Carlsbad adopts streamlined traffic management program; Phase 2 requires 67% neighborhood support and speeds >32 mph

City Traffic Engineer John Kim and Senior Engineer Miriam Jim presented the City of Carlsbad Traffic Management Program 2026 update, which consolidates a prior three‑phase program into two phases and clarifies qualifying criteria and process steps for traffic calming.

Major changes the staff recommended and council adopted include: consolidating phases (Phase 1 and Phase 2 only), limiting re‑evaluation of a given street to once every two years unless conditions change, requiring Phase 2 consideration only when critical speeds exceed 32 miles per hour, and requiring a resident‑led petition showing support from 67% or more of residents for a Phase 2 evaluation. The update also clarifies that some traffic calming requests for non‑residential streets should be routed through the capital improvement program and creates a traffic calming review committee comprising transportation, fire, police and other city staff.

Kim and Jim said toolbox items remain representative rather than exhaustive; stop signs will be considered per the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices and may be proposed through separate staff processes. Councilmembers asked about resident guidance, petition mechanics, field verification practices and possible short‑term or temporary measures; staff said field visits and data collection are standard practice and described a phased process starting with education and enforcement.

Council adopted the resolution to approve the traffic management program update unanimously; staff noted the Traffic Safety and Mobility Commission had recommended the changes earlier.