(1) 
Generally. This Chapter establishes general requirements and development standards for public roads, private roads and private shared driveways in order to:
(a) 
Ensure that road design and road improvements are consistent with, and implement goals and policies of, the comprehensive plan and this Chapter;
(b) 
Provide safe transportation systems for all users;
(c) 
Promote a transportation system that maximizes vehicular route options, provides efficient travel for emergency vehicles, effectively carries vehicular traffic, and minimizes congestion points;
(d) 
Provide sustainable infrastructure that meets engineering standards to assure a durable, low-maintenance facility with a minimum 20 year life span;
(e) 
Provide sound engineering-based design options for public and private roads and other facilities to ensure public safety;
(f) 
Provide a transportation system consistent with community development, public safety, and natural resource protection goals and policies;
(g) 
Ensure public safety for ordinary and emergency vehicles and reduce adverse impacts to public and private property by designing transportation infrastructure to facilitate passage of and not impede or impound flood waters;
(h) 
Ensure that transportation facilities serving land development projects are public, except in limited situations where private roads and private shared driveways are allowed by this Chapter;
(i) 
Require urban design standards within Urban Growth Areas and Rural Settlements and those areas within the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Urban Area;
(j) 
Ensure that adequate public transportation infrastructure is made available concurrent with development;
(k) 
Encourage use of and incorporate low-impact design and Context Sensitive Solutions design principles for public and private transportation facilities;
(l) 
Provide adequate front structural setbacks to accommodate future widening of arterials and collectors; and,
(m) 
Designate and protect future arterial, collector and local street corridors consistent with the adopted street grid system under this Chapter.
(2) 
Public Roads. Roads should be generally public rather than private.
(3) 
Connectivity. This Section encourages the creation of a highly connected transportation system within and between Yakima County and its cities and towns to:
(a) 
Increase efficiency of delivering transportation-related public service such as school bus service, postal delivery, etc.;
(b) 
Ensure adequate ingress and egress from multiple routes for emergency responders and occupants;
(c) 
Preserve classified collector/arterial road system capacity and minimize congestion points to better serve regional long-distance travel needs;
(d) 
Connect neighborhoods to each other and to destinations, such as schools, parks, shopping, libraries, and post offices, among others;
(e) 
Minimize vehicle miles traveled and travel time to improve air quality and mitigate the effects of auto emissions on the health of residents;
(f) 
Provide choices for drivers, bicyclists, transit users and pedestrians; and
(g) 
Provide opportunities for residents to increase their level of physical activity each day by creating walking and biking friendly neighborhoods with adequate connections to destinations.
(4) 
Private Roads. This Chapter is intended to require the use of AASHTO guidelines to protect public safety and welfare by establishing standards for private roads based on sound engineering principles and to differentiate them from public roads.
(5) 
Private Shared Driveways.
(a) 
The intent of this Chapter is to provide standards and review criteria for differentiating between private roads and private shared driveways serving four or fewer lots or units.
(b) 
It is further intended to avoid locating driveway approaches to public roads to create a hazard to pedestrians or motorists, or invite or compel illegal or unsafe traffic movements.
(c) 
The safety, quality and lifespan of the private shared driveway is assured for the long-term benefit of future property owners and occupants of the proposed development.
(Ord. 7-2013 § 1 (Exh. A) (part), 2015)
This Chapter applies to all proposed developments within unincorporated Yakima County.
(Ord. 7-2013 § 1 (Exh. A) (part), 2015)
The requirements listed below apply to all public and private transportation facilities.
(1) 
Road Design. The arrangement, character, extent, width, grade and location of all roads shall be consistent with and implement Yakima County comprehensive plans and the standards of this Chapter. These road attributes shall be considered in their relation to existing and planned roads, to topographical conditions, critical areas and special flood hazard areas, to public convenience and safety, and to the proposed uses of the land to be served by such roads.
(a) 
Roads must be designed for a minimum 20 year lifespan.
(b) 
All roads shall be designed using the highest practical design speed (min. 25 miles per hour), provided that roads that may be extended should have a higher design speed.
(c) 
Design speed may be reduced based on terrain.
(d) 
The design must accommodate two-way traffic, except when authorized through a design modification under Section 19.35.040.
