HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutesstandard sidewalk design/specification". She outlined the four areas highlighted under the current
practice which are location, size, flexibility, and timing of installation. The City's current
specifications call for a standard 4' wide reinforced concrete sidewalk placed 2' from the back of curb
within the street right of way. This standard is applied without consideration for the size or
classification of street, land use, speed limits, topography, natural features, etc. Currently, the
subdivision regulations requires sidewalks on both sides of streets having a right of ay width greater
than 60', and on one side of streets of lesser width. Sidewalks on residential and collector streets are
presently optional at the recommendation of the Commission. Exceptions to or partial waiver of the
requirements of placement of sidewalks may be granted by the City Council upon recommendation
of the Commission. When it has been determined that satisfactory alternative pedestrian ways or
pedestrian bikeways have been or will be provided outside the normal right of ay; or that unique
circumstances or unusual topographic, vegetative, or other natural conditions prevail to the extent
that strict adherence to said requirements would be unreasonable and not consistent with the purposes
and goals of the subdivision ordinance of the comprehensive development plan. Currently, the
subdivision ordinance requires the construction of the sidewalk simultaneous with the construction of
the street, unless previously agreed otherwise through a letter of guarantee. Ms. Morgan added that
the recommendations of the Streetscape study indicate a preference for locating the sidewalks a
minimum of 6' from back of curb; if placed up against the curb, the sidewalk should be 5' wide. The
2' grass strip that is generally built can be a maintenance problem in some areas. Often times, the
sidewalk is located less than 2' from back of curb o avoid existing obstacles or obstructions, leaving
an even smaller grass strip. Even in new areas there will be conflicts in placement of signs, utilities,
mailboxes, fire hydrants, water meters, gas meters, telephone, cable, etc., within the limits of the
right of way. The postal service requires placement of mailboxes on residential streets within 18" of
the back of curb. While utility placement varies, the fire department recommends placement of fire
hydrants a maximum of 5 - 6' from the back of curb. Ms. Morgan concluded by making the
following recommendations:
Location- Sidewalks should be located on both sides of all streets
Placement- Sidewalks will be placed in one of the following two manners: (1) they
shall be located at least 6' back of curb and be 4' wide, or (2) shall be located against
the back of curb and be a minimum of 6' wide.
Transitions- Transition sections where the sidewalk is between the two placement
alternatives, sections shall have a minimum radius of 10' and all transition sections
will be approved by the City Engineer.
Clear Sidewalk Width- If the clear width is to be obtained between the back of curb
and the front face of the obstruction, clear width shall be 6 ; if clear width is to be
obtained from the back face of the obstruction and the edge of the sidewalk, then clear
width shall be 4'.
Timing of Installation- All sidewalks should be constructed as part of the street
construction, thus not allowing sidewalks to be build after lot construction.
Transportation Planner Hard presented the amendment to the Subdivision Regulations, Section 5
regarding development of streets as it pertains to bikeways. The definition of a bikeway as well as a
new .section to give the City the authority to require bikeways in accordance with the Bikeway
Master Plan were added to the ordinance. Revisions to the Subdivision Regulations include the
establishment of bikeway types (bike paths, lanes and routes), location criteria, and design criteria
that would comply with the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials
(AASHTO) and signing and markings as per the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices
(MUTCD). Bike routes will be designated by signing with no set design criteria. The route widths
will be 12.5' outer lane for collectors and a 13.5' outer lane for arterials.
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F: & Z Minutes November 21,1991 Fage 5
P & Z Minutes November 21.,1991 Page 6
Following no more questions the meeting was adjourned.