A. 
The overall goal of this chapter is to encourage the uniform development of an integrated, fully accessible public transportation system that will facilitate present and future travel demand with minimal environmental impact to the community as a whole.
B. 
This chapter provides minimum construction standards supplementing the applicable standards as set forth in Section 15.01.025; provided, that applicants shall, to the maximum extent practicable, apply low-impact development alternatives where site conditions are favorable and upon a recommendation by the city engineer and approval by the city council.
(Ord. 743, 1997; Ord. 862, 2005; Ord. 1139, 12/1/2025)
A. 
The city of Langley will plan for, design and construct all new transportation projects to provide appropriate accommodation for bicyclists, pedestrians, transit users and persons of all abilities in comprehensive and connected network with the following exceptions:
1. 
Where their establishment would be contrary to public health and safety; or
2. 
Where there is no identified long-term need; or
3. 
Where there are significant adverse environmental impacts to streams, wetlands, steep slopes, or other critical areas; or
4. 
Where there are significant adverse impacts on neighboring land uses, including impacts from right-of-way acquisition; or
5. 
Where the public works director grants a documented exception which may only be authorized in specific situations where conditions warrant. Such site-specific exceptions shall not constitute general changes to the standards set in Section 15.01.470.
B. 
Except in unusual or extraordinary circumstances, complete streets principles may not apply to the following:
1. 
Repairs made pursuant to pavement opening and restoration allowed by approval of the public works director.
2. 
Ordinary maintenance activities designed to keep assets in serviceable condition (e.g., mowing, cleaning, sweeping, spot repair and surface treatments such as chip seal, or interim measures on detour or haul routes).
C. 
Complete streets may be achieved through single projects or incrementally through a series of smaller improvements or maintenance activities over time. All sources of transportation funding should be drawn upon to implement complete streets. Maximum financial flexibility is important to implement complete streets principles.
D. 
Street design must provide for the maximum loading conditions anticipated. The width and grade of the pavement must conform to specific standards set forth herein for safety and uniformity.
(Ord. 743, 1997; Ord. 970 § 2, 2012; Ord. 1139, 12/1/2025)
A. 
The design of streets and roads shall depend upon their type and usage. The design elements of city streets shall conform to city standards as set forth herein and current design practice as set forth in Section 15.01.025. Standard design structures are shown in the standard drawings.
B. 
The layout of new local streets shall provide for the continuation of existing streets in adjoining subdivisions or of their proper projection when adjoining property is not subdivided by providing street design 200 feet beyond the subdivision boundary. Streets which serve primarily to provide access to abutting property shall be designed to discourage through traffic. See the table of the Minimum Street Design Standards.
C. 
Alignment. Alignment of new classified streets shall meet the intent of that shown identified in the Ultimate Multimodal Street Network adopted in the comprehensive plan.
D. 
Grade. Street grade should conform closely to the natural contour of the land. The minimum allowable grade shall be 0.5%. The maximum allowable grade shall be 15%, depending upon the street classification as shown in Table 15.01.470. Any deviation from this standard shall require review and approval of the city engineer.
E. 
Width. The pavement and right-of-way width depend upon the Ultimate Multimodal Street Network adopted in the Comprehensive Plan. The table of Minimum Street Design Standards shows the minimum widths allowed.
F. 
The street construction general notes shall be included on any plans dealing with street design in addition to all applicable requirements in Section 15.01.040. A copy may be obtained from the public works department.
Table 15.01.470
Street Segment
From
To
Functional Classifi- cation
Ultimate Street Network Section
Target/Design Speed
Pedestrian Facility
Bicycle Facility
Minimum ROW Width
2-Way Surface Width for Autos
Mini- mum Pavement Width
Minimum Grade
Maxi- mum Grade
Maximum Curb Radius
Curb and Gutter
Improvements Needed to Meet Standard
Fairgrounds Rd
Al Anderson
Langley Rd
Minor Collector
Shared Street and sidepath
25
Sidepath
Sharrow
50'
20'
22'
0.50%
15%
25'
N
Speed limit and no passing signs. Add sidepath on north side.
Sandy Point Rd
Camano Ave
City Limits
Minor Collector
Shared Street and sidepath
20
Sidepath
Sharrow
50'
20'
22'
0.50%
15%
25'
N
Add sidepath on north side and pedestrian crossing at Furman Ave/Cedar Circle
Edgecliff Dr
Camano Ave
City Limits
Minor Collector
Shared Street
15
Shared
Shared
50'
12'
22'
0.50%
15%
25'
N
Speed limit signs and shared street signage
6th Street
Park Ave
Cascade
Major Collector
ELR with sidepath
20
Sidepath/ELR
ELR
60'
20'
22'
0.50%
10%
35'
N
Speed limit, ELR and no passing signs. ELR striping. Sidepath on south side under construction
3rd Street
Coles Rd
380 W of DeBruyn
Major Collector
2-lane with shoulders
25
Shoulder
Shoulder
60'
20'
34'
0.50%
10%
35'
N
Add sidepath on west side
3rd Street
380 W of DeBruyn Ave
DeBruyn Ave
Major Collector
2-lane sidepath on both sides
25
Sidepath
Shared
60'
20
22'
0.50%
10%
35'
N
