Agenda - Public Works Committee - 03/20/2007

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CASE # d. PRESERVATION OF ROW IN VISION CLEARANCE TRIANGLE By: Steven Jankowski, City Engineer Background: In 2004 the City adopted Ordinance #04-23 which established a vision clearance triangle at each intersection comer to provide adequate sight distance for vehicles entering the intersection. This ordinance places restrictions on property owners for land uses that would interfere with sight lines within this area. Essentially the ordinance creates a triangle having legs of between 25 and 50 feet from the back of the street curb, depending on whether or not there is a stop condition for that particular leg ofthe intersection. Attached to this case is a copy of Ordinance #04-23 and a figure illustrating the property that is impacted by this ordinance. In the process of developing this ordinance it was anticipated that there would be conflicting interests between the City's concern for public safety and the desires of property owners to landscape their properties. In fact the ordinance designated at the Public Works Committee as the final authority in determining appeals by property owners. As new streets are platted staff feels that such potential conflicts can be minimized if the vision clearance triangle is dedicated as a portion of the right of way. According to the Ordinance #04-23 the size of the triangle is dependant upon whether there is a stop condition on that particular leg. The maximum amount of additional property dedicated as right of way would amount to 220.5 square feet, the area of a 21 foot right triangle at an uncontrolled intersection of two minor streets. This area would be reduced to 1 0.5 square feet (a 3 foot by 7 foot right triangle) where a minor street would be controlled with a stop yielding to a collector street. In the cases of alleys, the additional property dedicated as right of way would be 55 square feet (a 10.5 foot by 10.5 right triangle). Financial Impact: There will be no direct financial impact to the City from this proposed change. Recommendation: Staff recommends that the platting requirements be modified to require the dedication of the vision clearance triangle as a portion of right of way dedication. The Committee should provide input on the appropriate triangles dimensions.