HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Art Review Board 2024-04-17 Agenda Packet1
Attachment A
PUBLIC ART REVIEW BOARD
APRIL 17TH, 2024 AT 6:00PM
In-Person:
SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY CENTER LOUNGE
618 B STREET, SAN RAFAEL, CALIFORNIA
AGENDA
Participate Virtually:
Watch on Zoom Webinar: https://tinyurl.com/PARB-04-17-2024
Listen by phone: (669) 444-9171
ID: 814 5896 7407#
CALL TO ORDER
MINUTES
1. Approve regular meeting minutes of November 15, 2023
Recommended Action – Approve as submitted
OPEN TIME FOR PUBLIC EXPRESSION
The public is welcome to address the Commission at this time on matters not on the agenda that are
within its jurisdiction. Comments may be no longer than three minutes and should be respectful to
the community.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
2. Special Presentations: None
OTHER AGENDA ITEMS
If necessary to ensure completion of the following items, the Chairperson may establish time limits for
the presentations by individual speakers.
3. Other Agenda Items:
a. San Rafael Chamber of Commerce Utility Box Painting Proposal
Recommended Action: Recommend Proposal to City Council for Final Approval
STAFF LIAISON REPORT
4. Staff Liaison Report
BOARD MEMBER REPORTS
5. Other brief reports on any meetings, conferences, and/or seminars attended by the Commission
members
ADJOURNMENT
Any records relating to an agenda item, received by a majority or more of the Commission less than 72 hours before the meeting,
shall be available for inspection online and in the San Rafael Community Center, 618 B St., San Rafael, CA 94901 placed with other
agenda-related materials on the table in front of the San Rafael Community Center prior to the meeting. Sign Language interpreters
may be requested by calling (415) 485-3066 (voice), emailing city.clerk@cityofsanrafael.org or using the California
Telecommunications Relay Service by dialing “711”, at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting. Copies of documents are available in
accessible formats upon request. To request Spanish language interpretation, please submit an online form at
https://www.cityofsanrafael.org/request-for-interpretation/.
Page 1 of 4
PUBLIC ART ADVISORY BOARD
November 15, 2023 – 6:00 p.m.
DRAFT MINUTES
__________________________________________________________________
Watch on Zoom:
https://tinyurl.com/PARB-11-15-2023
Telephone: (669) 444-9171
Meeting ID: 814 5896 7407
CALL TO ORDER
Craig Veramay called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present: Member Merritt
Member Sandoval
Chair Schauffler
Member Zhao
Absent: Member Kovalsky
Also Present: Craig Veramay, Assistant Library & Recreation Director
Becky Ordin, Senior Administrative Assistant
Debbie Younkin, Senior Recreation Supervisor
Patty McCulley, Interim Program Coordinator
AGENDA AMENDMENTS
None.
MINUTES
1. Approve regular meeting minutes of July 12, 2023.
Member Merritt moved, and Member Sandoval seconded, to approve the meetings
minutes of July 12, 2023.
AYES: Members: Merritt, Sandoval, Schauffler, Zhao
NOES: Members: None
ABSENT: Members: Kovalsky
ABSTAINED: Members: None
2
Minutes approved as submitted.
OPEN TIME FOR PUBLIC EXPRESSION
Public Comment from the audience regarding items not listed on the agenda
None
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
2. Special Presentations: None
OTHER PRESENTATIONS
3. Other Agenda Items:
a. Review and Selection of the 2024 Falkirk Cultural Center Art Exhibitions
Craig Veramay introduced Senior Recreation Supervisor Debbie Younkin, and Interim
Program Coordinator Patty McCulley.
Ms. Younkin gave an overview of the process of the Falkirk Cultural Center and the
current Art Exhibition process.
The Board Members reviewed the artists and voted for the July, September, and
November Exhibits.
Staff responded to questions from the Board.
Public Comment: None
Member Sandoval moved to approve Sue Sommer, Catherine Lee, and Noah
Gottesman for the July exhibit, and Member Merritt seconded the motion.
AYES: Members: Merritt, Sandoval, Schauffler, Zhao
NOES: Members: None
ABSENT: Members: Kovalsky
ABSTAINED: Members: None
Motion passes.
3
Member Sandoval moved to approve Cindy Ostroff & Susan Tureck, Renne Kelly, Scott
Meadows, Scott Hewitt & David Ryan for the August exhibit , and Member Merritt
seconded the motion.
AYES: Members: Merritt, Sandoval, Schauffler, Zhao
NOES: Members: None
ABSENT: Members: Kovalsky
ABSTAINED: Members: None
Motion passes.
Member Merritt moved to approve Craig Cross, Marie Krajan, and Dana Christensen for
the September exhibit, and Member Sandoval seconded the motion.
AYES: Members: Merritt, Sandoval, Schauffler, Zhao
NOES: Members: None
ABSENT: Members: Kovalsky
ABSTAINED: Members: None
Motion passes.
b. Review 2024 Meeting Schedule
Craig Veramay gave an overview of the 2024 Meeting Schedule.
Staff responded to questions from the Board.
Public Comment: None
Member Sandoval moved, and Member Merritt seconded to approve the 2024 Meeting
Schedule.
AYES: Members: Merritt, Sandoval, Schauffler, Zhao
NOES: Members: None
ABSENT: Members: Kovalsky
ABSTAINED: Members: None
Motion passes.
STAFF LIAISON REPORT
4. Mr. Veramay went through the upcoming meetings and events of interest.
Mr. Veramay shared the upcoming January meeting there will be an agenda item for the Chair
and Vice Chair positions.
4
Public Comment: None
BOARD MEMBER REPORTS
5. Chair Schauffler shared the Downtown Arts district is continuing to establish a strategic
plan process.
Member Merritt shared the Ground Floor is doing a holiday marketplace and they have
art in the space as well.
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Veramay adjourned the meeting at 8:02 p.m.
___________________________________________
BECKY ORDIN, Senior Administrative Assistant
APPROVED THIS_____DAY OF___________, 2023
___________________________________________
CATHERINE QUFFA, Library & Recreation Director
PUBLIC ART REVIEW BOARD
AGENDA REPORT
April 17, 2024
Item #3a
TITLE: “ART WITH A PURPOSE” CLASS PROJECT OF SAN RAFAEL
LEAERSHIP INSTITUTE CLASS OF 2024
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Board review the San Rafael Chamber Leadership ‘Art With a Purpose’
proposals, select six artists to paint utility boxes throughout San Rafael, and recommend
the project for final approval by City Council.
BACKGROUND:
The San Rafael Chamber of Commerce Leadership Institute Class of 2024 has proposed
a project called “Art with a Purpose”, with the intent of promoting and creating a healthy,
sustainable, inclusive, and resilient community. The proposal includes painting Utility
Boxes throughout the City, utilizing existing infrastructure to inspire residents, job
seekers, and employers by promoting Chamber of Commerce values such as
sustainability, inclusivity, and equitable opportunities. The proposal would incorporate art
designed by local artists painting six different Utility Boxes in San Rafael.
DISCUSSION
The “Art with a Purpose” Utility Box Art project proposal (Attachment 1), which is
managed by the San Rafael Leadership Institute (Institute) and the San Rafael Chamber
of Commerce (Chamber), is designed to utilize local artists that are identified through the
following partners organizations:
• Artworks Downtown
• Marin Society of Artists
• Multicultural Center of Marin
• Youth in Arts
• Canal Alliance
• Marin School for the Arts
• Marin Open Studios
• Dominican University Art Classes
• College of Marin Art Classes
• Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival
• Marin County Public Art Commission
• San Rafael Chamber of Commerce
• The Downtown San Rafael Business Improvement District.
Page 2 of 4
In March 2024, the Institute and Chamber published a “Call for Artist” Request For
Proposals, seeking artists that could successfully and effectively illustrate their vision of
several pillars representing Chamber of Commerce values, including advocacy, diversity,
health, inclusion, sustainability, and economic vitality. The RFP process resulted in eight
(8) proposals, which are included as Attachment 2.
The project seeks to engage the local artistic community in capturing the essence of one
of these topics per box. The proposal calls for each box to include a QR code or URL link
incorporated into the design that will help the observer to connect to agencies and
organizations that provide services for that topic area. The Institute intends to furnish final
artists with a $1,000 stipend to pay for supplies, materials, and their time to complete the
project. Funds are coming from personal pledges of class members and from the
organizations and companies they represent. To date, $7320.00 has been pledged and is
in the process of being collected.
If approved, the Chamber and Institute intend to complete painting in May 2024, prior to
the graduation of the leadership institute participants in June 2024. As a permanent art
installation (longer than 1 year), the proposal will require City Council approval prior to
painting. If the Public Art Review Board recommends this project for approval, City staff
will add the proposal to the next available City Council agenda.
Criteria for Proposal Evaluation
The Institute identified seven (7) potential utility box locations but intend to paint up to six
boxes. 7 locations were chosen to have some choices for sponsored boxes, since the
Chamber is working to collect donations to support installation. There will only be 5 or 6
painted, depending on the Chambers budget based on available funding.
The Institute is proposing to paint six (6) utility boxes at the locations shown below:
Downtown
• 4th & A Street
• 4th & B Street
Civic Center
• Civic Center & McInnis Prkwy
Northgate Mall
• Los Ranchitos & Northgate
• Las Gallinas at Nova Albion
Canal District
• Bellam & Kerner Blvd.
Montecito Area
• 2nd & Grand
These utility box locations have been reviewed and approved for painting by our Public
Works Department, pending compliance with the comments shown in Attachment 3,
receipt of an encroachment permit, and compliance with the City’s construction barricade
policy (attachment 4).
Page 3 of 4
The Leadership Institute received eight (8) art proposals. The Institute ranked the
proposals based on their preference, as shown in attachment 2. Additionally, the
Chamber wants to tie specific artist proposals to locations in town that align with their
proposal. With that in mind, the Institute recommended their top four artists and box
locations:
• Artist: Devlin Espleta. Value: Disaster preparedness. Location: 2nd & Grand
• Artist: Oscar Morales; Value: Diversity; Location: Bellam & Kerner Blvd.
• Artist: Eyon Higgins Jones; Value: Diversity or resiliency; Box location: Undecided
• Artist: Keena Romano; Value: Diversity; Location: Undecided
Staff recommend the Board review these artist proposals, as well as the other proposals
and share their recommendations and feedback on finalizing the remaining two artists
and final utility box locations.
Staff recommend the Board consider the following criteria to guide their
recommendations:
Community Interest: The exhibition’s subject matter is determined to be of specific
interest to the San Rafael community.
Diversity: Artists and the City's public art collection should reflect the diversity of San
Rafael’s community. The Public Art Review Board shall monitor the overall development
of public art projects, encouraging balance in the City’s collection over time with respect
to background, gender, and other identities of artists selected and with respect to styles of
expression, media, and genre.
Qualifications/Quality of Work: The City strives to partner with organizations that offer
the opportunity to exhibit artwork of the highest possible caliber. Artists, artist teams, or
project manager must be able to demonstrate, through past work – as evidenced in a
resume, portfolio, and reference – their ability to create quality artwork and act with the
utmost professionalism. In most cases, artists have considerable training and experience
working professionally at and have been compensated for their art. For certain projects,
the City will consider emerging or non-professional artists, who are working under the
guidance of a professional mentor or art teacher.
