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HomeMy WebLinkAboutdrafts of ordinanceFor Discussion Purposes Only 1 ORDINANCE NO. 2 3 AN ORDINANCE TO ADOPT A COMPLETE STREETS POLICY FOR 4 THE CITY OF LITTLE ROCK; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. 5 6 WHEREAS, the State of Arkansas is in the process of developing a complete streets policy 7 for state funded highway projects and over 600 other cities and communities across the United 8 States have adopted a complete streets policy, and 9 WHEREAS, the City of Little Rock has adopted a Master Street Plan that provides standard 10 designs, parameters, and infrastructure requirements for certain specified types of streets and 11 highways used by motorists, including those using automobiles, buses, trucks and commercial 12 vehicles, fire trucks, police vehicles, and ambulances, to travel safely throughout the city, and 13 WHEREAS, the city's adopted Master Street Plan recognizes that well-designed streets also 14 provide for the needs of persons walking along or needing to safely cross the streets and 15 bicyclists using the streets, whether as a safe route to school, commuting to work or on errands, 16 or as a form of healthy recreation, and the city utilizes design standards that address the special 17 needs of persons with disabilities, including persons with visual impairments or in wheelchairs, 18 to safely travel along and across streets, and 19 WHEREAS, the Master Bike Plan, a part of the Master Street Plan, was adopted in its most 20 recent form on December 6, 2011, and its previous heavy emphasis on the development of 21 separate bike paths was changed to the creation of consistent and safe routes throughout the city 22 through signage, sharrows, striping and dedicated bike lanes, thereby both reducing development 23 costs and aiding the development of a more comprehensive bike route system in a shorter period 24 ` of time, and 25 WHEREAS, the Board of Directors desires to further advance the development of the city's 26 transportation network to provide streets that are designed and operated to enable safe access and 27 the ability to move safely along and across streets for all users, including motorists, public 28 transportation users, bicyclists and pedestrians, of all ages and abilities, and, 29 WHEREAS, by adopting this ordinance, the Board of Directors recognizes the steps the city 30 has already taken to provide for the needs of all users of city streets and highways and affirms its [PAGE 1 OF 4] ORDINANCE To adopt a complete streets policy For Discussion Purposes Only 1 desire for the further advancement of fully integrated active transportation networks within the 2 city. 3 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF 4 THE CITY OF LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS: 5 Section 1. Complete streets policy. It is the policy of the city to develop a safe, reliable, 6 efficient, integrated and connected multimodal transportation system that will promote access 7 and mobility for all users, and will ensure that the safety and convenience of all users of the 8 transportation system are accommodated, including motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists, users of 9 public transportation, emergency responders, freight haulers, people of all ages and abilities, and 10 adjacent land users. Complete streets may be achieved through single large projects or 11 incrementally in a series of smaller improvements or maintenance activities over a period of 12 time, utilizing maximum financial flexibility with the intent that all sources of transportation 13 funding opportunities will be drawn upon to implement complete streets. 14 Section 2. Applicability. Except as provided in Section 5 below, the city will apply this 15 complete streets policy to all street projects for public streets, regardless of funding source, 16 including those involving new construction, reconstruction, retrofit, repaving, rehabilitation, and 17 change in the allocation of pavement space on an existing street. The exceptions will allow the 18 city to remain flexible to the unique circumstances of different streets so that sound engineering 19 and planning judgment will produce context -sensitive designs. 20 Section 3. Complete streets infrastructure. As feasible, the city shall incorporate complete 21 streets infrastructure into existing public streets to create a comprehensive, integrated, and 22 connected transportation network that balances access, mobility and safety needs of all users of 23 all ages and abilities and the needs of adjacent land users, thus providing a fully connected, 24 integrated network that provides transportation options throughout the city. "Complete streets 25 infrastructure" means design features such as: sidewalks, shared use paths, bicycle lanes, 26 automobile lanes, paved shoulders, street trees and landscaping, planting strips, curbs, accessible 27 curb ramps, bump outs, crosswalks, refuge islands, pedestrian and traffic signals, including 28 countdown and accessible signals, signage, street furniture, bicycle parking facilities, public 29 transportation stops and facilities, priority signalization, narrow vehicle lanes, raised medians, [PAGE 2 OF 4] ORDINANCE To adopt a complete streets policy For Discussion Purposes Only 1 dedicated bus lanes, traffic calming devices such as traffic circles, and traffic bumps, and surface 2 treatments such as paving blocks, textured asphalt and concrete. 3 Section 4. Best practices criteria. The public works department shall continue to utilize 4 design criteria and standards for streets infrastructure based upon recognized best practices in 5 street design, construction and operations including but not limited to the latest editions of 6 American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (ASHTO) and Institute of 7 Transportation Engineers (ITE), while also taking into account the context and character of the 8 surrounding built and natural environments to enhance the appearance of such environment. The 9 city manager shall ensure that complete streets design principles are incorporated in city plans, 10 proposed ordinances, regulations and programs as appropriate and that training of city staff in 11 best practices in regard to design of streets for multimodal transportation occurs. 12 Section 5. Exceptions. 13 (a) Complete streets principles and practices will be included in street construction, 14 reconstruction, repaving, and rehabilitation projects except under one or more of the following 15 conditions as determined by the Director of Public Works: 16 (1) The project involves a street or highway on which certain users, such as 17 pedestrians or bicyclists, are prohibited by law, such as an interstate highway or a 18 pedestrian mall. 19 (2) Routine maintenance of the transportation network is involved that does not 20 change the roadway geometry or operations, such as sweeping, mowing and spot 21 repair. 