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TO: Public Works Commission
Public Safety, Health and Welfare Commission
FROM: Robert Larsen, Engineering Intem
Jennifer Levitt, City Engineer
DATE: June 12, 2013
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The City's sign request policy was adopted March 19, 2003. The policy did not specify the
procedure for Deaf/Autistic/Blind Child sign requests. The sign request policy was revised on
January 2, 2008, by City Engineer Jennifer Levitt. The current sign request policy classifies six
general categories for signs; Deaf/Autistic/Blind Child signs are classified as warning signs, which
are not permitted in the City of Cottage Grove.
Discussion
The City does not allow Deaf/Autistic/Blind Child signs because they serve as warning signs.
Typically warning signs are ignored by drivers in part because the hazard, in this case a deaf child,
is not present on a regular basis so the sign commands no attention from motorists who pass on a
regular basis, causing the sign to lose its meaning. The City does not want to create a false sense
of security for the child and child's parents that the sign is protecting their children and slowing
down drivers.
If warning signs appear too often in residential neighborhoods, they lose credibility with drivers,
thereby making them ineffective. It will also confuse drivers as they get the impression that in
residential neighborhoods without these signs, children do not live in the area and therefore they
do not have to watch out for children.
National studies have found that warning signs appear to be ineffective in slowing down drivers. A
search of safety research literature found no documentation of crash reductions associated with
any other warning sign. There is also a consensus among traffic engineers that static signs that
warn of infrequent conditions or general possibilities are routinely ignored by drivers. Federal
standards and the State of Minnesota therefore discourage the use of warning signs for the
reasons described above. Cottage Grove is not unique in this policy; a few cities in the metro
including Minneapolis, Hastings, Minnetonka, and Chanhassen do not allow Deaf/Autistic/Blind
Child signs.
Recommendation
The Engineering Department does not recommend any changes to the current sign policy involving
Deaf/Autistic/Blind Child signs.
REQUEST OF CITY COUNCIL. ACTION COUNCIL. AGENDA
MEETING ITEM #
DATE 01/02/08 5 . c.
PREPARED BY Engineering Jennifer Levitt
ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT STAFF AUTHOR
COUNCIL ACTION REQUEST
Approve the modifications to the City Sign Request Policy dated December 28, 2007.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommend approval of the modifications to the City Sign Request Policy dated December
28, 2007.
ADVISORY COMMISSION ACTION:
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS
® (MEMO /LETTER: Jennifer Levitt December 28, 2007.
❑ RESOLUTION,
❑ ORDINANCE:
❑ ENGINEERING RECOMMENDATION:
❑ LEGAL RECOMMENDATION:
OTHER: Public Works Commission Excerpt, and Sign Request Policy.
ADMINISTRATORS COMMENTS
City Administrator Date
* * * * ** * *4 * * * * * * ** **** * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
COUNCIL ACTION TAKEN: APPROVED ❑ DENIED ❑ OTHER
DATE
REVIEWED
APPROVED
DENIED
❑ PLANKING
❑
❑
11
PUBLIC SAFETY
11 /20/07
z
El
® PUBLIC WORKS
1018107 &
11 /20/07
❑
❑ PARKS AND RECREATION
❑
❑
❑ HUMAN SERVICES /RIGHTS
❑
❑
C]
❑❑ ECONOMIC DEV. AUTHORITY
❑
❑❑
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS
® (MEMO /LETTER: Jennifer Levitt December 28, 2007.
❑ RESOLUTION,
❑ ORDINANCE:
❑ ENGINEERING RECOMMENDATION:
❑ LEGAL RECOMMENDATION:
OTHER: Public Works Commission Excerpt, and Sign Request Policy.
ADMINISTRATORS COMMENTS
City Administrator Date
* * * * ** * *4 * * * * * * ** **** * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
COUNCIL ACTION TAKEN: APPROVED ❑ DENIED ❑ OTHER
From. Jennifer M. Levitt, P.E., City Engineer
Date: December 28, 2007
Re: City Sign Request Policy - Amendments
Background:
The City's sign: request policy was first adopted on March 19, 2003 which covers six general
categories that establishes how the City determines the need, installation and maintenance of
a resident requested sign. The need for the policy was to have consistent placement of signs
and ensure that necessary warrants were met for their placement.
