Roadway Ordinance

Back to Engineering
Back to Special Planning Regulations
Printer Friendly View

CITY OF GEORGETOWN
ORDINANCE NO. 2002-______

AN ORDINANCE RELATED TO THE AMENDMENT
OF THE GEORGETOWN/SCOTT COUNTY SUBDIVISION & DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS REGARDING PUBLIC AND PRIVATE ROAD CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN STANDARDS

                WHEREAS:  The existing Subdivision & Development Regulations requirements are not satisfying the community’s needs regarding design and construction of roads, right-of-ways and related structures.  The regulation requirements must be updated to reflect the current professional thinking and reduce existing problems with road maintenance and durability by establishing a uniform design standard for proposed public and private roads, including design capacity and loading.  The intent of this proposed ordinance is to provide an appropriate means to maintain the integrity and durability of existing and proposed roads within the community and to reduce the potential negative impacts on the residents of the City of Georgetown and the City Council

             WHEREAS: This proposed amendment to the Georgetown/Scott County Subdivision & Development Regulations has been submitted to the citizens through a properly advertised public hearing before the Georgetown-Scott County Planning and Zoning Commission conducted at their June 12, 2003 and July 10, 2003 public meetings.  The Commission voted unanimously to recommend the adoption of this amendment to the Council for the City of Georgetown .

             NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL FOR THE CITY OF GEORGETOWN, KENTUCKY, as follows:

            SECTION ONE: NEW PROVISIONS.  [New language is underlined.  Language which is unchanged is not marked.  Superseded language is shown as stricken.]  

ARTICLE X

              SITE DESIGN STANDARDS FOR SUBDIVISION AND DEVELOPMENT

 1000    CIRCULATION SYSTEM DESIGN

             A.        GENERAL  

                        1.  The provision, arrangement, construction, and phasing of streets shall substantially conform to the Comprehensive Plan, including the Transportation Element in particular. 

                        2.  No street shall be approved which will be subject to flooding.

     3.  Traffic from higher intensity residential uses shall not pass through lower intensity residential uses, except where the road is classified or designed as a collector or greater.  Through traffic shall be discouraged in residential neighborhoods where feasible through techniques such as signage and roadway design and location.  

      4.  Traffic calming is required for blocks greater than 1000 feet, or as required by Planning Commission Engineer. See AASHTO, LFUCG, FHWA and/or ITE traffic calming documents for acceptable designs.  

            B.         PUBLIC STREET CLASSIFICATION  

                        1.  Streets shall be classified pursuant to Exhibit 10-1.  

                        2.  Existing street classifications shall be as defined by the Transportation Element of the Comprehensive Plan.  

                        3.  Each new street (residential and non-residential) shall be designed for its entire length to meet the standards for its classification.  

                        4.  The applicant may be required to provide a traffic analysis to demonstrate to the Planning Commission's satisfaction that the distribution of traffic to the existing or proposed street system will not exceed the adopted Transportation Element standards for any street.  

            C.        ROADWAY WIDTHS  

                        Except for privately owned streets, roadway width standards are shown in exhibit 10-1, and apply to all developments with urban density, with the following exception.  For developments in A-1 zones, minimum roadway widths for new roads shall be 18 feet between face of curb or edge of pavement.  Shoulders, where needed, shall be 2 feet each side plus ditches designed by Manning’s formula with trapezoidal or parabolic ditches designed per Storm Water Ordinance 2002-026, 2002-07 for open channel design.   

            D.        CURBS AND GUTTERS  

                        1.  Curbing is required on all urban streets for the purposes of drainage, safety, and delineation and protection of pavement edge.  

     2.  Curbing shall be designed to provide ramps for wheelchairs at all street intersections with sidewalks with a minimum of one for every corner, and as required by state law.  

      3.  Curbs and gutters are to be built to the following specifications:

a)      Construct all curb and gutter on a prepared subgrade to the dimensions and design as in the approved construction plans and/or standard drawings.

b)       All Concrete shall have class “A” specifications.

c)       Sawed contraction joints shall be constructed every 20 feet with a minimum depth of 3 inches in accordance with the Kentucky Department of Highways Standard Specifications, Current Edition.

d)       Expansion joints shall be constructed at all breaks in alignment, at contact with new or existing concrete, at all drainage inlets, at the beginning and ending points of curves, and not to exceed 200’ maximum spacing for slip form application and 30’ maximum spacing for hand placed.