Design: Works of art will be designed in consideration of the relevance and
appropriateness of the work to the context of the site and in alignment with public safety
and decency.
The artwork will not portray themes that may be interpreted as derogatory as to race,
religion, sexual orientation, natural origin, or physical or mental disability. The artwork
will not contain content, signage, names, logos, or subject matter that could be
construed as advertising or as religious or sexual in nature nor will it promote a
political candidate or include political text. Any content considered obscene or
indecent by community standards will be denied.
Page 4 of 4
The design of the artworks will take into consideration issues associated with public
spaces such as security, theft, vandalism, etc.
The design of the artworks will consider the specific needs and use patterns of the
public space in which they will be located. For example, works of art will not block
critical view corridors or impede public usage of key open space.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None
ALTERNATIVE ACTION
Any other action as determined by the Public Art Review Board
Submitted by:
Craig Veramay
Assistant Library and Recreation Director
Attachment 1: Chamber Leadership Utility Box Paintint Proposal
Attachment 2: Artist RFP Submissions
Attachment 3: DPW Utility Box Location Comments
Attachment 4: San Rafael Construction Barricade Policy.
Proposal – City of San Rafael
“Art with a Purpose” Class Project of San Rafael Leadership Institute
Class of 2024
The San Rafael Leadership Institute Class of 2024 “Art with a Purpose” project
promotes creating a healthy, sustainable, inclusive, and resilient community. The art
installation on existing infrastructure is focused on inspiring residents, job seekers, and
employers by promoting chamber values such as sustainability, inclusivity, and
equitable opportunities. Specifically, we plan to feature a creative interpretation of these
values through art designed by local artists on Utility Boxes in San Rafael.
Name of Artist and/or Proposer team
The “Art with a Purpose” Utility Box Art project, which is managed by the San Rafael
Leadership Institute and the San Rafael Chamber of Commerce, is designed to utilize
local artists that are identified through the following partners organizations: Artworks
Downtown, Marin Society of Artists, Multicultural Center of Marin, Youth in Arts, Canal
Alliance, Marin School for the Arts, Marin Open Studios, Dominican University Art
Classes, College of Marin Art Classes, Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival, Public Art
Commission, San Rafael Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown San Rafael
Business Improvement District.
Artists will be chosen by the use of a “Call for Artist” RFP. The project will be seeking
artists that can successfully and effectively illustrate their vision of these pillars of:
ADVOCACY, DIVERSITY, EQUITY, HEALTH, INCLUSION, SUSTAINABILITY,
ECONOMIC VITALITY. The project seeks to engage the local Artistic Community in
capturing the essence of one of these topics per box. Each box will have a QR code or
URL link (to be provided) incorporated into the design that will help the observer to
connect to agencies and organizations that provide services for that topic area. Project
will be completed in May 2024.
Qualifications of Artists include:
Project Description
Description of proposed concept
a) Illustrations, drawings, or samples of the proposed artwork are being collected
through the “Call to Artist” RFP
b) Materials and media – Installation process being coordinated through the
Public Works Department (Omar Garcia & Megan Kelly); Art design is being
vetted by the Class Project Planning & Design team and approved by the San
Rafael Chamber
c) Proposed Sites –
Heart of Downtown
4th & A Street
4th & B Street
Civic Center
Civic Center & McInnis Prkwy
Northgate Mall
Los Ranchitos & Northgate
Las Gallinas at Nova Albion
Canal District
Bellam & Kerner Blvd.
