[12-8-2003 by Ord. No. 1220]
(a) 
The intent of this division is to establish standards for driveway spacing and the number of driveways for application during the site plan review process for new construction and/or redevelopment and to encourage access management.
(b) 
The procedures and standards of this division are intended to:
(1) 
Promote safe and efficient travel within the designated M-25 corridor within the City as described;
(2) 
Minimize disruptive and potentially hazardous traffic conflicts;
(3) 
Separate traffic conflict areas by reducing the number of driveways;
(4) 
Provide efficient spacing standards between driveways and between driveways and intersections;
(5) 
Implement recommendations of the master plan;
(6) 
Protect the substantial public investment in the street system; and
(7) 
Ensure reasonable access to properties, though not always the most direct access.
[12-8-2003 by Ord. No. 1220]
The standards of this division apply to driveway access areas within the City corporate limits along the M-25/Pine Grove roadway from Scott Avenue (south) to Krafft Road (north) through the site plan review. The driveway standards in this division may be more restrictive than other standards of the City and the State Department of Transportation (MDOT), which have jurisdiction within the right-of-way. Construction within the public right-of-way under the jurisdiction of the county or the MDOT must also meet the permit requirements of the county or MDOT. Where any conflicts arise, the more stringent standard shall apply. The standards of this division shall apply during new construction or redevelopment of a vacant lot or the reconstruction of an existing commercial building that has been vacant for more than six months.
[12-8-2003 by Ord. No. 1220]
The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this division, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
DRIVEWAY
Any vehicular access except those serving one dwelling unit or serving just an essential public service structure.
LIMITED ACCESS DRIVEWAY
Any vehicular access where turning movements are restricted to right turn in and out only. Left turns are prohibited.
[12-8-2003 by Ord. No. 1220]
(a) 
Driveways shall be located so as to minimize interference with the free movement of traffic, to provide adequate sight distance, and to provide the most favorable driveway grade.
(b) 
Driveways, including the radii but not including turn lanes and tapers, shall be located entirely within the right-of-way frontage, unless otherwise approved by the City and the MDOT and upon written certification from the adjacent property owner agreeing to such encroachment.
[12-8-2003 by Ord. No. 1220]
(a) 
Minimum spacing requirements between a proposed commercial driveway and an intersection either adjacent or on the opposite side of the street may be set on a case-by-case basis but in no instance shall be less than the distances listed in this section. The following measurements are from the near edge of the proposed driveway, measured at the throat perpendicular to the street, to the near lane edge of the intersecting street or pavement edge for uncurbed sections:
Minimum Commercial Driveway Spacing From Street Intersections
Location of Driveway
Minimum Spacing for a Full Movement Driveway
(feet)
Minimum Spacing for a Channelized Driveway Restricting Left Turns
(feet)
Along major thoroughfare, intersecting street is a major thoroughfare
125
125
Along major thoroughfare, intersecting street is not a major thoroughfare
100
125
Along other roads
75
50
(1) 
Major thoroughfares include state trunk lines, county primary roads or roads with an existing or planned right-of-way of at least 86 feet.
(2) 
For sites with insufficient street frontage to meet the minimum driveway spacing criterion from intersection, the City may require construction of the driveway along a side street, a shared driveway with an adjacent property, construction of a driveway along the property line farthest from the intersection or require a service road.
(b) 
Minimum spacing between two commercial driveways shall be determined based upon posted speed limits along the parcel frontage. The minimum spacings indicated in Subsection (c) of this section are measured from center line to center line.
(c) 
To reduce left-turn conflicts, new commercial driveways shall be aligned with those across the roadway where possible.
Driveway Spacing
Posted Speed Limit
(mph)
Minimum Driveway Spacing
(feet)
25
125
30
155
35
185
40
225
45
300
50+
330
[12-8-2003 by Ord. No. 1220]
(a) 
The number of commercial driveways serving a property shall be the minimum number necessary to provide reasonable access and access for emergency vehicles, while preserving traffic operations and safety along the public roadway.
(b) 
Access, either direct or indirect, shall be provided for each separately owned parcel. This access may be an individual driveway, shared driveway or via a service drive. Additional driveways may be permitted for property only as follows: one additional driveway may be allowed for properties with a continuous frontage of over 200 feet and one additional driveway for each additional 300 feet of frontage, if the City determines there are no other reasonable access opportunities.
[12-8-2003 by Ord. No. 1220]
All commercial driveways shall be designed according to the standards of the City and the MDOT, as appropriate.
[12-8-2003 by Ord. No. 1220]
The edge of all driveways shall be set back at least four feet from the property line. This setback is intended to help control stormwater runoff, permit snow storage on-site, and provide adequate area for any necessary on-site landscaping.
[12-8-2003 by Ord. No. 1220]
(a) 
Where noted in § 52-606, or where the City determines that reducing the number of access points may have a beneficial impact on traffic operations and safety while preserving the property owner's right to reasonable access, a shared commercial driveway, frontage road, or rear service drive connecting two or more properties or uses may be required. In particular, service drives may be required where recommended in the master plan or any subarea master plans; near existing traffic signals or near locations having potential for future signalization; along major arterial roadways with high traffic volumes; along segments with a relatively high number of accidents or limited sight distance.
(b) 
Shared commercial driveways and service roads shall be within an access easement recorded with the county registrar of deeds.
(c) 
The number of access points along a service road shall be according to the standards of this division. The City may allow temporary access where the service road is not completed if a performance bond or other financial guarantee is provided which ensures elimination of the temporary access upon completion of the service road.
[12-8-2003 by Ord. No. 1220]
(a) 
Location. Service roads shall be parallel or perpendicular to the front property line and may be located either in front of, adjacent to, or behind principal buildings. In considering the most appropriate alignment for a service road, the City shall consider the setbacks of existing buildings, anticipated traffic flow for the site, and other related ordinances.
(b) 
Access easement. The service road shall be within an access easement permitting traffic circulation between properties. This easement shall be 66 feet wide, except an access easement parallel to a public street right-of-way may be 40 feet wide, if approved by the City. The required width shall remain free and clear of obstructions.
(c) 
Construction and materials. Service roads shall have a base, pavement and curb and gutter in accordance with City standards for public streets, except the width of the service roads shall have a minimum pavement width of 26 feet.
(d) 
Parking. The service road is intended to be used exclusively for circulation and may not be used as a parking space or maneuvering aisle.
(e) 
Access to service road. The City shall approve the location of all accesses to the service road, based on the driveway spacing standards of this division.
(f) 
Elevation. The site plan shall indicate the proposed elevation of the service road at the property line and the Department of Public Works shall maintain a record of all service road elevations so that their grades can be coordinated.
(g) 
Landscaping. The area between a service road and the public street right-of-way shall be a landscaped greenbelt.
(h) 
Maintenance. Each property owner shall be responsible for maintenance of the easement and service drive.