A.
Each street shall be designed and constructed in accordance with
the requirements of this chapter, the Township Subdivision and Land
Development ordinance,[1] and East Hempfield Township technical specifications and
standard details kept on file at the Township Office.
B.
The right-of-way shall be graded to its full width.
C.
Plowing easements shall be provided for snow piles at "T" intersections
and permanent or temporary culs-de-sac.
The following criteria shall be considered in the design of
streets in all subdivisions and/or land developments.
A.
The alignment of streets shall conform to the circulation plan of
the Township Comprehensive Plan, to official maps, and to such municipal,
county and state street and highway plans as have been duly adopted.
B.
For streets not shown on the circulation plan or Official Map, the
arrangement shall take into account existing topography and other
site constraints when providing for the appropriate extension of existing
streets.
C.
Local streets shall be arranged so as to discourage excessive speeds
when their function is to remain local.
D.
Streets shall be designed with drainage grates that are safe for
crossing by bicycles or horse-drawn vehicles.
E.
Curvilinear streets and culs-de-sac should be utilized only where
topography and natural features dictate them on the site, and where
their use will be consistent with adjoining development patterns.
Curvilinear streets shall not be used immediately adjacent to an existing
grid street system without providing a transition that continues and
protects the grid. Culs-de-sac shall not be used where it is possible
to provide grid pattern streets that provide better access for emergency
vehicles, fewer restrictions for snow removal and improved pedestrian
access. New project street systems, platted adjacent to an existing
street system, shall not be merely looped back on local streets, but
shall connect with or be designed to connect with, in the future,
streets of a higher class. Consideration shall be given to the dispersal
of traffic from commercial and employment centers, and to the ultimate
functioning of the street system and regional transportation network.
F.
Streets shall be laid out to provide convenient and safe access to
the development. Where appropriate, the Township Board of Supervisors
or their designee may require additional cartway improvements and/or
right-of-way width along existing street frontages to accommodate
the anticipated traffic increase and to facilitate vehicular turning
movements to and from individual lots.
G.
Where a development abuts an existing or proposed arterial street,
the Township Board of Supervisors or their designee may require access
management techniques such as the use of marginal access streets,
reverse frontage lots, or other such treatment that will provide protection
for abutting properties, reduce the number of intersections with the
arterial street, and separate the local and through traffic.
H.
Street lengths shall be minimized as to promote the most efficient
street layout while still protecting the natural, cultural, and historical
environment.
A.
Private streets may be used provided the Board of Supervisors determines
that no public benefit will be served by dedication. Applications
that propose a private street shall be accompanied by a recorded declaration
or an agreement which shall be recorded with the Lancaster County
Recorder of Deeds as part of the final plan. This agreement shall
establish the conditions under which the street will be constructed
and maintained in accordance with the design approved on the final
plan, and shall stipulate:
(1)
Ownership interest in the private street.
(2)
No limitations on users unless identified in the private agreement.
(3)
A statement indicating that civil court, not the Board of Supervisors,
is responsible for mitigating differences relating to the agreement.
(4)
The method of assessing maintenance and repair cost.
(5)
Private streets shall not be offered for dedication as a public
street unless they are restored to Township design standards for streets.
The offer for dedication of the street shall be made only for the
street as a whole.
(6)
Private streets shall meet the design standards of a local street.
A.
Right-of-way, cartway widths, curb and sidewalk.
(1)
The right-of-way width and cartway width for local, collector,
and industrial roads shall be as shown in the "Typical Details" section
of the East Hempfield Township Technical Specifications and Standard
Details.
(2)
All curb shall be vertical concrete curb, a minimum of 18 inches,
with six-inch or eight-inch reveal as specified in "Typical Details"
section of the East Hempfield Township Technical Specifications and
Standard Details.
(3)
Use of slant or rolled concrete curb, macadam curb, or alternate
submaterials is not permitted, except to match existing curb on adjacent
properties, and is subject to approval by the Board of Supervisors.