Montecito Area
2rd & Grand
d) Public Art Review Process & Timeline for Installation
Contact is Catherine Quffa (cc: Craig)
Catherine.Quffa@cityofsanrafael.org
Craig.Veramay@cityofsanrafael.org
• April 17 Public Review Board
• Submit application ASAP (w/ artwork TBD)
• Need final art by April 8
• Need Chamber rep present at Public Review board 4/17 for approval
• May 6th City Council approval to execute agreement – need signed agreement
between San Rafael Chamber and City of San Rafael
• Per Public Works – takes 2 days to prime 6 boxes
e) Estimated budget for installation and funding source(s) including:
Artist Stipend (if applicable) - $750 (includes supplies cost) = $6000 for 6 boxes
Materials – estimate $250
Installation – San Rafael encroachment permit requirements will be met and the
project is aware and will work with all existing policies. Encroachment examples are:
parking space needs to be closed off, artists are working in the sidewalk, barriers need
to be in place for safety, etc. Public Works will be consulted on their recommendations
for barriers and for types of paint, graffiti safe products, etc. Public Works on their
recommendations for barriers and for types of paint, graffiti safe products, etc., so that
the Class Project team can acquire and/or make available these items for the artist's
work.
Maintenance (if included) – The Artworks will be maintained by the City staff and may
removed at the City’s sole discretion for one or more of the following reasons:
(a) The condition or security of the Artworks cannot be reasonably guaranteed.
(b) There is an emergency event such as a fire, storm, or other climate-related event.
(c) The Artwork is damaged, and repair is infeasible, or the cost of repair is
disproportionate to the value of the Artwork.
(d) The Artwork requires unanticipated, excessive maintenance due to design flaws or
other factors.
(e) The Artwork endangers public safety.
(f) The Premises is so altered or there are planned renovations/site improvements such
that the Artwork is no longer compatible or relevant.
(g) The Premises is no longer owned, controlled or managed by the City.
(h) There has been sustained and overwhelming public objection to the Artwork over a
period of time.
(i) The Artwork has been stolen or destroyed.
Other project costs (insurance, permits, etc.) – The San Rafael Chamber shall
assume all risk of loss, damage, or injury for the project while it is being designed and
delivered. Insurance after the project is complete will be assumed by the City of San
Rafael, as outlined in the LICENSE AGREEMENT FOR USE OF PUBLIC PROPERTY
FOR DISPLAY OF ARTWORK
Funding Sources: Funds are coming from personal pledges of class members and from
the organizations and companies they represent. To date $7320.00 has been pledged
and is in the process of being collected.
Expenses: Artist Stipend of $1000.00 includes supplies. Marketing/Outreach and
Event Planning expenses estimated at $1500. Some Art supplies and event space will
be donated. “Launch” Event specifics are being determined.
f) Project maintenance details/instructions – in discussion with Public Works
g) Anticipated life of project - lifetime of Utility Box
• Structural integrity and ADA compliance – TBD by Public Works
• Community engagement/support documentation – see attached “Call for Artist”
• Applicant must agree to the general terms set forth in the City’s license
agreement, including insurance requirements – Agreement in the process between the
City Manager and San Rafael Chamber of commerce
Under the Public Arts Review Board process, it states:
For long-term projects (installation planned for more than one (1) year):
A minimum of one (1) public meeting and three (3) letters of support are
recommended. Successful public meetings might involve the local homeowner’s
association (HOA), neighborhood associations, or business owners. The Public Art
Review Board must be informed of these meetings ahead of time and allowed the
opportunity to attend.
We will be in the process of working on this part of the application/review process.
