Chapter 13.32
COMPLETE STREETS
Sections:
13.32.020 Complete streets definition.
13.32.030 Implementation of complete streets principles.
13.32.040 Freight considerations.
13.32.060 Extraordinary circumstances.
13.32.070 Funding for complete streets.
13.32.010 Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to help achieve the goals and objectives of the transportation, land use and parks and recreation elements of the city of Bridgeport comprehensive plan. The city shall, to the maximum extent practical, scope, plan, design, construct, operate and maintain appropriate facilities for the safe accommodation of pedestrians, bicyclists, transit users, motorists, emergency responders, freight and users of all ages and abilities in all new construction, retrofit or reconstruction projects. This chapter provides for the implementation of complete streets guiding principles. Through ongoing operations and maintenance, the city of Bridgeport shall identify cost effective opportunities to include complete streets practices. (Ord. 717 § 1, 2021)
13.32.020 Complete streets definition.
A “complete street” is a road that is designed to be safe for drivers; bicyclists; school buses; transit vehicles and users; and pedestrians of all ages and abilities. The complete streets concept focuses not just on individual roads but on changing the decision-making process so that all users are routinely considered during the planning, designing, building and operating of all roadways. (Ord. 717 § 1, 2021)
13.32.030 Implementation of complete streets principles.
The city of Bridgeport will incorporate complete streets principles into the city’s comprehensive plan, public works standards, parks and recreation master plan, traffic circulation plan and other plans, manuals, rules, regulations and programs as appropriate. (Ord. 717 § 1, 2021)
13.32.040 Freight considerations.
Because freight is important to the basic economy of the city and has unique right-of-way needs to support that role, freight will be the major priority on streets classified as major truck streets (if any). Complete street improvements that are consistent with freight mobility but also support other modes may be considered on these streets. (Ord. 717 § 1, 2021)
13.32.050 Exceptions.
Facilities for pedestrians, bicyclists, transit users and/or people of all abilities are not required to be provided when:
A. A documented absence of current or future need exists;
B. Nonmotorized uses are prohibited by law;
C. The cost would be disproportionate to the current need or probable future uses;
D. In instances where a documented exception is granted by the public works superintendent or authorized designee;
E. Their construction is not practically feasible or cost effective because of a significant adverse environmental impact to streams, wetlands, steep slopes, or other critical areas or significant adverse impacts on neighboring land uses, including impacts from right-of-way acquisition;
F. Where the establishment would be contrary to the transportation element of the comprehensive plan. (Ord. 717 § 1, 2021)
13.32.060 Extraordinary circumstances.
Except in unusual or extraordinary circumstances, complete streets principles may not apply to the following:
A. Repairs made pursuant to pavement opening and restoration allowed by approval of the public works superintendent or authorized designee.
B. Ordinary maintenance activities designed to keep assets in serviceable condition (e.g., mowing, cleaning, sweeping, spot repair and surface treatments such as chip seal, or interim measures on detour or haul routes).
C. Where the public works superintendent or authorized designee issues a documented exception concluding that application of complete street principles is unnecessary or inappropriate because it would be contrary to public safety. (Ord. 717 § 1, 2021)
13.32.070 Funding for complete streets.
Complete streets may be achieved through single projects or incrementally through a series of smaller improvements or maintenance activities over time. It is the city’s intent that all sources of transportation funding be drawn upon to implement complete streets. The city believes that maximum financial flexibility is important to implement complete streets principles. (Ord. 717 § 1, 2021)