Chapter 16.16
DESIGN STANDARDS
Sections:
16.16.010 Conformance to comprehensive plan and zoning.
16.16.020 Topographical hazards—Protective improvements.
16.16.030 Fire protection facilities and water supplies.
16.16.070 Reverse frontage lots.
16.16.100 Drainage—Storm sewer easements—Conservation practices.
16.16.120 Underground utility installation.
16.16.010 Conformance to comprehensive plan and zoning.
All subdivisions shall conform to the county comprehensive plan and all zoning regulations in effect at the time any complete preliminary plat application is submitted. Lots shall be of sufficient area, width and length to satisfy zoning requirements. (Ord. O-01-24 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 77-3 § 39)
16.16.020 Topographical hazards—Protective improvements.
Land on which exist any topographical conditions hazardous to the safety or general welfare of persons or property in or near a proposed subdivision shall not be subdivided unless the construction of protective improvements will eliminate the hazard or unless land subject to the hazard is reserved for a use as will not expose persons or property to the hazard. Protective improvements shall be constructed prior to final plat approval. Protective improvements and restrictions on use shall be clearly noted on the final plat. (Ord. O-01-24 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 77-3 § 40)
16.16.030 Fire protection facilities and water supplies.
Water sources and facilities adequate for fire protection purposes shall be provided and maintained in every subdivision. Fire protection shall be according to the International Fire Code as adopted by Washington State. Where fire hazards exist the fire protection official may require the removal of flammable vegetation from an area used as a fire break around or within a subdivision. (Ord. O-01-24 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 9/11/78 § 12: Ord. 77-3 § 41)
16.16.040 Subdivision roads.
A. All subdivisions shall be served by one or more public roads providing ingress and egress to and from the subdivision at not less than two points unless approved otherwise by the board.
B. Major roads within every subdivision shall conform with the comprehensive plan and shall provide for the continuation of major roads which serve property contiguous to the subdivision.
C. Road intersections shall be as nearly at right angles as is practicable and in no event shall be less than seventy-five degrees.
D. Cul-de-sacs shall be designed as to provide a circular turn-around right-of-way at the closed end which meets the current Adams County road standards.
E. Road networks shall provide ready access for fire and other emergency vehicles and equipment, and routes of escape for inhabitants. (Ord. O-01-24 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 77-3 § 42)
16.16.050 Blocks.
Blocks shall be so designed as to assure traffic safety and ease of traffic control and circulation. Blocks shall be wide enough to allow for two tiers of lots unless the topography or other factors dictate the use of one tier of reverse frontage lots or unless the board approves the design of irregularly shaped blocks indented by cul-de-sacs within a particular subdivision. (Ord. O-01-24 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 77-3 § 43)
16.16.060 Lot access.
A. Every lot shall be provided with satisfactory access by a public or private road connecting to an existing public road.
B. Lots adjacent to a road which has been designated an arterial by the board shall be provided with access other than the arterial, unless the board grants specific exemption to this requirement.
C. The plat of a subdivision containing lots adjacent to a designated arterial shall include a waiver of the right of direct access to the arterial, unless the board grants specific exemptions to this requirement. (Ord. O-01-24 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 77-3 § 44)
16.16.070 Reverse frontage lots.
A. No residential lots shall have road frontage along two opposite boundaries unless topographical features or the need to provide separation of the lots from arterials, railways, commercial activities or industrial activities, justify the designing of reverse frontage lots.
B. Reverse frontage lots shall be designed with an easement at least ten feet wide to be dedicated along the lot lines abutting the traffic arterial or other disadvantageous use, across which there shall be no right of access for the general public or adjoining property owners. (Ord. O-01-24 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 77-3 § 45)
16.16.080 Lot line angles.
Where practicable, side lot lines shall be straight lines running at or near right angles to the road upon which the lots front. Side lot lines on curved roads should run at or near radially to the curve. (Ord. O-01-24 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 77-3 § 46)
16.16.090 Sidewalks.
Sidewalks or sidewalk easements shall be provided in locations determined by the county building and planning director with a focus on safe walking routes to school. If the county building and planning director determines that sidewalks are not needed, the director may waive the sidewalk requirement. Sidewalks or sidewalk easements shall be properly located and sufficient to meet the circulation needs of the subdivision. (Ord. O-01-24 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 77-3 § 47)
16.16.100 Drainage—Storm sewer easements—Conservation practices.
Easements for drainage channels and ways shall be of sufficient width to assure that the same may be maintained and improved. Easements for storm sewers shall be provided and shall be of sufficient width and proper location to permit future installation. Conservation practices shall be used on all platted developments to prevent erosion either by wind or by water. (Ord. O-01-24 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 77-3 § 48)
16.16.110 Utility easements.
Easements for electric, telephone, water, gas and similar utilities shall be of sufficient width to assure future maintenance. When initial installation of such facilities will be other than underground, easements for the same shall be sufficiently wide and so located as to permit future installation of underground utilities. Easements shall include irrigation easements when a plat lies within an irrigation district. (Ord. O-01-24 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 77-3 § 49)
16.16.120 Underground utility installation.
Subdivisions shall provide underground utility lines, including but not limited to those for electricity, communications and street lighting. Where topography, soil, or other conditions make underground installation impracticable and the board so finds upon written evidence presented by the supplier of such utilities it may waive requirement for underground utilities. (Ord. O-01-24 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 77-3 § 50)