Discussion:
Since the original policy, was adapted other issues have surfaced regarding stop sign
placement, warning signs, pedestrian crossing signs, autistic children signs and no outlet signs
in which the City's policy is silent. The proposed changes to the policy are highlighted in red in
the attached documents for easy identification. The changes help clarify the City's position on
these signs to help ensure consistency in their use.
The Public Works Commission reviewed the policy changes on October 8, 2007 and approved
the recommended changes. The Public Works Commission and Public Safety, Health and
Welfare Commission on November 20, 2007 approved the criteria outlined in the revised policy
for stop sign, warning signs, pedestrian crosswalks, and no outlet signs.
Recommendation:
Staff recommends- approval of the modifications to the City Sign Request Policy dated
December 28, 2007.
Excerpt from Public Works Commission Meeting, October 8, 2007
City Engineer Jennifer Levitt stated this topic is corning before the Commission to clarify
issues and questions that in the past have been unclear under the Sian policy.
Church Advertising Signs
The City received a request from All Saints Lutheran Church asking to upgrade and
slightly adjust the position of -their sign. At this point the City doesn't have a specific
ordinance or policy providing guidance over these types of signs. Levitt added pylon
signs are not the issue because there is an ordinance prohibiting them, but not for the
small trailblazing -type signs.
Commission Member Cary Kjellberg had a question regarding Special Purpose Signs.
He inquired how the City would }chow when those particular signs are no longer needed.
He noted the Crime Watch signs as an example. Would signs outlive their usefulness?
Levitt replied that few signs are that specialized with the Crime Watch sign being erne,
but signs dealing with children (Watch for Children, etc.) have been eliminated,
Kjellberg also inquired about coast of requested signs. Who would the responsible party
be? Levitt replied the only signs installed of late that have a charge associated with
them would be stop signs for businesses. There are very few signs a person could
request where a charge would be incurred.
Stop Signs
Kjellberg noted the area of Jamaica Avenue at 1t}O Street, does not comply with the T-
intersection guidelines stating the existence of a stop sign at Jamaica and also at 100
Street going eastbound. Levitt concurred this is one instance that would not follow the
policy adding the volume of the street probably dictates the strap sign.
Levitt stated the policy is being reviewed now in the pavement management area
through the traffic analysis. It is being found Lance again, like in Thompson Grove, stop
signs, yield signs and others were extremely inconsistent. Our goal is to develop a
policy for citywide sign consistency.
Street Name Signs
Kjellberg read that "Signs will be replaced by the City when a street name is changed or
the sign is vandalized ". He suggested the sign be replaced once it becomes
unreadable, Some signs due to wear and weather are very difficult to read. This
condition should be criteria for replacement.
Devitt commented that Les Wick of the Sign Division has been changing some signs
because the lettering was not compliant to the new adapted standard size.
Public Works Commission
October 8, 2007
Revised Street Sign Policy
Page 2
Crime Watch Signs
Kjellberg noted these signs are not recommended and there is a question whether they
are doing any good or not. Commission Member Ken Boyden commented that a Crime
Watch Sign may be an advantage to deter illegal activity, or if something happens in the
area, it may assist police to have residents take an active part in observing
neighborhood activity.
Deaf Child /Autistic /Blind Child Signs
Levitt commented that some people are of the belief that autistic child signs have the
same benefit as deaf or blind child signs. Once again, it is felt these signs give a false
sense of security for those children. She knows of one community who posted 12 of
these signs as a test program, however, feels the City of Cottage Grove should not
proceed down this road.
Levitt stated another concern of the engineering firm performing the sign review and
analysis were warning signs such as those indicating "Curves Ahead ", noting there is a
liability associated with these types of signs. She commented there is a similar sign in
the pavement management area (Imperial Avenue) indicating "Sharp Curve Ahead —15
mph ". In the Pinecliff First Addition, the curves are designed to be 20 mph and no signs
were to be posted because this is a residential setting. Essentially, Council had given
immunity in the fact this may cause an over - amount of signs that must be posted in
every single development, for every single curve in town. Essentially, we don't post the
speed of the curve. Common sense in a residential setting should be enough to guide
a motorist to drive at a safe speed.
