1E, Draft Revised Traffic Sign Policy

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ARDEN HILLS TRAFFIC SIGN REQUEST POLICY For Signs Located Within the Public Right-of-Way Rationale: The City of Arden Hills receives many requests for sign installations within the public right- of-way from residents, public safety representatives, city staff, and City Council members directed to the Public Works Department. This policy establishes how the City will respond to such requests for approval, installation, or removal of traffic signs in locations where such sign is not required by law, and is on a street belonging to the City of Arden Hills. Requests for signs on County and State controlled streets will be forwarded to the appropriate agencies. This Policy also establishes the resources necessary for determining need, installation, and maintenance. Sign Types: This document classifies signing into five general categories: 1. Regulatory 2. Warning 3. Directional 4. Construction 5. Special Purpose Regulatory Regulatory signing is defined as signing that informs drivers on how to function at an intersection or on a street. In the case of most regulatory signing there are certain criteria that must be met before they are installed. These criteria are set out in the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), the Minnesota Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MMUTCD), and the Municipal State Aid Rules. These documents specify conditions for installation as well as requirements of maintenance. The courts look to this national publication, MUTCD, and also state publication, MMUTCD, when determining the reasonableness of installation and maintenance. State Statutes dictate that the "local road authority" (City Council) specifically approve and direct changes to regulatory-type signage. Regulatory signage relates to situations where a traffic citation can be issued. When a request is received for a regulatory sign, a warrant analysis will be completed and a recommendation will be forwarded to the City Council for action. Examples of Regulatory Signs: Stop signs, Yield signs, No Parking, Regulatory Speed Limit (over 30 mph), Do Not Enter, No U-Turn, etc. Warning Warning signs are signs that provide advanced warning to drivers or pedestrians that something dangerous or unexpected may be ahead. As with the Regulatory signs, these signs are generally mandated by the standards as to where and when they must be installed. When a request is received for a warning sign, a warrant analysis will be completed, and signs installed if they are warranted. Examples of Warning Signs: Curve Ahead signs, Steep Slope signs, Advisory Speed Limit, Stop Ahead signs, Dead End, Playground Ahead, etc.