohibiting street parking on declared red-flag days — motion by Commissioner Charlie; second not specified in record; approved by voice vote. - Request upgrade/maintenance of existing delineator paddles on Eastfield (see separate item) — motion moved/seconded; approved by voice vote (see related article).
What’s next: The commission’s action is a recommendation to the City Council; staff will return with more detailed options on notification, signage, and enforcement for council consideration.