(4)
All sidewalks shall be a minimum of four inches thick, with
four-inch stone base except in areas traversed by vehicles, where
it shall be six inches thick and reinforced, as specified by this
chapter. The width shall be as shown in "Typical Details" section
of the East Hempfield Township Technical Specifications and Standard
Details.
B.
Vertical street alignments.
(1)
Vertical curves shall be used in changes in grade exceeding
1%.
(2)
The minimum lengths (in feet) of vertical curves shall be 25
times the algebraic difference in grade.
(3)
Alignment:
(a)
Vertical street and driveway alignments shall be measured along
the centerline.
(b)
Minimum rate of Vertical Curvature K shall be as specified below:
|
Table 2 Vertical Curve K Values
| |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Initial Speed
(mph)
|
Curvature, K1 (feet/%) Crest
|
Curvature, K1 (feet/%) Sag
| |
|
25
|
12
|
26
| |
|
30
|
19
|
37
| |
|
35
|
29
|
49
| |
|
40
|
44
|
64
| |
|
45
|
61
|
79
| |
|
50
|
84
|
96
| |
|
1
|
Rate of vertical curvature, K=length of curve (L) per percent
divided by algebraic difference (A) in the intersection grades (K=L/A)
|
(4)
Grade:
(a)
The minimum grade shall be 1%.
(b)
The maximum grade shall be 8%.
(c)
Where the approaching grade is 7% or greater, a leveling area
shall be provided within 75 feet of a four-way street intersection
on the street of lesser classification, or driveway, or the terminating
street at a three-way intersection.
(d)
Such leveling area(s) shall have a maximum grade of 4% for a
minimum length of 40 feet measured from the intersection of the centerlines.
C.
Horizontal street alignments.
(1)
Horizontal curves shall be used at all angle changes in excess
of 2°.
(2)
The design of horizontal curves shall be based on an appropriate
relationship between design speed and curvature and on their joint
relationships with superelevation.
(3)
Single, long radius curves shall be used rather than a series
of curves with varying radii and/or a series of short curves separated
by short, straight segments.
(4)
Driveway intersections shall be designed to local street horizontal
alignment standards.
(5)
The center line of the street cartway shall correspond with
the center line of the street right-of-way.
(6)
Minimum distance between curb face or shoulder edge and an obstruction
shall be 1.5 feet.
(7)
Maximum elevation rate shall be 0.04 feet/foot.
(8)
See Table 3, Minimum Horizontal Curve Radius, for determination
of minimum horizontal centerline radius.
|
Table 3 Minimum Horizontal Curve Radius
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
Roadway Classifications
|
Minimum Centerline Radius
(feet)
| |
|
Local road
|
150
| |
|
Collector roads
|
420
| |
|
Arterial roads
|
As required by PennDOT
| |
A.
The typical pavement sections for local, collector and industrial
roads shall be as shown in the "Typical Details" section of the East
Hempfield Township Technical Specifications and Standard Details.
B.
Road widening.
(1)
For pavement widening, all improvements shall be completed to
the centerline of the existing cartway consistent with the design
standards shown in "Typical Details" section of the East Hempfield
Township Technical Specifications and Standard Details.
(2)
The Township reserves the right to require improvements beyond
the centerline if required for vertical or horizontal control, proper
stormwater management, or safety of vehicular or pedestrian traffic.
(3)
Existing pavement shall be sawcut full depth a minimum of one
foot from the existing edge of cartway, or to an acceptable pavement
quality as determined by the Township, whichever is greater.
(4)
All paving joints shall receive an emulsified asphalt tack coat
and paving fabric a minimum of two feet wide prior to placement of
wearing course.
(5)
A paving notch of a minimum 1 1/2 inches deep and five
feet wide shall be provided where new wearing course is to meet existing
pavement.
A.
