HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Resolution 14088 (Complete Streets Policy)A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL
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, bicycles, persons with disabilities, motorists, movers of commercial
goods, users and operators of public transportation, seniors, children, youth and families and all modes of
travel; and
WHEREAS, the City of San Rafael acknowledges the benefits and value for the public health
and welfare of reducing vehicle miles traveled and increasing transportation by alternative modes of
travel such as walking, bicycling, and public transportation; and
WHEREAS, the City of San Rafael recognizes that the planning and coordinated development of
Complete Streets infrastructure provides benefits for local governments in the area of infrastructure cost
savings, public health, and environmental sustainability; and
WHEREAS, the State of California has emphasized the importance of Complete Streets by
enacting the California Complete Streets Act of 2008 (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 provide safety, access, and
mobility for all travelers in California and recognizes bicycles, pedestrian, and transit modes as integral
elements of the transportation system"; and
WHEREAS, the California Global Warming Solution Act of 2006 (AB 32) sets mandates for the
reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in California, and the Sustainable Communities and Climate
Protection Act of 2008 (AB375) 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; and
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; and
WHEREAS, the City of San Rafael 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 the City of San Rafael as
follows:
1. That the City of San Rafael adopts the "Complete Streets Policy" attached hereto as
Exhibit A, and made part of this Resolution.
2. That the next substantial revision of the City of San Rafael General Plan circulation shall
incorporate Complete Streets policies and principals consistent with the California Complete Streets Act
of 2008 (AB 1358) and with the Complete Streets Policy adopted by this resolution.
I, ESTHER C. BEIRNE, Clerk of the City of San Rafael, hereby certify that the foregoing
Resolution was duly and regularly introduced and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council of said
City held on Monday, the 21 st day of March, 2016 by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Bushey, Colin, Gamblin and Mayor Phillips
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: McCullough
1CZ1,-R ,
ESTHER C. BEIRNE, City Clerk
File No.: 01.12.27
EXHIBIT A
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL
COMPLETE STREETS POLICY
This Complete Streets Policy shall supersede the "Complete Streets Directive" issued by the
Department of Public Works on February 24, 2011.
A. Complete Streets Principals
1. Complete Streets Serving All Users
The City of San Rafael expresses its commitment to creating and maintaining complete
streets that provide safe, comfortable and convenient travel along and across all streets
(including streets roads, highways, bridges and other portions of transportation system)
through a comprehensive integrated transportation network that serves all categories of
users, including pedestrians, bicycles, persons with disabilities, motorists, movers of
commercial goods, users and operators of public transportation, seniors, children, youth
and families, emergency vehicles.
2. Context Sensitivity
In planning and implementing street projects, Public Works departments and agencies of
the City of San Rafael shall be cognizant of local conditions in both residential and
business districts and shall, when possible, work with stakeholders to ensure access is
maintained for all modes of travel. Improvements that will be considered include but are
not limited to sidewalks, shared use paths, bicycle routes, paved shoulders street trees and
landscaping planting strips accessible ramps, crosswalks refuge islands pedestrian
signals, signs, street furniture and other features assisting in the provision of safe travel
for all users.
3. Complete Streets Routinely Addressed by All Departments
All relevant departments and agencies of the City of San Rafael shall work towards
complete streets practices as routine part of everyday operations, approach every relevant
project, program, and practice as an opportunity to improve streets and the transportation
network for all categories of users and work in coordination with other departments,
agencies and jurisdiction to maximize opportunities for complete streets connectivity and
cooperation. The following projects provide opportunities: pavement resurfacing,
restriping, accessing above and underground utilities, signalization operations or
modifications, maintenance of landscaping/related features.
4. All Project Phases
Complete streets infrastructure sufficient to enable reasonably safe travel along and
across the right-of-way for each category of users shall be incorporated into planned
designs for the public right-of-way and construction other than standard routine
maintenance (including streets, roads highways, bridges, and other portions of the
transportation system), except that specific infrastructure for a given category of users
may be excluded in an exemption as approved via process set forth in Section C.1 of this
policy.
