REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
AND RECORD OF ACTION
May 5, 2026
FROM
NOEL CASTILLO, Director, Department of Public Works - Transportation
SUBJECT
Title
Resolution Establishing a 20 Mile Per Hour Prima Facie Speed Limit in Designated School Zones within the Unincorporated Areas of San Bernardino County
End
RECOMMENDATION(S)
Recommendation
Adopt a Resolution that:
1. Finds that the proposed action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption) and Section 15301 (Existing Facilities), because the action involves establishing reduced speed limits and installing traffic control signage on existing County roadways and will not have a significant effect on the environment.
2. Determines and declares a prima facie speed limit of 20 miles per hour on designated County-maintained roadways within school zones in the unincorporated areas of San Bernardino County, pursuant to Assembly Bill 382 and the California Vehicle Code.
3. Directs the County Road Commissioner to perform such acts as are necessary to implement the terms of the Resolution, including identifying eligible school zones and installing appropriate regulatory signage and traffic control devices.
4. Directs the Department of Public Works to file and post the Notice of Exemption in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act.
(Presenter: Noel Castillo, Director, 387-7906)
Body
COUNTY AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Provide for the Safety, Health and Social Service Needs of County Residents.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Approval of this item will not result in the use of Discretionary General Funding (Net County Cost). The estimated cost of $5,000 per fiscal year to install the appropriate signs, as well as minor administrative costs to update the Department of Public Works (Department) records, will be financed by Gas Tax revenue. Sufficient appropriation and revenue are included in the Department’s 2025-26 Road Operations budget (6650002000) and will be included in future recommended budgets as necessary.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Assembly Bill 382 (AB 382), signed into law on October 10, 2025, authorizes local authorities to establish, by resolution or ordinance, a 20 mile per hour speed limit in school zones, effective January 1, 2031. The legislation is intended to enhance pedestrian safety in areas where children frequently travel to and from school.
School zones generally include roadways adjacent to or within approximately 500 feet of school grounds where children are present. Reducing vehicle speeds in these areas is widely recognized as an effective measure to improve pedestrian safety and reduce the severity of traffic collisions involving students and other pedestrians.
The Department maintains numerous roadways located adjacent to schools in the unincorporated areas of the County. Establishing a reduced speed limit in these locations will support safe access to schools and improve safety conditions for students, families, and school staff.
The proposed resolution establishes a prima facie speed limit of 20 miles per hour in designated school zones on County-maintained roadways. The reduced speed limit will apply when children are present, when flashing school-zone beacons are activated, or during posted school-zone hours.
Implementation of the reduced speed limits will occur after appropriate signage and traffic control devices are installed in accordance with the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CA MUTCD). The Department will identify eligible locations and install the required signage and markings.
This action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3), the common-sense exemption, because it can be seen with certainty that establishing reduced speed limits and installing traffic signage will not have a significant effect on the environment. In addition, the action may qualify as categorically exempt under CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) because it involves minor alterations to existing public roadway facilities. When the Board of Supervisors considers the environmental findings, the filing and posting of a Notice of Exemption is recommended.
Adoption of this resolution will allow the County to implement enhanced safety measures in school zones consistent with State law and the County’s commitment to protecting pedestrians, children, and improving roadway safety.
PROCUREMENT
Not applicable.
REVIEW BY OTHERS
This item has been reviewed by County Counsel (Aaron Gest, Deputy County Counsel, 387-5455) on April 29, 2026; and County Finance and Administration (Kathleen Gonzalez, Administrative Analyst, 387-5412) on April 15, 2026.