CHAPTER G
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CHAPTER G
Public Facilities
TABLE OF CONTENTS
G.01 Introduction
G.01.01 Chapter Content and Resources
G.01.02 Definitions
G.01.03 References and Hyperlinks
G.01.04 Chapter Contact
G.02 Laws and Regulations
G.03 Policy for Safety Roadside Rest Areas
G.04 Water Quality Concerns
G.05 Levels of Service
G.06 Homelessness and Encampments and Illegal Dumping
APPENDIX G-1 SRRA Closure Index (SCI) Worksheet Sample
APPENDIX G-2 SRRA Joint Operational Agreement between
Caltrans and California Highway Patrol
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G.01 Introduction
G.01.01 Chapter Content and Resources
This chapter has information relevant to the maintenance of public facilities. Public facilities
include:
(A) Safety Roadside Rest Areas (SRRA).
(B) Weigh Stations also called Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Facility (CVEF).
(C) Park and Ride Lots.
(D) Vista Points.
Agricultural Inspection stations are not public facilities. They are owned and operated by the
Department of Food and Agriculture. Maintenance of signs and striping at these inspection
stations are handled through an interagency agreement administered by the Maintenance
Program.
Maintenance of all public facility items, including roadway surfacing, signs, pavement markings,
buildings, and electrical installations are reported and charged to this Family.
Charging practices for the "G" Family Problems are included in Volume 2 of the Maintenance
Manual.
Refer to Section G.05 of this chapter for maintenance levels applicable to this program.
For references found within this chapter, refer to these resources:
California Code of Regulations (CCR): California Code of Regulations | Environmental Analysis
California Health and Safety Code: Codes: Codes Tree - Health and Safety Code - HSC ([Link])
California Highway Patrol Interagency Agreement: Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Facilities
(CVEF) Maintenance | Maintenance ([Link])
California Water Boards – Storm Water Resources Control Board: Onsite Waste Water
Treatment Systems | California State Water Resources Control Board
California Water Code: Codes: Codes Tree - Water Code - WAT ([Link])
Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Facility Inventory of Needs Report: Commercial Vehicle
Enforcement Facility (CVEF) | Caltrans
Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Facilities (CVEF) Maintenance: Commercial Vehicle
Enforcement Facilities (CVEF) Maintenance | Maintenance ([Link])
Government Code (GOV): Codes: Codes Tree - Government Code - GOV ([Link])
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Public Contracts Code (PCC): Codes: Codes Tree - Public Contract Code - PCC ([Link])
Project Development Procedures Manual: Manuals | Division of Design ([Link])
Streets and Highways Code (SHC): Codes: Codes Tree - Streets and Highways Code - SHC
([Link])
California Vehicle Code: Codes: Codes Tree - Vehicle Code - VEH ([Link])
Welfare and Institutions Code (WIC): Codes: Codes Tree - Welfare and Institutions Code - WIC
([Link])
G.01.02 Definitions
CHP California Highway Patrol
CVEF Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Facility
REVA Roadside Ecological Viewing Areas
SCI SRRA Closure Index
SRRA Safety Roadside Rest Area
G.01.03 References and Hyperlinks
There are hyperlinked resource materials identified within this chapter. If any hyperlink is not
accessible, please tell the appropriate personnel to ask about that resource or reference.
G.01.04 Chapter Contact
This chapter of the Maintenance Manual is maintained by the Division of Maintenance, Office
of Vegetation and Wildfire Management.
G.02 Laws and Regulations
(A) Streets and Highways Code1, Article 7 (Sections 218 – 226.5):
This code contains State laws related to Safety Roadside Rest Areas. Topics include
planning and design, vending machines, missing children information, and provisions
for persons with disabilities, and user rules and regulations.
(B) Welfare and Institutions Code Section 19403 and Government Code Section 19130:
These codes provide for the use of rehabilitation facilities for janitorial services and
landscape maintenance in Safety Roadside Rest Areas. For purposes of these sections,
rehabilitation facilities are organizations sanctioned by the Department of
Rehabilitation.
