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HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES 042826-5.C - 2026 Neighborhood Traffic Management Program PolicyRESOLUTION NO. Q1J a,$QG —5 G A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GEORGETOWN, TEXAS, AMENDING THE NEIGHBORHOOD TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT POLICY; REPEALING CONFLICTING RESOLUTIONS; INCLUDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; AND ESTABLISHING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that residents throughout the City of Georgetown are often concerned about high traffic speeds and/or volumes in residential areas. Speeding vehicles and unexpected traffic volumes, whether perceived or real, may contribute to a sense of uneasiness or create safety concerns within a community; and WHEREAS, on January 23, 2018, the City Council directed City staff to develop a policy to efficiently address traffic safety concerns in residential areas and to streamline the processes and procedures necessary to improve public safety and operational effectiveness; and WHEREAS, on July 10, 2018, City Council approved the Neighborhood Traffic Management Policy (NTMP) which provides an objective and comprehensive framework to better address mitigation of adverse effects of traffic in residential areas; and WHEREAS, the City Council now finds it necessary and appropriate to amend the NTMP to incorporate provisions for traffic -calming measures that promote the safety and livability of local neighborhoods, and to revise the language of said NTMP to provide greater clarity and understanding regarding the procedures for establishing or modifying speed limits, as well as for planning, approving, and implementing neighborhood traffic -calming and safety projects on residential streets, residential collectors, and neighborhood collectors owned and maintained by the City of Georgetown; and WHEREAS, the City Council finds that the adoption of an amended NTMP is in the best interest of the public and the residents of the City. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GEORGETOWN, TEXAS: Section 1. The meeting at which this resolution was approved was conducted in compliance with the Texas Open Meetings Act, Texas Government Code, Chapter 551. Section 2. The facts and recitations contained in the preamble of this resolution are hereby found and declared to be true and correct and are incorporated by reference herein and expressly made a part hereof, as if copied verbatim. Section 3. The Amended Neighborhood Traffic Management Policy attached hereto as Exhibit A is hereby adopted. Resolution No. 6 • L. Subject: 2026 Neighborhood Traffic Management Program Policy Date Approved > I k 91%t ZoZ(" Page 1 Section 4. All resolutions that conflict with the provisions of this resolution are hereby repealed, and all other resolutions of the City not in conflict with the provisions of this resolution shall remain in full force and effect. Section 5. If any provision of this resolution, or application thereof, to any person or circumstance, shall be held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect the other provisions, or application thereof, of this resolution, which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this resolution are hereby declared to be severable. Section 6. The Mayor is hereby authorized to sign this resolution and the City Secretary to attest. This resolution shall become effective and be in full force and effect immediately in accordance with the provisions of the City Charter of the City of Georgetown. PASSED AND APPROVED on the D day of l , 2026. ATTEST: CITY OF G F,01tG I,,',OWN TEXAS BY /Robyn smore, City Secretary J sh Schroeder/mayor APPROVED AS TO FORM: ye Massoi, City Attorney Resolution No. Subject: 2026 Ne'ghbo_rhood Traffic Management Program Policy Date Approved Page 2 EXHIBIT A Resolution No. Page 1 Subject: 2026 Neighborhood Traffic Management Program Policy Date Approved Transportation Division - Systems Engineering Neighborhood Traffic Management Program GEORGETOWN -Texas more than welcome Effective Date: July 10, 2018 Revised Date: April 28, 2026 City of Georgetown Neighborhood Traffic Management Program Table of Contents DEFINITIONS......................................................................................................................................iii PURPOSE............................................................................................................................................... v Representatives.................................................................................................................................. v ProgramGoals and Objectives......................................................................................................... v Eligibility............................................................................................................................................ vi NTMP REQUEST PROCESS - OVERVIEW...................................................................................vi Applicationsubmission................................................................................................................... vi Staffapplication review.................................................................................................................. vii Notification of Application Acceptance........................................................................................ vii TrafficStudy..................................................................................................................................... vii Notificationof Study Results......................................................................................................... vii NeighborhoodMeeting...................................................................................................................vii Funding for Design and Construction " .........................................................................................viii Implementation............................................................................................................................... viii REMOVAL OF TRAFFIC CALMING DEVICES........................................................................ viii AppendixA: Process Flow Chart...................................................................................................... ix Appendix B: NTMP Request Application Form..............................................................................x AppendixC: Petition of Support.................................................................................................... xiv Appendix D: Approved Neighborhood Traffic Calming Options ............................................ xv City of Georgetown Neighborhood Traffic Management Program DEFINITIONS Arterial Streets A street designed to carry large volumes of local and regional traffic into or out of the City which provides for efficient vehicular movement between distant locations, decreasing traffic on local and collector streets. Bulb uut (a.k.a. Curb Extension A sidewalk extension that narrows the roadway at an intersection or mid -block, reducing crossing distance for pedestrians and slowing turning vehicles. Chicane A series of alternating curb extensions or shifts in the roadway alignment that create an S-shaped travel path, used to slow traffic. Chokers Curb extensions or build -outs that narrow the travel lane at mid -block or intersection approaches to slow traffic and discourage passing. Lateral Shift A curb extension or alignment change that causes the travel lane to shift sideways, forcing drivers to reduce speed. Local Street A street that provides access to residential and commercial properties with short trip lengths, low speeds, and typically serves local traffic only. Major Collectors A street that connects and distributes traffic between Arterial Streets and Local Streets providing access and movement between neighborhoods, parks, schools, retail areas and the arterial street system. A collector street may serve both residential and commercial development, depending on the type of collector and average daily traffic volume. Mitigation Strategies or improvements implemented to reduce the negative impacts of traffic (e.g., installing signals, adding turn lanes, applying traffic calming, adjusting signal timing). Neighborhood Collectors A street that primarily serves the local traffic needs of a subdivision, neighborhood or development, with relatively low traffic counts and lower speeds. iii City of Georgetown Neighborhood Traffic Management Program Platted Neighborhood The final map of all or a portion of a subdivision previously approved by the proper decision -making body. A Final Plat shall be prepared in accordance with the provisions of this Code and those of any other applicable local regulation, with the purpose of being prepared to be placed on record in the office of the County Clerk. Prima Facie Speed Limit A default speed limit established by state law where no specific limit is posted. For example, in Texas: 30 mph in urban districts, 15 mph in alleys, 70 mph on highways outside urban areas (unless otherwise posted). Residential Collectors A residential street that connects and distributes residential traffic between Local Streets and Major Collectors and Arterials. May directly serve residential development, with limited spacing between access points. Roundabout A circular intersection where traffic flows counterclockwise around a central island, designed to improve safety and efficiency by reducing conflict points and requiring yielding at entry. Traffic Calming Devices Physical measures designed to slow or reduce traffic speeds and volumes in residential/neighborhood areas (e.g. bulb out, chokers, traffic circles, roundabouts). Traffic Circle A small circular intersection (often on local streets) where traffic yields to circulating traffic, but usually less formal in design than a modern roundabout (may allow stop control, higher speeds, or different yielding rules). Traffic Studies Systematic investigation of traffic conditions in a specific area to understand how vehicles, pedestrians, and sometimes cyclists move through it. The purpose is to provide data and analysis to help make informed decisions about traffic control, road