Chapter 17.54
CLEAR VISION*
Sections:
* Prior history:
17.54.030 History: Ord. 1131 §2, 1990; Repealed by Ord. 1366, 2005.
17.54.010 Applicability.
Clear vision standards shall apply to all development in the city.
Statutory Reference: ORS Ch. 197 and 227
History: Ord. 1131 §2, 1990; Ord. 1366, 2005.
17.54.020 Clear vision area.
(1) Obstruction Prohibited. On property at any corner formed by the intersection of two streets, or a street and a railroad, it is unlawful to install, set out or maintain, or to allow the installation, setting out or maintenance of any sign, fence, hedge, shrubbery, natural growth or other obstructions to the view higher than three feet above the level of the center of the adjacent intersection with that triangular area between the property line and a diagonal line joining points on the property lines at the distance from the intersection specified in this regulation. In the case of rounded corners, the triangular areas shall be between the lot lines extended in a straight line to a point of intersection and so measured, and a third side which is a line across the center of the lot joining the nonintersecting ends of the other two sides. The following measurements shall establish clear-vision areas:
|
Right-of-Way (in feet) |
Measurement Each Lot Line (in feet) |
|---|---|
|
80’ |
20’ |
|
60’ |
30’ |
|
50’ or less |
40’ |
(2) Exceptions. Provisions set out in Subsection (1) of this section shall not apply to:
(a) Public utility poles; trees trimmed (to the trunk) to a line at least eight feet (8’) above the level of the intersection; provided, that the remaining limbs and foliage of the trees must be trimmed as to leave, at all seasons, a clear and unobstructed cross-view of the intersection; saplings, or plant species of open growth habits and not planted in the form of a hedge, which are so planted and trimmed as to leave at all seasons a clear and unobstructed cross-view of the intersection, supporting members of appurtenances to permanent buildings existing on the date when this ordinance in this Chapter becomes effective; official warning signs or signals; places where the contour of the ground is such that there can be no cross-visibility at the intersection; or to signs mounted ten or more feet above the ground and whose supports do not constitute an obstruction as described in Subsection (1) of the section.
(b) At a driveway serving a parking lot with capacity of more than eight automobiles and at corners of an intersection of a street controlled by stop signs or a traffic signal if the street intersection or driveway has an unobstructed sight distance specified in a 2001 publication titled “A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets” prepared by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), summarized in the table below; however, the Planning Commission may approve a driveway location with less than minimum intersection sight distance if no other suitable location is available:
|
Posted Speed Limit |
Minimum Intersection Sight Distance |
|---|---|
|
20 |
225 ft. |
|
25 |
280 ft. |
|
30 |
335 ft. |
|
35 |
390 ft. |
|
40 |
445 ft. |
|
45 |
500 ft. |
Statutory Reference: ORS Ch. 197 and 227