(a)

Purpose. The purpose of this section is to enhance the health, safety and welfare of the public by the development of a comprehensive non-motorized system to improve access, promote health, conserve energy resources and provide recreation opportunities.

(b)

Applicability. Sidewalks shall be required in the following areas:

(1)

The incorporated areas of all cities.

(2)

The unincorporated areas of the county within two miles of the borders of the cities of La Porte or Michigan City.

(c)

Sidewalk Requirement. Within the applicable areas described in subsection (b) above, sidewalks shall be provided along all streets as follows:

(1)

Sidewalks shall be required along both sides of all streets in all subdivision plats and mixed-use and multiple-family developments.

(2)

Sidewalks shall be required for all uses along all major thoroughfare frontages. The applicant, owner or developer of any use that is subject to site plan approval under Section 23.02 shall be required to install a sidewalk along the entire street frontage of the petitioner's lot, meeting the requirements of this section.

(d)

Location. Sidewalks shall be installed by the developer one foot within the dedicated street right-of-way. Sidewalks shall be located to align with existing or future sidewalks on adjacent lots. Where the applicable road agency determines that there is not sufficient right-of-way for sidewalks, the sidewalks shall be installed in pedestrian easements adjacent to the right-of-way.

(e)

Construction Standards. All sidewalks shall be four inch thick concrete, pervious pavement, rubber pavement systems or other suitable surface, as determined by the enforcement official, and constructed to the city engineering specifications. All sidewalks shall be at least five feet wide. Sidewalks shall be graded such that runoff sheet flows to an adjacent vegetated area. Multi-modal pathways may be constructed of asphalt or concrete meeting the above thickness specifications or as specified by the county highway engineer or city engineer.

(f)

Crosswalks. An inclined approach shall be required where sidewalks intersect curbs for barrier free access to the sidewalk. Crosswalk pavement markings and signs may be required at intersections.

(g)

Installation of Residential Sidewalks. Required sidewalks may be installed for a residential lot in a new residential subdivision after construction of the dwelling unit, if the developer has posted a performance guarantee to cover the cost of all sidewalk installation. A certificate of occupancy for the dwelling shall not be issued until the required sidewalk is installed.

(h)

Low Density Developments. For residential developments where the overall density is less than one dwelling unit per 24,000 square feet of 1.8 units per acre, the sidewalk requirement for streets internal to the development may be substituted for another form of pedestrian circulation system, such as sidewalks on one side of the street or pathways through open space areas.

(i)

Trails. Within Michigan City, trails shall be provided as set out in the Comprehensive Plan. Connections between land uses and trails shall be provided where the trail crosses or abuts the parcel proposed for development.

(Ord. No. 4500, §§ 5.34., 5.35, 2-5-2019