No Outlet Signs
Staff has been utilizing an unwritten policy: if the end of the road cannot be seen from
the intersection, a "No Outlet" sign shall be installed.
Recommendation for All Saints Lutheran Church Sign Request
MOTION MADE BY KEN BOYDEN, SECONDED BY DAVID ANDERSON TO ALLOW ALL SAINTS
LUTHERAN CHURCH TO CONSTRUCT A REPLACEMENT SIGN CONSISTENT WITH THE CURRENT
SIZE AND SHAPE OF THE EXISTING SIGN WITH LOCATION MODIFICATION TO BE APPROVED BY
ENGINEERING. THE REQUEST TO PLACE AN ADDITIONAL SIGN ON GRANGE BOULEVARD AND
HADLEYAVENUE IS DENIED. MOTION WAS UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED.
Policy Adopted Date: 3119103
Latest Revision Date: 12128/07
SIGN REQUEST POLICY
For Signs Located Within the Public Right-of-Way
Rationale:
The City of Cottage Grove receives many requests for sign installations within the public
right -of -way from residents and City Council members directed to Public Works,
Engineering, and Public Safety. This policy establishes hove the City will respond to such
requests and allocate the resources necessary for determining need, installation, and
maintenance.
Sign Types:
This document
classifies signing into six general categories.
1.
Regulatory
2.
Warning
3.
Directional
4.
Construction
5,
Special Purpose
b.
Not Permitted
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) and the Minnesota Manual of Uniform Traffic
Control Devices (MMUTCD). Both 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.
Examples of ,Regulatory Signs:
Step signs, Yield signs, Do Not Enter, No U -Turn, etc.
Waming
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. Once installed, the City is required to maintain them.
Examples of Warming Signs:
Curve Ahead signs, Steep Slope signs, Strap Ahead signs, etc.
Directional
Directional signs provide additional information to help drivers find particular streets or to
direct them in certain areas. Directional signs are required on higher speed roadways and
must be maintained and are sometimes installed on lower speed roadways but they are
not required.
Examples of Direction Signs: 01h
Jamaica Avenue South, Ideal Avenue South, 7 Street South, etc.
Construction
Construction signing is self explanatory. These signs are installed to move vehicles and
pedestrians safely through or around a construction zone. These signs provide safety to
both vehicles and workers in the area. Their placement is mandated by law.
Special Purpose Signs
Special Purpose Signs are signs that are not required to be provided by the City for
general traffic purposes to provide for the safe and efficient movement of people and
goods. These signs are usually requested by a small group of people or individuals and
benefit only a limited number of citizens.
Examples of Special Purpose Signs:
Crime Watch, Drug Free Zone, Special Events, Deaf Child, Dual Street Names, No
Parking Between Signs, Building Entrance, Children Playing, Limited Time Parking,
etc.
Not Permitted
Not Permitted signs are those that are prohibited by State Statute, City Ordinance, or City
Policy. Examples are private signs on the public right-of-way and advertising. Other
signing that falls into this category are signs that may fall into any of the above categories,
but studies have shown that the sign has no effect on influencing the public's behavior.
These signs may create a false sense of security that actually worsens the situation,
detracts from other signs which have a much higher public safety benefit or the cost of
installation and maintenance far outweighs the benefit.
Procedure for Sign Requests-,
All signs installed in the public right-of-way must be approved by the Engineering
Department or by City Council resolution.
When a sign request is received, the receiving department will complete Part A of the City
of Cottage Grove Sign Request form, including the requester's information, and will
forward the form to the Engineering Department.
The Engineering Department will gather additional information required and assign the
request to one of the six sign classifications explained above. Once the sign has been
classified, the necessary judgment will be applied and any studies and reviews required for
that classification will be completed. This evaluation will result in one of the following
actions:
I Recommended for installation:
Engineering Department recommends, or sees no harm in, installing the sign, installation
of the signs will be approved and cost allocations for the installation will be set. The
requester will be notified and Part B of the Sign Request form will be completed.
2. Not recommended for installation:
Engineering Department determines that the sign will not be installed. The department
representative will send a letter explaining the decision to the requester, including
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of the Sign Request form will be completed and the documentation supporting the decision
will be filed,
Appeals Process
The requester may appeal the not recommended for installation decision by
implementing the following procedure:
The requester may present their rationale and additional information at the
next available Public Works Commission meeting. A decision regarding the
sign request will be made by the Commission and the requester will be
notified about the decision in writing.
