Chapter 7.44
COMPLETE STREETS CODE
Sections:
7.44.040 Implementation of complete streets principles.
7.44.050 Extraordinary circumstances.
7.44.060 Funding for complete streets.
7.44.010 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 Ritzville Comprehensive Plan. This chapter provides for the implementation of complete streets guiding principles. The city of Ritzville shall, to the maximum extent practical, scope, plan, design, construct, operate and maintain facilities to be safely and practically used by all possible user groups. The groups may consist of motorists, emergency responders, freight, pedestrians, and bicyclists. (Ord. 2108 § 1(1), 2017).
7.44.020 Definition.
A “complete street” is a road that is designed to be safe for drivers; bicyclists; 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. 2108 § 1(2), 2017).
7.44.030 Goals.
The goals of the complete streets policy are to preserve community character, improve safety for all users, and to promote healthy communities. (Ord. 2108 § 1(3), 2017).
7.44.040 Implementation of complete streets principles.
The city of Ritzville will incorporate complete streets principles into the city’s comprehensive plan, public works standards, parks and recreation master plan, and other plans, manuals, rules, regulations and programs as appropriate. (Ord. 2108 § 1(4), 2017).
7.44.050 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 director.
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 director issues a documented exception concluding that application of complete streets principles is unnecessary or inappropriate because it would be contrary to public safety. (Ord. 2108 § 1(5), 2017).
7.44.060 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 including additional funding through the Departments of Transportation and Health for complete streets. The city believes that maximum financial flexibility is important to implement complete streets principles. (Ord. 2108 § 1(6), 2017).