Speed limit and no passing signs
3rd Street
DeBruyn Ave
Park Ave
Major Collector
2-Lane sidewalk north side/sidepath south side
25
Sidewalk Sidepath
Shared
60'
20'
22'
0.50%
10%
35'
Y
Complete sidepath on south side and construct curb gutter and sidewalk on sidewalk on north side
3rd Street
Park Ave
Anthes Ave
Major Collector
2-Lane sidewalk north side/sidepath south side
25
Sidewalk Sidepath
Shared
60'
20'
22'
0.55
10%
35'
Y
Construct sidepath on south side and construct curb gutter and sidewalk on sidewalk north side
3rd Street
Anthes Ave
Cascade Ave
Major Collector
2-Lane sidewalk north side/sidepath south side
20
Sidewalk Sidepath
Shared
60'
20'
22'
0.50%
10%
35'
Y
Construct sidepath on south side and construct curb gutter and sidewalk on sidewalk north side. Extend to Cascade Ave
Saratoga Rd
City Limits
DeBruyn Ave
Minor Collector
2-lane with complete shoulders
25
Shoulder
Shoulder
50'
20'
30'
0.50%
15%
25'
N
Add 4' shoulders both sides
2nd Street
DeBruyn Ave
Park Ave
Major Collector
2-lane with parking and sidewalk both sides
25
Sidewalk both sides
Shared
70'
20'
36'
0.50%
10%
35'
Y
Complete curb, gutter and sidewalk with parking on both sides
2nd Street
Park Ave
Anthes Ave
Major Collector
2-lane with parking and sidewalk both sides
25
Sidewalk both sides
Shared
70'
20'
36'
0.50%
10%
35'
Y
Complete curb, gutter and sidewalk with parking on both sides
2nd Street
Anthes Ave
Cascade Ave
Major Collector
2-lane with parking sidewalk both sides
15
Sidewalk both sides
Shared
70'
20'
36'
0.50%
10%
35'
Y
Speed limits signs, parking buffer striping, and sharrows
1st Street
DeBruyn Ave
Park
Minor Collector
2-lane with parking sidewalk south side
25
Sidewalk south side
Shared
60'
20'
29'
0.50%
15%
25'
Y
Speed limits signs, parking buffer striping, and sharrows
1st Street
Park Ave
Anthes Ave
Minor Collector
2-lane with parking sidewalk both sides
20
Sidewalk both sides
Shared
60'
20'
36'
0.50%
15%
25'
Y
Speed limits signs, parking buffer striping, and sharrows
1st Street
Anthes Ave
Wharf Street
Minor Collector
2-lane with parking sidewalk both sides
15
Sidewalk both sides
Shared
60'
20'
36'
0.50%
15%
25'
Y
Speed limits signs, parking buffer striping, and sharrows
1st Street
Wharf Street
2nd Street
Minor Collector
2-lane with sidewalk or sidepath both sides
20
Sidewalk or Sidepath both sides
Shared
60'
20'
22'
0.50%
15%
25'
Y
Speed limits signs, parking buffer striping, and sharrows
Coles Rd
City Limits
Brooks Hill Rd
Minor Collector
2-lane with shoulders
25
Shoulder
Shoulder
60'
20'
30'
0.50%
15%
25'
N
Speed limit signs, narrow lanes, 4-foot minimum shoulders, signing, pavement markings, and surface smoothing
DeBruyn Ave
3rd Street
2nd Street
Major Collector
2-lane with sidewalk or sidepath both sides
25
Sidewalk or Sidepath both sides
Shared
70'
20'
22'
0.50%
10%
35'
Y
Speed limit signs, sharrows, add sidepath east side
DeBruyn Ave
2nd Street
1st Street
Major Collector
2-lane with sidewalk or sidepath both sides
25
Sidewalk Sidepath both sides
Shared
70'
20'
22'
0.50%
10%
35'
Y
Speed limit signs, sharrows, add sidepath west side
Park Ave
6th Street
3rd Street
Major Collector
2-lane sidepath west wide
25
Complete Sidepath west side
Shared
70'
20'
22'
0.50%
10%
35'
N
Speed limit signs, no passing signs, sharrows, complete sidepath west side
Park Ave
3rd Street
1st Street
Minor Collector
2-lane with parking sidewalk both sides
20
Sidewalk both sides
Shared
60'
20'
36'
0.50%
15%
25'
Y
Speed limits signs, parking buffer striping, and sharrows
Al Anderson Ave
City Limits
6th Street
Minor Collector
ELR
20
ELR
ELR
60'
12' min
22'
0.50%
15%
25'
N
Speed limit signs, ELR signage and pavement markings, and surface smoothing
Anthes Ave
6th Street
4th Street
Major Collector
2-lane with sidewalk both sides
20
Sidewalk both sides
Shared
70'
20'
22'
0.50%
10%
35'
Y
Add sidewalk one side, speed limit signs, sharrows
Anthes Ave
4th Street
3rd Street
Major Collector
2-lane with sidewalk both sides
20
Sidewalk both sides
Shared
70'
20'
22'
0.50%
—
35'
Y
Add sidewalk one side, speed limit signs, sharrows
Anthes Ave
3rd Street
2nd Street
Major Collector
2-lane with parking sidewalk both sides
20
Sidewalk both sides
Shared
70'
20'
36'
0.50%
10%
35'
Y
Speed limit signs, sharrows
Anthes Ave
2nd Street
1st Street
Major Collector
2-lane with parking sidewalk both sides
20
Sidewalk both sides
Shared
70'
20'
36'
0.50%
10%
35'
Y
Speed limit signs, sharrows
Cascade Ave
6th Street
2nd Street
Major Collector
2-lane with Sidepath/sidewalk both sides
20
Sidewalk Sidepath both sides
Shared
70'
20'
22'
0.50%
10%
35'
Y
Speed limit signs, sharrows, sidewalk on sidepath west side
Wharf St
Cascade Ave
Marina
Minor Collector
2-lane with sidewalk east side
15
Sidewalk one side
Shared
60'
20'
11'
0.50%
15%
25'
Y
Speed limit signs, sharrows
Camano Ave
Sandy Point Rd
6th Street
Major Collector
2-lane with sidewalk or sidepath both sides
25
Sidewalk Sidepath both sides
Shared
70'
20'
22'
0.50%
10%
35'
Y
Speed limit signs, sharrows
Decker Ave
Sandy Point Rd
Edgecliff Dr
Minor Collector
Shared Street
15
Shared
Shared
60'
12' min
22'
0.50%
15%
25'
N
Speed limit signs and shared street signage
All Other Streets
NA
NA
Local
Shared Street
15
Shared
Shared
50'
12' min
22'
0.50%
15%
25'
N
Speed limit signs and shared street signage
(Ord. 743, 1997; Ord. 862, 2005; amended during 2013 reformat; Ord. 1139, 12/1/2025)
The table in Section 15.01.470 is provided to assist the developer in determining the classification and ultimate street network requirements of a particular street. Streets not included in the table are classified as local access streets. New streets will be classified by the city public works department.
