2012/09/25 City Council Resolution 2012-111RESOLUTION NO. 2012 -111
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROHNERT PARK
ADOPTING A COMPLETE STREETS POLICY
WHEREAS, the term "Complete Streets" describes a comprehensive, integrated
transportation network with infrastructure and design that allows safe and convenient travel
along and across streets for all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, persons with disabilities,
motorists, movers of commercial goods, users and operators of public transportation, seniors,
children, youth, and families;
WHEREAS, City of Rohnert Park acknowledges the benefits and value for the public
health and welfare of reducing vehicle miles traveled and increasing transportation by walking,
bicycling, and public transportation;
WHEREAS, City of Rohnert Park recognizes that the planning and coordinated
development of Complete Streets infrastructure provides benefits for local governments in the
areas of infrastructure cost savings; public health; and environmental sustainability;
WHEREAS, the State of California has emphasized the importance of Complete Streets
by enacting the California Complete Streets Act of 2008 (also known as AB 1358), which
requires that when cities or counties revise general plans, they identify how they will provide for
the mobility needs of all users of the roadways, as well as through Deputy Directive 64, in which
the California Department of Transportation explained that it "views all transportation
improvements as opportunities to improve safety, access, and mobility for all travelers in
California and recognizes bicycle, pedestrian, and transit modes as integral elements of the
transportation system ";
WHEREAS, the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (known as AB 32)
sets a mandate for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in California, and the Sustainable
Communities and Climate Protection Act of 2008 (known as SB 375) requires emissions
reductions through coordinated regional planning that integrates transportation, housing, and
land -use policy, and achieving the goals of these laws will require significant increases in travel
by public transit, bicycling, and walking;
WHEREAS, numerous California counties, cities, and agencies have adopted Complete
Streets policies and legislation in order to further the health, safety, welfare, economic vitality,
and environmental wellbeing of their communities;
WHEREAS, City of Rohnert Park therefore, in light of the foregoing benefits and
considerations, wishes to improve its commitment to Complete Streets and desires that its streets
form a comprehensive and integrated transportation network promoting safe, equitable, and
convenient travel for all users while preserving flexibility, recognizing community context, and
using the latest and best design guidelines and standards;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of City of Rohnert Park, State
of California, as follows:
1. That the City of Rohnert Park adopts the Complete Streets Policy attached hereto as
Exhibit A, and made part of this Resolution, and that said exhibit is hereby approved and
adopted.
DULY AND REGULARLY ADOPTED this 25`x' day of September 2012.
ATTEST:
City Clerk
CITY OF ROHNERT PARK
AHANOTU: AyG BELFORTE: Ajp_ CALLINAN: tole STAFFORD: ABSENT MACKENZIE: A`IE
AYES: ( 4 ) NOES: ( b ) ABSENT: ( 1 ) ABSTAIN: ( d )
Attachment: Exhibit A
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Exhibit A
This Complete Streets Policy was adopted by Resolution No. 2012 -111 by the City Council of
the City of Rohnert Park on September 25, 2012.
COMPLETE STREETS POLICY OF CITY OF ROHNERT PARK
A. Complete Streets Commitments.
1. Complete Streets Serving All Users. All transportation improvements will be
planned, designed, constructed, operated and maintained to support safe and
convenient access for all users, and increase mobility for walking, bicycling and
transit use, wherever possible while promoting safe and accessible operations for all
users.
2. Complete Streets Infrastructure. City of Rohnert Park recognizes the importance of
Complete Streets infrastructure and modifications that enable safe travel for all
categories of users, including but not limited to sidewalks, shared use paths, bicycle
lanes, bicycle routes, accessible curb ramps, crosswalks, and those features identified
in the Rohnert Park Bicycle Master Plan.
3. Context Sensitivity. In planning and implementing street projects, departments and
agencies of City of Rohnert Park shall maintain sensitivity to local conditions in both
residential and business districts as well as urban, suburban, and rural areas, and shall
work with residents, merchants, and other stakeholders to ensure that a strong sense
of place ensues.
4. All Projects /Phases - The policy will apply to all roadway projects including those
involving new construction, reconstruction, retrofits, repaving, rehabilitation, or
changes in the allocation of pavement space on an existing roadway, as well as those
that involve new privately built roads and easements intended for public use.
B. Implementation.
1. Plan Review and Evaluation —Any proposed improvements should be evaluated for
consistency with all local bicycle, pedestrian and /or trans plans and any other plans
that affect the right of way should be consulted for consistency with any proposed
improvements.
2. Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee Consultation. Transportation projects
shall be reviewed by the Bicycle Advisory Committee early in the planning and
design stage, to provide the Bicycle Advisory Committee to verify bicycling and
pedestrian needs for projects.
3. Street Network/Connectivity. As feasible, City of Rohnert Park shall incorporate
Complete Streets infrastructure into existing streets to improve the safety and
convenience of users and all modes of travel and to create employment, with the
particular goal of creating a connected network of facilities accommodating each
category of users, enhance connectivity for cyclists, pedestrians and transit users. and
increasing connectivity across jurisdictional boundaries. As envisioned in the origins
of Rohnert Park, a well connected network should include non - motorized
connectivity to schools, parks, and civic destinations.
C. Exemptions
1. Plans or projects that seek exemptions from the Complete Streets approach outlined
in prior sections must provide written finding of why accommodations for all modes
were not included in the project.
2. Data or documentation indicating one of the following shall be considered a basis for
the exemption:
a. Use by a specific category of users is prohibited by law;
b. The cost for specific infrastructure would be excessively disproportionate
to the need and probable future use over the long term (costs in excess of
20% of project total may be regarded as evidence that cost is excessively
disproportionate, as set forth by the United States Department of
Transportation in its policy statement on accommodating bicycle and
pedestrian travel);
c. There is an absence not only of current need, but also of future need
(absence of future need may be shown via demographic, school,
employment, and public transportation route data that demonstrate a low
likelihood of bicycle, pedestrian, or transit activity in an area over the next
10 to 20 years); or
d. Significant adverse impacts outweigh the positive effects of the
infrastructure; and
3. The proposed exemption, as well as the supporting data and documentation, will be
made publicly available prior to approval by the City Engineer.
4. The proposed written exemption will be signed and approved by the City Engineer;
and
D. Evaluation and Reporting
1. Annually the City Engineer shall provide a report to the City Council that includes the
number of new miles of bicycle lanes, sidewalks, and number of new curb ramps,
improved crossings, and signage.