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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023 UDO Text Amendment-Errors & Omissions Public RealmArticle 18. Public Realm City of Saratoga Springs UDO September 2021 18-1 Article 18. Public Realm 18.1 APPLICABILITY 18.2 GENERAL RIGHT-OF-WAY ARRANGEMENT 18.3 BLOCKS 18.4 GENERAL RIGHT-OF-WAY STANDARDS 18.5 SIDEWALK AND MULTI-USE PATH REQUIREMENTS 18.6 PEDESTRIAN ZONE 18.7 BICYCLE LANE DESIGN STANDARDS 18.8 RIGHT-OF-WAY DESIGN 18.1 APPLICABILITY All public right-of-way construction, reconstruction, and reconfiguration shall be under the statutory authority of the City of Saratoga Springs Department of Public Works, Saratoga County Department of Public Works, or New York State Department of Transportation, as applicable. Any new construction, reconstruction, and reconfiguration of City rights- of-way subject to the requirements of this Ordinance must comply with this Article to the extent that such provisions do not conflict with the statutory authority of the controlling agency. Any standard may be modified as needed by the Department of Public Works to address specific site conditions. A right-of-way must be designed in relation to topographic and drainage conditions, public convenience and safety, and the existing and proposed development served by the right-of-way. 18.2 GENERAL RIGHT-OF-WAY ARRANGEMENT A. Public rights-of-way must be arranged so that building sites are approximately at right-of-way grade, unless site specific conditions do not allow it. B. The use of public rights-of-way running in an east-west direction and lots on a north-south axis is encouraged for energy conservation of developments. C. Public rights-of-way must be properly integrated with existing and proposed system of public rights-of-way and dedicated rights-of-way. D. Public right-of-way design and capacity must take into consideration land use traffic generators, such as employment centers, commercial districts and retail centers, and institutional uses, as well as the density of residential neighborhoods. E. Public rights-of-way must be laid out to conform as much as possible to the topography, permit efficient drainage and utility systems, and provide convenient and safe access to abutting lots. 18.3 BLOCKS A. Block Length New or reconfigured residential blocks must not exceed 1,000 feet in length, unless a greater length is approved by the Department of Public Works. Nonresidential blocks must be of such length and width as deemed necessary by the Department of Public Works and approved by the Planning Board. B. Block Design 1. The shape of a new block must be generally rectangular, but may vary to conform to natural features, highway and rail rights-of-way, open space boundaries, or particular site constraints. Where blocks curve, they must generally maintain their cardinal orientation over their entire trajectory. 2. New rights-of-way must connect to and extend the existing block network where possible. This requirement does not apply when connections cannot be made because of a natural or man-made barrier, such as existing structures, steep slopes, wetlands and waterbodies, railroad and utility rights-of-way, and open space. 3. All rights-of-way must terminate at other rights-of-way, forming a network. The Planning Board may approve cul-de-sacs and dead-end streets only when they meet both of the following criteria: Article 18. Public Realm City of Saratoga Springs UDO September 2021 18-2 a. No connection is available to an existing adjacent development or a natural or man-made barrier, such as a waterway, railroad, limited-access expressway, or unusual topography, exists that prevents connection. b. The cul-de-sac or dead-end street is no more than 600 feet in length, as measured along the centerline from the closest intersection. The minimum radius of a cul-de-sac shall be 75 feet with a circular turn around pavement of not less than 100 feet in diameter. 4. In new developments, where adjoining areas are not developed, rights -of-way must extend to the project boundary line where feasible to make provision for the future projection of rights-of-way into the adjoining areas. 18.4 GENERAL RIGHT-OF-WAY STANDARDS New construction, reconstruction, and reconfiguration of rights -of-way subject to the requirements of this Ordinance must comply with this section. Design standards must also be in accordance with the standards of the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), and the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) Urban Bikeway Design Guide, as updated or amended to the extent that such standards do not conflict with the statutory authority of the controlling agency. A. Complete Streets All public and private rights-of-way must be improved as Complete Streets in accordance with the policies of the City of Saratoga Springs Complete Streets Plan. A complete street is defined as right-of-way facilities that are designed and operated to enable safe access for all users. Persons with disabilities, pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and transit riders are able to safely move along and across a right-of-way designed as a complete street. B. Right-of-Way Construction 1. All right-of-way construction and repair must be in accordance with standards and specifications set forth by the City. 2. Vertical and horizontal alignment must be in accordance with standards and specifications set forth by the City. 3. Grades of public rights-of-way must conform as closely as possible to the original topography. A combination of steep grades and curves is not permitted. C. Intersections 1. Street intersections must be at right angles. If, because of topography or other natural or man-made barriers, an intersection cannot be at right angles, the intersection may use an alternate design that ensures safety. 2. Not more than two public rights-of-way can intersect at any one point unless specifically approved by the Planning Board. 3. Proposed new intersections along one side of an existing public right-of-way must coincide, wherever practicable, with any existing intersections on the opposite side of such public right-of-way. Where rights-of-way intersect arterial or collector streets, their alignment must be continuous. 4. All intersections must follow the guidance of the City's Saratoga Springs Pedestrian Crossing Toolbox. D. Curb Radius Curb radii must be a minimum of 25 feet and must be increased proportionately where the angle of intersection is less than 50 degrees. These minimums may be increased where the Department of Public Works finds that larger arcs or radii are necessary for the proper design of the intersection. E. Utility Installation Prior to paving of streets or sidewalks, water and sewer mains and services must be in place, or the developer must provide necessary casing for utilities. No pavement may be cut without the approval of the Department of Public Works. No boring of new pavement is allowed for the installation of new service lines mains or other facilities unless approved by the Department of Public Works. Article 18. Public Realm City of Saratoga Springs UDO September 2021 18-3 18.5 SIDEWALK AND MULTI-USE PATH REQUIREMENTS A. All development that involves new construction of a principal building or an increase in floor area of 50% or more to any existing principal building must provide for sidewalks of the minimum dimensions required by this Article. Sidewalks must be installed, widened, or repaired, as appropriate, prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy . However, new construction on a lot for a single-family, single-family-attached, or two-family dwelling or an increase in floor area of 50% or more to any such existing dwelling is only required to provide a sidewalk in the following circumstances: 1. When required by the Complete Streets Plan. 2. When located within the Inside District. 3. When the installation of a sidewalk would continue an existing sidewalk system along the blockface. 4. When the Zoning Officer determines, in consultation with the Department of Public Works and the Planning Department Staff, that a sidewalk is necessary. B. A multi-use path must be installed when required by the City of Saratoga Springs Greenbelt Trail Plan, Complete Streets Plan, and/or any adopted plans and policies. This multi-use path is required in place of or in addition to a sidewalk. In addition, the Planning Board may require a multi -use path instead of a required sidewalk even if not specified within adopted plans and policies. C. The requirement of a sidewalk may be waived for a fee-in-lieu payment when existing conditions do not allow or the existing character is incongruent with such based on the density of development, anticipated traffic volumes, and/or street lengths and connections. A fee-in-lieu payment waiver is not permitted for a required multi -use path. 1. When development is approved by the Planning Board, the Board will have the authority to approve the use of a fee-in-lieu payment. 2. When development is approved by the Zoning Officer or administratively, the Department of Public Works and the Planning Department Staff will have the authority to approve the use of a fee-in-lieu payment. 