If the Public Works Commission concurs with the not recommended for
installation decision, the Commission will send a letter to the requester and
Engineering Department summarizing the basis for the decision and explain
that the requester may appeal the decision further at the Open Forum
session at the City Council meeting.
If the Public Works Commission disagrees with the not recommended for
installation decision, the Commission will notify the Engineering Department
and the Staff will prepare a REQUEST OF CITY COUNCIL ACTION form
and supporting documentation. The Council decision regarding the sign
installation and cost allocation will be implemented and the requester will be
notified in writing.
3. Additional information needed.
If the department requires more information from the requesting party and I or other
departments, the department will schedule the sign request to be reviewed at the next
available Public Works Commission meeting and will invite the requester to present
additional information to the Commission. A decision regarding the sign request will be
made and the requester will be notified about the decision in writing.
Procedure for Sign Installation:
All signs installed in the public right -of -way shall be installed by the Department of Public
Works or under the Department's supervision. Once cost allocations have been
determined, and all funding received, a work order to install the signs will be written. The
Department of Public Works will administratively establish guidelines for the location,
number, design and maintenance of the signs. Routine maintenance of the signs, once
they are installed, will be performed by the [department of Public Works at no charge.
Extraordinary maintenance, such as a high amount of vandalism or theft will cause the
removal of the signs, or the costs of all maintenance to be billed to the requesting party.
Procedure for Sign Maintenance and Removal
The City will inspect signs approximately every twelve years. At this time, all Special
Purpose signs will be removed. If the Special Purpose signs are still desired, the
t requesting party must participate in the funding for reinstallation according to the schedule
of fees for that year.
When a sign is scheduled to be replaced or removed, the Department of Public Works will
attempt to notify the original requesting party and publish a notification in the local
newspaper. If the requested sign is to remind the public of a state law, statute or City
ordinance, the Department of Public Works shall install and maintain the sign only after
receiving a written request to do so from the Cottage Grove Public Safety Commission.
Procedure for Cost Allocation:
When the City determines that a sign is necessary and/or a sign meets warrants, the City
shall pay for engineering services required (such as a traffic study), installation, and
maintenance of the sign as follows:
Regulatory, Warning, Directional, Construction Signs:
These signs are required to be installed and maintained by the City of Cottage Grove for
the safe and efficient movement of people and goods. The City shall be responsible for all
costs of installation, routine maintenance and refurbishing of signs.
For extraordinary maintenance Such as vandalism, theft, damage, etc., the City shall
charge for the full cost of replacement to the responsible party and they shall be held
responsible according to state and local ordinances.
For Sighs not recommended for installation by Engineering staff and Public Works
Commission but approved by Council through the appeals process, the requesting party
shall be responsible for costs incurred for engineering services, document preparation and
sign manufacture and installation.
Special Purpose Signs:
Special Purpose signs serve a limited number of citizens' needs and are not signs required
for the safe and efficient movement of people and goods. Since the signs benefit only a
limited group of people or individuals, the City will charge for installing such signs in order
to defray costs and maintenance of signs in this category.
If the City recommends, or sees no harm in, installing a requested Special Purpose sign,
the City will charge the requester per the City's established fee schedule. The sign costs
also will be determined based on the availability of other fund sources and the contribution
that the sign makes to the public good.
The public will be informed about the fees through the Sign Request procedure and the
fees will be approved by City Council annually in the Schedule of Fees.
For signs not recommended for installation by Engineering staff and Public Works
Commission but approved by Council through the appeals process, the requesting party
shall be responsible for costs incurred for engineering services, document preparation and
sign manufacture and installation,
Attachments.
City of Cottage Grove Sign Request Form
Regulatory Sign Procedures for:
Do Not Enter Sign
No U Turn Sign
Regulatory Speed Limit Sign
Stop Sign
Yield Sign
Warning Sign Procedures for.
