The Solvang City Council on Monday approved a revised study for a project aimed at improving pedestrian safety along a section of Fredensborg Canyon Road.

The multipurpose trail is still in the early planning stages and would create a dedicated path for pedestrians and cyclists between Viborg Road and Chalk Hill Road in Solvang. According to city staff, the main challenge is fitting the path alongside vehicle traffic within the limited width of the existing roadway.

One option would preserve two-way traffic by constructing a retaining wall along the southeast side of the road.

Staff said an alternative would convert the road to one-way traffic and use the existing pavement to accommodate the trail, which would avoid the high costs of widening the corridor. Creating one-way traffic in the area was initially suggested by a community member, the city said.

In October, the city received a proposal from its engineering consultant, Tetra Tech, to study the feasibility of the one-way option. When the proposal came before the City Council in December, several members suggested expanding the scope before moving forward.

Councilwoman Elizabeth Orona asked whether emergency services would be consulted as part of the assessment, and raised concerns about impacts on residents living just outside the city limits.

“I think we want to be considerate that that input is part of the assessment,” she said.

The council agreed in December to expand the scope of the study, asking staff to look at both northbound and southbound one-way options, consider speeding issues, and get feedback from emergency services and nearby residents. 

During public comment, Solvang resident Dennis Beebe said speeding is the pressing safety concern on that road.

“The biggest problem on Fredensborg is speed and speeders, and this doesn’t address that,” he said.

Public Works Director Bridget Paris emphasized that the study is evaluating feasibility and comparing the relative costs of the design options. She also confirmed that staff would incorporate feedback from emergency responders and nearby residents into the revised study.

Paris said the expanded scope will be funded through an amendment to the city’s existing contract with Tetra Tech, requiring no additional money. The updated plan was formally approved Monday as part of the council’s consent calendar.

Sign Rules Overhaul Moves Forward

The City Council also reviewed a proposed update to the city’s sign ordinance — the first comprehensive overhaul since 2012. City staff said the proposed revisions aim to improve legal defensibility, streamline permitting and modernize outdated rules.

No vote was taken, but council members offered feedback that Community Development Director Rafael Castillo said will be incorporated into the working draft.

Among the changes are a modification to maximum sign size, which would be based on building frontage instead of a flat cap, and a requirement that mural proposals go through the Design Review Committee. The council also discussed plans to strengthen the city’s sign design guidebook to offer clearer guidance for applicants.

The draft ordinance will return for additional public hearings before the Design Review Committee and the Planning Commission. Castillo said the goal is to bring the revised ordinance back before the City Council for adoption in March.

The next Design Review Committee meeting was scheduled for 5 p.m. Thursday at Solvang City Hall, 1644 Oak St. The Planning Commission is set to meet at 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 2 at the same location.

Grants Reminder: Mandatory Meeting

Solvang City Manager Randy Murphy reminded the public Monday that the city’s community grant application window remains open through Jan. 30.

Organizations must attend one of two mandatory meetings to be eligible. The first was held Thursday, and the second is planned for 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22. 

Murphy emphasized that “someone from the organization must attend” or the application will not be accepted. More information is available on the city’s website.

City Seeks Input on Speed Sign Placement

Solvang is applying for a state Office of Traffic Safety grant to fund new radar speed signs, flashing stop signs and pedestrian crossing signals.

Murphy said the city already has several radar signs installed but could add more and is asking for feedback on locations where additional traffic safety signage could be useful. 

Residents are encouraged to submit suggestions by Friday to PIO@cityofsolvang.com.