(A) Definitions. For the purpose of this section, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
COMPLETE STREET. A street that can be traveled upon, across, or alongside by users of the roadway regardless of age, ability or travel mode as safely as possible.
COMPLETE STREETS IMPROVEMENT. Any improvement on the public way including but not limited to: improved timing of traffic control signals, new or improved signage, pavement markings, re-configuration of travel lanes and any permanent infrastructure that promotes the pedestrian, bicycle and/or transit environment in harmony with safe and efficient motor vehicle travel.
(B) The city takes initiative to establish a connected network of complete streets that links residences, schools, parks, businesses and transit. Pursuant to this initiative:
(1) The city shall make an effort to accommodate the safety and access of users of the public way regardless of age, ability or travel mode in future roadway projects including: pedestrians, bicyclists, transit users and operators, drivers of private automobiles, freight providers and emergency responders.
(2) Users of the public way shall be routinely considered in the scoping, planning, programming, design, construction, operations, and maintenance activities and products on the city's transportation network.
(3) Future roadway projects shall be used as opportunities to improve safety, access, and mobility for users of the public way and to further integrate bicycle, pedestrian, and transit modes into the transportation system.
(4) Future development projects, both public and private, prior to final approval shall be reviewed by the City Administrator, Public Works Director and City Traffic Engineer (the "Complete Streets Committee").
(C) Exemptions. Exemptions to division (B) of this section shall be granted only when the Complete Streets Committee determines that any of the following are evidenced:
(1) The project is occurring on a roadway where non-motorized use is prohibited by law.
(2) A cost and/or health impact assessment demonstrates that the cost for a particular complete streets project would be excessive compared to the need, public health benefit, safety improvement and probable use of that particular street.
(3) There is documented absence of use by all except motorized road-users that would continue in the future even if the street were a complete street.
(4) An alternate facility has been previously programmed at that location.
(D) Review of Exemptions. Pursuant to division (C) of this section, written requests for exemption and all supporting documentation must be reviewed and approved by the Complete Streets Committee when the project lies within the city's jurisdiction.
(E) External Coordination. The city shall take initiative to engage in proactive coordination with private developers and external agencies, including the Illinois Department of Transportation and the Cook County Highway Department, to ensure that roadways and intersections within the city meet the local community standards in accordance within, regardless of jurisdiction.
(F) Implementation and Performance Measures. Hereafter it shall be the responsibility of the Complete Streets Committee to:
(1) Review all new roadway projects, public and private developments and other complete streets related improvements to ensure consistency with this title.
(2) Review any requests for exceptions to the complete streets policy and related documentation.
(3) Carry out and monitor the implementation and impact of this policy based on the goals set out within this section.
(G) Within the passage of this section, the Complete Streets Committee shall:
(1) Review and update, as necessary, relevant plans, manuals, rules, regulations, and programs to reflect the principles in this section and in accordance with the most up-to-date standards, requirements and recommendations afforded by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, the National Association of City Transportation Officials, the Institute of Transportation Engineers, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Access Board and the Illinois Department of Transportation.
(2) Monitor the implementation of the city's active transportation plan, which was developed in accordance with complete streets principles and will guide the development of the active transportation network.
(3) Set goals for bicycle level of service and pedestrian level of service for roadways and use those goals to guide the design and programming of individual roadway projects not included in the city's active transportation plan.
(4) Monitor the performance and progress in accordance to this section.
(H) City departments are encouraged to partner with one another and with local, regional or national organizations to identify funding resources. With appropriate funding sources, the city may obtain a consultant to study and report on the health and economic impact of the city's complete streets improvements, including but not limited to:
(1) Changes in economic activity and property values in areas on or near the complete streets network.
(2) Improvements in air quality and mitigation of traffic congestion.
(3) Changes in the number and severity of motor vehicle crashes on key routes, including those that involve bicyclists and pedestrians.
(4) Changes in rates of respiratory and obesity-related diseases.
(Ord. 11-40, passed 11-22-11)