3. The fee-in-lieu payment amount will be established by the legislative body as part of the fee schedule. D. Sidewalks must be constructed according to City engineering standards and require the Department of Public Works approval. E. Multi-use paths must be a minimum of ten feet in width and must meet the standards of National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO), as well as the applicable standards of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), as updated or amended, and any City engineering standards. In the case of conflict, City standards control. F. Sidewalks and multi-use paths must be as straight and direct as possible unless specifically designed to follow natural contours and to preserve natural features , such as significant trees. Sidewalks shall be designed to include structural soil under sidewalk flags adjacent to new and existing street trees . G. Where sidewalks and multi-use paths cross driveways, the sidewalk and multi-use path must remain level, with no change in cross-slope. Article 18. Public Realm City of Saratoga Springs UDO September 2021 18-4 MULTI-USE PATH EXAMPLE 18.6 PEDESTRIAN ZONE A. The pedestrian zone, which is defined as the area between the curb line to the lot line of the adjoining property, is defined as the following zones: 1. Frontage Zone: The area adjacent to the lot line that transitions between the public sidewalk and the building facade. 2. Sidewalk Zone: The portion of the pedestrian zone containing the sidewalk. 3. Tree Belt: The portion of the sidewalk used for streetlights, street trees, landscape, transit stops/shelters, street furniture, etc. 4. Bulb Out: The area where pedestrian access may be extended into the parking lane, by features such as bulb- outs. The extension zone is an optional element. B. The placement and layout of typical streetscape elements must be in accordance with the following: 1. Frontage Zone: Outdoor sales displays, outdoor seating, outdoor dining, building facade plantings. 2. Sidewalk Zone: Sidewalks 3. Tree Belt: Street lights, street trees and plantings, bollards, outdoor seating, outdoor dining, bicycle racks, public art, utility boxes, transit stops/shelters, other street furnishings, green infrastructure 4. Bulb Out: Curb extensions, which should follow design guidelines from Pedestrian Crossing Toolbox for Bulb Outs Article 18. Public Realm City of Saratoga Springs UDO September 2021 18-5 CURB EXTENSION 18.7 BICYCLE LANE DESIGN STANDARDS When required by the Planning Board based on the City of Saratoga Springs Complete Streets Plan and approved by the Departments of Public Works and Public Safety, bicycles lanes must be included in right-of-way construction, reconstruction, and reconfiguration projects. Appropriate designs include, but are not limited to, the design types of this section. Where installed, bicycle facilities, should be constructed in accordance with the Urban Bikeway Design Guide, as updated or amended, published by the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO), as well as the applicable standards of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), as updated or amended. A. Shared: A marking placed in a vehicular travel lane to indicate that a bicyclist may use the full lane. Also called a shared-lane marking or sharrow. B. Bike Lane: A portion of the roadway that has been designated by striping, signs, and pavement markings for the preferential or exclusive use of bicyclists, typically located adjacent to motor vehicle travel lanes and flowing in the same direction as motor vehicle traffic. C. Buffered Bike Lane: A conventional bicycle lane paired with a designated buffer space separating the bicycle lane from the adjacent motor vehicle travel lane and/or parking lane. D. Contra-Flow Bike Lane: A bicycle lane designed to allow bicyclists to ride in the opposite direction of motor vehicle traffic, typically used to convert a one-way traffic street into a two-way street, one direction being for motor vehicles and bikes, and the other being for bikes only. E. Left-Side Bike Lane: A conventional bike lane placed on the left side of one-way streets or two-way median divided streets. F. Cycle Track: An exclusive bike facility that combines the user experience of a separated path with the on -street infrastructure of a conventional bike lane. A cycle track is physically separated from motor traffic and distinct from the sidewalk. G. Raised Cycle Track. A bicycle facility that