[Adopted 6-18-1980 (§§ 13-128 to 13-146
of the 1974 Code)]
A.
The purpose of this article is to provide for the
manner of design, construction and acceptance of new streets, highways
or public ways and establish minimum standards and specifications
therefor in the Town of Ridgefield.
B.
On and after the effective date of this article, no
new street, highway or public way shall be laid out or offered for
acceptance as a public thoroughfare in the Town of Ridgefield which
does not conform to the standards and specifications as herein provided.
Any person, firm or corporation desiring to
lay out and construct any proposed new street, highway or public way
in the Town of Ridgefield shall first submit a plan for the proposed
facility to the Planning and Zoning Commission for approval as prescribed
in C.G.S. § 8-24. This plan shall conform to the standards
set forth in the subdivision regulations of the Town of Ridgefield.
[Amended 3-10-1993]
Before any work is commenced on a proposed roadway, including clearing of the site, the owner shall apply for and have issued a roadway construction permit from the Director of Public Services. Said permit shall not be issued unless the applicant has complied with the bond and surety requirements of § 310-55 of this article. In addition, the Director may revoke any such permit subsequent to issuance in the event said applicant should at any point cease to be in compliance with said section, whether noncompliance is occasioned by acts or omissions of the applicant or otherwise. The Director will supply an application form which must be completed and returned to the Director together with one set of roadway construction plans and the required fee (as the same may be from time to time established by the Director of Public Services) prior to the issuance of the permit and start of construction.
A.
Before securing approval of the Planning and Zoning
Commission of the subdivision plan, the developer shall submit to
the Director of Public Services a detailed plan showing the proposed
road profiles and the layout of any proposed utilities, including
storm sewers, waterlines, sanitary sewers, and any other underground
utility.
B.
These plans shall be prepared by a professional engineer
licensed to practice in the State of Connecticut. Each sheet of said
plans shall bear his seal and title box.
C.
Plans shall be drawn in ink on plan-profile linen
the size of which shall be 24 inches in width and 36 inches in length.
D.
The plan shall include the following data:
(1)
The scale. Generally the vertical scale shall be one
inch equals four feet and the horizontal scale shall be one inch equals
40 feet.
(2)
The existing center-line profile based upon actual
field measurements taken every 50 feet along the proposed roadway.
(3)
The center-line profile of the proposed roadway, which
profile shall indicate gradient and data concerning vertical curves.
(4)
The plan portion of the submission shall show the
proposed road layout as approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission
with lot lines as they intersect the road lines as well as lot numbers.
(5)
The plan shall also show roadway stationing as it
relates to the accompanying profile with each proposed road starting
0 + 00.
(6)
The plan shall show in detail the location and size
of all drainage conduits, including existing pipes which drain onto
or off the proposed land to be serviced by the roadway. The plan shall
also indicate the location of all proposed catch basins, manholes,
headwalls, and streams or open ditches which relate to the proposed
construction. The plan shall show invert elevations at influent points,
catch basins, manholes, and discharge points. Proposed conduits shall
be shown on the profile with their relation to the proposed center
line of the roadway.
(7)
Proposed underground utilities other than storm drains
shall be shown on the same general detail, including location, size,
etc.
(8)
Each proposed roadway shall be shown on a separate
sheet.
(9)
Where streams discharge onto the parcel to be subdivided,
the applicant shall submit hydrologic data concerning area of watershed
and estimated flow information. This data shall be prepared by a licensed
professional engineer and shall be used in the design of all conduits
which relate to the watercourse in question.
E.
The proposed road plans shall be submitted to the
Director of Public Services for his review and comment. The Director
shall report (either written or verbal) his findings to the Planning
and Zoning Commission for its consideration.
All proposed Town roads shall be designated
into one of the following classifications by the Planning and Zoning
Commission prior to final approval:
G.
Maximum length of dead-end roads. Dead-end local and
tertiary street: 1,400 feet, including turnabout.
H.
Minimum radius of traveled way at intersections. All
roads and streets: 30 feet.
L.
Cross slope of pavement. The transverse slope of all
paved sections shall be at the rate of 3/8 inch per foot.
