Chapter 10.30
COMPLETE STREETS POLICY

Sections:

10.30.010    Purpose.

10.30.020    Exceptions.

10.30.030    Complete streets infrastructure.

10.30.040    Goals to foster partnerships.

10.30.050    Best practice criteria.

10.30.060    Performance standards.

10.30.010 Purpose.

The city shall, to the maximum extent practical, scope, plan, design, construct, operate and maintain appropriate facilities for the safe accommodation of pedestrians, bicyclists, transit users, motorists, emergency responders, freight and users of all ages and abilities in all new construction, retrofit or reconstruction transportation projects. Through ongoing operations and maintenance, the city shall identify cost-effective opportunities to include complete streets practices. (Ord. 1418 § 1 (part), 2018)

10.30.020 Exceptions.

Facilities for pedestrians, bicyclists, transit users and/or people of all abilities are not required to be provided where:

A. A documented absence of current or future need exists;

B. Nonmotorized uses are prohibited by law;

C. Routine maintenance of the transportation network is performed that does not change the roadway geometry or operations, such as mowing, sweeping and spot repair;

D. There are significant adverse impacts to streams, wetlands, steep slopes or other critical areas;

E. The cost would be disproportionate to the current need or probable future uses;

F. A documented exception is granted by the mayor or his/her designee. (Ord. 1418 § 1 (part), 2018)

10.30.030 Complete streets infrastructure.

As feasible, the city shall incorporate complete streets infrastructure into existing public and private streets to create a comprehensive, integrated, connected transportation network for Mukilteo that balances access, mobility, health and safety needs of pedestrians, bicyclists, transit users, motorists, emergency responders, freight and users of all ages and abilities, ensuring a fully connected, integrated network that provides transportation options. Complete streets infrastructure means design features that contribute to a safe, convenient, or comfortable travel experience for users, including but not limited to features such as: sidewalks; shared use paths; bicycle lanes; automobile lanes; paved shoulders; street trees and landscaping; planting strips; curbs; accessible curb ramps; bulb outs; crosswalks; refuge islands; pedestrian and traffic signals, including countdown and accessible transportation stops and facilities; transit priority signalization; traffic calming devices such as rotary circles, traffic bumps, and surface vehicle lanes; raised medians; and dedicated transit lanes. (Ord. 1418 § 1 (part), 2018)

10.30.040 Goals to foster partnerships.

It is a goal of the city to foster partnerships with all Washington State transportation funding agencies including the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), the Federal Highway Administration, Snohomish County, the Washington State Transportation Improvement Board, Mukilteo School District, citizens, businesses, interest groups, neighborhoods, and any funding agency to implement the complete streets ordinance. (Ord. 1418 § 1 (part), 2018)

10.30.050 Best practice criteria.

A. The mayor or designee shall modify, develop and adopt policies, design criteria, standards and guidelines based upon recognized best practices in street design, construction, and operations including but not limited to the latest editions of American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO), Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) and National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO).

B. Implementation of this policy shall reflect the context and character of the community’s overall surroundings including the natural environment, current and planned buildings and land uses, demographics, street functions and current and expected transportation needs. Understanding of the surrounding built and natural environments allows roadway design decisions to be more flexible and sensitive to community values and to better balance economic, social and environmental objectives.

C. The complete streets policy shall apply to all city-owned transportation facilities in the public right-of-way (streets, sidewalks, alleys, bridges, etc.) and shall encourage privately constructed and owned streets, sidewalks, alleys, and parking lots to also adhere to this policy through policy and funding requirements and development review, where possible. (Ord. 1418 § 1 (part), 2018)

10.30.060 Performance standards.

The city shall put into place performance standards with measurable benchmarks to continuously evaluate the complete streets ordinance for success and opportunities for improvement. Performance standards may include transportation and mode shift, miles of bicycle facilities or sidewalks, public participation, number of ADA accommodations built, and number of exemptions from this policy approved. (Ord. 1418 § 1 (part), 2018)