B. Implementation
1. Plan Consultation and Consistency
The design of projects affecting the transportation system, including non-standard
maintenance shall be consistent with the City's Bicycle Pedestrian Master Plan and other
relevant plans except that where such consistency cannot be achieved without negative
consequences. Projects that do produce negative consistency shall not be required if the
Director of Public Works or his/her designee provides written explaining the basis for
such deviation in the form of a "Multi -Modal Document".
Projects that do affect the road right-of-way shall be presented to the City of San Rafael's
Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee and at such time the Public Works Department
shall bring to light any known exceptions to mobility as defined in the multi -modal
document. The City of San Rafael's Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee may
provide comments to staff on the project
2. Street Network/Connectivity
As feasible, the City of San Rafael shall incorporate complete streets infrastructure into
new projects which improve or maintain current street conditions in order to improve the
safety and convenience of users and to ultimately create a connected network of facilities
accommodating all users and increasing connectivity across jurisdictional boundaries.
3. Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee Consultation
The City of San Rafael's Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee shall review general
projects associated with access on the City streets as soon as the Department of Public
Works feels it is practicable to do so in order to allow the Committee to review and
provide comments on the proposed project as it relates to developing a complete streets
network.
4. Evaluation
The Department of Public Works shall perform evaluations of how well the streets and
transportation network of the City of San Rafael are serving each category of users by
collecting baseline data and collecting follow data on a regular basis for the projects
developed. Follow up data shall be collected within a year of the completion of the
project.
C. Exceptions
1. Leadership approval for exceptions
It is recognized that there will be situations where it will not be possible or feasible to
incorporate all such facilities into a project. In such cases, there shall be full and
complete compliance with all federal, state and local codes and laws relating to
documentation, justification and reasoning setting forth the inability to comply. Said
documentation shall be presented to the Director or Assistant Director of Public Works
for approval prior to continuing work on the project. Such approval shall not be granted
by the department unless the documentation clearly sets forth a full and compelling case
of an inability to comply.
CITY OF SAN RAFAEL
COMPLETE STREETS PROCEDURES
The general procedures noted below shall be followed as much as practicable for reviewing and
approving roadway projects that occur on City of San Rafael Right -of -Way.
The design of all projects shall including new or improvements to existing features within
the road right-of-way shall include but are not limited to bicycle facilities, bike paths of
all classes, bike racks, pedestrian improvements such as curb ramps and access
improvements such as ramps and handrails where feasible.
Early on in the process, project designs within the road right-of-way shall be presented to
the San Rafael Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC). The committee is
encouraged to make comments on the plans; however, modifications such as removal of
parking to incorporate a bike lane where one currently does not exist may not be
incorporated into the plan at the discretion of the Director of Public Works.
Standard maintenance encroachment permits and roadway work are not subject to these
conditions. However, large encroachment permits for utilities and stake holders other
than the City of San Rafael require significant improvements to the pedestrian/bicycle
and roadway paths of travel may be required to submit a plan to the City's BPAC and
make modifications per the recommendation of the Department of Public Works.
Standard maintenance and emergency work on City roadways shall not be required to
comply with the complete streets policies.
The department initiating these improvements shall prepare a multi -modal report to the
Director of Public Works or the Assistant Director of Public Works/City Engineer for
their approval and concurrence. The multi -modal document shall clearly state the
existing conditions, proposed improvements and specify any exemptions that may be
needed with clear reasoning for why these specific standards are not possible. The multi-
modal document shall be placed in the documents file and is available to the public for
review.
