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Comm. Services, Public Safety, and Housing & Development

Regular Meeting

Oxnard, CA · July 14, 2026

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Written materials relating to an item on this agenda that are distributed to the legislative bodies within 72 hours before the item is to be considered at its regularly scheduled meeting will be made available for public inspection at the City Clerk’s Office, 300 West Third Street 4th Floor and at the Oxnard main library, 251 South A Street during customary business hours. Agenda reports are also on the City of Oxnard web site at www.oxnard.gov. AGENDA OXNARD CITY COUNCIL COMMUNITY SERVICES, PUBLIC SAFETY, HOUSING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE Council Chambers, 305 West Third Street July 14, 2026 Regular Meeting - 8:30 to 10:00 PM Zoom details to call-in for public comment during a meeting: 1. Dial Phone Number: (888) 475-4499 2. Enter Meeting ID: 852 9433 0355 3. Passcode: 899275 If you wish to speak during public comments or a particular item on the agenda, please sign-on by following the zoom call-in steps listed above. Once the presiding officer calls for public speakers, press *9 to raise your hand to inform the City Clerk you would like to speak during the public speaking section for that particular item on the agenda, while in the zoom waiting room. Press *6 when asked to unmute. Listen to the instructions provided virtually on the phone while on hold in the zoom waiting room. Please note that there is a slight time delay when viewing the meeting via television. IN ACCORDANCE WITH ASSEMBLY BILL 2449, MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE BODY MAY MEET IN-PERSON OR REMOTELY. TO PARTICIPATE REMOTELY VISIT WWW.OXNARD.ORG. To find out how you may provide public comment, please refer to the instructions below or at www.https://www.oxnard.org/city-meetings/. The public may view the meeting from home on Spectrum channel 10, Frontier channel 35, or YouTube at Youtube.com/oxnardnews. Video recordings of the meeting are typically available online following the meeting at the City’s website at www.oxnard.org/city- meetings. *Please see the link for the Measure M pre-recorded presentation video for each item listed on this agenda. YOU MAY PARTICIPATE IN THE MEETING IN THE FOLLOWING WAYS: 1. ATTEND THE MEETING AT THE LOCATION LISTED ABOVE: Submit a speaker card to the City Clerk. 2. EMAIL COMMENTS OR SIGN UP TO SPEAK REMOTELY BEFORE THE MEETING a. Submit a request to speak remotely by 3 p.m. on the day of the meeting by using the form available at www.oxnard.org/citymeetings. b. Submit an email to cityclerk@oxnard.org by 3 p.m. on the day of the meeting (indicate the agenda item number in the subject line). All email correspondence will be forwarded to the legislative body prior to the start of the meeting and made part of the legislative record. c. Contact the City Clerk’s Office at (805) 385-7803 to submit your request. 3. PROVIDING PUBLIC COMMENTS REMOTELY DURING THE MEETING a. Follow Zoom details listed above. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you require special assistance to participate in a meeting, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at 385-7803. Notice at least 72 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to reasonably arrange for your accessibility to the meeting. Agenda Item Time Estimates include: (Minutes for Presentation + Council Discussion + Public Comment) OXNARD CITY COUNCIL: COMMUNITY SERVICES, PUBLIC SAFETY, HOUSING & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE July 14, 2026 - Page 2 b. Public comments on agenda items will be taken following the announcement of the item. After the item is announced, members of the public may register or otherwise be recognized for the purpose of providing public comment. Please review the Zoom instructions on the registration page to help ensure there are no technical difficulties during your comments and help you understand public comment procedures using Zoom. Detailed participation instructions can be found at www.oxnard.org/city-meetings. In the event of a disruption which prevents a legislative body of the City of Oxnard from broadcasting a meeting using a call-in option or internet- based service option, or in the event of a disruption within the City’s control which prevents members of the public from offering public comment using the call-in option or internet-based service option, the legislative body shall take no further action on items appearing on a meeting agenda until public access to the meeting via the call-in option or internet-based service option is restored. However, if any of the broadcast options are disrupted, but any of the other broadcast options is still available to the public, the legislative body may take further action on items appearing on a meeting agenda without waiting for the disrupted broadcast option(s) to be restored. A. ROLL CALL, POSTING OF AGENDA, FLAG SALUTE Consideration of Teleconference Participation pursuant to Assembly Bill 2449. B. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA AND NON-ACTION ITEMS A person may address the legislative body only on matters not appearing on the agenda and within the subject matter jurisdiction of the legislative body, and on non-action items. Speaker requests shall be submitted as set forth on the first page of this agenda. Speakers are limited to three minutes. After 30 minutes, if all speakers have not had the opportunity to speak, the remaining speakers will be given an opportunity to speak prior to the adjournment of the meeting. The legislative body cannot enter into a detailed discussion or take action on any items presented during public comments at this time. Such items may only be referred to the City Manager for administrative action or scheduled on a subsequent agenda for discussion. C. CONSENT AGENDA 1. City Clerk Department SUBJECT: Approval of Minutes. RECOMMENDATION: That the Community Development, Public Safety, Housing & Economic Development Committee approve the regular meeting minutes for June 23, 2026. Contact: Luly Lopez, (805) 385-7805 D. REPORTS 1. City Attorney Department SUBJECT: Ordinance Regulating E-Bikes. RECOMMENDATION: That the Community Services, Public Safety, Housing and Economic Development Committee review and recommend the City Council approve and introduce by title only and waive further reading of an ordinance titled: “ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF OXNARD, CALIFORNIA, ADDING ARTICLE XXX TO CHAPTER 7 OF THE CITY CODE REGARDING THE REGULATION OF THE OPERATION OF MOTORIZED WHEELED CONVEYANCES, E-BIKES, AND SIMILAR DEVICES.” Please click the following link to view the required Measure M pre-recorded presentation video: https://youtu.be/oH7pDxXwtGY Contact: Michelle McCarron, 805-385-3937 2. Fire Department OXNARD CITY COUNCIL: COMMUNITY SERVICES, PUBLIC SAFETY, HOUSING & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE July 14, 2026 - Page 3 SUBJECT: Authorization to Submit Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Grant Applications. RECOMMENDATION: That the Community Services, Public Safety, Housing & Development Committee recommend that the City Council adopt a resolution that: 1. Ratifies the submission of three (3) grant applications to FEMA for Fiscal Year 2025 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program in the amount of $1,908,421.72 in grant funding, including a $173,492.89 local match requirement, for the purpose of acquiring twenty-one (21) self-contained breathing apparatus and conducting paramedic and urban search and rescue training for Oxnard Fire personnel. 2. Ratifies the submission of one (1) grant application to FEMA for a Fiscal Year 2025 Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) grant in the amount of $211,406.64, including a $10,066.98 local match requirement, for the installation of 2,500 smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and 15 smoke detectors for the deaf and hearing impaired; 3. Authorizes the City Manager or designee to execute the grant agreements if grant funds are awarded to the City; 4. Authorizes the Chief Financial Officer or designee to submit financial reports and grant claims for the use of match and grant funds and perform all other required financial actions; and 5. Authorizes the Fire Chief or designee to submit non-financial reports. Please click the following link to view the required Measure M pre-recorded presentation video: https://youtu.be/hDUHzfqpDdE Contact: Alexander Hamilton, (805) 385-7700 E. ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS F. ADJOURNMENT

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Written materials relating to an item on this agenda that are distributed to the legislative bodies within 72 hours before the item is to be considered at its regularly scheduled meeting will be made available for public inspection at the City Clerk’s Office, 300 West Third Street 4th Floor and at the Oxnard main library, 251 South A Street during customary business hours. Agenda reports are also on the City of Oxnard web site at www.oxnard.gov. AGENDA OXNARD CITY COUNCIL COMMUNITY SERVICES, PUBLIC SAFETY, HOUSING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE Council Chambers, 305 West Third Street July 14, 2026 Regular Meeting - 8:30 to 10:00 PM Zoom details to call-in for public comment during a meeting: 1. Dial Phone Number: (888) 475-4499 2. Enter Meeting ID: 852 9433 0355 3. Passcode: 899275 If you wish to speak during public comments or a particular item on the agenda, please sign-on by following the zoom call-in steps listed above. Once the presiding officer calls for public speakers, press *9 to raise your hand to inform the City Clerk you would like to speak during the public speaking section for that particular item on the agenda, while in the zoom waiting room. Press *6 when asked to unmute. Listen to the instructions provided virtually on the phone while on hold in the zoom waiting room. Please note that there is a slight time delay when viewing the meeting via television. IN ACCORDANCE WITH ASSEMBLY BILL 2449, MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE BODY MAY MEET IN-PERSON OR REMOTELY. TO PARTICIPATE REMOTELY VISIT WWW.OXNARD.ORG. To find out how you may provide public comment, please refer to the instructions below or at www.https://www.oxnard.org/city-meetings/. The public may view the meeting from home on Spectrum channel 10, Frontier channel 35, or YouTube at Youtube.com/oxnardnews. Video recordings of the meeting are typically available online following the meeting at the City’s website at www.oxnard.org/city- meetings. *Please see the link for the Measure M pre-recorded presentation video for each item listed on this agenda. YOU MAY PARTICIPATE IN THE MEETING IN THE FOLLOWING WAYS: 1. ATTEND THE MEETING AT THE LOCATION LISTED ABOVE: Submit a speaker card to the City Clerk. 2. EMAIL COMMENTS OR SIGN UP TO SPEAK REMOTELY BEFORE THE MEETING a. Submit a request to speak remotely by 3 p.m. on the day of the meeting by using the form available at www.oxnard.org/citymeetings. b. Submit an email to cityclerk@oxnard.org by 3 p.m. on the day of the meeting (indicate the agenda item number in the subject line). All email correspondence will be forwarded to the legislative body prior to the start of the meeting and made part of the legislative record. c. Contact the City Clerk’s Office at (805) 385-7803 to submit your request. 3. PROVIDING PUBLIC COMMENTS REMOTELY DURING THE MEETING a. Follow Zoom details listed above. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you require special assistance to participate in a meeting, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at 385-7803. Notice at least 72 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to reasonably arrange for your accessibility to the meeting. Agenda Item Time Estimates include: (Minutes for Presentation + Council Discussion + Public Comment) 1 OXNARD CITY COUNCIL: COMMUNITY SERVICES, PUBLIC SAFETY, HOUSING & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE July 14, 2026 - Page 2 b. Public comments on agenda items will be taken following the announcement of the item. After the item is announced, members of the public may register or otherwise be recognized for the purpose of providing public comment. Please review the Zoom instructions on the registration page to help ensure there are no technical difficulties during your comments and help you understand public comment procedures using Zoom. Detailed participation instructions can be found at www.oxnard.org/city-meetings. In the event of a disruption which prevents a legislative body of the City of Oxnard from broadcasting a meeting using a call-in option or internet- based service option, or in the event of a disruption within the City’s control which prevents members of the public from offering public comment using the call-in option or internet-based service option, the legislative body shall take no further action on items appearing on a meeting agenda until public access to the meeting via the call-in option or internet-based service option is restored. However, if any of the broadcast options are disrupted, but any of the other broadcast options is still available to the public, the legislative body may take further action on items appearing on a meeting agenda without waiting for the disrupted broadcast option(s) to be restored. A. ROLL CALL, POSTING OF AGENDA, FLAG SALUTE Consideration of Teleconference Participation pursuant to Assembly Bill 2449. B. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA AND NON-ACTION ITEMS A person may address the legislative body only on matters not appearing on the agenda and within the subject matter jurisdiction of the legislative body, and on non-action items. Speaker requests shall be submitted as set forth on the first page of this agenda. Speakers are limited to three minutes. After 30 minutes, if all speakers have not had the opportunity to speak, the remaining speakers will be given an opportunity to speak prior to the adjournment of the meeting. The legislative body cannot enter into a detailed discussion or take action on any items presented during public comments at this time. Such items may only be referred to the City Manager for administrative action or scheduled on a subsequent agenda for discussion. C. CONSENT AGENDA 1. City Clerk Department SUBJECT: Approval of Minutes. RECOMMENDATION: That the Community Development, Public Safety, Housing & Economic Development Committee approve the regular meeting minutes for June 23, 2026. Contact: Luly Lopez, (805) 385-7805 D. REPORTS 1. City Attorney Department SUBJECT: Ordinance Regulating E-Bikes. RECOMMENDATION: That the Community Services, Public Safety, Housing and Economic Development Committee review and recommend the City Council approve and introduce by title only and waive further reading of an ordinance titled: “ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF OXNARD, CALIFORNIA, ADDING ARTICLE XXX TO CHAPTER 7 OF THE CITY CODE REGARDING THE REGULATION OF THE OPERATION OF MOTORIZED WHEELED CONVEYANCES, E-BIKES, AND SIMILAR DEVICES.” Please click the following link to view the required Measure M pre-recorded presentation video: https://youtu.be/oH7pDxXwtGY Contact: Michelle McCarron, 805-385-3937 2. Fire Department 2 OXNARD CITY COUNCIL: COMMUNITY SERVICES, PUBLIC SAFETY, HOUSING & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE July 14, 2026 - Page 3 SUBJECT: Authorization to Submit Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Grant Applications. RECOMMENDATION: That the Community Services, Public Safety, Housing & Development Committee recommend that the City Council adopt a resolution that: 1. Ratifies the submission of three (3) grant applications to FEMA for Fiscal Year 2025 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program in the amount of $1,908,421.72 in grant funding, including a $173,492.89 local match requirement, for the purpose of acquiring twenty-one (21) self-contained breathing apparatus and conducting paramedic and urban search and rescue training for Oxnard Fire personnel. 2. Ratifies the submission of one (1) grant application to FEMA for a Fiscal Year 2025 Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) grant in the amount of $211,406.64, including a $10,066.98 local match requirement, for the installation of 2,500 smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and 15 smoke detectors for the deaf and hearing impaired; 3. Authorizes the City Manager or designee to execute the grant agreements if grant funds are awarded to the City; 4. Authorizes the Chief Financial Officer or designee to submit financial reports and grant claims for the use of match and grant funds and perform all other required financial actions; and 5. Authorizes the Fire Chief or designee to submit non-financial reports. Please click the following link to view the required Measure M pre-recorded presentation video: https://youtu.be/hDUHzfqpDdE Contact: Alexander Hamilton, (805) 385-7700 E. ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS F. ADJOURNMENT 3 COMMUNITY SERVICES, PUBLIC SAFETY, HOUSING & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE AGENDA REPORT CONSENT AGENDA AGENDA ITEM NO. C.1 DATE: July 14, 2026 TO: Community Services, Public Safety, Housing & Development Committee FROM: Luly Lopez, City Clerk, (805) 385-7805, luly.lopez@oxnard.org SUBJECT: Approval of Minutes. RECOMMENDATION That the Community Development, Public Safety, Housing & Economic Development Committee approve the regular meeting minutes for June 23, 2026. BACKGROUND Approval of minutes. STRATEGIC PRIORITIES This agenda item is a routine operational item or does not relate to the five strategic priorities adopted by City Council on April 30, 2026. FINANCIAL IMPACT There is no financial impact. Prepared by: Luly Lopez, City Clerk ATTACHMENTS 1. Minutes of Community Services, Public Safety, Housing & Economic Development for June 23 2026 4 MINUTES OXNARD CITY COUNCIL COMMUNITY SERVICES, PUBLIC SAFETY, HOUSING & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE Regular Meeting June 23, 2026 A. ROLL CALL, POSTING OF AGENDA, FLAG SALUTE At 8:30 p.m., Chair Luis A. Mc Arthur called to order the regular meeting of the Oxnard City Council Community Services, Public Safety, Housing & Development Committee in the City Hall Council Chambers at 305 West Third Street, Oxnard, California. Members Bert E. Perello and Chair Luis A. Mc Arthur were present. Committee Member Michaela Perez was absent. The City Clerk stated that the agenda was posted on Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at the Library, City Hall kiosk, City Administrative Offices and on the website. The meeting opened with the pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States led by Chair Mc Arthur. Staff members present were Ashley Golden, Assistant City Manager; Kenneth Rozell, Chief Assistant City Attorney; Jeff Pengilley, Community Development Director and Lourdes A. López, City Clerk. Consideration of Teleconference Participation pursuant to Assembly Bill 2449. B. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA AND NON-ACTION ITEMS No public comments were received. C. CONSENT AGENDA 1. City Clerk Department SUBJECT: Approval of Minutes. RECOMMENDATION: That the Community Services, Public Safety, Housing and Economic Development Committee approve the regular meeting minutes for May 26 and June 9, 2026. No public comments were received. It was moved by Member Perello, seconded by Chair Mc Arthur, to approve the Information/Consent item as presented. VOTE: Perello and Mc Arthur voted in favor; the motion carried 2-0. Committee Member Michaela Perez was absent. 5 OXNARD CITY COUNCIL: COMMUNITY SERVICES, PUBLIC SAFETY, HOUSING & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE June 23, 2026 - Page 2 D. REPORTS 1. Community Development Department SUBJECT: Professional Services Agreements for Plan Check and Inspection Services with JAS Pacific, Willdan Engineering, M6 Consulting, and Bureau Veritas. RECOMMENDATION: That the Community Services, Public Safety, Housing and Development Committee recommend that the City Council: 1. Authorize the Mayor to execute Professional Services Agreements for building plan check and inspection services with JAS Pacific for $1,250,000, and Willdan Engineering for $500,000; for building and engineering plan check, and inspection services with M6 Consulting for $1,750,000; for engineering and survey plan check, and inspection services with Bureau Veritas for $750,000, all for a term of 3 years with an option for one, two- year extension; and 2. Authorize the Mayor to execute Professional Services Agreements for fire plan check services with JAS Pacific and Willdan Engineering, not to exceed $750,000 each and M6 Consulting not to exceed $2,000,000, all for a term of 3 years with an option for one, two-year extension. The Community Development Director presented and was available to answer questions. Discussion ensued among the Committee and staff. No public comments were received. It was moved by Chair Mc Arthur, seconded by Member Perello, to approve the recommended item as presented. VOTE: Perello and Mc Arthur voted in favor; the motion carried 2-0. Committee Member Michaela Perez was absent. 