TITLE III—PUBLIC SAFETY

CHAPTER 2—TRAFFIC REGULATION

ARTICLE 1—DEFINITIONS

Sec. 3400 Definitions of words and phrases.

(a)    The following words and phrases when used in this Chapter shall, for the purpose of this Chapter, have the meanings respectively ascribed to them in this Article.

(b)    Whenever any words or phrases used in this Chapter are not defined herein, but are now defined in the vehicle code of this state, such definitions are incorporated herein and shall be deemed to apply to such words and phrases used herein as though set forth herein in full.

Sec. 3400.1 Business district.

For purposes of this Chapter, business district shall be defined as that portion of highway and the property contiguous thereto in a commercial (C) zone; or that portion of a highway and the property contiguous thereto.

(a)    Upon one side of which highway, for a distance of 600 feet, fifty percent (50%) or more of the contiguous property fronting thereon is occupied by buildings in use for business, or

(b)    Upon both sides of which highway, collectively, for a distance of 300 feet, fifty percent (50%) or more of the contiguous property fronting thereon is so occupied.

A business district may be longer than the distances specified in this section if the above ratio of buildings in use for business to the length of the highways exists.

Sec. 3400.2 Determination of business district.

In determining whether a highway is within a business district, the following limitations shall apply and shall qualify the definitions in Section 3400:

(a)    No building shall be regarded unless its entrance faces the highway and the front of the building is within 75 feet of the roadway.

(b)    Where a highway is physically divided into two or more roadways only those buildings facing each roadway separately shall be regarded for the purpose of determining whether the roadway is within a district.

(c)    All churches, apartments, hotels, multiple dwelling houses, clubs, and public buildings, other than schools, shall be deemed to be business structures.

(d)    A highway or portion of a highway shall not be deemed to be within a district regardless of the number of buildings upon the contiguous property if there is no right of access to the highway by vehicles from the contiguous property.

Sec. 3400.3 City Manager.

Whenever in this Chapter the City Manager is authorized or directed to act, he may designate a person to so act on his behalf.

Sec. 3400.4 Loading zone.

The space adjacent to a curb reserved for the exclusive use of vehicles during the loading or unloading of passengers or materials.

Sec. 3400.5 Official time standard.

Whenever certain hours are named herein, they shall mean standard time or daylight saving time as may be in current use in this City.

Sec. 3400.6 Parkway.

That portion of a street other than a roadway or a sidewalk.

Sec. 3400.7 Passenger loading zone.

The space adjacent to a curb reserved for the exclusive use of vehicles during the loading or unloading of passengers.

Sec. 3400.8 Police officer.

Every officer of the Police Department of this City.

ARTICLE 2—ENFORCEMENT AND OBEDIENCE TO TRAFFIC REGULATIONS

Sec. 3401 Authority of police and fire district officials.

(a)    It shall be the duty of the officers of the Police Department or such officers as are assigned by the Chief of Police to enforce all street traffic laws of this City and all of the state vehicle laws applicable to street traffic in this City.

(b)    Officers of the Police Department or such officers as are assigned by the Chief of Police are hereby authorized to direct all traffic by voice, hand or signal in conformation with traffic laws, provided that in the event of a fire or other emergency or to expedite traffic or to safeguard pedestrians, officers of the Police Department may direct traffic as conditions may require, notwithstanding the provisions of the traffic laws.

(c)    Officers of the Arcata Fire Protection District, when at the scene of a fire, may direct or assist the police in directing traffic thereat or in the immediate vicinity.

Sec. 3402 Obedience to police and fire district officials.

No person shall willfully fail to or refuse to comply with any lawful order of a police officer or fire district official when directing traffic.

Sec. 3403 Persons other than officials shall not direct traffic.

No person other than an officer of the Police Department or a person deputized by the Chief of Police or person authorized by law shall direct or attempt to direct traffic by voice, and/or other signal.

Sec. 3404 Public employees to obey traffic regulations.

The provisions of this Chapter shall apply to the driver of any vehicle owned by or used in the service of the United States Government, this state, any county or city, and it shall be unlawful for any said driver to violate any of the provisions of this Chapter except as otherwise permitted in this Chapter or by state statute.

Sec. 3405 Exemptions to certain vehicles.

(a)    The provisions of this Chapter regulating the operation, parking and standing of vehicles shall not apply to any vehicle of the City Police Department or the Arcata Fire Protection District, any public ambulance or any public utility vehicle or any private ambulance, which public utility vehicles or private ambulances have qualified as an authorized emergency vehicle, when any vehicle mentioned in this section is operated in the manner specified in the vehicle code in response to an emergency call.

(b)    The foregoing exemptions shall not, however, protect the driver of any such vehicle from the consequences of the willful disregard of the safety of others.

(c)    The provisions of this Chapter regulating the parking or standing of vehicles shall not apply to any vehicle of a City department or public utility while necessarily in use for construction or repair work, or any vehicle owned by the United States while in use for the collection, transportation or delivery of United States mail.

Sec. 3407 Report of damage to certain property.

(a)    The driver of a vehicle or the person in charge of any animal involved in any accident resulting in damage to any property publicly owned or owned by a public utility, including but not limited to any fire hydrant, ornamental lighting post, telephone pole, electric light or power pole, or resulting in damage to any ornamental shade tree, traffic control device or other property of a like nature located in or along any street, shall within twenty-four hours (24) after such accident make a written report of such accident to the Police Department of this City.

(b)    Every such report shall state the time when and the place where the accident took place, the name and address of the person owning and of the person driving or in charge of such vehicle or animal, the license number of every such vehicle, and shall briefly describe the property damaged in such accident.

(c)    A driver involved in an accident shall not be subject to the requirements or penalties of this section if and during the time such driver is physically incapable of making a report, but in such event said driver shall make a report as required in subdivision (a) within 24 hours after regaining ability to make such report.

ARTICLE 3—TRAFFIC CONTROL SERVICES

Sec. 3420 Authority to provide traffic control services and devices.

(a)    The City Manager shall have the power and duty to place and maintain or cause to be placed and maintained official traffic control devices when and as required under the traffic laws of this City to make effective the provisions of said laws. The City Council shall have final approval authority to install traffic control devices.