(C) Public Contracts Code Chapter 4, Article 1 (Sections 12153 - 12158):
1
All citations to statutes throughout this manual shall be to the California Annotated Code.
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These code sections contain State laws related to recycling. Both the Department of
General Services and the California Integrated Waste Management Board assist in
administering this program.
(D) California Code of Regulations Title 22, Division 4, Chapters 14 and 15:
Rules and regulations pertaining to drinking water.
(E) Water Code Division 7, Chapter 4, Article 4 Section 13260:
Rules and regulations pertaining to wastewater discharge.
State law requires that rest area maintenance be performed by State forces except at locations
where the work can be performed by rehabilitation facilities under Welfare and Institutions Code
Section 19403. An exception to this requirement is the remote facilities which have been under
contract to private vendors, and where the rehabilitation facility services are not available.
G.03 Policy for Safety Roadside Rest Areas
The following is the Maintenance Program policy regarding Safety Roadside Rest Areas
(SRRAs).
(A) Safety Roadside Rest Areas Standards
(1) Clean rest room facilities.
(2) Adequate supply of paper products.
(3) Grounds that are maintained, clean, and attractive.
(4) Clean parking areas.
(5) Attractive buildings that are properly painted and repaired.
(6) Service facilities such as telephones and water fountains that are operational.
(7) Public information in well maintained kiosks.
(8) Operation and maintenance of the water and wastewater system as per the
regulatory permit requirements.
(9) Diaper Changing Stations.
(10) CHP drop in office with provide CHP restroom.
(B) Minimum Hours of Janitorial Coverage
The cleanliness of the SRRA facilities depends on adequate janitorial coverage
consistent with the level of patronage. Janitorial service should reflect the following
minimum hours of coverage:
Patronage (persons per day) Daily Hours of Coverage
Less than 500 4
501-2,500 8
2,501-4,500 12
4,501-6,000 16
Over 6,000 24
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Service contracts should reflect extra coverage for peak seasons and for three-day
weekends.
Patronage (visitor counts) must be determined from actual counts and should be
reasonably current.
(C) Service Contracts for Janitorial Service
By law, SRRA maintenance must be performed by State forces, unless janitorial
services are provided by rehabilitation facilities sanctioned by the Department of
Rehabilitation. Caltrans may contract for janitorial services with rehabilitation
facilities.
It is Caltrans policy to use these groups where their services can be obtained at a
reasonable price. Experience on a statewide level with these groups has been
consistently satisfactory.
These contracts are negotiated and do not need competitive bidding. Districts are
encouraged to develop long term relationships with service providers and keep
providers if the costs are reasonable and service levels are satisfactory.
Janitorial service contracts should be written to reflect the minimum hours of coverage
listed above in this section. Service contracts should reflect extra coverage, as needed,
for peak seasons and three-day weekends.
(D) Periodic Inspections
(1) SRRAs should be checked periodically for cracked sidewalks, holes, damaged
handrails, Americans with Disabilities Act compliance, or depressions in areas
where pedestrians are expected.
(2) Pedestrian walkway and parking area lighting should be inspected at least
monthly. Repairs may be made only by qualified personnel. Any person
discovering damaged lighting assets (downed poles, exposed wiring, damaged
pull box lids, vandalized fixtures, etc.) should prevent unauthorized or
unintended contact with the equipment using: cones, barriers, barricades, or other
preventable measures, and then immediately forward their observations to the
responsible Caltrans electrical crew.
(3) SRRA's onsite water and wastewater treatment systems must be inspected
periodically, and district maintenance must submit annual/quarterly monitoring
and sampling reports to the regulatory agencies.
(E) Closures
SRRA closures fall into three general categories. SRRAs normally should be kept
open; however, if closure is considered, the decision should factor impacts to tourism,
users, goods movement, service providers, partners, and adjacent facilities. An SRRA
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closure index (SCI) with key factors has been developed to aid in this process and
should be used when considering SRRA closure.
See Appendix G-1 for the SRRA Closure Index Worksheet “sample”.
When an SRRA has been justified to be closed, these requirements shall be met:
(1) As soon as practicable, appropriate signage shall be placed at preceding rest
areas or tourist oriented directional signs to tell motorists about the closure.
(2) When feasible, the statewide Maintenance Coordinator and Maintenance
Webmaster shall be notified to ensure updated information is available and
accurate.
(3) Stakeholders (motorist, trucking associations, adjacent businesses, chambers of
commerce, sheltered workshops, and contractors) should also be notified if
closure is of more than a short duration.
The three general categories for closure include:
(1) Emergency Closures
An emergency closure is an unexpected temporary closure of facilities and
temporary suspension of service at an SRRA to ensure public health, safety, or
welfare. An SRRA should be immediately closed when a condition is found to
be a hazard to the public health, safety, or welfare. Emergency repairs shall
proceed as soon as practicable with speed and diligence to ensure the closures
last no longer than essential, and the SRRA should be reopened as soon as public
health, safety, and welfare are no longer compromised. Any Maintenance staff
that identifies a potential hazard to public health, safety, or welfare should
immediately start an emergency closure, notify their supervisor, and contact any
necessary expertise needed to access or help. When feasible, the Deputy District
Director, Maintenance will be kept apprised of any emergency SRRA closures
and the steps being taken to reopen the facility. In his/her discretion, the Deputy
District Director, Maintenance may approve additional time for the emergency
closure if it will be over five (5) calendar days.
(2) Intermittent/Seasonal/Economic Closures
An intermittent/seasonal closure is a planned and scheduled temporary closure of
facilities and temporary suspension of services at an SRRA to respond to
seasonal issues (such as snow), or an expected or documented reduction in
demand during a specified period (season, certain days, or months).
An economic closure is a planned temporary closure of facilities and temporary
suspension of services at an SRRA to respond to extraordinary budget issues.
Economic closures may occur after careful consideration has been given to
reducing costs at the rest area unit.
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Review of the intermittent/seasonal/economic closures and conditions should be
reevaluated annually, or when a significant change in conditions occurs. Closure
schedules must be recommended for approval by the Deputy District Director,
Maintenance and approved by the District Director in concurrence with the
Division Chief for Maintenance. Closure schedules should be determined early
so notification can be given on contracts, and closures can be coordinated with
any contractors providing services at the facilities (i.e., Shelter Workshops, Blind
Vendors Program, etc.).
(3) Permanent Closures
Permanent closures must be justified and follow procedures outlined in Chapter
29 of the Project Development Procedures manual.
(F) Maintenance of SRRA Buildings
SRRA buildings should be maintained in the as built condition. Any damage (e.g.,
broken tiles or fixtures) should be immediately repaired to ensure like new condition.
Wood parts should be painted, treated, or repaired as necessary to maintain integrity
and an attractive appearance. Graffiti should be immediately removed. Districts
should exercise care to ensure all facilities are in working order. For more information
regarding graffiti removal, refer to Volume 1, Chapter D1 of the Maintenance Manual.
(G) Joint Operational Agreement between Caltrans and California Highway Patrol (CHP)
Caltrans and the CHP have entered into a joint operational agreement to suppress
vandalism and illegal activities at SRRAs. Refer to this agreement for remedial
actions when operational problems develop involving illicit activities. This agreement
provides for SRRA managers when conditions warrant. A copy of this agreement can
be found in Appendix G-2 of this chapter.
(H) Report lost, stolen, or vandalized property to the CHP.
(I) Unless otherwise provided for by law, vending activities and solicitation of any form
is strictly prohibited at SRRAs. This includes the distribution of free refreshments as a
fund raiser.
Vending by the Business Enterprises Program and newspaper distributors is provided
for in the Streets and Highway Code sections noted in Section G.02 of this chapter.
