The purpose of the amendments are to encourage creation of networks of sidewalks rather than the “sidewalks to nowhere” which result from the Ordinance as it currently stands.
The amendments provide more sidewalk options and establish a sidewalk fund and protocols for sidewalk projects/networks.
What affects us in GO?
The proposed amendments provide an option for owners to pay a fee in lieu of putting in a sidewalk as required by the October 2020 ordinance. The fee amount will be approximately the same as the cost of installing a sidewalk. These fees would go into an area fund dedicated to sidewalk projects.
Exceptions to an automatic approval for paying a fee in lieu of building a sidewalk would be:
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Lots not eligible for an automatic fee in lieu of building a sidewalk may seek approval from “The Sidewalk Committee” who may approve if:
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What is the Timing?
There is a public comment period (May 20 - June 23) prior to presenting the amendments to City Council for adoption in July.
Feedback on the proposal may be submitted here.
We are suggesting that you make a copy of feedback you submit and send it to Abbie Kamin, City Council District C.
Possible adoption would come late summer with an effective date in October.
What happens to all the money collected as in lieu fees?
The outlines presented on May 26 included:
- 70-30% split of funds being dedicated “in area” versus being usable city wide
- 15 Service areas for CoH (Proposed-Sidewalk-Service-Area-Map-20220526)
- spending limited to sidewalk construction, does not currently include lighting or repair
Investment of fees collected in sidewalk projects will be prioritized based on:
- safety
- pedestrian volumes
- presence of trip generators
- demographics (elderly and children)
- available funding
Sidewalk fund administration by Chief Transportation Planner
- develops and maintains a prioritization process
- provides annual reporting to the Planning Commission
- proposes updates to the Service Area Map and Prioritization Process as needed
| Proposed-Sidewalk-Ordinance-Amendment-Summary Proposed-Sidewalk-Service-Area-Map-20220526 |
Chapter-40-Article-XXII-Draft-20220520 |