22 (3) Where an equivalent project along the same corridor is already programmed to 23 provide the needed infrastructure or facilities. 24 (4) Scarcity of population, travel and attractors, both existing and projected into the 25 foreseeable future, indicate an absence of need for such accommodations, or the 26 street is outside an established existing bus transit route and where it is reasonably 27 determined that a future bus transit route will not exist. 28 (5) The cost of complete streets accommodations is excessively disproportionate to 29 the need or probable use. Construction may not be practically feasible or cost - 30 effective because of significant or adverse environmental impacts to historic ORDINANCE [PAGE 3 OF 4] To adopt a complete streets policy For Discussion Purposes Only 1 resources, streams, flood plains, wetlands, remnants of native vegetation, steep 2 slopes or other critical areas. 3 (b) The director of public works shall employ a checklist to document the complete streets 4 analysis on each street project. 5 Section 6. Performance standards. The public works department shall develop performance 6 measures to evaluate the progress in developing complete streets. The City Manager shall 7 regularly evaluate the success and opportunities for improvement regarding the city's efforts to 8 provide complete streets according to measurable benchmarks. Performance standards may 9 include linear feet of new sidewalks, percentage of Streets with low design speeds, and public 10 participation, such as numbers of public transit riders. 11 Section 7. Fostering partnerships. It is a goal of the city to foster partnerships with federal, 12 state and other transportation funding agencies, citizens, businesses, interest groups and 13 neighborhoods to implement the complete streets ordinance. 14 Section 8. Severability. In the event any title, section, paragraph, item, sentence, clause, 15 phrase, or word of this ordinance is declared or adjudged to be invalid or unconstitutional, such 16 declaration or adjudication shall not affect the remaining portions of the ordinance, which shall 17 remain in full force and effect as if the portion so declared or adjudged invalid or 18 unconstitutional were not originally a part of the ordinance. 19 Section 9. Repealer. All laws, ordinances and resolutions, or parts of the same, that are 20 inconsistent with the provisions of this ordinance, are hereby repealed to the extent of such 21 inconsistency. 22 ADOPTED: 23 ATTEST: APPROVED: 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Susan Langley, City Clerk Mark Stodola, Mayor APPROVED AS TO LEGAL FORM: Thomas M. Carpenter, City Attorney ORDINANCE To adopt a complete streets policy [PAGE 4 OF 4] I ORDINANCE NO. 2 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE MASTER STREET PLAN 3 (ORDINANCE NO. 20,117) TO REVISE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR 4 DEDICATION, CONSTRUCTION AND MARKING OF BICYCLE PATHS 5 AND ROUTES IN THE MASTER STREET PLAN TEXT; AND FOR 6 OTHER PURPOSES. 7 WHEREAS, a diverse committee of citizens and City staff members have met to discuss 8 how best to safely and conveniently accommodate all modes of transportation along, across and 9 through the City's network of streets and highways and to recommend code changes to implement 10 safe routes throughout the City for all users; and 11 WHEREAS, changes to the Master Street Plan are needed to improve the City's 12 transportation network. 13 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF 14 THE CITY OF LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS: 15 Section 1. The last sentence of the first paragraph of Section lA of the Master Street Plan 16 text is hereby deleted and replaced by the following language: 17 Applicants for site plan review and building permit are not required to dedicate, 18 mark or construct any Class I bicycle path or route as described in the Plan. Where 19 only a segment of a block is being developed with no connectivity, either existing 20 or anticipated to occur within the next year, to any other bicycle lane or route, in 21 such case signage and bicycle markings shall not be required for the street abutting 22 the development along Class II Bike Lanes or Class III Bicycle Routes. 23 Section 2. To correct an error in the Master Street Plan text, in the fifth paragraph under 24 Construction Standards, the word "build" is deleted and replaced with the word "built". 25 Section 3. In the Master Street Plan text, in the seventh paragraph under Construction 26 Standards, the second sentence is deleted and replaced with the following sentence: 27 S�Pggq and sharrows should be provided. 28 Section 4. In the Master Street Plan text, in the Construction Standards section in the first 29 paragraph under Signage and Marking, the last sentence is deleted and replaced with the following 30 sentence: [Page 1 of 2] ORDINANCE To amend Master Street Plan to Revise Requirements For Dedication, Construction and Marking of Bicycle Paths and Routes in Master Street Plan Text 1 Requirements for signs and graphics painted on the pavement, including sharrows 2 and bicycle emblems, vary depending upon the class of a particular bicycle route. 3 Section 5. In the Master Street Plan text, in the Construction and Standards section and the 4 fourth paragraph under Signage and Marking, the first two sentences are deleted and replaced with 5 the following language: 6 Class III Bicycle Routes require sharrow markings on the pavement according to 7 traffic engineering requirements. Class I Bike Paths, when constructed, and Class 8 II Bike Lanes should be marked with on -street bicycle graphics in white paint with 9 directional arrows directing the flow of bicycle traffic. Class III Bicycle Routes 10 should be marked with on -street bicycle graphics as described above. 11 Section 6. Severability. In the event any title, section, paragraph, item, sentence, clause, 12 phrase, or word of this ordinance is declared or adjudged to be invalid or unconstitutional, such 13 declaration or adjudication shall not affect the remaining portions of the resolution, which shall 14 remain in full force and effect as if the portion so declared or adjudged invalid or unconstitutional 15 were not originally a part of the ordinance. 16 Section 7. Repealer. All ordinances and resolutions of the City in conflict herewith are 17 hereby repealed to the extent of such conflict. 18 Section 8. This ordinance shall take effect thirty (30) days from and after its passage. 