The aim of the proposed ordinance is to provide a tool that ensures the complete buildout of the Town's sidewalk network in substantial compliance with the Town's Complete Streets Master Plan. It is pursued as part of a broader initiative identified in both the Town's Strategic Plan, and the Comprehensive Development Master Plan's (Comp Plan) Mobility Program, to adopt provisions that enable improved sidewalk interconnectivity throughout the Town. More specifically, Policy 2.2.4 of the Town's Comp Plan and Initiative 1.5.2 of the Strategic Plan specifically call for a code provision that achieves that objective. The ordinance provides for the inclusion of sidewalks in most development plans and the establishment of a sidewalk mitigation program for those projects that have particular challenges in complying with sidewalk construction requirements. The program also provides for projects to repair existing sidewalk facilities adjacent to their properties. Exemptions are provided for smaller scaled projects as well as those related to roof repairs for single family homes.

On June 20, 2017, the Planning and Zoning Board recommended to the Town Council, approval of the ordinance with a modification to include the construction cost estimating book entitled “RS Means.” The attached ordinance is reflective of that recommendation.

On September 5, 2017, the Town Council moved this item on first reading without any changes. For ease of use, the proposed ordinance is attached to this memo.