Ordinance 09-003 Amending Speed Limits CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY
SPOKANE COUNTY,WASHINGTON
ORDINANCE NO. 09-003
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY,
SPOKANE COUNTY, WASHINGTON, AMENDING SPOKANE VALLEY
MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 9.05.030 RELATING TO SPEED LIMITS
THROUGHOUT THE CITY,AND OTHER MATTERS RELATING THERETO.
WHEREAS, the City adopted Ordinance.03-047 prior to incorporation, which established speed
limits in the City as those previously adopted by Spokane County; and
WHEREAS, the City Council now desires to identify all previously-adopted speed limits
applicable on City roads, in a format that is more accessible and easier to use for the public. The new
format is referred to as the "Master Speed Limit Schedule," which shall be adopted by separate
resolution, and may be amended from time to time under criteria set forth in City Code and Washington
law; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has authority under RCW 46.61.415 to change speed limits if the
jurisdiction determines on the basis of an engineering and traffic investigation that it is appropriate,
which is an exercise of power of the City to protect the health, safety, and welfare of its citizens; and
WHEREAS, the Senior Traffic Engineer has conducted an engineering and traffic investigation
for all proposed changes to existing speed limits in accordance with WAC 308-330-270, and has
determined that these changes are reasonable and safe.
NOW THEREFORE the City Council of the City of Spokane Valley, Spokane County,
Washington, ordains as follows:
Section 1. Purpose. The purpose of this Ordinance is to amend SVMC Section 9.05.030 for
the purpose of establishing all speed limits in the City in one central Master Speed Limit Schedule.
Section 2. Spokane Valley Municipal Code section 9.05.030 is hereby amended as follows:
9.05.030 Speed Limits.
A. Subject to RCW 46.61.400(1) and (3), the maximum speed limit for all City streets is
established as 25 miles per hour except where a lower or greater maximum lawful speed is established by
Spokane Valley ordinance or resolution pursuant to WAC 308-330-270 and RCW 46.61.415 and for
which speed limit signs have been duly posted by the City. Alterations from those general speed limits,
including for school zones and parks, are set forth in the Master Speed Limit Schedule, which may be
adopted and amended from time to time by separate resolution. Any such alteration shall be made on the
basis of an engineering and traffic investigation, be reasonable and safe, and in the health, safety and
welfare of the citizens of this City. The City of Spokane Valley may amend or adopt such school speed
zones as necessary and may designate school speed zones with any of the signage options pursuant to
WAC 392-151-035 as adopted or amended.
B. The City Senior Traffic Engineer or designated representative is authorized to temporarily
reduce the maximum allowable speed on any city road, as the Senior Traffic Engineer deems necessary
during road construction and/or emergency conditions. The speed limit reductions shall become effective
upon the placement of standard signs indicating the maximum allowable speed, and shall cease at such
time as the signs are removed by the Senior Traffic Engineer or that person's representative. All signs
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placed in accordance with this section shall conform to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices
for streets and highways for the state of Washington.
Section 3. Severability. If any section, sentence, clause or phrase of this Ordinance should
be held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity or
unconstitutionality shall not affect the validity or constitutionality of any other section, sentence, clause
or phrase of this Ordinance.
Section 4. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall become effective five days after
publication of the ordinance, or a summary thereof, in the official newspaper of the City.
Adopted this 24th day of March,2009.
ATTEST: CITY 0 P"To VALLEY
•
ity Clerk, Christine Bainbridge R'chard unson, ayor
Approved as to Form:
Office f the City Attorney
Date of Publication: 4-03-09
Effective Date: 4-08-09
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