19 PASSED: 20 21 ATTEST: APPROVED: 22 23 Susan Langley, City Clerk Mark Stodola, Mayor 24 25 26 APPROVED AS TO LEGAL FORM: 27 28 29 Thomas M. Carpenter, City Attorney H ORDINANCE To amend Master Street Plan to Revise Requirements For Dedication, Construction and Marking of Bicycle Paths and Routes in Master Street Plan Text [Page 2 of 21 Day, Bryan From: Dawson, Cindy Sent: Tuesday, April 08, 2014 3:01 PM To: Day, Bryan Cc: Bozynski, Tony, Honeywell, Jon; Carpenter, Tom; Mann, Bill Subject: amendment to Master Street Plan (associated with Complete Streets review) Attachments: Master Street Plan - Ordformatted.docx Bryan — I think the attached ordinance revising the Master Street Plan (the portion involving the Bike Plan) addresses the changes you mentioned when we last talked about the complete streets ordinance. The complete streets ordinance, as currently exists, doesn't really get into the level of detail that is in the suggested items. It seemed more appropriate to insert them into the Master Street Plan so that is what I have done. The Board was expecting to see some detail anyway in how a complete streets policy could affect the MSP, etc., so this helps in that respect. Tom and I briefly discussed Class I bike paths today and the conclusion is that we cannot ask for dedications of ROW for them because of the Dolan v. City of Tigard case and subsequent case law. The proposed Master Street Plan amendment is in accord with that determination. The amendment makes clear, however, that Class II and Class III bikeways requirements have to be met by developers. (The current version requires nothing in regard to Class I, II, or III.) I have consulted Walter Malone in this process, but otherwise have not sent this out for review by anyone else. I wanted you to see it and let me know if you want any changes or have any concerns. Cindy I ORDINANCE NO. 2 3 AN ORDINANCE TO ADOPT A COMPLETE STREETS POLICY FOR 4 THE CITY OF LITTLE ROCK; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. 6 WHEREAS, the City of Little Rock has adopted a Master Street Plan that provides standard 7 designs, parameters, and infrastructure requirements for certain specified types of streets and 8 highways used by motorists, including those using automobiles, buses, trucks and commercial 9 vehicles, fire trucks, police vehicles, and ambulances, to travel safely throughout the city, and 10 WHEREAS, the city's adopted Master Street Plan recognizes that well-designed streets also 11 provide for the needs of persons walking along or needing to safely cross the streets and 12 bicyclists using the streets, whether as a safe route to school, commuting to work or on errands, 13 or as a form of healthy recreation, and 14 WHEREAS, the M �aso provides for design standards that address the 15 special needs of persons with disabilities, including persons with visual impairments or in 16 wheelchairs, to safely travel along and across streets, and [is this true?] 17 WHEREAS, the Master Bike Plan, a part of the Master Street Plan, was adopted in its most 18 recent form on December 6, 2011, and its previous heavy emphasis on the development of 19 separate bike paths was changed to the creation of consistent and safe routes throughout the city 20 through signage, sharrows, striping and dedicated bike lanes, thereby both reducing development r 21 costs and aiding the development of a more comprehensive bike route system in a shorter period ' 22 of time, and 23 WHEREAS, the Board of Directors desires to further advance the development of the city's 24 transportation network to provide streets that are designed and operated to enable safe access and 25 the ability to move safely along and across streets for all users, including motorists, public 26 transportation users, bicyclists and pedestrians, of all ages and abilities, and, 27 WHEREAS, the State of Arkansas is in the process of developing a complete streets policy 28 for state funded highway projects, and 29 WHEREAS, by adopting this ordinance, the Board of Directors recognizes the steps the city 30 has already taken to provide for the needs of all users of city streets and highways and affirms its [PAGE 1 OF 5] ORDINANCE To adopt a complete streets policy I desire for the further advancement of fully integrated active transportation networks within the 2 city. 3 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF 4 THE CITY OF LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS: 5 Section 1. Complete streets policy. It is the policy of the city to develop a safe, reliable, 6 efficient, integrated and connected multimodal transportation system that will promote access 7 and mobility for all users, and will ensure that the safety and convenience of all users of the 8 transportation system are accommodated, including motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists, users of 9 public transportation, emergency responders, freight haulers, people of all ages and abilities, and 10 adjacent land users. Complete streets may be achieved through single large projects or 11 incrementally in a series of smaller improvements or maintenance activities over a period of 12 time, utilizing maximum financial flexibility with the intent that all sources of transportation 13 funding opportunities will be drawn upon to implement complete streets. 14 Section 2. Applicability. Except as provided in Section 5 below, the city will apply this 15 complete streets policy to all street projects for public streets, regardless of funding source, 16 including those involving new construction, reconstruction, retrofit, repaving, rehabilitation, and 17 change in the allocation of pavement space on an existing street. The exceptions will allow the 18 city to remain flexible to the unique circumstances of different streets so that sound engineering 19 and planning judgment will produce context -sensitive designs. Tire- pub ie-works-depagnaAt 20 wffhv--evaluatecapitalax r t prpJ.=Mlo tplemezrt_this complete streets pollsy. 21 Section 3. Complete streets infrastructure. As feasible, the city shall incorporate complete 22 streets infrastructure into existing public streets to create a comprehensive, integrated, and 23 connected transportation network that balances access, mobility and safety needs of all users of 24 all ages and abilities and the needs of adjacent land users, thus providing a fully connected, 25 integrated network that provides transportation options throughout the city. "Complete streets 26 infrastructure" means design features such as: sidewalks, shared use paths, bicycle lanes, 27 automobile lanes, paved shoulders, street trees and landscaping, planting strips, curbs, accessible 28 curb ramps, bump outs, crosswalks, refuge islands, pedestrian and traffic signals, including 29 countdown and accessible signals, signage, street furniture, bicycle parking facilities, public 30 transportation stops and facilities, priority signalization, narrow vehicle lanes, raised medians, [PAGE 2 OF 51 ORDINANCE To adopt a complete streets policy 4 I dedicated bus lanes, traffic calming devices such as traffic circles, and traffic bumps, and surface 2 treatments such as paving blocks, textured asphalt and concrete. 