design or safety improvements. iv City of Georgetown Neighborhood Traffic Management Program PURPOSE The Neighborhood Traffic Management Program (NTMP) addresses safety concerns in residential neighborhoods with the installation of warranted small-scale traffic calming devices, signage, striping and/or techniques. The NTMP process is initiated by residents, through their Homeowners Associations (HOA)/ Neighborhood Associations (NOA) or elected representatives. Representatives For purposes of this program, neighborhoods with an established HOA or NOA will be represented by that governing body. The application will require a minimum of 51 % of property owners within the HOA/ NOA, or subdivision, supporting the application. In neighborhoods without such a governing body, residents may elect representatives to participate in the program. To elect a representative, the neighborhood must secure written support from at least 51% of the platted lots within the subdivision in favor of participation. In all cases, the project must be supported by at least 51% of the platted lots within the platted subdivision, not just the residents on the affected street. Some mitigation measures require unanimous (100%) support from the property owners whose properties would be directly affected. Please contact the Transportation Department at _ to confirm the level of support required for your proposed project. The elected representatives, HOA, or NOA will serve as the "Requestor" for the purposes of this program. The Requestor of record will receive all correspondence, act as the primary point of contact, and serve as the liaison to any community organizations within whose boundaries the requested study area lies. Requestors must submit a complete NTMP application. Program Goals and Objectives ■ Improve Neighborhood Traffic Safety: The NTMP seeks to promote and maintain a safe, comfortable, and pleasant environment for all users of neighborhood streets through targeted traffic mitigation projects. The NTMP ensures that traffic mitigation efforts are guided by community input and involvement to ensure that the City's actions reflect the priorities and needs of residents in their daily lives. ■ Preserve Neighborhood Character and Livability: The NTMP ensures that traffic management efforts enhance, rather than diminish, the unique character and quality of life within each neighborhood. By prioritizing the comfort, safety, and residential nature of these areas, the v City of Georgetown Neighborhood Traffic Management Program program seeks to maintain the sense of community and protect neighborhoods from the negative impacts of excessive traffic and automobile use. ■ Increase Neighborhood Involvement: The NTMP is designed to foster active resident participation in identifying traffic concerns, shaping practical solutions, and supporting their implementation. By engaging the community throughout the process, the program empowers residents to weigh the benefits and trade-offs of potential projects and ensure that outcomes reflect their priorities and values. Eligibility To be eligible for this Program, the Requestor must ensure that the subject street(s) meet all of the following criteria before submitting an NTMP application. The subject street must: ■ Be a public street within the city limits of Georgetown; classified as a Residential Road, Residential Collector, and/or Neighborhood Collector Road, as defined in the City's Unified Development Code. Major collectors and Arterial Roads are evaluated through a separate process and are outside the scope of the NTMP. ■ Be within a platted subdivision. • Have a posted or Prima Facie speed limit of 35 mph or lower. • Consist of at least one travel lane in each direction - (Turn lanes, bike lanes, and parking lanes are not counted as travel lanes). ■ Be paved. NTMP REQUEST PROCESS - OVERVIEW Application submission Requestors must submit complete NTMP applications to be considered for the Program. In order to be deemed complete, applications must include: ■ Complete and accurate NTMP Request Application Form (Appendix A) and ■ A Petition of Support with the required number of signatures in support (Appendix B). The Requestor must submit a completed application and all required supporting documentation by email to Transportation Department at transportationggeorgetowntexas.gov and must include "NTMP" in the subject line of the email. vi City of Georgetown Neighborhood Traffic Management Program Staff application review Application review will be completed within 3 months from the date of submission of a completed application. ■ Incomplete applications will not be considered and will be returned by email to the Requestor of record. ■ Complete applications are prioritized in the order each application was received. ■ The Requestor will receive notification of application status. Notification of a complete submission and start of study will be provided to the Requestor of record. Notification of Application Acceptance If the application is accepted, the City will notify the Requestor of the acceptance of the application through email. Traffic Study All requested projects are required to undergo a traffic