Staff Report
PREPARED BY: LYNNE LAMPROS
Deputy Town Attorney
Reviewed by: Town Manager, Assistant Town Manager, Town Attorney, and Finance Director
110 E. Main Street Los Gatos, CA 95030 ● 406-354-6832
www.losgatosca.gov
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: 06/04/2019
ITEM NO: 8
DATE: MAY 30, 2019
TO: MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
FROM: LAUREL PREVETTI, TOWN MANAGER
SUBJECT: INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
AMENDING CHAPTER 15 OF THE LOS GATOS TOWN CODE ENTITLED
MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC
RECOMMENDATION:
Accept public comment and then move for the introduction and first reading of an Ordinance,
by title only, amending Chapter 15 of the Los Gatos Town Code Entitled Motor Vehicles and
Traffic.
BACKGROUND:
The Town Attorney’s Office has been reviewing and conducting a comprehensive review of the
Town’s Municipal Code provisions. Chapter 15 entitled Motor Vehicles has not been revised in
many years and revisions are necessary to eliminate outdated language, correct code
references, and updates to reflect changes in law.
DISCUSSION:
Article 11, Section 7 of the California Constitution states that "[a] county or city may make and
enforce within its limits all local, police, sanitary, and other ordinances and regulations not in
conflict with general laws. The delegated authority of local governments to regulate traffic
within their jurisdictions appears in chapter 1, article 3 of the Vehicle Code, sections 21100-
21116. This is commonly known as the “police power,” and is the source of counties’ and cities’
regulatory authority to protect public health, safety and welfare.
PAGE 2 OF 2
SUBJECT: AMEND CHAPTER 15 OF THE TOWN CODE ENTITLED MOTOR VEHICLES AND
TRAFFIC
DATE: MAY 30, 2019
S:\COUNCIL REPORTS\2019\06-04-19\Motor Vehicles and Traffic Ordinance\Staff Report.FINAL.docx 5/30/2019 3:18 PM
DISCUSSION (continued):
The Town’s Motor Vehicles and Traffic Ordinance was adopted in 1968. It contains the law on
the Town’s management of vehicle and traffic operations ranging from Parks and Public Works
installation of traffic signs and signals, setting of speed limits, direction of traffic by both Police
and Parks and Public Works departments, police administration and enforcement of traffic
laws, implementation of tow authority, traffic impact fees and mitigation of road impact.
The attached amendments to Town Code will update the Motor Vehicles and Traffic Ordinance
pertaining to outdated sections, both in law and by Town practice. Further new sections have
been added to consider innovations such as electric vehicles and enhanced ability to enforce
nuisance vehicles and reduce impact to property values and quality of life.
COORDINATION:
This report was coordinated through the Town Attorney’s Office.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The fiscal impact of this provision may result in additional revenue from administrative
penalties and fines as well as saving some staff time in achieving compliance. There is no direct
fiscal impact by this action.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT:
This is not a project defined under CEQA, and no further action is required.
Attachments:
1. Red-lined Ordinance
2. Draft Ordinance