On May 19th, 2009 the Kansas City, Missouri City Council adopted a new development code to guide future development and re-development.  Let’s Go KC and our affiliated organizations worked very hard to make sure the  regulations include  many improvements for pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit users.

Development code details on the city’s web site – if you want to read the huge document yourself…

Transportation Choice Issues in the Development Code

1. Bicycle parking for employees and tenants
Making bicycling a more viable transportation option requires the provision of bike parking in the workplace and multi-family housing. Read More.
Outcome: Success!

2. Traffic impact analysis for automobiles, bicycles, and pedestrians
Developers must analyze the impact of their projects on automobile traffic. This should include the impact on bicycle and pedestrian movement. Read More.
Outcome: Success!

3. Implement the 2003 Walkability Plan
The city has an approved plan to make the city more walkable, and it must be included in the development code. Read More.
Outcome: Success!

4. Parking Reform
Outdated suburban-style parking rules inhibit redevelopment of urban areas and promote wasteful land use in suburban areas. Read More.
Outcome: Success!

4. Trails in lieu of sidewalks
Building trails instead of sidewalks along our streets not only violates national standards, it is also dangerous. Read More.
Outcome: This did not make it into the new development, but city staff is drafting policies and standards for trails.

5. Streamway corridor trails
Natural corridors along streams and rivers is now protected from development, and trails are allowed within this protected corridor. Read More.
Outcome: Success!  The City Council adopted this as part of a stand-alone ordinance in 2008.