study; however, traffic studies are subject to funding availability and must be approved through the City's annual budget process. ■ Traffic studies typically evaluate factors such as traffic volume and speeding trends and include, at a minimum, the following components: ➢ The City will conduct the study on a weekday during the school year. ➢ As part of the study, the department will perform a traffic count. Traffic counts will be conducted on weekdays —preferably Tuesday through Thursday —to capture typical traffic conditions. ➢ The City will not conduct traffic studies during school break periods, holidays, or during adverse conditions or events (including rain, festivals, or similar disruptions). Notification of Study Results Notification of study results will be provided to the Requestor of record by email. Neighborhood Meeting After results have been shared with the Requestor of record, staff may coordinate with the requestor to schedule a meeting with interested parties Requestor to present the results. ■ A public meeting is not required unless staff deems appropriate. vii City of Georgetown Neighborhood Traffic Management Program Funding for Design and Construction Recommended improvements are subject to funding availability and must be presented to City Council as part of the City's annual budget process. ■ NOTE: The City's standard for traffic management designs is concrete, and the City does not install or maintain decorative features such as fountains or landscaping. If a neighborhood is interested in materials or designs other than concrete, the neighborhood may discuss those options with the Transportation Department. Any such request is subject to City review and approval and requires a license to encroach. Please note that not all neighborhoods will be eligible for this option. Implementation Projects may not begin until funding is approved and appropriated through the City's annual budget process. Once approved, study recommendations will be scheduled for design and/or construction. REMOVAL OF TRAFFIC CALMING DEVICES Traffic calming devices installed under the Neighborhood Traffic Management Program (NTMP) may be considered for removal to mitigate unforeseen safety concerns or unacceptable traffic diversion. Any removal requires approval from Transportation. Requests for removal are subject to the same process as implementation. The Requestor must obtain the same level of neighborhood support and submit the same required information as is required for implementation. The Requestor must submit a completed application for removal, along with all required supporting documentation, by email to the Transportation Department at transportationggeorgetowntexas.gov. The email subject line must include "NTMP." viii City of Georgetown Neighborhood Traffic Management Program Appendix A: Process Flow Chart (NEIGHBORHOOD TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT PROGRAM ELEGIBILITY Public street within the city limits; clasified as Residential Road, Residential Collector, and or Neighborhood Collector Road. Street must be within a platted subdivision. Have a Prima Facie speed limit of 35 mph or lower. Consist of at least one travel lane in each direction. Street must be paved 1. APPLICATION SUBMISSION • Requestor must submit complete NTMP applications to be considered for the Program - In order to be deemed complete, applications must include: Complete and accurate NTMP Request Application Form Petition of Support 2. STAFF APPLICATION REVIEW - Application review will be completed within 3 months from the date of submission of a complete application. - Complete applications are prioritized in the order each application was received- -The Requestor will receive notification of application status. Notification of a complete sumbission and start of study will be provided to the Requestor of record 3. NOTIFICATION OF APPLICATION ACCEPTANCE - If the application is accepted, the City will notify the Requestor of the acceptance of the application through email 4. TRAFFIC STUDY - All requested projects are required to undergo a traffic study; however, traffic studies are subject to funding availability and must be approved through the Cites annual budget process. -Traffic studies typically evaluate factors such as traffic volume and speedign trends and include, at a minimum the follwoing components: The City will conduct the study on a weekday during the school year. As part of the study, the department will perform traffic counts. The City will not conduct traffic studies during school break periods, holidays, or adverse conditions or events. S. NOTIFICATION OF STUDY RESULTS - Notification of study results will be provided to the Requestor of record by email. END ix City of Georgetown Neighborhood Traffic Management Program Appendix B: NTMP Request Application Form NEIGHBORHOOD TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT PROGRAM REQUEST APPLICATION Submittal of this form constitutes a formal request and must contain the completed information in the application and any additional background material you wish to include. This request will be processed according to the guidelines and procedures for the