Neighborhood Traffic-Calming Measures

The City of Stafford has created a policy in response to requests for traffic-calming measures in residential neighborhoods. The policy allows Stafford citizens to request the installation or removal of speed humps. The policy and procedures specify the types of streets that are eligible for consideration, how to submit a request, and the procedures used to evaluate the request and subsequent application. It provides a means for residents in the Primary Affected Area to participate in the process and understand the impact on the street prior to creation of a project. The City is responsible for the implementation of this policy and the installation or removal of any approved traffic-calming measure. If you have any questions concerning the policy or procedures, please contact the Public Works Department at publicworks@staffordtx.gov.

Eligibility Requirements

An Application for the installation of a traffic-calming measure(s) must meet all of the eligibility requirements below:

1. Traffic-calming measures must be speed humps/cushions and/or signage.
2. Operational characteristics of the Target Street:
   1. Traffic-calming measure(s) may be requested for local streets.
   2. Properties fronting the Target Street must be residential in character.
3. Geometric characteristics of the Target Street:
   1. The Target Street must have adequate sight distances for safely accommodating the traffic-calming measure(s), as determined by the City.
   2. The Target Street must not have curves or grades that prevent the safe placement of the traffic-calming measure(s). No grades greater than 5% are eligible.
   3. The Target Street must be paved and be at least 1,000 feet in continuous length. If there is no curb-and-gutter system in place, a special design is required to prevent vehicles from going around the traffic-calming measure(s).
   4. The design and implementation of the traffic-calming measure(s) must not interfere with the existing Target Street drainage, property access, or driveways.
   5. Street reconstruction of the Target Street scheduled to occur within one year of the requested traffic-calming measure(s) will delay the request until such time. If approved, it will be completed during the planned reconstruction.

Procedure

Step 1: Initial Request – A Stafford property resident must submit a Request for installation (or removal) of a traffic-calming measure to the Department of Public Works, which thereafter triggers the generation of a traffic-calming Petition to be issued and dated by the City. To view the initial request, click here.

Step 2: Petition – The petition must be signed by at least 35% of the property owners residing in the Primary Affected Area within 90 days of issuance. Signatures of renters or tenants do qualify.

Step 3: Application – After the required number of signatures has been met, the requestor may submit an official Application for the installation or removal of a traffic-calming measure. A complete application consists of the following: (1) a completed Application for Neighborhood Traffic-Calming Measures, (2) a completed Petition for Residential Neighborhood Traffic-Calming Measures, and (3) the application review fee of $100.00. To view the application form, click here.

Step 4: Review – Each Application will be reviewed by the City for eligibility and compliance with City policy, and only complete Applications will be accepted and processed for consideration by the City Council.

Step 5: Public Notice – Once City staff has reviewed and confirmed that an Application is complete, the City will notify all property residents within the Primary Affected Area of the proposed traffic-calming measure(s). The notice will describe the proposed measure and location, and it will also provide the date of the City Council meeting where the traffic-calming measure(s) will be considered. Finally, the notice will provide information on how property residents may provide feedback and a deadline for doing so.

Step 6: Council Decision* – The City Council shall have the final decision regarding Applications for Neighborhood Traffic-Calming Measures. At the City Council public hearing, members of the public will have an additional opportunity to provide feedback prior to the Council’s decision.

*NOTE* In the event that the City Council denies an Application, no Application may be submitted for the street that was denied for one year from the date of the City Council’s decision.

Definitions

Applicant: The individual who submits an application requesting the installation or removal of a traffic-calming measure. They may be designated as the contact person for a group (HOA or subdivision).

Primary Affected Area: The area consisting of the properties abutting the Target Street. The City of Stafford will determine the Primary Affected Area for the Target Street following the submittal of a complete initial request.

Street Length: The quantified distance along the centerline of the street from the last intersection or an existing turnaround point, dead-end, or cul-de-sac.

Target Street: The street for which a complete request or application for the installation or removal of a traffic-calming measure has been submitted to the City.

Traffic-Calming Measure: Traffic control regulatory signage, physical barrier, or a geometric design feature intended to reduce the speed of vehicles travelling a roadway; e.g., speed humps/cushions and signs.