Speed Hump Policy

Speed humps are traffic calming devices generally designed for relatively low speed roads.  They are usually less than four inches high but 10 to 12 feet from front to back.  Speed humps are typically utilized on residential streets where speed limits do not exceed 25 miles per hour. Speed humps are generally desired for three purposes: (1) increasing the safety of residential streets, (2) improving the environmental quality of residential neighborhoods, and (3) improving traffic flow throughout a residential area.

The PROS of speed humps are reducing speeds, potential to reduce accidents related to speeding and reduction in complaints from residents.  The CONS of speed humps include causes traffic to divert to adjacent streets so the problem just gets moved; emergency vehicles must pass over them very slowly thus delaying assistance; noise from vehicles that “bottom out” on the speed humps; noise from rapid deceleration at speed humps; and may cause accidents if traversed at high speeds.

The City has a speed hump policy established in Resolution No. 7310.  The process requires property owner support and funding which is highlighted below.

Step 1 – Property owner to submit an application and pay fees along with a petition of property owners for which 75% or more must agree to fund the speed humps.

Step 2 – City conducts a survey to confirm the vote of the property owners.

Step 3 – City prepare a traffic study to determine if the speed humps are warranted.

Step 4 – If speed humps are warranted, the City Council will consider approval and establishment of assessment district to collect fees from property owners to pay for the speed humps.

Step 5 – If the Council approves the speed humps and the assessment district is established, the City will design and construction the speed humps.

Residents may apply with an application fee of $3,642.  It covers all costs associated with the implementation of the speed humps including (a) performing a confirming property owner petition, (b) preparing a traffic study, (c) administrative work to obtain Council approval, and (d) creating the assessment district including legal fees. 

Property owners become responsible for the costs of the speed humps and pay through an assessment.  The Construction fees include design and procurement document, construction and inspection.  Construction costs could vary greatly depending on the street width and speed hump materials.  Construction costs include the speed hump, signage and pavement striping and markings. 

For questions, please contact Jose Loera, T.E., City Traffic Engineer at 323-563-9578 or at jjloera@sogate.org.

Click here to view the speed hump policy(PDF, 471KB)

Click here to review the process(PDF, 87KB)

Click here to obtain a copy of the application(PDF, 130KB)