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Commission backs staff alternative for pedestrian-access rules, 5-0
Summary
The Planning Commission unanimously forwarded a staff-drafted compromise on pedestrian-access standards that preserves objective minimums while reducing prescriptive text and allowing 4-foot minimum impermeable connections.
The Planning Commission voted 5-0 to forward to City Council a staff alternative to the Housing Affordability Task Force's pedestrian-access recommendation. The staff alternative retains clear pedestrian-connection requirements while removing overly prescriptive design language.
Staff described the alternative as simplifying the code while ensuring that developments provide pedestrian connections from main building entrances to abutting sidewalks, parking areas and transit stops. The alternative sets a four-foot minimum width for connections built of impermeable material, retains measures such as contrast in color or texture for crossings, and keeps objective provisions such as curb extensions to shorten crossing distances where appropriate.
Commissioners indicated general support for the staff approach; public commenters also supported the compromise. The commission moved and unanimously forwarded the staff alternative to City Council.
