Request Roundabout or Speed Bump Review - Long Beach
In Long Beach, California, residents can ask the city to evaluate a street for traffic-calming treatments such as roundabouts or speed bumps. This guide explains who reviews requests, how to start the evaluation, what evidence and neighborhood support are typically required, and the likely administrative path through Public Works and Traffic Engineering. Use the city program page to download official petition materials and check current procedures before applying.[1]
Overview of the Review Process
The city evaluates requests based on traffic volumes, speeds, collision history, emergency-access considerations, and neighborhood impact. Traffic Engineering may require data collection, a petition or signatures from nearby residents, and a community meeting before a formal recommendation to install physical measures.
Penalties & Enforcement
Enforcement of traffic controls and improper installations on city streets is governed by Long Beach municipal ordinances and state vehicle law. Specific monetary fines for unauthorized installation or tampering with traffic control devices are not specified on the cited municipal code page; see the code for related vehicle and obstruction provisions.[2]
- Fines: not specified on the cited page for speed hump or roundabout tampering; related vehicle/traffic violations appear in the municipal code.[2]
- Escalation: the code does not list a published schedule for first vs repeat offences for unauthorized traffic-device modification; enforcement practices depend on the violation and officer discretion.[2]
- Non-monetary sanctions: city orders to remove unauthorized devices, court actions, or injunctive relief are possible under city authority and state law.
- Enforcer and complaints: Traffic Engineering and the Long Beach 311/Public Works intake handle traffic-calming requests and reports; use the city contact/311 portal to report illegal installations or safety hazards.[3]
- Appeals and review: formal appeals or disputes over Traffic Engineering decisions may be addressed to the Public Works department or through city administrative appeal processes; specific time limits are not specified on the cited pages.[2]
Applications & Forms
The Neighborhood Traffic Calming program typically uses a traffic-calming petition or application available from the city program page; fees or filing instructions are provided there when published. If no form is required, the program page will state alternative submission methods.[1]
How the City Evaluates Requests
Traffic Engineering assesses:* traffic volumes and speeds; collision history; impacts on emergency response; sight distance; and effects on transit, bicycling, and pedestrian access. Engineering will balance neighborhood safety improvements with potential negative effects such as noise, diversion of traffic, or emergency vehicle delay.
- Data: traffic counts, speed studies, and collision records.
- Community process: petitions, neighborhood meetings, and stakeholder outreach.
- Design review: engineering feasibility, sightlines, drainage and utilities.
Common Violations
- Unauthorized placement of speed humps or other devices on public streets.
- Tampering with city-installed traffic-control devices.
- Blocking or obscuring traffic signs related to calming measures.
FAQ
- How do I start a request to evaluate my street for a roundabout or speed bumps?
- Begin by contacting the City of Long Beach Traffic Calming program, download the petition/application, and collect any requested neighbor signatures; see the city program page for current steps.[1]
- Who decides whether a speed bump or roundabout will be installed?
- Traffic Engineering evaluates data and recommends actions; final approvals may involve department leadership or the City Council depending on scope and cost.
- Are there fees to request a traffic-calming study?
- Fees, if any, are published with the application materials on the city program page; when not listed, the page will note that no fee is required or that costs are addressed during design.
- How do I report an illegal or unsafe temporary installation?
- Report illegal installations or urgent hazards via Long Beach 311/Public Works intake so the city can inspect and respond.[3]
How-To
- Document the problem: record locations, times, photos, and any collision history.
- Check the city program page and download the traffic-calming petition or application.[1]
- Collect required neighbor signatures and any supporting data requested by Traffic Engineering.
- Submit the petition/application by the method listed on the program page (online, mail, or in-person).
- Attend any community meeting or field review scheduled by Traffic Engineering and respond to requests for more information.
- Receive the decision, and if denied, follow the appeal instructions provided by the city or request a meeting with Public Works leadership.
Key Takeaways
- Begin with the city Traffic Calming program and use official petition forms.
- Collect solid data and neighborhood support to improve chances of approval.
- Report hazards or illegal installations promptly through the city contact portal.
Help and Support / Resources
- City of Long Beach - Traffic Calming program
- Long Beach Municipal Code (library.municode.com)
- Long Beach 311 and Public Works contact