HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 4244 Complete Streets PolicyCOMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 4244
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION PROVIDING FOR A COMPLETE
STREETS POLICY AND DIRECTING STAFF TO DEVELOP PERFORMANCE
MEASURES AND IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES TO ENABLE SAFE AND
CONVENIENT ACCESS TO OUR TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM FOR ALL USERS,
OF ALL AGES AND ABILITIES, INCLUDING PEDESTRIANS, BICYCLISTS,
PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES, TRANSIT RIDERS, AND MOTOR VEHICLE
DRIVERS.
WHEREAS, the Bozeman Community Plan and the Greater Bozeman Area
Transportation Plan have established as a goal and future policy a commitment to providing
alternatives to the individual passenger v ehicle to ensure that a variety of travel options exist
which allow safe, logical, and balanced transportation choices; and
WHEREAS, the Bozeman Community Plan and the Greater Bozeman Area
Transportation Plan recommend the adoption of a Complete Streets policy; and
WHEREAS, a Complete Street is one that is designed and operated to safely
accommodate all users, including but not limited to: motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists, transit
riders, and people of all ages and abilities; and
WHEREAS, a Complete Streets philosophy causes transportation agencies to design and
operate the entire right of way, both along and across the corridor, to encompass users of all
types and to promote safe access and travel for the users; and
WHEREAS, increasing active transportation (e.g., walking, bicycling and using public
transportation) offers the potential for improved public health, economic development, a cleaner
Page 1 of 6
environment, reduced transportation costs, enhanced community connections, social equity, and
more livable communities; and
WHEREAS, Complete Streets create safe routes for children to walk and bicycle to
school: and
WHEREAS, a Complete Street is comprised of many different elements; these elements
may include, but are not limited to: sidewalks, bike lanes, crosswalks, wide shoulders, medians,
bus pullouts, special bus lanes, raised crosswalks, audible pedestrian signals, sidewalk bulb -outs,
and snore; and
WHEREAS, Complete Streets elements that are used can vary from project to project,
but the end result is still to achieve a connected network that is safe and effective for all modes
of travel; and
WHEREAS, a Complete Streets policy contributes to a comprehensive, integrated, and
connected network for all transportation modes; and
WHEREAS, a Complete Streets concept also recognizes the need for flexibility: that all
streets are different and user needs should be balanced; and
WHEREAS, any exceptions to Complete Streets implementation must be clearly and
specifically stated within the policy and require high -level approvals so that there is no confusion
what type of design is required; and
WHEREAS, the roadway design must f t in with the context of the community while
using the latest and hest standards; and
WHEREAS, all streets are unique and require different levels of attention, so an
effective policy must be flexible enough to accommodate all types of roads and be adopted by
every agency;
Page 2 of 6
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF BOZEMAN, MONTANA, that the City of Bozeman adopts the following Complete
Streets Policy; and
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that effective implementation of this Complete
Streets Policy will require the City of Bozeman to review their procedures and, if necessary,
restructure them, to consider the needs of pedestrians, motorized and non motorized vehicle
users on every project; and
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that applicable changes to design manuals or
public works standards may need to be made to fully encompass the safety and needs of all users
by employing the latest in design standards and innovation; and
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that periodic education and training of planners
and engineers is also recommended to ensure the latest techniques in balancing the needs of
roadway use are being applied; and
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City of Bozeman will work with other
jurisdictions and transportation agencies within its planning area to incorporate a Complete
Streets philosophy and encourage the Montana Department of Transportation, Gallatin County
and other municipalities to adopt similar policies; and
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that existing data sources and projects should be
used to track how well the streets are serving all users.
Section 1
Complete Street Policy
The City of Bozeman will plan for, design, construct, operate, and maintain appropriate
facilities for pedestrians, bicyclists, transit vehicles and riders, children, the elderly, and people
with disabilities in all new constructionand retrofit or reconstruction projects subject to the
exceptions contained herein.
Page 3 of 6
The City of Bozeman understands that major street improvements are not a requirement
through maintenance activities and should not be expected. However, maintenance activities do
present some opportunities that can improve the environment for other roadway users. For
example, while the construction of a sidewalk may not be appropriate as part of maintenance
activities, facilities such as improved crosswalks, or bike lanes, or a shoulder stripe could be
included in a routine re- stripe of a roadway if adequate space exists and the facility is designated
to have such facilities in the Bozeman Area Transportation Plan. (See Section 6.6 of the Greater
Bozeman Area Transportation Plan 2007 Update for additional examples of improvements that
could be associated with various roadway maintenance activities).
The City of Bozeman has and will continue to incorporate Complete Streets principles
into: The Greater Bozeman Area Transportation Plan, the Bozeman Community Plan, the Parks
Recreation Open Space Trails (PROST) Plan, the Bozeman Unified Development Ordinance
(UDO), and other plans, manuals, rules, regulations and programs as appropriate.
Complete Streets principles will be applied on new City projects, privately funded
development, and incrementally through a series of smaller improvements and activities over
time. All sources of transportation funding, public and private, should be drawn upon to
implement Complete Streets within the City of Bozeman. The City of Bozeman believes that
maximum financial flexibility is important to implement Complete Streets principles.
Complete Streets principles will be applied in street construction, retrofit, and
reconstruction projects except in unusual or extraordinary circumstances contained herein:
1. Bicyclists and pedestrians are prohibited by law from using the facility. In this
case, alternative facilities and accommodations shall be provided within the same
transportation corridor.
2. Where the existing right -of -way does not allow for the accommodation of all
users. In this case alternatives shall be explored such as the use of revised travel lane
configurations, paved shoulders, signage, traffic calming, education or enforcement to
accommodate pedestrians, cyclists, transit, and persons with disabilities.
3. The cost of establishing bikeways or walkways or other accommodations
would be disproportionate to the need, particularly if alternative facilities are available
within a reasonable walking and!or bicycling distance. Cost shall be considered
disproportionate if the cost of additional complete street facilities is 20% or more of the
cost of the work without the additional complete street facilities.
4. Where there is no need, including future need.
5. Where application of Complete Streets principles is unnecessary or
inappropriate because it would be contrary to public safety and increase risk of injury or
death.
Page4of6
8. Ordinary public works or utility maintenance activities, including, but not
limited to: water, sewer and storrn sewer main repairs instailation of new or removal of
existing water or sewer service 1ines installation or repair of fire hydrants; installation or
repair of private utility fixtures.
Exclusive of Exception 7 and 8` any project that does not rneet the Complete Streets
principles hased on tlie above exceptions should have said determination confirmed and tiled
with the City Commission for review.
6. The construction is not practically practically feasible or eost effective because of
significant or adverse environmental impacts; or impact on neighboring land uses,
including impact from right ofvvayacquisition.
7. Ordinary maintcnance activities designed to keep street and other transportation
assets in serviceable condition or when interim measures are implemented on temporary
detour or haul routes.
Section 2
If any provision ofthisno}i or the application thereofto any person or circumstances is held
invalid, such invalidity shall not affect the other provisions of this policy which may he given
effect without the invalid provision or application and, to this end, the provisions provisions ofthis policy
are declared to be severable.
Effective Date.
This complete street policy shall be in full force and effect upon passage.
DATED this 22 day of February, 2010.
Section 3
Page 5 of 6
APP1 QVE AS TO FORM:
GREG SULLIVAN
Bozeman City Attorney