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for the best color and luminance contrast of detectable warnings in all weather conditions and with various lighting conditions and that it clearly meets the requirements of section 4.29.2 of the ADAAG that recommend detectable warnings contrast visually with adjoining surfaces, either dark on light, or light on dark and provide a 70% contrast in light reflectance between a detectable warning and adjoining surfaces. Recent research shows the value of safety (federal) yellow being standardized for use as a warning in the pedestrian /vehicle travel way environment; that the color safety (federal) yellow is so salient even to persons having very low vision that it is highly visible even when used in association with surfaces having light reflectance values differing by as little as 40% (new, gray -white concrete). A safety (federal) yellow detectable warning surface having a 40% reflectance difference from new concrete was subjectively judged more detectable than a darker warning surface which contrasted with new concrete by 86 %. The conclusion was that the federal yellow or yellow- orange warning surfaces were preferred over other color warning surfaces. Notwithstanding the above, the ADA does not require that only yellow be used and some communities have elected to use other colors including more "earth tones" such as brick red. While this is acceptable, based on staffs research and as noted above, the non - yellow colors are not as effective for the visually impaired and therefore, they could be met with objection. As a way of addressing some residents' color concerns, staff is of the opinion that there may be certain locations where the non - yellow color could be effective. However, key to this option is assuring that there is adequate contrast with the surrounding materials (concrete and other materials) and identifying those unique community locations where the alternative color may be acceptable. The main location that seems to support the non - yellow color would be in the Downtown area where the combination of unique community setting and pavement colors would support a non - yellow color. Staff advises against non - yellow colors in major intersections or typical collector streets. If the City Council would prefer non - yellow colors where possible; staff can pursue this analysis as part of its regular construction specifications for curb cuts and truncated domes. However, as noted above, based on staff's analysis, only few locations would qualify for alternate colors. Sub ed� : / Approv by: Daniel ith Nelson Fialho Director of Operations Services City Manager Page 3 of 3