Cul-de-sac/local streets: a minimum separation distance of 150 feet
between centerlines shall be provided.
B.
Collector streets: a minimum separation distance of 300 feet between
centerlines shall be provided.
C.
Arterial streets: a minimum separation distance of 600 feet between
centerlines shall be provided.
D.
Where applicable, an intersection may be designed with turning lanes
or intermediate islands and will be reviewed and considered on a case-by-case
basis. All designs shall be in accordance with the book entitled "A
Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets" (latest edition)
by the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials.
E.
The centerline of all streets shall intersect at right angles.
F.
Radius returns.
(1)
The cartway edge at street intersections shall be rounded by
a tangential arc with radii as follows:
(a)
When a local street intersects with another local street, it
shall have a twenty-foot curb return radius.
(b)
When a local street intersects with a collector street, it shall
have a thirty-foot curb return radius.
(c)
When a local street intersects with a PennDOT roadway, it shall
have a minimum thirty-five-foot curb return radius.
(d)
When a collector street intersects with a PennDOT roadway, it
shall have a minimum thirty-five-foot curb return radius.
(2)
The required radii for driveways which serve industrial or commercial
properties shall be based upon the anticipated traffic volume and
type of traffic that will access the site.
(3)
The required radii for all non-local street intersections shall
be based upon the anticipated traffic volume and the type of traffic
that will access the development.
(4)
When site conditions warrant, larger curb return radii shall
be used. The curb returns at all intersections must be designed for
the largest anticipated vehicle to turn without encroaching into the
opposing lane line.
G.
The right-of-way radii at intersections shall be substantially concentric
with the edge of the cartway.
H.
Where warranted by a traffic impact study, the Board of Supervisors
may require additional traffic lanes or additional right-of-way to
facilitate vehicular turning movements at existing or proposed street
intersections within, or adjacent to, proposed subdivisions or land
developments.
I.
Where applicable, an intersection may be designed with turning lanes
or intermediate islands for channelization and will be reviewed and
considered on a case by case basis. All designs shall be in accordance
with the book entitled "A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and
Streets" (latest edition) by the American Association of State Highway
Transportation Officials.
J.
Where applicable, traffic calming measures at intersections and crosswalks
may be implemented for new local streets to protect pedestrians. All
traffic calming measures shall be designed in accordance with PennDOT
standards and approved by the Township Board of Supervisors.
K.
Multiple intersections involving the junction of more than two streets
are prohibited.
L.
The developer shall furnish and install street name signs and traffic
control signs at all street intersections as directed by the Township
Board of Supervisors or their designee.
A.
To the greatest extent possible, through streets shall be provided.
The feasibility of a through street will be based on the physical
features of the tract proposed for development and/or adjoining lots,
the potential for extension of the street to adjoining lands based
on existing development patterns, restrictions imposed by other government
regulations and other recorded documentation, and the ability of the
design to meet all other requirements of this chapter. When single
access/cul-de-sac streets are proposed, the application shall be accompanied
by a written analysis of the merits of the design and the reasons
that a through street would not be desirable.
B.
The length of the cul-de-sac street shall be measured from the centerline
intersection with the through street to the center point of the turnaround.
C.
All cul-de-sac streets shall have a minimum length of 250 feet and
shall not exceed 600 feet in length. Temporary cul-de-sac streets
shall not have a minimum length.
D.
Permanent cul-de-sac streets shall be designed to serve a maximum
of 250 ADT for residential development and a maximum of 500 ADT for
nonresidential development.
E.
Any temporary cul-de-sac street designed for access to an adjoining
property or for authorized phased development and which is greater
than one lot deep shall be provided with a temporary all-weather turnaround.
The use of turnaround shall be guaranteed to the public until such
time as the street is extended. Sidewalks along temporary culs-de-sac
must be continued at the same time that the street is continued.
F.
Culs-de-sac shall have a circular, "T" shaped, "hammerhead" or branched
shaped turnaround. Turnarounds shall be constructed completely within
the street right-of-way.
(1)
T shaped, hammerheads or branched shaped turnarounds may be
used if the cul-de-sac serves less than 10 dwelling units. Dimensions
of these turnarounds shall meet the minimum design standards referenced
in the book entitled "A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and
Streets" (latest edition) by American Association of State Highway
Transportation Officials.
 |
G.
Restoration of the temporary cul-de-sac paved areas and sidewalk
system within the right-of-way shall be the responsibility of the
developer.
H.
Permanent culs-de-sac with a circular turnaround shall be paved.
The turnaround shall have a minimum radius of 42 feet.
 |
I.
Culs-de-sac with a center island will not be accepted for dedication
to the Township.
A.
Where appropriate, rights-of-way shall be reserved for future access
strip usage in conjunction with the zoning classification of adjacent
tracts to allow for future development. Areas reserved for future
access strip usage will not be required to be improved. However, these
areas shall be reserved for street improvements to be provided by
the developer of the adjacent tract. Appropriate plan notes shall
be included to note future access strip expansion.
B.
Wherever there exists a dedicated or platted area reserved for future
access strip usage along the boundary of a tract being developed,
the proposed street must be extended over the area dedicated or platted
for future access strip usage. The street shall be designed in conformance
with the design requirements of the proposed street subject to the
existing right-of-way.
C.
The extension of existing streets that are presently constructed
with a cartway different from the standards of this chapter shall
be provided with a transition area, the design of which is subject
to Board of Supervisors approval.
A.
Streets and driveways shall not be located where they would interfere
with the placement and proper functioning of street signs, signals,
detectors, lighting or other devices that affect traffic control.
B.
The location of a street or driveway within 150 feet of a signalized
intersection may include a requirement that the permittee provide
new or relocated detectors, signal heads, controller, and the like
for the control of traffic movements from the driveway.
C.
Driveways on a lot which abuts two or more intersecting streets may
be restricted to only one street.
D.
The Township may require the permittee to locate a street or driveway
directly across from a street, driveway on the opposite side of the
street if it is judged necessary or advisable for safety purposes.
E.
All driveways shall be located, designed, constructed and maintained
in such a manner as not to interfere or be inconsistent with the design,
maintenance and drainage of any Street.
A.
The ability of a driveway to function safely and efficiently as an
integral component of a street system requires that its design and
construction be based on the amount and type of traffic that it is
expected to serve and the type and character of street which it accesses.
Driveways are separated into four classifications based on the amount
of traffic they are expected to serve. A description of each classification
and typical examples of land uses normally associated with each follows:
B.
Local roads. A driveway access intended to serve more than three
properties or to act as a connecting link between two or more roadways
shall be, for the purpose of this chapter, considered a local road
and not a driveway regardless of its ownership. As such, its design
must be in accordance with the standards governing the design of local
roads.
A.
All driveways shall be designed and constructed in accordance with
Figures F1 through F7 contained in the East Hempfield Township Technical
Specifications and Standard Details.
B.
The driveway design features described and illustrated in East Hempfield
Township Technical Specifications and Standard Details are to be used
by the applicant in designing the driveway plans which accompany the
application. Dimensions shall be selected from the range of values
shown on the appropriate figures. The Township may require design
details which are more stringent than those specified to ensure the
safe and efficient operation of any proposed driveway.
C.
Driveways serving lots located adjacent to a street intersection
are subject to the following standards:
(1)
There shall be a minimum ten-foot tangent distance between the
intersecting street radius and the radius of the first permitted driveway.
(2)
The distance from the edge of pavement (curbline) of the intersecting
street to the radius of the first permitted driveway shall be a minimum
of 30 feet for a local street and 40 feet for a collector street.
(4)
Driveways not classified minimum use shall have a minimum of
150 feet center-line separation from all other streets and driveways.
