Policy on Timing for Installation of Traffic Signals for Active Development Projects

March 22, 2023

  • Traffic signals required to be installed by a development project shall be installed and made fully operational prior to issuance of a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO), Certificate of Substantial Completion, or Certificate of Occupancy for that development project.

  • A developer may petition the Sacramento County Department of Transportation (SacDOT) for an exemption from the above requirementsolely to obtain a TCO. Exemptions from signal requirements to obtain a Certificate of Substantial Completion or Certificate of Occupancy will not be considered. An exemption to obtain a TCO prior to signal delivery may only be granted if ALL of the following conditions are met, to the satisfaction of SacDOT:
    • The developer is making reasonable, good faith efforts to deliver the signal as quickly as possible, within industry standards. 
    • Any outstanding delays to the signal delivery are outside of the control of the developer (e.g. waiting for fabrication/delivery of signal poles). 
    • The developer proposes a well-defined and achievable timeline for the signal delivery (i.e. commitment to specific dates and milestones). 
    • The granting of an exemption would not compromise public safety, adequate access, traffic operations, or result in any other concern that does not support granting an exemption, at SacDOT’s full discretion.
       
  • If SacDOT grants an exemption as outlined above, the following conditions shall apply: a. Access shall be restricted to right in/right out only, with side-street stop control, until such time that the signal is operational. The developer shall bear the cost for installing and removing any temporary traffic control measures necessary to enforce this restriction. b. All-way stop control will not be permitted as a temporary traffic control measure. Locations previously authorized for installation of temporary all-way stop control shall be periodically reviewed. c. A Certificate of Occupancy or Certificate of Substantial Completion shall not be granted until the traffic signal is installed and fully operational.