G.04 Water Quality Concerns
(A) Drain inlets in SRRAs, weigh stations, vista points, and Park and Ride lots should be
stenciled with an appropriate notice if the drain flows to inland or coastal waters.
(B) Roadside Fountains
Under the Pure Water Law of the California Health and Safety Code, Sections 116270
- 116755, it is the duty of the Department to take samples of water used for drinking
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purposes and determine its purity. This is done as often as deemed necessary under
local conditions.
Notify County Health Department when a new fountain is constructed and arrange for
periodic inspections either by county staff or a certified laboratory. It is good practice
to watch for unusual circumstances which may contaminate the water.
Where the local health department finds the water contaminated, Maintenance should
place a white warning sign about 48 inches x 25 inches with four (4) inch black letters
to read: "DO NOT DRINK THIS WATER - FOR RADIATORS ONLY" or other
signing approved by the local health officials.
Remove the nipple or fill pipe from the fountain to prevent children from drinking
contaminated water.
G.05 Levels of Service
(A) SRRA Grounds and Buildings Maintenance
(1) Planted and Unplanted Areas
Planted areas including lawns, shrubs, and trees shall be maintained in
accordance with Maintenance Levels under the "E" Family, Landscaping.
Changes to the landscape design concept shall not be made without consulting
the District Office of Landscape Architecture.
Unplanted areas shall be maintained in accordance with maintenance levels
established in the “C2” Family, Vegetation Control. The one exception is that
grasses, other than lawns, shall be maintained as directed by the District
Landscape Specialist and/or District Landscape Architect.
Plants and lawns must be watered as required according to local climatic
conditions. Watering should be done during the early morning hours.
(2) Fixtures
Tables, benches, and other fixture tops must be kept free of soil and stains. Hose
these fixtures with water and use a general-purpose cleaning material.
Table and bench tops should not be sprayed with insecticide nor treated with
disinfectant unless the surfaces can be rinsed off immediately with clean water.
Brushes or rags used to clean inside the rest rooms should not be used to clean
picnic tabletops or benches.
(3) Pests
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When possible, eradicate harmful insects and pests from the SRRAs. Ants,
spiders, wasps, flies, and mosquitoes should be sprayed with appropriate
insecticides. The undersides of the tables should be checked for spider webs.
During the season of flies and mosquitoes, the interior of the SRRA should be
sprayed as often as necessary to control the insects.
Consult the District Landscape Specialist for control of pests.
(4) Paved Areas and Roadways
Paved walks and roadways shall be swept as needed. All paved areas including
floor slabs should be kept free of sand, gravel, grease, and other debris.
(5) Drinking Fountains
Drinking fountains should be cleaned, disinfected, and kept free from scale
caused by "hard" water. Well, spring, or surface water sources require special
testing to ensure compliance with public drinking water standards (Health and
Safety Code Sections 116270 - 116755).
(6) Vandalism
Vandalism should be reported so corrective measures can be taken without
unnecessary delay. Where electrical fixtures have been removed leaving bare
wire ends, the circuit breaker should be opened, and the wire ends taped as a
temporary safety measure until permanent repairs can be made.
(7) Roadside Ecological Viewing Areas (REVA)
Maintenance, repair, or replacement of Roadside Ecological Viewing Area
(REVA) sites should be coordinated with the Maintenance Program, Office of
Vegetation and Wildfire Management.
(B) Rest Room Maintenance
Rest rooms should be serviced as needed. Service will include, but not be limited to:
(1) Sweep and wet-mop all rest room floors with safer alternative cleaners, or hose
down where design permits. Major cleaning of the rest room should take first
priority of services provided.
(2) Clean and disinfect all wash basins, toilets, toilet seats, urinals, and drinking
fountains. The rest room should be sprayed for insect control, if needed.
(3) All chrome plumbing connections and mirrors should be cleaned.
(4) Toilet tissue, towels, soap, and other rest room supplies should be replenished as
needed.
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(5) Smudges and writing on walls, woodwork, doors, and glass areas should be
removed.