is vertically separated from motor vehicle traffic, typically paired with a furnishing zone between the cycle track and motor vehicle travel lane and/or pedestrian area, and allowing for one -way or two-way travel by bicyclists. H. Two-Way Cycle Track. A physically separated cycle track that allows bicycle movement in both directi ons on one side of the road. Article 18. Public Realm City of Saratoga Springs UDO September 2021 18-6 SELECT EXAMPLES OF BICYCLE LANE DESIGN Shared Bike/Vehicle Example/Sharrows Bike Lane Example Article 18. Public Realm City of Saratoga Springs UDO September 2021 18-7 Cycle Track Example Buffered Bike Lane Example 18.8 RIGHT-OF-WAY DESIGN All rights-of-way must match one of the right-of-way types of this section to the extent that such right-of-way types do not conflict with the statutory authority of the controlling agency. Right-of-way types and design may be modified as needed by the Department of Public Works to address specific site conditions. All rights-of-way must be constructed according to City engineering standards. A. Right-of-Way Types The classifications of rights-of-way are divided into the following: 1. Rural roads provide access and circulation through portions of the City that are rural in character. 2. An alley is a vehicular drive located to the rear of lots providing access to service areas, parking, outbuildings, or containing utility easements. 3. Local streets primarily provide direct access to abutting land and access to the higher order street. 4. Collector streets provide both access to and traffic circulation within residential neighborhoods, commercial , and industrial areas. Collector streets also collect traffic from local streets in residential neighborhoods and channel into the arterial system. Collector streets differ from arterial streets in that collector streets enter residential neighborhoods, distributing trips from arterials through the area to destinations. 5. Arterial streets carry the majority of trips entering and leaving the City, as well as the majority of through movements. A street that meets the definition of the New York State Department of Transportation for the arterial street functional classification is considered an arterial street. Article 18. Public Realm City of Saratoga Springs UDO September 2021 18-8 B. Right-of-Way Dimensional Requirements 1. Minimum dimensions are provided for rural roads, alleys, and local streets. Typical dimensions are provided for collector and arterial streets. Variations to these dimensions and configurations may be approved by the Department of Public Works. 2. In the event that a subdivision adjoins or includes existing City streets that have a right-of-way width less than 55 feet, additional land along both sides of the street sufficient to conform to the right-of-way requirements shall be offered to the City. If a subdivision is along one side only, one-half of the required extra width shall be offered to the City. 3. The diagrams provided for each right-of-way type are examples only, illustrating a potential configuration. In some cases, the dimensions of the illustrations may exceed the minimum dimensions to illustrate how certain right - of-way features may be designed. RURAL ROAD: TWO-LANE Article 18. Public Realm City of Saratoga Springs UDO September 2021 18-9 RURAL ROAD: TWO-LANE WITH MULTI-USE PATH Article 18. Public Realm City of Saratoga Springs UDO September 2021 18-10 ALLEY Article 18. Public Realm City of Saratoga Springs UDO September 2021 18-11 LOCAL STREET: NEIGHBORHOOD ONE-WAY STREET Article 18. Public Realm City of Saratoga Springs UDO September 2021 18-12 LOCAL STREET: NEIGHBORHOOD TWO-LANE MINOR STREET Article 18. Public Realm City of Saratoga Springs UDO September 2021 18-13 LOCAL STREET: NEIGHBORHOOD TWO-LANE STREET Article 18. Public Realm City of Saratoga Springs UDO September 2021 18-14 LOCAL STREET: NEIGHBORHOOD TWO-LANE DIVIDED STREET Article 18. Public Realm City of Saratoga Springs UDO September 2021 18-15 COLLECTOR: TWO-LANE, UNDIVIDED Article 18. Public Realm City of Saratoga Springs UDO September 2021 18-16 COLLECTOR: TWO-LANE, DIVIDED Article 18. Public Realm City of Saratoga Springs UDO September 2021 18-17 COLLECTOR: FOUR-LANE, UNDIVIDED Article 18. Public Realm City of Saratoga Springs UDO September 2021 18-18 COLLECTOR: FOUR-LANE, DIVIDED Article 18. Public Realm City of Saratoga Springs UDO September 2021 18-19 ARTERIAL STREET: FOUR-LANE, UNDIVIDED Article 18. Public Realm City of Saratoga Springs UDO September 2021 18-20 ARTERIAL STREET: FOUR-LANE, DIVIDED