CT
METROPOLITAN
TRANSPORTATION
COMMISSION
Joseph P. Bort MetroCenrer
I01 Eighth Street
Oakland, CA 94607-4700
TEL 510.817.5700
TTY/TDD 510.817.5769
FAX 510.817.5848
E-MAIL info@mtc.ca.gov
WEB WWW-Mmca-gov
TO: Partnership Jurisdictions Expecting to Receive DATE: November 18, 2015
OBAG Funding
FR: Kevin Mulder
RE: One Bay Area Grant Program (OBAG 2) Complete Streets Required Elements
As a condition to access One Bay Area Grant Program (OBAG 2) funds, local jurisdictions must comply
with the California Complete Streets Act of 2008 (Assembly Bill 1358, Chapter 657, Statutes of 2008).
Jurisdictions have two options for demonstrating compliance, which must be met by the time the County
Congestion Management Agencies (CMAs) submit their OBAG 2 project recommendations to MTC:
1) Adopt a Complete Streets Resolution incorporating MTC's nine required complete streets
elements (Attachment A).
2) Adopt a significant revision to the circulation element of a General Plan after January 1, 2010 that
complies with the California Complete Streets Act of 2008.
Complete Streets Resolution
Agencies may meet this requirement by adopting a resolution that incorporates, at minimum, the elements
listed in Attachment A. The general language in the attachment gives agencies flexibility to develop their
own policy; jurisdictions are encouraged to develop the best policy that fits within the context of their
local area, in consultation with affected departments and stakeholders, and to go beyond the required
elements to accommodate all users of the roadway network.
To assist agencies in developing a resolution, a resolution template is included as Attachment B.
Jurisdictions are encouraged to adapt the elements and language of the sample resolution to meet their
own circumstances and plans. Attachment C is the City of Alameda's Complete Streets Policy, which is
included as an example of the adopted policy language (July 2011).
General Plan Circulation Element
Jurisdictions may also meet the requirement with an adopted General Plan that complies with the
California Complete Streets Act of 2008. The Governor's Office of Planning and Research (OPR) has
issued guidance for this in the Update to the General Plan Guidelines: Complete Streets and the
Circulation Element.' For compliance, a substantial revision of the circulation element, passed after
January 1, 2011, shall "...plan for a balanced, multimodal transportation network that meets the needs of
all users of streets, roads, and highways for safe and convenient travel in a manner that is suitable to the
rural, suburban, or urban context of the general plan," while complying with the other provisions of CA
Government Code Section 65302 and Complete Streets Act of 2008.
Compliance
To be eligible to receive OBAG 2 funding, adopted resolutions or adopted revisions to General Plan
circulation elements must be completed and submitted to CMAs by the time the CMAs submit their
project recommendations to MTC.
JAPR0JECT\Funding\T4-MAP2I\MAP21 - STP-CMAQ\MAP21 Programming\MAP21 OBAG 2\013AG 2 Development\Complete Streets\CS Resolution
Guidance\OBAG 2 CS Reso Guidance Final.docx
' httr):Hoi)r.ca.gov/docs/Undate GP Guidelines Complete Streets.ndf
Attachment A
Elements Required of a Complete Streets Resolution to Comply with the One Bay Area Grant
(Revised September 16, 2015)
Complete Streets Principles
1. Serve 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.
2. Context Sensitivity — The planning and implementation of transportation projects will reflect conditions within
and surrounding the project area, whether the area is a residential or business district or urban, suburban or
rural. Project planning, design and construction of complete streets projects should include working with
residents and businesses to ensure that a strong sense of place is maintained.
3. Complete Streets in all Departments — All departments in the jurisdiction and outside agencies whose work
affects the roadway must incorporate a complete streets approach into the review and implementation of their
projects and activities. Potential complete streets opportunities include transportation projects, road
rehabilitation, new development, and utility work, among others.
4. All Projects/Phases — The policy will apply to all roadway projects, including those involving reconstruction,
new construction, retrofits, repaving, rehabilitation, or other 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.
Implementation
5. Plan Consultation — Any proposed improvements should be evaluated for consistency with all local bicycle,
pedestrian, transportation, and other plans that affect the right-of-way.