Advisory Speed Limit Sign
Playground, Park and Trail Sign
School Pedestrian Sign
Pedestrian Crosswalks
Warning Signs
Directional Sign Procedures for:
Street Name Sign
Special Purpose Sign Procedures for:
Crime Watch Sign
No Outlet Sign
Not Permitted Sign Procedures for:
Deaf Child/Autistic/Blind Child Sign
Watch for Children Signs
The City of Cottage Grove Installs Do Not Enter signs, which are regulatory signs, to
Prohibit vehicles from entering a restricted roadway. These signs can also be
installed to eliminate a traffic movement on a minor street or where a traffic
engineering investigation indicates an unusual or hazardous condition.
Rationale:
When complied with, Do Not Enter signs are an effective tool in minimizing
inappropriate traffic circulation in neighborhoods and other local traffic areas.
The requester should be reminded that when Do Not Enter signs are used to
discourage through traffic on a residential street they are difficult to enforce and
compliance with them is based strictly on the motoring public,
Procedure:
Once a sign request is received, an educational brochure may be distributed to the
requester. Afterwards, accepted traffic engineering procedures and the Minnesota
Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices will be used to determine if conditions
warrant the sign(s). If conditions warrant signing, appropriate signs are then
installed and maintained by the Public Works department, and the City will pay for
the engineering services. If conditions do not warrant signing the requester Will be
invoiced for the engineering services.
NO UJURN SIGNS
The City of Cottage Grove installs No U-Turn signs, which are regulatory signs, to
prohibit vehicles from making turns which may disrupt the flow for on-coming traffic,
thereby increasing danger to all motorists.
Rationale.
When complied with, No U-Turn signs are an effective fool in minimizing
inappropriate traffic circulation in neighborhoods and other local traffic areas.
The requester should be reminded that when No U-Turn signs are used to
discourage through traffic on a residential street they are difficult to enforce and their
compliance is based strictly on the motoring public.
Procedure:
once a sign request is received, an educational brochure may be distributed to the
requester. Afterwards, accepted traffic engineering procedures and the Minn sots
Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices will be used to determine if conditions
warrant the sign(s). If conditions warrant signing, appropriate signs are then
installed and maintained by the Public Works department, and the City will pay for
the engineering services. If conditions do not warrant signing the requester will be
invoiced for the engineering services.
REGULATORY SPEED LIMIT SIGNS
The City of Cottage Grove installs Regulatory Speed Limit signs, which are
regulatory signs. The Minnesota Department of Transportation's Commissioner of
Transportation sets regulatory speed limits for the state based on engineering and
traffic - investigations. These signs are installed to remind the motoring public of the
most common statutory speeds.
Whether the speed limit is posted or not, drivers are required to reduce speed below
these values for poor weather conditions, curves, hills, potential hazards, such as
pedestrians, and when approaching or passing emergency vehicles with emergency
lights flashing.
Rationale:
The regulatory speed ' limit is 30 miles per hour on residential roadways in the City of
Cottage Grove unless posted otherwise, per Minnesota Statute 169.14,
Procedure
Once a sign request is received, an educational brochure may be distributed to the
requester. Afterwards, accepted traffic engineering procedures and the Minnesota
Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices will be used to determine if conditions
warrant the sign(s). If conditions warrant signing, appropriate signs are then
installed and maintained by the Public Works department, and the City will pay for
the engineering services. If conditions do not warrant signing, the requester will be
invoiced for the engineering services. *
STOP SKINS
The City of Cottage Grove installs Stop signs, which are regulatory suns. Stop
signs are not used as a means to slaw traffic. Rather, stop signs are used to assign
right- of-way at intersections.
Local -Local "T" Intersections:
At T4intersections, State law dictates that traffic on the "T" approach leg shall yield to
traffic on the through leg. Therefore, T- intersections with local -local roadways will be
uncontrolled.
High Volume Collector "T" Intersections:
Because of the higher volume of traffic on collector and higher roads, it is desirable
for traffic on the "T" approach leg to stop at these intersections. Therefore, step
signs will be installed at the "T" approach legs at all T- intersections with roadways
with a classification of collector or higher.
44agged Intersections:
It is difficult to clearly determine which vehicles are required to yield at a 4 -leg
intersection. Therefore, all 4-leg intersections will have stop control on the minor
street_ If the intersection is of two local roads, determination of the road to stop will
be made by reviewing the surrounding roadways.