e)       Maintain concrete at a minimum temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 calendar days after placement and at a minimum temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit for an additional 4 calendar days.  When the Planning Commission Engineer requires, submit a written outline of the method to be used for protecting concrete.  The Planning Commission Engineer, and or Development Inspector reserve the right to discontinue concrete placement when the means of protection or method of placement does not produce satisfactory results.  Do not place concrete during times of the year that the temperatures may be expected to drop below the 45 or 40 degrees Fahrenheit limits, unless there are adequate provisions at the job site for maintaining concrete at the specified temperature. 

f)       Immediately after completing finishing operations and the concrete has set sufficiently to prevent marring the surface, cure the entire surface of the newly placed concrete, including the face of all construction joints.  Cure according to one of the following methods:

i)        White Membrane Curing:  (Type 2, Class “A” or “B”)  Ensure that all curing compounds conform to AASHTO M 148.

ii)       Wet Burlap:  Thoroughly wet the burlap before placing.  Carefully place the burlap over the finished surface to completely cover the surface and sides of the slab.  Clean the burlap of all coating of earth or other deleterious substances before using it.  Soak new burlap in water for 12 hours before using.  During the first six hours a single thickness of burlap will be required.  After the first six hours, use a double thickness.  Overlap adjacent burlap strips at least 3 inches.  Keep the burlap thoroughly saturated and in place for at least 72 hours even when required strength is attained. 

iii)      Curing Blankets:  Keep the concrete continuously damp for the period of time specified for the item being constructed, beginning immediately after placing and finishing.  As soon as possible, without damaging the concrete surface, moisten the concrete by applying water, and immediately cover the surface with the curing blankets.  Place the blankets so that the adjoining blankets overlap at least 18 inches.  Weight all laps and outside edges to prevent displacement of the blankets before completing curing.  Ensure intimate contact between the blankets and the concrete surface.  Use curing blankets that consist of a top layer of white copolymer material and a bottom layer of absorbent, non-woven, synthetic fabric.  Ensure that the layers are securely bonded together so there will be no separation of the layers during handling and curing of the concrete.  When tested according to AASHTO M 171, ensure that moisture loss does not exceed 0.010 grams per square centimeter and that reflectance is at least 70 percent.

iv)      Wet Curing:  Cure concrete for a period of at least 7 calendar days, beginning immediately after placement and finishing, by frequently applying water to all surfaces to keep them continuously damp during the full 7-calendar day curing period or until the required strength is attained.  Protect exposed concrete surfaces from drying by application of a double thickness of wet burlap or similar approved material and keep the burlap or other approved material continuously wet for a period of 7 or more days.  Soak new burlap in water for at least 12 hours before the first use.

g)       Proposed curbing to be dedicated to the City of Georgetown shall be:

i)         box curb

ii)        shall be placed on a minimum of 6 inches of granular base material (DGA/CSB).  

            E.         SHOULDERS

                        1.         Shoulders and drainage swales may be permitted instead of curbs when:

                                    a)   Shoulders are required by state law;

                                    b)   Soil or topography make the use of shoulders and/or drainage swales preferable;

       c)   It is in the best interest of the community to preserve its rural character or natural drainage systems by using shoulders and/or drainage swales instead of curbs.  

                                    Where shoulders and ditches are used, there shall be adequate cross drain measures at all driveways and intersections.  

     2.  Shoulders shall measure four (4) feet in width on each side for all streets and roads less than 24 feet, 2 feet in width, both sides, for all streets and roads 24 feet or greater, and shall be located within the right-of-way as shown in Exhibit 10-2 Table 1 (page 7 of this ordinance). The width of swales shall be determined by calculation of storm water flow according to Manning’s formula and approved by Commission Engineer. Surface drainage shall not be conveyed over fill. the Storm Water Ordinance 2002-026, 2002-07 and approved by Planning Commission Engineer.

     3.  Shoulder subgrades shall be constructed concurrently with roadway subgrades to ensure uniform compaction throughout the street cross sections.

     4.  Shoulders shall consist of a stabilized subgrade and 8 inches of gravel or other material acceptable to the Planning Commission and stabilized with compacted backfill and grass to hold shoulder in place.  

            F.         PRIVATE STREETS  

          Private street standards shall only apply to non-through streets that are privately-owned and maintained, including those specifically designated in planned unit developments.  The minimum paving standard in Appendix VII Table 2 shall be met for all private streets.  A private street constructed to less than public street standards shall not be offered or considered for dedication to the public.  

