Chapter 12.16
STREET RESTRICTIONS DURING ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS

Sections:

12.16.010    Procedures established.

12.16.020    Restrictions due to climatic conditions.

12.16.030    Authority of city engineer to close roads.

12.16.040    School buses and emergency vehicles exempt.

12.16.050    Closure of state highways.

12.16.060    Signposting required.

12.16.070    Violation—Penalty.

12.16.010 Procedures established.

Whereas RCW 47.48.010 authorizes cities and towns to establish procedures allowing closure and restrictive travel of roadways within cities and towns, and the city council finding that an emergency exists, the procedures in this chapter are established. (Ord. 79-5 § 1, 1979)

12.16.020 Restrictions due to climatic conditions.

When, in the judgment of the city engineer, climatic conditions exist which could or would cause damage to roadways or streets within the city unless travel on such roadways or streets is restricted or eliminated, the city engineer so finding is authorized and empowered to close or restrict travel on such roadways or streets. (Ord. 79-5 § 2, 1979)

12.16.030 Authority of city engineer to close roads.

The city engineer is specifically authorized to order closure of such roadways or streets. The city engineer is specifically authorized to restrict by gross weight, axle weight, height, width, length, breaking area, performance or tire equipment, what vehicles may pass upon such roadways or streets subject to his order. (Ord. 79-5 § 3, 1979)

12.16.040 School buses and emergency vehicles exempt.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the city engineer is required to authorize travel of school buses, emergency vehicles, vehicles carrying perishables and vehicles carrying items or products necessary for the public health and welfare. (Ord. 79-5 § 4, 1979)

12.16.050 Closure of state highways.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the city engineer shall not restrict travel nor close to traffic, roadways or streets that are, or will be, designated as primary state highways without prior written approval from the Washington State Highway Commission. (Ord. 79-5 § 7, 1979)

12.16.060 Signposting required.

It shall be the duty of the city engineer to post, or cause to be posted, signs at both ends of any roadways or streets subject to closure or restrictive travel, which signs shall apprise the public of the order of closure or restrictive travel. (Ord. 79-5 § 6, 1979)

12.16.070 Violation—Penalty.

There shall be imposed upon any person operating a vehicle in violation of the city engineer’s order, a fine not to exceed five hundred dollars or imprisonment not to exceed six months, or both such fine and imprisonment. (Ord. 79-5 § 7, 1979)