Chapter 15.15
PUBLIC REALM DESIGN FOR MULTIFAMILY AND MIXED-USE RESIDENTIAL PROJECTS
Sections:
15.15.010 Transportation study requirements.
15.15.015 Traffic control devices.
15.15.025 Sidewalk facilities.
15.15.005 PURPOSE.
The purpose of this regulation is to establish objective standards for development of multi-family and mixed-use residential projects to maintain and enhance the desirable character of neighborhoods, to lessen traffic congestion, to facilitate adequate transportation facilities, and to promote the health, safety and welfare of the community in accordance with the Santa Cruz General Plan.
(Ord. 2022-18 § 6, 2022).
15.15.010 TRANSPORTATION STUDY REQUIREMENTS.
Projects shall develop a transportation study if existing pedestrian, bicycle, or transit circulation will be disrupted or if the project is estimated to generate fifty or more vehicle trips during the P.M. peak hour. The transportation study will determine the extent of the impact of the new development or redevelopment on the city transportation infrastructure and the associated requirements for project development. Transportation study requirements are set forth in the city of Santa Cruz public works transportation study requirements for developers document that is current at the time of design review and available from the public works department.
(Ord. 2022-18 § 6, 2022).
15.15.015 TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES.
Projects shall be required to install traffic control devices based on the results of the transportation study. Installation of traffic control devices (such as traffic signals, lane markings, signage) shall be installed in accordance with the traffic engineering and safety standards set forth in the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices and consistent with Area Plans and NACTO Urban Street Design Guide.
(Ord. 2022-18 § 6, 2022).
15.15.020 BICYCLE FACILITIES.
Projects shall be required to install bicycle facilities based on the results of the transportation study and consistent with the city of Santa Cruz active transportation plan. Installation of bicycle facilities will be based on the Area Plans, AASHTO Guide to Bicycle Facilities and the NACTO Urban Bikeway Design Guide (both the required and recommended elements).
(Ord. 2022-18 § 6, 2022).
15.15.025 SIDEWALK FACILITIES.
1. Existing Public Connections. In all areas of the city, where a project site includes or is adjacent to an existing public street, alley, path, staircase, or pedestrian way, this public connection will be maintained or relocated within or adjacent to the project site. Unless otherwise dictated by an area plan, the sidewalk widths for corridors and other roadways are defined in Section 15.20.060.
a. Decorative sidewalks may be required based on the area plans.
b. Installation of sidewalks will be based on the curb, gutter, and sidewalk standard details that are current at the time of design review and available from the public works department.
c. The total number of connections through the site shall not be reduced.
2. New Public Connections.
a. Projects shall be required to install new sidewalks along the frontage in accordance with the area plans. Unless otherwise dictated by an area plan, the sidewalk widths for corridors and other roadways are defined in Section 15.20.060.
b. Decorative sidewalks may be required based on the area plans.
c. Installation of sidewalks will be based on the curb, gutter, and sidewalk standard details that are current at the time of design review and available from the public works department.
(Ord. 2022-18 § 6, 2022).
15.15.030 TRANSIT FACILITIES.
Residential projects of five or more units, and commercial/office projects greater than ten thousand square feet that are proposed for a parcel that has an existing METRO bus stop located on its street frontage and include work within the street right-of-way (e.g., sidewalk construction; curb cut addition or relocation) shall be required to upgrade the bus stop to full ADA compliance, including a five-foot-by-eight-foot boarding and alighting area and an accessible route to/from the bus stop. Projects shall be required to install new transit facilities, either on the project’s street frontage, or within three hundred feet of the property line, when the city identifies transit as a mitigation measure for significant impacts identified by the transportation study. Transit facilities will be installed in accordance with Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District (METRO) design standards that are current at the time of design review available from METRO.
(Ord. 2022-18 § 6, 2022).
15.15.035 STREETLIGHTS.
Projects (with exception of ADUs) shall be required to install or replace streetlights based on the following:
1. A development of three or more housing units on one lot shall require the installation of a city standard streetlight(s).
2. A development of three or more housing units on multiple lots shall require the installation of a city standard streetlight(s).
3. Any new commercial development shall require the installation of a city standard streetlight(s).
4. Installation or replacement of streelights will be based on the city of Santa Cruz streetlight standard detail (electrolier or decorative streetlight) current at the time of design review and available from the public works department and consistent with the area plans.
5. Coordination with PG&E is the applicant’s responsibility. The type of streetlight the city requires will be a standard electrolier (Type 1) unless a decorative streetlight is specified in the area plans or matches existing city streetlights in the area.
(Ord. 2022-18 § 6, 2022).