                        1.   Private residential streets:  

                        a.  Private residential streets may be of lesser width than local public streets, but no less than 20 feet back of curb to back of curb, if:

                                    i.   No parking is allowed on the street.

                                    ii.  The minimum width at all intersections with public streets is 24 feet face of curb to face of curb, for a distance of 150 feet back from the intersection, with right-of-way equal to that of a public street for the 150 feet.

                                    iii.  All required parking (see Exhibit 10-3) is accommodated either in parking lots or on driveways.

                                    iv.  The minimum radii at cul-de-sac ends and at all intersections are the same as required for public streets.  

     b.  Private rural residential streets (local classification) shall be constructed similar
          to public rural residential streets and include:

       i.   Right-of-way shall be fifty (50) feet in width;

       ii.  Pavement shall be eighteen (18) feet in width;

       iii.  Pavement depth shall include a base (rock) of eight (8) inches, a binder
  of two (2) inches and one (1) inch of asphalt;

       iv.  Shoulders on each side shall be six (6) inches of gravel with an
  additional six (6) feet of earthen shoulders.

       v.  Ditches and cross-drains shall be constructed to the same standard for
  both public and private roads.  

c.                   Owners of lots accessing a private street shall be responsible for their pro-rata share of all maintenance and improvement of the private street.  A note to this effect shall be placed on the final subdivision plat.  

            2.  Private non-residential streets  

                         a.  Private commercial and institutional access streets shall be a minimum of 20 feet wide, plus required fire lane, measured back of curb to back of curb.  The maximum width at the ROW for all intersections with public streets shall be 30 feet face of curb to face of curb for 2-lane entrances, with an additional 11 feet per lane for 3- and 4-lane entrances, for a distance of 150 feet back from the intersection.  The entrance shall be widened between the ROW and edge of pavement by a minimum of 45 degrees.  

                         b. Private industrial access streets shall be 24 feet wide, plus required fire lane, measured back of curb to back of curb.  Curb radius at all intersections with public streets shall be 35 to 50 feet minimum according to driveway width.  

                                                                 EXHIBIT 10 - 1  

                       RIGHT-OF-WAY REQUIREMENTS AND STREET DIMENSIONS  

TYPE                                       R.O.W WIDTH                       PAVEMENT SECTION

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LOCAL STREET                    41 FEET                                  24 FEET - FACE OF CURB

            75 RESIDENTIAL UNITS OR LESS
            PARKING 1-SIDE    

SUB-COLLECTOR                45 FEET                                  28 FEET - FACE OF CURB

            75 - 500 RESIDENTIAL UNITS
 PARKING 1 SIDE

COLLECTOR                         49 FEET                                  32 FEET - FACE OF CURB

500+ RESIDENTIAL UNITS/ALL COMMERCIAL-INDUSTRIAL-PROFESSIONAL
INSTITUTIONAL USES
PARKING 1-SIDE IN RESIDENTIAL
NO PARKING OTHER USES

 ARTERIAL                             

   3 LANES                  93 FEET                                  40 FEET -FACE OF CURB

            WHERE DETERMINED BY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

   5 LANES                  93 FEET                                  64 FEET -FACE OF CURB

            WHERE DETERMINED BY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

WHERE SHOULDERS ARE USED THE FOLLOWING STANDARDS APPLY:  

Table 1

Notes:   (1): Parking permitted on one side.
            (2): No parking on street.

            Pavement cross slope to be ¼ inch per foot fall.

            G.        PEDESTRIAN ACCESS

                        1.  All developments shall be required to provide adequate pedestrian access to parking lots, off-site sidewalks, and facilities commonly used by residents.  

                        2.  In all urban subdivisions or subdivisions with urban densities (lot sizes of up to 1.0 acre or provide for densities greater than 1 dwelling unit per acre), sidewalks shall be installed on both sides of all proposed roads, public or private. Sidewalks shall be extended around the full length of any cul-de-sac or other approved turn-around.  Sidewalks shall be placed in the right-of-way, parallel to the street, unless an exception has been permitted to preserve historically significant, topographical or natural features or to provide visual interest, or unless the applicant shows that an alternative pedestrian system provides safe and convenient circulation.  The Planning Commission may waive this requirement and permit the installation of the sidewalk on only one side with the location to be reviewed and approved by the Planning Director and/or Planning Commission Engineer.  The Planning Commission may permit an exception to allow sidewalks to abut the curb where the intent is to create an urban atmosphere in townhouse, or similar, development and in neighborhood or downtown business zones, if the arrangement ensures pedestrian safety (amended per ordinance 2000-016).

