Information for Municipalities

Complete Streets Policy Development

Complete Streets policies direct planners and engineers to regularly design and operate the right-of-way to enable safe access for all users, regardless of age, ability, or mode. Passing a policy produces a comprehensive vision for a transportation network that integrates the needs of all people traveling by foot, bicycle, transit or automobile into a city or town’s transportation project plans and practices.

Model Municipal Policy

If your municipality is interested in passing a Complete Streets policy, Orange County Planning has created a comprehensive model municipal-level policy to simplify the drafting process. Contact OCTC Staff at OCTC@orangecountygov.com for more information.

For more information about the key policy elements and policy grading scale by Smart Growth America visit: https://smartgrowthamerica.org/resources/elements-complete-streets-policy/

Design Guidance

By reviewing and revising existing standards to support design flexibility, departments of transportation and public works can advance their community’s Complete Streets vision and support more cost-effective ways to achieve transportation goals. In recognition of various contexts, public input, and the needs of users, a balanced approach that follows appropriate design standards should be considered. This approach should aim to provide a comparable level of safety for all users and complement the projects physical setting while preserving scenic, aesthetic, historic, and environmental resources.

Recommended Resources:

American Association of State Highway Officials (AASHTO) Guide for the Planning, Design, and Operation of Pedestrian Facilities
Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) Traffic Calming Measures and Walkable Urban Thoroughfares
Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD)
National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) Urban Bikeway Design Guide
New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) Complete Streets Standards
Public Right-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG)
American’s with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG)

Funding & Cost Guidance