(b)    Whenever the vehicle code of this State requires for the effectiveness of any provision thereof that traffic control devices be installed to give notice to the public of the application of such law, the City Manager is hereby authorized to install the necessary devices subject to any limitations or restrictions set forth in the law applicable thereto.

(c)    The City Manager may also place and maintain such additional traffic control devices as he may deem necessary to regulate traffic or to guide or warn traffic but he shall make such determination only upon the basis of traffic engineering principles and traffic investigations and in accordance with such standards, limitations and rules as may be set forth in the traffic laws of this City or as may be determined by ordinance or resolution of the legislative body of this City.

Sec. 3421 Obedience to traffic control devices.

The driver of any vehicle shall obey the instructions of any official traffic control device applicable thereto placed in accordance with the Municipal Code of this City unless otherwise directed by a police officer subject to the exceptions granted the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle when responding to emergency calls.

Sec. 3422 Installation of traffic signals.

(a)    The City Manager is hereby directed to install and maintain official traffic signals at those intersections and other places where traffic conditions are such as to require that the flow of traffic be alternately interrupted and released in order to prevent or relieve traffic congestion or to protect life or property from exceptional hazard. The City Council shall have final approval authority to install traffic control devices.

(b)    The City Manager shall ascertain and determine the locations where such signals are required by utilizing traffic engineering and safety standards and instructions adopted by the Federal Highway Administrator of the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Sec. 3423 Lane Markings.

The City Manager is hereby authorized to mark center lines and lane lines upon the surface of the roadway to indicate the course to be traveled by vehicles and may place signs temporarily designating lanes to be used by traffic moving in a particular direction regardless of the center line of the highway. When authorized signs have been placed designating off-center traffic lanes, no person shall disobey the instructions given by such signs.

Sec. 3424 Authority to remove, relocate or discontinue traffic control devices.

The City Manager is hereby authorized to remove, relocate or discontinue the operation of any traffic control device not specifically required by state law or this Chapter whenever he shall determine in any particular case that the conditions which warranted or required the installation no longer exist. The City Council shall have final approval authority to remove traffic control devices.

Sec. 3425 Traffic control devices - Hours of operation.

The City Manager shall determine the hours and days during which any traffic control device shall be in operation or be in effect except in those cases where such hours or days are specified in this Chapter.

ARTICLE 4—TURNING MOVEMENTS

Sec. 3440 Authority to place and obedience to turning markers.

(a)    The City Manager is authorized to place markers, buttons, or signs within or adjacent to intersections indicating the course to be traveled by vehicles turning at such intersections, and such course to be traveled as so indicated may conform to or be other than as prescribed by law or ordinance.

(b)    When authorized markers, buttons, or other indications are placed within an intersection indicating the course to be traveled by vehicles turning thereat, no driver of a vehicle shall disobey the directions of such indications.

Sec. 3441 Authority to place restricted turn signs.

The City Manager is hereby authorized to determine those intersections at which drivers of vehicles shall not make a right, left, or U-turn, and shall place proper signs at such intersections. The making of such turns may be prohibited between certain hours of any day and permitted at other hours, in which event the same shall be plainly indicated on the signs or they may be removed when such turns are permitted.

Sec. 3442 Obedience to No-Turn signs.

Whenever authorized signs are erected indicating that no right or left or U-turn is permitted, no driver of a vehicle shall disobey the directions of any such sign.

Sec. 3443 Authority to prohibit right turns against traffic stop signals.

The City Manager is hereby authorized to determine those intersections within any business district at which drivers of vehicles shall not make a right turn against a red or stop signal and shall erect proper signs giving notice of such prohibition. No driver of a vehicle shall disobey the directions of any such sign.

ARTICLE 5—ONE-WAY STREETS AND ALLEYS

Sec. 3450 The City Manager to sign one-way streets and alleys.

Whenever any ordinance or resolution of this City designates any one-way street or alley, the City Manager shall place and maintain signs giving notice thereof, and no such regulations shall be effective unless such signs are in place. Signs indicating the direction of lawful traffic movement shall be placed at every intersection where movement of traffic in the opposite direction is prohibited.

Sec. 3451 Obedience to one-way signs.

When signs are erected on any one-way street or alley giving notice thereof, no person shall drive any vehicle in a direction contrary thereto.

ARTICLE 6—SPECIAL STOPS REQUIRED

Sec. 3460 The City Manager to erect stop signs.

Whenever any ordinance or resolution of this City designates and describes any street or portion thereof as a through street or at any intersection at which vehicles are required to stop at one or more entrances thereto, or at any railroad grade crossing at which vehicles are required to stop, the City Manager shall erect and maintain stop signs as follows:

A stop sign shall be erected on each and every street intersecting such through street or portion thereof so designated and at those entrances of other intersections where a stop is required and at any railroad grade crossing so designated. Every such sign shall conform with and shall be placed as provided in the California Vehicle Code.

Sec. 3461 Stop at through street or stop sign.

(a)    Those streets and parts of streets enumerated by resolution of the City Council are hereby declared to be through streets for the purposes of this section.

(b)    The provisions of this section shall also apply at one or more entrances to the intersections as such entrances and intersections are enumerated by resolution of the City Council.

(c)    The provisions of this section shall apply at those highway railway grade crossings as enumerated by resolution of the City Council.

(d)    When stop signs are erected as herein provided at the entrance to any intersection or at any railway grade crossing, every driver of a vehicle shall stop as required by the Vehicle Code.

Sec. 3462 Emergence from alley or private driveway.

The driver of a vehicle emerging from an alley, driveway or building shall stop such vehicle immediately prior to driving onto a sidewalk or into the sidewalk area extending across any alley way.

Sec. 3463 Yield Right-of-Way Signs. (Amd. Ord. 913, eff. 1/19/1979)

Whenever any ordinance or resolution of this City designates that yield right-of-way signs be erected at the entrances to intersections, the City Manager shall erect and maintain yield right-of-way signs. Every such yield right-of-way sign shall conform with and shall be placed as provided in the California Vehicle Code.

ARTICLE 7—MISCELLANEOUS DRIVING RULES

Sec. 3471 Driving through funeral processions.

