Promoting an interconnected network of pedestrian routes is a priority for the city. Providing connections for pedestrians between buildings, walkways, adjacent properties, rights-of-way, and other uses help meet the objectives of the Noblesville Alternative Transportation Plan. The installation of pedestrian facilities increases the walkability of the city, thus reducing vehicle trips traveled and traffic congestion.
(A) Location. All new development containing 25 parking stalls or more, except detached single-family and duplex uses, shall comply with the following pedestrian access requirements pursuant to the standards in division (B)(1).
(1) Between Buildings on Subject Property. Provide pedestrian walkways between the primary entrances to all businesses, uses, and/or buildings on the subject property pursuant to the applicable standard in division (B)(1).
(2) Between Properties. Provide pedestrian walkways connecting to existing or future walkways on adjacent properties pursuant to the applicable standards in division (B)(1). Exceptions: Pedestrian connections to industrial uses are not required. The location for the access points at property edges and to adjacent lots shall be coordinated with existing and planned development to provide convenient pedestrian links between developments. Where there are topographic changes in elevation, stairs or ramps may be provided to make a pedestrian connection.
(3) Along Building Facades Not Adjacent to a Public Sidewalk.
For buildings that do not front on a public sidewalk, a pedestrian walkway shall be provided along the entire facade of all building facades containing a primary entrance. The walkways should meet the pedestrian walkway standards in division (B)(2). Exceptions may be approved as part of Site Plan Review in the following circumstances: where new development is less than 2,000 square feet of gross floor area, features a landscaped front yard area and parking is located to the side or rear, only direct pedestrian access shall be provided from the abutting sidewalk to the primary entrance to all buildings.
(4) Through Parking Areas. All parking lots must include pedestrian walkways through the parking lot to the main building entrance or a central location. The pedestrian walkway must connect the building entrance to the public sidewalk. The pedestrian walkway must meet the development standards pursuant to division (B)(3).
(B) Pedestrian Access- Required Improvements.
(1) Pedestrian Walkway Standards - Between Buildings on Subject Property and Between Properties. The applicant shall install pedestrian walkways between buildings and properties pursuant to the following standards:
(a) Must be at least five feet wide;
(b) Must be distinguishable from traffic lanes by painted markings, pavement material, texture, or raised in elevation;
(c) Must have adequate lighting for security and safety. Lights must be non-glare and mounted no more than 20 feet above the ground;
(d) Must be centrally located on the subject property;
(e) Must be accessible;
(f) Barriers which limit future pedestrian access between the subject property and adjacent properties are not permitted;
(g) Easements to provide rights of access between adjacent properties shall be recorded prior to occupancy.
(2) Pedestrian Walkway Standards - Along Facades Not Adjacent to Sidewalks. The applicant shall install pedestrian walkways along facades not adjacent to public sidewalks pursuant to the following standards:
(a) Must be provided along the entire facade of all building facades containing a primary entrance;
(b) Must have a minimum unobstructed width of eight feet, paved with decorative concrete. A minimum of five feet may be approved for residential uses;
(c) Trees placed at an average of 30 feet on-center between the pathway and any parking or vehicular access area. The required trees must be placed in planning strips at least 4.5 feet in width or within planting grates. Exceptions:
1. To increase business visibility and accessibility, the city may allow modifications in the required tree coverage adjacent to the primary building entries; however, no less than one tree per 60 lineal feet of required pathway shall be provided.
(d) Must be distinguishable from traffic lanes by painted markings, pavement material, texture, or raised in elevation;
(e) Must have adequate lighting for security and safety. Lights must be non-glare and mounted no more than 20 feet above the ground;
(f) Must be accessible.
(3) Pedestrian Walkway Standards - Through Parking Areas. The applicant shall install pedestrian walkways through parking areas, connecting the main building entrance to parking areas and public sidewalks pursuant to the following standards:
(a) All parking lots that contain more than 25,000 square feet of paved area, including access lanes and driveways, must include clearly identified pedestrian routes from the parking stalls to the main building entrance or central location. At a minimum, walkways must be provided for every three driving aisles or at a distance of not more than 150 foot intervals, whichever is less, and meet the standards of division (B)(1).
(b) Must have a minimum unobstructed pavement width of eight feet, paved with decorative concrete. A minimum of five feet may be approved for residential uses;
(c) Trees placed at an average of 30 feet on-center between the pathway and any parking or vehicular access area. The required trees must be placed in planting strips at least 4.5 feet in width or within planting grates. Exception:
1. To increase business visibility and accessibility, the city may allow modifications in the required treed coverage adjacent to the primary building entries; however, no less than one tree per 60 lineal feet of required pathway shall be provided.
(4) Walkway shall not use vehicle entrance or exit driveways from the public right-of-way;
(5) Must connect from the parking spaces and public sidewalks to the pedestrian entrance of the building served by the parking;
(6) Must be distinguishable from traffic lanes by painted markings, pavement material, texture, or raised elevation;
(7) Must have adequate lighting for security and safety. Lights must be non-glare and mounted no more than 20 feet above the ground;
(8) Must be accessible.
(Ord. 30-08-13, passed 9-10-13)