For higher volume intersections, analysis will be made based on the warrants in the
MMUTCD regarding all -way stop control.
Rationale:
Requesters may ask for stop sign {s} due to an accident that recently occurred.
However, there can be many reasons for accidents, including driver error,
decreased visibility, etc. Faulty traffic control is just one reason_ In addition, studies
show that drivers have a tendency to speed up between stop signs to make up for
lost time, which may result in more accidents.
Procedure:
Once a sign request is received, an educational brochure may be distributed to the
requester. Afterwards, accepted traffic engineering procedures and the Minnesota
Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices will be used to determine if conditions
warrant stop signs. If conditions warrant signing, appropriate signs are then
installed and maintained by the Public Works department, and the City will pay for
the engineering services. If conditions do not warrant signing the requester will be
invoiced for the engineering services.
YIELD SIGNS
The City of Cottage Grove installs Yield suns, which are regulatory suns. Yield
signs are not used for traffic control at conventional intersections. Their use is
reserved only for special locations.
Rationale:
The limited use of yield signs is for safety reasons. Studies of yield signs vs. stop
signs vs. no control in similar residential areas that compared intersection control
related accidents for the three areas show that the accident rate for intersections
with yield signs was six times higher than intersections with stop sign control,
Intersections with yield signs had an accident rate twice as high as intersections with
no control at all.
The reason for the high accident rate at yield controlled intersections might be in
part that drivers generally react to a stop sign with their foot on or near the brake
pedal, preparing to stop. The same people's reaction to a yield sign seems to be to
have their foot on or near the gas pedal, preparing to accelerate. Thus, yield signs
should be reserved for locations such as freeway entrance ramps.
Procedure:
Once a sign request is received, an educational brochure may be distributed to the
requester. Afterwards, accepted traffic engineering procedures and the Minne a
Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices will be used to determine if conditions
warrant the sign(s). If conditions warrant signing, appropriate signs are then
installed and maintained by the Public Works department, and the City will pay for
the engineering services. if conditions do not warrant signing the requester will be
invoiced for the engineering services.
ADVISORY SPEED LIMIT SIGNS
Advisory speed limit signs are warning signs. They are installed, where appropriate,
to warn motorists that the maximum safe speed for conditions is less than the
statutory speed limit for that segment of roadway.
Rationale-.
The statutory speed limit on residential roadways in the City of Cottage Grove and
on other streets where no signs are posted is 30 miles per hour per Minnesota
Statute 169.14. Some collector and arterial roadways may have a higher speed limit
and are posted accordingly. Occasionally conditions such as curves in the roadway
make it advisable for the motorist to travel at a speed less than the statutory limit,
and in those locations an advisory speed limit sign may be installed.
Advisory speed limit signs supplement a warning sign. In addition, they are not
enforceable, only informational, and have black lettering on a yellow background.
Conventional, enforceable speed limit signs have black lettering on a white
background.
Procedure:
Once a sign request is received, an educational brochure may be distributed to the
requester. Afterwards, accepted traffic engineering procedures and the Minnesota
Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices will be used to determine the
recommended safe speed for conditions. If that speed is less than the statutory
speed limit, appropriate signs are then installed and maintained by the Public Works
department, and the City will pay for the engineering services. If that speed meets
or exceeds the statutory speed limit,, safe speed conditions, and the sign is installed
through the appeals process, the requester will be invoiced for the engineering
services and the sign per the schedule of fees.
PLAYGROUND, PARK, and TRAIL SIGNS
Playground signs, Park signs, and Trail signs are warning signs used where a
playground, park, or trail is adjacent to an arterial street. They may also be used on
a minor street where a traffic engineering investigation indicates an unusual or
hazardous condition.
Rationale:
This sign is intended to warn motorists of a potential hazardous condition that may
call for a reduction in speed. It is not intended to regulate speed.
Procedure:
Once a sign request is received, an educational brochure may be distributed to the
requester. Afterwards, accepted traffic engineering procedures and the Minnesota
Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices will be used to determine if conditions
warrant the sign(s). If conditions warrant signing, appropriate signs are then
installed and maintained by the Public Works department, and the City will pay for
the engineering services. The Playground sign or Park sign shall generally be
installed approximately 950 feet in advance of the playground or park block. Unique
conditions may dictate special sign locations. When a playground is used in
conjunction with a school, the "school" sign shall take precedence, and no
"Playground" signs shall be placed. If conditions do not warrant signing and the sign
is installed through the appeals process, the requester will be invoiced for the
engineering services and the sign per the schedule of fees.