                         3. Pedestrian-way easements ten (10) feet wide may be required by the Planning
                            Commission where reasonably needed to provide circulation or access to schools,
                            parks, shopping, or other community facilities.  

      4.  Sidewalks and pedestrian ways shall be constructed according to the specifications set forth in Appendix VII and the following specifications:  

a)  Construct all sidewalks on a prepared subgrade to the dimensions and design as in the approved construction plans and or standard drawings.

b)  Expansion joints shall be placed at thirty-two foot intervals.  In existing  neighborhoods, expansion material shall be placed at the beginning and end of newly constructed areas (sidewalk/curb and gutter with grass utility strip). When the sidewalk is constructed integral with the curb, ensure that the width and spacing of the joints conform to that in the curb.  Round the edges of the sidewalk at all expansion joints with an approved edging tool to a ¼ inch radius.  Install ½ inch premolded expansion joint material to the full depth of the sidewalk where the sidewalk abuts any rigid structure or fixture, such as curbs, columns, castings, buildings, and light standards. 

c)  Divide the surfaces of sidewalks into rectangular areas by means of a jointer having a radius of ¼ inch and forming a groove no less than one inch in depth for the full width of the walk.  Ensure that the length of the rectangles formed does not exceed the width to the sidewalk being constructed.  Sawed joints will need to be completed no later than one day following the end of the curing period. 

d)  The sidewalks shall be placed adjacent to the street right-of-way line.  Slope toward curb shall be one quarter ( ¼) of an inch to the foot.  Construction in existing neighborhoods requires the contractor to match existing grade and sidewalk width unless specified otherwise by the Planning Commission Engineer.  Distance will vary with road cross-section when conforming to detail of (sidewalk/curb and gutter with grass utility strip).

e)  All Concrete shall have class “A” specifications.

f)   Concrete curing for sidewalks and pedestrian ways are to conform to the specifications listed in Article X, Section 1000, part D. of Subdivision and Development Regulations.  

            H.        RIGHT-OF-WAY

                        1.  The right-of-way shall be measured from lot line to lot line.  Right-of-way requirements are shown in Exhibit 10-1.  

                        2.  The right-of-way width shall not change along the width of any street, unless it can be demonstrated that the change will not reduce the level of service of the street or cause incompatibility of setbacks.  

     3.  Where development includes proposed public streets, or streets planned in the
     Transportation Element of the Comprehensive Plan, required right-of-way widths
     shall be dedicated pursuant to Article XIII (Dedication and Maintenance).  

   I.         STREET GRADE, PAVEMENT AND INTERSECTION SPECIFICATIONS  

Street grade and intersection specifications are included in Appendix VI. Pavement design shall conform to the specifications shown in Appendix VI (Note: Pavement design of state roads shall meet state standards.) The following standards are minimum and do not cover every possible situation. Designers are required to use professional judgement in all of their designs.  

1.      Proposed streets are to conform to the following standards in Table 2.  

2.      All proposed pavement thickness to adhere to the following standards:

a)  Designs are to be based on AASHTO Guide for Design of Pavement Structures, 1993 for a 20 year design life.

b)  Structural numbers for residential single family detached, attached, and multi-family developments are to be based on 300 Estimated Single Axle Loadings (ESALs) per unit.

c)  Structural numbers for commercial and industrial areas are to meet the minimum ESALs listed in Table 3.

d)  Pavement designs are to be based on California Bearing Ratio tests (CBRs) from samples taken from the material that will be used for the road subgrade.

e)  The minimum pavement specification for proposed streets within the City of Georgetown is 8 inches base material, 3 inches of asphalt base or binder, and 1 inch of asphalt surface (8,3,1). For proposed roadways within Scott County , the minimum pavement is 8,2,1.

f)   Refer to Tables 4 and 5 for structural number and ESALs relationships.

g)  Flexible pavement design parameters are to conform to the following:

h)  Proposed concrete pavements are to adhere to the minimum standards:

i) Slab thickness designs are to be based on AASHTO Guide for Design of Pavement Structures, 1993 for a 20 year design life.

ii) A minimum 4 inch, base course, 5 inch slab thickness required.

iii) Joint details pertaining to dimensions, types, and configurations are to be provided.

iv) Reinforcement designs are to be included for all proposed rigid pavement designs.