(Ord. 743, 1997; Ord. 1139, 12/1/2025)
A. 
The developer may submit proposed street names at the time the preliminary plat is submitted and again upon approval of the final plat. The public works department will ensure that the name requested for a new street is consistent with policies of the city. Street name approval will occur with final plat approval.
B. 
An address number will be assigned to all new buildings at the time the building permit is issued. It is then the owner's responsibility to see that the house numbers are placed clearly and visibly at the main entrance to the property or at the principal place of ingress prior to occupancy.
(Ord. 743, 1997; Ord. 1139, 12/1/2025)
A. 
All traffic signs must conform to the MUTCD, as adopted by the State of Washington pursuant to WAC 468-95-010. All traffic signs within the City right-of-way shall be installed in accordance with the requirements of the MUTCD.
B. 
The City shall install and maintain all necessary public road name signs, warning signs and regulatory signs. The City will assume maintenance of all public road signs. A developer may install signs on a City road when required for a land use development activity, provided a valid permit is first obtained from the City. Signs used for private roads will not be installed or maintained by the City; their installation and maintenance are the sole responsibility of the applicant, landowner, or developer.
(Ord. 743, 1997; Ord. 1139, 12/1/2025)
A. 
Right-of-way is determined by the functional classification of a street. Collectors shall have a right-of-way width of not less than 60 feet. See Minimum Street Design Standards for specific widths. Local access streets shall have a right-of-way of not less than 56 feet. See Table 15.01.470 for radius requirements at cul-de-sac "bulb."
B. 
Right-of-way requirements may be increased if additional lanes, pockets, transit lanes, bus loading zones, operational speed, bike lanes, utilities, schools or other factors are required as determined by the city engineer.
C. 
Right-of-way shall be conveyed to the city on a recorded plat or by a right-of-way dedication deed.
(Ord. 743, 1997; Ord. 1139, 12/1/2025)
See definition of private street in Section 15.01.015.
A. 
The following general requirement is applicable to all private streets.
1. 
Private streets will be allowed only for such streets that have no public interest for traffic circulation, and are to be built in accordance with the standards adopted herein for public streets, except that a gravel street surface may be allowed in cases where the private street serves no more than three lots. For driveway standards, see Section 15.01.525.
B. 
The potential number of lots or units used for determination of applicable standards shall be based on the potential number of lots or units that could reasonably be served, using the city comprehensive land use plan and existing zoning to calculate density.
C. 
Design and construction standards and general specifications for private streets shall be as follows:
1. 
Subdivision standards;
2. 
Road width easements shall be 25 feet minimum.
A cul-de-sac easement with a radius of 40 feet, or an equivalent turn-around area, shall be required.
3. 
Access easements shall extend at least 30 feet into the interior lot(s) when deemed necessary by the city engineer.
4. 
Private street construction width shall be 16 feet.
5. 
All private streets shall require a minimum of six-inch gravel base consistent with the general requirements of this chapter. Suitability of in-place material to fulfill all or part of this requirement is subject to the approval of the city engineer.
The intent is to provide an "all weather street" capable of supporting the traffic characteristics for which the road is proposed and emergency access.
6. 
Private streets shall be constructed in accordance with the applicable typical section adopted as part of this chapter.
D. 
Cottage Housing, Planned Residential Developments, Mobile Home Parks, Condominiums and Multifamily Developments. Except where needed for public circulation, internal accesses within subject developments may be private. In such circumstances, streets shall be built in accordance with the provisions specified herein for city street (Section 15.01.535) except as follows:
Private internal accesses serving eight or less total units, having street and right-of-way widths consistent with subsection (C)(1) of this section and a structural cross section consistent with subsection (C)(5) of this section, may be permitted.
(Ord. 743, 1997; Ord. 1139, 12/1/2025)
A. 
All commercial and residential (including multifamily) development, plats, and short plats shall install street frontage improvements at the time of development as required by these city construction standards. Such improvements may include curb and gutter; walkway or sidewalk; storm drainage; street lighting; utility installation or relocation; landscaping and irrigation; and street widening and overlaying. Plans shall be prepared and signed by a licensed civil engineer registered in the state of Washington.
B. 
A half street improvement is the minimum acceptable roadway section modified to conform to limited right-of-way on the boundary of property subject to development.
C. 
A half street may be permitted subject to approval by the city engineer when:
1. 
There is reasonable assurance of obtaining the prescribed additional right-of-way from the adjoining property suitable for completion of a full-section roadway; and
2. 
Such alignment is consistent with or will establish a reasonable circulation pattern; and
3. 
The right-of-way width of the half street shall equal at least 30 feet; and
4. 
The traveled way shall be surfaced the same as the designated street classification to a width not less than 24 feet; and
5. 
The half street shall be graded consistent with locating centerline of the ultimate roadway section on the centerline of the right-of-way; and
6. 
Property line edge of street may be required to be finished with permanent curb and gutter to ensure proper drainage, bank stability and traffic safety.
(Ord. 743, 1997; Ord. 1139, 12/1/2025)
Streets designed to have one end permanently closed shall be no longer than 400 feet. At the closed end, there shall be a widened "bulb" having a minimum paved traveled radius as shown in the Minimum Street Design Standards table, or a "T" which provides sufficient turning area.
(Ord. 743, 1997; Ord. 1139, 12/1/2025)
Any temporarily dead-ended street shall have turn-around provisions where the street serves more than one lot. The turn-around may be a hammerhead with a minimum distance on both sides at the centerline intersection of 60 feet to facilitate emergency vehicle turn-around.
(Ord. 743, 1997; Ord. 1139, 12/1/2025)
A. 
Traffic control will be as specified in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) or as modified by the city engineer as a result of appropriate traffic engineering studies.
B. 
Street intersections shall be laid out so as to intersect as nearly as possible at right angles. Sharp-angled intersections shall be avoided. For safe design, the following types of intersection features will not be allowed:
1. 
