(a) Philosophy. The City will adopt a comprehensive plan to address the needs and concerns of the residents with respect to pedestrian traffic. Sidewalks shall be installed in the City rights-of-way to ensure safety and security to persons walking. The sidewalks shall be free of hazards and nuisances, such as uneven sections, large cracks, standing water and overhanging vegetation. The sidewalks shall also be a safe distance from the roadways and meet all ADA requirements for width and grade.
(b) Goals.
(1) Safety of residents walking.
(2) Prioritize need.
(3) Ensure uniformity.
(c) Standards.
(1) Minimum of four feet in width.
(2) Walks to be a minimum of eight feet from the edge of the road pavement.
(3) Walks to be installed in the City right-of-way or highway easement.
(4) Walks shall run parallel to the roadway.
(5) Consideration shall be given to trees and other unmovable objects in the right-of-way. However, walks shall be installed with as few curves and variations as possible.
(6) When walks are not feasible on both sides of the street for safety, clear distance and right-of-way issues, then the walks shall be installed only on one side of the street and the walk shall be increased in width to a minimum of five feet to accommodate traffic in both directions. When this instance occurs the walk shall be uniform and extend a minimum distance of one city block, or 740 feet. Also, a cross-over shall be installed to reflect the walk if only on one side of the street.
(7) A sidewalk plan shall be in place for the entire city block, or 750 feet prior to any installation of sidewalks, to ensure uniformity.
(8) Sufficient right-of-way shall be required to accommodate sidewalks. If sufficient right-of-way is not possible, then alternatives such as walks on one side of the street shall be considered.
(9) If right-of-way is not sufficient for sidewalks on either side of the street, then sidewalks shall not be required. Sufficient right-of-way shall be determined by the City Engineer.
(10) The installation of new sidewalks should include flexibility in design when considering topography and existing trees.
(d) Prioritization.
(1) Main streets in residential districts shall be given top priority.
(2) Connector streets in residential districts shall be considered next.
(3) Streets that feed to shopping centers, commercial districts, schools and parks shall be considered next.
(e) Special Prioritization. Council at its discretion may consider construction of new sidewalks outside of the area priorities established by the Pavement Management Plan. In such instances priority shall be given to:
(1) Locations where safety can be improved, particularly safety of children.
(2) Locations with a demonstrated pedestrian need.
(3) Completion of sidewalk continuity in residential and commercial neighborhoods.
(4) Locations responding to a petition of neighbors representing 50% of the owners within a block.
(f) Planning.
(1) The Public Works Department will develop a list based upon the priority list in division (d) of this section.
(2) The Public Works Department will develop a comprehensive sidewalk plan to address each street in the City, including streets deemed not to need sidewalks.
(3) The Public Works Department will make recommended plan to the City Council. The plan will include:
A. Priorities.
B. Right-of-way acquisition.
C. Total cost estimate.
D. Time frame necessary to implement and complete the plan.
(4) The installation of sidewalks will be approved by the Public Works Department to ensure continuity and conformity to the comprehensive plan. Adjustments to horizontal locations may be made by the Municipal Engineer.
(Ord. 222-04. Passed 10-25-04; Ord. 43-2014. Passed 4-14-14.)