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Flagstaff staff propose simpler thresholds and neighborhood-approval rules for residential traffic-calming
Summary
City staff proposed updates to the Residential Traffic Management Guide that would simplify speed thresholds and formalize neighborhood approval steps; commissioners and members of the public asked staff to clarify whether approvals require property-owner sign-off or resident agreement and whether the 100% adjacent approval rule is practical.
City transportation staff on April 2 presented proposed updates to Flagstaff’s Residential Traffic Management Guide intended to simplify qualifying thresholds and clarify neighborhood approval requirements for traffic calming projects.
Transportation engineer David Lemke told the Transportation Commission the updated approach would separate project types (speeding, excessive volume, pedestrian crossings, bicycle facilities) and adopt a simplified speed threshold: the proportion of vehicles traveling more than 5 miles per hour over the speed limit must exceed 30% to qualify for evaluation. “So the proposed thresholds will be simplified to a single criteria that the percentage of vehicles traveling more than 5 miles per hour above the speed limit must be greater than 30%,” Lemke said.
Lemke also described neighborhood approval mechanics: staff would first define a project “boundary area.” To proceed with a study, staff would require signatures from 65% of people in that boundary. If a solution is identified, the proposal would require 100% approval from residents directly adjacent to the infrastructure change and 65% approval from other residents within the boundary. Lemke said the intention is to secure neighborhood buy-in early to avoid conflicts after solutions are designed.
Public commenters and commissioners raised questions about practical implementation. Drew Stanley, a resident, asked how signatures would be gathered; Lemke said staff initially attempted online surveys and mailed postcards but expected citizen proponents to help gather signatures and that staff might knock on doors when necessary. Daniel Crim of the Bicycle Advisory Committee urged flexibility on thresholds but said the BAC favors clear community involvement.
Commissioners asked staff to clarify the distinction between residents and property owners, noting short-term renters or absent owners could complicate the process. Staff said the draft uses the term “residents” but agreed to consult on whether “property owners” or a defined permanent-resident standard is preferable and to return with a clarified wording. No formal vote was taken; staff requested feedback and will revise the draft.
