Council approves clarifications to street regulations on curbs and vacation of rights‑of‑way

Kingman — The City Council on Sept. 16 approved two ordinances intended to clarify and modernize the city’s street regulations. Ordinance No. 1981 clarifies that vertical curbs should be used for commercial street improvements to promote proper traffic channelization; exceptions may be approved by the city engineer. Ordinance No. 1982 allows the vacation of public rights‑of‑way or right‑of‑way easements that contain public utilities or features (such as canals or ditches) provided that utilities are relocated or legal access to them is preserved by easement.

Mike Gorman, the city engineer, told the council the existing language was vague and had produced inconsistent curb choices on local streets. He said vertical curbs are engineering best practice for commercial lots to discourage vehicles from driving over landscaping or ADA paths. On right‑of‑way vacations, Mike said the current code used the word “shall” in a way that prevented the city from vacating rights‑of‑way even when utilities could be relocated or access preserved; the amendment allows discretion when relocation or access easements are provided.

Councilors asked practical questions about where the rules would apply (retrofits to existing commercial lots, new development) and were told exceptions would be available for existing, constrained sites. Both ordinances were approved after staff presentations and motion votes.