M E M O R A N D U M
Date: October 15, 2015
To: Luke Winchester, Chairman and Planning Commission
From: Bo Logan, Planning Director
Re: Subdivision Amendment – Sidewalks
BACKGROUND: This is a proposed change to the subdivision regulations that will require sidewalks on both sides of all new streets. This amendment will also remove outdated and obsolete language that allows permanent cul-de-sacs of less than 300 feet to be constructed without sidewalks. These changes were originally discussed in 2014.
ANALYSIS: Article 4-103.103, Location of sidewalks, states:
4-103.103. Location of sidewalks. Sidewalks shall be required along one side of all streets designated as "residential access lanes or urban residential access streets." Along streets designated as "urban residential collector or community collector" streets" sidewalks shall be required along both sides. When sidewalks are to be constructed in a subdivision adjoining a developed area with sidewalks, the sidewalks shall be joined and extended along the same side of the street. Transition of sidewalks from one side of a street to another may be permitted when topography makes continuation along the same side of the street impractical. Transitions shall only be made at street intersections. In residential zone districts, sidewalks will not be required on permanent dead-end streets less than 300 feet in length. Sidewalks shall be included within the dedicated nontrafficway portion of the right-of-way of all public ways. Concrete curbs are required for all public ways where sidewalks are to be constructed. A median strip of grassed or landscaped area at least two feet wide shall separate all sidewalks from adjacent curbs, except within ten feet of intersections no grass strip will be required. No sidewalk shall be constructed closer than one foot from any lot line. Sidewalk construction details shall be shown in appendix B of these regulations.
Sidewalks on both sides of the street would allow for greater pedestrian connectivity throughout the City.
PROPOSED AMENDMENT WILL BEGIN ON NEXT PAGE.
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PROPOSED AMENDMENT
4-103.103. Location of sidewalks. 4-103.103. Location of sidewalks. Sidewalks shall be required along one side both sides of all streets designated as "residential access lanes or urban residential access streets." Along streets designated as "urban residential collector or community collector" streets" sidewalks shall be required along both sides. When sidewalks are to be constructed in a subdivision adjoining a developed area with sidewalks, the sidewalks shall be joined and extended along the same side of the street. Transition of sidewalks from one side of a street to another may be permitted when topography makes continuation along the same side of the street impractical. Transitions shall only be made at street intersections. In residential zone districts, sidewalks will not be required on permanent dead-end streets less than 300 feet in length. Sidewalks shall be included within the dedicated nontrafficway portion of the right-of-way of all public ways. Concrete curbs are required for all public ways where sidewalks are to be constructed. A median strip of grassed or landscaped area at least two feet wide shall separate all sidewalks from adjacent curbs, except within ten feet of intersections no grass strip will be required. No sidewalk shall be constructed closer than one foot from any lot line. Sidewalk construction details shall be shown in appendix B of these regulations.
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval of the amendment as presented.
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