Request Traffic Calming Study - Chesapeake Ordinance

In Chesapeake, Virginia, residents can ask the city to evaluate a street for traffic calming measures such as speed bumps or roundabouts. This guide explains who decides requests, the typical technical and community criteria, how to apply, expected timeframes, and what enforcement or appeals options exist. Use the official program page and municipal code links below to confirm procedures and any forms you must file before submitting a petition.

How the traffic calming request process works

The City of Chesapeake evaluates requests under its traffic-calming procedures and the City Code for vehicles and traffic. A typical process includes an initial eligibility review, data collection (speed and volume studies), community notification, engineering analysis, and a final decision by the responsible department or committee. Where engineering solutions are needed, the city may propose measures ranging from signage and markings to physical devices such as speed humps or intersection redesigns.

• Initial eligibility review and scheduling of studies.
• Traffic counts, speed studies, and field inspection.
• Community notification and opportunity to comment.
• Engineering design and cost estimate for physical changes.

Who is responsible

The typical enforcer and administrator for traffic calming and traffic-control devices in Chesapeake is the Department of Public Works, Traffic Engineering or Transportation division, acting under the City Code for vehicles and traffic. Contact the department for inspections, studies, and enforcement of traffic-control devices. For preliminary guidance and to start a request, use the city program page or the municipal code references below^[1][2].

Penalties & Enforcement

Traffic calming requests themselves are administrative actions; however, violations of traffic-control devices and related ordinances are enforced under the City Code and state traffic laws. The official municipal code pages describe the applicable rules and enforcement authority but do not list specific fine amounts on the cited pages for traffic calming petitions. Where fines or penalties for violating traffic-control devices are needed, the City refers to the vehicle and traffic ordinances and state code for penalties.^[2]

• Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
• Escalation for repeat or continuing offences: not specified on the cited page.
• Non-monetary sanctions: orders to remove or correct installations, compliance orders, and referral to court where applicable.
• Enforcer: Department of Public Works / Traffic Engineering; inspections occur through scheduled field reviews or complaint-driven visits.
• Appeals/review: review or appeal routes are managed by the administering department or by filing the statutory appeals set out in the City Code; specific time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited page.

Applications & Forms

The city publishes procedures and any petition or request forms through the Department of Public Works. If a specific traffic calming petition form exists, the program page and forms library provide download and submission instructions; if no form is published on the official page, state that none is officially published and contact the department to request the proper application.^[1]

Community input and evaluation criteria

Decisions typically weigh safety data, average speeds, traffic volume, collision history, emergency vehicle access, drainage and sidewalk impacts, and neighborhood support. The city often requires documented resident support or signatures on a petition before proceeding to studies and design.

• Timeframe for studies: variable; initial study scheduling depends on workload and season.
• Data considered: speed, volume, collisions, and site constraints.
• Community input: petitions, neighborhood meetings, and public comment periods.

Action steps

• Contact the Department of Public Works or Traffic Engineering to request eligibility screening and obtain any petition form^[1].
• Gather signatures or documented support from affected residents as required by the local procedure.
• Allow time for the city to perform speed and volume studies and an engineering review.
• If approved, review proposed measures, cost-share (if applicable), and installation schedule.

FAQ

How long does a study take?

Time varies by workload and season; the city schedules speed and volume studies after an eligibility review and community input collection.

Do I need signatures from neighbors?

Many requests require documented neighborhood support or a petition; check the department guidance for the specific neighborhood threshold.

Who pays for installation of a roundabout or speed hump?

Cost and cost-sharing depend on the project type and city policy; contact the Department of Public Works for project-specific fee information.

How-To

1. Contact the Department of Public Works or Traffic Engineering to request a traffic calming eligibility review and ask for any required petition form^[1].
2. Gather required resident support and submit the completed petition or application as directed by the department.
3. Allow the city to perform traffic counts and an engineering evaluation; respond to any requests for additional information.
4. Review the city's recommendation; if the measure is approved, follow payment or agreement steps for installation if required.

Key Takeaways

• Start at Public Works: eligibility review is the required first step.
• Community support and technical data drive decisions.

Help and Support / Resources

• City of Chesapeake - Department of Public Works
• City of Chesapeake - Municipal Code (Code of Ordinances)
• City of Chesapeake - Planning & Development

1. [1] City of Chesapeake Traffic Calming Program page
2. [2] City of Chesapeake Code of Ordinances (Vehicles & Traffic)
3. [3] City of Chesapeake Department of Public Works contact and forms