6. Street Network/Connectivity — The transportation system should provide a connected network of facilities
accommodating all modes of travel. This includes looking for opportunities for repurposing rights-of-way to
enhance connectivity for cyclists, pedestrians and transit users. The network should include non -motorized
connectivity to schools, parks, commercial areas, civic destinations, and regional non -motorized networks from
publicly owned roads/land and private developments (or redevelopment areas).
7. BPAC Consultation — Input shall be solicited from local bicycle and pedestrian advisory committees (BPACs)
or similar advisory group in an early project development phase to verify bicycling and pedestrian needs for
projects. (MTC Resolution 875 requires that cities of 10,000 or more create and maintain a BPAC or rely on the
county BPAC to receive TDA -3 funds.)
8. Evaluation — Cities and counties will establish a means to collect data for the purpose of evaluating each
jurisdiction's implementation of complete streets policies. Examples include tracking the mileage of bike lanes
and sidewalks, the number of street crossings, or the amount of specific signage.
Exceptions
9. Process — Plans or projects that seek exception from the complete streets approach must provide written finding
of how exceptional circumstances dictated that accommodations for all modes were not to be included in the
project. The memorandum should be signed by the Public Works Director or an equivalently senior staff person.
Plans or projects that are granted an exception must be made publicly available for review.
Federal guidance on exceptions can be found from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) webpage:
Accommodating Bicycle and Pedestrian Travel.'
2 http://www.f iwa.dot.gov/environment/bicycle_pedestrian/guidance/design_guidance/design.cfm
Attachment B
Sample MTC Complete Streets Resolution
for Bay Area Cities and Counties
Resolution No.
A RESOLUTION OF THE [City Council/Board of Supervisors] OF THE [Jurisdiction] 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 [insert other significant local
users if desired, e.g. drivers of agricultural vehicles, emergency vehicles, or freight];
WHEREAS, [Jurisdiction] 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, [Jurisdiction] 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 well-
being of their communities;
WHEREAS, [Jurisdiction] 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/Board of Supervisors] of [Jurisdiction],
State of California, as follows:
1. That the [Jurisdiction] 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.
2. That the next substantial revision of the [Jurisdiction] General Plan circulation shall incorporate
Complete Streets policies and principles consistent with the California Complete Streets Act of 2008 (AB
1358) and with the Complete Streets Policy adopted by this resolution.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the [City Council/Board of Supervisors] of the [Jurisdiction], State of
California, on , 201_, by the following vote:
Attachment: Exhibit A
Exhibit A
This Complete Streets Policy was adopted by Resolution No. by the f City Council/Board of
Supervisors] of the [Jurisdiction] on 201.
COMPLETE STREETS POLICY OF [JURISDICTION]
A. Complete Streets Principles
1. Complete Streets Serving All Users. [Jurisdiction] expresses its commitment to creating and
maintaining Complete Streets that provide safe, comfortable, and convenient travel along and
across streets (including streets, roads, highways, bridges, and other portions of the transportation
system) through a comprehensive, integrated transportation network that serves all categories of
users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, persons with disabilities, motorists, movers of commercial
goods, users and operators of public transportation, seniors, children, youth, and families [insert
other significant local users if desired, e.g. drivers of agricultural vehicles, emergency vehicles,
freight, etc.].
2. Context Sensitivity. In planning and implementing street projects, departments and agencies of
[Jurisdiction] 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. Improvements that will be considered
include sidewalks, shared use paths, bicycle lanes, bicycle routes, paved shoulders, street trees and
landscaping, planting strips, accessible curb ramps, crosswalks, refuge islands, pedestrian signals,
signs, street furniture, bicycle parking facilities, public transportation stops and facilities, transit
priority signalization, and other features assisting in the provision of safe travel for all users, such
as traffic calming circles, transit bulb outs, and road diets [, as well as other features such as insert
other accommodations if desired] [, and those features identified in insert name of
Pedestrian/Bicycle Master Plan if it exists].
