Traffic commission backs staff recommendation to set Del Lago Drive speed limit at 30 mph

City traffic commissioners voted 4‑0 to recommend that the City Council adopt an ordinance establishing a 30 mph speed limit for Del Lago Drive between Lake Forest Drive and La Cadena Drive, and to post 25 mph signs at several business‑district entry points to remind motorists that prima facie limits apply where no sign is posted.

Staff and traffic‑engineering consultant Hartzog and Craybill presented an engineering and traffic survey that found the segment’s geometry (four lanes with a painted median and functioning as a primary entry to the business neighborhood) and a measured 80th‑percentile speed of about 32.5 mph justified a 30 mph posted limit rather than the 25 mph prima facie business‑district limit. Staff explained the California guidance that speed limits are set using regular speed surveys and that courts and citation validity rely on documented 80th‑percentile results.

Vice Chair Patel and other commissioners raised concerns about the potential inconsistency caused by setting the Del Lago segment to 30 mph while other streets in the industrial/commercial area would remain at 25 mph. Staff said rounding to the nearest 5 mph is a rule of thumb in engineering practice and that a louder deviation from the measured 80th‑percentile would require stronger justification. The commission chose to adopt the staff recommendation based on engineering analysis and collision history; the motion passed unanimously.

Next steps: if the commission’s recommendation is forwarded, staff will prepare an agenda report and a draft ordinance for City Council consideration in conformance with Chapter 11.2 of the Laguna Hills Municipal Code.