M.
Minimum length of vertical curve. All roads: 100 feet,
but not less than 15 feet for each percent difference in gradient.
The grade of any street shall not exceed, however, 4% within 100 feet
of the point where it intersects another street.
[Amended 9-14-1988]
A.
Subgrade. The subgrades shall be prepared in an approved
manner by excavating or filling as required. Filling shall be done
in layers not to exceed 12 inches in depth using suitable material,
each layer to be consolidated by rolling before the next layer is
placed. Stones in earth fill shall be well distributed, and no stone
over four inches in diameter shall be left within 12 inches of the
finished subgrade.
(1)
Wherever soft clay or spongy or other types of unsuitable
soil which will not compact under rolling are encountered, such soil
shall be removed and replaced with gravel or other approved material
which shall be compacted as specified above.
(2)
Wherever soil is of such nature that it retains an
excessive amount of moisture, or where conditions do not afford ready
natural drainage, subdrains and side drains shall be provided, in
accordance with the requirements of the Town Engineer.
(3)
Preparation of the subgrade shall be performed upon
completion of required excavation, filling and the installation of
utilities. Where roadways are in cut, they shall be brought to subgrade
elevation for a width of at least two feet wider than the finished
pavement width, i.e., one foot on either side.
(4)
Where roadways are in embankment, the fill shall extend
to subgrade level and for a width not less than six feet outside the
curbline on each side. The total subgrade area shall then be thoroughly
consolidated by repeated rollings, using a self-propelled roller,
weighing not less than 10 tons. Side slopes, whether in cut or fill,
shall not exceed a slope of 2.5:1. These areas should be graded and
seeded.
B.
Shoulders and side slopes. A five-foot graded shoulder
shall be required on all streets. The shoulder shall slope from the
top of the curb at the rate of 1/4 inch per lined foot. The shoulder
areas shall have a minimum of four inches of topsoil and they shall
be fine graded and seeded. Side slopes, whether in cut or fill, shall
be graded at a slope of 2:1 except in rock cuts which may be steeper
as directed by the Town Engineer. All disturbed areas shall be graded
and seeded.
C.
Surface drainage. There shall be installed, prior
to the final construction of the subgrade, a complete system of surface
drainage, as shown on approved plans. Catch basins, manholes, and
pipe shall comply with the highway construction specifications of
the Department of Transportation of the State of Connecticut.
D.
Foundation course. Upon the prepared subgrade there
shall be placed a foundation course consisting of one-and-one-fourth-inch
processed trap-rock. This course shall be eight inches in thickness.
After this material has been placed and properly graded, there shall
be placed an additional two-inch layer of three-fourths-inch processed
trap-rock which shall be compacted and fine graded to an elevation
which is three inches below the approved finish grade. The total depth
of this foundation course shall be 10 inches. The trap-rock shall
conform to the standard specification (Form 811, Section M.02) of
the Department of Transportation of the State of Connecticut.
E.
Final wearing surface. The final wearing surface shall
consist of bituminous concrete placed in two courses. The compacted
thickness of each course shall be 1 1/2 inches. Material for
this course shall conform to the requirements of Article M.04.01,
Class I of the Standard Specifications for Roads, Bridges, and Incidental
Construction of the Connecticut State Highway Department, Form 811,
1974 Revision. This article is titled "Bituminous Concrete Mixture."
The method of placing shall conform to all the requirements of Article
4.02.03 of the above-described standard specifications.
F.
Inspection. Before commencing any of the herein-described
roadway items, it shall be the responsibility of the builder to notify
the Engineer at least 48 hours in advance of his intent to proceed.
No construction shall take place without the specific authorization
after inspection of the Engineer.
G.
Utilities. Prior to the placement of the base course,
all utilities are to be installed together with service extensions
to each lot within the proposed subdivision.
H.
Scheduling of roadway construction. In all cases,
the first paving course shall weather at least one full winter (November
1 through March 31) in place.
I.
The placement of the first course of the final wearing
surface may be at the discretion of the builder if all previous work
has been approved by the Engineer. The final wearing surface shall
be placed only at the discretion of the Engineer and only after all
patches and repairs have been made to the base course as directed.
