Ord 001-2005 1/4/2005ORDINANCE NO. 1 - 3405
ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE 2005 WICHITA FALLS AREA
THOROUGHFARE PLAN; FINDING AND DETERMINING THAT THE
MEETING AT WHICH THIS ORDINANCE WAS PASSED WAS OPEN
TO THE PUBLIC AS REQUIRED BYLAW
WHEREAS, the Thoroughfare Plan determines existing and future transportation
corridors. and
WHEREAS, a Thoroughfare Plan serves to improve and enhance commercial
and industrial development, promote logical land use patterns, and to have streets be
utilized for their designed purpose . and capacities; and
WHEREAS, a Thoroughfare Plan serves to limit the potential for congestion,
provides enhanced safely, and is a determinant of land use location by providing an
infrastructure capable of growing with the City; and
WHEREAS, the Planning and Zoning Commission has endorsed and
recommended the proposed Thoroughfare Plan revisions; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Wichita Falls, Texas, deems that the
proposed amendment to the Thoroughfare Plan, will be in the public interest.
NOW. THEREFORE. BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS, THAT: I
SECTION 1 . The 2005 Thoroughfare Plan text and map, indicated as Exhibit OW
incorporated herein as a part of this Ordinance, are hereby adopted as the official
thoroughfare plan of the City of Wichita Falls,
SECTION 2 . It is hereby officially found and determined that the meeting at
which this ordinance was passed was open to the public as required by law.
PASSED AND APPROVED this the 0 day of January, 4005.
ATTEST:
14 iCrtymark
THOROUGHFARE PLAN 2005
CITY OF WICHITA FALLS
A. PURPOSE
The City of W ichlta Falls Thoroughfare Plan serves two concurrent roles:
1) it outlines the functional classification of existing streeporoadways within the City
- classified hierarchy of roadways - from cul -de -sacs through freeways based on
levels of mobility and access', and
2) it delineates proposed logical, long -range street connections and reserves
anticipated right -of -way widths to meet future demand.
The Plan serves to Improve and enhance commercial and industrial development; Promote
logical land use Patterns, and to have streets be utilized for their designed purpose and
capacities.
B: BACKGROUND
The City's first attempt at comprehensive transportation planning occurred in 1954 when the
area Texas Department of Transportation (T%DOT) researched and conducted a Traffic
Origin 8 Destination Survey. Based on the findings of this research, plans were developed
to construct an expressway system (Kell Freeway) to alleviate substandard traffic
movement Since that time numerous Transportation Plan updates (1956, 1959, 1964,
1972 and 19]5) have occurred By 1980, the City of Wichita Falls adopted a Community
Development Plan that addressed the element of transportation. Subsequently, in 1984 e
detailed 20 -year Thoroughfare Plan report was developed to outline the City's existing and
proposed, future street network along with anticipated, minimum right -of -way widths that
would be necessary.
The current City Thoroughfare Plan, which dates from 1996 and 1999, continues to be
updated and revised by City Council on required basis to keep pace with
development needs. A primary criterion for maintaining an adequate street system Is the
requirement that any new subdivision take Into consideration the street layout, arrangement,
character, width, grade and location. As subdivision plans and preliminary plats are
submitted for review, the Planning Division, Public Works, Emergency Services and public
utility companies will consider the proposed streets in relation to: the existing street network,
planned streets, topographical /drainage conditions, safety and convenience and their
appropriate relation to the proposed land uses.
C. STREET CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM
The efficient operation of highways requires the classification of fine functions they are to
Perm and identification of the most effective faculties to perform them. A given type of
movement can best be accommodated on facilities specially designed for that purpose.
Wishing design to use helps ensure homogeneous flow, which contributes to efficiency and
safety. All street networks have a hierarchy of facilities based on their function — reality
and access. Every class of roadway serves as a collection or distributing facility for the next
higher class as Illustrated in Figure f, There is an inverse relationship between mobility and
access- The greater the mobility, the less access hence greater access results in
decreased mobility within the street network
Freeway
Major Arterial
Z Minor Artetlel
gMajor Collector
e Minor Collector
Local Street
Cut de-Sac
Increasing Access
Figure 1 — Hierarchy of Functional street clarralncanan
The basic functions of the City s street and highway system are'.
