As used in this article, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
COMPLETE STREET
A right-of-way that is planned, designed, constructed, operated,
and maintained in such a way as to enable safe, comfortable, and convenient
access by users. A few examples of features of complete streets include:
sidewalks; frequent and safe crosswalks; median islands; accessible
pedestrian signals; curb extensions; Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA) accessible curb ramps; adequate street drainage facilities;
narrower, speed-reducing travel lanes; rumble strips; bike lanes;
bicycle detection at intersections; bicycle parking facilities; street
trees; street lighting; street furniture; comfortable and accessible
public transportation stops; and roundabouts.
COMPLETE STREETS PLAN
The long-term capital plan for the Town as it pertains to
complete streets, developed in accordance with the Right-of-Way Manual
and consistent with the Complete Streets Policy.
COMPLETE STREETS POLICY
The policy for complete streets, as endorsed by the Town
of Fairfield, prepared in accordance with the guidelines established
by The National Complete Streets Coalition (NCSC) ensuring that streets
are safe for people of all ages and abilities, balancing the needs
of different transportation modes, and supporting local land uses,
economies, cultures, and natural environments.
IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
New construction, reconstruction, resurfacing, rehabilitation,
repair, or maintenance of the existing transportation network located
within the right-of-way or that may affect it, whether such project
is funded wholly, partly, or not at all by the Town. An improvement
project does not include ordinary repair designed to keep transportation
network facilities in safe working condition, such as mowing, cleaning,
sweeping, spot repair, pothole filling, or signage repair and replacement.
LOCAL TRAFFIC AUTHORITY (LTA)
Fairfield's local traffic authority, which is responsible
for approving aspects of complete streets, as described in this article.
ORDINANCE
This "Safe and Livable Streets Ordinance."
PHASE
Refers to the planning, design, construction, operation,
or maintenance phase of complete streets implementation.
RELEVANT COMPLETE STREETS TOWN BODIES
Departments, boards, commissions, and committees as listed
in Appendix 1, as amended from time to time, that are expected to participate,
to varying degrees, in one or more complete streets phase.
RIGHT-OF-WAY
An area, public or private, dedicated for use by pedestrians
and vehicles, such as streets, highways, bridges, bike paths and lanes,
and walkways.
RIGHT-OF-WAY MANUAL
The practical, working manual regarding processes, design
and materials specifications, choices, preferences, and selection
to be applied by the Town of Fairfield and its relevant complete streets
Town bodies for the implementation of complete streets, to meet the
standards and objectives of the Complete Streets Policy and this article.
STAKEHOLDERS
Those who (or care about those who) live, visit, attend school,
work, shop, and vacation in Fairfield.
TOWN
The Town of Fairfield.
USER
All people who use or benefit from the right-of-way, including,
but not limited to, pedestrians, bicyclists, public transportation
riders, motor vehicle drivers and passengers, emergency vehicle operators,
and commercial vehicle operators and includes people of all ages and
abilities, including children, senior citizens, and individuals with
disabilities.
VISION ZERO
Describes a belief that even one life lost in a traffic crash
is unacceptable and traffic deaths are preventable, and a commitment
to using all available tools to eliminate conditions and behaviors
that lead to serious injuries and deaths.
VULNERABLE ROAD USERS
Pedestrians, cyclists, and people who use wheelchairs, who
accounted for approximately 20% of the 42,915 people who were killed
in motor vehicle crashes in 2021.
This article is meant to achieve the following:
A. Contribute to the safety, health, fitness, and quality of life of
stakeholders by providing safe, convenient, and efficient connections
for users between homes, schools, work, shopping and dining, recreation,
places of worship, and other community destinations.
B. Improve the Town's existing transportation network by facilitating
a variety of transportation modes and by creating a connected, comprehensive
network for users.
C. Increase Fairfield's economic vibrance and make it more sustainable
in a way that attracts and retains businesses and residents, including
retirees and young adults.
D. Design the Town's rights-of-way to contextually complement and
enhance the surrounding land use and neighborhoods. Recognize that
Fairfield is made up of multiple commercial cores surrounded by historically
significant neighborhoods and ensure that these neighborhoods remain
vibrant and livable through context-appropriate design of rights-of-way.
E. Employ development best practices and sustainable design as it relates
to streetscapes so that they are considered integral components of
the infrastructure of the Town.
F. Reduce traffic congestion through improved and expanded transportation
options for users.
G. Reduce the frequency and severity of vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian-related
crashes, deaths, near-misses, property damage and complaints by designing
and managing rights-of-way to encourage travel at appropriate volumes
and safe speeds.
H. Require that the First Selectman appoint a Complete Streets Coordinator with the requisite qualifications and authority, described in §
91-30.
I. Require that the Town's policies and objectives for complete streets comply with this article and are incorporated and updated as necessary in the Complete Streets Policy, described in §
91-30, and adhered to by relevant complete streets Town bodies.
J. Require that the framework and details for implementation and maintenance in compliance with this article and Complete Streets Policy are incorporated and updated as necessary by the Town in a Right-of-Way Manual, described in §
91-30, and adhered to by relevant complete streets Town bodies.
K. Require that the Town develop and annually update a detailed Complete Streets Plan and provide capital funding in the annual budget for the implementation of the Complete Streets Plan, as described in §
91-30, in compliance with the Complete Streets Policy and Right-of-Way Manual, as an essential component of the Town's annual budget.
L. Align the objectives, expectations, and procedures for and among
relevant complete streets Town bodies and stakeholders regarding complete
streets, their implementation, operation, and maintenance.
M. Ensure transparent, fair procedures for communicating to, and hearing
and incorporating feedback from, stakeholders regarding complete streets.
This article shall take effect upon adoption and all sections
contingent upon completion of the Right-of-Way Manual shall take effect
upon its completion.