2. Community Development Department SUBJECT: Professional Services Agreements for Planning Consulting Services with Rincon Consultants, CSG Consultants, Inc., and Veronica Tam and Associates, Inc. RECOMMENDATION: That the Community Services, Public Safety, Housing & Development Committee recommend that City Council: 1. Authorizes the Mayor to execute Professional Services Agreements with Rincon Consultants (Agreement No. 32700018) and CSG Consultants, Inc., (Agreement No. 32700019) for $500,000 each with a term of three (3) years with an option for two (2), one (1) year extensions for professional planning consulting services; 2. Authorizes the Mayor to execute Professional Services Agreement with Veronica Tam and Associates, Inc. (Agreement No. 32700020) for 6 OXNARD CITY COUNCIL: COMMUNITY SERVICES, PUBLIC SAFETY, HOUSING & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE June 23, 2026 - Page 3 professional planning consulting services in the specialized area of Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) support for a term of three (3) years with an option for two (2), one (1) year extensions in the amount of $250,000; and 3. Authorize a Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget appropriation in the amount of $100,000 from the General Fund (101) fund balance, made available from General Plan Maintenance fee (GPMF) revenue received from prior fiscal years' to date, to fund the preliminary work necessary for the upcoming 7th cycle RHNA/Housing Element update. The Community Development Director presented and was available to answer questions. Discussion ensued among the Committee and staff. No public comments were received. It was moved by Chair Mc Arthur, seconded by Member Perello, to approve the recommended item as presented. VOTE: Perello and Mc Arthur voted in favor; the motion carried 2-0. Committee Member Michaela Perez was absent. E. ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS No requests were made. F. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business on the agenda, and without objection, Chair Mc Arthur adjourned the meeting at 8:44 p.m. ________________________________ ________________________________ LOURDES A. LÓPEZ LUIS A. MC ARTHUR City Clerk Mayor 7 COMMUNITY SERVICES, PUBLIC SAFETY, HOUSING & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE AGENDA REPORT REPORTS AGENDA ITEM NO. D.1 DATE: July 14, 2026 TO: Community Services, Public Safety, Housing & Development Committee FROM: Michelle McCarron, Assistant City Attorney, 805-385-3937, michelle.mccarron@oxnard.org SUBJECT: Ordinance Regulating E-Bikes. RECOMMENDATION That the Community Services, Public Safety, Housing and Economic Development Committee review and recommend the City Council approve and introduce by title only and waive further reading of an ordinance titled: “ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF OXNARD, CALIFORNIA, ADDING ARTICLE XXX TO CHAPTER 7 OF THE CITY CODE REGARDING THE REGULATION OF THE OPERATION OF MOTORIZED WHEELED CONVEYANCES, E-BIKES, AND SIMILAR DEVICES.” Please click the following link to view the required Measure M pre-recorded presentation video: https://youtu.be/oH7pDxXwtGY BACKGROUND The City has received complaints regarding unsafe e-bike behavior, especially near areas with high pedestrian traffic. The City does not have any regulations within the City Code pertaining to the use and operation of e- bikes and other motorized wheeled conveyances within City limits. In response to a request from Mayor Pro Tem Teran to review the issue, a committee, including staff from the City Attorney’s Office, Oxnard Police Department, and Public Works have worked together to create a comprehensive regulatory scheme for e-bikes and other motorized wheeled conveyances. The committee researched State law, reviewed regulations applicable to Oxnard and a number of other coastal communities to evaluate available resources and how other agencies are addressing similar issues. The draft ordinance is the result of those efforts. DISCUSSION Oxnard continues to support Active Transportation and reduction of single occupant vehicle usage. E-bikes and other motorized wheeled conveyances serve as a valuable Active Transportation resource for recreational and work/school related trips. However, the growing popularity of e-bikes and other electric motorized vehicles among school-age youth has raised many safety concerns in the community. The concerns include lack of helmet use, reckless speeds and behaviors, and conflicts between other vulnerable sidewalk and trail users. These community concerns are not unique to Oxnard as evident with the flurry of new e-bike regulations being adopted in cities and counties across the State. Staff reviewed collision history within the city, specific to e-bike usage. It was determined that the available 8 data does not provide an adequate picture of current conditions as collisions involving e-bikes are not reported separately from other types of collisions as all electric motorized vehicles / conveyances are categorized together. To gain further insight, staff reached out to Ventura County Public Health to gather statistics on e- bike collisions and hospital visits. According to Ventura County Public Health’s E-Bike Safety Dashboard, e- bike injuries have risen more than 70% since 2020, with youth ages 10–19 representing the largest share of injured riders. Additionally, the Ventura County Sherriff’s Department recently reported on April 28, 2026, since 2024 there has been a steady increase year over year in e-bike collisions across the Cities that have contracted with the Department for police and traffic services. The California Vehicle Code sections 21200–21213 sets forth basic bicycle regulations and limited e-bike regulations, but these regulations are still “catching up” as the level of e-bike ridership continues to increase. There is pending legislative efforts related to e-bike safety, regulation and local authority that are moving through the State Senate and Assembly. Currently under California law, e-bikes are classified into three categories: • Class 1 e-bikes provide pedal-assist only and stop assisting at 20 mph. • Class 2 e-bikes can operate via throttle or pedal-assist but also stop assisting at 20 mph. • Class 3 e-bikes provide pedal-assist up to 28 mph and must be equipped with a speedometer. Existing laws prohibit people under 16 years of age from operating Class 3 e-bikes. Below is a summary of State regulations for each Class of e-bikes: • Class 1: Bikes with a maximum assisted speed of 20 mph that must be pedaled to operate. • No minimum age to ride • Helmet required for riders under 18 • Allowed wherever regular bicycles are permitted • Class 2: Bikes with a maximum assisted speed of 20 mph, that can be operated without pedaling, by using a handlebar-mounted throttle. • No minimum age to ride • Helmet required for riders under 18 • Allowed to ride wherever regular bicycles are permitted • Class 3: Bikes with a maximum assisted speed of 28 mph that must be pedaled to operate. • Minimum age of 16 • Helmet required for all ages • Allowed in bike lanes or separated bikeways adjacent to the roadway • Allowed to ride wherever regular bicycles are permitted Many of the newer electric devices or motorized wheeled conveyances being operated within the County and in Oxnard fall outside the above e-bike Classes, and are often mischaracterized as an e-bike or incorrectly marketed as an e-bike as defined in State law. For example, California Vehicle Code 312.5 restricts e-bikes to a maximum motor output of 750 watts. Any e-bike in excess of 750 watts falls outside the State classifications. Oxnard City Code’s bicycle-related provisions were developed long before the widespread use of these e-bikes and other motorized wheeled conveyances. As a result, the City Code does not adequately address these new 9 equipment types and their capabilities, as well as certain rider patterns and behaviors. The proposed ordinance creates new regulations aimed at directing the orderly use and operation of e-bikes and other motorized wheeled conveyances within the City and strengthens enforcement authority. The proposed ordinance also implements an online e-bike safety program which is mandatory for minors that are cited under the proposed ordinance, with the goal of educating minors and their parents on the rules and dangers of using e-bikes on streets and sidewalks. Comparable coastal cities—including Ventura, Long Beach, Huntington Beach, and Newport Beach, Orange County and San Diego have adopted targeted e-bike regulations, including speed limits on bike paths, helmet requirements for minors, and youth-focused education programs. The proposed ordinance does the following: 1. Defines what is and what is not an e-bike. 2. Creates a new catch all definition called “Motorized Wheeled Conveyance” which is a broad category for other known motorized wheeled devices, some of which are already defined in the California Vehicle Code. 3. Includes a section specifically regulating the operation of e-bike and other motorized wheeled conveyances by minors within the City. 4. Defines locations where e-bikes, and other motorized wheeled conveyances can and cannot be operated. 5. Defines unlawful operation of Motorized Wheeled Conveyances. 6. Includes a section explaining the equipment required for operating motorized wheeled conveyances and bicycles. 7. Creates enforcement mechanisms such as penalties, impoundment, and mandatory education program on e-bike safety. 