Submitted by Cecilia Zamora, Chair, San Rafael Leadership Institute 3/20/24
Art With a Purpose
Artist Submissions
Artist Name:City of Residence:Website or Social Media link:
1 Yuan Chen
Living in Fairfax,
Studio in San Rafael https://www.yuanartist.com
2
Rebecca
hammett San Rafael
https://www.facebook.com/rebecca.hamme
tt.37/
3 Travis Neditch Petaluma
www.breakloosearts.com instagram
@breakloosearts
4
Eyan Higgins
Jones San Rafael https://www.eyanhigginsjones.com
5
Youth in Arts
Students with
Lead Artist
Keena Romano San Rafael
https://youthinarts.org/,
https://www.keenaromano.com/
6 Devlin Espeleta San Rafael Instagram @ brainchildart
7 Oscar Morales Lathrop https://www.oscarmoralesart.com/
8 Leslie K Allen Sausalito, CA leslieallenart.com
Box Locations:
1
2 3
4 5
6
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION
In our diverse community, embracing and celebrating our differences is paramount. My proposed mural,
titled "One of Us" or "All Connected," aims to promote the values of diversity and inclusion through art. This
mural will depict individuals from in various backgrounds, cultures, and identities coming together in
harmony, showcasing the beauty of our differences. Through vibrant colors and powerful imagery, the
mural will symbolize unity and interconnectedness, emphasizing that despite our unique experiences, we
are all part of the same human family. By prominently displaying this mural in a central location, we hope to
inspire conversations and foster a greater sense of understanding and acceptance among community
members. Let us come together to celebrate diversity and promote inclusivity, ensuring that everyone feels
valued and represented in our shared space.
Yuan Chen
Show ethnic musicians who had
affects in music.
Rebecca Hammett
DIVERSITY, EQUITY
Travis Neditch
ADVOCACY, DIVERSITY, INCLUSION,
SUSTAINABILITY, ECONOMIC
VITALITY, WORKFORCE
DEVELOPMENT
I would like to do a box that is part figurative, part landscape illustration
depicting workers building up California and San Rafael itself. A sort of
historical narrative referencing the Great Depression and the peoples
will to pull themselves out of despair. I feel like the theme is relevant to
today and speaks on themes of unity and cooperation along with
economic development.
Eyan Higgins Jones
ADVOCACY, DIVERSITY,
EQUITY, INCLUSION,
SUSTAINABILITY,
WORKFORCE
DEVELOPMENT, VOLUNTEER
ENGAGEMENT, History of the
City, Stories of the City, City
Origins
I aim to make fun, approachable, Diverse and professional artistic work for
San Rafael. The ideas I submit will always have a story and will join at least
two pillars. I believe color and great images on walls can bring about a
brighter more positive feeling to the streets of a city. I would really like to
produce more mural work for the city of San Rafael as I believe it's power is
important for all to see and enjoy.
Youth in Arts Students with Lead Artist Keena
Romano
ADVOCACY, DIVERSITY, EQUITY, HEALTH, INCLUSION, WORKFORCE
DEVELOPMENT
This design incorporates elements from two Youth in Arts murals that
were recently completed - "Universe of Imagination" at Bahia Vista and
"Falcons in Bloom" at Venetia Valley K-8 School. These murals were
created as part of Youth in Arts I AM (Intensive Arts Mentorship Program)
in the summer of 2023. Youth in Arts recruited 20 emerging youth artists,
aged 16 - 20, from Marin County’s most racially marginalized and
underserved neighborhoods to work with professional BIPOC artists,
and Mentor Muralists, Fred Alvarado and Keena Azania Romano. The I
AM emerging artists interviewed students from Bahia Vista and Venetia
Valley's summer programs to ascertain what they would like to see
represented at their schools, then based on that feedback,
conceptualized and installed the murals. Youth in Arts' I AM program
aims to center and amplify youth voice. We offer the emerging artists
stipends for their time, providing early onramps to job training as well as
furthering their arts education opportunities.
Devlin Espeleta
ADVOCACY,
SUSTAINABILITY,
Wildlife
conservation
Montage of the 8 species of heron that visit the Las Gallinas reclaimation
ponds bird sanctuary...or a montage of bay area/marin county
endangered species.
Oscar Morales
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Group work can encourage the generation of new and innovative ideas to
make teams evolve. Promote collaboration at work, inspire the
environment and give mutual trust for the common good and as a key to
success.