[Amended 3-18-2015 by Ord. No. 2015-02]
D.
Driveways shall access the street of lesser classification, unless
specific site conditions warrant access to the higher classified street.
E.
To maintain good access management in the street network, when a
driveway intersects with a collector or arterial street, joint, shared
use, or reverse frontage driveways should be encouraged when such
design would increase traffic safety by decreasing the potential for
vehicular conflicts.
F.
Shared or joint-use driveways must meet the following standards:
(1)
Driveways shall be used only for four or fewer dwelling units.
(2)
To decrease the potential for vehicular conflicts, driveways
may be located either partially on, centered on, or entirely on one
lot.
(3)
An easement agreement shall be provided and recorded that indicates
the rights of ownership, access, and maintenance. The Township is
not responsible to settle conflict issues with joint or shared driveways.
G.
No portion of any driveway shall be located outside of the property
line of a lot. For the purpose of this section alone, as to lots which
do not extend to the centerline of the abutting public street, the
property line shall be extended, at right angles or radially from
the public street right-of-way, to the centerline of the public street
so that no portion of any driveway shall be located in front of an
adjoining property.
H.
Driveways shall be located a minimum of three feet from the property
line.
I.
Multiple driveways serving the same lot must be separated by a minimum
distance of 15 feet measured along the street right-of-way line and
20 feet measured along the curb line.
J.
Site requirements.
(1)
Driveways shall be designed for their intended function. Sufficient
design information must be submitted to indicate that the number of
travel lanes and width proposed have been designed to accommodate
the anticipated traffic to and from the development.
(2)
Applications for driveways providing access to uses which provide
drive-in service shall, when requested, include information relative
to the amount of storage provided between the service facility and
the street right-of-way, the number of service operations anticipated
during peak periods and the hours and days of operation.
(3)
Driveway approaches used for two-way operation shall be positioned
at right angles (90°) to the street or as near thereto as site
conditions permit, except as shown in Figure F-6 of the East Hempfield
Township Technical Specifications and Standard Details.
(4)
Joint use or shared driveways do not require curbs or a specific
right-of-way; however, the following standards for cartway width shall
apply:
|
Function
|
Cartway Width
(feet)
| |
|---|---|---|
|
Two lanes of traffic with on-street parking
|
34
| |
|
Two lanes of traffic without on-street parking
|
24
| |
|
One lane of traffic with one lane of on-street parking1
|
20
| |
|
One lane of traffic without on-street parking1
|
12
|
|
NOTES:
| ||
|---|---|---|
|
1
|
The one-way direction of traffic must be identified along the
cartway.
| |
The number and location of entrances which may be granted will
be based on usage, interior and exterior traffic patterns and current
design policy of the Township.
A.
Only one driveway will be permitted for a single-family residential
lot and not more than two driveways will be permitted for a multifamily
or nonresidential lot.
B.
If the property frontage exceeds 600 feet, the permit may authorize
an additional driveway.
C.
Regardless of frontage, the development may be restricted to a single
entrance/exit driveway.
Driveway approaches shall conform to the following standards:
A.
The location and angle of a driveway approach in relation to the
street intersection shall be such that a vehicle entering or leaving
the driveway may do so in an orderly and safe manner and with a minimum
of interference to street traffic.
B.
Where the driveway approach and street pavement meet, flaring of
the approach may be necessary to allow safe, easy turning of vehicular
traffic.
A.
All driveways shall be constructed so as not to impair drainage within
the street right-of-way, alter the stability of the improved area
or change the drainage of adjacent areas.
B.
Where a drainage ditch or swale exists, the permittee shall install
an adequate pipe under the driveway in accordance with the Township
Stormwater Management ordinance.
C.
The side slopes for driveway embankments within the street right-of-way
shall not be steeper than three-to-one.
D.
Driveway grade requirements in curbed and uncurbed streets shall
conform to Figure F-1 contained in East Hempfield Township Technical
Specifications and Standard Details. Those designs must be revised
to meet the current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) when those
standards are more restrictive.
