Chapter 12.04
COMPLETE STREETS

Sections:

12.04.010    Purpose.

12.04.020    Definitions.

12.04.030    Complete streets infrastructure.

12.04.040    Transportation network.

12.04.050    Partnerships.

12.04.060    Guidance.

12.04.070    Exceptions.

12.04.080    Performance.

12.04.090    Severability.

12.04.010 Purpose.

The city of Prosser (city) shall, to the maximum extent practical, scope, plan, design, construct, operate and maintain appropriate facilities for the safe accommodation of pedestrians, bicyclists, future transit users, motorists, emergency responders, freight and users of all ages and abilities in all new construction, retrofit or reconstruction projects. The city of Prosser shall identify cost effective opportunities to include complete streets practices in ongoing operations and maintenance. (Ord. 2975 § 1, 2016).

12.04.020 Definitions.

“Complete streets” are streets that are designed, built and operated to enable safe access for all users, in that pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and public transportation users of all ages and abilities are able to safely traverse streets and right-of-way.

“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 signals; signage; street furniture; bicycle parking facilities; traffic calming devices such as rotary circles, traffic bumps, and surface treatments such as paving blocks, textured asphalt, and concrete; narrow vehicle lanes; and raised medians.

“Project” means construction, reconstruction, retrofit, maintenance, alteration, or repair of any street, and includes the planning, design, approval, and implementation processes.

“Street” means any public right-of-way, including arterials, collectors, residential streets, connectors, alleys, ways, lanes, and roadways by any other designation, and any other portions of the transportation network, that is open for use by the general traveling public.

“Users” means individuals that use streets and right-of-way, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motor vehicle drivers, and public transportation riders and drivers. (Ord. 2975 § 2, 2016).

12.04.030 Complete streets infrastructure.

As feasible, Prosser shall incorporate “complete streets infrastructure” into streets and right-of-way to create a comprehensive, integrated, connected transportation network for Prosser 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. (Ord. 2975 § 3, 2016).

12.04.040 Transportation network.

Projects should enhance the overall transportation system and its connectivity for access to public places, parks or recreation areas, schools, downtown, existing pedestrian or bicycle networks, or regional bicycle pedestrian plans prepared by other associated groups such as Benton County. (Ord. 2975 § 4, 2016).

12.04.050 Partnerships.

The city of Prosser will seek to foster partnerships with all Washington State transportation agencies and organizations including the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Transportation Improvement Board (TIB), Benton County, citizens, businesses, interest groups, neighborhoods, and any funding agency to implement this chapter. (Ord. 2975 § 5, 2016).

12.04.060 Guidance.

The city of Prosser will incorporate complete streets principles into the city’s GMA comprehensive plan, public works construction standards, capital facilities plan, ADA transition plan, transportation improvement plan, and other plans, manuals, rules, regulations, and programs as feasible and appropriate, and in accordance with American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO), Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE), National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO), and Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) guidelines and standards. (Ord. 2975 § 6, 2016).

12.04.070 Exceptions.

Exceptions to this policy may be determined by the mayor and city council under the circumstances listed below:

A.    Uses are prohibited by law; or

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

C.    Where the establishment would be contrary to the transportation element of the comprehensive plan; or

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

E.    The public works director concludes that application of complete streets principles is unnecessary or inappropriate because it would be contrary to public safety. (Ord. 2975 § 7, 2016).

12.04.080 Performance.

The public works director shall report annually to the city council on transportation projects undertaken within the prior year and planned within the coming six-year period, and the extent to which each of these projects has met the objectives of this complete streets policy. (Ord. 2975 § 8, 2016).

12.04.090 Severability.

The provisions of this chapter are hereby declared to be severable. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase of this chapter or its application to any person or circumstance is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional, the remainder of this chapter shall not as a result of said section, sentence, clause, or phrase be held unconstitutional or invalid. (Ord. 2975 § 9, 2016).