(6) Wells, pumps, heating systems, and other special facilities should be repaired as
soon as possible after malfunction or breakdown is detected.
(7) Facilities damaged by vandals should be repaired as soon as possible
(C) Weigh and Inspection Stations/CVEF
Weigh and inspection stations are in three categories:
(1) Facilities for portable scales.
(2) Scales with modest or no buildings.
(3) Scales with permanent buildings that house full time CHP staff.
Weigh stations (or CVEF) and inspection stations are owned by Caltrans but are
operated by the California Highway Patrol (CHP). Light repair is provided by the
CHP through an interagency agreement with Caltrans for occupied facilities. The
maintenance of larger facility items is the responsibility of Caltrans. The agreement
should be consulted for specific details. Further information, regarding this
agreement, can be found in the CVEF Inventory of Need Report located on the Traffic
Operations CVEF web page, and the CHP Interagency Agreement. Reference links
provided in Section G.01.01 of this chapter.
Underbay lights are maintained by Caltrans. Facilities for portable scales are
maintained by Caltrans forces.
Additional signs may be placed, as local conditions require, after approval by the
District Traffic Engineer.
(D) Park and Ride Lots
Most Park and Ride lots are owned and maintained by Caltrans. However, some lots
are provided by agreement with the landowner.
All maintenance of Park and Ride lots is the responsibility of Caltrans, unless covered
by special agreement. Districts must consult the agreement to determine the
arrangement for maintenance of non-Caltrans-owned facilities.
The Adopt-A-Highway program provides for the adoption of Park and Ride facilities
for litter removal and landscaping maintenance.
(E) Vista Points
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Litter receptacles are normally not provided at vista points. Inspect vista points often
to keep them presentable.
Kiosks at vista points should be painted as needed and maintained in a clean condition.
Interpretive displays should be inspected periodically and replaced when needed.
Consult the District Office of Landscape Architecture for replacement panels.
The Adopt-A-Highway Program provides for the adoption of vista point facilities for
litter removal and landscape maintenance
G.06 Homelessness and Encampments and Illegal Dumping
For Safety Roadside Rest Areas (SRRA) & Vista Points
Street and Highway Code, Article 7, states in part on paragraphs:
Section 224: It shall be unlawful for any person to throw or deposit any substance in a safety
roadside rest other than in a receptacle provided for that purpose. It shall be unlawful for any
person to deposit in the receptacles provided for refuse in a safety roadside rest any refuse or
waste from homes, farms, or commercial establishments, or other material which does not arise
out of the use of the safety roadside rest by a member of the traveling public.
Section 225.5 (b): No person shall solicit money within any vista point or safety roadside rest
area for any purpose.
Section 225.5 (c): When requested by a uniformed member of the Department of the California
Highway Patrol, or other peace officer, any person or persons and any property may be relocated
to a specified area of a vista point or rest area, or may be required to quit the premises, as
directed by that officer, if, in the opinion of the officer, the person’s presence or activity or the
presence of the property, creates, or may reasonably be expected to create, a safety problem,
hazard, or nuisance, either on or near the vista point or safety roadside rest area.
California Code of Regulations, Title 21, Section 2205, relating to SRRAs, provides in part:
(a) No Camping.
(b) Vehicles shall not be parked, and persons shall not remain for more than eight (8)
hours in any twenty-four (24) hour period.
(c) Pitching of tents or erection of other shelter is prohibited.
(d) Building or maintaining campfires or other open fires is prohibited.
(e) Solicitation for money is strictly prohibited.
(f) All litter and garbage shall be placed in trash receptacles provided.
(g) The unauthorized use of the department's water, electrical and gas utilities is
prohibited.
Park and Rides
The below information provides helpful information for Park and Rides and other fringe parking
facilities:
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California Vehicle Code, Section 22518 states in part:
• Section 146.5 of the Streets and Highways Code shall be used only by persons using a
bicycle or public transit, or engaged in ridesharing, including, but not limited to,
carpools or vanpools.
