Chapter 12.20
COMPLETE STREETS
Sections:
12.20.040 Goals to foster partnerships.
12.20.050 Best practice criteria.
12.20.060 Performance standards.
12.20.010 Purpose.
The Town of Wilkeson 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 town of Wilkeson shall identify cost-effective opportunities to include complete streets practices. 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. 2021.02 § 1, 2021].
12.20.020 Exceptions.
Facilities for pedestrians, bicyclists, transit users and/or people of all abilities are not required to be provided when:
A. Where there is no identified long-term need;
B. Nonmotorized uses are prohibited by law;
C. Where there are significant adverse environmental impacts to environmentally sensitive areas;
D. Routine maintenance of the transportation network is performed that does not change the roadway geometry or operations, such as mowing, sweeping and spot repair;
E. The public cost, including right-of-way requirements, would be disproportionate to the current need or probable future uses;
F. Where there are significant adverse impacts on neighboring land uses, including impacts from right-of-way acquisition; or
G. In instances where a documented exception is granted by the Mayor. [Ord. 2021.02 § 1, 2021].
12.20.030 Implementation.
A. As feasible, Wilkeson shall incorporate complete streets infrastructure into existing public and private streets to create a comprehensive, integrated, connected transportation network for Wilkeson 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.
B. Complete streets may be achieved through single projects or incrementally through a series of smaller improvements or maintenance activities over time. All sources of transportation funding should be drawn upon to implement complete streets. Maximum financial flexibility is important to implement complete streets principles.
C. Street design must provide for the maximum loading conditions anticipated. The width and grade of the pavement must conform to specific standards set forth herein for safety and uniformity. [Ord. 2021.02 § 1, 2021].
12.20.040 Goals to foster partnerships.
It is a goal of the Town of Wilkeson to foster partnerships with all Washington State transportation funding agencies including the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), the Federal Highway Administration, Pierce County, the White River School District, citizens, businesses, interest groups, neighborhoods, and any funding agency to implement this chapter. [Ord. 2021.02 § 1, 2021].
12.20.050 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 Town Transportation Officials (NACTO) while reflecting the context and character of the surrounding built and natural environments and enhance the appearance of such. [Ord. 2021.02 § 1, 2021].
12.20.060 Performance standards.
The Town of Wilkeson 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. 2021.02 § 1, 2021].