Intersections with more than four intersecting streets;
2. 
"Y" type intersections where streets meet at acute angles.
C. 
Spacing between adjacent intersecting on classified streets, whether crossing or "T," shall be a minimum centerline offset of 125 feet.
D. 
On sloping approaches at an intersection, landings shall be provided with grade not to exceed one foot difference in elevation for a distance of 20 feet approaching a collector or local access street, measured from nearest right-of-way line (extended) of intersecting street in all directions.
(Ord. 743, 1997; Ord. 1139, 12/1/2025)
A. 
General.
1. 
Details of driveway sections are located in the standard drawings.
2. 
All abandoned driveway areas shall be restored to current city standards.
3. 
All approach aprons constructed in the right-of-way shall be subject to the same testing and inspection requirements as street construction or curb, gutter, and sidewalk construction.
4. 
Asphalted approach aprons are required on all new construction and shall be constructed in accordance with subsection F of this section.
5. 
Common approach driveways serving two adjacent parcels may be built upon formal written agreement by both property owners and approval of the city. The agreement shall be a recorded easement for both parcels of land specifying joint usage and maintenance.
6. 
No commercial access shall be approved where backing onto the sidewalk or street will occur.
7. 
Driveways serving more than two parcels are considered private streets and subject to the requirements of Section 15.01.495.
8. 
Access to public or private streets within the city shall be limited to one driveway per separately owned tract of property. Contiguous properties under the same ownership shall be considered a single tract for the purposes of determining access.
B. 
Collector Streets.
1. 
New driveway access to collector streets is discouraged. Parcels platted after the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter shall obtain shared access to collector streets where feasible, or demonstrate that no reasonable alternative access is available.
C. 
Width.
1. 
The maximum driveway width for two-way access drives onto a collector shall be 30 feet for commercial uses. Maximum driveway widths for one-way access drives shall be 24 feet for residential, and 24 feet for commercial. A road approach or wider driveway width may be approved by the city engineer where a substantial percentage of oversized vehicle traffic exists, where divisional islands are desired, or where multiple exit or entrance lanes are needed.
2. 
The minimum residential driveway width shall be 16 feet for two-way driveways serving fewer than five units and 10 feet for one-way residential driveways. The minimum commercial driveway width shall be 24 feet for two-way driveways and 12 feet for one-way commercial driveways.
3. 
Parking lot circulation and signing needs shall be met on site. The public right-of-way shall not be utilized as part of a one-way parking lot flow.
4. 
Road approaches and/or ingress and egress tapers shall be required in commercially zoned areas, designed to meet current standards.
D. 
Minimum Approach Spacing from Other Accesses*, **, ***
Minimum Spacing (Feet)
Road Classification and Speed
All Approach Types
Local Road 20 mph or Less
25
Local Road Greater than 20 mph
50
Minor Collector 25 mph or Less
35
Minor Collector Greater than 25 mph
70
Major Collector 25 mph or Less
35
Major Collector Greater than 25 mph
125
Notes:
* These distances are not applicable if the proposed access is directly across from an existing access.
** Distances shown are measured from the nearest edge of one approach to the nearest edge of the other approach.
*** For the purposes of this table, "access" includes both driveway connections and street intersections when determining spacing requirements.
E. 
Culvert Installation Requirements. If a culvert should be required, it shall be installed in a manner to accommodate the flow of water in the existing roadway ditch, subject to the approval of the city engineer or his authorized representative. The culvert shall be a minimum of 12 inches in diameter; the type of pipe shall be as specified in the city of Langley's construction standards. Minimum cover and other installation requirements shall be determined by manufacturers' specifications and city standards.
F. 
Surface of Approach Road. The driveway apron or approach road surface shall be surfaced with asphalt concrete pavement or concrete cement to a distance of not less than 20 feet from the edge of the city street or road. The finished surface of the approach road shall be sloped away from the edge of the city street or road at a rate of one-half inch per foot for a distance of at least four feet. The approach road shall be graded and ditched to prevent any flow of water onto the city street or road. The driveway or approach road installation shall not interfere with roadway drainage.
G. 
Design Requirements. If a property owner should be required, as determined by the city engineer, to place a culvert across the entire lot frontage, engineered plans shall be submitted to the city for review and are subject to approval prior to starting any work.
H. 
Installation and Construction Costs. All costs of installation of culverts and related facilities and construction of approach roads and driveways shall be at the expense of the property owner.
(Ord. 743, 1997; Ord. 1139, 12/1/2025)
A. 
Providing drivers the ability to see stop signs and oncoming traffic in time to react accordingly will reduce the probability of conflicts occurring at an intersection. Avoiding conflicts is dependent on the judgment, abilities, and actions of all drivers using the intersection. The driver of a vehicle that is stopped and waiting to cross or enter a through roadway needs obstruction-free sight triangles to the left and right in order to see enough of the through roadway to complete all legal maneuvers before an approaching vehicle on the through roadway can reach the intersection.
1. 
Minimum intersection sight distance along the through roadway shall be determined using WSDOT Design Manual Exhibit 1310-3 as currently adopted or as amended. The sight triangle is determined as shown in WSDOT Design Manual Exhibit 1310-3 with an eye height of 3.5 feet for passenger cars and pickups and six feet for trucks.
2. 
Within the sight triangle, cut slopes shall be laid back and hedges, trees, signs, utility poles, signal poles, and anything else large enough to be a sight obstruction shall be removed, lowered, or relocated. Parking shall be eliminated to remove vehicles that would obstruct sight distance.
3. 
In order to maintain the sight distance, the sight triangle must be within the right of way or a maintenance easement.
B. 
The vertical clearance area within the sight distance triangle shall be free from obstructions to a motor vehicle operator's view between a height of three feet and 10 feet above the existing surface of the street.
C. 