No driver of a vehicle shall drive between vehicles comprising a funeral procession while they are in motion and when the vehicles in such processions are conspicuously so designated.

Sec. 3472 Clinging to moving vehicles.

Any person riding upon any bicycle, motorcycle, coaster, roller skates, skateboard or any toy vehicle shall not attach the same or himself to any moving vehicle upon any roadway.

Sec. 3473 Vehicles shall not be driven on the sidewalk.

The driver of a vehicle shall not drive within any sidewalk area, bike way or any parkway except at a permanent or temporary driveway.

Sec. 3474 New pavement.

No person shall ride or drive any animal or any vehicle over or across any newly made pavement or freshly painted marking in any street when a barrier or sign is in place warning persons not to drive over or across such pavement or marking, or when a sign is in place stating that the street or any portion thereof is closed.

Sec. 3475 Restricted access.

No person shall drive a vehicle onto or from any limited access roadway except at such entrances and exits as are established by public authority.

ARTICLE 8—PEDESTRIAN

Sec. 3490 The City Manager to establish crosswalks.

The City Manager shall establish, designate and maintain crosswalks at intersections and other places by appropriate devices, marks or lines upon the surface of the roadway as follows:

Crosswalks shall be established and maintained at all intersections within the business districts and at such intersections outside such districts, and at other places within or outside said districts where the City Manager determines that there is particular hazard to pedestrians crossing the roadway.

Sec. 3492 Crossing at right angles.

No pedestrian shall cross a roadway at any place other than by a route at right angles to the curb or by the shortest route to the opposite curb except in a marked crosswalk.

Sec. 3493 Standing in roadways.

No person shall stand in any roadway other than in a safety zone in a crosswalk if such action interferes with the lawful movement of traffic. This provision shall not apply to any public officer or employee, or employee of a public utility when necessarily upon a street in line of duty.

ARTICLE 9—STOPPING, STANDING AND PARKING

Sec. 3500 Application of regulations.

(a)    The provisions of this Chapter prohibiting stopping, standing or parking of a vehicle shall apply at all times or at those times herein specified, except when it is necessary to stop a vehicle to avoid conflict with other traffic or in compliance with the directions of a police officer or official traffic control device.

(b)    The provisions of this Chapter imposing a time limit on standing or parking shall not relieve any person from the duty to observe other and more restrictive provisions of the State Vehicle Code or other laws of this City, prohibiting or limiting the standing or parking of vehicles in specified places or at specified times.

Sec. 3501 Use of streets for storage of vehicles prohibited.

(a)    No person who owns or has possession, custody or control of any vehicle required to be licensed by the Department of Motor Vehicles shall park such vehicle upon any street or alley for more than a consecutive period of seventy-two (72) hours.

(b)    In the event a vehicle is parked or left standing upon a street in excess of a consecutive period of seventy-two (72) hours, any member of the Police Department authorized by the Chief of Police may remove said vehicle from the street in the manner and subject to the requirements of the California Vehicle Code.

(c)    It shall be unlawful to store a recreational vehicle on a public street for more than seventy-two (72) consecutive hours. Such recreational vehicles include trailers, house trailers, boats on trailers, and motor homes or oversized camper trucks.

(d)    In the event a vehicle is stored upon a street in excess of a consecutive period of seventy-two (72) hours, any member of the Police Department authorized by the Chief of Police may remove said vehicle from the street in the manner and subject to the requirements of the California Vehicle Code.

Sec. 3502 Parking for certain purposes prohibited.

No person shall park a vehicle upon any roadway for the principal purpose of:

1.    Displaying such vehicle for sale.

2.    Washing, greasing, or repairing such vehicle except repairs necessitated by an emergency.

Sec. 3503 Parking prohibited on narrow streets.

(a)    The Chief of Police is hereby authorized to place signs or markings indicating no parking upon any street when the width of the roadway does not exceed 20 feet, or upon one side of a street as indicated by such signs or markings when the width of the roadway does not exceed 30 feet.

(b)    When official signs or marking prohibiting parking are erected upon narrow streets as authorized herein, no person shall park a vehicle upon any such street in violation of any such sign or marking.

Sec. 3504 Stopping or parking prohibited - Signs required.

The City Manager may appropriately sign or mark the following places and when so signed or marked no person shall stop, stand or park a vehicle in any of said places.

1.    At any place within twenty-five (25) feet of an intersection in a business district except that a bus may stop at a designated bus stop.

2.    Within twenty-five (25) feet of the approach to any traffic signal, boulevard stop sign, or official electric flashing device.

3.    At any place where the City Manager determines that it is necessary in order to eliminate unusual traffic hazard.

Sec. 3505 Emergency parking signs.

(a)    Whenever the City Manager shall determine that emergency traffic congestion is likely to result from the holding of public or private assemblages, gatherings or functions, or for other reasons, the City Manager shall have power and authority to order temporary signs to be erected or posted indicating that the operation, parking or standing of vehicles is prohibited on such streets and alleys as the City Manager shall direct during the time such temporary signs are in place. Such signs shall remain in place only during the existence of such emergency and the City Manager shall cause such signs to be removed promptly thereafter.

(b)    When signs authorized by the provisions of this section are in place giving notice thereof, no person shall operate, park or stand any vehicle contrary to the directions and provisions of such signs.

Sec. 3506 Painted parking marks.

It shall be unlawful for any person to park a vehicle so that any portion of said vehicle extends beyond lines or markings on the street or curb to designate the parking space.

Sec. 3507 Angle parking.

The City Council is empowered to permit by ordinance, angle parking on any roadway in compliance with the California Vehicle Code.

Sec. 3508 Limited Time Parking.

The City Council may by resolution prohibit or restrict the stopping, parking, or standing of vehicles, including but not limited to vehicles that are six (6) feet or more in height, within one hundred (100) feet of any intersection, on certain streets or highways, and on any City-owned off street parking facility, or portions thereof, during specified hours of the day. Such prohibitions or restrictions made through resolution shall not apply until signs or markings giving adequate notice thereof have been placed, and when such notice has been placed, stopping, standing or parking any vehicle in violation of the prohibitions or restrictions as set for the in the resolution shall be prohibited. (Ord. 1529, eff. 3/20/2020)

Sec. 3509 Parking time limited in off-street parking lots (4 hour parking).

