Report Prepared by: Daryl Jordan P.E., City Engineer, Engineering Division
Title
SUBJECT: Public Hearing - Potential Introduction of Ordinance 2584, Amending Section 10.16.010, “Speed Limits,” of the Merced Municipal Code
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers the introduction of Ordinance 2584 amending Section 10.16.010, “Speed Limits,” of the Merced Municipal Code. Amendment to the Speed Limits section consists of modification to speed limits throughout the City.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion introducing Ordinance 2584, an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, amending Section 10.16.010, “Speed Limits” of the Merced Municipal Code.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to modifications as conditioned by City Council; or,
3. Refer to staff for reconsideration of specific items; or,
4. Deny.
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Section 200 et seq.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
2025-2026 Council Priorities, Pedestrian Safety.
DISCUSSION
The City of Merced conducted its last speed zone study in 2017, and Ordinance No. 2492 was adopted by City Council on August 4, 2018. The current speed zone study has expired which means the Police Department is unable to enforce posted speed limits throughout the city utilizing a radar or a LIDAR.
The City contracted with JLB Traffic Engineering to conduct the recent Engineering and Traffic Survey. JLB conducted the study over several months and offered their recommendation for the new speed limits in the City. Based on JLB’s recommendation and the “California Manual for Setting Speed Limits,” published in 2020 by Caltrans, it states a speed limit can be adjusted no more than 5 miles per hour if the City Engineer or Traffic Engineer can provide valid justification. Based on this guideline, the speed limit at several locations were adjusted because the 85% field data observed or locations in close proximity to a school, residential homes, or geometry of the road.
For this reason, Staff recommends Council adopt Ordinance 2584 to amend Merced Municipal Code Section 10.16.010, Speed Limits.
History and Past Actions
On October 4, 2024, City Council approved a supplemental appropriation from Fund 2001 (Former) Measure C in the amount of $115,000 to conduct a speed zone study.
On October 21, 2024, the City of Merced contracted with JLB Traffic Engineering to conduct the speed zone study.
On November 3, 2025, City Council set a public hearing date of November 17, 2025, to adopt Ordinance 2584 to amend Section 10.16.010, “Speed Limits.”
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
None at this time.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Redline of Ordinance
2. Ordinance 2584
3. Speed Study
4. Presentation