3 Section 4. Best practices criteria. The public works department shall develop—grad-ade� 4 design criteria and standards for streets infrastructure based upon recognized best practices in 5 street design, construction and operations including but not limited to the latest editions of 6 American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (ASHTO), Institute of 7 Transportation Engineers (ITE), and National Association of City Transportation Officials 8 (NACTO) while also taking into account the context and character of the surrounding built and 9 natural environments to enhance the appearance of such environment. The city manager shall 10 ensure that complete streets design principles are incorporated in city plans, proposed ordinances, 11 regulations and programs as appropriate. [check with Public Works staff on these design sources] 12 Section 5. Exceptions. 13 (a) Complete streets principles and practices will be included in street construction, 14 reconstruction, repaving, and rehabilitation projects except under one or more of the following 15 conditions: G"'A 16 (1) The project involves a street or highway on which certain users, such as 17 pedestrians or bicyclists, are prohibited by law, such as an interstate highway or a 18 pedestrian mall. 19 (2) Routine maintenance of the transportation network is involved that does not 20 change the roadway geometry or operations, such as sweeping, mowing and spot 21 repair. 22 (3) Where an equivalent project along the same corridor is already programmed to 23 provide the needed infrastructure or facilities. 24 (4) Scarcity of population, travel and attractors, both existing and projected into the 25 foreseeable future, indicate an absence of need for such accommodations, or the 26 street is outside an established existing bus transit route and where it is reasonably 27 28 (5) 29 determined that a future bus transit route will not exist. [PAGE 3 OF 51 ORDINANCE To adopt a complete streets policy 1 (6) The cost of complete streets accommodations is excessively disproportionate to 2 the need or probable useZ T,,he cost of complete streets accommodations will be 3 eTp orldte if lire accomthuxk'fions� uld increase W of the 4 project by 06rc than15, 0, 25 r, 5 (j Construction is not practically feasible or cost-effective because of significant or 6 adverse environmental impacts to historic resources, streams, flood plains, 7 wetlands, remnants of native vegetation, steep slopes or other critical areas ok 8 d7 imp on nei hboring land uses, ludirrg impact fr t i - ay 9 ac !s! ' n. similar to (S . his his or des . J 10 (8) The arector of public works determines there is irtsacie e to safer 11 acco v ate ew acili es or high risk tivith a�complete street f g meets 12 design. ffs this usle u] r desired?] `J 13 (9) As a pat of its development review process, the Board of Directors waives the 14 sidewalk bike wy, - or !the re uc cement d tv�the- essive an 15 disproporttb 1e cost in relation to the antictpated number of users. v' 16 (b) The director of public works shall d eR a checklist to be used to document the 17 complete streets analysis on each street project. 18 Section 6. Performance standards. The public works department shall develop performance 19 measures to evaluate the progress in developing complete streets. The City Manager shall 20 regularly evaluate the success and opportunities for improvement regarding the city's efforts to 21 provide complete streets according to measurable benchmarks. 22 Section 7. Fostering partnerships. It is a goal of the city to foster partnerships with federal, 23 state and other transportation funding agencies, citizens, businesses, interest groups and 24 neighborhoods to implement the complete streets ordinance. 25 Section 8. Severability. In the event any title, section, paragraph, item, sentence, clause, 26 phrase, or word of this ordinance is declared or adjudged to be invalid or unconstitutional, such 27 declaration or adjudication shall not affect the remaining portions of the ordinance, which shall 28 remain in full force and effect as if the portion so declared or adjudged invalid or 29 unconstitutional were not originally a part of the ordinance. [PAGE 4 OF 5] ORDINANCE To adopt a complete streets policy 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Section 9. Repealer. All laws, ordinances and resolutions, or parts of the same, that are inconsistent with the provisions of this ordinance, are hereby repealed to the extent of such inconsistency. ADOPTED: ATTEST: APPROVED: Susan Langley, City Clerk Mark Stodola, Mayor APPROVED AS TO LEGAL FORM: Thomas M. Carpenter, City Attorney // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // // ORDINANCE To adopt a complete streets policy [PAGE 5 OF 51 I 2 ORDINANCE NO. 3 AN ORDINANCE TO ADOPT A COMPLETE STREETS POLICY 4 FOR THE CITY OF LITTLE ROCK; ; 5 AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. 6 7 WHEREAS, a complete streets policy describes a comprehensive, integrated transportation 8 network with infrastructure and design that allow for safer and more convenient travel for all users, 9 including pedestrians, bicyclists, motor vehicle drivers, public transportation users, emergency 10 service providers, commercial goods haulers, and people of all ages and abilities, including 11 children, families, older adults, and individuals with disabilities; and 12 WHEREAS, the one-third of U.S. residents that do not drive, disproportionately represented 13 by older adults, low income persons, people with disabilities, and children would greatly benefit 14 from safe and effective alternative means of travel that will be improved with complete streets 15 practices, as would those who drive but also periodically use alternative modes of transportation; 16 and 17 WHEREAS, in 2009, in Little Rock, Ark. Ord. No. 20,117 (June 16, 2009), the City of Little 18 Rock adopted a Master Street Plan with the intent to maximize the efficient, safe, and orderly flow 19 of traffic through and within the City so that traffic and circulation of people and goods would be 20 more convenient, safety from traffic hazards secured, and street congestion lessened or avoided; 21 and 22 WHEREAS, pursuant to Little Rock, Ark. Res. No. { , 2013), the 23 Board of Directors expressed its desire to adopt a complete streets policy, meaning a policy for all 24 transportation improvements projects within the City, including the construction and 25 reconstruction of public roadways, whether publicly or privately funded, to accommodate all 26 anticipated users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, public transportation users, persons with 27 disabilities, freight haulers and motorists; and, 28 WHEREAS, the City Manager was directed to draft revisions to the Master Street Plan and 29 the Boundary Street Ordinance that would incorporate a complete streets policy into those 30 ordinances and to present his proposed revisions to the Board of Directors; and, [PAGE 1 OF 31 I WHEREAS, a large a diverse group of individuals comprised of City staff and members of 2 the community at large met to discuss and propose changes to the City Code of Ordinances that 3 would be needed for full implementation of a complete streets policy that will balance; and, 4 WHEREAS, the Board of Directors now wishes to adopt and implement a policy of complete 5 streets and make the changes to the City's Code of Ordinances; 6 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE 7 CITY OF LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS: 8 Section 1. The City hereby adopts a complete streets policy. To the maximum extent practical, 9 the City will approach every transportation project, including new construction, retrofit, and 10 reconstruction, as an opportunity to improve public streets and the transportation network for all 11 users. 