1) to move traffic between dispensed points; and
2) to provide street access to individual properties.
No Individual class of roadway can adequately perform these *a opposing functions. The
City of Wichita Falls recognizes the standard street classification system established by the
US. Department of Transportation In 1989 that outlines a series of concepts, criteria and
procedures for the functional Class Hoiden of all roadway facilities. It is necessary for a
community to identify and set basic design standards for those streets where land access is
the primary function and those streets where traffic movement is the primary function. To
this extent Table 1 outlines, by street classification, standard design and function
requirements for the City Thoroughfare Plan.
The City of Wichita Falls Street Classification System for urban transportation includes the
following minimum values and requirements.
1. Local Streets 8 Cul -de -Sacs
These street designs are generally utilized in low density, residential developments.
This sheet class includes all facilities not found in a higher Classification. They provide
direct access to adjacent land, access to higher order streets, their design should
discourage through traffic and have the lowest level of mobility . High - density
developments are not suitable for this street design.
a. Local Residential Streets
Local residential streets shall be laid out as to discourage their use by through traffic
where such traffic does not have its origin or destination within the residential area
This shall not include proposals or needs to connect adjoining residential
subdivisions. A secondary function of this street class is to provide an easement for
municipal utilities. Examples of this street type include Granada Drive. Gerald,
Hayes Street, etc.
Its Cul- desacs
The Planning Division, Department of Public Works and Fire Department shall
evaluate the length and turn - around for each cul -de -sac by considering emergency
access, density of residential, intensity of commercial, topography, sight distance,
alternative access and other such issues. The above City departments shall have
sole discretion to mortify right- ef-way and design requirements In the Interest of
public health, safety and general welfare of the area, adjacent development and
future tlevelopment. An example of this street type would be Willowbend, Warwick
Coun, Clayton Lane, Charing Court, etc.
Unless stated to the contrary, the City's Subdivision Ordinance (Sec. 6 - Street
Standards, Specifications & Conditions) includes the following requirements that
shall apply to the development of cut -de -sacs:
Maximum Length Minimum Turning
Land Use _ feel Radfue /Rl ht-of -Wa
Residential __ 600 ft. 100 ft. diameter
Commercial /Industrial )00 ft. 2008 diameter
Proposed local streets Arrowhead Drive, On id ay Trail. Canyon Trails Drive, and an
unnamed street in lake Wellington Estates (minimum 50 fl land at way) are
incorporated into the Thoroughfare Plan as strong recommendations - not
requlmments- accomplishing logical residential street connections
2. Collector Streets
The Collector street system amounts to circulate traffic within residential, commercial
and Industrial areas and may provide direct land access for minor collectors . The City
Thoroughfare Plan generally discourages residential development of land that proposes
direct access onto major collector streets. This street class collects traffic from
residential subdivisions and channels it into the arterial street system,
a. Minor Collectors
The purpose of the minor collector street system is to mrculate traffic within
neigh romoods and move It to one of the higher street presses (major collector or
minor arteriaq. Minor collectors also serve as an easement for utilities. This street
class is designed to accommodate fewer trips per day than major collectors and
some examples in this category Include York, . Grant, Speedway, University, etc.
to Major Collectors
This street class maintains a similar function to that of the minor collector — It
circulates traffic In a neighborhood and moves II to a higher street class dertedals—
minor and major). One of the key differences, ma /or collectors provide limited
connections, only extending from the annual street class Into the Interior of a
neighborhood. Generally, this street class allows for some through traffic movement
and access to local streets wil residential neighborhoods- Intersections with
major collectors must be flared (mum- lanes) and Improved. Some examples of major
collector streets Include portions of McNIeI, Johnson Rd, Seymour Rd, 1a Street,
etc.
3. Arterial Streets
The arterial street system receives traffic from collector streets and channels movement
to the principal arterial system (freeways /expressways)- Trip servince tends to be
Moderate in length and serves as a connection between various parts of the community.
Both minor and major arterials serve similar functions by connecting traffic with the
freeway system and accommodating high volume malls.
a. Minor Arterlals
A minor adenal Is characterized by a headed and/or continuous turn-lanes.