Leslie K Allen
ADVOCACY, DIVERSITY, EQUITY, HEALTH, INCLUSION,
SUSTAINABILITY, ECONOMIC VITALITY, WORKFORCE
DEVELOPMENT, AFFORDABLE HOUSING, (My primary Pillar
design concept is Affordable Housing)
As an architect and professional artist, I want to showcase Affordable
Housing in San Rafael, with stylized versions of real housing projects
that residents will recognize or be curious to learn more about. It would
be great if some "visual outreach" could also help to reduce resistance
to housing project construction. I contacted the Housing Manager for
the City of San Rafael and she suggested 3 city-funded housing projects.
I will also include typical forms of ADU's (backyard cottages) if I can fit
them in. Final proposal will include color. Wrap-around integration of all
4 sides TBD based on actual utility box size and shape.
Comments and markup from Department of Public Works for the SR Chamber
Leadership Institute Utility Box Painting Project
4th & A Street:
- Work with parking services to purchase/ close meter.
- Sidewalk appears wide enough to provide 4 foot of travel while painting. Need to create a
pedestrian detour plan when painting side closest to building.
4th & B Street:
- Work with parking services to purchase/ close meter.
- Need to create a pedestrian detour plan when painting side closest to building.
Civic Center & McInnis Prkwy
- Maintain 4 foot wide path accessible path of travel.
Los Ranchitos & Northgate
- Appears to be enough space to maintain a 4 foot path of travel.
Las Gallinas at Nova Albion:
- Concerned it will be difficult to have an alternate path of travel with the bus stop and school.
This loca�on may need to have someone watching out full �me to allow people to walk by at all
�mes.
Bellam & Kerner Blvd.
- Concerned it will be difficult to have an alternate path of travel. This loca�on may need to have
someone watching out full �me to allow people to walk by at all �mes.
Second & Grand
- Need to create a pedestrian detour plan when blocking sidewalk.
DRAFT
Kate Colin, Mayor • Maika Llorens Gulati, Vice Mayor • Maribeth Bushey, Councilmember • Eli Hill, Councilmember • Rachel Kertz, Councilmember
DATE: June 6, 2023
TO: Don Jeppson, ADA Coordinator and Chief Building Official
FROM: April Miller, Public Works Director
SUBJECT: DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
GUIDELINES FOR THE PLACEMENT OF BARRICADES AT
CONSTRUCTION SITES
It is the policy of the Department of Public Works that a safe and accessible path of
travel be provided for all pedestrians, including those with disabilities, around and/or
through construction sites.
Standard Construction Process for Approval in Public Right-of-Way:
1. Contractor shall submit construction plans to the City for review.
2. Contractor shall submit Traffic Control Plans to the City for review.
3. Contractor to submit site specific Pedestrian Routing Plans to City. Plans shall
include pedestrian routing, detours, and barricade plan for the duration of the
project schedule and pedestrian & bicycle detour plans compliant with current
ADA standards and MUTCD (CA).
4. Contractor to call for city inspection after construction barricades are in place,
but before the start of any construction or demolition of path of travel or walking
surface.
Guidelines:
When erecting barricades, the Contractor shall be conscious of the special needs of
pedestrians with physical disabilities. Discretion is given to the contractor to provide
protection for pedestrians consistent with all current local, state, and federal codes,
including the Americans with Disabilities Act and the California Building Code, Title 24.
The bottom 3 inches minimum of barrier material should be solid. This base will act as a
cane guide to blind pedestrians using canes. Walking canes used by blind pedestrians
could get caught in plastic snow fence or metal fencing. A safe design can be achieved
by attaching a solid, continuous material (i.e., wood, header bender board, sheet metal,
solid rod or rail, etc.) to the bottom portion of the fence. Chosen material should have a
high visual contrast to the street/sidewalk surface.
When selecting a barricade, it is important that the barricade itself does not create
tripping hazards within the path of travel. Some barrier systems are supported by feet
that extend into the path of travel. Any change of level in a path-of-travel which is over
1/4" in. height must be beveled at 45 degree to provide a smooth, non-tripping
transition.
