a. 
Conformance with Greenville’s Policies & Regulations.
The construction, arrangement, character, extent, width, grade and location of all streets shall conform to the City of Greenville’s Thoroughfare Plan and Standard Design Manual, and shall be considered in their relation to the following, whether the streets are within the City of Greenville, within its ETJ area:
1. 
Existing and planned streets or driveways,
2. 
Topographical conditions (the street layout shall, to the greatest extent possible, be sited and aligned along natural contour lines, and shall minimize the amount of cut and fill on slopes in order to minimize the amount of land area that is disturbed during construction),
3. 
Public safety, and
4. 
Their appropriate relation to the proposed uses of the land to be served by such streets.
Reserve or residual strips of land controlling access to or egress from other property, or to or from any street or alley, or having the effect of restricting or damaging the adjoining property for subdivision purposes, or which will not be taxable or accessible [assessable] for improvements shall not be permitted in any subdivision unless such are required by the City in the public interest (such as to enhance public safety or other public interest). All streets shall be constructed in accordance with this ordinance and with the City’s Standard Design Manual.
b. 
Adequacy of Streets and Thoroughfares.
1. 
Responsibility for Adequacy of Streets and Thoroughfares.
The developer shall ensure that the subdivision is served by adequate streets and thoroughfares, and shall be responsible for the costs of rights-of-way and street improvements, in accordance with the following policies and standards, and subject to the City’s cost participation policies on oversized facilities.
2. 
General Adequacy Policy.
Every subdivision shall be served by improved streets and thoroughfares adequate to accommodate the vehicular traffic to be generated by the development. Proposed streets shall provide a safe, convenient and functional system for traffic circulation; shall be properly related to the City’s Thoroughfare Plan, other portions of the Comprehensive Plan and any amendments thereto, and any street classification system.
3. 
Street Network.
New subdivisions shall be supported by a street network having adequate capacity, ingress/egress, and safe and efficient traffic circulation.
4. 
Approach Streets and Access.
All subdivisions must have at least two (2) points of vehicular access (primarily for emergency vehicles), and must be connected via improved streets (streets that meet the City’s applicable design and width criteria) to the City’s improved thoroughfare and street system by one (1) or more approach streets of such dimensions and improved to such standards as required herein.
(a) 
Possible Increases Based on TIA
– Requirements for dedication of right-of-way and improvement of approach streets may be increased depending upon the size or density of the proposed development, or if such need is demonstrated by Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA).
(b) 
Points of Access Defined & P&Z Discretion
– “Two (2) points of vehicular access” shall be construed to mean that the subdivision has at least two (2) improved roadway entrances accessing the subdivision from the City’s improved thoroughfare system.
(1) 
For nonresidential subdivisions, cross access provided through an adjacent lot may count as one (1) entrance if approved by the Director of Community Development.
(2) 
The Planning & Zoning Commission may, at its discretion and upon a finding that such will not compromise public safety or impede emergency access, accept a single, median-divided entrance from the City’s improved thoroughfare system provided that the median extends into the subdivision for an unbroken length of at least one hundred feet (100') to an intersecting internal street which provides at least two (2) routes to the interior of the subdivision. For example, the entrance street is not a dead-end or cul-de-sac, and it does not create a “bottleneck” allowing only one emergency route into the interior of the subdivision. Residential lots may not front onto any median-divided arterials, and residential driveways may not be located in front of a median. (Also see driveway requirements in Section 3.1.v [3.1.t].)
(c) 
Adequate Emergency Access
– The subdivision shall be designed to provide adequate emergency access for public safety vehicles. Each residential lot in the subdivision shall have a minimum frontage (measured at the edge of the pavement) on a dedicated public street or approved private access as required by applicable zoning, or equal to thirty feet (30'), whichever is applicable, unless other provisions have been authorized through a Planned Development district. Each nonresidential lot shall have a minimum frontage on a dedicated public street as required by applicable zoning or fifty feet (50'), whichever is applicable, unless other provisions have been authorized through a Planned Development district.
5. 
Off-Site Improvements Based on TIA.
Where a Traffic Impact Analysis demonstrates the need for off-site facilities, or where the City believes public safety is at risk, the developer shall make such improvements to off-site collector and arterial streets and intersections as are necessary to mitigate traffic impacts generated by the development or in conjunction with related developments. The City may participate in the costs of oversize improvements with the developer as set out herein, and subject to the City’s cost participation policies on oversized improvements.
6. 
Street Dedications.
(a) 
Dedication of Right-of-Way
– The developer shall provide all rights-of-way required for existing or future streets, and for all required street improvements, including perimeter streets and approach streets, as shown in the Thoroughfare Plan and as required by the Standard Design Manual or by other valid development plans approved by City Council.
(1) 
In the case of perimeter streets, half (1/2) of the total required right-of-way width for such streets shall be provided, unless the proposed development is on both sides of the street or unless there is some other compelling reason to require more than half of the right-of-way width (such as avoiding the infringement upon or demolition of existing structures, avoiding crossing a creek or floodplain or some other obstacle, or other similar circumstance).
(2) 
When the proposed development is on both sides of the street, the full right-of-way width shall be provided.
(3) 
In some instances, more than half (1/2) of the required width shall be required when a half-street is impractical or unsafe.
(b) 
Perimeter Streets
– Where an existing improved half-street is adjacent to a new subdivision or addition, the other half of the street shall be dedicated, and an appropriate amount (for safety purposes) of the street shall be improved by the developer of the new subdivision or addition.
(c) 
Slope Easements
– The dedication of easements, in addition to dedicated rights-of-way shall be required whenever, due to topography, additional width is necessary to provide adequate earth slopes. Such slopes shall be no steeper than three feet (3') horizontal run to one foot (1') vertical height, or a three-to-one (3:1) slope.
7. 
General Construction.
All improvements required to be constructed by this ordinance shall be constructed (and paved, if applicable) to City standards and within rights-of-way as required by the Thoroughfare Plan and this Ordinance, and in accordance with the Standard Design Manual and other City standards as may be from time to time amended or adopted.
8. 
Intersection Improvements and Traffic Control Devices.
Intersection Improvements and Traffic Control Devices shall be installed as may be required by the City for traffic safety and efficiency.
9. 
Phased Development.
Where a subdivision is proposed to occur in phases, the applicant, in conjunction with submission of the Preliminary Plat, shall provide a schedule of development.
(a) 
Intended Plan of Development & Dedication of Rights-of-Way
– The schedule shall set forth the intended plan of development and dedication of rights-of-way for streets and street improvements, whether on-site or off-site, intended to serve each proposed phase of the subdivision.
(b) 
City Determination
– The City shall determine whether the proposed streets and street improvements are adequate pursuant to standards herein established, and may require that a Traffic Impact Analysis be submitted for the entire project or such phases as the City determines to be necessary to decide whether the subdivision will be adequately served by streets and thoroughfares.
10. 
Private Streets.
New subdivisions may be constructed with private streets that meet or exceed the specifications set forth in the Standard Design Manual for similar public streets. The construction of private streets shall be subject to standard City inspections. Any private street subdivisions that were in existence (i.e., platted of record at the County) on the effective date of this Ordinance shall be allowed to remain as private street subdivisions provided that the conditions of the private streets and the maintenance thereof continues to meet or exceed City standards, and provided that a viable homeowners association (HOA) (refer to Section 4.3 for HOA requirements) continues to exist to maintain the private streets and all appurtenances. The City will not assist in enforcing deed restrictions. The City may periodically inspect private streets, and may require any repairs necessary to ensure efficient emergency access and to protect the public health, safety, convenience and welfare.
(a) 
Private Streets: Construction and Maintenance Cost
– The City shall not pay for any portion of the cost of constructing or maintaining a private street.
(b) 
Private Streets: Traffic Control Devices
– All private traffic control devices and regulatory signs shall conform to the “Texas Manual of [on] Uniform Traffic Control Devices”, as amended, and to City standards.
(c) 
Private Streets: Restricted Access
– The entrances to all private streets shall be clearly marked with a sign, placed in a prominent and visible location, stating that the streets within the subdivision are private, and that they are not maintained nor regularly patrolled by the City. All restricted access entrances shall be manned twenty-four (24) hours every day, or they shall provide a reliable, alternative means of ensuring access into the subdivision by the City, by emergency service providers, and by other utility or public service providers, such as postal carriers and utility companies, with appropriate identification. The method to be used to ensure City and emergency access into the subdivision shall be approved by the City’s Fire Department and by any other applicable emergency service providers. If the homeowners association (HOA) fails to maintain reliable access as required herein, the City may enter the private street subdivision and remove any gate or device which is a barrier to access at the sole expense of the association.
(d) 
Private Streets: Waiver of Services
– Certain City services may not be provided for private street subdivisions. Among the services which may not be provided include routine law enforcement patrols, enforcement of traffic and parking regulations, and preparation of accident reports. Depending upon the characteristics of the development and upon access limitations posed by the design of entrances into the subdivision, other services (such as sanitation) may also not be provided.
(e) 
Private Streets: Petition to Convert to Public Streets
– The homeowners association (HOA) may petition the City to accept private streets and any associated property as public streets and right-of-way upon written notice to all association members and upon the favorable vote of a majority of the membership. However, in no event shall the City be obligated to accept said streets as public. Should the City elect to accept the streets as public, then the City has the right to inspect the private streets and to assess the lot owners for the expense of needed repairs concurrent with the City’s acceptance of the streets. The City shall be the sole judge of whether repairs are needed. The City may also require, at the association’s or the lot owners’ expense, the removal of any guard houses, access control devices, landscaping or other aesthetic amenities located within the street right-of-way or within any other common area. The City may also require the dedication of additional street right-of-way.
(f) 
Private Streets: Hold Harmless
– The homeowners association (HOA), as owner of the private streets and appurtenances, shall release, indemnify, defend and hold harmless the City, any other governmental entity, and any public utility entity for damages to the private streets that may be occasioned by the reasonable use of the private streets by same, and for damages and injury (including death) arising from the condition of the private streets, out of any use of access gates or cross arms, or out of any use of the subdivision by the City or governmental or utility entity.
c. 
Required Components of Traffic Impact Analysis.
Whenever a TIA is conducted, the following elements shall be included:
1. 
General Site Description.
The TIA shall include a detailed description of the street network within one (1) mile of the site, a description of the proposed land uses, the anticipated states of construction, and the anticipated completion date of the proposed land development. This description, which may be in the form of a map, shall include the following items:
(a) 
All major intersections;
(b) 
All proposed and existing ingress and egress locations;
(c) 
All existing street widths and rights-of-way; and
(d) 
All existing traffic signals and traffic-control devices.
2. 
Proposed Capital Improvements.
The TIA shall identify any changes to the street network within one (1) mile of the site that are proposed by any government agency or other developer. This description shall include the above items as well as any proposed construction project that would alter the width or alignment of streets affected by the proposed development.
3. 
Street Impact Analysis.
(a) 
Transportation Impacts
(1) 
Trip Generation.
For the proposed use, items required to determine trip generation shall be based upon the trip generation rates contained in the most recent edition of the Institute of Transportation Engineers’ Trip Generation book, or shall be based upon data generated by actual field surveys of area uses comparable to the proposed use and approved by the City. The following items shall be required to determine trip generation: 1) average weekday trip generation rates (trip ends); 2) the average weekend trip generation rates (for uses other than residential or institutional); 3) the highest average a.m. and p.m. hourly weekday trip generation rates; and, 4) the highest hourly weekend generation rates (for uses other than residential or institutional).
(2) 
Trip Distribution.
Within the study area identified in Subsection 3.1.e.1 [c.1] (General Site Description) above, the distribution of trips to arterial and collector streets shall be in conformity with accepted traffic engineering principles, taking into consideration: 1) the land use categories of the proposed development; 2) the area from which the proposed development will attract traffic; 3) competing developments (if applicable); 4) the size of the proposed development; 5) development phasing; 6) surrounding existing and anticipated land uses, population and employment; 7) existing and projected daily traffic volumes; and, 8) existing traffic conditions identified pursuant to Subsection 3.1.e.1 [c.1] above.
(b) 
Adequacy Determination
– The street network included within the TIA shall be considered adequate to serve the proposed development if existing streets identified as arterials and collectors can accommodate the following at a level of service “C” or above (as described within the City’s Comprehensive Plan):
(1) 
The existing service volume, and
(2) 
The service volume of the proposed development, and
(3) 
The service volume of approved, but unbuilt developments holding valid, unexpired building permits.
4. 
Intersection Analysis.
(a) 
Level of Service Analysis
– For intersections within the street TIA area described in Subsection 3.1.e.1 [c.1] herein (General Site Description), a level of service analysis shall be performed for all arterial-to-arterial, arterial-to-collector, collector-to-arterial, and collector-to-collector intersections, and for any other pertinent intersections identified by the City. Also, level of service analyses will be required on all proposed site driveway locations for all nonresidential developments.
(1) 
The City may waive analysis of minor intersections and site driveway locations within the TIA’s one-mile radius.
(2) 
The level of service analysis shall be based upon the highest hourly average a.m. or p.m. peak weekday volume or highest average hourly peak weekend volume as determined from a two-day survey of weekday volumes and, where necessary, a one-day survey of weekend volumes.
(3) 
The level of service analysis shall take into consideration:
i. 
The lane geometry,
ii. 
Traffic volume,
iii. 
Percentage of right-hand turns,
iv. 
Percentage of left-hand turns,
v. 
Percentage (and typical size) of trucks,
vi. 
Intersection width,
vii. 
Number of lanes,
viii. 
Signal timing and progression,
ix. 
Street grades,
x. 
Pedestrian and bicycle flows,
xi. 
School routes,
xii. 
Number of accidents, and
xiii. 
Peak hour factor.
(b) 
Adequacy Analysis
– The intersections included within the TIA shall be considered adequate to serve the proposed development if existing intersections can accommodate
(1) 
The existing service volume, and
(2) 
The service volume of the proposed development, and
(3) 
The service volume of approved, but unbuilt developments holding valid, unexpired building permits.
d. 
Arrangement of Streets Not Shown on the Thoroughfare Plan.
For streets that are not shown on the City’s Thoroughfare Plan, such as local residential streets, the arrangement of such streets within a subdivision shall:
1. 
Provide for the continuation or appropriate projection of existing streets from or into surrounding areas;
2. 
Conform to a plan for the neighborhood approved or adopted by the City to meet a particular situation where topographical or other conditions make continuance or conformity to existing streets impractical;
3. 
Provide for future access, such as by stubbing streets for future extension, to adjacent vacant areas which will likely develop; and
4. 
Not conflict in any way with existing or proposed driveway openings – including those on the other side of an existing or planned median-divided arterial, in which case new streets shall align with such driveway openings such that median openings can be shared.
e. 
Discouraging Through Traffic in Residential Development.
Residential collector streets and minor residential streets shall be laid out such that their use by through traffic will be discouraged, such as via circuitous routes or multiple turns or offsets, but such that access is provided to adjacent subdivisions.
1. 
Wherever the right-of-way width of a collector or residential street must transition to a greater or lesser width, such transition shall occur along the front, side or rear lot lines of adjacent lots (for a reasonable distance) and shall not occur within the street intersection itself. In other words, the right-of-way width shall be the same on both sides of the street intersection.
2. 
Direct vehicular access from single family or two family residential lots onto collector or arterial streets shall be prohibited except as permitted herein. No more than twenty percent (20%) of the total centerline length of a collector street shall be permitted to have residential lots fronting onto the collector on each side of the street. Such calculations shall be submitted with the Preliminary Plat application, thereby verifying that lots fronting onto a collector street do not exceed this allowed percentage.
3. 
At least thirty percent (30%) of the total centerline length of all streets (including collector streets) within a residential subdivision containing thirty (30) lots or more – or within each phase of a residential subdivision, unless otherwise approved by City to apply to the subdivision in its entirety rather than each individual phase – shall be curvilinear in design except the minimum centerline radius for residential streets shall be one hundred and fifty feet (150'). Calculations shall be submitted with the Preliminary Plat application, thereby verifying that this requirement is being met.
f. 
Residential Subdivision Abutting or Containing an Existing or Proposed Arterial Street.
Where a residential subdivision abuts or contains an existing or proposed arterial street, the City may require marginal access streets, reverse frontage lots (lots which back onto the arterial), or such treatment as may be necessary for adequate protection of residential properties and to afford separation of through and local traffic.
g. 
Reserve Strips Prohibited.
Reserve strips controlling access to streets shall be prohibited, except where their control is required by the City.
h. 
Centerline Offsets.
Intersecting, undivided streets with centerline offsets of less than one hundred and fifty feet (150') shall be prohibited. Intersecting streets onto an existing or future divided street shall be configured such that the centerline offset will accommodate the appropriate median opening and left-turn lanes (with required transition and stacking distances) on each divided street, and shall be aligned with any existing or proposed streets or driveways on the opposite side of the divided street (in order to share the median opening).
i. 
Degree Required for Intersections.
A street intersection with a major thoroughfare shall be at a ninety degree (90°) angle and shall be tangent for at least one hundred feet (100'). All other street intersections shall be laid out so as to intersect as nearly as possible at a ninety degree (90°) angle or radial to the centerline of the intersecting street for the full right-of-way width of the intersecting street, and tangent to the intersecting street for at least fifty feet (50'). No street shall intersect at an angle that is less than eighty-five degrees (85°).
j. 
Spacing of Intersections.
Intersections of arterial streets shall be at least eight hundred (800) feet apart.
k. 
Street Section Requirements.
Typical street sections shall be based upon projected traffic volume, existing soil conditions, and drainage condition and requirements. Street right-of-way widths shall be as shown on the Thoroughfare Plan, in the City’s Standard Design Manual, and shall specifically be as follows:
1. 
Major arterials shall have a right-of-way width of at least one hundred and ten feet (110') with a pavement width of at least two (2) thirty-six-foot (36') sections separated by a fourteen-foot (14') wide raised median.
2. 
Minor arterials shall have a right-of-way width of at least ninety feet (90') with a pavement width of at least two (2) twenty-five-foot (25') sections separated by a fourteen-foot (14') wide raised median.
3. 
Commercial collectors shall have a right-of-way width of at least seventy feet (70') with a pavement width of at least forty-nine feet (49').
4. 
Residential collectors shall have a right-of-way width of at least sixty feet (60') with a pavement width of at least forty-one feet (41').
5. 
Local streets (not specifically shown on the Thoroughfare Plan) shall have a right-of-way width of at least fifty feet (50') and a pavement width of at least thirty-one feet (31').
6. 
Open-ditch streets shall have a right-of-way width and pavement width as required in the Standard Design Manual. Open-ditch streets may be permitted only within a single-family subdivision where all lots within the subdivision are one (1) acre or larger.
l. 
Street Loading Requirements.
Refer to the City’s Standard Design Manual.
m. 
Half-Streets.
Unless otherwise provided within this Subsection, only full-width streets shall be constructed. If the exceptions outlined herein are applicable, the City’s permission for the construction of half-streets shall be noted on the plat.
1. 
Construction of half (1/2) streets shall be prohibited, except:
(a) 
When essential to the reasonable development of the subdivision in conforming with the other requirements of this Ordinance and the Thoroughfare Plan, and
(b) 
Where the City makes a determination that there is no immediate need to be gained by constructing the full street section since no access from the street will be needed by the subdivision in question, or
(c) 
Where the City determines that it would be more practical, or cost effective, to delay construction of the other half of a street until the adjoining property is developed.
2. 
Whenever a partial street has been previously platted along a common property line, the other portion of the street right-of-way shall be dedicated such that the right-of-way is increased to the street’s ultimate planned width.
n. 
Maximum & Minimum Length of Block or Street Segments.
The maximum length of any block or street segment, including a looped street, shall be two thousand [feet] (2,000') and the minimum length of any block or street segment shall be five hundred feet (500'), as measured along the street centerline and between the point(s) of intersection with other through streets. A cul-de-sac or dead-end street shall not be considered a through street. The block length is not measured along the side of a block that does not include the front of any lot.
o. 
Maximum Length of Cul-de-Sac Streets.
A cul-de-sac street shall not be longer than seven hundred and fifty feet (750'), and at the closed end shall have a turnaround bulb with an outside pavement diameter of at least eighty feet (80') and a right-of-way diameter of at least one hundred feet (100'). The length of a cul-de-sac shall be measured from the centerline of the intersecting street to the centerpoint of the cul-de-sac bulb.
p. 
City Council Waivers/Suspensions of Overlength Streets or Cul-de-Sacs.
The City Council may approve waivers/suspensions (procedures for which are outlined in Section 1.11 of this Ordinance) for overlength streets or cul-de-sacs, whether temporary or permanent, upon considering the following:
1. 
Alternative designs;
2. 
The effect of overlength streets upon access, congestion, delivery of municipal services, and upon convenience to residents of the subdivision in traveling to and from their homes; and
3. 
Means of mitigation, including additional midblock street connections, limitation on the number of lots to be served along an overlength street segment or cul-de-sac, points of emergency access, and additional fire protection measures.
q. 
Dead-End Streets.
No dead-end streets shall be approved, except where no other alternative is available, and unless such dead-end streets are provided to connect with future streets on adjacent land (i.e., the dead-end street is a stub-out street).
1. 
In the case of dead-end streets which will eventually be extended into the adjacent subdivision, no more than one lot (per side) can front onto the dead-end street stub unless a temporary turnaround bulb (with the appropriate temporary street easement) is provided at the end.
2. 
A temporary dead-end street shall not exceed the maximum allowed length of a normal cul-de-sac and the temporary turnaround bulb must be constructed like a cul-de-sac, as provided in Subsection q [o] above. The City Engineer may authorize the use of asphalt or other durable paving material than concrete for the arc, or “wing”, portions of the temporary turnaround bulb in order to minimize the cost of removing those portions when adjacent development occurs.
3. 
A note shall be placed on the Final Plat clearly labeling any temporary dead-end streets (if any) that will at some point be extended into the adjacent property.
4. 
Signage shall be placed at the end of the constructed street stub, such as on the barricade, also stating that the street will be extended in the future. Signage and related lettering must be large enough to be legible by a person with normal vision at a twenty-foot (20') distance.
5. 
Any required temporary turnaround easements shall be shown on the Final Plat along with their appropriate recording information, if they are off-site or are established by separate instrument.
r. 
New Streets Extending Existing Streets.
New streets which extend existing streets shall bear the names of the existing streets, and shall be dedicated at equal or greater right-of-way widths than the existing streets for an appropriate transition length, if applicable.
s. 
Construction of Streets.
All streets shall be constructed in accordance with specifications as set forth in the Standard Design Manual of the City of Greenville at the time at which the Preliminary Plat application is officially submitted and deemed a complete application, unless such Preliminary Plat expires. After expiration and if applicable, all streets shall be constructed in accordance with specifications in place at the time a new Preliminary Plat is officially submitted and deemed a complete application.
t. 
Driveway Access – Residential & Nonresidential.
Driveway access onto streets shall generally be provided and designed in accordance with the City’s Standard Design Manual and construction standards that are in effect at the time the Preliminary Plat application is officially submitted and deemed a complete application. If regulations for driveways within the Standard Design Manual are more stringent than those in the following, the regulations within City’s Standard Design Manual shall be met.
1. 
Residential Driveway Cuts on Non-TXDOT Roadways.
Residential driveway cuts shall not be allowed on streets that are larger than a residential collector street (60-foot right-of-way) unless specifically approved by the City on the Preliminary Plat. Residential driveways shall be at least thirty feet (30') from any intersection (see Figure 3.)[1]
[1]
Editor’s note–Figure 3 was not included in Ordinance 06-117.
2. 
Nonresidential Driveway Cuts on Non-TXDOT Roadways – Number.
The maximum number of nonresidential driveway cuts permitted shall not exceed the following, according to the nonresidential lot size:
(a) 
One (1) driveway cut for lot frontages of one hundred feet (100') or less;
(b) 
Two (2) driveway cuts for lot frontages of one hundred and one feet (101') to four hundred feet (400') or less;
(c) 
Three (3) driveway cuts for lot frontages of four hundred and one feet (401') to six hundred feet (600');
(d) 
Four (4) driveway cuts for lot frontages greater than six hundred feet (600').
3. 
Nonresidential Driveway Cuts on Non-TXDOT Roadways – Separation.
The minimum separation between driveways shall be not be less than the following distances:
(a) 
Fifty feet (50') when more than one driveway cut is provided to serve a lot;
(b) 
Thirty feet (30') on local streets;
(c) 
Sixty feet (60') on collector streets;
(d) 
One hundred feet (100') on arterial streets.
(e) 
One hundred feet (100') or a distance equal to 60% of the lot frontage (whichever is less) on any type of street from an intersection.
4. 
Nonresidential Driveway Cuts on Non-TXDOT Roadways – Shared Access.
Shared access driveways are encouraged by the City in order to ensure public safety access by providing mutual/common access to a median opening, to minimize the number of driveway cuts on streets, thereby maintaining street mobility, and to facilitate traffic flow between adjacent lots. (See Figure 5.)
(a) 
A shared mutual access easement(s) for a driveway(s) may be required between adjacent lots fronting on an arterial or collector street, as designated on the Thoroughfare Plan (as the street exists or is planned to be improved in the future);
(b) 
The location and dimensions of such easement(s) shall be determined by the Director of Community Development.
(c) 
Such easements shall be noted on the Preliminary Plat and Final Plat with the language specified in the appropriate checklist provided by the City.
5. 
Nonresidential Driveway Cuts on Non-TXDOT Roadways – Cross Access Internal Driveways.
Cross access easements for internal driveways are encouraged by the City in order to minimize the number of driveway cuts on streets, thereby maintaining street mobility, and to facilitate traffic flow between adjacent lots. (See Figure 5.)
(a) 
A cross access easement(s) for an internal driveway(s) may be required between adjacent lots;
(b) 
The location and dimensions of such easement(s) shall be determined by the Director of Community Development.
(c) 
Such easements shall be noted on the Preliminary Plat and Final Plat with the language specified in the appropriate checklist provided by the City.
6. 
Driveway Cuts (Residential and Nonresidential) on TXDOT Streets.
All driveway cuts that are associated with Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) streets (e.g., State highways) shall:
(a) 
Meet the requirements of TXDOT’s Access Management Manual (as may be amended) and Roadway Design Manual (as may be amended), as applicable for the spacing and design of the driveway, unless City standards are more stringent, in which case City standards shall be met; and
(b) 
Shall be approved by the City only after a permit for such driveway cut has been issued by TXDOT and submitted to the City.
7. 
Maintenance Agreements.
An agreement that provides for the perpetual maintenance of a shared driveway, cross access internal driveway, or any other common facility is required and must be filed at the time of Final Plat approval. All agreements are subject to review and approval by the City Attorney.
(Ordinance 06-117, sec. 2, adopted 9/26/06)
a. 
Application of Standards.
The standards for alleys within this section shall be applicable to any alleys provided or constructed by a developer in any development in Greenville or its ETJ.
b. 
Residential Alleys.
1. 
In residential districts, alleys shall be parallel, or approximately parallel, to the frontage of the street. Alleys in residential districts shall provide a minimum of fifteen feet (15') of right-of-way and ten feet (10') of pavement.
c. 
Nonresidential Alleys.
Service alleys in nonresidential districts shall have a minimum right-of-way width of twenty-one feet (21') and a pavement width of sixteen feet (16').
d. 
General Design Standards for Alleys.
1. 
Pavement.
Alleys shall be paved in accordance with the City of Greenville’s Standard Design Manual and construction standards that are in effect at the time the Preliminary Plat application is officially submitted and deemed a complete application.
2. 
Turnouts & Street Entrances.
Alleys shall have adequate turnouts and street entrances such that vehicular traffic flow is continuous and efficient. Where a temporary dead-end alley situation is unavoidable, a temporary turnaround bulb having a minimum radius of forty feet (40') or a turnout onto a street, either of which will need a temporary easement for street or alley purposes, shall be provided as determined by the City Engineer; in such case, the developer shall pay for and post a sign that meets City specifications at the entrance denoting the dead-end alley.
3. 
Maximum Length & Waivers/Suspensions.
Alleys shall not exceed a maximum length of one thousand feet (1,000'), as measured along the centerline of the alley and between intersections with other alleys or entrances onto streets (at the right-of-way line of the street at the alley entrance). The City Council may approve waivers/suspensions for overlength alleys upon consideration of the following:
(a) 
Alternative designs;
(b) 
The effect of overlength alleys upon access, congestion, delivery of municipal services, and upon convenience to residents of the subdivision in accessing rear driveways and in driving around to the front of their homes; and
(c) 
Means of mitigation, including but not limited to additional midblock alley turnouts, limitation on the number of lots to be served along a single alley segment, points of access, and additional fire protection measures.
4. 
Intersections.
Alley intersections shall be perpendicular and at a ninety degree (90°) angle or radial to the intersecting alley centerline for the full alley right-of-way width. Intersection pavement design shall be of sufficient width and inside radius to accommodate waste collection and emergency vehicles. Intersections shall be three-way wherever possible, and four-way intersections shall be avoided. No alley intersection serving more than four (4) directions shall be allowed.
(Ordinance 06-117, sec. 2, adopted 9/26/06)
a. 
Width of Easements.
1. 
Utility.
The minimum width for City utility easements shall be in accordance with the standards outlined in the Standard Design Manual and shall be adequate for the installation and maintenance of utilities that are likely to be located in the easement.
2. 
Drainage.
The minimum width for City drainage easements shall be as required by the City Engineer.
3. 
Storm Drainage or Floodway.
Where a subdivision is traversed by a watercourse, drainageway or channel, there shall be provided a storm drainage easement or right-of-way conforming substantially with such course and of such additional width as may be designated by the City Engineer, subject to determination according to proper engineering considerations. The required width shall conform to the requirements set forth by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and/or the City. Parallel streets or parkways are encouraged adjacent to certain portions of creek[s] or drainageways to provide maintenance access and/or public access and visibility into public open space or recreation areas. Utilities may be permitted within a drainage or floodway easement only if approved by the City Engineer and any other applicable entity requiring the drainage or floodway easement.
4. 
Other.
The width of easements for other utility providers, such as for gas, electric, telephone or cable television, shall be as required by that particular entity. It shall be the applicant’s responsibility to determine appropriate easement widths required by other utility companies (also see Section 3.8).
b. 
Location of Easements.
Easement shall be located to accommodate the optimal design (as determined by the City) of the various utility and drainage systems that will serve the subdivision, and shall be provided in locations to accommodate any public purpose deemed necessary to protect the public health[,] safety and welfare. In residential subdivisions, where alleys are not provided, a minimum ten foot (10') wide utility easement shall be provided along the front and rear of all lots, adjacent to and flush with the street right-of-way line for the potential placement of utility facilities.
c. 
Computation of Lot & Buildable Area.
A lot’s area shall be computed inclusive of all easements. However, there shall be a minimum buildable area, exclusive of required easements, buffer zones and setbacks for each lot. The minimum buildable area shall be an area one-half (1/2) of the required minimum lot size. If the City disputes the buildable area of any lot, the applicant shall submit verification in writing that the buildable area is adequate for the type of housing product (or nonresidential building) proposed for that lot. Final approval of the allowed buildable area for any lot shall be by the City.
d. 
On-Site Easements Shown on Plat.
For new development, all necessary on-site easements shall be established on the plat and not by separate instrument, and they shall be labeled for a purpose, such as for franchised public utilities. Other examples include, but are not limited to, the following: a drainage easement, which is dedicated to the City for a drainage structure; an access easement, which is dedicated to the public for unrestricted access purposes; a fire lane easement, which is dedicated to the City and its fire suppression and emergency medical service providers for access purposes; and an electrical, gas, or telephone easement which is dedicated to the specific utility provider that requires the easement.
e. 
Visibility Easements:
1. 
Type of Intersection.
Whenever an intersection of two (2) or more public rights-of-way occurs, a triangular visibility area shall be created. The visibility easement for each type of intersection shall be as follows:
(a) 
Intersection of two major arterials: forty feet (40') from the intersection right-of-way;
(b) 
Intersection of a collector or local street onto a major arterial: twenty-five feet (25') from the intersection right-of-way;
(c) 
Intersection of two collector or local streets (or one of each): twenty-five feet (25') from the intersection right-of-way; and
(d) 
Intersection of two alleys: twenty feet (20') from the intersection right-of-way.
2. 
Fixed Items.
The maximum height of fences, walls, signs, and other similar fixed items shall be thirty inches (30") within the visibility easement.
3. 
Landscaping.
All landscaping (and any other fixed feature) within the triangular visibility area shall be designed to provide unobstructed cross-visibility at a level between thirty inches (30") and eight feet (8'). A limited number of single-trunked trees may be permitted in this area provided they are trimmed in such a manner that no limbs or foliage extend into the cross-visibility area. Landscaping, except grass and low ground cover, shall not be located closer than three feet (3') from the edge of any street pavement.
a. 
Determination.
The length, width and shapes of blocks shall be determined with due regard to the following:
1. 
Provision of adequate building sites suitable to the special needs of the type of use contemplated;
2. 
Zoning requirements as to lot sizes, setbacks and dimensions (if within the City’s corporate limits); and
3. 
Needs for convenient access, circulation, control and safety of street traffic and for pedestrians or bicyclists traveling to a public park or school site or other facility within or close to the neighborhood.
b. 
Lengths & Widths.
Intersecting streets, which determine the lengths and widths of blocks, shall be provided at such intervals as to serve cross-traffic adequately, to provide adequate fire protection, and to conform to customary subdivision practices. Where no existing subdivision or topographical constraints control, block lengths shall be in accordance with Subsection 3.1.p of this Subdivision Ordinance. However, in cases where physical barriers or property ownership creates conditions where it is appropriate that these standards be varied, the length may be increased (through issuance of a waiver/suspension by the City Council) or decreased to meet the existing conditions having due regard for connecting streets, circulation of traffic and public safety.
(Ordinance 06-117, sec. 2, adopted 9/26/06)
a. 
Provided in Residential & Nonresidential Areas.
Pedestrian concrete walkways (sidewalks) not less than the following width shall be provided along both sides of newly constructed streets, according to the type of development and street along which they are constructed, as follows:
 
Arterials
Collectors
Local Streets
Residential Subdivisions For Single-Family Development
4 feet
4 feet
4 feet
Residential Subdivisions For Single-Family Attached, Patio Home, and Duplex Development
5 feet
4 feet
4 feet
Residential Subdivisions for Manufactured Home or Multiple-Family Development
6 feet
5 feet
5 feet
Nonresidential Subdivisions
6 feet
6 feet
6 feet
b. 
Construction standards for sidewalks shall be as set forth in the City of Greenville’s Standard Design Manual.
c. 
Provided Along Perimeter Streets.
1. 
All sidewalks along a perimeter street or arterial are considered part of the overall development’s required public improvements. A Certificate of Occupancy will not be issued for any lot within the subdivision until the required sidewalks are in place or appropriate surety is provided.
2. 
The cost and provision of any perimeter sidewalks, such as along major thoroughfares, may be escrowed as a part of a developers agreement, if approved by the City Council. The City has the right, but not the obligation, to refuse escrow and to require paving of the sidewalks if, in its sole opinion, immediate provision of the sidewalks is necessary for safe pedestrian circulation or if it would otherwise protect the public health, safety, convenience or welfare. (Also see to Section 6.2.)
d. 
Pedestrian Access.
The City may require, in order to facilitate access from the streets and streets to schools, parks, playgrounds or other nearby streets, perpetual unobstructed easements of up to fifteen feet (15') in width. The improved pedestrian surface that provides such access must be within the easement.
(Ordinance 06-117, sec. 2, adopted 9/26/06)
a. 
Requirements of the Zoning District If Applicable.
Lots shall conform to the minimum requirements of the established zoning district, if located within the City’s corporate limits.
b. 
Minimum Frontage on a Public Street.
Each lot on a subdivision plat shall front onto a dedicated, improved public street unless platted as an approved private street subdivision in accordance with this Ordinance (see Subsection 3.1.b.10.). In all cases in which zoning does not apply, lots shall have a minimum of thirty feet (30') of frontage along the pavement edge of a dedicated, improved street.
c. 
Irregularly Shaped Lots.
Irregular-shaped lots shall have sufficient width at the building line to meet lot width and frontage requirements of the appropriate zoning district (if within the City’s limits). Such lots shall also provide a reasonable building pad without encroachment into front, side or rear yard setbacks or into any type of easement. Also, the rear width shall be sufficient to provide access for all necessary utilities, including access for driveways and solid waste collection when alleys are present (minimum 20-foot alley frontage). In general, triangular, severely elongated or tapered, “flag” or “panhandle” lots shall be avoided, and the City reserves the right to disapprove any lot which, in its sole opinion, will not be suitable or desirable for the purpose intended, which is an obvious attempt to circumvent the purpose and intent of lot configuration or lot width minimums, or which is so oddly shaped as to create a hindrance to the logical lot layout of surrounding properties.
d. 
Side Lot Lines.
Side lot lines shall be at ninety degree (90°) angles or radial to street right-of-way lines to the greatest extent possible. The City reserves the right to disapprove any lot which, in its sole opinion, is shaped or oriented in such a fashion as to be unsuitable or undesirable for the purpose intended, or which is not appropriately oriented toward its street frontage.
e. 
Double Frontage Lots.
Double frontage lots shall be avoided, except where they may be essential to provide separation of residential development from arterial or collector streets, as defined in Section 3.1, or to overcome a specific disadvantage or hardship imposed by topography or other factors. Where lots have double frontage, appropriate building setback lines shall be established for each street side, and rear yard screening shall be provided in accordance with Section 5.7. Except as provided within this subsection, residential lots shall not back onto any residential street or collector street within a residential area or neighborhood, and shall not have more than one-half (1/2) of their perimeter boundaries along streets.
f. 
Lot Depth in the ETJ.
Any lot in the City’s ETJ shall not exceed a depth greater than four (4) times its width.
g. 
Computation of Lot & Buildable Area.
A lot’s area and buildable area shall be computed as outlined in Subsection 3.3.c.
(Ordinance 06-117, sec. 2, adopted 9/26/06)
a. 
Front building lines shall be shown on all plats (i.e., all types) for all lots.
b. 
For property that is within the City, building lines shall be consistent with the Zoning Ordinance requirements for the district in which the development is located and with any other applicable City ordinance.
c. 
For property that is within the City’s extraterritorial jurisdiction, the minimum front building line for all lots (residential or nonresidential) shall be thirty feet (30').
(Ordinance 06-117, sec. 2, adopted 9/26/06)
a. 
Meanings.
For purposes of this Section, the following meanings shall apply:
1. 
“Utility services” – The facilities of any person, firm or corporation providing electric, natural gas, telephone, cable television, internet, or any other such item or service for public use approved but not provided by the City of Greenville, except that the term “utility services” shall apply to the provision of electric, cable, internet, or any other utility service provided by GEUS, the municipal electric utility owned by the City of Greenville.
2. 
“Feeder or feeder/lateral line” – High voltage supply electric lines carrying more than 69,000 volts that emanate from substations used to distribute power through an area to an unspecified number of customers.
3. 
“Lateral lines” – Those electric or telephone lines used to distribute service from a feeder line to a single subdivision. These electric lines are normally connected to a feeder line through a sectionalizing device such as a fuse.
4. 
“Service lines” – Those lines used to connect between the utilities’ system or lateral lines and the end user’s meter box.
b. 
Provision for Utility Services.
All subdivision plats and engineering plans submitted to the City of Greenville for approval shall provide for utility services such as electrical, gas, telephone and cable television utility lines, including lateral or service distribution lines, and wires to be placed underground. Feeder and other major transmission lines may remain overhead within the appropriate easements.
1. 
Feeder Lines.
(a) 
An applicant shall endeavor and, whenever practical, the City shall require that feeder lines are placed away from major or minor thoroughfares or arterials, as shown on the Thoroughfare Plan.
(b) 
Whenever practical, feeder lines which are to be placed overhead shall not be placed along both sides of the street right-of-way.
2. 
Utility Companies.
(a) 
The locations, widths and configurations of easements for any utility service provider other than the general utility easements dedicated to the City of Greenville shall be determined, approved and acquired (if necessary) by the applicable utility service provider.
(b) 
Each of the utility companies shall be responsible for developing administrative policies, criteria for easement size, and cost reimbursement procedures for the installation and extension of their underground utilities.
(c) 
Nothing herein shall prohibit or restrict any utility company from recovering the difference in cost of overhead facilities and underground utilities from the developer in accordance with the provisions of such utility’s approved tariff.
(d) 
No utility company shall be required or permitted to begin construction of underground facilities unless and until the developer of the subdivision has made arrangements satisfactory to the specific utility company for the payment of such difference between the cost of overhead facilities and underground facilities.
c. 
Electrical & Telephone Support Equipment.
All electrical and telephone support equipment, including amplifiers and switching devices necessary for underground installations, shall be pad- or ground-mounted, or shall be placed underground and not overhead, unless the subdivision is served from perimeter overhead electrical facilities.
d. 
Temporary Overhead Lines & Facilities.
Temporary construction service may be provided by overhead electric lines and facilities without obtaining a waiver/suspension or special exception, provided that when the underground utility service to any portion of a subdivision is completed, such overhead electric lines and facilities are promptly removed.
e. 
Existing Facilities.
Nothing in this Section shall be construed to require any existing facilities in place prior to the effective date of this Ordinance to be placed underground.
f. 
Metering.
The metering for utilities such as water, gas and electricity shall be located on the individual lots to be served, not grouped together in a centralized location(s), such as “gang-box” style metering stations, which shall not be permitted.
g. 
Inspection By the City & Conformance With City Standards.
All utility installations shall be subject to inspection by the City, and shall be in conformance with any applicable City design standards related to their placement within public rights-of-way within easements, or elsewhere in the City (including on private property).
h. 
Location of Utilities within Easements and Rights-of-way.
The City may designate or assign locations for the installation of utilities within easements or rights-of-way dedicated to the City.
(Ordinance 06-117, sec. 2, adopted 9/26/06)
a. 
Connections for Water.
All new subdivisions shall be connected with the City’s water system or other water supply system approved by TCEQ, and shall be capable of providing water for health and emergency purposes, including fire protection. An alternative source of water may be used for irrigation purposes only for nonresidential uses (e.g., a public park, a public school, etc.), subject to City approval and provided that all appropriate permits are procured from the City, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the TCEQ and any other applicable agency(s). Such alternative water source may not be used for potable water supply under any circumstances or be connected to the City’s or any public supply system. The design and construction of water system improvements and alternative water sources shall comply with the following standards:
1. 
Applicable regulations of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).
