Sec. 2.9. Sidewalks, walkways, multi-use pathways, and trails.
1. Intent. The intent of the standards for sidewalks, walkways, multi-use pathways, and trails is to assure a safe, convenient, and attractive pedestrian/bicycle system that minimizes conflicts between vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians.
2. General provisions.
a. Interconnected network. A pedestrian network that interconnects all dwelling units, nonresidential uses, and common open space shall be provided throughout each development. This network is made up of sidewalks, walkways, multi-use pathways, and trails. Sidewalks shall be separate and distinct from motor vehicle circulation to the greatest extent possible. The pedestrian circulation system shall include gathering/sitting areas and provide benches, landscaping, and other street furniture where appropriate.
b. Sidewalks required. Sidewalks are required along streets as outlined in the Design Standards and Construction Specifications, Town of Frederick, December 13, 2007.
c. Sidewalk width.
(1) Sidewalks adjacent to roadways shall meet the standards as outlined in the Design Standards and Construction Specifications, Town of Frederick, December 13, 2007.
d. Sidewalk location.
(1) Sidewalks shall be located within the right-of-way unless otherwise authorized by the Board of Trustees.
e. Sidewalk materials.
(1) The acoustic, thermal, visual, and tactile properties of sidewalk paving materials shall be appropriate to the proposed functions of pedestrian circulation. Sidewalks shall be constructed of concrete, brick, slate, colored/textured concrete pavers, concrete containing accents of brick, or some combination thereof that is compatible with the style, materials, colors, and details of the surrounding buildings. Asphalt shall not be used for sidewalks.
(2) Sidewalks must be constructed of approved materials of sufficient strength to support light maintenance vehicles. If used as a secondary emergency access, sidewalks must also be able to support a fire truck (seventy-five thousand [75,000] lbs.). Please refer to the Design Standards and Construction Specifications, Town of Frederick, December 13, 2007 for additional sidewalk construction standards.
f. Sidewalk installation. Sidewalks and related improvements shall be installed or constructed by the subdivider in accordance with plans and specifications approved by the Town and, after installation or construction, they shall be subject to inspection and approval by the Town. All required improvements shall be completed in accordance with the officially established grades.
g. Accessibility. Sidewalks and plazas shall meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards.
h. Walkways. Walkways are essentially sidewalks that are not within a dedicated street right-of-way. Walkways may be found in both residential and non-residential developments. The essential purpose of a walkway is to provide a dedicated path of foot travel.
(1) Walkways through a subdivision block shall be not less than eight (8) feet in width, shall be within a dedicated easement not less than twenty (20) feet in width, and shall be flanked with appropriate landscaping and lighting.
(2) Walkways along non-residential buildings and within parking lots shall be raised and curbed, where suitable. A direct pedestrian connection to building entries, public space and parking areas shall be provided from public sidewalks.
(3) Walkways adjacent to non-residential uses shall be a minimum of five (5) feet in width.
(4) Walkways shall be constructed of the same materials as sidewalks, except that walkways internal to asphalt surfaced parking lots may be of asphalt construction. Walkways crossing driveways in parking lots shall be clearly delineated by a change in pavement color or texture or paint striping.
i. Lighting. All sidewalks and other pedestrian walkways shall have appropriate lighting, using poles and fixtures consistent with the overall design theme for the development.
j. Multi-use pathways (bikeways). Multi-use pathways shall be provided to link internal open space areas with peripheral open space areas and shall connect to multi-use pathway routes throughout the community. Multi-use pathway routes shall be designated between residential areas and commercial and employment centers and schools.
(1) Multi-use pathways on local streets may be delineated by painted "bicycle only" lanes.
(2) Sidewalks that may be used as a multi-use pathway are required on arterial and collector streets. All other multi-use pathways shall be a minimum of eight (8) feet wide and shall be of concrete construction or, where approved by the Board of Trustees, compressed gravel. Asphalt paving is prohibited.
(3) Bicycle parking shall be provided at the entry to internal and peripheral open space areas.
k. Trails. Trails shall be provided within and surrounding open space areas and connecting open space areas.
(1) Trails shall be a minimum of eight (8) feet in width and shall be of concrete construction.
(2) A trail may be flanked on one (1) side by a soft surface path a minimum of four (4) feet in width.
(a) The soft surface path shall be constructed with a minimum depth of eight (8) inches of compressed gravel, crowned, and compacted with edging to contain trail material.