Policy

The City installs all-way stop sign control at the intersection of local residential streets. Streets that are collectors or arterials are identified in the current approved City Transportation Plan. Streets not shown on this plan will be considered "local streets."

A petition process is used to ensure a reasonably strong understanding among the residents that the signs are desired.

Rationale

Stop signs are perceived by the public as deterrents to speed and traffic through neighborhoods to improve public safety. There is no documentation that stop signs do, in fact, lower speeds or traffic volume (other than very close to the stop sign). On the other hand, there is no conclusive evidence that they are unsafe. However, there may well be exceptions. The effectiveness of the signs will be based on the receptivity of the motoring public, and the probability of police enforcement. Public Works will therefore react to the desires of the public through the petition process.

Procedure

The party requesting the signs should contact the Public Works Director. The Director will review the request, including the intersection's accident history and any special characteristics, to determine if installation of all-way stop control is unsafe or unwise. If such a determination is made, the request may be denied. If denied, the Director will send a petition to the requesting party. Petitioning instructions will be included, and will indicate the area to be petitioned, and the percentage of supporting signatures required. Facts relating to the specific intersection will also be sent to the requester.

The completed petition with the required percentage of valid signatures shall be returned to the City. The validity of the petition will be verified. The petition, if valid, will be sent to the City Council. The City Council will decide if the signs should be installed.