Examples of minor arterials Include Fairway Blvd, Burk Road, Maplewood, etc.
be Major Arterials
Major arterials provide a connection between high volume traffic areas, traffic
generators de malls, universities, thalness /industrial parks, etc.) and principle
neighborhoods. Special major arterials include parkways and boundaries; same
examples include Seymour Hwy., Loop 11, Midwestern Pkwy., etc.
Unless approved by the Directors of Community Development and Public Works, no
residential subdivision shall be platted so that a residence /roils onto or has direct
access to an anerial sheet dri or or major), highway and highway frontage road.
C. Freeways 8 Expressways
Principal stands have the highest level of mobility and the lowest accessibility with
connections controlled through frontage roads and on /off ramps. These routes are
designed to support heavy traffic volumes and provide connections to other
communities and often provide a bypass around the central cry ('re th ". Kell
Freeway, Henry Grace Freeway, etc). The frequency of freeways and expressways is
dependent on the size /density of a city and its proximity to other major urban areas.
This street class should be continuous without any street or railroad grade crossings.
Note. Frontage roatls that parallel freeways /expressways should be
classified independently of the main, controlled access lanes.
Frontage roads function as collector /feeder streets to the freeway
class or roads
5. Existing Street Right -of -Way Re- Classifications
To assist with the interpretation of the Thoroughfare Plan Map, specific streets were
identified in Table 2 - Existing Thoroughfare Plan Streets Proposed for Redesignalion'
that will remain on the Map at their current functional classification (Le. Local Street,
Collector or Arterial). While their existing right -of -way width may not meet the minimum
standards for their functional dassification no additional right -of -way is being sought nor
is widening anticipated.
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D. STREET DESIGN DEFINITIONS
RigM1boLway width
border a. Trawl M Travel a. border
lane lane
Pa.ement width
Access Control:
Full control - The authority to limit access in order to give preference to through traffic with
access points only at selected public roads. At -grade crossings and direct private .
driveway connections are prohibited.
Partial control —The authority to limit access in order to give preference to through traffic to a
degree that, in addition to access at selected public roads, it may permit some at-
grade crossings along with some private driveway connections.
Uncontrolled access — The jurisdictional authority does not limit the number of points of
ingress /egress, except as required through applicable ordinances and as
necessary for safety of the traveling public
BorderlParkway:
The space between the right -of -way line and the face of the roadway curb. In the case
where curbs are not provided, the border is measured from the pavement edge, Typically,
this is a buffer area for sidewalks and essential utilities.
Breakdown Lane:
A lane for parking disabled or emergency vehicles.
Medians:
Provided to separate traffic, control left: hand turns, and provide for landscaping areas.
Median widths, similar to pavement widths, are measured from curb faces.
Parking Lanes:
A lane provided for on- street vehicular parking.
Spacing:
The desirable interval behoove streets of the same functional class for an effective street
system.
Traffic Volume by Facility:
A recommendation based on the total number of vehicles traveling on a street, in both
directions, during a 24 -hour time frame (Average Daily Traffic Count). For each functional
street class there is a range of service from good flow' (quality of service level A -B) through
to at 'capacity' (quality of service level E-F).
E. GENERAL STREET STANDARDS
1. Right-of-Way Requirements
For existing subdivisions where astreet or road is not classified on the Thoroughfare Plan, it is
strongly recommended that it be platted with a right -of -way width indicated in the City of Wichita
Falls Subdivision and Development Regulations (Appendix A), Section 6 — Street Standards,
Speclfleatlons and Conditions
a. Unless otherwise required or approved by the Department of Public Works, existing or
proposed streets OF oads within the City limits not addressed in the Thoroughfare Plan or
under any other plans, are expected to meet all City standards. If it is a state road or highway,
the right -of -way and paving requirements should adhere to state specifications (contact the
TxDOT Usidd office), or where no standards or requirements exist the minimum Fiber of-way
requirement should be the greater of 60 feet or as required by Wichita County. Additional
rightof -way and paving width may be required as determined by long range plans, density or
intensity of development. historical traffic conditions and counts, and other appropriate factors.
b. The minimum right -of -way width and paving width, if the street is not indicated on the
Thoroughfare Plan Map, should be as noted in the written guidelines that accompany the Plan
for that proposed street class and function unless additional width Is required along statn . or
county roads.