Repealed by Ord. 1529.

Sec. 3510 Enforcement of Private Property Parking.

No person shall park a vehicle on private property contrary to posted signs, curb markings or painted areas.

Sec. 3511 Restrictions on parking within designated preferential parking areas.

Repealed by Ord. 1427.

Sec. 3512 Parking Meter Zones.

Parking meter zones are those streets or portions of streets in the City hereinafter described as zones within which the parking of motor vehicles shall be controlled, regulated, and inspected with the aid of parking meters and/or pay-and-display stations. Parking meter zones are hereby designated as follows:

13th Street:	B Street to C Street, north side
14th Street:	L.K. Wood Boulevard to Union Street, (north side)
	L.K. Wood Boulevard to B Street (south side)
17th Street:	Union Street to 150 feet east, north side
B Street:	13th Street to 14th Street, west side
C Street:	13th Street to 14th Street, east side
Granite Ave.:	L.K. Wood Boulevard to 500 feet east (south side)
Union Street:	150 feet south of 16th Street to 17th Street, west side only; 17th Street to 18th Street, east and west side

(Ord. 1194, eff. 9/4/1992; Ord. 1529, eff. 3/20/2020)

Sec. 3513 Time of Operation of Parking Meters

The provisions of this Chapter relating to the operation of parking meters shall be effective between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. (Ord. 1529, eff. 3/20/2020)

Sec. 3514 Parking Meter Fees

The cost for parking any vehicle, except those displaying a valid disabled person insignia or City of Arcata Zero Emissions permit, shall be seventy-five cents ($0.75) per hour during the time of operations. (Ord. 1529, eff. 3/20/2020)

ARTICLE 10—STOPPING FOR LOADING OR UNLOADING ONLY

Sec. 3520 Authority to establish loading zones.

(a)    The City Manager is hereby authorized to determine and to mark loading zones and passenger loading zones as follows:

1.    At any place in any business district.

2.    Elsewhere in front of the entrance to any place of business or in front of any hall or place used for the purpose of public assembly.

(b)    In no event shall more than one-half of the total curb length in any block be reserved for loading zone purposes.

(c)    Passenger loading zones shall be indicated by a white line stenciled with black letters, "PASSENGER LOADING ONLY", upon the top of all curbs in said zones.

Sec. 3521 Curb markings to indicate no stopping and parking regulations. (Amd. Ord. 913, eff. 1/19/1979; Ord. 1189, eff. 6/5/1992)

(a)    The City Manager is hereby authorized, subject to the provisions and limitations of this Chapter to place, and when required herein shall place, the following curb markings to indicate parking or standing regulations, and said curb markings shall have the meaning as herein set forth.

1.    Red shall mean no stopping, standing, or parking at any time except as permitted by the vehicle code, and except that a bus may stop in a red zone marked or signed as a bus zone.

2.    Yellow shall mean no stopping, standing or parking at any time between 7:00 a.m., and 6:00 p.m. of any day except Sunday and holidays for any purpose other than the loading or unloading of passengers or materials, provided that the loading or unloading of passengers shall not consume more than three (3) minutes nor the loading or unloading of materials more than twenty (20) minutes.

3.    White shall mean no stopping, standing or parking for any purpose other than loading or unloading of passengers or for the purpose of depositing mail in an adjacent mail box, which shall not exceed three (3) minutes, and such restrictions shall apply between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. of any day except Sundays and holidays and except as follows:

When such zone is in front of a mail box, the restrictions shall apply at all times; when such zone is in front of a hotel, the restrictions shall apply at all times; when such zone is in front of a theater the restrictions shall apply at all times except when such theater is closed.

4.    Green shall mean no standing or parking for longer than twenty (20) minutes at any time between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. of any day except Sundays and holidays.

5.    Blue shall mean parking limited exclusively to the vehicles of physically handicapped persons who display a distinguishing license plate or a placard issued pursuant to Section 22511.5 of the California Vehicle Code or disabled veterans, as specified in Section 9105 of the California Vehicle Code. Such parking spaces shall be established by resolution of the City Council of the City of Arcata.

(b)    When the City Manager as authorized under this ordinance has caused curb markings to be placed, no person shall stop, stand or park a vehicle adjacent to any such legible curb marking in violation of any of the provisions of this section.

Sec. 3522 Effect of permission to load or unload.

(a)    Permission herein granted to stop or stand a vehicle for purposes of loading or unloading of materials shall apply only to commercial vehicles and shall not extend beyond the time necessary therefore, and in no event for more than twenty (20) minutes.

(b)    The loading or unloading of materials shall apply only to commercial deliveries, also the delivery or pickup of express and parcel post packages and United States mail.

(c)    Permission herein granted to stop or park for purposes of loading or unloading passengers shall include the loading or unloading of personal baggage but shall not extend beyond the time necessary therefore and in no event for more than three (3) minutes.

(d)    Within the total time limits above specified the provisions of this section shall be enforced so as to accommodate necessary and reasonable loading or unloading but without permitting abuse of the privileges hereby granted.

Sec. 3523 Standing for loading or unloading only.

No person shall stop, stand or park a vehicle in any yellow loading zone for any purpose other than loading or unloading of passengers for such time as is specified in Section 3522.

Sec. 3525 Standing in any alley.

No person shall stop, stand or park a vehicle for any purpose other than the loading or unloading of persons or materials in any alley.

Sec. 3526 Bus zones to be established.

(a)    The City Manager is hereby authorized to establish bus zones opposite curb space for the loading and unloading of buses of common carriers of passengers and to determine the location thereof subject to the directives and limitations set forth herein.

(b)    The word "bus" as used in this section shall mean any motor bus or motor coach used as a common carrier of passengers.

(c)    No bus zone shall exceed 80 feet in length, except that when satisfactory evidence has been presented to the City Manager showing the necessity therefore, the City Manager may extend bus zones not to exceed a total length of 125 feet.

(d)    Bus zones shall normally be established on the far side of an intersection.

