(A) Purpose.
(1) It is the purpose of this section to establish minimum standards for public and private transportation facilities for vehicles, public transit, pedestrians and bicycles, hereafter constructed or improved as a condition of city approval of a development, or a transportation project constructed by the city. These standards are intended to implement city’s growth policy and to minimize total costs over the life of the transportation system.
(2) Implementing these standards requires balancing of several policy concerns, including, but not limited to:
(a) Providing a safe and efficient transportation system;
(b) Implementing the complete streets policy;
(c) Discouraging excessive speed; and
(d) Requiring no more right-of-way than necessary.
(B) Definitions. Words and phrases in these standards have the same general meaning as those contained in the city subdivision regulations, the zoning ordinance of the city and the MPWSS. If terms are conflicting or unclear, the PWD will clarify the meaning and intent.
(C) Functional classifications; purpose. The purpose of a functional classification system for city roads is to define varying levels and types of transportation infrastructure, and to provide for the safe and efficient movement of people and goods, while at the same time preserving residential areas and maintaining the economic vitality of commercial and industrial areas. The system classifies transportation facilities as either urban or rural roads. Within urban roads, they are further divided into arterials, collectors or local roads.
(D) Functional classifications; urban roads. Urban roads are classified as outlined below.
(1) Major arterial. The basic element of the city’s road system. All other functional classifications supplement the major arterial network. Access to a major arterial is generally limited to intersections with other major arterials or to the interstate system. Direct access is minimal and controlled. The purpose of a major arterial is to serve the major centers of activity, the highest traffic volume corridors and the longest trip distances in an urbanized area. This classification of roads carries a high proportion of the total traffic within an urban area. The intended function is to provide for the expedient movement of traffic. Posted speed limits on major arterials typically range from 35 mph to 70 mph and typically carry greater than 15,000 vehicles per day.
(2) Minor arterial. Interconnects with and augments the major arterial system. It also provides access to lower classifications of roads on the system and may allow for traffic to directly access destinations. They provide for movement within sub-areas of the city, whose boundaries are largely defined by the major arterial road system. They serve through traffic, while at the same time provide direct access for commercial, industrial, office and multi-family development but, generally, not for single-family residential properties. The purpose of this classification of road is to increase traffic mobility by connecting to both the major arterial system and also providing access to adjacent land uses. Posted speed limits on minor arterials typically range from 25 mph to 55 mph and can carry between 5,000 and 15,000 vehicles per day.
(3) Major collector. Provides for land access and traffic circulation within and between residential neighborhoods, and commercial and industrial areas. It provides for the equal priority of the movement of traffic, coupled with access to residential, business and industrial areas. A collector roadway may at times traverse residential neighborhoods. Posted speed limits on collectors typically range from 25 mph to 45 mph and can carry between 3,500 and 5,000 vehicles per day.
(4) Minor collector. Provides for land access and traffic circulation within and between residential neighborhoods, and commercial and industrial areas. Future growth of the city outside the subdivision will have limited use of the roadway. It provides for the equal priority of the movement of traffic, coupled with access to residential, business and industrial areas. Posted speed limits on collectors typically range from 25 mph to 45 mph and can carry between 1,500 and 3,500 vehicles per day.
(5) Local. Comprises all facilities not included in the higher systems. Its primary purpose is to permit direct access to abutting lands and connections to higher systems. Usually through-traffic movements are intentionally discouraged. Posted speed limits on local roads typically range from 20 mph to 30 mph and designed for less than 1,500 vehicles per day.
(Prior Code, § 11.05.050.010) (Ord. 2019-9, passed 9-3-2019; Ord. 2021-15, passed 12-20-2021)