8. Allows for the imposition of speed limits in certain areas of the City. 9. Includes a section prohibiting business owners from misclassifying and misadvertising of certain motorized wheeled conveyances as e-bikes or e-Bikes allowable for Minor’s use or operation on City streets that do not conform to the definitions or allowances provided in the California Vehicle Code and in Oxnard City Code. 10. Aligns the City Code with the California Vehicle Code and emerging state legislation. Pending State Legislation A number of California bills are currently in process with the intent of enhancing safety and regulation of electric bicycles and high-powered electric vehicles. As new State bills are adopted regarding the regulation of e-bikes on State roadways, it may be necessary to update this proposed ordinance in the future. A couple of key proposals include: Senate Bill 1167 - increases oversight of higher powered electric mopeds and e-motorcycles, distinguishing these from e-bike classifications. Assembly Bill 1557 – lowers the top speed of Class 1 & 2 e-bikes. Senate Bill 956 – gives local governments broader authority to regulate e-bikes in their jurisdiction. Assembly Bill 1569 – requires e-bike safety training at schools where e-bikes are allowed to park. Assembly Bill 2346 – requires certain e-bike equipment and allows local government to set speed limits in certain areas. Assembly Bill 1942 – e-bike classification requirements, equipment standards and DMV registration. The proposed e-bike ordinance does not conflict with this legislation and positions Oxnard to align early with these potential changes in State law. Council Goals and Objectives 10 This agenda item supports and advances the City of Oxnard's adopted 2030 General Plan Goal ICS-8; Safe bicycle and pedestrian circulation throughout the City. STRATEGIC PRIORITIES This agenda item supports the Quality of Life strategy. The purpose of the Quality of Life strategy is to restore and increase quality services and programs that enrich Oxnard's diverse community, promotes safe neighborhoods, encourages community engagement, and supports our residents in their efforts to improve their quality of life. This agenda item supports Public Safety strategy. The purpose of the Public Safety strategy is to restore and modernize the delivery of public safety services to provide for the safety of our neighborhoods and health of our community. FINANCIAL IMPACT The proposed ordinance will not generate a new direct financial impact. Implementation of the various elements of the ordinance, such as signage, enforcement, and education will be absorbed within existing department budgets as resources allow. Prepared by: Michelle McCarron, Assistant City Attorney, Andrew Gonzalez, Deputy City Attorney ATTACHMENTS 1. Proposed E-Bike Ordinance 2. Presentation 11 CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OXNARD ORDINANCE NO. ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OXNARD, CALIFORNIA ADDING ARTICLE XXX TO CHAPTER 7 OF THE CITY CODE REGARDING THE REGULATION OF THE OPERATION OF MOTORIZED WHEELED CONVEYANCES, E-BIKES, AND SIMILAR DEVICES WHEREAS, Oxnard City Code section 7-132(D) regulates the use of bicycles on public sidewalks within the city, but does not regulate the use of e-bikes and other motorized wheeled conveyances upon sidewalks within the City; WHEREAS, e-bikes, e-scooters and other motorized wheeled conveyances have become an increasingly popular mode of transportation, and are not regulated in the City Code; and WHEREAS, the increased use of e-bikes and other motorized wheeled conveyances in the City has contributed to a rise in collisions, injuries, and traffic hazards, impacting the health and safety of minors that use these conveyances and other roadway users, thereby creating a need to update the City Code to enhance public safety; and WHEREAS, the regulation of e-bikes and other motorized wheeled conveyances is necessary to maintain safety and order within the City in regard to the use and operation of e-bikes and other motorized wheeled conveyances on City streets and sidewalks; and WHEREAS, e-motorcycles are not considered e-bikes, because e-motorcycles are capable of very high speeds and pose increased risks to riders, pedestrians, and motorists and are prohibited under State law from being operated on public streets, sidewalks, and parks; and WHEREAS, the City Council declares that the provisions of this new Article represent appropriate enforcement regulations that can be implemented to promote the safe and efficient use of the City’s sidewalks, bike paths, bike lanes, trails, streets, roads, and highways pursuant to the City’s police powers and State law. NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OXNARD DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS: Part 1. Incorporation of Recitals. The findings and determinations reflected above are true and correct, and are incorporated by this reference as though fully set forth herein as the cause and foundation for the action taken by and through this Ordinance. 12 Ordinance No.___________ Page 2 of 12 Part 2. Codified Amendment. The City Clerk is directed to request that the publisher of the City Code add thereto the amendments listed in Part 3 of this Ordinance to Chapter 7, Article XXX sections 3-391 through 3-401 as set forth below. Part 3. Article XXX sections 3-391 through 3-401 are hereby added to Chapter 7 of the City Code to read as follows: “ARTICLE XXX. REGULATION OF THE OPERATION OF MOTORIZED WHEELED CONVEYANCES, E-BIKES, AND SIMILAR DEVICES Sec. 3-391 PURPOSE The purpose of this Article is to implement reasonable regulations on the operation and use of motorized wheeled conveyances pursuant to the City’s police power to protect the public health, safety and welfare, to better promote the safe use and operation of motorized wheeled conveyances, to reduce vehicular and pedestrian conflicts and other traffic hazards, and to enhance pedestrian and motorist safety. Sec. 3-392 DEFINITIONS As used in this Article, the following terms and words shall have the following meanings; (A) BICYCLE has the same meaning as defined in Vehicle Code Section 231. (B) BICYCLE LANE means a portion of a roadway that has been designated by striping, signage, or pavement markings for the preferential or exclusive use of bicycles or other motorized wheeled conveyances, as designated by the City Traffic Engineer in conformance with Vehicle Code Section 21400. (C) BIKEWAY” has the same meaning as defined in Street and Highways Code section 890.4 (D) E-BIKE, ELECTRIC BICYCLE or E-BICYCLE means a bicycle equipped with operable pedals and an electric motor that does not exceed 750 watts of power, and categorized as a Class 1, 2, and 3 electric bicycles as defined in Vehicle Code Section 312.5. (1) CLASS 1 E-BIKE or “low speed pedal-assisted e-bike” means a bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 20 miles per hour. The electric motor must not exceed 750 watts. (2) CLASS 2 E-BIKE or “low speed throttle assistance e-bike” means a bicycle equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle, and that is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 20 miles per hour. The electric motor must not exceed 750 watts. 2 13 Ordinance No.___________ Page 3 of 12 (3) CLASS 3 E-BIKE or “speed pedal assisted e-bike” means a bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 28 miles per hour, and is equipped with a speedometer. The electric motor must not exceed 750 watts and the operator of a Class 3 E-bike must be at least 16 years of age. (E) E-MOTORCYCLE shall have the same meaning set forth in Vehicle Code Section 436.1, and is prohibited from being operated within the City. (F) MINOR means a person under the age of 18. (G) MOPED or MOTORIZED BICYCLE shall have the same meaning set forth in Vehicle Code Section 406(a), meaning a two-wheeled or three-wheeled device having fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power, or having no pedals if powered solely by electrical energy, has an automatic transmission, and a motor which produces less than 4 gross brake horsepower and is capable of propelling the device at a maximum speed of not more than 30 miles per hour on level ground. (H) MOTORIZED BOARD shall have the same meaning set forth in Vehicle Code Section 313.5, meaning any wheeled device that has a floorboard designed to be stood upon when riding that is not greater than 60 inches deep and 18 inches wide, is designed to transport only one person and has an electric propulsion system averaging less than 1,000 watts, the maximum speed of which when powered solely by a propulsion system on a paved surface is no more than 20 miles per hour. (I) MOTOR DRIVEN CYCLE shall have the same meaning set forth in Vehicle Code Section 405, meaning a motorcycle with a motor that displaces less than 150 cubic centimeters. A motor-driven cycle does not include a motorized bicycle, as defined in Vehicle Code Section 406. (J) MOTORIZED SCOOTER shall have the same meaning set forth in Vehicle Code Section 407.5(a), meaning any two wheeled device that has handlebars, has either a floorboard that is designed to be stood upon when riding or a seat and footrests in place of the floorboard, and is powered by an electric motor. This device may also be designed to be powered by human propulsion. For purposes of this section, a motorcycle, as defined in Section 400, a motor-driven cycle, as defined in California Vehicle Code Section 405, or a motorized bicycle or moped, as defined in California Vehicle Code Section 406, is not a motorized scooter. (K) MOTORIZED WHEELED CONVEYANCE is a general term that includes all of the following: any electric bicycle or e-bike of any class, e-scooter, e-motorcycle, motorized board, motor-driven cycle, moped or motorized bicycle, electric unicycles, one wheel hoverboards, motorized scooter, electric or combustible motorized skateboard/scooter, dirt bike, mini bike, 3 14 Ordinance No.