12 Section 2. Exceptions. Facilities for pedestrians, bicyclists, public transportation users, and 13 people of all abilities are not required to be provided where no current or future need exists, non - 14 motorized uses are prohibited by law; where significant adverse impacts outweigh the positive 15 effects of the infrastructure; or if the cost would be excessively disproportionate to the need or 16 probable future use over the long term. 17 Section 3. Infrastructure. 18 Section 4. Partnership goals. The City will work in coordination with other entities and 19 jurisdictions to achieve a transportation network with appropriate facilities for users of all ages 20 and abilities. 21 Section 5. Best practices criteria. 22 Section 6. Performance standards. The City Manager shall establish performance standards 23 with measurable benchmarks to continuously evaluate the City's success in establishing complete 24 streets and identify opportunities for improvement. 25 Section 7. Training. The City will make training available to Planning and Development and 26 Public Works personnel regarding the implementation and integration of multimodal 27 infrastructure and policy. 28 Section 8. Severability. In the event any section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, 29 subparagraph, item, sentence, clause, phrase, or word of this ordinance is declared or adjudged to 30 be invalid or unconstitutional, such declaration or adjudication shall not affect the remaining 31 provisions of this ordinance, as if such invalid or unconstitutional provision were not originally a 32 part of this ordinance. [PAGE 2 OF 3] 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Section 9. Repealer. All ordinances, resolutions, bylaws, and other matters inconsistent with this ordinance are hereby repealed to the extent of such inconsistency. PASSED: .2013 ATTEST: Susan Langley, City Clerk APPROVED AS TO LEGAL FORM: Thomas M. Carpenter, City Attorney H H H [PAGE 3 OF 3] APPROVED: Mark Stodola, Mayor COMPLETE STREETS ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF LITTLE ROCK (draft) Background and Purpose of the City of Little Rock Complete Streets Ordinance. The City of Little Rock adopts this Complete Streets ordinance to reflect the City's support for and commitment to the development of fully integrated active transportation networks within the city. The establishment of well-connected walking and bicycling networks is an important component for livable communities, and their design should be a part of Little Rock transportation ro'ect develo ments. Walking and bicycling foster safer, more livable, family -friendly communities; enhance the quality of life for the residents of the City of Little Rock; develop a sense of community and community pride; promote physical activity and health; reduce vehicle emissions and fuel use; and bring economic development by making the city a highly desirable place to live and to locate business activities that depend on a work force attracted to the amenities associated with walking and bicycling. The City of Little Rock Bike Plan and other city, state and federal laws and regulations require inclusion of bicycle and pedestrian policies and projects into transportation plans and project development. Accordingly, the City of Little Rock should plan, fund, and implement improvements to walking and bicycling networks, including linkages to public transit. In addition, the City of Little Rock should go beyond the minimum requirements, and proactively provide convenient, safe, and context -sensitive facilities that foster increased use by bicyclists and pedestrians of all ages and abilities, and utilize universal design characteristics when appropriate. Transportation programs and facilities should accommodate people of all ages and abilities, including people too young to drive, people who cannot drive, and people who choose not to drive. Section 1. The City of Little Rock will plan for, design, and construct all trans ortatio impra_vcment projects within the City, including the construction and reconstruction of public roadways, whether publicly or privately funded, to provide appropriate Complete Streets accommodations, as described and defined in this ordinance, for pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders, and person of all abilities, while promoting safe operation for all users, as provided in this ordinance. Section 2. The City of Little Rock will incorporate Complete Streets principles, as described and defined in this ordinance, into the Master Street Plan, including the Bicycle Master Plan, all strategic transportation planning, and other appropriate City of Little plans, manuals, rules, and regulations and programs. Section 3. Sidewalks, shared use paths, street crossings (including over and under passes), pedestrian signals, signs, street furniture, transit stops, and other facilities, shall be designed, constructed, operated, and maintained so that all pedestrians and bicyclists, including people with disabilities, can travel safely and independently. Section 4(a). The requirement that City provide appropriate Complete Streets accommodations for all City transportation improvement projects, including the construction and reconstruction of roadways as described in SECTION 1, shall not apply if the Director of Public Works determines, after making documented findings and conclusions, that one or more of the following conditions exists: Bicyclists and pedestrians are prohibited by law from using the roadway. If the Director of Public Works determines that bicyclists and pedestrians are prohibited by law from using the roadway, the City must attempt to accommodate bicyclists and pedestrians elsewhere within the right of way or within the same transportation corridor. 2. The cost of establishing bicycle lanes or sidewalks would be excessively disproportionate to the need or probable use. Excessively disproportionate will be defined as exceeding twenty percent of the total cost of the transportation project. 3. Severe topographic or natural resource constraints exist that preclude expanding roadway paving without incurring excessive costs. 4. A low population density and scarcity of residents or other factors indicate an absence of present or future need for Complete Streets accommodations. If the Director of Public Works determines that this exception applies, the determination must include projections for future population density, use and development of presently unoccupied or undeveloped land, and proximity to recreational facilities, city or state parks, or other frequently visited places such as retail or other office spaces. Section 4(b). The requirements of this Complete Streets ordinance shall not apply in the following circumstances: 1. During ordinary maintenance activities designed to keep assets in serviceable condition (e.g., mowing, cleaning, sweeping, spot repair, and resurfacing treatments, such as chip seal, sealing, or interim measures on detour traffic). 