Neighborhood Traffic Management Program in effect as of the date the request is submitted. REQUESTED STREET LOCATION: Requested Street: From: To: Example > Requested Street Requested Street: George St. ¢ ai From: Austin Ave. c jGeorge Street To: 5t' Ave. I F U.) Limits of Study Area Benefits Trade-offs Improved traffic conditions enhance safety, reduce Traffic -calming measures may alter traffic speeding, and improve overall quality of life for patterns or require the removal of existing on - residents. street parking. Enforcement efforts are typically short-term and Targeted speed enforcement can positively influence driver behavior and reduce speeding. may not provide a lasting solution without complementary measures. Enhanced comfort and safety for pedestrians and Implementation may require additional right -of - cyclists through improved street design and traffic way or easements from adjacent property calming. owners. Greater neighborhood involvement in identifying Project success depends on sustained issues and shaping project designs fosters neighborhood support, which can be challenging community ownership and tailored solutions. to organize and maintain. By my signature below, I agree to be the Requester of Record for this request. I have read the guidelines and procedures governing the Neighborhood Traffic Management Program and agree to carry out to the best of my x City of Georgetown Neighborhood Traffic Management Program abilities the duties and responsibilities associated with being the Requester of Record. I also understand that any documents submitted to the City of Georgetown may be subject to public disclosure in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act. REQUESTOR INFORMATION: Name: Subdivision Name: Address: City, St, Zip: Email Address: Phone Number: Signature of Requestor: A request can be made by a resident, homeowner/neighborhood association, or other entity whose property is located within the study area. The Requester of record will receive all correspondence and is the primary contact for the request. This person will also serve as the liaison to any community organizations within whose boundaries the requested study area lies. Prior to submitting a request, the Requester must meet with Transportation to discuss the speed or traffic volume issues being considered for mitigation. 1. Date of Pre -application conference 2. Type of Application: Speed Study: Traffic Study: 3. A general description of the traffic problem or condition to be remedied: xi City of Georgetown Neighborhood Traffic Management Program 4. Special conditions concerning the proposed study area that are germane to this request: 5. Evidence of support from the neighborhood and community: (See Appendix C) Please attach any additional information to support the application. Timeline subject to change based on contracting requirements, type and extent of data collection, technical review, number of projects, and/or other factors that will be discussed with the Requestor upon submittal. xii City of Georgetown Neighborhood Traffic Management Program City of Georgetown Certification: Type of Application: Staff Recipient: Date of Receipt: Completeness Review: YES NO Initial Here: A copy of the completed Staff Certification will be sent to the Requestor upon completion. City of Georgetown Neighborhood Traffic Management Program Appendix C: Petition of Support 19�— GEORGETOWN 1 L I I. - PETITION OF SUPPORT M ""n tvek°°" We, the undersigned property owners, acknowledge and support the request for a Neighborhood Traffic Management Program for the subdivision/street. Total Number of Residences /Total Number of Signatures within HOA/NOA or on the subject street: Name of the property owner I Address I Signature Note: A minimum of 51% petition of support from residential households on the subject street(s) is required. xiv City of Georgetown Neighborhood Traffic Management Program Appendix D: Approved Neighborhood Traffic Calming Options APPROVED NEIGHBORHOOD TRAFFIC CALMING OPTIONS The Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) defines traffic calming as "the combination of physical measures that reduce the negative effects of motor vehicle use, alter driver behavior, and improve conditions for non -motorized street users." Traffic calming mechanisms encompass horizontal deflections such as chicanes, bulb -outs, and roundabouts; all designed to reduce speeds and manage traffic volumes. Any traffic calming device or geometric street feature must be approved by Transportation. Any warranted mitigation is to be installed in public right-of-way. CLASSERMIM OPTION BMFIT DRAWBACK IL CONTIUIINTS -May reduce speeds. -May impact -Pavement -No impact on emergency parking due to width may Pavement service vehicles. narrow road not be Edgelines -Creates buffer next to width. adequate. (markings) travel lane. - Requires frequent maintenance. -May reduce speeds. -Higher -In areas with -Creates protected on -street installation costs narrow parking bays. than striping or sidewalks or -Improves pedestrian safety signage due to constrained Width by reducing crossing curb ROW, Reduction distances. reconstruction, expanding -May be combined