___________ Page 4 of 12 mini motorbike, motor driven cycle, mini motorcycle, go-kart, go-ped, moped, pocket bike, all- terrain vehicle, quad runner, dune buggy, any similar electric or combustible motorized wheeled conveyance or any other type of wheeled device that is powered by a motor. (L) NARROW WIDTH LANE means a lane that is too narrow for a Bicycle and a Vehicle to travel safely side by side within the lane. (M) OPERATOR means a person who owns, operates, or controls a Bicycle or Motorized Wheeled Conveyance. (N) PEDESTRIAN has the same meaning as defined in the Vehicle Code Section 467. (O) POCKET BIKE shall have the same meaning set forth in Vehicle Code Section 473(a), meaning a two-wheeled motorized device having a seat or saddle for the use of the rider that is not designated or manufactured for highway use, and is prohibited from being operated within the City. A pocket bike does not include an off-highway motorcycle as defined by Vehicle Code Section 436. (P) PUBLIC AREA means any outdoor area that is open to the public, whether publicly or privately owned. (Q) PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY means a public roadway, highway, street, sidewalk, path, trail, plaza, bicycle lane, boardwalk, or alleyway that is located within the jurisdictional boundaries of the City and subject to the City’s regulatory authority. (R) VEHICLE has the same meaning as in Vehicle Code section 670. SEC. 3-393 REGULATION OF MINORS OPERATING MOTORIZED WHEELED CONVEYANCES (A) Minors 11 years of age and under are prohibited from operating the following motorized wheeled conveyances within the City: Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3 E-Bikes, E-Motorcycle, Motorized Board, Motor-Driven Cycle, Moped or Motorized Bicycle, Pocket Bike, Motorized Scooter, Motorized Board, dirt bike, mini bike, mini motorbike, all-terrain vehicle, quad runner, dune buggy. (B) Minors 11 years of age and under may operate the following motorized wheeled conveyances within the City, subject to all rules and regulations contained in this Article and in accordance with State law: low wattage e-bikes, low wattage e-scooters, low wattage electric balance bikes, made specifically for children, that produce a top speed of no more than 10 miles per hour. 4 15 Ordinance No.___________ Page 5 of 12 (C) Minors 12 years of age and over may operate the following motorized wheeled conveyances within the City, subject to all rules and regulations contained in this Article and in accordance with State law: Class 1 and Class 2 E-Bikes and e-scooters. (D) All Minors operating a Motorized Wheeled Conveyance must wear a properly fitted and fastened helmet at all times. (E) Minors 11 years of age and under may operate an allowed Motorized Wheeled Conveyance, as stated in subsection (B), on a sidewalk in the city. (F) Minors under the age of 16 are prohibited from operating a Class 3 E-Bike, E-Motorcycle, Motorized Board, Motor-Driven Cycle, Moped or Motorized Bicycle, Pocket Bike, Motorized Scooter, Motorized Board, dirt bike, mini bike, mini motorbike, all-terrain vehicle, quad runner, dune buggy, or any other type of motorized wheeled conveyance for which a California Driver’s License is required within the City. SEC. 3-394 UNLAWFUL OPERATION OF MOTORIZED WHEELED CONVEYANCES (A) It shall be unlawful and a violation of this Article for any person, or Minor, to operate a Motorized Wheeled Conveyance in an unsafe or prohibited manner on any street, road, highway, sidewalk, bike path, bike lane, trail, park, or upon any private property which is open to the public for pedestrian travel. (B) Operation of a Motorized Wheeled Conveyance in an unsafe or prohibited manner includes any one or more of the following and the Operator shall be subject to citation and/or impoundment of their Motorized Wheeled Conveyance: (1) Violating any City Code, California Vehicle Code, or other existing law pertaining to motorized wheeled conveyances. (2) Operating an E-Motorcycle within City limits. (3) Operating a Pocket Bike within City limits in violation of California Vehicle Code section 21720. (4) Intentionally swerving or riding around stopped or slowed traffic. (5) Operating a Motorized Wheeled Conveyance in a manner it was not designed for, including carrying passengers when not intended for carrying passengers or multiple riders. (6) Failing to obey posted traffic signs, pavement markings or traffic control signals. 5 16 Ordinance No.___________ Page 6 of 12 (7) Failure of a person over the age of 16 operating a Class 3 E-Bike to wear a properly fitted and fastened helmet in accordance with California Vehicle Code section 21213. (8) Lifting one or more wheels of a Motorized Wheeled Conveyance into the air while riding on any public roadway, highway, bike lane, or bike path. (9) Attempting to perform or perform any acrobatic trick or stunt while operating a Motorized Wheeled Conveyance on any public roadway, highway, bike lane, or bike path. (10) Operating a Motorized Wheeled Conveyance in a manner that endangers the Operator, passengers, other motorists, other riders, or pedestrians in the area. (11) Operating a Motorized Wheeled Conveyance on any street, road, highway, or Bicycle Lane against the direction of traffic. (12) Operating a Motorized Wheeled Conveyance upon any public drainage facility, culvert, ditch, channel or ocean side channels. (13) Operating a Motorized Wheeled Conveyance upon or in any public sports courts or playgrounds. (14) Operating a Motorized Wheeled Conveyance upon or in any public skatepark. (15) Operating a Motorized Wheeled Conveyance at a speed considered excessive for the present conditions on any street, road, highway, or bicycle lane. (16) Failing to utilize a designated Bicycle Lane when signs are posted requiring such use in accordance with Vehicle Code section 21208(a). (17) Operating a Motorized Wheeled Conveyance while hitched to or otherwise attached to any moving vehicle or other motorized device. (18) Failing to yield to pedestrians at any time or location. (19) Failing to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians. (20) Failing to yield the right-of-way to a vehicle upon entering a roadway or driveway. (21) Operating a motorized wheeled conveyance in any Park or Park Facility as defined in section 7-324(C) of the City Code. (22) Operating a motorized wheeled conveyance upon any unpaved hiking, equestrian, or walking trail, when marked as prohibited for Motorized Wheeled Conveyances. 6 17 Ordinance No.___________ Page 7 of 12 (23) Tampering with or modifying a regulated Motorized Wheeled Conveyance so as to change the speed capability of the device, or otherwise altering, modifying, or adjusting the motor settings to increase the speed of the device or removing the pedals. (24) Operating a Motorized Wheeled Conveyance while holding or operating a handheld device, such as a cell phone. (25) Operating a Motorized Wheeled Conveyance while wearing a headset covering, earplugs in, or earphones covering, resting on, or inserted in, both ears as defined in California Vehicle Code Section 27400. (26) Operating a Motorized Wheeled Conveyance upon any public roadway, bike lane, or bike path in a group that is more than two abreast, except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive and separate use of bicycles. (27) Operating a Motorized Wheeled Conveyance while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of alcohol and drugs. A violation of this section shall be punishable as a misdemeanor and subject to immediate impound of the Motorized Wheeled Conveyance. Sec. 3-395 LEGAL SPEED LIMITS FOR THE OPERATION OF MOTORIZED WHEELED CONVEYANCE (A) The City Traffic Engineer is authorized to determine appropriate speed limits within certain areas of the City where motorized wheeled conveyances may be operated and place and maintain signs giving notice of Motorized Wheeled Conveyance speed limits within certain areas of the City. (B) Operating a Motorized Wheeled Conveyance at a speed greater than posted may be punished by infraction or administrative citation. (C) Operating a Motorized Wheeled Conveyance on any street, road, or highway, at a speed greater than posted or otherwise noticed for that street, road or highway may be punished as an infraction or administrative citation or in accordance with the California Vehicle Code. Sec. 3-396 PROHIBITED MOTORIZED WHEELED CONVEYANCES (A) The following Motorized Wheeled Conveyances are prohibited under this article and shall not be advertised, sold, offered for sale, or labeled as Electric Bicycles, E-Bicycle or “E-Bikes” as defined in this Article: (B) A Motorized Wheeled Conveyance with motor power of more than 750 watts. 7 18 Ordinance No.___________ Page 8 of 12 (C) A Motorized Wheeled Conveyance capable of attaining a speed greater than 20 miles per hour on motor power alone. (D) A Motorized Wheeled Conveyance with a motor capable of providing assistance when the vehicle reaches a speed exceeding 28 miles per hour. (E) A Motorized Wheeled Conveyances with two or no more than three wheels powered by an electric motor that is intended by the manufacturer to be modifiable to do any of the following: (1) Attain more than 750 watts of power. (2) Attain a speed greater than 20 miles per hour on motor power alone. (3) Provide assistance when the vehicle reaches a speed exceeding 28 miles per hour. (F) A Motorized Wheeled Conveyance without operable pedals. (G) Any motorcycle, Moped, Motorized Scooter, off-highway E-Motorcycle, Pocket Bike, or recreational off-highway vehicle. (H) A violation of this section may be punished as a misdemeanor, infraction or administrative citation and may result in the suspension or revocation of a City issued business tax certificate or other operating permit that may be required to do business in the City. Sec. 3-398 REQUIRED EQUIPMENT (A) All Motorized Wheeled Conveyances shall have reflectors affixed to the wheels and the rear of the conveyance at or beneath the seat or foot board in the case of a scooter. (B) All Motorized Wheeled Conveyances operated during darkness shall be equipped with a lamp emitting a white light that, while it is in motion, illuminates the ground in front of the conveyance and is visible from a distance of 300 feet in front and from the sides. (C) No person shall remove, destroy, mutilate or otherwise alter the serial number permanently stamped or cast on a Motorized Wheeled Conveyance by the manufacturer. Sec. 3-399 LOCATION PROHIBITIONS (A) No person shall operate a Motorized Wheeled Conveyance in a public parking lot or private property as prohibited pursuant to and noticed in accordance with section 7-144 of the City Code. 8 19 Ordinance No.