Chapter 12.02
COMPLETE STREETS POLICY
Sections:
12.02.030 Complete streets infrastructure.
12.02.040 Goals to foster partnerships.
12.02.050 Best practice criteria.
12.02.060 Performance standards.
12.02.010 Purpose.
The city of Ocean Shores 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. Through ongoing operations and maintenance, the city of Ocean Shores shall identify cost-effective opportunities to include complete streets practices. (Ord. 916 § 1 (part), 2012)
12.02.020 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. Routine maintenance of the transportation network is performed that does not change the roadway geometry or operations, such as mowing, sweeping and spot repair;
D. The cost would be disproportionate to the current need or probable future uses;
E. In instances where a documented exception is granted by the mayor. (Ord. 916 § 1 (part), 2012)
12.02.030 Complete streets infrastructure.
As feasible, Ocean Shores shall incorporate complete streets infrastructure into existing public and private streets to create a comprehensive, integrated, connected transportation network for Ocean Shores that balances access, mobility, health and safety needs of pedestrians, bicyclists, transit users, motorists, emergency responders, freight and users of all ages and abilities, ensuring a fully connected, integrated network that provides transportation options. “Complete streets infrastructure” means design features that contribute to a safe, convenient, or comfortable travel experience for users, including but not limited to features such as: sidewalks; shared use paths; bicycle lanes; automobile lanes; paved shoulders; street trees and landscaping; planting strips; curbs; accessible curb ramps; bulb outs; crosswalks; refuge islands; pedestrian and traffic signals, including countdown and accessible signals; signage; street furniture; bicycle parking facilities; public transportation stops and facilities; transit priority signalization; traffic calming devices such as rotary circles, traffic bumps, and surface treatments such as paving blocks, textured asphalt, and concrete; narrow vehicle lanes; raised medians; and dedicated transit lanes. (Ord. 916 § 1 (part), 2012)
12.02.040 Goals to foster partnerships.
It is a goal of the city of Ocean Shores to foster partnerships with all Washington State transportation funding agencies including the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), the Federal Highway Administration, Grays Harbor County, North Beach School District, citizens, businesses, interest groups, neighborhoods, and any funding agency to implement the complete streets ordinance. (Ord. 916 § 1 (part), 2012)
12.02.050 Best practice criteria.
The mayor or designee shall modify, develop and adopt policies, design criteria, standards and guidelines based upon recognized best practices in street design, construction, and operations including but not limited to the latest editions of American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO), Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) and National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) while reflecting the context and character of the surrounding built and natural environments and enhance the appearance of such. (Ord. 916 § 1 (part), 2012)
12.02.060 Performance standards.
The city of Ocean Shores shall put into place performance standards with measurable benchmarks to continuously evaluate the complete streets ordinance for success and opportunities for improvement. Performance standards may include transportation and mode shift, miles of bicycle facilities or sidewalks, public participation, number of ADA accommodations built, and number of exemptions from this policy approved. (Ord. 916 § 1 (part), 2012)