All driveways shall be paved.
An application that proposes joint use and shared driveways
shall be accompanied by an agreement which shall be recorded and which
shall establish the conditions under which the joint use and shared
driveways will be maintained.
A.
The combination of speed, volumes, location and arrangement of driveways,
and intersections may require the installation of turning lanes. When
required by a traffic study, a turning lane of sufficient length and
width shall be constructed to allow vehicles to safely enter or leave
the development.
B.
Where the width of the street right-of-way is insufficient to permit
the construction of a needed turning lane, the permittee shall provide
any necessary additional right-of-way.
C.
When required, auxiliary lanes shall be constructed, at no cost to
the Township, in accordance with this chapter.
D.
If an auxiliary lane must be located in front of another person's
property, the applicant shall be required to secure the approval of
the other person or indemnify the Township against any action which
the other person may bring against the Township.
A.
Sight distance shall be adequate to safely allow each permitted movement
to be made into or out of the proposed street or driveway in accordance
with the PennDOT standards for sight distance as outlined in Department
of Transportation Design Manual - Part 2, Highway Design (Publication
13), latest edition, and other applicable PennDOT requirements. Sufficient
design and plan information shall be submitted with the plan application
proving that this minimum standard will be achieved.
B.
A one-hundred-foot-approach clear sight triangle shall be provided
for all proposed streets. No building or other obstruction that would
obscure the vision of a motorist shall be permitted within these areas.
C.
If sight distance requirements as specified cannot be met, the Township
may:
A.
All permanent objects shall be at least 18 inches behind face of
curb. This includes, but is not limited to, items such as utility
poles, sign posts, fire hydrants and trees.
B.
All street and traffic signs and pavement markings shall be consistent
with PennDOT requirements and with the Federal Highway Administration
Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) with respect to
type, height and location.
C.
Utilities should be installed behind curb when feasible.
D.
Manholes placed in the cartway should not be located in the wheel
path of traveling vehicles.
E.
All structures in the road, including, but not limited to, manholes,
gas valve boxes and water valve boxes, shall be zero inches to 1/4
inches below the finished surface of the cartway and maintained in
good working order. Owners of such structures shall be responsible
for annual inspection and maintenance, and shall provide documentation
of the inspections upon request by the Township. If any deficiencies,
including but not limited to broken or missing valve tops or settlement
around the structure, are found and not corrected by the owner or
person responsible for such structures within 60 days' notice, the
Township shall proceed to do the work necessary and required to fix
the structure and charge the owner of such structure the cost of the
repair plus 20%.
A.
All curbing shall be installed in accordance with the East Hempfield
Township Technical Specifications and Standard Details, which is on
file at the Township office.
B.
Where property abutting the right-of-way line could be used as a
parking area, the permit may require curbing, permanent guiderail
or bumper blocks to be constructed along the right-of-way line in
order to prohibit vehicle encroachment upon the sidewalk area.
C.
The Township shall review and, if appropriate, approve both curbline
and curb grade prior to actual construction.
D.
The property owner shall be responsible for the maintenance of curbing
along the frontage of their property.
A.
All sidewalk shall be installed in accordance with the East Hempfield
Township Technical Specifications and Standard Details, which is on
file at the Township office.
B.
All sidewalk and curb ramps shall meet all current ADA and PennDOT
RC-67M requirements. The location and ramp type should be shown on
the plans. Provide a note to indicate that the contractor is responsible
to install the curb ramps, sidewalk and driveway aprons to the latest
ADA or PennDOT standards at the time of construction.
C.
The detectable warning surface for curb ramps within the public right-of-way
shall be constructed from removable panels. The panel's manufacturer
shall be as specified by the Township. The panels shall be provided
and installed according to the manufacturer's specifications and shall
meet all applicable PennDOT and ADA requirements.