___________ Page 9 of 12 Sec. 3-400 EXEMPTIONS (A) This article shall not apply to a pedestrian, which includes a person who is operating a self- propelled wheelchair, motorized tricycle, or motorized quadricycle and, by reason of physical disability, is otherwise unable to move about as a pedestrian, as defined under California Vehicle Code Section 467(a). (B) Notwithstanding any other provision of this article, or any other section of this Code, city and public agency personnel may operate a Motorized Wheeled Conveyance or other vehicles at any place in the city in the performance of their official duties. Sec. 3-401 Penalties, Impoundment, and Mandatory Education Program (A) A Violation of this Article shall be deemed an infraction, unless specifically stated herein as a misdemeanor or administrative citation. (B) A Minor under the age of 12 that is issued a citation pursuant to this Article, shall be cited with an infraction and fine of $25.00, and must complete the E-Bike Safety Education Program. (C) Any person who violates any provision of this article is guilty of an infraction, and upon conviction shall be punished by a fine in accordance with section 1-10(C) of the city code. (D) Impoundment. In addition to the fines and penalties authorized in this Article, the Chief of Police, his designee, or any officers of the Oxnard Police Department charged with enforcing this Article may impound a Motorized Wheeled Conveyance operated in violation of this article. (1) Any Minor charged with a violation of this Article may have their Motorized Wheeled conveyance impounded pursuant to California Vehicle Code sections 21720, 21721, or 22651.08. (2) Any person charged with a violation of this Article by operating a prohibited Motorized Wheeled Conveyance may have their Motorized Wheel Conveyance impounded pursuant to California Vehicle Code sections 21720, 21721, or 22651.08. (3) Upon impoundment of a Motorized Wheeled Conveyance operated by a minor, in violation of California Vehicle Code section 21213, the Minor’s parent or legal guardian shall be provided with written notice that possession of the impounded Motorized Wheeled Conveyance shall be retained until the Minor and their parent complete the E-Bike Safety Education Program and provide the completion certificate to the Oxnard Police Department and remit payment for any impound fees, then thereafter the Motorized Wheeled Conveyance shall be released to the Minor’s parent or legal guardian in accordance with California Vehicle Code section 22651.08(d). 9 20 Ordinance No.___________ Page 10 of 12 (4) Any Motorized Wheeled Conveyances impounded and retained by the Police Department for more than sixty (60) days shall be deemed abandoned and may be disposed of in accordance with the confiscated property disposal procedure in section 7-66(C) of the City Code. The cited individual or in the case of a minor, the parent or legal guardian shall be responsible for the payment of any impound fees incurred. (E) E-Bike Safety Education Program. The E-Bike Safety Education Program required pursuant to Sub-Section (B) and (C) is the California Highway Patrol (“CHP”) Online E-Bicycle Safety Course. The Course can be accessed at: https://rise.articulate.com/share/yB3Hip8AYzOGdY0dqnd42mQ3k0c6Jza1#/. There is no fee to take the CHP online safety course. Upon successful completion of the safety course a Certificate of Completion will be issued. The Certificate of Completion is required to retrieve a Motorized Wheeled Conveyance from impound or to reduce, waive or otherwise mitigate a first-time violation of the provisions of this article by a minor. (1) Participation in the E-Bike Safety Education Program is required for Minors and their parents or legal guardians for violations of this article that result in impoundment of a Motorized Wheeled Conveyance operated by a Minor. (2) Participation and successful completion of the E-Bike Safety Program by a Minor and their parent or legal guardian, for a first-time violation of the provisions of this article, will result in one of the following actions: the City Attorney is authorized not to file the citation; may dismiss the citation; or waive any fines and penalties related to the citation.” Sec. 3-402 Operative Date, Education and Phase in Periods (A) The first six (6) months after this ordinance takes effect will be an education period with no enforcement. A six (6) month phase in period will follow the education period. This ordinance will be fully enforced twelve (12) months after the ordinance takes effect. Any violation of the California Vehicle Code will be strictly enforced during the education and phase in periods. (B) During the phase in period, in lieu of payment of any fine violators cited may complete the Mandatory Education Program and submit proof of completion to the Oxnard Police Department within fourteen (14) days of receipt of a citation for a violation of this Article. Failure to provide proof of completion of the Mandatory Education Program will result in the citation being processed and all fees and fines owed. Part 4. Severability. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, part or portion of this ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision will not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this ordinance. The City Council declares that it would have adopted this ordinance and each section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, part or portion thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one 10 21 Ordinance No.___________ Page 11 of 12 or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses, phrases, parts or portions be declared invalid or unconstitutional. Part 5. The City Council exercises its independent judgment and made findings herein above, that this ordinance is not subject to CEQA, because the activity is covered by the general rule that CEQA applies only to projects that will have a significant effect on the environment. There is no possibility that the passage of this ordinance will have a significant effect on the environment and adoption of this ordinance is exempt from CEQA. Part 6. Pursuant to Government. Code Section 36933(c)(1), the City Attorney was designated to prepare, and the City Clerk published a summary of this ordinance, and a certified copy of the ordinance was posted in the Office of the City Clerk a minimum of five days before the City Council’s adoption of the ordinance. Part 7. The City Clerk shall certify as to the adoption of this ordinance and shall cause the summary thereof to be published within fifteen (15) days of the adoption and shall post a certified copy of this ordinance, including the vote for and against the same, in the office of the City Clerk, in accordance with Government Code Section 36933. Ordinance No. _____ was first read on September ____, 2026, and finally adopted on October____, 2026, to become effective thirty days thereafter. APPROVED AND ADOPTED this ______ day of October, 2026, by the following vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: ________________________________ Luis A. Mc Arthur, Mayor ATTEST: 11 22 Ordinance No.___________ Page 12 of 12 Lourdes A. López, City Clerk APPROVED AS TO FORM: Stephen M. Fischer, City Attorney 12 23 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OXNARD, ADDING ARTICLE XXX TO CHAPTER 7 OF THE CITY CODE REGARDING THE REGULATION OF THE OPERATION OF MOTORIZED WHEELED CONVEYANCES, E-BIKES, AND SIMILAR DEVICES City Attorney’s Office Elle McCarron, Assistant City Attorney Andrew Gonzalez, Deputy City Attorney Community Services, Public Safety, Housing & Economic Development Committee July 14, 2026 24 Recommendation 2 That the Community Services, Public Safety, Housing and Economic Development Committee review and recommend the City Council approve and introduce by title only and waive further reading of an ordinance titled: “ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF OXNARD, CALIFORNIA, ADDING ARTICLE XXX TO CHAPTER 7 OF THE CITY CODE REGARDING THE REGULATION OF THE OPERATION OF MOTORIZED WHEELED CONVEYANCES, E-BIKES, AND SIMILAR DEVICES.” 25 Background 3 • The City has received complaints about unsafe e-bike and motorized wheeled conveyance use, especially near areas with high pedestrian traffic. • The City does not have any regulations within the City Code pertaining to the use and operation of e-bikes and other motorized wheeled conveyances within City limits. • At Mayor Pro Tem Teran's request, City staff from the City Attorney's Office, Oxnard Police Department, and Public Works collaborated to develop a comprehensive regulatory scheme for e-bikes and other motorized wheeled conveyances. • The proposed ordinance is based on research of California law and a review of regulations and best practices from Oxnard and other coastal communities. 26 Background 4 • The available collision history within the city does not provide current statistics regarding e-bike collisions and citations because all motor vehicle incidents are categorized together. • Collisions involving e-bikes are not reported separately. • The Oxnard Police Department has impounded four e-motorcycles in the last twelve months. • The growing popularity of e-bikes and other electric motorized vehicles among school-age youth has raised many safety concerns in the community. • Concerns include: • Lack of helmet use. • Reckless speeds and behaviors. • Conflicts between other vulnerable sidewalk and trail users. • Operation of e-devices by youth operators that is prohibited by state law. • These concerns are not unique to Oxnard. New e-bike regulations are being adopted in cities and counties across the State for similar concerns. 27 Background 5 • According to Ventura County Public Health’s E-Bike Safety Dashboard, e- bike injuries have risen more than 70% since 2020, with youth ages 10–19 representing the largest share of injured riders. 28 Background 6 • The following e-bike traffic collision statistics were obtained from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department, for the cities that have contracted with the Department for police and traffic services. 