Complete Streets Routinely Addressed by All Departments. All relevant departments and
agencies of [Jurisdiction] shall work towards making Complete Streets practices a routine part of
everyday operations, approach every relevant project, program, and practice as an opportunity to
improve streets and the transportation network for all categories of users, and work in coordination
with other departments, agencies, and jurisdictions to maximize opportunities for Complete
Streets, connectivity, and cooperation. The following projects provide opportunities: pavement
resurfacing, restriping, accessing above and underground utilities, signalization operations or
modifications, and maintenance of landscaping/related features.
4. All Projects and Phases. Complete Streets infrastructure sufficient to enable reasonably safe
travel along and across the right of way for each category of users shall be incorporated into all
planning, funding, design, approval, and implementation processes for any construction,
reconstruction, retrofit, maintenance, operations, alteration, or repair of streets (including streets,
roads, highways, bridges, and other portions of the transportation system), except that specific
infrastructure for a given category of users may be excluded if an exemption is approved via the
process set forth in section C.1 of this policy.
B. Implementation
Plan Consultation and Consistency. Maintenance, planning, and design of projects affecting the
transportation system shall be consistent with local bicycle, pedestrian, transit, multimodal, and
other relevant plans, except that where such consistency cannot be achieved without negative
consequences, consistency shall not be required if the head of the relevant department provides
written approval explaining the basis of such deviation. If [Jurisdiction] has a Bicycle and
Pedestrian Advisory Committee, such deviations shall be presented to the Bicycle and Pedestrian
Advisory Committee early in the planning and design stage, to ensure the Bicycle and Pedestrian
Advisory Committee has an opportunity to provide comments and recommendations.
2. Street Network/Connectivity. As feasible, [Jurisdiction] shall incorporate Complete Streets
infrastructure into existing streets to improve the safety and convenience of users and to create
employment, with the particular goal of creating a connected network of facilities accommodating
each category of users, and increasing connectivity across jurisdictional boundaries and for
existing and anticipated future areas of travel origination or destination.
3. Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee Consultation. If rJurisdictionl has a Bicycle and
Pedestrian Advisory Committee, transportation projects shall be reviewed by the Bicycle and
Pedestrian Advisory Committee early in the planning and design stage, to provide the Bicycle and
Pedestrian Advisory Committee an opportunity to provide comments and recommendations
regarding Complete Streets features to be incorporated into the project.
4. Evaluation. All relevant agencies or departments shall perform evaluations of how well the streets
and transportation network of rJurisdiction] are serving each category of users by collecting
baseline data and collecting follow-up data on a regular basis.
C. Exceptions
Leadership Approval for Exceptions. Plans or projects that seek exception from the complete
streets approach must provide written finding of how exceptional circumstances dictated that
accommodations for all modes were not to be included in the project. The memorandum should be
signed by the Public Works Director or an equivalently senior staff person. Projects that are
granted exceptions must be made publically available for review. Federal guidance on exceptions
can be found from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) website, Accommodating
Bicycle and Pedestrian Travel, online at:
httD://www.fhwa.dot.eov/environment/bicycle Dedestrian/guidance/design guidance/desien.cfm
Attachment C
Complete Streets Policy of City of Alameda (2013)
(next page)
CITY OF ALAMEDA RESOLUTION NO. 14763
APPROVE A COMPLETE STREETS POLICY, IN ACCORDANCE WITH
REQUIREMENTS FROM THE METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION
COMMISSION AND THE ALAMEDA COUNTY TRANSPORTATION
:= COMMISSION
a
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; and
a
WHEREAS, the City of Alameda 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; and
WHEREAS, the City of Alameda 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; and
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 street users, 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"; and
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; and
WHEREAS, numerous California counties, cities, and agencies have adopted
Complete Streets policies and legislation to further the health, safety, welfare,
economic vitality, and environmental well-being of their communities; and
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, through its One Bay
Area Grant (OBAG) program, described in Resolution 4035, requires that all
jurisdictions, to be eligible for OBAG funds, need to address complete streets
policies at the local level through the adoption of a complete streets policy
resolution or through a general plan that complies with the California Complete