2. Where the City Board of Directors determines by vote that application of Complete Streets requirements are inappropriate because the requirements are contrary to public benefits or safety. Section 5. Complete Streets may be achieved through single projects or incrementally in a series of smaller improvements or maintenance activities over a period of time, utilizing maximum financial flexibility with the intent that all sources of transportation funding opportunities will be drawn upon to implement Complete Streets. Section 6. "Complete street" described and defined. A complete street is designed to be a transportation corridor for all users: pedestrians, cyclists, transit users, and motorists. Complete streets are designed and operated to enable safe continuous travel networks for all users. Pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and bus riders of all ages and abilities are able to safely move from destination to destination along and across a network of complete streets. Transportation improvements, facilities and amenities that may contribute to complete streets and that are considered as elements of a "complete street" include: street and sidewalk lighting; pedestrian and bicycle safety improvements, including on -roadway bicycle lanes as defined in this ordinance; access improvements, including compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act; public transit facilities accommodation including, but not limited, to pedestrian access improvement to transit stops and stations; street trees and landscaping; drainage; and street amenities. Section 7. "On -roadway bicycle lane" described and defined. An on -road bicycle lane is a portion of the roadway which has been designated by striping, signing and pavement marking for the exclusive use by bicyclists. The following standards shall apply to bicycle lanes: (a) On roadways with no curb and gutter, the on -roadway bicycle lane shall be at least 4 feet wide paved and marked shoulder lane. (b) On roadways with a curb and gutter, the on -roadway bicycle lane shall be at least 5 feet wide paved and marked shoulder lane. Section 8. Transportation improvement projects, including the construction and reconstruction of roadways, that incorporate Complete Streets accommodations shall make use of the latest and best national design standards, including those of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials Section 9(a). The Little Rock City Manager shall be responsible for the overall implementation and execution of the Complete Streets principles and practices imposed by those ordinance. By [insert date], the City Manager shall certify that this Complete Streets ordinance has been implemented by all appropriate departments and other units of the City of Little Rock. 9(b). The Little Rock City Manager shall collaborate with appropriate staff to adopt a Complete Streets checklist for use on all public transportation projects. The City shall encourage all developers and builders to obtain and use the checklist. 9(c). The City shall support staff professional development and training on non - motorized transportation issues through attending conferences, classes, seminars, and workshops. Section 10. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect upon its passage and approval. ORDINANCE NO. AN ORDINANCE ADOPTING A "COMPLETE STREETS" POLICY FOR THE CITY OF LITTLE ROCK; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. WHEREAS, the City of Little Rock has appointed a Bicycle Friendly Community Committee who is charged with identifying programs and policies to make Little Rock a more bicycle friendly community desires to advance a policy for "Complete Streets," the term given to streets that accommodate all forms of travel (automobiles, bicycles, pedestrians, transit, and freight) in a relatively safe environment on all City streets and highways, and WHEREAS, the City adopted a Master Street Plan which proposes a network of streets and highways with design features to accommodate pedestrians and all types of vehicular movement, including a bicycle plan element that specifically defines bike routes; and WHEREAS; by adopting this ordinance, the City of Little Rock affirms its support for and commitment to the development of fully integrated active transportation networks within the city, and WHEREAS; the establishment of well-connected walking and bicycling networks is an important component for livable communities, and their design should be a part of all Little Rock transportation project developments, and WHEREAS; walking and bicycling foster safer, more livable, family -friendly communities; enhance the quality of life for the residents of the City of Little Rock; develop a sense of community and community pride; promote physical activity and health; reduce vehicle emissions and fuel use; bring economic development by making the city a highly desirable place to live and to locate business activities that depend on a work force attracted to the amenities associated with walking and bicycling; and attract tourists to Little Rock from around the state, nation, and world, and WHEREAS; the City of Little Rock Bike Plan and other city should require inclusion of bicycle and pedestrian policies and projects into transportation plans and project development and plan, fund, and implement improvements to walking and bicycling networks, including linkages to public transit, and WHEREAS; The City of Little Rock should go beyond the minimum requirements, and proactively provide convenient, safe, and context -sensitive facilities that foster increased use by bicyclists and pedestrians of all ages and abilities, and utilize universal design characteristics when appropriate, and WHEREAS; transportation programs and facilities should accommodate people of all ages and abilities, including people too young to drive, people who cannot drive, and people who choose not to drive. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY LITTLE ROCK BOARD OF DIRECTORS THAT THE CITY OF LITTLE ROCK: Section 1. The City of Little Rock will plan for, design, construct, and require private developers to construct specific transportation improvement projects within the City, including the construction and reconstruction of public roadways, whether publicly or privately funded, to provide appropriate Complete Streets accommodations, as described and defined in this ordinance, for pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders, and person of all abilities, while promoting safe operation for all users, as provided in this ordinance. Section 2. The City of Little Rock will incorporate Complete Streets principles, as described and defined in this ordinance, into the Master Street Plan, including the Bicycle Master Plan, the Boundary Street Ordinance and all strategic transportation planning, and other appropriate City of Little Rock plans, manuals, rules, and regulations and programs. Section 3. [Where possible sidewalks] Sidewalks, shared use paths, street crossings (including over and under passes), pedestrian signals, signs, street furniture, transit stops, and other facilities, shall be designed, constructed, operated, and maintained so that all pedestrians and bicyclists, including people with disabilities, can travel safely and independently., Section 4(a). The requirement that City provide appropriate Complete Streets accommodations for all transportation improvement projects within the City, including the construction and reconstruction of roadways as described in SECTION 1, shall not apply if the Director of Public Works determines, after making written documented findings and conclusions, that one or more of the following conditions exists: 1. Bicyclists and pedestrians are prohibited by law from using the roadway. If the Director of Public Works determines that bicyclists and pedestrians are prohibited by law from using the roadway, the City must attempt to accommodate bicyclists and pedestrians elsewhere within the right of way or within the same transportation corridor. 2. The cost of Complete Streets accommodations would be excessively disproportionate to the need or probable use. The cost of Complete Streets accommodations will be excessively disproportionate if the accommodations would increase the cost of the project by more than 20%. Severe topographic or natural resource constraints exist that preclude expanding roadway paving without incurring excessive costs. 4. A low population density and scarcity of residents or other factors indicate an absence of present or future need for Complete Streets accommodations. If the Director of Public Works determines that this exception applies, the determination must include projections for future population density, use and development of presently unoccupied or undeveloped land, and proximity to recreational facilities, city or state parks, or other frequently visited places such as retail or other office spaces. Section 4(b). The requirements of this Complete Streets ordinance shall not apply in the following circumstances: During ordinary maintenance activities designed to keep assets in serviceable condition (e.g., mowing, cleaning, sweeping, spot repair, and resurfacing treatments, such as chip seal, sealing, or interim measures on detour traffic). 2. If the City Board of Directors determines by vote that application of Complete Streets requirements are inappropriate because the requirements are contrary to public benefits or safety. Section 5. Complete Streets may be achieved through single projects or incrementally in a series of smaller improvements or maintenance activities over a period of time, utilizing maximum financial flexibility with the intent that all sources of transportation funding opportunities will be drawn upon to implement Complete Streets. However, that a project is to be constructed incrementally in a series of smaller improvements or maintenance activities over a period of time shall not be a basis for determining that the cost of the project is excessively disproportionate to the need or probable use under Section 4(a)(2) of this Complete Streets ordinance. Section 6. "Complete street" described and defined. A complete street is designed to be a transportation corridor for all users: pedestrians, cyclists, transit users, and motorists. Complete streets are designed and operated to enable safe continuous travel networks for all users. Pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and bus riders of all ages and abilities are able to safely move from destination to destination along and across a network of complete streets. Transportation improvements, facilities and amenities that may contribute to complete streets and that are considered as elements of a "complete street" include: street and sidewalk lighting; pedestrian and bicycle safety improvements, including on -roadway bicycle lanes as defined in this ordinance; access improvements, including compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act; public transit facilities accommodation including, but not limited, to pedestrian access improvement to transit stops and stations; street trees and landscaping; drainage; and street amenities. Section 7. On -roadway bicycle lanes described and defined. An on -road bicycle lane is a portion of the roadway which has been designated by striping, signing and pavement marking for the exclusive use by bicyclists. The following standards shall apply to bicycle lanes: (a) On roadways with no curb and gutter, the on -roadway bicycle lane shall be at least a 4 feet wide paved and marked shoulder lane. (b) On roadways with a curb and gutter, the on -roadway bicycle lane shall be at least a 5 feet wide paved and marked shoulder lane. Section 8. Transportation improvement projects, including the construction and reconstruction of roadways, that incorporate Complete Streets accommodations shall make use of the latest national design standards, including those of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. Section 9(a). The Little Rock City Manager shall be responsible for the overall implementation and execution of the Complete Streets principles and practices imposed by these ordinances. The City Manager shall certify that this Complete Streets ordinance has been implemented by all appropriate departments of the City of Little Rock. All departments of the City of Little Rock shall apply this Complete Streets ordinance to their activities and operations, including the review and approval of plans by private developers to construct streets and other facilities to which this Complete Streets ordinance applies. Section 9(b). The Little Rock City Manager shall collaborate with appropriate staff to adopt a Complete Streets checklist for use on all public transportation projects. The City shall require all developers and builders to obtain and use the checklist. Section 9(c). The City shall support staff professional development and training on non -motorized transportation issues through attending conferences, classes, seminars, and workshops. Section 10. Severability. In the event any title, section, paragraph, item, sentence, clause, phrase, or word of this resolution is declared or adjudged to be invalid or unconstitutional, such declaration or adjudication shall not affect the remaining portions of the resolution which shall remain in full force and effect as if the portion so declared or adjudged invalid or unconstitutional were not originally a part of the resolution. Section 11. Repealer. All laws, ordinances, resolutions, or parts of the same, that are inconsistent with the provisions