In general, this final surface shall not be installed until a majority
of the residences in the subdivision have received certificates of
occupancy. In no case shall bituminous concrete be placed after November
1 unless specific written approval is granted by the Engineer.
[Amended 6-26-2002]
A.
No zoning or building permits shall be issued until
the road process base course has been placed and the fire suppression
cistern tank and hydrant system is in place and certified by the Director
of Public Services and, where required, certified by the Fire Department.
B.
No zoning certificate of compliance or certificate
of occupancy shall be issued until the first paving course has been
placed and so certified by the Director of Public Services.
Storm drainage shall be provided and designed
in accordance with the following standards:
A.
Pipe. Sufficient pipe shall be installed within the
subdivision to carry existing watercourses and to drain the proposed
roads and/or easements which may reasonably be expected to be constructed
at some future date on adjoining property which normally drains across
the area of the proposed subdivision or which, in the opinion of the
Town Engineer, would be the most practical course for such drainage.
If in his judgment there will be no substantial danger from soil erosion
or danger to the public health and safety, the Town Engineer may permit
the discharge of rivers and large streams in their natural courses
and may permit the discharge of stormwater and established watercourses
in open ditches across proposed lots of one acre or larger. All pipe
shall be of such diameter (not less than 15 inches) as will, in the
judgment of the Town Engineer, be sufficient to properly carry stormwater
expected to enter the pipe from the proposed subdivision and from
other properties when developed which normally drain across the area
of the proposed subdivision. The minimum slope for the fifteen-inch
pipe shall be 0.75%. The intent of this subsection is that pipes shall
be installed the full length in all proposed roads to permit the connection
of house storm drains and cellar drains where required by ground conditions.
B.
Manholes. Manholes shall be provided at each change
in direction or grade of the pipe and shall not be spaced more than
400 feet apart. Manholes shall be constructed as shown on the standard
detail. Only precast concrete units or solid concrete blocks shall
be used.
C.
Catch basins.
(1)
Catch basins shall be provided in order that surface
water will not travel without interception more than as shown in the
following schedule of grades and distances:
|
0.50% to 1%
|
250 feet
| |
|
1% to 2%
|
300 feet
| |
|
2% to 5%
|
350 feet
| |
|
5% to 8%
|
300 feet
| |
|
8% to 10%
|
250 feet
|
(2)
Each catch basin shall be connected to a manhole or
adjacent catch basin where no manhole exists. Construction shall conform
to the standard detail. Only precast concrete units or solid concrete
blocks shall be used.
D.
Underdrains. In all roadway areas where a high water
table is found to exist, either before commencing or during actual
construction of the roadways, the developer shall be required to install
underdrains as directed by the Town Engineer or his duly authorized
agent to protect the stability of the roadway.
(1)
If required, perforated concrete or metal pipe shall
be used, backfilled with washed gravel or crushed rock of 1/2 inch
nominal size to a depth of at least 12 inches over the top of the
pipe. The remainder of the trench shall be backfilled with bank-run
gravel as approved by the Engineer.
(2)
Sufficient pitch shall be provided to allow this underground
water to run freely to a point of discharge. The size and type of
conduit shall be as directed by the Engineer.
E.
Discharge. This discharge of all stormwater shall
be into suitable drainage structures of watercourses. Where the discharge
shall be onto private property within or adjoining the proposed subdivision,
proper easements and discharge rights for the Town shall be secured
by the applicant before approval of the final map and acceptance of
the drainage plan by the Planning and Zoning Commission.
The storm drainage system shall be constructed
in accordance with the following standards and procedures:
A.
Pipe. All pipe used shall be of reinforced concrete
meeting State Highway Department specifications. In some instances,
the Town Engineer may recommend use of corrugated metal pipe where
in his judgment such pipe will provide a more satisfactory drainage
system.
B.
Joints. The joints of all pipes shall be shoved tight.
Pipe laid in sandy, silty, or other soil where, in the judgment of
the Town Engineer, there is the possibility of silting shall have
joints thoroughly sealed with a 1:3 Portland cement mortar or other
approved method.
