Fair Oaks Ranch City Council extends speed limit ordinance until January 2025

The City Council of Fair Oaks Ranch has decided to maintain a 20 miles per hour speed limit in residential areas, following a review of traffic data presented during their regular meeting on December 19, 2024. This decision comes after an emergency ordinance was extended to January 31, 2025, allowing for further collection of speed data and community feedback.

Traffic studies conducted from September to December indicated an increase in vehicle counts, with Noble Lark averaging 287 vehicles daily compared to 234 on Calcutta. During peak school hours, the numbers were 136 and 71, respectively. The average speed recorded was between 20 to 22 miles per hour, with less than 15% of vehicles exceeding 29 miles per hour. Council members noted a significant reduction in vehicle speeds and a lack of congestion at intersections, attributing these improvements to the lower speed limit.

The council plans to introduce an ordinance at their January 16 meeting to formalize the 20 mph limit, which has garnered strong support from local residents. Council members expressed that raising the speed limit could compromise safety, as many vehicles were already exceeding the current limit.

In addition to traffic discussions, the meeting included announcements about upcoming community events, including the State of the City presentation scheduled for January 30, 2025, and a reminder of holiday closures at City Hall. The council also celebrated the success of the Blue Santa event, which provided gifts to needy families, highlighting community involvement and support.

As Fair Oaks Ranch moves into the new year, the council's focus remains on enhancing safety and community engagement, with plans for further discussions on transportation safety in future meetings.