STAFF REPORT #3) AMP-02-17 AMENDMENT TO THE COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN PUBLIC HEARING To: Planning Commission Meeting Date: April 12, 2017 Item: AMP-02-17 Prepared By: Johanna Murphy GENERAL INFORMATION: Applicant: Requested Action: BACKGROUND INFORMATION: City of North Las Vegas Amend the Comprehensive Master Plan by adding a Complete Street Policy and amending Chapter 3, Guiding Principles, Goals and Policies; by amending portions of Guiding Principle 3, Integrated Multi- Modal Transportation System, specifically Goal 3. 1, Multi-Modal Transportation and Goal 3.3, Well-Planned Roadway Network Complete Streets are design approaches used to safely and comfortably develop a street network for all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and transit riders. Complete Streets make it easier to walk to commercial plazas, bicycle to work and cross the street. Complete Streets are designed to respond to the community, location and the surrounding land uses. Therefore a Complete Street may include: wide sidewalks; bicycle lanes; transit (bus) lanes; frequent and safe crossing opportunities; median islands; curb extensions; narrow travel lanes and/or other design features. The intent of Complete Streets is to reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, and increase quality of life for the City s residents by providing safe, convenient, and comfortable routes for driving, walking, bicycling, and riding public transportation. The Nevada Revised Statutes require governing bodies in counties whose population is 700,000 or more, to have a transportation element in their Comprehensive Plan that establishes a comprehensive transportation system [NRS 278.160(h)]. The Complete Street Policy will enhance the City s transportation element, Guiding Principle 3- Integrated Multi-Modal Transportation System, by guiding the development of a safe, accessible, wellconnected, and visually attractive transportation network with options for daily travel. The City of North Las Vegas is requesting Planning Commission approval of AMP-02-17 (Resolution #2578) amending the Comprehensive Master Plan by adding the Complete Streets Policy as a component and amending Guiding Principle 3, An integrated Multi- Modal Transportation System.
The amendments to Chapter 3, Guiding Principles, Goals, and Policies include: Add Policy 3.1-8 Complete Streets, Complete Streets is a design approach used to safely and comfortably develop a street network for all types of users. Incorporate a range of appropriate Complete Street elements when planning and designing all components of the roadway network. Add Policy 3.3-3 Complete Streets Design, Develop a system to identify streets as candidates for Complete Streets designs. Ensure that existing standards and procedures include Complete Streets implementation wherever feasible. ANALYSIS: The Complete Streets Policy was developed to support the City s Mission Statement to create and sustain Your Community of Choice for its residents, visitors, and businesses. The City is committed to provide a balanced and well-planned community that includes quality municipal services, education, housing, recreation and leisure opportunities, economic vitality, security, public safety, strong community partnerships, and civic pride for a culturally rich, active, and diverse population. Benefits of incorporating Complete Streets into the City s transportation network include: safety improvements; increased transportation choices; economic revitalization; positive environmental impacts; and opportunities for increasing physical activity. This amendment to the City of North Las Vegas Comprehensive Master Plan will help guide City decision makers over the next 20 years to achieve the vision for the City by addressing current and future transportation needs. The Plan is in compliance with all applicable State statutes, the objectives established in the Southern Nevada Strong Regional Policy Plan and the Visioning 2025 Strategic Plan adopted by the City. RECOMMENDATION: The Community Development and Compliance Department recommends that AMP-02-17 (Resolution #2578), that adds the Complete Streets Policy and the above outlined changes to Guiding Principle 3 to the Comprehensive Master Plan, be approved and forwarded to the City Council for final consideration. ATTACHMENTS: Complete Streets Policy Proposed Changes to the Guiding Principle 3 Redline Version Proposed Changes to the Guiding Principle 3 City Council Resolution #2578 SNRPC Conformity Finding Letter SNRPC Self-Assessment Kimley Horn Memorandum