(e)    No person shall stop, stand or park any vehicle except a bus in a bus zone.

Sec. 3530 Two or Three-Wheeled Parking Regulations. (Ord. 1030, eff. 10/21/1983)

Whenever any resolution of this City designates special parking regulations for two- or three-wheeled vehicles, the City Manager shall place and maintain signs giving notice hereof, and no such regulations shall be in effect until those signs are in place.

ARTICLE 11—STOPPING, STANDING OR PARKING RESTRICTED OR PROHIBITED ON CERTAIN STREETS

Sec. 3542 Parking time limited in business districts.

When authorized signs are in place giving notice thereof no person shall stop, stand or park any vehicle within a business district between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. of any day except Sundays and holidays for a period of time longer than one (1) hour.

Sec. 3543 Parking time limited on certain enumerated streets.

When authorized signs are in place giving notice thereof no person shall stop, stand or park any vehicle on any of the streets enumerated by resolution of the City Council for a period of time longer than one (1) hour at any time between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. of any day except Sundays and holidays.

Sec. 3544 Parking time limited in off-street parking lots (8 hour parking).

When authorized signs are in place giving notice thereof, no person shall stop, stand or park any vehicle in any off-street lots enumerated by resolution of the City Council for a period of time longer then eight (8) hours at any time between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. of any day except Sundays and holidays.

Sec. 3545 Parking prohibited at certain times on certain streets. (Amd. Ord. 1346, eff. 7/16/2004)

(a)    When signs are erected giving notice thereof no person shall park a vehicle at any time upon any street enumerated by resolution of the City Council between the hours of 3:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. of any day.

(b)    During the hours of Farmers’ Markets there shall be no parking upon any street enumerated by resolution of the City Council. Vehicles parking in violation of such restrictions shall be subject to removal. The City Manager shall appropriately sign or mark such parking restrictions.

Sec. 3546 Parking time limited on certain enumerated streets (2 hour parking).

Repealed by Ord. 1529.

Sec. 3547 Parking time limited in off-street parking lots (2 hour parking).

Repealed by Ord. 1529.

Sec. 3548 Parking prohibited at all times on certain streets.

When signs are erected giving notice thereof, no person shall park a vehicle at any time upon any of the streets enumerated by resolution of the City Council.

Sec. 3549 Parking restricted in off-street parking lots. (Ord. 1231, eff. 12/2/1994)

When authorized signs are in place giving notice thereof, no person shall operate, stop, stand, or park any vehicle in any manner contrary to the directions or provisions of such signs within the following locations:

(a)    Arcata City Hall parking lot at 7th and F Streets

(b)    Arcata Community Center parking lots at 14th and D Streets, and 13th and D Streets

(c)    Arcata Community Pool parking lot at 1150 16th Street

(d)    Transit Center parking lot at 925 E Street

Sec. 3550 and 3551. Repealed. (Ord. 1231, eff. 12/2/1994)

Sec. 3552 Interference with police and other officers. (Ord. 1026, eff. 10/21/1983)

No person shall interfere with or obstruct in any way any police officer or other officer or employee of the City of his enforcement of the provisions of the Municipal Code. The removal, obliteration, or concealment of any chalk mark or other distinguishing mark used by any police officer or other employee or officer of the City in connection with the enforcement of the parking regulations of this Code shall, if done for the purpose of evading the provisions of this Code, constitute such interference or obstruction.

Sec. 3553 Permit Parking.

Parking permits may be issued for any streets or any off-street parking lots enumerated by resolution of the City Council, which will grant the holder of said permits an exemption from all parking time limitations set forth in this Article.

Sec. 3554 Authority to Collect Fines

The Arcata Police Department is authorized to receive the payment of parking fines. In the event the Police Department is not successful in accomplishing payment, the citation shall be turned over to the California Department of Motor Vehicles or other state licensing authority and a Department of Motor Vehicles registration hold will be requested. (Ord. 1166, eff. 8/31/1990; Ord. 1529, eff. 3/20/2020)

Sec. 3555 Parking Fines. (Ord. 1166, eff. 8/31/1990)

The City Council shall, from time to time by resolution, establish the fines for parking violations of the Municipal Code.

ARTICLE 12—RESTRICTED USE OF CERTAIN STREETS

Sec. 3560 Truck Routes.

(a)    Whenever any resolution or ordinance of this City designates and describes any street or portion thereof as a street the use of which is permitted by any vehicle exceeding a maximum gross weight limit of five tons, the City Manager is hereby authorized to designate such street or streets by appropriate signs as "Truck Traffic Routes" for the movement of vehicles exceeding a maximum gross weight limit of five tons.

(b)    When any such truck traffic route or routes are established and designated by appropriate signs the operator of any vehicle exceeding a maximum gross weight limit of five tons shall drive on such route or routes and none other except when necessary to traverse another street or streets to a destination for the purpose of loading or unloading, but then only by such deviation from the nearest truck route as is reasonably necessary. The provisions of this section shall not apply to passenger buses.

Sec. 3561 Vehicles exceeding maximum gross weight limit of five tons prohibited from using certain streets.

(a)    Whenever any resolution or ordinance of this City designates and describes any street or portion thereof as a street the use of which is prohibited by any vehicle exceeding a maximum gross weight limit of five tons, the City Manager shall erect and maintain appropriate signs on those streets affected by such resolution or ordinance.

(b)    Those streets and parts of those streets described in Section 3561 (a) are hereby declared to be streets the use of which is prohibited by any vehicle exceeding a maximum gross weight limit of five tons. The provisions of this section shall not apply to passenger buses.

ARTICLE 13—MISCELLANEOUS

Sec. 3600 Riding of Bicycles on Sidewalks Prohibited.

It shall be unlawful for any person to ride any bicycle upon any sidewalk of the City in a business district. Pedestrians shall have the right of way on all City sidewalks.

Sec. 3601 Riding of Horses on Sidewalks Prohibited.

It shall be unlawful for any person to ride any horse, or any other animal, upon any sidewalk within the City limits.

Sec. 3603 Fast riding or driving of animals prohibited.