Streets Act of 2008; and
WHEREAS, the City of Alameda's Local Action Plan for Climate Protection,
adopted in 2008, recommends revising street design standards and re-
engineering existing streets if economically feasible to promote pedestrian and
bicycle use, and to encourage alternative transportation modes; and
WHEREAS, the Alameda County Transportation Commission, through its Master
Program Funding Agreements with local jurisdictions, requires that all
jurisdictions must have an adopted complete streets policy to receive Measure B
pass-through and Vehicle Registration Fund funding; and
WHEREAS, the City of Alameda, 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 and convenient travel for all users while preserving
flexibility, recognizing community context, and using design guidelines and
standards that support best practices; and
WHEREAS, the City of Alameda's 2009 Transportation Element update of the
General Plan is based on the same multimodal principles and elements required
in the Complete Streets Act of 2008, contains a Multimodal Goal to encourage
the use of transportation modes to be mutually supportive and to function
together as one transportation system as well as numerous policies and
objectives that prioritize alternative transportation modes over single occupancy
vehicles, and specifically identifies Transit Priority and Bicycle Priority streets
within the city; and
WHEREAS the City of Alameda has actively pursued enhancements to new
infrastructure to encourage alternative transportation modes, and is one of the
first cities in the county of Alameda to install and operate a bus priority signal,
which is at Willie Stargell Avenue and Webster Street.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of
Alameda adopts the Complete Streets Policy, in accordance with requirements
from the Metropolitan Transportation Commission and the Alameda County
Transportation Commission, attached hereto as Exhibit A, and made part of this
Resolution, and that said exhibit is hereby approved and adopted; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Alameda will review its existing
General Plan to determine if it currently meets the Complete Streets policies and
principles of the California Complete Streets Act of 2008 (AB1358) and the
Complete Streets Policy adopted by this resolution and if not, the City of Alameda
will incorporate the necessary changes with the next substantial revision of the
City of Alameda General Plan Transportation Element.
Exhibit A: Complete Streets Policy of City of Alameda
This Complete Streets Policy was adopted by Resolution No. by the City
Council of the City of Alameda on , 2013.
Recognizing the many benefits to the community of Complete Streets, the
City of Alameda will, to the maximum extent feasible and practicable, plan,
fund, design, construct, operate and maintain its transportation system
and facilities so that they are safe and convenient for all users and modes,
as appropriate to the function and context of each facility, and in ways that
reflect local conditions and community values.
A. Complete Streets Principles
1. Complete Streets Serving All Users and Modes. The City of Alameda, through its
2009 Transportation Element update of the General Plan, has committed to creating
and maintaining Complete Streets that provide safe, comfortable and convenient travel
along and across streets (including streets, highways, bridges and other portions of the
transportation system) through a comprehensive, integrated transportation network that
serves all categories of users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, persons with disabilities,
motorists, movers of commercial goods, users and operators of public transportation,
emergency responders, seniors, children, youth and families. More specifically, the
Transportation Element update encourages the use of transportation modes to be
mutually supportive and to function together as one transportation system.
2. Context Sensitivity. In planning and implementing street projects, departments and
agencies of the City of Alameda will maintain sensitivity to local conditions in both
residential and business districts as well as urban and suburban areas, and will work
with residents, merchants and other stakeholders to ensure that a strong sense of place
ensues. Improvements that will be considered include sidewalks, shared use paths,
bicycle lanes, bicycle routes, paved shoulders, street trees and landscaping, planting
strips, accessible curb ramps, crosswalks, refuge islands, pedestrian signals, signs,
street furniture, bicycle parking facilities, public transportation stops and facilities, transit
priority signalization, and other features assisting in the provision of safe travel for all
users as identified in adopted plans.
3. Complete Streets Routinely Addressed by All Departments. All relevant
departments of the City of Alameda will work towards making Complete Streets
practices a routine part of everyday operations, approach every relevant project,
program and practice as an opportunity to improve streets and the transportation
network for all categories of users, and work in coordination with other agencies and
jurisdictions to maximize opportunities for Complete Streets, connectivity and
cooperation.