Use barricade system with ”Flat feet” below: Not”Obstructing Feet” below:
It is recognized that there are various types of construction activities, including both
short-term and long-term projects. Some barricading systems are more appropriate for
certain types of construction than others.
The following barricading systems described below are examples of systems which can
be used to provide a safe and accessible path of-travel around and through a
construction site. They are not intended to be all-inclusive. Any barricading system
meeting accessibility standards and the MUTCD (CA) may be considered.
BARRICADING METHODS AND MATERIALS
Waterfilled Barriers
Water filled barriers are preferred solution for closing roads or sidewalks. When
interlocked, the barriers provide a continuous detection to those pedestrians traveling
with the aid of a long cane or who have low vision. Waterfilled barriers are useful for
providing separation between vehicles and pedestrians. Water filled barriers may be
interlocked to make curves as well as straight lines. Full connectivity reduces the
probability of accidental or purposeful alteration of the barriers by vehicles or
pedestrians.
Plastic Pedestrian Barricades
Plastic Pedestrian Barricades are useful for channelizing pedestrian when there is
already clear separation from the vehicle travelled way.
Example of Plastic Pedestrian Barricade with no feet or feet tucked away
A-Frames
A-Frames are useful for provided signage or marking a potential tripping hazard but are
not recommended for defining the pedestrian path of travel.
Barrier Caution Tape
Caution tape cannot be used as part of the barricade system since it does not create an
adequate and safe structure and cannot be used as a barricade or used to delineate
path-of-travel (but can be used in other areas to highlight danger. It can be used in
conjunction with other approved barriers, but not as part of a path-of-travel).
Examples of what not to do: No sign, No Barrier, No Accessible & detectable path.
Closed Crosswalks
If a crosswalk is closed due to construction, then curb ramps leading into that crosswalk
should also be appropriately barricaded. Either temporary curb ramps must be installed
in the direction of the crosswalk to replace barricaded ramps, or an alternate (detour)
route of travel shall be implemented with MUTCD approved signage. It should be noted
that curb ramps are not used solely by persons in wheelchairs. They are also indicators
to persons who are blind that a crosswalk exists and that there is a safe path-of-travel
to cross the street. Temporary curb ramps should direct blind pedestrians to and
through the temporary path-of-travel.
Open Crosswalks
If crosswalks are to remain open during the project then curb ramp areas should be
kept free of debris, staging material, equipment, etc.
NOTE: With the unique nature of each project, certain issues may arise which have not
been covered in the above guidelines Each project will have to be reviewed on a case
by case basis, to ensure that complete, safe, usable and accessible paths-of-travel are
maintained during construction.
References:
CBC 3306.3 Directional Barricades
Pedestrian traffic shall be protected by a directional barricade where the walkway
extends into the street. The directional barricade shall be of sufficient size and
construction to direct vehicular traffic away from the pedestrian path.
CA MUTCD 2014 Chapter 6D
E. Blocked routes, alternate crossings, and sign and signal information should be
communicated to pedestrians with visual disabilities by providing devices such as
audible information devices, accessible pedestrian signals, or barriers and channelizing
devices that are detectable to the pedestrians traveling with the aid of a long cane or
who have low vision. Where pedestrian traffic is detoured to a TTC signal, engineering
judgment should be used to determine if pedestrian signals or accessible pedestrian
signals should be considered for crossings along an alternate route. F. When
channelization is used to delineate a pedestrian pathway, a continuous detectable
edging should be provided throughout the length of the facility such that pedestrians
using a long cane can follow it. These detectable edgings should comply with the
provisions of Section 6F.74.
Caltrans Temp Pedestrian Access Route Handbook
“Peds must be channelized when routed off existing pedestrian routes” (see figure on
page 15).
City and County of San Francisco Public Works Guidelines
For the Placement of Barricades at Construction Sites. 2008 Order No. 167,840.
Referenced in Document 00813.