It shall be unlawful for any person to ride, drive, or lead, any horse, or mule, along or through any street or alley at a rate of speed faster than an ordinary trot.

Sec. 3604 Prima facie speed limits.

The City Council may by ordinance establish prima facie speed limits on streets within the City limits.

The following prima facie speed limits shall be established:

1.	7th Street (F Street to Union Street)	25 MPH
2.	11th Street (Janes Road to Bayview Street)	25 MPH
3.	14th Street (G Street to Union Street)	25 MPH
4.	Alliance Road (13th Street to Spear Avenue)	25 MPH
5.	Bayside Road (Union Street to Crescent Way)	25 MPH
6.	Buttermilk Lane (Bayside Road to City limits)	25 MPH
7.	California Avenue (L.K. Wood Boulevard to North end)	25 MPH
8.	G Street (Front Street to 8th Street)	25 MPH
9.	G Street (Front Street to the City Corporation Yard entrance)	35 MPH
10.	G Street (City Corporation Yard entrance to south City limits)	45 MPH
11.	Giuntoli Lane (Valley East Boulevard to West End Road)	35 MPH
12.	H Street (14th Street to Sunset Avenue)	25 MPH
13.	Janes Road (Janes Court to Heindon Road)	35 MPH
14.	Janes Road (Spear Avenue to Janes Court)	25 MPH
15.	K Street (4th Street to 13th Street)	25 MPH
16.	L. K. Wood Boulevard (14th Street to Curtis Avenue)	25 MPH
17.	Park Avenue/Fickle Hill Rd. (Bayside Rd. to City limits)	25 MPH
18.	Samoa Boulevard/Old Arcata Road (Union Street to Jacoby Creek Road)	25 MPH
19.	Spear Avenue (Janes Road to West End Road)	25 MPH
20.	Union Street (Samoa Boulevard to 17th Street)	25 MPH
21.	Valley East Boulevard (Valley West Boulevard to Giuntoli Lane)	25 MPH
22.	Valley West Boulevard (Giuntoli Lane to South end)	25 MPH
23.	West End Road (101 Overpass to City limits)	35 MPH

(Ord. 1426, eff. 1/4/13)

Sec. 3605. Painting of street murals.

No person may paint, construct or maintain any mural within any City street except in conformance herein. The City Manager or her/his designated representative shall be responsible for establishing reasonable fees, rules, regulations and policies pertaining to the painting, construction, and maintenance of murals within the City’s streets. Such fees, rules, regulations and policies shall be promulgated by resolution of the City Council. (Ord. 1441, eff. 6/6/2014)

ARTICLE 14—BICYCLES

Sec. 3700 Bicycle.

The term bicycle means and indicates a light vehicle without a motor having two or three wheels, handlebars, or other steering mechanism not utilizing gears, and a seat or seats, propelled by the operator, having a frame size of at least 14 inches and wheels 20 inches or more in diameter.

Sec. 3701 License required.

(a)    It shall be unlawful for any person to operate or use a bicycle on any street, road, highway, or other public property within the City of Arcata which has not been registered and licensed as provided in this article, except as may be specifically exempted herein.

(b)    License from other jurisdiction: During the effective term of a bicycle license issued by any other city or county within the State of California, the bicycle to which said license is issued shall be exempt from requirements of Section 3701 (a), provided that such exemption shall expire 10 days after the registered owner of the bicycle establishes residency within the City of Arcata.

Sec. 3702 Application.

Every person desiring to license a bicycle in the City of Arcata shall make application to the Police Department of the City of Arcata; said application shall be in duplicate and shall contain the name and address of the applicant, the make, model, name, type of bicycle and the manufacturer’s serial number. In the event the manufacturer’s serial number is missing, not legible, or not sufficient to identify said bicycle, the application for registration shall be accepted and upon issuing a license for said bicycle an Arcata serial number shall be placed upon said bicycle.

Sec. 3703 Fee.

(a)    Every person desiring a bicycle license shall pay to the Police Department of the City of Arcata a license fee as set forth in the Schedule of Fees adopted by resolution of the City Council for the remainder of the then current licensing period, payable in advance at the time application for such license is made.

(b)    Said license shall be valid for the period established by law. (Ord. 1193, eff. 7/31/1992)

Sec. 3704 Use of said fees.

Any and all license fees collected shall be used to implement and improve bicycle registration and safety programs within the City of Arcata. All fees so derived shall be deposited with the Finance Officer of the City of Arcata to the credit of the City of Arcata Bicycle Registration and Safety Fund.

 

Sec. 3705 Display of license.

Upon approval of the application and payment of the license fee, a bicycle license shall be issued. Said license shall bear a distinctive number, and shall be affixed in a conspicuous manner to the frame of the bicycle for which said license was issued.

Sec. 3706 Penalty. (Ord. 1193, eff. 7/31/1992)

A penalty as set forth in the Schedule of Fees adopted by resolution of the City Council in addition to any license fee shall be imposed upon the bicycle owner who fails to comply with Section 3701(a) within 15 days after said person becomes subject to the provisions of this article.

Sec. 3707 Loss of license.

Upon loss of the license, the licensee shall be required to report its loss or theft within 20 days. Upon receipt of such report, the license shall be canceled and a new license issued upon receipt of a fee of $1.00.

Sec. 3708 Manufacturer’s name.

At the time of issuance of a bicycle license hereunder, the manufacturer’s name and serial number or any Arcata identification number placed upon said bicycle pursuant to Section 3702 of this Article shall be recorded and a record kept of the name and address of the owner thereof and of the license number issued for said bicycle.

Sec. 3709 Notice of sale.

(a)    It shall be the duty of any resident of the City of Arcata, or any person owning or operating a business located in the City of Arcata which is engaged in the buying and/or selling of new or used bicycles, who sells or otherwise transfers ownership of any bicycle, licensed or unlicensed, to report such sale or transfer within ten (10) days thereafter by notifying the Police Department of said City of said sale or transfer in writing. In the case of a bicycle validly licensed pursuant to this Article, said notice shall include the name and address of the transfer and the license number of said bicycle. In the case of a bicycle not previously licensed pursuant to the Article, or a bicycle for which a license issued pursuant to this Article has expired, said notice shall include the name and address of said transferee and the manufacturer’s name, model, and serial number of said bicycle.

