Explanation
BACKGROUND: The purpose of this code change is to require the Director of the Public Service Department to adopt rules to establish and regularly review a Complete Streets policy for the City of Columbus. This policy must, at minimum, comply with the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission's Complete Streets policy. This code change also requires the Director to issue a report to City Council and the Mayor annually to detail any changes made to the policy and to review new recommendations and best practices issued by the National Association of City Transportation Officials, the National Complete Streets Coalition, the American Planning Association, and other relevant organizations since the previous report.
The code change defines "Complete Streets policy" to mean a set of guidelines and internal policies that emphasize the consideration of safety for all public infrastructure users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and transit riders of all ages and abilities, during the planning, design, and construction of public infrastructure. Finally, it requires the administrator of mobility and parking services to assist the Director of Public Service regarding the adoption and evaluation of the policy.
FISCAL IMPACT: N/A
Title
To require the Director of the Public Service Department to adopt and regularly evaluate a Complete Streets policy for the City of Columbus; to amend section 219.034; to enact section 2105.02; and to repeal the existing version of section 219.034 of the Columbus City Codes. ($0.00)
Body
WHEREAS, the City of Columbus is committed to achieving zero traffic deaths; and
WHEREAS, a Complete Streets policy means a set of guidelines and internal policies that emphasize the consideration of safety for all public infrastructure users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and transit riders of all ages and abilities, during the planning, design, and construction of public infrastructure; and
WHEREAS, Complete Streets are an essential component of the City's Vision Zero initiative; and
WHEREAS, the City must comply with the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission's Complete Streets policy to be eligible for attributable funding; and
WHEREAS, transportation safety advocates have informed City Council and the Mayor that formally requiring the City to adopt and regularly review its own Complete Streets policy will improve the City's transparency and accountability; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That section 219.034 of the Columbus City Codes are hereby amended as described in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 2. That section 2105.02 of the Columbus City Codes is hereby enacted as described in the attachment to this ordinance.
SECTION 3. That the previous version of section 219.034 of the Columbus City Codes are hereby repealed.
SECTION 4. That the Director of Public Service is hereby directed to issue the first report to City Council and the Mayor on the City's Complete Streets policy, per newly enacted section 2105.02, not later than 180 days after the effective date of this ordinance.
SECTION 5. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.