Exclusions. Sight obstructions that may be excluded from these requirements include: fences in conformance with this code, utility poles, regulatory signs, trees trimmed from the base to a height of 10 feet above the street, places where the contour of the ground is such that there can be no cross visibility at the intersection, saplings or plant species of open growth habits and not in the form of a hedge which are so planted and trimmed as to leave at all seasons a clear and unobstructed cross view, buildings constructed in conformance with the provisions of appropriate zoning regulations and preexisting buildings.
(Ord. 743, 1997; Ord. 1139, 12/1/2025)
A. 
The following are the surfacing requirements for each application listed. These designs are based on Washington stabilometer subgrade R-value of five. Alternate structures will be accepted based on soil tests to determine the actual Washington stabilometer R-value. Soil tests and a completed worksheet for each road classification shall accompany plans submitted if other than the structures shown below are used.
1. 
Major Collector Streets.
a. 
Surfacing: 0.50 feet Class B asphalt concrete.
b. 
Top course: 0.17 feet crushed surfacing top course.
c. 
Base: 2.0 feet ballast.
2. 
Minor Collector Streets.
a. 
Surfacing: 0.33 feet Class B asphalt concrete.
b. 
Top course: 0.17 feet crushed surfacing top course.
c. 
Base: 2.0 feet ballast.
3. 
Local Access Streets.
a. 
Surfacing: 0.33 feet Class B asphalt concrete.
b. 
Top course: 0.17 feet crushed surfacing top course.
c. 
Base: 1.36 feet ballast.
4. 
Sidewalks.
a. 
Surfacing: 0.33 feet commercial concrete.
b. 
Base: 0.17 feet crushed surfacing top course (0.50 feet commercial concrete required in sidewalks at driveway approaches).
5. 
Approach Apron.*
a. 
Surfacing: 0.17 feet Class B asphalt concrete.
b. 
Base: 0.33 feet crushed surfacing top course.
* Required from property line to street edge.
6. 
Alley.
a. 
Commercial Zone.
(1) 
Surfacing: 0.34 feet Class B asphalt concrete.
(2) 
Base: 0.34 feet crushed surfacing top course.
b. 
Residential Zone.
(1) 
Surfacing: 0.34 feet crushed surfacing top course.
(2) 
Base: 0.34 feet ballast.
7. 
Walkway/Bikeway (When Not Subject to Vehicular Traffic Loading).
a. 
Surfacing: 0.17 feet Class B asphalt concrete.
b. 
Base: 0.17 feet crushed surface top course.
B. 
One soil sample per each 500 LF of centerline with three minimum per project representative of the roadway subgrade shall be taken to determine a statistical representation of the existing soil conditions.
C. 
Soil tests shall be performed by an engineering firm specializing in soils analysis.
D. 
The soils report, signed and stamped by a soils engineer licensed by the state of Washington, shall be based on actual soils tests and submitted with the plans. All depths indicated are a minimum compacted depth.
(Ord. 743, 1997; Ord. 1139, 12/1/2025)
A. 
Temporary restoration of trenches shall be accomplished by using 0.17 feet Class B asphalt concrete pavement when available or 0.17 feet medium curing (MC-250) liquid asphalt (cold mix), 0.17 feet asphalt treated base (ATB), or steel plates. Steel plates shall not be used for more than 24 hours without permission of the public works director.
B. 
Asphalt Treated Base (ATB) used for temporary restoration may be dumped directly into the trench, bladed and rolled. After rolling, the trench must be filled flush with asphalt concrete pavement to provide a smooth riding surface.
C. 
All temporary patches shall be maintained daily by the contractor until such time as the permanent pavement patch is in place.
D. 
If the contractor is unable to maintain a patch, with 24 hours' notice, for whatever reason, the city will patch it at actual cost plus overhead and materials.
(Ord. 743, 1997; Ord. 1139, 12/1/2025)
A. 
Trench restoration shall be either by a patch or patch plus overlay as required by the city.
B. 
All trench and pavement cuts shall be made by spade bladed jackhammer or saw cuts. The cuts shall be a minimum of six inches outside the trench width.
C. 
All trenching shall be backfilled with crushed surfacing materials conforming to Section 4-04 of the WSDOT/APWA Standard Specifications. Upon the approval of the public works director screenings may be used for backfill. The trench shall be compacted to 95% maximum density, as described in Section 2-03 of the WSDOT/APWA Standard Specifications.
If the existing material is determined by the city to be suitable for backfill, the contractor may use the native material except that the top eight inches of trench shall be two and one-half inches minus ballast. All trench backfill materials shall be compacted to 95% density. Backfill compaction shall be performed in six-inch lifts. Replacement of the asphalt concrete or Portland concrete cement shall be of existing depth plus one inch or three inches total, whichever is greater. Controlled density backfill may be required in collector streets, as determined by the public works director.
D. 
Tack shall be applied to the existing pavement and edge of cut and shall be emulsified asphalt grade CSS-1 as specified in Section 9-02.1(6) of the WSDOT/APWA Standard Specifications. Tack coat shall be applied as specified in Section 5-04 of the WSDOT/APWA Standard Specifications.
E. 
Asphalt concrete Class B shall be placed on the prepared surface by an approved paving machine whenever available or as directed by the director of public works and shall be in accordance with the applicable requirements of Section 5-04 of the WSDOT/APWA Standard Specifications, except that longitudinal joints between successive layers of asphalt concrete shall be displaced laterally a minimum of 12 inches unless otherwise approved by the city engineer. Fine and coarse aggregate shall be in accordance with Section 9-03.8 of the WSDOT/APWA Standard Specifications. Asphalt concrete over two inches thick shall be placed in equal lifts not to exceed two inches each.
All street surfaces, walks or driveways within the street trenching areas affected by the trenching shall be feathered and shimmed to an extent that provides a smooth riding connection and expeditious drainage flow for the newly paved surface. Shimming and feathering as required by the city engineer shall be accomplished by raking out the oversized aggregates from the Class B mix as appropriate or by using class G mix. Surface smoothness shall be per Section 5-04.3(13) of the WSDOT/APWA Standard Specifications. The paving shall be corrected by removal and repaving of the trench only.
F. 
All joints shall be sealed using paving asphalt AR4000W.
G. 