with utility relocation the curb may Bulb out other measures like raised and potential not be (Curve islands. landscaping. feasible. Extensions) - May require drainage modifications. May impact on - street parking, particularly near intersections. xv City of Georgetown Neighborhood Traffic Management Program CLASSIFICATION OPTION BENEFIT DRAB M -Chokers easily negotiable -May require by large vehicles. bicyclists to -May reduce speeds. briefly merge -May be combined with with vehicular Choker islands and circles for traffic. improved effectiveness. -May require the -Similar to a bulb out but elimination of used at mid -block locations. some on -street parking. -May reduce speeds -May impact -Pavement -No impact on emergency parking due to width may services narrow road not be Island -Creates buffer next to width. adequate. travel lane - Median island restricts access to driveways from both directions. -Reduces speeds by - May reduce on- -Requires introducing horizontal street parking. engineering deflection that forces - Applicable only design and drivers to adjust their in midblock. construction. steering path and travel at - Appropriate if - Requires lower speeds. the speed limit is sufficient -Reduce cut -through traffic typically 35 mph street width by making the route less or less (FHWA). for direct. - May require implementati drainage on. modifications. - Placements Horizontal Lateral Shift - Some lateral need to Deflection shifts are more consider the effective than accessibility others. of driveways. -Higher - installation cost Underground compared to and overhead other traffic utilities may calming limit the measures. placement of medians, curb extensions or xvl City of Georgetown Neighborhood Traffic Management Program CLASSIFICATION OPTION BENEFIT DRAWBACK CONTRAINTS adjusted travel lanes. - Flexible design since can -May reduce on- -Requires be installed using street parking. engineering permanent curb changes or -Requires design and materials like striping, sufficient street construction. planters or bollards. width for -Should -May reduce speeds by implementation. retain creating horizontal - May require sufficient deflection that requires drainage width to drivers to steer through a modifications. allow for the Chicane series of alternating curves. -Higher continued -Discourage cut through installation costs easy flow of traffic by making roads less compared to emergency appealing to through other traffic vehicles. drivers. calming -Appropriate measures. if the speed -May slow limit is emergency typically 35 response times. mph or less (FHWA). -May reduce speeds. -Slows response -Requires -Reduce number and time of engineering severity of crashes. emergency design and -Reduce conflict points. services. construction. Roundabouts -Allows for continuous -May reduce on- -Certain and Traffic vehicle movement. street parking. measures are Circles -May be combined with -Requires more incompatible chokers for improved right of way than with school effectiveness. a traditional bus and other intersection. large vehicle operations. xvii City of Georgetown Neighborhood Traffic Management Program CLASSMCATION OPTION B09UIT IMAWSAAX CONTRAINTS -Targeted application at -Short-term - Law specific times or locations effectiveness as enforcement based on observed drivers tend to agencies violations. revert to previous often have -Immediate speed reduction behaviors once limited Enforcement when enforcement is active. enforcement personnel, -Short-term improvement. presence reduces. making it difficult to provide consistent coverage in all areas. -Short term speed -Short term -Only one reduction. effectiveness. through lane -Easy to set-up. -May encourage in each Speed Trailer -Does not require physical high speeds by direction. changes. motorists testing -Requires -May be effective where device. adequate traffic is predominantly room for local. equipment. Others -Increase driver awareness - No legal penalty - They need of speeding by providing — These signs do power real-time alerts when not issue tickets supply drivers are exceeding the or penalties, so (electric or speed limit. habitual speeders solar power) -Studies show that the signs may ignore them. -Radar signs can reduce vehicle speeds -Ongoing cost for are by 5-10 mph. the maintenance considered -Can be used to collect data. and data retrieval traffic Speed Radar -Portable options are equipment or calming or Signs available (trailer -mounted software. advisory and pole -mounted). -Must be installed devices, not -Cost effective in where enforceable comparison with physical approaching regulatory traffic calming measures. drivers can signs. clearly see them. - Cannot link speeds to license plates. -Not effective on curves or hills. xviii City of Georgetown Neighborhood Traffic Management Program CLASSMICATiON OPTION BENUIT DRAWBACK CONTRAINTS -Promotes driver awareness -Temporary -Resource -Encourage voluntary results. limitations. Education compliance by helping -No physical -Dependence drivers understand the impact on speed on public reasons behind traffic rules or volume participation. and the impact of their reduction. actions. -Requires continuous effort. xix