Politics & Government
Sandy Springs Looks to Revise Sidewalk Policy
The City Council on Tuesday voted to suspend enforcing part of its policy that requires new sidewalks for new or redevelopment projects.
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The city of Sandy Springs will temporarily hold off on enforcing part of its sidewalk policy.
The City Council on Tuesday unanimously voted to suspend the policy, which requires either payment in lieu of installing a sidewalk or the construction of a new sidewalk on new development or redevelopment of residential properties, until the city reviews the current policy.
The action, which was offered in the form of a motion by Councilman Gabriel Sterling, stipulates the suspension will not exceed 60 days. During the interim phase, a temporary certificate of occupancy can by issued by the city to the property owner, with the understanding that they will have to comply with the final policy once it's in place.
The council in October approved requirements that all new development and redevelopment projects must build sidewalks along roads unless a unique hardship — e.g., topographical or drainage issues — was presented that would hinder that development on the property.
However, since the city adopted the new policy, city staff stipulates a number of new sidewalks sections have been constructed, but there have been requests to waive the policy for reasons due to the lack of a sidewalk network or light traffic on roads or slow speeds along a particular street.
Assistant City Manager Jim Tolbert said it's become clear the current policy is not what the City Council intended to serve as the outcome, which is why the issue is back before the body to consider.
Tolbert said city staff believes there are certain cases where you would "build sidewalks at all times," such as development along arterial and collector streets, commercial zoned areas and roads within 2,100 feet within school, park or MARTA bus stop.
City staff recommended to the council to waive construction in residential areas along roadways that are not classified as arterial or collector streets; where sidewalks already exist on one side of the street opposite of the applicant's site; where there are "significant topographical issues or drainage problems" that would take a widespread, multi-property effort to build a sidewalk; where disproportionate impact to protected, boundary or landmark trees would be caused; and where there is no sidewalk within 500 linear feet on the same side of the road or cul-de-sacs that are less than 1,200 linear feet.
City Councilman Tibby DeJulio, who said he's received no less than 15 emails critical of the requirements, said the policy of either requiring a sidewalk or payment in lieu of not building a sidewalk — $150 per foot of frontage — is not what the city intended when it implemented the new standards.
"Some streets will never have sidewalks," he said, adding the city should figure out a way to encourage young families in Sandy Springs to continue improve their properties without sticking those residents with a large bill if they choose not to build sidewalks.
Councilman Graham McDonald agreed with DeJulio, and said he felt the current policy has had some unintended consequences.
McDonald recounted the story of a doctor who lives on Aberdeen Drive who decided to build a new home at the at the end of the cul-de-sac in the neighborhood.
"Nobody drives by his house," he said. "I've walked this road and he has no sidewalks on either side and now, the last I heard, staff was telling him he's got to build a sidewalk."
Councilman Andy Bauman said he'd also support a policy that would stop the construction of sidewalks to nowhere in neighborhoods where they don't want or need them. if the city continues with a payment in lieu policy, Bauman said he'd hope the city would lower the price tag "substantially" from the $150 per foot cost.
"I totally agree that the one size fits all policy doesn't work," he said. "We need to change it and we need to change it right away."
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