The school pedestrian crossing signs are warning signs intended for use at
established crossings including signalized locations used by pupils going to and
from school, except that at crossings controlled by stop signs where the sign should
be omitted. Only crossings adjacent to schools and those on established school
pedestrian routes shall be signed.
Whenever a school pedestrian sign is used, a school advance crossing sign must
also be installed.
The school crossing advance sign may be used in advance of school crossings
where the school crossing location sign is absent.
Should a request from the school district exceed compliance standards, as stated in
the current Minnesota Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, it will be the
responsibility of Public School District #833 to absorb the cost of requested traffic
devices and controls.
Rationale:
These signs are intended to warn motorists of a potential pedestrian/motorist conflict
that may call for a reduction in speed. They are not intended to regulate speed.
Procedure:
Requests for signs related to school pedestrian crossings will be considered the
jurisdiction of Public School District #833. The Engineering department will forward
requests to School District #833 and react to their recommendations based upon
-their conformity to federally recommended guidelines,
STREET NAME SIGNS
The City of Cottage Grave installs and maintains Street Name signs, which are
directional signs. The signs are installed at intersections to serve as navigational
and safety devices.
Posts are installed for the street name sign, or the street name signs may be
mounted on street light posts or overhead traffic signals mast arms. On residential
intersections, a post with two signs identifying the cross streets is mounted on one
of the quadrants. On collector or arterial streets two posts mounted on diagonally
opposite corners may exist.
Rationale:
The signs contain the street name as well as the approximate street/postal address
number for the segment of roadway.
Procedure:
Signs will be replaced by the City when a street name is changed or the sign is
vandalized or unreadable.
Y `
Crime Watch signs are special purpose signs that can be installed upon citizen
request and completion of petition process. Signs will be limited to local residential
streets with generally 500 vehicles per day or less. Only one sign, per direction, per
block will be installed.
Rationale;
Crime Watch signs are not recommended. Placement of signs such as Grime
Watch on collector and arterial roadways may lead to sign clutter and distract from
the effectiveness of important regulatory signs. They shall therefore only be allowed
on low volume roadways.
Procedure:
Once a sign request is received, an educational brochure may be distributed to the
requester. The City Engineer or representative will review the request and
determine if the street is eligible by contacting the Public Safety commission. if
eligible, the Engineering department will contact the party and provide
information, regarding the petition process. After receiving the written approval of
the property owner(s) abutting the location of the sign, and payment in accordance
with the City's fee schedule, the Engineering department will determine the location
of the Crime Watch signs. Signs will generally be located near the beginning of the
block.
DEAF CHILD I AUTISTIC/ BLIND CHILD SIGNS
Deaf Child / Autistic/ Blind Child signs are not permitted signs in Cottage Grove and
will not be installed on residential streets; rather the City will focus efforts on
educating residents and the motoring public and Council Members on the rationale
behind this decision.
Rationale:
Deaf Child / Autistic/ Blind Child signs and signs like these are warning signs, but
may also be considered Special Purpose signs, or even Not Permitted signs. This is
because they benefit only a small number of people (Special Purpose) and they
have little or no effect on traffic volumes, traffic speeds, or safety (Not Permitted).
The City has adopted the understanding which states that Deaf Child / Autistic/ Blind
Child signs are Not Permitted because the City does not wish to create a false
sense of security for the child or the child's parents, despite the good intentions of
the requester. Furthermore, a Deaf Child / Autistic/ Blind Child sign cannot
guarantee improvements in traffic safety, even though the hope is that the sign
would remind the neighborhood motorists that a deaf, autistic or blind child may be
present.
Procedure:
Once a request for this type of sign is received, a representative of the Engineering
department will send a letter explaining the decision to not install the sign and
provide information regarding the appeals process.
WATCH FOR CHILDREN SIGNS
Watch for Children and other such signs are not permitted in Cottage Grove and will
not be installed on residential streets, rather the City will focus efforts on educating
residents and the motoring public and Council Members on the rationale behind this
decision. Examples of this sign type include but are not limited to: Watch For
Children, Slow Children, Slow Children at Play, Handicapped, Children at Play, Slow
Handicapped Child.
Rationale:
Watch for Children signs and signs tike these are Warning signs, but may also be
considered Special Purpose signs, or even Not Permitted signs. This is because
they benefit only a small number of people (Special Purpose) and they have tittle or
no effect on traffic volumes, traffic speeds, or safety (Mot Permitted ).
The City has adopted the understanding which states that Watch for Children and
other such signs are Not Permitted because the City does not wish to create a false
sense of security for the child or the child's parents, despite the good intentions of
the requester. Furthermore, a Watch for Children area sign cannot guarantee
improvements in traffic safety, even though the hope is that the sign would remind
the neighborhood motorists that children may be present.
Procedure:
Once a request for this type of sign is received, a representative of the Engineering
department will send a letter explaining the decision to not install the sign and
provide information regarding the appeals process.
WARNING SIGNS
Warning signs shall be used only where special conditions exist. Overuse of these
signs will make them ineffective. Therefore, warring signs will be installed on
collector and higher roads to warn of unexpected conditions.
On local roads, warning signs will only be installed to warn of conditions not typically
encountered on a low speed residential street.
All warning signs shall be diamond�shaped with black legend on a yellow
background.
Examples of WNarning Signs.
Curve Ahead signs, Steep Slope signs, Stop Ahead signs, etc.
Nationale:
These signs are intended to warn motorists of a potential pedestrian /motorist conflict
that may call for a reduction in speed. They are not intended to regulate speed.
Procedure:
Once a sign request is received, an educational brochure may be distributed to the
requester. Afterwards, accepted traffic engineering procedures and the Minnesota
Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices will be used to determine if conditions
warrant the sign(s). If conditions warrant signing, appropriate signs are then
installed and maintained by the Public Works department, and the City will pay for
the engineering services.
No crosswalk or advanced crosswalk signs required at controlled intersections. All
mid-block crosswalks will be marked and crosswalk signs will be installed. If the
speed limit is above 30mph, or if there are sight restrictions approaching a mid -block
crosswalk, crosswalk and advance crosswalk signs will be installed. Mid -block
crosswalks with speed limit less than 30mph crosswalk sign only will be installed.
9 Latex paint for all lane markings on existing roadways and pavement - marking
tape on new pavement surfaces.
Stop Bars shall be 24" wide tape and placed at intersections on Collector and
Arterial roadways.
Crosswalk shall be 12" wide tape and placed on all Collector and Arterial
roadways for both sidewalks and trail crossings, regardless if it is a controlled
intersection.
+ Mid- block crosswalks shall have pavement markings tape, if warrants are met
for such marking.
Rationale:
These signs are intended to warn motorists of a potential pedestrian /motorist conflict
that may call for a reduction in speed. They are not intended to regulate speed.
Procedure
Once a sign request is received, an educational brochure may be distributed to the
requester. Afterwards, accepted traffic engineering procedures and the Minnesota
Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devicps will be used to determine if conditions
warrant the sign(s). If conditions warrant signing, appropriate signs are then
installed and maintained by the Public Works department, and the City will pay for
the engineering services
NO OUTLET SIGNS
The City of Cottage Grove installs No Outlet signs, which are Special Purpose signs,
to minimizing inappropriate traffic circulation in neighborhoods and other local traffic
areas. These signs will be installed, when requested by residents, If the terminus of
the roadway cannot be seen from the intersection.
Rationale:
When complied with, No Outlet signs are an effective tool in minimizing
inappropriate traffic circulation in neighborhoods and other local traffir, areas.
The requester should be reminded that when No Outlet signs are used to
discourage through traffic on a residential street they are difficult to enforce and
compliance with them is based strictly on the motoring public.
Procedure:
Once a sign request is received, an educational brochure may be distributed to the
requester. Afterwards, accepted traffic engineering procedures. and the Minnesota
Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Device will be used to determine if conditions
warrant the sign(s). If conditions warrant signing, appropriate signs are then
installed and maintained by the Public Works department, and the City will pay for
the engineering services. If conditions do not warrant signing the requester will be
invoiced for the engineering services.