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Buena Park adopts neighborhood speed‑cushion policy after staff presentation
Summary
The City Council unanimously approved a two‑phase speed cushion traffic‑calming policy that sets petition thresholds, evaluation steps and design guidelines; staff said cushions are a last resort after lower‑cost measures and estimated $8,000–$10,000 per installation.
Buena Park’s City Council unanimously adopted a new speed cushion traffic‑calming policy aimed at reducing neighborhood speeding.
City Engineer Norm Ray told the council the two‑phase policy will start with nonphysical measures and a six‑month evaluation; if problems persist, a second phase allows installation after a resident petition meeting thresholds (70% of residents on the street and 100% of adjacent property owners abutting the cushion). “At phase 2, essentially, there would be petition from the residents,” Ray said during his presentation.
Ray said staff reviewed neighboring cities and found both permanent pavement and bolt‑down rubber cushions in use; bolt‑down cushions are easier to remove if a pilot fails. Staff estimated installation costs at roughly $8,000–$10,000 per speed hump or set of cushions and said initial administrative and maintenance costs would be absorbed in the public‑works budget.
Councilmembers asked about pilot options, eligibility criteria and whether speed cushions are specifically approved by the MUTCD; Ray said the MUTCD offers signage guidance but does not formally endorse speed humps as a traffic control device and that staff would pursue best practices and public outreach. Councilmember Susan Sany said she appreciated the petition safeguards and asked staff to consider temporary pilot installations as part of initial trials.
The council voted to approve the policy; staff will implement outreach and return on technical details or adjustments as needed.