When trenching within the roadway shoulder(s), the shoulder shall be restored to its original or better condition. A minimum of two inches crushed rock shall be placed on all shoulder repairs.
H. 
The final patch shall be completed as soon as possible; however, no longer than 30 days after first opening the trench. This time frame may be adjusted if delays are due to inclement paving weather, or other adverse conditions that may exist. However, delaying of final patch or overlay work is allowable only subject to the director of public works’s approval. The director of public works may deem it necessary to complete the work within the 30 days' time frame and not allow any time extension. If this occurs, the contractor shall perform the necessary work as directed by the director of public works.
(Ord. 743, 1997; Ord. 1139, 12/1/2025)
A. 
All surveying and staking shall be performed by an engineering or surveying firm capable of performing such work. The engineer or surveyor directing such work shall be licensed as a professional engineer or professional land surveyor by the state of Washington.
B. 
A pre-construction meeting shall be held with the city prior to commencing staking. All construction staking shall be inspected by the city prior to construction.
C. 
The minimum staking of streets shall be as directed by the city engineer or as follows:
1. 
Stake centerline every 50 feet in tangent sections and 25 feet in curved sections plus grade breaks, PVCs, PVTs, high points and low points, with cut and/or fill to subgrade.
2. 
Stake top of ballast and top of crushed surfacing at centerline and edge of pavement at the above-described intervals.
3. 
Stake top back of curb at the above-described intervals with cut or fill to finished grade.
(Ord. 743, 1997; Ord. 1139, 12/1/2025)
A. 
Testing shall be required at the developer's or contractor's expense. The testing shall be ordered by the developer or contractor and the chosen testing lab shall be approved by the city construction inspector. Testing shall be done on all materials and construction as specified in the WSDOT/APWA Standard Specifications and with frequency as specified herein.
B. 
In addition, the city shall be notified at least 48 hours prior to each phase of street construction commencing (i.e., staking, grading, subgrade, ballast, base, top course, and surfacing).
(Ord. 743, 1997; Ord. 1139, 12/1/2025)
All properties within CB zones of the city shall, in conjunction with new construction on such properties or alterations or improvements which constitute 25% or more of the assessed value of the existing structures on the property, have sidewalks, curbs and gutters constructed or reconstructed along abutting streets as required in the Langley Municipal Code.
Curbs and gutters must also be constructed, in residential zones, along the abutting street when the city engineer determines that the conditions of drainage require curbs and gutters.
A. 
Curbs.
1. 
Acceptable curb designs for concrete curb and gutter, and concrete traffic curb can be found in City of Langley’s Standard Plans.
B. 
Pedestrian Impact and Facilities.
1. 
Sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, and shared-use paths, when used, shall conform to design parameters of the Standard Plans in these Standards.
2. 
Sidewalks.
a. 
Sidewalk facilities shall be constructed with concrete. Curb ramps and sidewalk facilities shall meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and conform to the design requirements of the City Engineer. Minimum sidewalk widths are five feet. All sidewalks along a City Road shall be constructed with concrete.
3. 
Shared-Use Paths.
a. 
Shared-Use Paths are not normally expected within the road right-of-way, except in situations where the facility is part of an adopted plan. The minimum width of a shared-use path is 10 feet. There shall be a two-foot graded area on each side of the shared-use path. If required by the City, such facility design shall be coordinated with the City Engineer in order to receive specific design direction and parameters. Shared-Use Paths may be built with either asphalt or concrete.
b. 
When pedestrian or bicycle facilities are provided as an independently constructed improvement along the frontage of property abutting an existing road, but is not connected to the road, such improvement shall be constructed in accordance with the provisions outlined in this title in a location approved by the City Engineer, as well as meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
C. 
Sidepaths. Sidepaths are typically located in the road right-of-way. The minimum width of a sidepath is six feet. There shall be a two-foot graded area on each side of the shared-use path. If required, such facility design shall be in accordance with city standards. Sidepaths may be built with either asphalt in residential zones or concrete is required in commercial and neighborhood business zones.
(Ord. 743, 1997; Ord. 1139, 12/1/2025)
A. 
Plans for the construction of sidewalks, curbs and gutters are to be submitted as part of the street plans when applicable.
B. 
The city has set forth minimum standards as outlined in Section 15.01.040 which must be met in the design and construction of sidewalks, curbs and gutters. Because these are minimum standards, they may be modified by the city engineer should he feel circumstances require increased or decreased widths.
(Ord. 743, 1997; Ord. 1139, 12/1/2025)
A. 
Sidewalks shall be constructed as outlined in Section 15.01.535. Sidewalks through a driveway approach shall be six inches thick paving with a four-inch base course.
B. 
Subgrade inspection by the city is required before a sidewalk is poured.
C. 
Monolithic pour of curb, gutter and sidewalk will not be allowed.
(Ord. 743, 1997; Ord. 1139, 12/1/2025)
A. 
Cement concrete curb and gutter shall be used for all street edges in the CB zone. All curbs and gutters shall be constructed of commercial concrete as shown in the standard plans. No rolled curb will be allowed.
B. 
Extruded curb and gutter per WSDOT/APWA Standard Specifications is allowed upon approval of the city engineer.
C. 
Form and subgrade inspection by the city are required before curb and gutter are poured.
D. 
The face or top of all new curbs shall be embossed to denote the location of water and sewer services crossings. Water services shall be marked one-quarter inch into concrete with a "W" and side sewers shall be marked with an "S."
(Ord. 743, 1997; Ord. 1139, 12/1/2025)
A. 
All sidewalks must be constructed to provide for curb ramps in accordance with the standards of WAC 51-30-1106.4.7.[1]
[1]
Editor's note: WAC 51-30-1106.4.7 was repealed by WSR 98-02-054, filed 1/6/98, effective 7/1/98. See now Chapter 51-50 WAC.
B. 
Curb ramps shall be constructed of commercial cement. Form and subgrade inspection by the city are required before curb ramp is poured.
(Ord. 743, 1997; Ord. 1139, 12/1/2025)
A. 