C. The Planning Division and Department of Public Works are responsible for approving the
street classification and /or type by considering the nature, density or intensity of proposed or
future land uses related to or affecting the street.
Local streets that serve or propose to serve 150 or more dwellings are required to be
upgraded to minor collector standards (60 -f1. right -of -way) of the Thoroughfare Plan. Density
Calculations for Ideal streets In adjacent Or neighboring residentially zoned areas should be
based on 3.5 dwellings units per acre. In evaluating the street dassffide0on, consideration will
be given to other access points,
d During the planing process, the City will require dedication of right -of -way equal to the width
shown on the Thoroughfare Plan. In cases where the properly is located on one side of an
existing street, one-0alf of the required width shall be dedicated The Directors of Community
Development and Public Works may jointly agree in writing to depart lmm the right of -way
width requirements of the Thoroughfare Plan based on. previous platting patterns, dead
centerlines future street plans, existing read conditions, traffic lbw and ability to ensure
adequate level of service Is provided.
2. Connectivity to Adjacent Subdivisions
Where new Subdivisions are platted, existing principal Streets in adjoining areas should be
continued, be at least as wide as the existing streets and maintain Similar alignment. Where
adjoining areas are not subdivided, the arrangement of streets in the subdivision should
provide for the proper projection of streets into undeveloped areas.
Streets projecting into subdivided areas should be provided with a cul-do -sac as outlined in
the City Codes of Ordinances. Such temporary cul-de -sacs should be constructed to meet
City standards and shown on the preliminary and final plat or be separate instrument, The
Table 2
Existing Thoroughfare Plan Streets Proposed for Re- designation
Minimum Right -ofWey Requirements for Major Collector Streets Upgraded from 55 feet 1070 feet
January 2005.
Required
Thoroughfare
Existing
Roadway
Plan ROW 8
Paving
Segment
From
To Basin nation"
Width
Actual ROW
Recommended Action
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601}
Chang t I lenbc,
A ver S Rd
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30 H.
street t flf
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LO
Brargrove
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60H. n
Change read el
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30 H_
50 (C
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60 it
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LucasAve
9 y tl
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304
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60H in
M C ollector
30 H.
6011
Change I residential
street f 0�
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OIdW tl�60If
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Change t d. 1 I
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M nor Collect
30 H.
50 it
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4430.R
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gosh
KeIIF tg
60 ft n
31}36 -00 -
10060 H.
Change to local residential
Blvtl
6e mour Rd
Rtl
Minor Collector
'334
metllan
street classification (50 it
50 H. min.
Local Residential
Upgrade from a jowl street lea
we H
S eymour Re Monroe St
SI.
33 -30 h.
60 fL _ lle l (60 H 1
50 ft m
'LOOal Pasleamiel
,Upgrade from a local street toe
Reasons Rd
FM 369 'eamnll Rd
SI.
24 h.
ID011. ne r wllactor BOH.
Southwest
hwest
BO tL mm-
1 )00,
Upgrade h0m minorto major
C r
Pkw
Lakeshore Dr
Mmor Collector
46L]IL
collector
Lake Perk Mldweslarn Southwest
]OH. min_
3V40/60/30
Cowngada from motor to minor
Drive P Xwy Pk ry
M]o G011ecmr
934
1 . 4 5/54 H.
gotta for 60 H.
Lakeshore
]O ft min.
Downgrade Main major to minor
D_r_ive Barnett R Fairwa for
Collector
23 H.
50/60/50 H. Imllect
61 0 it
70 it min.
Downgrags from major to min
Si Blvd Burk Rd FM 1]1
Me or Collector
23 ft
60 H.
Collector 60 If
Bel
90 g. rein_
estnOrerd minor a her lal
Mnitiel
formal
Cell Field Rd
Minor Adedal 30474 90/60/504
to meormlledor ]OIL
Minimum Right -ofWey Requirements for Major Collector Streets Upgraded from 55 feet 1070 feet
January 2005.
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