29 Background 7 • Under California law, e-bikes are classified into three categories: • Class 1: Bikes with a maximum assisted speed of 20 mph that must be pedaled to operate. • Requirements: • No minimum age to ride. • Helmet required for riders under 18. • Allowed wherever regular bicycles are permitted. • Class 2: Bikes with a maximum assisted speed of 20 mph, that can be operated without pedaling, by using a handlebar-mounted throttle. • No minimum age to ride. • Helmet required for riders under 18. • Allowed to ride wherever regular bicycles are permitted. • Class 3: Bikes with a maximum assisted speed of 28 mph that must be pedaled to operate. • Minimum age of 16. • Helmet required for all ages. • Allowed in bike lanes or separated bikeways adjacent to the roadway. • Allowed to ride wherever regular bicycles are permitted. 30 Background 8 • Oxnard City Code does not adequately address e-bikes and motorized wheeled conveyances and their capabilities, as well as rider experience, education and riding behaviors. • There are many electric devices or motorized wheeled conveyances that fall outside of the state definitions for Class 1, 2, and 3 e-bikes, which are often mistaken by consumers and parents as allowable e-bikes for children and adults alike. • Oxnard City Code’s bicycle-related provision was developed before the existence of e-bikes and other motorized wheeled conveyances. • There is a need to regulate and educate the public regarding e-bikes. • The proposed ordinance creates new regulations aimed at directing the orderly use and operation of e-bikes and other motorized wheeled conveyances within the City and strengthens enforcement authority. 31 Discussion 9 • The proposed ordinance implements an online e-bike safety program which is mandatory for minors that are cited under the ordinance. • The goal is to educate minors and their parents on the rules and dangers of using e-bikes on streets and sidewalks. • Comparable coastal cities—including Ventura, Long Beach, Huntington Beach, and Newport Beach, San Diego and Orange County have adopted targeted e-bike regulations, including speed limits on bike paths, helmet requirements for minors, and youth-focused education programs, along with prohibitions of reckless use. • Oxnard’s proposed e-bike ordinance will be phased in for a period of 12 months after adoption. 32 Discussion 10 • The proposed ordinance does the following: • Defines what is and what is not an e-bike. • Creates a catch all definition called “Motorized Wheeled Conveyance” which is a broad category for other known motorized wheeled devices, some of which are already defined in the California Vehicle Code. • Includes a section specifically regulating the operation of e-bike and other motorized wheeled conveyances by minors within the City. • Defines locations where e-bikes, and other motorized wheeled conveyances can and can not be operated. • Defines unlawful operation of Motorized Wheeled Conveyances. • Includes a section explaining the equipment required for operating motorized wheeled conveyances and bicycles. 33 Discussion 11 • The proposed ordinance does the following: • Creates an enforcement mechanisms that include penalties, impoundment and Mandatory Education Program on E-Bike Safety Education Program as a means of the City Attorney not filing the citation, dismissing the citation, or waiving any fines and penalties related to the citation. • Allows for the imposition of speed limits in certain areas of the City. • Includes a section prohibiting business owners from misclassifying and misadvertising of certain motorized wheeled conveyances as e-bikes or e- Bikes allowable for Minor’s use or operation on City streets that do not conform to the definitions or allowances provided in the California Vehicle Code and in Oxnard City Code. • Aligns the City Code with the California Vehicle Code and emerging state legislation. 34 Discussion 12 • Pending State Legislation • A number of California bills are currently in process with the intent of enhancing safety and regulation of electric bicycles and high-powered electric vehicles. As new State bills are adopted regarding the regulation of e-bikes on State roadways, it may be necessary to update this proposed ordinance in the future. A couple of key proposals include: • Senate Bill 1167 - increases oversight of higher powered electric mopeds and e-motorcycles, distinguishing these from e-bike classifications. • Senate Bill 956 – gives local governments broader authority to regulate e-bikes. • Assembly Bill 1557 - lowers the top speed of Class 1 & 2 e-bikes. • Assembly Bill 1569 – requires e-bike safety training at schools where e-bikes are allowed to park. • Assembly Bill 2346 – requires certain e-bike equipment and allows local government to set speed limits in certain areas. • Assembly Bill 1942 – e-bike classification requirements, equipment standards and DMV registration. • This ordinance does not conflict with this legislation and positions Oxnard to align early with these potential law changes, yet the proposed ordinance may require an update in 2027. 35 QUESTIONS? 36 COMMUNITY SERVICES, PUBLIC SAFETY, HOUSING & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE AGENDA REPORT REPORTS AGENDA ITEM NO. D.2 DATE: July 14, 2026 TO: Community Services, Public Safety, Housing & Development Committee FROM: Alexander Hamilton, Fire Chief, (805) 385-7700, alexander.hamilton@oxnard.org SUBJECT: Authorization to Submit Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Grant Applications. RECOMMENDATION That the Community Services, Public Safety, Housing & Development Committee recommend that the City Council adopt a resolution that: 1. Ratifies the submission of three (3) grant applications to FEMA for Fiscal Year 2025 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program in the amount of $1,908,421.72 in grant funding, including a $173,492.89 local match requirement, for the purpose of acquiring twenty-one (21) self-contained breathing apparatus and conducting paramedic and urban search and rescue training for Oxnard Fire personnel. 2. Ratifies the submission of one (1) grant application to FEMA for a Fiscal Year 2025 Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) grant in the amount of $211,406.64, including a $10,066.98 local match requirement, for the installation of 2,500 smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and 15 smoke detectors for the deaf and hearing impaired; 3. Authorizes the City Manager or designee to execute the grant agreements if grant funds are awarded to the City; 4. Authorizes the Chief Financial Officer or designee to submit financial reports and grant claims for the use of match and grant funds and perform all other required financial actions; and 5. Authorizes the Fire Chief or designee to submit non-financial reports. Please click the following link to view the required Measure M pre-recorded presentation video: https://youtu.be/hDUHzfqpDdE BACKGROUND Assistance to Firefighters (AFG) and Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Grants are federal grant programs administered by FEMA under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The program provides annual funding opportunities to fire departments, non-affiliated EMS organizations, and other state agencies to improve emergency response capabilities. Oxnard Fire and its regional partner agencies are eligible and routinely apply for these annual grant opportunities to obtain critically needed resources to maintain and enhance public safety and to protect emergency personnel from fire and related hazards. The solicitation period for FEMA Fiscal Year 2025 AFG & FP&S Grants was May 19, 2026 to June 22, 2026. The AFG Program has three activities: Operations and Safety, Vehicle Acquisition, and Regional Projects. Within the Operations and Safety category, there are sub-categories of training and equipment. Successful AFG submissions are awarded annually. If awarded, the three applications for AFG Grants will support the 37 acquisition of twenty-one (21) self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBAs), paramedic training for ten (10) firefighters, and fifty (50) course slots for regional urban search-and-rescue training. The FP&S Grant application will support an initiative to install 2,500 additional smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and 15 smoke detectors for the deaf and hearing-impaired in eligible residents' homes. The City of Oxnard Fire Department has successfully received four previous Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) grants to install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Through these grants, the Department distributed and/or installed 5,000 smoke detectors in 2014, 2,500 smoke detectors in 2015, and 5,000 combination smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in 2022. The Department is currently implementing a Fiscal Year 2023 FP&S grant that awarded funding for the purchase and installation of an additional 5,000 smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and 15 smoke detectors for the deaf and hearing impaired throughout the community. This grant application enables the Fire Department to continue this safety initiative. DISCUSSION Resolution 15,748, adopted by City Council on October 17, 2023, requires council approval for the application of grants with matching fund requirements that have not been previously appropriated. This staff report requests to ratify the submission of the following grants. The City of Oxnard submitted one (1) AFG application specifically for the Oxnard Fire Department. The grant application provides funding to send ten (10) firefighter emergency medical technicians to paramedic school to educate and license them to the level of “Paramedic.” The grant application for $1,383,668.20 has a $125,788.02 local match requirement. The funding for paramedic training will enable the City of Oxnard to continue expanding its paramedic capabilities to meet the growing needs of our community. The City of Oxnard submitted one (1) regional AFG application for Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) training for Regional Task Force 7, made up of Ventura County Fire, Ventura City Fire and Oxnard Fire. The grant funding will provide education and training for RTF 7 members to meet the required training standards. The grant application for $357,635.52 has a match requirement of $32,512.32. The