All surveying and staking shall be performed by an engineering or surveying firm capable of performing such work. The engineer or surveyor directing such work shall be licensed as a professional engineer or professional land surveyor by the state of Washington.
B. 
A pre-construction meeting shall be held with the city prior to commencing staking. All construction staking shall be inspected by the city prior to construction.
C. 
The minimum staking of curb, gutter and sidewalk shall be as directed by the city engineer or as follows:
D. 
Stake top back of curb every 50 feet in tangent sections and 25 feet in curved sections plus grade breaks, PVCs, PVTs, high point and low points, with cut or fill to finished grade.
(Ord. 743, 1997; Ord. 1139, 12/1/2025)
A. 
Testing shall be required at the developer's or contractor's expense on all materials and construction as specified in the WSDOT/APWA Standard Specifications.
B. 
At a minimum, one slump test and two test cylinders shall be taken once per day.
C. 
In addition, the city shall be notified 48 hours in advance of each phase of sidewalk, curb and gutter construction commencing.
(Ord. 743, 1997; Ord. 1139, 12/1/2025)
Walkway or trail construction is required in conjunction with any new development or redevelopment where the estimated cost of improvements on such properties exceeds 25% of the assessed value of the existing structures, or plat or short plat approval, when the need for such a bikeway is indicated in either the Langley comprehensive plan or the Island County trails plan.
(Ord. 743, 1997; Ord. 1139, 12/1/2025)
A. 
The design of walkways shall depend upon their type and usage. Walkway surfacing shall be as outlined in Section 15.01.535.
B. 
All minimum design standards as set forth in Section 15.01.040 shall apply.
C. 
Normally, walkways are shared with other transportation modes, although they may be provided exclusively for pedestrian use. Walkways are categorized as follows:
1. 
Class I: Facilities are separated from automobile traffic. This class includes independent paths both inside and outside of the roads' rights-of-way. In effect, the system is exclusive. For pedestrian facilities, Class I includes sidewalks.
2. 
Class II: Pedestrians and bicyclists use the existing roadway, but are set off by a painted stripe or curb. These facilities include shoulders signed as bikeways, shoulders signed for both bicyclists and pedestrians, and gravel shoulders signed for equestrian travel. This class is best thought of as restrictive.
3. 
Class III: Bicyclists share the roadway with either pedestrians or automobiles. Pedestrians share gravel shoulders with equestrians. It is a minimal system of signed routes along shoulders.
D. 
New Development.
1. 
Local Access Streets. Walkways shall be required on both sides of local access streets interior to the development and on the development side of local access streets abutting the exterior of said development including cul-de-sacs.
2. 
The design and construction of all walkways shall meet the following minimum standards:
a. 
The width of walkways shall be as shown in the street design drawings. Those walkways designated in the bike plan of the city as bike paths shall in addition meet the minimum width requirements established for said bike paths. The design of all walkways shall provide for a gradual rather than an abrupt transition between walkways of different widths or alignments.
(Ord. 743, 1997; Ord. 1139, 12/1/2025)
All new commercial or residential subdivisions, short plats or property development requiring review by the city engineer and planning official shall provide street lights in accordance with the standards for such improvements of the city and they shall be owned and operated by the city.
(Ord. 743, 1997; Ord. 1139, 12/1/2025)
A. 
A street lighting plan submitted by the applicant and approved by the city engineer shall be required for all street light installations. Type of installation shall be as set forth in WSDOT/APWA Standard Specifications and as directed by the city except where noted herein.
B. 
All public street light designs shall be prepared by an engineering firm capable of performing such work. The engineer shall be licensed by the state of Washington. All developments shall submit the lighting plan on a separate sheet. After system is completed and approved, a set of "as built" mylars shall be submitted to the city as a permanent record.
C. 
All street light electrical installations including wiring conduit and power connections shall be located underground.
D. 
The general notes, available from the public works department, need to be included on any plans dealing with street design in addition to all applicable requirements as set forth in Section 15.01.040.
(Ord. 743, 1997; Ord. 1139, 12/1/2025)
A. 
All surveying and staking shall be performed by an engineering or surveying firm capable of performing such work. The engineer or surveyor directing such work shall be licensed by the state of Washington.
B. 
A pre-construction meeting shall be held with the city prior to commencing staking. All construction staking shall be inspected by the city prior to construction.
C. 
The minimum staking of luminaries shall be as follows:
1. 
Location and elevation to the center of every pole base.
2. 
Location and elevation of each service disconnect.
(Ord. 743, 1997; Ord. 1139, 12/1/2025)
All illumination systems shall be subject to an electrical inspection which shall include megger testing and functional test. Lamp, photocell and fixture shall be under warranty for a period of one year.
(Ord. 743, 1997; Ord. 1139, 12/1/2025)
Miscellaneous features included herein shall be developed and constructed to encourage the uniform development and use of roadside features wherever possible.
A. 
Clear Zone and Roadside Obstacles.
1. 
Clear Zone is the total roadside border area starting at the edge of the traveled way available for use by errant vehicles. This area may consist of a shoulder, a recoverable slope, a nonrecoverable slope, and/or a clear run area. A minimum of a 10-foot clear zone measured from the edge line or edge of traveled way shall be in the design of all roads with a design speed of 35 mph or less. For roads with design speeds greater than 35 mph, see WSDOT Design Manual Section 1600.02. Non-yielding or non-breakaway structures exceeding six inches in height, rock facings, retaining walls, and any other objects, which may be potential hazards to the traveling public shall be placed outside the clear zone and with due regard to safety.
2. 
Nonessential items (e.g., flowerpots, sculptures, building protrusions, or private lighting fixtures) shall not be placed within the right-of-way. Additionally, no open water facilities, with the exception of ditches, raingardens, and bioswales, shall be located within the road right-of-way.
(Ord. 743, 1997; Ord. 1139, 12/1/2025)
The design and placement of roadside features included herein shall adhere to the specific requirements as listed for each feature, and, when applicable, to the appropriate standards as set forth in Sections 15.01.025 and 15.01.040.
(Ord. 743, 1997; Ord. 1139, 12/1/2025)
A. 