C.
Catch basins and manholes. Catch basins and manholes
shall be constructed in accordance with the approved plans. Manholes
shall be constructed of solid concrete radial manhole blocks eight
inches thick, and catch basins shall be constructed of eight-inch
solid concrete blocks. Precast concrete units are acceptable.
D.
Headwalls, culverts and bridges. Headwalls, culverts
and bridges shall be constructed where required, in accordance with
good engineering practice and as specified by the Town Engineer.
E.
Cement block construction will not be permitted.
F.
Open ditches. Open ditches may be permitted at the
discretion of the Town Engineer. The size of the waterway shall be
of sufficient size to convey all water expected to be discharged and
shall be suitably stabilized against erosion. The side banks shall
be moderately sloped, not less than three horizontal to one vertical,
and then seeded or otherwise stabilized. Paved bottom sections and
rip-rap slopes shall be provided when directed by the Town Engineer
to prevent scour and erosion.
Where driveways have been constructed prior
to the petition for acceptance, said driveways shall be constructed
in accordance with the Ridgefield Driveway Ordinance.[1]
Street signs shall be required at all intersections.
To ensure uniformity, the developer shall pay to the municipality
a fee as may be required by the Director of Public Services for each
required sign, and his responsibility under this provision shall end
upon payment of this sum to the Board of Selectmen.
When homes within a subdivision are occupied
prior to acceptance of the street, it shall be the responsibility
of the developer to erect mailboxes where said street intersects the
nearest public highway. The mailboxes shall be erected as directed
by the postmaster and they shall be maintained in good order until
the street is accepted as a public highway. The developer shall remove
the same when postal service is supplied to the individual home. On
a cul-de-sac, all mailboxes shall be placed in a cluster, the location
of which shall be determined by the Director of Public Services.
When in the opinion of the Town Engineer guardrailing
is necessary to protect the traveling public, the subdivider shall
install the same as directed. The guardrailing shall consist of the
two-cable variety, or approved equal, and shall conform to the applicable
State Highway Department specification.
A.
When the foundation course has been completed, the
developer shall submit as-built drawings. Such drawings shall be in
ink on plan-profile linen and shall be 36 inches by 24 inches in size.
Drawings shall be prepared by a person registered as a professional
engineer or land surveyor in the State of Connecticut and shall show
the following detail:
(1)
Concrete monuments delineating the right-of-way.
(2)
Edge of paved surfaces as they relate to right-of-way.
(3)
A center-line profile of the graded surface.
(4)
The location and size of all sanitary and storm sewer
conduits and structures, including invert elevations of the same.
(5)
Bearings and distances on all right-of-way boundaries
tied into the monuments described above.
(6)
Drainage easements as shown on the approved subdivision
plan.
B.
The original drawings shall be delivered to the office
of the Director of Public Services, and said plans shall be reviewed
as to conformance with these standards before submission to the Board
of Selectmen for public acceptance.
[Amended 3-28-1990; 9-26-1990; 6-26-2002]
A.
Bond or other security required. Prior to the start
of any work activity, a performance bond, passbook, acceptable surety,
irrevocable letter of credit, certificate of deposit or cash shall
be deposited with the Director of Public Services to guarantee the
satisfactory performance of the work as shown in the plans, as modified
in the field by the Town Engineer.
(1)
The size of the bond or other security shall be determined
by the Town Engineer and shall represent his estimate of the cost
of the proposed improvements.
(2)
Twenty percent of the total security pledged must be in cash, which cash portion shall be the final 20% to be released as later set forth in Subsection B. The Director of Public Services reserves the final right to determine the adequacy of the form of bond or security, and the criteria for adequacy shall include, but not necessarily be limited to, the duration of the security and the Town's ability to draw on the security without third party consent. The Director of Public Services will also be bound by any reasonable rules and regulations promulgated by the Board of Selectmen as a result of changes and modifications to accepted banking and surety practices.
B.
Release of bond or other security. When the drainage
and asphalt binder have been completed and so certified by the Town
Engineer, and the fire suppression cistern tank and hydrant system
is in place and in working order and has been tested and certified
by the Fire Chief, the bond or other security will be reduced by 50%.
