This policy will be used to guide our response to proposals which include significant changes to traffic patterns, including turn restrictions, one way street requests, street closures, and traffic calming measures. It will not apply to requests for handicapped spaces, minor parking restrictions, or other traffic matters which include only one or two parties. Nor will this policy address issues such as signal or sign requests that are governed by state regulations or warrants.

**Step 1: Initiation**

Requests for change to existing traffic conditions may be initiated any of the following ways:

1 A motion by a City Councilor.

2 A petition signed by ten or more residents (one person per household) submitted to the City Council.

3 A petition signed by ten or more residents (one person per household) submitted to the DPD.

4 A recommendation from a traffic study or planning process of the DPD.

5 A requirement of the Planning Board attached as a condition of approval for a development proposal.

**Step 2: Preliminary Evaluation**

However the request is initiated, it is forwarded to the Transportation Engineer for a preliminary evaluation. To be eligible for these types of traffic restrictions, the street must not be classified in the Regional Transportation Plan as a Collector, an Arterial, or State Highway. The proposal also must not significantly reduce the available supply of
on-street parking spaces. In addition, the proposal must not alter an established bus route or emergency response route.

This evaluation will include the following:

1 Confirmation of the existing conditions through a site visit, review of existing street classification, right-of-way and pavement dimensions, and a review of existing ordinances applicable to the location in question.

2 Definition of a primary impact area for the proposal that includes all street segments that can reasonably be expected to experience significantly altered traffic volumes or access as a result of the proposal.

3 Recommendation of any alterations of existing traffic patterns which should be considered along with the proposal to improve effectiveness or minimize adverse unintended impacts.

**Step 3: Data Collection & Technical Evaluation**

The DPD will conduct a data collection and technical evaluation of the proposed measure and any additional measures suggested as part of the preliminary evaluation. The technical evaluation will include gathering of relevant data regarding accident history, pedestrian activity, speeds, traffic volumes, and proportion of cut-through traffic. This data will then be evaluated against the minimum standards, at least one of which must be met for DPD to recommend implementation of a proposed measure.

1 Prevailing speeds (85th percentile) are at least 10 mph above the posted or statutory speed limit.

2 Traffic volumes exceed 1,000 vehicles per day or 100 vehicles per hour during a peak hour on a residential street.

3 The proposal improves safety at a high accident location.

4 The proposal would improve safety at a location with high pedestrian activity including schools or parks.

**Step 4: Survey**

The DPD will conduct a mail survey of all property owners and residents in the impact area (as determined in Step 2 above). This survey will pose up to three options to residents:

1 No change to existing conditions.

2 Original proposed measure.

3 Expanded proposal (as determined in Step 2 above). Note that this option will not always be present.

In order for DPD to recommend adoption of the proposal, in cases where there are two choices, at least 75% of the respondents to the survey must indicate support for a measure. In cases where there is a third option 60% of the respondents must indicate support for a particular proposal for DPD to recommend adoptions.

**Step 5: Recommendation**

Based on the data collected in Step 3 and the survey results, DPD will forward a recommendation to the City Manager in support or opposition to the proposal. Should the City Manager agree with the recommendation to implement a proposal, it will be forwarded to the Council for consideration and a vote as part of a quarterly traffic ordinance. If the City Manager
agrees with a recommendation in opposition to a proposal, it will be forwarded to the City Council as a communication.

**Step 6: Council Action (if required)**