Title
Approving the City’s new Sidewalk Infill Policy.
Body
WHEREAS; the council of the City of Saint Paul has requested that the Department of Public Works recommend an improved system for assessing new sidewalk construction (new sidewalk infill) upon the properties benefitted; and
WHEREAS; the department of Public Works has reviewed the proposed costs for currently planned projects and the impact on funding for new sidewalk construction; and
WHEREAS, Minnesota Statutes, Section 429.021, subd. 2 provides: “An improvement on two or more streets or two or more types of improvement in or on the same street or streets or different streets may be included in one proceeding and conducted as one improvement”; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Public Works recommends that new sidewalks constructed as part of an overall roadway construction project be included in the entire project and assessed as one improvement.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council adopts the recommendation of the Department of Public Works, and hereby institutes a new sidewalk infill policy, which shall replace and/or supersede any prior sidewalk infill policies of the council, as set forth herein:
1. Sidewalk construction costs will be included in the overall cost of the project. Assessments will be made based upon the benefits to the properties included in the overall project.
2. This policy applies only to construction of new sidewalk where no sidewalk currently exists on streets with roadway construction taking place. This policy will not apply to mill and overlay projects or to other street rehab projects.
3. Whenever new sidewalks are included in a road construction project, new sidewalk will be constructed on or added to both sides of the street, unless one of the following applies:
a. The street is a dead end street or cul-de-sac, and has no abutting multi-family buildings, commercial property, park, play ground or transit stops.
b. Retaining walls are needed that are estimated to double the cost of the sidewalk. In such cases, reasonable efforts will be made to maintain a sidewalk on one side of the street. A “V” curb will be utilized whenever possible up to 24” high in place of a retaining wall. More than 24” in height will require the construction of retaining walls.
c. There is not adequate existing ROW to install a sidewalk and boulevard along with other desired roadway elements in accordance with the City Street Design Manual. In such cases, reasonable efforts will be made to maintain a sidewalk on one side of the street.
4. Generally, sidewalk construction will be prioritized over tree preservation. Sidewalk alignment will be coordinated in consultation with the City Forester to preserve existing trees, where feasible.
5. All sidewalk construction will meet current ADA standards.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this new sidewalk infill policy shall be effective for all roadway construction improvements approved by final orders adopted after the date this resolution is adopted, approved and published.