2. 
Standards in the City’s Standard Design Manual, and in accordance with TCEQ standards, whichever is the most stringent requirement.
3. 
Fire protection and suppression standards in accordance with the City’s Fire Department and the Fire Code adopted by the City.
b. 
Connections for Wastewater.
All new subdivisions shall be served by a wastewater collection and treatment system authorized and permitted by the TCEQ, except as provided below. The design and construction of the wastewater system improvements shall be in accordance with the standards in the City’s Standard Design Manual, and in accordance with TCEQ standards whichever is the most stringent requirement.
1. 
On-site sewage facilities such as septic or aerobic systems may be permitted to be installed in subdivisions located in the City’s ETJ on one (1) acre or more in area, if the subdivision is one-thousand feet (1000') or more from a connection to a wastewater collection system.
c. 
Subdivider Responsibilities.
The subdivider shall be responsible for the following:
1. 
Phasing of development or improvements in order to maintain adequate water and wastewater services;
2. 
Extensions of utility lines (including any necessary on-site and off-site lines) to connect to existing utility mains of adequate capacity;
3. 
Providing and/or procuring all necessary easements for the utilities (whether on-site or off-site);
4. 
Providing proof to the City of adequate water and wastewater service;
5. 
Providing provisions for future expansion of the utilities if such will be needed to serve future developments, subject to the City’s oversize participation policies (refer to Section 1.4 and Section 1.12 for information on adequate facilities and proportionality of developer participation), if applicable;
6. 
Providing all operations and maintenance of the private utilities, or providing proof that a separate entity will be responsible for the operations and maintenance of the utilities;
7. 
Providing all fiscal security required for the construction of the utilities;
8. 
Obtaining approvals from the applicable utility providers if other than the City; and
9. 
Complying with all requirements of the utility providers, including the City.
d. 
Location of Lines.
Extension of water and wastewater lines shall be made along the entire frontage of the subdivision adjacent to a street or thoroughfare in rights-of-way or dedicated easements.
1. 
If the subdivision is not adjacent to a thoroughfare, the extension of utilities shall be accomplished in such a manner as to allow future connections to said utilities by new subdivisions.
2. 
If new subdivisions are not likely to be developed beyond the proposed subdivision (due to physical constraints), the City Engineer may waive the requirement for adjacent utility line construction at the time of Preliminary Plat approval and prior to construction of the subdivision.
e. 
Utilities Not Specified.
Installation, operations and maintenance of utilities not specifically referenced herein shall comply with regulations of the TCEQ and with any other applicable State rules and regulations, whichever is the most stringent.
f. 
Dead-End Water Lines.
1. 
Dead-end lines should be avoided, but when deemed necessary, they should be extended to, and then through, the property sought to be subdivided.
2. 
All dead-end water lines shall be valved and provided with a valve and fire hydrant located at the extreme end of the line instead of the blow-off mechanism for their flushing, in accordance with current City standard specifications.
g. 
Payment of Pro-Rata Charges.
Where the proposed subdivision would abut and utilize an existing water main and/or sanitary sewer main of the City, the Developer shall pay to the City any applicable “pro rata” charge per requirements of the City.
(Ordinance 06-117, sec. 2, adopted 9/26/06)
a. 
Drainage System Generally.
1. 
Drainage improvements shall accommodate runoff from the upstream drainage area and shall be designed to prevent overloading the capacity of the downstream drainage system or adversely impacting either upstream or downstream properties.
2. 
The City may require the phasing of development, the use of control methods such as retention or detention, or the construction of off-site drainage improvements in order to mitigate the impact of the proposed development.
3. 
No stormwater collection system shall be constructed unless it is designed in accordance with this Section and with the City’s Standard Design Manual by a licensed professional engineer, and unless it is reviewed and approved by the City Engineer.
4. 
All plans submitted to the City Engineer for approval shall include a layout of the drainage system together with supporting calculations for the design of the system.
b. 
Drainage Easements Clear.
Drainage easements shall be kept clear of all obstructions, such as but not limited to, fences, buildings, trees and shrubs, or other structures or improvements which in any way endanger or interfere with the construction, maintenance, or operation of any drainage system.
c. 
Off-Site Drainage.
1. 
The owner or developer of the property to be developed shall be responsible for all storm drainage flowing on his property. This responsibility includes the drainage directed to that property by prior development as well as drainage naturally flowing through the property by reason of topography.
2. 
Adequate consideration shall be given by the owner in the development of property to determine how the discharge leaving the proposed development will affect downstream property.
3. 
On lots or tracts of three (3) acres or more where stormwater runoff has been collected or concentrated, it shall not be permitted to drain onto adjacent property except in existing creeks, channels or storm sewers, unless proper drainage easements or notarized letters of permission from the affected property owner are provided
d. 
Erosion & Sedimentation Control.
All erosion and sedimentation controls shall conform to the Standard Design Manual and the current National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) regulations.
e. 
Changing Existing Ditch, Channel, Stream or Drainageway.
No person, individual, partnership, firm or corporation shall deepen, widen, fill, reclaim, reroute or change the course or location of any existing ditch, channel, stream or drainageway without first obtaining written permission of the City Engineer and any other applicable agency (such as FEMA or the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) having jurisdiction. The City Engineer may, at his or her discretion, require preparation and submission of a CLOMAR or flood study for a proposed development if there are concerns regarding storm drainage on the subject property or upstream or downstream from the subject property. The costs of such study, if required, shall be borne by the developer.
f. 
Siting of Lots & Building Sites.
In order to help reduce stormwater runoff, and resulting erosion, sedimentation and conveyance of nonpoint source pollutants, the layout of the street network, lots and building sites shall, to the greatest extent possible, be sited and aligned along natural contour lines, and shall minimize the amount of cut and fill on slopes in order to minimize the amount of land area that is disturbed during construction.
g. 
Approval.
Lots in any proposed subdivision shall not be approved until drainage facilities adequate to prevent flooding have been installed or necessary arrangements made for such installation as required under this Ordinance.
h. 
Issuance of Building Permits.
On any lot designated by the City Engineer as requiring completion or partial completion of drainage improvements prior to building construction, no building permits shall be issued prior to a release authorized by the City Engineer.
(Ordinance 06-117, sec. 2, adopted 9/26/06)