(b)    Within ten (10) days of such sale or other transfer, the transferee shall:

(1)    In the case of a bicycle not previously licensed pursuant to this Article, or a bicycle for which a license was issued pursuant to this Article which license has expired, license said bicycle pursuant to this Article.

(2)    In the case of a bicycle for which a valid license is in effect under the provisions of this Article, apply for a transfer of said license. Application for said transfer shall be made upon forms provided for that purpose; and upon receiving said application for transfer and the fee of $1.00 as is hereby imposed the transfer shall be noted upon the bicycle licensing and registration records.

Sec. 3710 Notice of dismantling.

Within 10 days after any bicycle registered hereunder is dismantled or taken out of operation such information shall be reported to the Police Department of the City of Arcata by the person in whose name the bicycle has previously been registered. Upon dismantling a bicycle, the licensee shall surrender his license to the Police Department of the City of Arcata.

Sec. 3711 Destruction of License.

No person shall willfully remove, destroy, mutilate or alter the manufacturer’s serial number or the City of Arcata identification number on any bicycle for any reason, nor shall any person remove, destroy, mutilate or alter any license during the period in which such license is in effect.

Sec. 3712 Alteration of license.

No person shall buy, sell, receive, dispose of, or conceal any bicycle or bicycle equipment from which the manufacturer’s serial number or any other distinguishing mark has been removed, defaced, covered, altered or destroyed.

(a)    Any person who shall violate any of the provisions of this Article shall upon conviction thereof be punished as provided in Title I of this Code.

(b)    As an alternative to any fine imposed hereunder or in addition to said fine any bicycle owned or operated by said person as is convicted of a violation of any section or subsection of this Article may be impounded for a period not to exceed 30 days; provided that prior to the release of said bicycle from impound it shall be licensed in accordance with this Article.

Sec. 3714 Lost or stolen bicycle.

The owner of a bicycle that is lost or stolen shall report the same to the Police Department of the City of Arcata. A report shall be made to the Department of Justice relative to said lost or stolen bicycle. Said report shall be made at the time or times and in conformity with the regulations of the Department of Justice of the State of California.

ARTICLE 15—SKATEBOARDS

Sec. 3740 Skateboards on streets.

(a)    Every person riding a skateboard upon a street has all the rights and is subject to all the rules of the road applicable to the driver of a vehicle or bicyclist as described in division 11 of the California Vehicle Code, except for those provisions which by their very nature have no application.

(b)    Any person riding a skateboard upon a street shall ride as close as practicable to the right hand curb or edge of the roadway. On one-way streets, skateboards may also be ridden as close as practicable to the left hand curb.

(c)    Any person riding a skateboard upon a street during darkness shall:

(1)    Carry a light which is capable of illuminating the street in front of the skateboarder and is visible a distance of 300 feet in front and from the sides of the skateboard.

(2)    Wear reflectorized material which shall be visible from a distance of 500 feet to the rear and sides when directly in front of the lawful upper beams of headlamps on a motor vehicle.

Sec. 3741 Skateboards on sidewalks.

(a)    It shall be unlawful to ride skateboards on the sidewalks in front of businesses or offices within a geographical area defined by resolution.

(b)    Except for restricted sidewalks or other sidewalks where it would create a hazard for pedestrians, skateboarders are encouraged to use sidewalks whenever possible.

Sec. 3742 Pedestrian right of way.

It shall be unlawful for anyone to ride a skateboard within close proximity to any pedestrian in a manner that would create a hazard.

Sec. 3743 Skateboards on private property.

It shall be unlawful for anyone to ride a skateboard on private property where signs prohibiting such activity are conspicuously posted.

Sec. 3744 Skateboards on public property.

It shall be unlawful for anyone to ride a skateboard on public property where it is prohibited by resolution.

ARTICLE 16—PREFERENTIAL PERMIT PARKING

Sec. 3745. Findings and purpose.

The City Council finds as follows:

(a)    Long-term motor vehicle parking in certain areas and neighborhoods of the City by persons who do not live in the immediate area, and who are not visiting or conducting business with persons who live in the immediate area, causes serious and adverse impacts to such areas and neighborhoods by making parking unavailable for neighborhood use.

(b)    Restricting parking by nonresidents would protect these impacted areas and neighborhoods and provide an opportunity for local residents, and those who are visiting or conducting business with local residents, to park near their homes.

(c)    Vehicle Code Section 22507 authorizes the City to establish a system of preferential resident parking to address these concerns. (Ord. 1427, eff. 2/15/2013)

Sec. 3746. Definitions.

As used in this Article, the following terms shall have the following definitions:

(a)    “Motor vehicle” includes an automobile, truck, motorcycle, or other motor-driven form of transportation not in excess of ten thousand (10,000) pounds gross weight.

(b)    “Residential area” means a contiguous or nearly contiguous area that contains dwelling units and which contains public streets and highways.

(c)    “Preferential parking area” means a residential area designated as provided for in this Article in which motor vehicles displaying a valid preferential permit shall be exempt from parking regulations established pursuant to this Article.

(d)    “Preferential permit,” or “permit,” means a permit issued pursuant to the authority of this Article for the purpose of parking in a preferential parking area. (Ord. 1427, eff. 2/15/2013)

Sec. 3747. Implementation and enforcement of preferential parking areas.

The Chief of Police shall administer and enforce the preferential parking program in accordance with applicable state and local law, and procedures established by resolution of the City Council, which shall establish criteria for preferential parking area designation and preferential permit eligibility. (Ord. 1427, eff. 2/15/2013)

Sec. 3748. Designation, modification or elimination of a preferential parking area.

The process for designating an area as a preferential parking area may be initiated by a City of Arcata resident living within an area being proposed for designation as a preferential parking area or by motion of the City Council, and shall be reviewed and processed by the Chief of Police. Designation of a preferential parking area shall occur through City Council resolution which shall state the boundaries of the preferential parking area and parking regulations and fees, if any, specifically applicable to such area. Modification or elimination of an existing preferential parking area may be requested by any person residing within a preferential parking area or by motion of the City Council. (Ord. 1427, eff. 2/15/2013)

Sec. 3749. Notice of hearing.

