Proposed Rule Changes Could Clear Roadblocks to Pasadena Speed Hump Installations

The Pasadena City Council will consider making it easier for neighborhoods to install speed humps on residential streets.

On Tuesday, the Municipal Services Committee meets at 4 p.m. to discuss proposed amendments to the city’s speed hump policies. The changes aim to address documented speeding problems on local roads.

Currently, streets need at least 1,000 car trips per day to qualify for speed humps. The proposed change would lower that threshold to 500 daily trips.

“This modification would minimize requirements to create an easier path for streets that have documented speeding issues,” according to the Department of Transportation.

The voting process would also change significantly. Under current rules, neighborhoods need approval from 67% of all households. Ballots not returned count as “no” votes.

The new proposal requires 67% approval only from ballots actually returned. Non-votes would no longer count against speed hump installation.

Transportation officials say the current system creates barriers. Between January 2023 and April 2024, eight street segments met speed requirements but failed traffic volume tests.

Three other segments failed to get the required neighborhood approval during the same period. The Department of Transportation report blamed low participation rates and mixed residential densities.

Last June, the Pasadena Transportation Advisory Commission expressed its support for the changes.

Streets must still meet physical requirements to qualify. These include 25 mph speed limits, grades less than 5%, and adequate sight distances.

Speed data must show vehicles traveling at least 33 mph, or eight miles over the posted limit at the 85th percentile measurement.

Currently, the city installs 8-10 speed humps annually on approximately two streets per year. Each speed hump costs between $4,000 and $5,000.

The policy changes could increase eligible streets and approval rates. However, installations would still depend on available capital improvement budget funds.

The city reviews the speed hump program budget annually to determine funding needs.