The Seaside Traffic Advisory Committee on May 21 recommended that the City Council approve a staff proposal to install a green, time-limited curb at 1121 Elm Avenue rather than a designated ADA (blue) parking space.

Patrick Grogan, associate engineer with the public works department, told the committee the applicant submitted a TAC application dated 01/10/2024 requesting a blue-curb parking space. Grogan said the block is a residential street with a 30 mph posted speed limit, approximately 36 feet of curb-to-curb width and approximately 5-foot sidewalks, and that the parcel has about 51 feet of frontage. "In order to conform with the above regulations, curb and sidewalk alterations would be required in order to place an ADA parking space in front of 1121 Elm Avenue," Grogan said, and staff concluded the available right of way (about 23 feet from centerline to back of sidewalk) fell short of the 27 feet Grogan said would be needed.

Grogan described three alternatives studied by staff: rebuilding curb and sidewalk to meet ADA dimensions, a minor use permit to allow paving within the front setback, or creating a residential parking permit program. He noted that the nearest suitable curb ramp would be about 150 feet away and that, because no compliant curb ramp exists adjacent to the property, the staff recommendation was to "place green curb in front of 1121 Elm Avenue." Grogan also referenced Seaside Municipal Code provisions on curb markings and ADA access requirements.

A resident who spoke during public comment described recent mobility limitations and urged the committee to consider parking that would make it easier to reach her house. "I'm not asking for a designated place, just the place that would help me in my walking from the car into the house," the resident said. Committee members expressed sympathy for the resident's need while noting physical constraints at the site and the city's ADA and right-of-way requirements.

City Engineer Patel moved to approve staff's recommendation to install a green curb; the motion was seconded and carried. Committee members and staff noted the recommendation will be forwarded to the Seaside City Council (staff indicated a likely June 6 council meeting) for final action.

The committee record shows the decision was a recommendation; any final change to curb markings or curb/sidewalk geometry will require City Council approval and, if applicable, construction to meet ADA standards.