of this resolution, are hereby repealed to the extent of such inconsistency. ADOPTED: ATTEST: APPROVED: Susan Langley, City Clerk APPROVED AS TO FORM: Mark Stodola, Mayor Thomas M. Carpenter, City Attorney A RESOLUTION TO ADOPT A "COMPLETE STREETS" POLICY IN THE CITY OF LITTLE ROCK A resolution to establish a "Complete Streets" policy to encourage active lifestyles by promoting multi -modal transportation, use of public transit, and to increase energy efficiency by alleviating vehicular traffic congestion, use of gasoline, and vehicular emissions. WHEREAS, the City of Little Rock, through increasing the opportunity for cycling and pedestrian travel through better integration of land use and transportation, does reduce reliance on fossil fuels and places Little Rock in a position to more effectively reduce greenhouse emissions and road congestion due to vehicles; and WHEREAS, the City of Little Rock, in 20og, adopted a Master Street Plan (Ordinance NO. 20,117) with the intent to maximize the efficient, safe, and orderly flow of traffic through and within the city; to produce an efficient, safe, orderly, and economical road system for the citizens of Little Rock, Pulaski County, and the State of Arkansas so that traffic and circulation of people and goods may be convenient, that safety from traffic hazards may be secured, and that congestion in the public streets may be lessened or avoided. WHEREAS, recent data on obesity and public health identifies a relationship between land use, automobile dependency, and poor health, which can and has been improved for communities exercising the principle of complete streets; and WHEREAS, various national movements have been promoting a return to a more balanced urban environment and streetscape, using terms such as "livable communities", "new urbanism", "smart growth", complete streets", and "healthy communities," strategies, which reduce congestion, increase the overall capacity of the transportation network, decrease consumer transportation costs, improve air quality, support economic growth, increase community stability by providing accessible and efficient connections between home, school work, recreation, and retail destinations by improving the land use and transportation connections; and RESOLVED, that the City of Little Rock affirms that all road projects should be designed to accommodate all users; that biking, walking and public transit accommodations are a routine part of the city planning, design, construction, maintenance, and operating activities; and that bicycle and pedestrian ways should be considered in new construction, reconstruction, resurfacing or other retrofit road and bridge projects. In developing these accommodations, the latest, best, and context - sensitive design standards will be used, while recognizing the need for flexibility in balancing user needs. RESOLVED, that limited exceptions to these required accommodations will be allowed. The Public Works Director will review the formal approval process related to granting these exceptions along city roadways. RESOLVED, that by [insert date], the Public Works Director is directed to work with appropriate city staff to best implement the "Complete Streets" resolution. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS, intends for street connectivity to be encouraged, with the aim of creating a comprehensive, integrated, and connected network for all modes of transportation. SECTION 1: The City of Little Rock supports a sustainable environment, the health and social well-being and social equity of current and future citizens and visitors and supports a vibrant economy through the adoption of a "Complete Streets" policy. The City will implement strategies and follow procedures to accommodate for pedestrians, bicyclists, public transportation users, and motorists of all abilities, in regard to all new construction and reconstruction of all city streets and highways. SECTION 2: The City of Little Rock acknowledges the importance of sidewalks and bicycle travel lanes and will incorporate the Complete Streets Policy as follows: (1) To ensure a buffer zone for pedestrians and to ensure maximum safety for bicyclists an optimal sized (6' wide) paved and painted shoulder lane shall be included with the construction of all new roadways or with the resurfacing or reconstruction of a roadway when the traffic of that road is greater than 1,000 vehicles per day. (2) Sidewalks, shared use paths, street crossings (including over and under passes), pedestrian signals, signs, street furniture, transit stops, and other facilities, shall be designed, constructed, operated, and maintained so that all pedestrians, including people with disabilities, can travel safely and independently. (3) Bicycle and pedestrian ways shall be established in new construction and reconstruction projects in keeping with the proposals of the Master Street Plan unless one or more of these conditions exist and is approved by City council: a. Bicyclists and pedestrians are prohibited by law from using the roadway. In this instance, a greater effort may be necessary to accommodate bicyclists and pedestrians elsewhere within the right of way or within the same transportation corridor. b. The cost of establishing bicycle lanes or sidewalks would be excessively disproportionate to the need or probable use. Excessively disproportionate will be defined as exceeding twenty percent of the total cost of the transportation project. c. Severe topographic or natural resource constraints exist that preclude expanding roadway paving without incurring excessive costs. d. There is very low population density and scarcity of residents or other factors indicate an absence of present or future need. Exception should include projections for future population density, use and development of presently unoccupied or undeveloped land, and proximity to recreational facilities, city or state parks, or other frequently visited places such as retail or other office spaces. (4) Complete Streets principles shall not apply where extraordinary circumstances exist, such as: a. During ordinary maintenance activities designed to keep assets in serviceable condition (e.g., mowing, cleaning, sweeping, spot repair, and resurfacing treatments, such as chip seal, sealing, or interim measures on detour traffic; b. Where the City Council issues an exception concluding that application of Complete Streets principles is inappropriate because it would be contrary to public benefits or safety; c. Where other parallel accommodation exists; or d. When there is the absence of present or future need. SECTION 3: Complete Streets may be achieved through single projects or incrementally in a series of smaller improvements or maintenance activities over a period of time, utilizing maximum financial flexibility with the intent that all sources of transportation funding opportunities will be drawn upon to implement Complete Streets. SECTION 4: That this Resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval.