This is a policy in relation to traffic calming initiatives.  Any interference with the normal traffic flow has an impact upon all residents and users to a community; the Town understands the importance of meeting the needs of the community and ensuring that safe vehicular travel is maintained.  In those neighborhoods where an HOA (Home Owners Association) or similar type of organization exists, it is imperative that this group become an integral part of Town recommended changes to roadways.  In addition to traffic on streets within an identified neighborhood, concern must also be placed on connecting streets and cul-de-sacs that are affected by the petitioning neighborhood.  Specific policies are as follows: 

• Traffic calming initiatives may include police enforcement, lower speed limit, parking controls, traffic circles, turn restrictions, changed street patterns, street closures, multi-way stop intersections, speed humps, striping, and/or other.
• The Town will exhaust other initiatives to calm traffic prior to considering the installation of speed humps.  All speed hump eligibility requirements must be met for the Town to consider installation.  Meeting these requirements does not guarantee installation.
• The only streets eligible for traffic calming initiative installation will be Town maintained residential streets or neighborhood collector streets. Residential streets, e.g., Brinkley Street, Washam Street, Pine Street; neighborhood collector streets, e.g. Danesway Lane, Church Street, Peninsula Club Drive.
• An information package to include this policy, a petition form, and speed hump guideline requests and qualifications form will be mailed upon request.
• For Neighborhoods with an HOA:  If residents of a particular neighborhood (with an HOA) are interested in traffic calming initiatives, then a letter requesting these initiatives must originate from the HOA.  The letter must clearly state that the decision to request has been made with the legal authority of either the HOA President, Board, membership, or authorizing body/entity.  The letter shall also indicate the area(s) or street(s) that is/are proposed for traffic calming initiatives.  The letter should include contact information for at least two individuals.  These contacts will be responsible for notifying the HOA of the status of the request.
• For Neighborhoods without an HOA:  If residents of a particular street (in a neighborhood without an HOA) are interested in traffic calming initiatives, then a signed petition by the residents of the street proposed for traffic calming initiatives must have 80% of the residents in favor of calming initiatives.  Each submitted petition is to include the names of two contacts. The Town will work with these or other individuals upon their request. These contacts will be responsible for notifying all others on the street regarding the status of the request.
• After Town Staff has evaluated the HOA’s or petitioners’ request and exhausted other initiatives, the HOA or petitioner may request speed humps by completing the Speed Hump Request and Qualifications form.
• The Town will consider the effects of traffic calming initiatives upon connecting streets and cul-de-sacs.
• Requests will be logged in as they are received and then reviewed in that order by the Town Manager’s Office. The Town Board of Commissioners may appropriate a certain amount of money each year to be spent on calming initiatives. After that money is spent, a waiting list will be created. However, in the event the residents want to participate by private funding, devices may be installed in accordance with directives from the Town Manager’s Office.
• The Town will accept petitions and requests throughout the year and may respond in groups to reduce costs.
• Streets shall be reviewed by Town Staff to determine the need, if any, for traffic control. All calming initiatives shall be approved by the Town Manager’s Office.
• After the petition or request is reviewed, the Town Manager’s Office shall notify the two identified contacts regarding the status.
• The Board of Commissioners gives authority to the Town Manager to make emergency and safety correction(s) to traffic calming initiatives, as well as any and all streets maintained by the Town if, in his/her professional opinion correction(s) need to be made.

Adopted by the Cornelius Town Board of Commissioners on 9-19-05

Speed Hump Guidelines as Recommended by the Town

• Maximum 40-ft. street width at speed hump
• 5% maximum grade
• Minimum 200 ft. from intersections
• Minimum 200ft. and maximum 600 ft. spacing between humps (275’ ideal)
• Minimum 200 ft. stopping sight distance prior to speed hump
• Place near street lighting
• If no curb and gutter, place where motorists cannot travel around speed hump (if possible)
• Place near intersecting property lines, if possible, and avoid utilities
• Street should not be a primary EMS route.

Complete the Petition and Request Forms to initiate this process.