4. All Projects and Phases. Complete Streets infrastructure sufficient to enable
reasonably safe travel along and across the right of way for each category of users,
consistent with the City's Transportation Element update, will be incorporated into all
planning, funding, design, approval and implementation processes for any construction,
reconstruction, retrofit, maintenance, operations, alteration or repair of streets (including
streets, highways, bridges and other portions of the transportation system), except that
specific infrastructure for a given category of users may be excluded if an exception is
approved via the process set forth in section C.1 of this policy.
B. Implementation
1. Design. The City of Alameda will follow its own accepted or adopted design
standards, and will also evaluate using the latest design standards and innovative
design options, with a goal of balancing user needs. For example, the City of Alameda
will use its Pedestrian Design Guidelines (2011), the City's Transportation Element
update, and, when adopted, the Bicycle Facility Design Standards (expected to be
approved in early 2013).
2. Network/Connectivity. Consistent with the City's Transportation Element update,
the City of Alameda will incorporate Complete Streets infrastructure into existing streets
to improve the safety and convenience of all users, with the particular goal of creating a
connected network of facilities accommodating each category of users, and increasing
connectivity across jurisdictional boundaries and for anticipated future transportation
investments.
3. Implementation Next Steps. The City of Alameda will take the following specific
next steps to implement this Complete Streets Policy:
A. Plan Consultation and Consistency: Maintenance, planning and design of
projects affecting the transportation system will be consistent with the City's
Transportation Element update, local bicycle, pedestrian, transit, multimodal
and other relevant plans.
B. Stakeholder Consultation: Allow for stakeholder involvement, as early in the
development process as possible, on projects and plans as necessary to
support implementation of this Complete Streets policy by the City of
Alameda. At this time, the key stakeholders for bicycle -related issues is
BikeAlameda, for pedestrian -related issues is Pedestrian Friendly Alameda
and for transit -related issues is AC Transit. In addition, the Planning Board
will be consulted on land development projects; the Transportation
Commission will be consulted on capital improvement projects.
4. Performance Measures. All relevant departments will perform evaluations of how
well the transportation network of the City of Alameda is serving each category of users
by collecting baseline data and collecting follow-up data on a regular basis such as
transit ridership and turning movement counts at select intersections. In 2006, the City
collected turning movements at select intersections for motor vehicles, bicyclists and
pedestrians. AC Transit staff provides Public Works staff with ridership data on a
regular basis. The City will use the Transportation Element policy 4.3.1.g as the
established performance measure.
4.3.1.g Establish targets for increasing mode share of non -SOV
transportation modes.
1. Increase daily non -SOV mode share (transit, walking, bicycling) by 10
percentage points by 2015 as compared to 2000.
2. Increase the share of children who walk or bicycle to school by 10
percentage points by 2015 as compared to 2000.
Public Works staff will collect follow-up intersection turning movement data on a regular
basis to determine how well the City's transportation network is serving different
categories of users.
C. Exceptions
1. Exception Approvals. Exceptions to this Complete Streets policy may be allowed on
a case-by-case basis. In general, the Planning Board will have the authority to approve
an exception in the case of a land development project, while the Transportation
Commission will have this authority in the case of a capital improvement project. Prior
to granting the exception, the Community Development Director, in the case of the
Planning Board, and the Public Works Director, in the case of the Transportation
Commission, will provide as part of the staff report written findings for the exception
explaining the need for the exception and why accommodations for all users and modes
could not be included in the development plan or project.
I, the undersigned, hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution was duly and
regularly adopted and passed by the Council of the City of Alameda in a regular
meeting assembled on the 14th day of January, 2013, by the following vote to wit:
AYES: Councilmembers Chen, Daysog, Ezzy Ashcraft, Tam and
Mayor Gilmore — 5.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTENTIONS: None.
IN WITNESS, WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official
seal of said City this 15th day of January 2013.
Lara Weisiger, City Clerk
City of Alameda