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TEXT CHANGE - AMENDING SIDEWALK REGULATIONS IN THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE (B)
Ordinance No. 170831; Petition PB-18-15 TCH
An ordinance of the City of Gainesville, Florida, amending the Land Development Code (Chapter 30 of the City of Gainesville Code of Ordinances) relating to sidewalk regulations; by amending Section 30-3.36. Minor Subdivisions; by amending Section 30-3.37. Subdivisions; by amending Section 30-4.11. Generally; by amending Section 30-4.13. Building Form Standards; by amending Section 30-4.21. Design Standards; by amending Section 30-6.3. Level of Service Standards; by amending Section 30-6.18. Sidewalks and Shared-Use Bicycle Paths; by amending Section 30-6.19. Access Management; providing directions to the codifier; providing a severability clause; providing a repealing clause; and providing an immediate effective date.
recommendation
The City Commission adopt the proposed ordinance.
explanation
DEPARTMENT OF DOING STAFF REPORT
This ordinance will amend an array of sidewalk regulations in the Land Development Code (LDC). The intent of the changes is to improve and enhance the public sidewalk area throughout the City and to recognize the need for wider sidewalks within the core areas of the City currently undergoing redevelopment. Subsequent to the adoption of the LDC, the Department of Doing has received significant input regarding the need to expand minimum sidewalk dimensions within areas of the City with high volumes of pedestrian activity. This issue has been discussed by the City Plan Board at several public hearings and by the City Commission and members of the public during hearings regarding the work of the Urban Standards Team. Additionally, the Department of Doing has had several meetings with transportation engineers from the FDOT District 2 office to discuss ways the City and FDOT can better coordinate the streetscape design along University Avenue and 13th Street.
The revisions include:
- Increasing the minimum width of sidewalks on all Storefront designated streets from 5' to 10'.
- Eliminating outdated loophole provisions exempting industrial zoned property undergoing redevelopment from providing sidewalks.
- Eliminating obsolete and conflicting sidewalk provisions that reduce consistency and predictably.
- Revising Code language to strengthen requirements restricting placement of permanent physical obstructions (light poles, utility enclosures, street signs, etc.) within the sidewalk area.
The City Plan Board at a public hearing on February 22, 2018, voted to recommend that the City Commission approve this amendment to the Land Development Code.
CITY ATTORNEY MEMORANDUM
This ordinance requires two hearings and shall become effective immediately upon adoption at second reading.