Action taken by the City Council to designate, modify or eliminate a preferential parking area shall be taken after a noticed hearing in which notice is given to affected persons including but not limited to property owners and households within the preferential parking area or proposed preferential parking area, as well as property owners and households within two (2) blocks of any street abutting such preferential parking area. All affected property owners shall be notified by mailing to the address stated on the last equalized assessment roll. All affected non-property-owner households shall be noticed in a manner that provides the greatest likelihood of being reached, as determined by the Chief of Police, including but not limited to mailing, hand delivery, publication, public service announcement, or posting of notices. The notice shall contain a description of the preferential parking area proposed for designation, modification, or elimination, proposed City Council action, and the date, time and location of the hearing. In the event the number of occupants and property owners within a preferential parking area proposed for designation, modification or elimination is greater than one thousand (1,000), the Chief of Police may alternatively provide notice to the affected property owners and households in a manner designed to notify the maximum number of people possible within the affected area, including but not limited to publication of notice, public service announcements, and posting of notices. (Ord. 1427, eff. 2/15/2013)

Sec. 3750. Administration of preferential permits.

(a)    The Chief of Police shall administer the preferential permit program including the issuance of preferential permits and collection of all fees. The Chief of Police may revoke any preferential permit for cause including but not limited to the following:

(1)    False representation as eligible for a preferential permit or otherwise furnishing false information in order to obtain a permit.

(2)    Permitting the use or display of a preferential permit on a motor vehicle other than that for which the permit is issued.

(3)    The use of a preferential permit: (i) more than three (3) city blocks from the address for which it is issued; or (ii) for the purpose of parking to go to one’s place of employment or educational institution.

(4)    The copying, producing or otherwise creating of a facsimile or counterfeit permit in order to evade parking regulations applicable in a preferential parking area.

(5)    The selling, transferring, or exchanging of any permit, or attempt to do so.

(b)    No preferential permit will be issued to any applicant until that applicant has paid all of his or her outstanding City of Arcata parking citations, if any, including all civil penalties and related fees.

(c)    A preferential permit shall not guarantee or reserve to the holder an on-street parking space within the designated preferential parking area.

(d)    Any decision by the Chief of Police to deny, not renew or revoke a preferential permit may be appealed to the City Manager, in writing, within ten (10) days of such determination. (Ord. 1427, eff. 2/15/2013)

Sec. 3751. Effect of permit.

A motor vehicle displaying a valid preferential permit may lawfully park in the preferential parking area for which the permit has been issued subject to regulations established for that preferential parking area. The issuance of a preferential permit shall not exempt the motor vehicle from parking restrictions or prohibitions established pursuant to authority other than this Article. (Ord. 1427, eff. 2/15/2013)

Sec. 3752. Duration of permit.

Except as otherwise provided, a preferential permit shall be valid for no more than one (1) year, or as long as the permit holder continues to reside in the household for which the permit was issued, or until the preferential parking area for which the permit was issued is dissolved, whichever period of time is less. Permits may be renewed upon reapplication in the manner specified by the Chief of Police. (Ord. 1427, eff. 2/15/2013)

Sec. 3753. Permit fees.

Fees for a preferential permit shall be established by resolution of the City Council. (Ord. 1427, eff. 2/15/2013)

Sec. 3754. Prohibition on parking within designated preferential parking areas, exemptions.

When signs or markings giving adequate notice thereof have been placed, no person shall stop, stand or park a vehicle on any street within an area designated as a preferential parking area on the days and during the hours established for that preferential parking area except:

(a)    A motor vehicle lawfully displaying a preferential permit in accordance with this Article.

(b)    A vehicle owned or operated by a utility provider or servicer, whether privately or publicly owned, when used in the course of business occurring in the preferential parking area.

(c)    A vehicle that is under the control of a person providing services to real property located in a designated preferential parking area, including but not limited to a delivery vehicle.

(d)    A vehicle owned or operated by a governmental agency when used in the course of official government business.

(e)    An emergency vehicle, including but not limited to an ambulance, fire engine or police vehicle.

(f)    A vehicle registered to or used by disabled persons when such vehicle displays a distinguishing license plate or placard issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles. (Ord. 1427, eff. 2/15/2013)

Sec. 3755. Additional prohibitions.

(a)    When signs or markings giving adequate notice of preferential parking restrictions within a preferential parking area have been placed, it shall be unlawful for any person to stop, stand or park a motor vehicle on any street within an area designated as a preferential parking area on the days and during the hours applicable to that preferential parking area as established by resolution of the City Council except:

(1)    A motor vehicle owned or operated by a utility provider or servicer whether privately or publicly owned, when used in the course of business.

(2)    A motor vehicle under the control of a person providing services to property located within a designated preferential parking area, including but not limited to a delivery vehicle.

(3)    A motor vehicle owned or operated by a governmental agency when used in the course of official government business.

(4)    An emergency vehicle, including but not limited to an ambulance, fire engine or police vehicle.

(5)    A motor vehicle registered to or used by disabled persons when such motor vehicle displays a distinguishing license plate or placard issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles.

(b)    It shall be unlawful for any person to falsely represent himself/herself as eligible for a preferential permit or to furnish false information in an application for a preferential permit.

(c)    It shall be unlawful for any person holding a preferential permit to allow the use or display of such permit on a motor vehicle other than the motor vehicle for which the preferential parking permit was issued.

(d)    It shall be unlawful for any person to copy, produce or otherwise bring into existence a facsimile or counterfeit preferential permit.

(e)    It shall be unlawful for any person to knowingly use or display a facsimile or counterfeit preferential permit.

(f)    It shall be unlawful for any person to buy, sell or use a preferential permit in violation of rules and procedures adopted by the City Council. (Ord. 1427, eff. 2/15/2013)

Sec. 3756. Penalties.

(a)    Any violation of this Article shall be deemed an infraction and subject to the penalties set forth in Section 1200.

(b)    Any violation of this Chapter shall be cause for denial, nonrenewal or revocation of any preferential permit. (Ord. 1427, eff. 2/15/2013)