(1)
When the final wearing surface has been installed
(including curbs) and when the shoulders have been properly graded
and stabilized, there will be an additional thirty-percent reduction
in the bond or other security.
(2)
The remaining 20% of the original bond or other security
(the mandated cash portion thereof) shall be released when the road
has been accepted as a public highway and when all required instruments
of conveyance have been properly executed and placed on the land records.
(3)
All persons requesting release of bond or other security
shall do so by written request to the Director of Public Services.
C.
Waiver. In the event of an unanticipated, accidental
failure of a bank or other security, due to no intentional fault of
the developer, the Board of Selectmen may authorize work or completion
of the improvements in question upon terms and conditions it deems
in the best interest of the municipality.
A.
All petitions for the acceptance of new streets as
public highways shall be presented to the Board of Selectmen. After
inspection, a report shall be delivered to the petitioner setting
forth any repairs which will be necessary to bring the roadway up
to standard.
B.
All repairs and/or modifications shall be effected
by the developer. If the Town Engineer determines that the construction
meets the standards as set forth herein and provided that all other
statutes and requirements are met, the petition shall be acted upon
by the Board of Selectmen.
A.
Applicability. The provisions of this article shall
apply to the construction and acceptance of all roads in the Town
of Ridgefield, the actual construction of which commences subsequent
to the effective date of this article.
B.
Standards on file. The standards and specifications
provided for in this article shall be on file and open for inspection
in the office of the Director of Public Services.
[Added 9-26-1990]
A.
Upon petition of 80% or more of the owners of property
on or directly serviced by a private road, the Board of Selectmen
may designate said road for municipal private road maintenance. Upon
designation, the owners shall collect (in any lawful manner arranged
for by them) and pay to the Town a sum determined by the Town Engineer
as adequate to complete an initial upgrade of said road to bring it
up to passable condition. A maintenance fee shall likewise be collected
and paid to the Town, which maintenance fee shall be determined by
a proportional formula based upon the latest state aid road account
figures. The maintenance fee shall be billed June 1 of any given year
and paid by September 1 of that year. The maintenance period shall
be from September 1 of the year of the payment to September 1 of the
following year. Failure to pay said maintenance fee in full by said
date, or the upgrade costs when due, shall operate to rescind the
designation and absolve the Town of any responsibility to commence
or continue maintenance. Redesignation after default shall be within
the discretion of the Board of Selectmen for good cause shown. The
initial petition shall specify a private road contact person and an
alternate to serve in case of his or her unavailability who shall
receive the annual billing.
B.
Limited maintenance to be performed by the Town shall
be adequate to keep the road in safe and passable condition and shall
be limited to plowing and sanding, pothole repair, basic drain cleaning
and sweeping. Maintenance above and beyond the foregoing, including
but not necessarily limited to drainage work and tree and brush removal,
shall not be the responsibility of the Town. Owners of property shall
continue to be responsible for any maintenance and repairs over and
above that provided by the Town under this section.
C.
Performance of limited maintenance as set forth above
shall not serve to establish in any way that said road has been accepted
as a Town road, de facto or otherwise.
D.
Structural deterioration subsequent to designation
which may cause said road to cease to be passable will be the responsibility
of the owners, and the Town may require that said road be upgraded
to passable condition before maintenance may continue, in the same
manner as with initial designation.
E.
An affected owner of property objecting to designation
and prospective maintenance shall notify the First Selectman in writing
within 30 days of designation or by September 1 of said given year,
and said objection shall be reviewed by the Board of Selectmen to
determine whether said objection is a basis (because of legal concerns
or otherwise) for rescinding designation and/or terminating or modifying
limited maintenance.
F.
A private road is defined as a roadway open to public
passage whose ownership can be attributed to an individual or group
of individuals. Roads within condominium limits are not open to public
passage and as such do not fall under this definition. Roadways serving
three lots or fewer (maximum of four if permitted by the Planning
and Zoning Commission) are designated as accessways and are also excluded
from this definition.