• A person shall not park a vehicle 30 feet or more in length, engage in loitering or
camping, or engage in vending or any other commercial activity on any fringe or
transportation corridor parking facility.
Street and Highway Code Section 146.5 states in part:
• The department may construct, maintain, and operate fringe and transportation
corridor parking facilities along the state highway system when those facilities would
reduce motor vehicle traffic congestion or improve highway safety.
• For purposes of this code, those facilities are part of the state highway, and the
department shall acquire the right-of-way necessary for those facilities in accordance
with all of the laws and procedures applicable to other state highway projects.
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APPENDIX G-1
SRRA Closure Index (SCI) Worksheet Sample
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SRRA Closure Index (SCI) Worksheet
Date
Note: If immediate hazard to public health, safety SRRA Name or welfare exists,
close the SRRA immediately, Dist provide required signage and notification ASAP
County
Route
Postmile
Proposed Closure Period
Choose one factor per item; use 0 if none of the criteria apply.
1. Tourism
2a. Traveler orientation stop Factor
SRRA is a significant stop for motorist orientation SRRA 10 Enter factor:
is a source for motorist orientation 5 2a 10
2b. Bus stop-over Factor
SRRA is regularly used for bus stop over 5
SRRA is occasionally used for bus stop over 3 Enter factor:
SRRA is rarely used for bus stop over 1 5
2b
2. Usage
3a. Average Annual Daily Traffic of main line Factor
Actual AADT = ____________ AADT > 60,000 5
AADT from 20,000 to 60,000 3 Enter factor:
AADT < 20,000 1 5
3a
3b. Stopping factor Factor
Actual % of users = _________
Used by more than 15% of the main line traffic (yearly average)
Used by between 10% and 15% of the main line traffic (yearly average)
Used by less than 10% of the main line traffic (yearly average) 15
10 Enter factor:
3 10
3b
3c. Season or holiday factor Factor
Closure will significantly impact peak season and/or 3 major travel holidays 10
Closure will moderately impact peak season and/or 2 major travel holidays 6 Enter factor:
Closure will minimally impact peak season and/or 1 major travel holiday 3 10
3c
3. Spacing
4a. Resultant Gap between SRRA's Factor
Distance exceeds 140 miles 15
Distance is between 100 and 140 miles 10
Distance is between 60 and 100 miles 5 Enter factor:
Distance is less 60 miles 3 15
4a
4b. Alternative stopping facilities (water, phone, auto parking, restrooms) Factor
within ~1 mile of the highway
No alternatives are available within 60 miles for general traveling public No 10
alternatives are available within 30 miles for general traveling public 7 4b Enter factor:
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Alternatives are available but capacity, access and hours are limited 4 10
4c. Alternative truck and long vehicle stopping facilities Factor
No alternatives are available within 60 miles 10 Enter factor:
No alternatives are available within 30 miles Alternatives are 7
available, but capacity, access and hours are limited 4 10
4c
4d. Closure Impacts on other SRRA's, districts & neighboring states Factor 10
Adjacent SRRA's will significantly be adversely affected or exceed capacity 5
Adjacent districts or neighboring states will be adversely affected Closure will 3 Enter factor:
have moderate impacts on neighboring SRRA's, districts or states 2 5
4d
4. User Cost (taking into account any attempted measures to reduce costs)
Actual User Cost = ___________
(Current statewide average cost per user is $0.21) Factor
Service costs are less than state average Service costs 20
are between 1 and 2 times state average. 10 Enter factor:
Service costs are between 2 and 3 times state average 5 20
CALCULATED SCI = 100
If SCI > 70 SRRA should remain open except for emergency closures
If SCI is between 40 and 70 SRRA may be considered for seasonal or economic closures
If SCI < 40 SRRA is good candidate for seasonal or economic closures
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APPENDIX G-2
SRRA Joint Operational Agreement between Caltrans and California Highway Patrol
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