Hollywood FL Traffic Calming Near Schools - Ordinance
In Hollywood, Florida, parents, school staff, and residents can ask the city to evaluate and install traffic calming measures near schools to improve safety for children. This guide explains the municipal legal basis, which city office handles requests, typical steps to file a petition or service request, and what to expect during review and enforcement. It also points to the official municipal code and the Public Works/Traffic Engineering contact for submitting requests and complaints so you can act with the correct paperwork and contacts.
Legal Basis and Responsible Office
The City of Hollywood regulates streets, traffic control devices, and traffic operations through its municipal code and by administrative practice in Public Works and Traffic Engineering. For the city code and ordinances governing traffic control and streets see the municipal code. City code - traffic and streets[1]
How to Request Traffic Calming Near a School
- Document the location, times, and observed safety issues (drop-off/pick-up congestion, speeding, near misses).
- Collect supporting evidence: photos, videos, school schedules, and parent or staff statements.
- Contact the City of Hollywood Public Works/Traffic Engineering to request an evaluation and submit the evidence. Public Works - Traffic Engineering[2]
- Ask for any existing traffic studies, crash data, or planned capital projects that might affect the site.
Penalties & Enforcement
The municipal code and city practices determine enforcement and remedies for traffic control and related violations. Specific monetary fines for improper signage, unauthorized work in the right-of-way, or failing to comply with traffic control devices are set in the city code or related ordinances; where a fine or fee is not stated on the cited page, it is noted below as not specified on the cited page. See the municipal code for controlling provisions and the Public Works contact for enforcement pathways.[1][2]
- Fines: not specified on the cited page.
- Escalation: first, repeat, or continuing offence ranges are not specified on the cited page.
- Non-monetary sanctions: orders to remove unauthorized signs or devices, stop-work orders, and referral to code enforcement or the city attorney for court action.
- Enforcers: City of Hollywood Public Works/Traffic Engineering and Hollywood Police Department for on-street enforcement and traffic control compliance.Public Works[2]
- Appeals and review: administrative appeal paths or hearings are governed by the municipal code or agency rules; time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited page.
- Defences/discretion: agencies often allow permits, variances, or temporary measures when authorized; specifics are not specified on the cited page.
Applications & Forms
The city does not publish a single universal "traffic calming petition" form on the cited municipal code page; contact Public Works/Traffic Engineering for any required application, survey forms, or submittal requirements. If no form is required, Public Works may accept a written request with supporting documentation.[2]
Typical Evaluation Process
- Initial intake and site visit by Traffic Engineering.
- Traffic counts and speed studies if warranted.
- Engineering analysis and proposed countermeasures (speed humps, curb extensions, signage, crosswalks).
- Community notification and council or administrative approval for capital work if required.
Common Violations Near Schools and Typical Responses
- Speeding: enforcement by police and possible installation of speed humps or reduced speed limits.
- Illegal stopping/drop-off in no-parking zones: enforcement and signage changes.
- Unauthorized signs or obstructions in the public right-of-way: removal orders and potential fines.
FAQ
- How long does a traffic calming request take to get a decision?
- Timelines vary; the municipal pages do not specify a standard deadline. Contact Public Works for current processing times.[2]
- Who must I contact to report a speeding problem near a school?
- Contact City of Hollywood Public Works/Traffic Engineering for engineering evaluation and Hollywood Police Department for enforcement; Public Works handles design and capital work.[2]
- Is there a cost to request a traffic study?
- The cited municipal code does not list a public fee for submitting a traffic calming request; ask Public Works about study or installation fees.[1][2]
How-To
- Document the safety issue with dates, times, photos, and witness statements.
- Contact City of Hollywood Public Works/Traffic Engineering and submit your written request and supporting evidence.[2]
- Request a copy of any traffic study or crash data used in the evaluation.
- If recommended measures are approved, follow the city's instructions to provide input at public meetings or through designated comment periods.
- If you disagree with a decision, ask Public Works for the appeal process and any deadlines; these are governed by the municipal code or agency rules.
Key Takeaways
- Start with Public Works/Traffic Engineering to request an evaluation.
- Collect clear evidence: photos, times, and witness statements.
- Municipal code provides authority but specifics on fines or timelines are not specified on the cited pages.
Help and Support / Resources
- City of Hollywood - Public Works
- City of Hollywood Code of Ordinances
- City of Hollywood - Contact Us