HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 10455 INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 20-10455
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council August 4, 2020
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SUBJECT: STREET GRAPHICS
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The purpose of this informal report is to provide information on a proposed Street Graphics Policy, in
response to requests from community members and Council members. This policy would complement the
Traffic Control Wrap Projects Policy adopted by the City Council in 2015 (M&C G-18619).
Street Graphics Pilot Project
In June of 2020, the City received requests from community members to use City streets for painting
messages and expressions. The pilot project request, as a response to current events, was to paint "End
Racism Now" on Main Street between 8th Street and 9th Street. The applicant submitted a Temporary
Street Use Permit Application for Non-Construction, a detailed map, and a Certificate of Liability
Insurance. Staff approved the street use permit to allow painting to occur June 26 to 28.
To date, the pilot project has not interfered with the operation of the roadway, and staff has not received
any concerns or noticed any safety issues. The project attracted positive network media attention and was
even aired on the BBC Network. This location has worked well because Main Street is a two-lane
roadway, the graphics were limited to one block, and the traffic volumes are relatively low. Overall,
stakeholders believe the pilot project has been a success and staff concurs. Since the installation on Main
Street, the City has received additional requests to use other streets for messaging and expression,
necessitating the creation of a policy to address issues related to using City streets in such a manner.
Street Graphics Policy
The Transportation and Public Works Department is working with the Law Department to prepare a Street
Graphics Policy for City Council consideration. The policy would include:
• Parameters for location eligibility, including streets with a speed limit of 30 mph or less or otherwise
meeting safety requirements
• Community support requirement
• Application requirements, including proposed graphic design, traffic safety plan, and insurance and
indemnification
• Review procedures including approval by the City Traffic Engineer
• Required use of water-based paint and applicant removal of graphics after six months or at the
City's discretion
• One of three options for words based on direction from the City Council:
1. Allow words but disallow names of persons, organizations, corporations, professions, and
governmental entities and functions
2. Only allow words for neighborhood and place names
3. Disallow words
Unless directed otherwise, staff will bring forward a policy for City Council action on August 11. For any
questions, please contact Tanya Brooks, TPW Assistant Director, at 817-392-7861.
David Cooke
City Manager
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS