§ 3-12. STREET STANDARDS GOVERNING VEHICLE AND PEDESTRIAN CIRCULATION

(A)

Pedestrian Transit and Bicycle Mobility

(1)

General.

(a)

Sidewalk, walkway, on-road improvements, greenway easements, and trail systems sufficient to serve both existing and projected pedestrian, transit, and cyclist needs shall be indicated on all site and subdivision plans approved by the Planning Board or Elected Body. Such systems may include sidewalks along public or private streets, wide outside travel lanes, bike lanes on roadways, and walkways and trails in alternative locations as appropriate. Design, location, dimensions, dedications, easements, and reservations shall conform to applicable jurisdictional policies and adopted plans for sidewalks, bicycle routes, greenways and trails. Such plans include the Winston-Salem Urban Area Sidewalk and Pedestrian Facilities Plan; the Winston-Salem Urban Area Comprehensive Bicycle Master Plan; the Greenway Plan, Winston-Salem and Forsyth County; and the Winston-Salem Urban Area Thoroughfare Plan.

(b)

Walkways and trails shall be designed to maximize the safety of users and the security of adjoining properties with respect to location, visibility, and landscaping.

(2)

Sidewalk Requirement for Planning Board or Elected Body Approvals.

(a)

Single family residential and nonresidential subdivisions, Planning Board Review items, and special use district zoning items in Walkertown identified as outside Legacy Rural Growth Management Area.

(i)

Unless the Planning Board or Elected Body approves an alternate walkway location, a conventional sidewalk shall be provided within the right-of-way along all new public streets with required curb and gutter as shown in the table below in accordance with the Town of Walkertown or NCDOT standards as applicable.

Cul-De-Sac	One Side
Local Street	One Side
Collector	One Side
Minor Thoroughfare	Both Sides

 

(ii)

Sidewalks shall also be required along existing streets where subdivisions, Planning Board Review items, or special use district zoning items abut streets proposed for sidewalks as identified in the adopted Winston-Salem Urban Area Sidewalk and Pedestrian Facilities Plan.

(iii)

Except for sidewalks as required on approved site plans, additional sidewalks in accordance with this section shall not be required for properties with vested site plans in accordance with Chapter B, Article I, Section 1-5.2 Vested Rights.

(iv)

Exemptions. ..... Sidewalks are not required in locations where curb and gutter is not required for new public streets.

(b)

Alternate Requirement.

(i)

A pedestrian walkway may be provided outside the right-of-way within a public access easement when the Planning Board or Elected Body determines the walkway will have the same functionality as a conventional sidewalk required in Section 3-12(A)(2) above.

(ii)

A pedestrian walkway may be provided outside the right-of-way within a public access easement when the Planning Board or Elected Body determines that the construction of a conventional sidewalk within the right-of-way is impractical due to impending road widening or other physical limitations.

(iii)

A developer may propose a sidewalk layout which varies from the strict application of the provisions of Section 3-12(A)(2) above in order to accommodate the unique character of the site or to utilize innovative design. Alternative compliance may be granted by the Planning Board or Elected Body only upon a finding that the proposed alternative fulfills the intent of sidewalks to provide a logical and functional pedestrian network as well as or better than would strict compliance with the requirements of this Ordinance.

(3)

Sidewalk Requirements for Nonresidential Developments and Other Multifamily Developments Not Requiring Approval by the Planning Board or Elected Body.

(a)

Sidewalks shall be required for all nonresidential developments and multifamily developments not subject to approval by the Planning Board or Elected Body and where located along streets identified on the adopted Winston-Salem Urban Area Sidewalk and Pedestrian Facilities Plan, subject to the following criteria or exceptions:

(i)

Sidewalks shall be required along the entire frontage of the property under the following circumstances:

[A]

New construction sites.

[B]

On existing developed zoning lots, construction of ten thousand (10,000) square feet or more gross square feet in new buildings or additions of ten thousand (10,000) square feet or more gross square feet to existing buildings on existing developed zoning lots.

[C]

In all situations where sidewalks are required the developer shall be obligated to build no more than one linear foot of sidewalk per ten (10) square feet of gross building area. The location of sidewalks shall be determined through the construction permitting process in accordance with the adopted Winston-Salem Urban Area Sidewalk and Pedestrian Facilities Plan.

(ii)

Sidewalks shall only be required on streets which have existing curb and gutter paving or where the subject street is being widened with curb and gutter as required by the approval of a driveway permit. Construction of the sidewalk shall be approved by the Town of Walkertown prior to the issuance of occupancy permits.

(iii)

Exceptions and exemptions:

[A]

Sidewalk requirements maybe located either totally or partially within a public easement outside the right-of-way, or may be waived altogether, if the Town of Walkertown determines that sidewalk construction either within or outside the right-of-way is impractical due to physical limitations if the site.

[B]

Sidewalks shall not be required for any interior up-fit of existing buildings that does not involve any new outside construction meeting the requirements in this section.

[C]

Phased projects not covering the entire zoning lot shall only be required to construct sidewalks through the frontage of the site development or construction on the zoning lot provided phasing is logical with respect the viability of future development as determined by the City-County Inspections Division.

[D]

Sidewalk construction shall not be required if the street meets the provisions of Section 3-12(A)(6), Payment In-Lieu, as determined by the Town of Walkertown. This determination shall be made prior to the issuance of building permits. If a payment in-lieu determination is made, the payment shall be made to the Town of Walkertown prior to the issuance of occupancy permits. If other construction in the vicinity or a combination of sidewalk and alternative walkway is approved, the construction shall be completed and approved by the Town of Walkertown prior to the issuance of occupancy permits.

(4)

Standards for Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities for Planning Board or Elected Body Approvals.

(a)

Any required bicycle and pedestrian facilities in accordance with the adopted Winston-Salem Urban Area Sidewalk and Pedestrian Facilities Plan and/or the Winston-Salem Urban Area Comprehensive Bicycle master Plan shall be clearly marked using NCDOT standard markings, or shall be based on the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.

(b)

Adjacent existing public greenways shall be connected to bicycle and pedestrian facilities on the site.

(c)

Bicycle and pedestrian connections shall be made to any existing or proposed off-site bicycle or pedestrian facilities contiguous to the site.

(5)

Dimensions and Locations.

(a)

Sidewalks.

(i)

In general, sidewalks shall be a minimum of five (5) feet in width and shall be constructed of concrete as per the NCDOT construction standards unless another material is approved by the Town of Walkertown.

(ii)

For conventional sidewalks approved by the Planning Board or other approving authority, sufficient right-of-way shall be dedicated to ensure that on roads with curb and gutter, a planting strip can be constructed in accordance with NCDOT standards. If a sidewalk must be placed adjacent to the back of curb due topographic constraints or other hardships as approved by the Town of Walkertown, the width of the sidewalk may be increased to six (6) feet in width.

(iii)

Sidewalks on nonresidential developments and other multifamily developments not subject to approval by the Planning Board or other approving authority may be installed directly behind the curb if sufficient right-of-way does not exist in accordance with (ii) above.

(b)

Bicycle Facilities Approved by the Planning Board. ..... Either wide outside travel lanes or bicycle lanes, as determined by the Town of Walkertown, or NCDOT, shall be part of any road improvement made on roadways which are indicated as bicycle routes on the approved Winston-Salem Urban Area Comprehensive Bicycle Master Plan.

(6)

Payment In-Lieu. ..... When the Town of Walkertown determines that the construction of a required conventional sidewalk or alternative walkway is unfeasible due to special circumstances, including but not limited to: existing ribbon pavement, impending road widening, significant street trees, utility problems, grade problems or other construction difficulties, the Town of Walkertown shall require either, (1) a payment in-lieu of sidewalk construction; (2) construction of sidewalks in the general vicinity of the project site; or (3) a combination of a conventional sidewalk, alternative walkway, or payment of a fee in-lieu. Payment in-lieu shall only be required in cases where a sidewalk is likely to be built within five (5) years from the date of plan approval. For payment in-lieu, the cost of the sidewalk construction shall be approved by the Town of Walkertown and the payment for the sidewalk construction shall be made to the Town of Walkertown prior to the issuance of occupancy permits or recording of final plats whichever is applicable. If the sidewalk is not built within five (5) years, the Town of Walkertown shall determine whether to construct the sidewalk without the planned street improvement, delay installation further to coincide with a scheduled street improvement which has been delayed, or construct the sidewalk in the vicinity of the site where it can be feasibly constructed.

(B)

Ingress and Egress Requirements

(1)

General. ..... Upon completion, all public and private streets, utilities, and drainage infrastructure shall be certified and the record construction drawings and certifications shall be submitted and accepted by NCDOT, City-County Utilities, or the Town of Walkertown, as applicable.

(2)

Dedicated and Publicly Maintained Streets. ..... Dedicated and publicly maintained streets shall be required for developments in all zoning districts except as described in Section 3-12(B)(2). An unlimited number of building permits may be conditionally issued for land parcels adjacent to a public street that is not maintained by either the Town of Walkertown or NCDOT. However no occupancy permits shall be issued unless the street has been completed or substantially constructed in accordance with Section 4(H), "Platting Requirements" including posting of an appropriate surety to the satisfaction of the Town of Walkertown, NCDOT, or appropriate designees.

(3)

Other forms of Access. ..... No building shall be erected or enlarged on a parcel in any zoning district unless such parcel abuts upon or has access to a publicly-accepted and maintained street, except in the following circumstances:

(a)

Private Streets or Roads. ..... Such streets shall be designed and constructed according to NCDOT roadway construction standards.

(i)

Residential.

[A]

For single family residences in accordance with subdivisions approved as a Minor Subdivision.

[B]

For an approved multifamily development not requiring publicly maintained streets.

[C]

For an approved Planned Residential Development (PRD) not requiring publicly maintained streets as deemed appropriate by the Planning Board and Town Council.

(ii)

Nonresidential. ..... For any nonresidential development in a nonresidential zoning district.

(4)

Acceptance by the Town of Walkertown of Private Streets. ..... Prior to the acceptance by the Town of Walkertown, any private street not constructed and maintained to public standards shall be improved to Town of Walkertown standards by the petitioner to the satisfaction of the Town.

(C)

Streets

(1)

Street Design. ..... Within any proposed subdivision, the proposed street design (layout) shall be coordinated with the existing and planned street system of the surrounding area with respect to location, alignment, and cross-section. Street design shall satisfy the minimum requirements of the Town of Walkertown or NCDOT. The following street standards may be modified or varied by the approving authority in order to accommodate unique conditions.

(a)

Right-of-Way.

(i)

A proposed right-of-way shall be of sufficient width to accommodate the required cross section of the roadway. In no case shall the proposed right-of-way be less than the currently adopted standards unless the approving authority determines that special circumstances exists which make the dedication or reservation of the full right-of-way unnecessary or impractical.

(ii)

Right-of-way shall be dedicated and/or reserved and improvements installed to Town of Walkertown or NCDOT standards for each class of street as follows:

[A]

Proposed freeways with defined rights-of-way approved by the NCDOT and the Federal Highway Administration shall have the entire right-of-way reserved for future acquisition and improvement by the public.

[B]

All Other Public Streets.

[1]

New streets. ..... The right-of-way required to accommodate the proposed development shall be dedicated, with the remainder reserved. The applicant shall be required to install improvements sufficient to service traffic demands of the proposed development.

[2]

Existing Streets. ..... The applicant shall dedicate or reserve additional right-of-way and install improvements as required to serve the proposed development. Other improvements shall be installed according to Town of Walkertown or NCDOT standards as applicable.

(b)

Street Widths. ..... Proposed street widths and other design elements shall be in accordance with the Town of Walkertown or NCDOT standards as applicable.

(c)

Grades and Curves. ..... Proposed streets shall be designed in accordance with Town of Walkertown or NCDOT standards as applicable.

(d)

Curb and Gutter.

(i)

Single family residential subdivisions located within the Town of Walkertown shall be constructed with thirty (30) inch wide standard or valley curb and gutter in accordance with Town of Walkertown or NCDOT standards as applicable.

(ii)

Exceptions.

[A]

Single family residential subdivisions located within the Town of Walkertown may use conventional ribbon pavement, according to NCDOT standards, provided no single lot in the subdivision is less than one acre in size, with approval by the Town of Walkertown.

[B]

Single family residential subdivisions located within the Town of Walkertown, where a pattern of existing ribbon streets makes new curb and gutter streets impracticable with the approval of the Town of Walkertown, or NCDOT.

(e)

Intersections.

(i)

Street intersections shall be as nearly at right angles as possible with no intersection angle less than the minimum established by the Town of Walkertown, or NCDOT, as applicable.

(ii)

Offset intersections shall be avoided. Intersections on residential streets which cannot be aligned shall be separated by a minimum distance determined by the Town of Walkertown, or NCDOT, as applicable. For higher level streets, this distance shall be determined after considering possible signalization, necessary storage, and sight distance, as well as other design constraints.

(iii)

Adequate sight distances shall be provided at all intersections between streets and at driveway intersections with streets in accordance with Town of Walkertown or NCDOT standards as applicable.

(iv)

Property lines at corners of all intersecting streets shall be platted in accordance with Town of Walkertown or NCDOT standards as applicable.

(f)

Sight Triangles. ..... Sight triangles for corner lots and driveways shall be shown on recorded plats in accordance with Town of Walkertown or NCDOT standards as applicable.

(g)

Cul-de-Sac Streets. ..... Except in unusual circumstances such as terrain constrains or other hardships, cul-de-sac streets shall not be longer than eight hundred (800) feet and shall be terminated by a circular right-of-way or an approved alternative turnaround in accordance with Town of Walkertown or NCDOT standards as applicable.

(i)

The length of cul-de-sac streets shall be measured from the centerline of the bulb to the edge of pavement of the nearest through street intersection.

(ii)

Cul-de-sac may be longer than eight hundred (800) feet where the number of lots served by a cul-de-sac is fifteen (15) lots or fewer.

(h)

Unless exempted below, stub streets shall be required on each side of a development to allow for future interconnectivity to adjacent tracts of land when they develop. Depending on the length of a side, more than one stub street may be required. Stub streets shall be located in places where topography and other features on and off the site will be conducive to future street extension. Stub streets shall not be required on sides where terrain features or existing development would make a future connection prohibitive.

(i)

Alleys. ..... Alleys may be required along the rear lot line of commercial or industrial property, along the rear lot line of lots fronting on thoroughfares, or where the lots are less than fifty (50) feet wide. Alley widths shall be established by their proposed use.

(j)

Prohibition of Reserve Strips Controlling Access. ..... The reservation of private property strips of too narrow a depth to permit development as a means of prohibiting access to public ways shall not be permitted.

(k)

Frontage Roads and Marginal Access Streets. ..... Where a subdivision abuts or contains a controlled or limited access street or thoroughfare, whether existing or proposed, a marginal access street or frontage road may be required.

(2)

Street Connectivity Requirements. ..... An interconnected street system is necessary in order to promote orderly and safe development, ensure that streets function in an interdependent manner, provide adequate access for emergency and service vehicles, allow for alternate transportation routes, disperse traffic and thereby lessen traffic congestion, and provide continuous and comprehensible traffic routes.

(a)

Connectivity Defined. ..... Connectivity shall be defined by the ratio of links to nodes in any subdivision.

(i)

The connectivity ratio shall be the number of street lengths divided by the number of nodes or end links, including cul-de-sac heads.

(ii)

A link shall be any portion of a street, other than an alley, defined by a node at either end. Stub-outs to adjacent property shall be considered links. For the purpose of determining the number of links in a development, boulevards, median-divided roadways, and divided entrances shall be treated the same as conventional two-way roadways.

(iii)

A node shall be the terminus of a street or the intersection of two or more streets.

[A]

Any location where a street name changes (as reviewed and approved by the Director of Planning) shall be considered a node.

[B]

A divided entrance shall only count as a single node.

(b)

Required Ratio.

(i)

The street network for any subdivision with internal roads or access to any public road shall achieve a connectivity index of not less than 1.2, measured within the subdivision.

(ii)

Street links and nodes along a minor thoroughfare or higher classification street providing access to a proposed subdivision shall not be considered in computing the connectivity ratio.

(iii)

The Connectivity Index requirement of 1.2 may be waived by the approving authority upon a finding that there is no practical alternative due to significant topographic constraints, existing development patterns, or other substantial physical limitation.

(c)

Street Names. ..... Street names shall not duplicate nor closely approximate existing street names within the Town of Walkertown or Forsyth County. Extensions of existing, named streets shall bear the existing street name. A complete list of previously used names shall be maintained by planning staff. Street names shall be approved by the planning staff and shall be shown on the preliminary subdivision plat. To change the street names after preliminary or construction plan approval, a request must be submitted to the planning staff. Application requirements include a fee established by the Planning Board.

(d)

Street Sign[s] and Markers.

(i)

Standard street name signs shall be installed at the corner of all streets intersections, including private streets. The size, design, materials, location, and installation of the signs shall be in accordance with Town of Walkertown or NCDOT standards, as applicable.

(ii)

Signs denoting the beginning and ending of public maintenance shall also be erected and maintained on private streets.

(e)

Street Lights. ..... Street lighting, as required for traffic safety and property security, may be required to be installed in conformance with Town of Walkertown or NCDOT policies, as applicable. The design, materials, location, and installation shall conform to all applicable Town of Walkertown or NCDOT standards, and applicable public utility standards, including appropriate separation from street trees.

(f)

Street Trees For New Residential Subdivisions Approved Under Chapter D, Section 4, MAJOR SUBDIVISIONS of the UDO. ..... A minimum of one deciduous, Large Variety Tree as specified under Chapter B, Section 3-4, LANDSCAPE STANDARDS, or as otherwise permitted or restricted by the Town of Walkertown, shall be planted per lot prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy. For cul-de-sac, local residential, and collector streets having sidewalks, trees may be planted between the curb edge and the sidewalk a minimum distance of four (4) feet away from the back of curb. In all instances required street trees shall be planted in a manner not to conflict with safety or functional operations of the street. Required street trees shall be a minimum of ten (10) feet high at installation and shall have a caliper of at least two (2) inches measured six (6) inches above ground. The variety of the street trees shall be specified on the site plan and shall be subject to review and approval by the Planning Board and Town Council. The variety of the street trees shall be specified on the proposed site plan.

(WA-UDO No. 8, § 1, 11-29-07)