grant will pay for overtime and backfill for suppression personnel to attend various urban search and rescue courses, including confined space, rope rescue, structural collapse, technical search specialist, and swift water rescue. The City of Oxnard submitted one (1) FEMA FP&S grant application specifically for the Oxnard Fire Department in the amount of $211,406.64 with a $10,066.98 local match requirement. The grant will allow the Fire Department to continue its community risk reduction efforts by providing and installing 2,500 combination smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and 15 smoke detectors for the deaf and hearing impaired in residential homes throughout the City. The FP&S funding will support the purchase of smoke detectors and personnel costs for public outreach and installation. The Ventura County Fire Protection District will submit one (1) regional application for $2.7 million to procure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBAs) and RIT packs. Oxnard is expected to be allocated $167,118.00, requiring a $15,192.55 local match for 21 SCBAs. SCBAs are critical personal protective equipment for firefighters, consisting of an air bottle, backpack, regulators, face piece, batteries, air-pressure gauge, personal alert safety system, voice-amplification system, speaker, and a mask interface for communication. The use of SCBAs is critical when responding to incidents involving contaminated airspace, such as fires, gas leaks, and hazardous materials calls. The grant funding will allow Oxnard Fire to increase its inventory and carrying capability of SCBAs. STRATEGIC PRIORITIES 38 This agenda item supports Public Safety strategy. The purpose of the Public Safety strategy is to restore and modernize the delivery of public safety services to provide for the safety of our neighborhoods and health of our community. FINANCIAL IMPACT If awarded, these grants totaling $2,119,828.36 will have a matching funds requirement of up to $183,559.87. Grant awards are expected in the fall of 2026, and, if awarded, the Fire Department will return to Council for approval of the grant and local match appropriations prior to acceptance of the awards. Grant Federal Share Local Share Award Total Paramedic $1,257,880.18 $125,788.02 $1,383,668.20 Training USAR $ 325,123.20 $ 32,512.32 $ 357,635.52 Training SCBAs $ 151,925.45 $ 15,192.55 $ 167,118.00 Smoke $ 201,339.66 $ 10,066.98 $ 211,406.64 Detectors Total $1,936,268.49 $183,559.87 $2,119,828.36 Prepared by: Alexander Hamilton, Fire Chief, Rose Rodarte, Administrative Services Manager, Francine Gutierrez, Administrative Services Analyst ATTACHMENTS 1. Resolution 2. City Manager Approval 3. Presentation 39 CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OXNARD RESOLUTION NO. _____________ A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OXNARD APPROVING SUBMITTAL OF FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY GRANT APPLICATIONS WHEREAS, City Council Resolution No. 15,748 sets out the procedure by which City staff may submit grant applications, following approval by resolution of the City Council; and WHEREAS, the Fire Department has requested that City Council ratify the submission of three (3) applications to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program in the amount of $1,908,421.72, including a federal share of $1,734,928.83 and a local match of $173,492.89 (10% of the federal share), for the purpose of purchasing SCBAs, and providing paramedic and urban search and rescue training. WHEREAS, the Fire Department has requested that the City Council ratify the submission of one (1) application to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Grant Program in the amount of $211,406.64, including a federal share of $201,339.66 and a local match of $10,066.98 (5% of the federal share), for the purchase and installation of two thousand five hundred (2,500) smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and 15 smoke detectors for the deaf and hearing impaired. NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Oxnard resolves to approve the submittal of grant applications by the City Manager for Fire Department program enhancements. The City Council further resolves that the City Manager or designee is authorized to execute grant agreements; the Chief Financial Officer or designee is authorized to submit financial reports and grant claims, and the Fire Chief or designee is authorized to submit non-financial reports. PASSED AND ADOPTED this 30th day of July, 2026, by the following vote: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: _________________________ Luis A. McArthur, Mayor ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM: _____________________________ _________________________________ Lourdes A. Lopez, City Clerk Stephen M. Fischer, City Attorney 40 41 42 FEMA Assistance to Firefighter (AFG) & Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Grant Applications COMMUNITY SERVICES, PUBLIC SAFETY, HOUSING & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE July 14, 2026 Alexander Hamilton Fire Chief 1 43 RECOMMENDATION That the Community Services, Public Safety, Housing & Development Committee recommend the City Council adopt a resolution that: 1. Ratifies the submission of three (3) grant applications to the FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) for $1,908,421.72, including a $173,492.89 local match for the purpose of procuring twenty-one (21) SCBAs, and providing paramedic and urban search and rescue training; 2. Ratifies the submission of one (1) grant application to the FEMA Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) grant for $211,406.64, including a $10,066.98 local match for the purpose of procuring and installing 2,500 smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and 15 smoke detectors for the deaf and hard of hearing; 3. Authorizes the City Manager or designee to execute the grant agreements if grant funds are awarded to the City; 4. Authorizes the Chief Financial Officer or designee to submit financial reports and grant claims for the use of match and grant funds and perform all other required financial actions; and 5. Authorizes the Fire Chief or designee to submit non-financial reports. 2 44 BACKGROUND Assistance to Firefighters (AFG) and Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Grants are federal grant programs administered by FEMA under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The programs provide annual funding opportunities to fire departments, non-affiliated EMS organizations, and other state agencies to improve. This year, FEMA will award more than $291 million through the AFG Program and more than $32 million through the FP&S Grant Program nationwide. Oxnard Fire Department and regional partners routinely apply for these annual grants. The solicitation period for the FEMA Fiscal Year 2025 Grants opened on May 19, 2026 and closed on June 22, 2026. 3 45 BACKGROUND (Cont.) Grant Objectives AFG Grant Program • Enhances firefighter safety • Strengthens emergency response capabilities • Promotes community resilience • Supports training and education • Encourages collaboration and innovation FP&S Grant Program • Protect the public and firefighters from fire-related hazards • Reduces fire-related injuries and fatalities through fire prevention, public education and community risk reduction initiatives • Improves firefighter health, safety and well-being through research, studies and development 4 46 BACKGROUND – Previous Grant Successes Previous Success and Accomplishments with Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) & Fire Prevention & Safety (FP&S) Grants Recent AFG and FP&S grant awards for the Oxnard Fire Department allowed us to: • Educate and certify firefighter emergency medical technicians to paramedic level (AFG) • Purchase firefighter turnout gear (AFG) • Urban Search & Rescue training for regional task force members (AFG) • Train firefighters on hazardous materials (AFG) • Purchase of other critical equipment, including chest compression devices, medic monitors, apparatus and thermal imaging cameras (AFG) • Distribute and/or install over 15,000 smoke detectors for our residents to date 5 47 DISCUSSION – Grant Applications FEMA Fiscal Year 2025 Grant Applications Submitted Oxnard Fire Department Grants • Paramedic Level Training $1,383,668.20 • Funds education and training of ten (10) firefighter emergency medical technicians to license them to the level of “Paramedic” • Smoke Detector Installation Program $211,406.64 • Funds the costs of public outreach and installation of 2,500 smoke detectors, allowing the department to continue its community risk reduction efforts 6 48 DISCUSSION – Grant Applications (Cont.) FEMA Fiscal Year 2025 Grant Applications Submitted – Cont. Regional Grants: • USAR Training $357,635.52 • Funds the cost of station coverage and overtime for training of Regional Task Force 7 members to meet the required training standards in various disciplines, including urban search and rescue courses, confined space, rope rescue, structural collapse, technical search specialist, and swift water rescue. • Purchase of SCBAs – $167,118 • Funds the purchase of 21 self-contained breathing apparatus, critical breathing personal protective equipment for firefighters when responding to incidents involving contaminated airspace, such as fires, gas leaks, and hazardous materials calls. 7 49 FINANCIAL IMPACT Total grant applications: $2,119,828.36 Total match requirement: Up to $183,559.87 AFG Grant Match = 10% of the Federal Share FP&S Grant Match = 5% of the Federal Share Application Request Federal Share Local Share Total Paramedic Training $ 1,257,880.18 $125,788.02 $1,383,668.20 USAR Training $325,123.20 $32,512.32 $357,635.52 Smoke Detectors $201,339.66 $10,066.98 $211,406.64 SCBAs $151,925.45 $15,192.55 $167,118.00 Total $1,936,268.49 $183,559.87 $2,119,828.36 8 50 FINANCIAL IMPACT (Cont.) • Grants award notices expected in the Fall of 2026. • If awarded, grant activity will commence in Fiscal Year 2026-2027. • Budget Allocation: The grant and local match appropriations will be requested upon the grant awards. • Grant period of performance is expected to be 24 months. 9 51 QUESTIONS? 10 52
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