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Commission asks staff to research block‑length impacts as alternative to mandating curved streets
Summary
Staff recommended encouraging curved or meandering streets rather than mandating them; commissioners asked for research on block length and traffic‑safety tradeoffs and suggested a potential target around 600 feet to reduce long uninterrupted blocks and improve walkability.
Staff told the Planning Commission that most peer cities encourage curved, characterful street layouts but seldom mandate them; instead, they regulate block length, cul‑de‑sac extent and pedestrian connections.
Commissioners voiced concern about long blocks (the current maximum in the subdivision ordinance is 1,200 feet) and said very long blocks can increase vehicle speed and reduce pedestrian connectivity. Several suggested cutting that maximum in half (roughly 600 feet) or otherwise introducing mid‑block pedestrian crossings on longer blocks. Staff said revising block‑length standards will require engineering input and likely belong in the city’s forthcoming Unified Development Code (UDC) update slated for next year.
No new ordinance was adopted; the commission directed staff to research traffic‑safety data on block length and return with recommendations so the item can be refined in the UDC process.
