Chapter 17.19
SIGHT CLEARANCE FOR INTERSECTIONS AND SHOULDERS
Sections:
17.19.020 Sight distance areas.
17.19.040 Sight obstruction allowed.
17.19.010 Purpose and intent.
The purpose of this chapter is directed toward protecting and enhancing the well-being of the residents of the City through improved traffic safety at intersections and along roadway shoulders. (Ord. C-675 § 249, 2008)
17.19.020 Sight distance areas.
A. The obstruction of a motor vehicle operator’s view on the shoulder or at an intersection shall be prohibited within the sight distance area described in this section, which is located between a height of 42 inches and 10 feet above the existing surface of the street. Sight distance areas include the first 20 feet of the shoulder bordering on the improved road and that portion of an intersection that falls within the clear-view triangle as described herein. A clear-view triangle shall be formed on all intersections by extending two lines the lengths specified below from the center of the intersection along the centerline of both approaches, then connecting the ends of both approaches to form the hypotenuse of a triangle. To determine the clear-view triangle, the measurement along the centerline of the roadway approaches shall be as follows:
1. For the intersection of a City-owned local access street with an arterial or higher classification roadway, the area can be determined by measuring from the centerline of the intersection a distance of 200 feet along the arterial, and a distance of 40 feet along the local access street.
2. For the intersection of two local access streets, the area can be determined by measuring from the intersection centerline 90 feet for each street.
B. Fencing, walls, landscaping, signs and any sight obstruction which constitutes a hazard to the traveling public shall not be permitted on corner lots in any zone within the area designated as a clear-view triangle. The area within the clear-view triangle shall be subject to the restrictions to maintain a clear view on the intersection approaches. (Ord. C-675 § 250, 2008)
17.19.030 Vertical clearance.
Trees or other objects projecting over the improved street shall be maintained no lower than 15 feet above the surface of the street. (Ord. C-675 § 251, 2008)
17.19.040 Sight obstruction allowed.
The following obstructions are allowed in the clear-view triangle:
A. Traffic-control devices;
B. Public utility poles;
C. Structures, fences, and vegetation which were existing before passage of the ordinance codified in this chapter which do not constitute a safety hazard and which are substantially in conformance with this title, and buildings constructed in conformance with the provisions of the C-1 zone;
D. Trees trimmed from the base to the height of 10 feet;
E. Places where contours of the ground allow no cross-visibility at the intersection. (Ord. C-675 § 252, 2008)
17.19.050 Special cases.
Where unusual conditions preclude the application of this chapter in a reasonable manner, the City Planner may establish minimum sight distances based on the intent of this chapter. These minimum sight distances may be more restrictive than provided elsewhere in this chapter. (Ord. C-675 § 253, 2008)