All surveying and staking shall be performed by an engineering or surveying firm capable of performing such work. The engineer or surveyor directing such work shall be licensed as a professional engineer or professional land surveyor by the state of Washington.
B. 
A pre-construction meeting shall be held with the city prior to commencing staking. All construction shall be inspected by the city prior to construction.
(Ord. 743, 1997; Ord. 1139, 12/1/2025)
Testing shall be required at the developer's or contractor's expense on all materials and construction as specified in the WSDOT/APWA Standard Specifications and with a frequency as specified in the WSDOT Construction Manual.
(Ord. 743, 1997; Ord. 1139, 12/1/2025)
A. 
All existing survey control monuments which will be disturbed or destroyed during construction shall be referenced prior to construction and replaced after construction by a professional land surveyor licensed by the state of Washington. All applicable RCWs and WACs will be complied with, including, but not limited to, Chapters 332-120 and 332-130 WAC and Chapter 58.09 RCW. The monuments shall be replaced with the proper type as outlined in subsection B of this section at the expense of the responsible builder or developer.
B. 
Street Type – Major Collector, Minor Collector, and Local. A precast concrete monument with cast iron monument case and cover installed per city of Langley standards is required.
C. 
Monument Locations. Appropriate inner-visible monuments as outlined in subsection A or B of this section shall be placed:
1. 
At all street intersections;
2. 
At the PC and PTs of all horizontal curves or at the PI if it lies in the traveled roadway;
3. 
At all DLC corners, section corners, quarter corners and sixteenth corners that fall within the subdivision. Where these points fall outside of the pavement or sidewalks, a poured-in-place monument per city of Langley standards shall be set so that the top of the monument is one foot below the surface of the ground;
4. 
At all corners of a subdivision.
D. 
The monument case shall be installed after the final course of surfacing has been placed.
(Ord. 743, 1997; amended during 2013 reformat; Ord. 1139, 12/1/2025)
A. 
During construction, existing mailboxes shall be accessible for the delivery of mail or, if necessary, moved to a temporary location. Temporary relocation shall be coordinated with the U.S. Postal Service. The mailboxes shall be reinstalled at the original location or, if construction has made it impossible, to a location as outlined below and approved by the U.S. Postal Service.
B. 
Location.
1. 
Bottom or base of box shall be 41 to 45 inches above the road surface.
2. 
Front of mailbox 18 inches behind vertical curb face or outside edge of shoulder.
3. 
New Developments. Clustered mailboxes are required. Contact the U.S. Postal Service for details. See detail 2-18.
C. 
Mailboxes shall be set on posts strong enough to give firm support but not to exceed four-by-four-inch wood or one two-inch diameter pipe, or material and design with comparable breakaway characteristics.
(Ord. 743, 1997; Ord. 1139, 12/1/2025)
A. 
Evaluations of embankments for guardrail installations shall be in accordance with the WSDOT Design Manual or the AASHTO Roadside Design Guide.
B. 
Guardrail installation shall conform to WSDOT Design Manual and Standard Plans.
(Ord. 743, 1997; Ord. 1139, 12/1/2025)
A. 
Rock walls may be used for erosion protection of cut or fill embankments up to a maximum height of eight feet in stable soil conditions which will result in no significant foundation settlement or outward thrust upon the walls. For heights over four feet or when soil is unstable, structural wall of acceptable design stamped by a licensed structural engineer shall be used. Rock walls over four feet high shall be subject to inspection by a geotechnical engineer as outlined in the following paragraph.
Any rock wall over 30 inches high in a fill section shall require an engineered design by a geotechnical engineer. The geotechnical engineer shall continuously inspect the installation of the wall as it progresses and shall submit inspection reports, including compaction test results and photographs taken during the construction, documenting the techniques used and the degree of conformance to the geotechnical engineer's design.
In the absence of such a rock wall design, walls having heights over four feet or walls to be constructed in conditions when soil is unstable require a structural wall having a design approved by the public works department or the building department if outside the right-of-way. The design of structural walls shall be by a professional engineer qualified in retaining wall design. Structural walls require issuance of a building permit prior to construction.
B. 
The rock material shall be as nearly rectangular as possible. No stone shall be used which does not extend through the wall. The rock material shall be hard, sound, durable and free from weathered portions, seams, cracks and other defects. The rock density shall be a minimum of 160 pounds per cubic foot.
C. 
The rock wall shall be started by excavating a trench having a depth below subgrade of one-half the base course or one foot (whichever is greater).
D. 
Rock selection and placement shall be such that there will be minimum voids and, in the exposed face, no open voids over six inches across in any direction. The final course shall have a continuous appearance and shall be placed to minimize erosion of the backfill material. The larger rocks shall be placed at the base of the rockery so that the wall will be stable and have a stable appearance. The rocks shall be placed in a manner such that the longitudinal axis of the rock shall be at right angles or perpendicular to the rockery face. The rocks shall have all inclining faces sloping to the back of the rockery. Each course of rocks shall be seated as tightly and evenly as possible on the course beneath. After setting each course of rock, all voids between the rocks shall be chinked on the back with quarry rock to eliminate any void sufficient to pass a two-inch square probe.
E. 
The wall backfill shall consist of quarry spalls with a maximum size of six inches and a minimum size of four inches or as specified by a licensed engineer. This material shall be placed to a 12-inch minimum thickness between the entire wall and the cut or fill material. The backfill material shall be placed in lifts to an elevation approximately six inches below the top of each course of rocks as they are placed, until the uppermost course is placed. Any backfill material on the bearing surface of one rock course shall be removed before setting the next course.
F. 
Perforated drainage pipe and filter fabric shall be installed as per city of Langley standard drawings. This pipe requirement may be waived by the engineer upon a showing by the developer that no subsurface water problem exists.
(Ord. 743, 1997; Ord. 1139, 12/1/2025)
Maintenance. All developments required to plant landscaping in the right-of-way will also be required to maintain the landscaping for the life of the project, regardless of ownership.
(Ord. 743, 1997; Ord. 1139, 12/1/2025)