(2) 
Right of Way. Right-of-way adjacent to and within all development must be dedicated and improved consistent with the requirements of this Chapter.
(3) 
New Roads – Yakima Training Center. New roads shall not be closer than three hundred feet at their closest point to the Yakima Training Center perimeter as required by Comprehensive Plan policy.
(4) 
Local Access Roads. Local access roads may include curvilinear design, chicanes and other traffic calming measures to discourage their use by cut-through traffic while meeting connectivity standards under Subsection 19.23.040(3)(d).
(5) 
Separation of Through and Local Traffic. Where any development abuts or contains an existing or proposed arterial or collector road, the Reviewing Official may require reverse frontage, or such other condition determined necessary to protect residential properties and to afford separation of through and local traffic.
(6) 
Roads Adjacent to Railroads and Limited Access Highways. Where any development borders on or contains a railroad right-of-way or limited access highway right-of-way, the Reviewing Official may require a road approximately parallel to and on each side of such right-of-way to provide connectivity to the adjacent area and a buffer to mitigate for noise and/or vibrations between especially sensitive land uses and the transportation facility. The parallel required road shall be located at a distance suitable for the appropriate use of the intervening land, such as for parks in residential districts and appropriate permitted nonresidential uses in other districts. Such distances shall also be designed with due regard for the requirements of approach grades and future grade separations.
(7) 
Parallel Roads – Stormwater. The Reviewing Official may require a parallel road in connection with a stormwater easement or drainage right-of-way that separates the easement or drainage right-of-way from the developed lots.
(8) 
Design in Flood Hazard Areas. Roads in special flood hazard areas are subject to review to ensure that the design will be analyzed for flood effects and mitigation. Such roads may alternatively be constructed with the top of the finished road at existing grade where the County Engineer and Fire Marshal determine the roads are not needed for flood ingress and egress because there are safe and suitable alternative routes that meet YCC Title 13 International Fire Code requirements. Where practicable, roads should be designed to facilitate passage of and not impede flood waters.
(9) 
Roadway Submittal Requirements.
(a) 
Road Plans and Specifications. Detailed plans and specifications for proposed public and private road improvements shall be prepared by a professional engineer and submitted for approval after the preliminary plat, short plat, binding site plan or other development authorization has been approved.
(b) 
Drainage Plans. Drainage plans, where required by YCC Chapter 12.10, shall be prepared by a professional engineer.
(c) 
Road Naming. Road naming and site addressing shall be in conformance with YCC Chapter 13.26. Application may be made prior to the public hearing on the preliminary plat.
(10) 
Pedestrian and Bicycle Circulation.
(a) 
On-road bicycle facilities and sidewalks should be provided in accordance with this Chapter, the published County standard plans and the Yakima County Comprehensive Plan.
(b) 
Development shall consider the trail connections indicated in the Yakima County Trails Plan and Comprehensive Plans and seek opportunities to make non-motorized connections to other existing and planned trails.
(c) 
Trails and other facilities specified in this Section should be built to guidelines identified in the AASHTO Guide for the Planning, Design, and Operation of Pedestrian Facilities off-road and shared-use paths design standards.
(d) 
Off-road pedestrian or bicycle facilities, when located outside a public road right-of-way, shall be located within a designated tract or easement. Provisions shall be made for their perpetual maintenance and operation.
(e) 
Off-road mid-block pathways within or between development(s), if provided, should:
(i) 
Be a minimum of 8 feet wide within an easement, tract or right-of-way;
(ii) 
Be straight as possible; and
(iii) 
Provide 6 feet of clearance on both sides of the pathway in order to ensure good visibility, way finding, and surveillance, taking into consideration the guidelines found in the Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) Handbook.
(11) 
Design Modifications. The road standards of this Chapter may be modified as listed in Section 19.35.040 and Table 19.35.040-1.
(Ord. 7-2013 § 1 (Exh. A) (part), 2015)
(1) 
Required. New roads proposed as part of a development application shall be publically owned and maintained by the County or one of its cities, except as provided in Subsection 19.23.050.
(2) 
Public Road Improvements.
(a) 
New Roads. New roads shall be constructed to County public road standards adopted by resolution of the Board of Yakima County Commissioners. All road improvements shall be completed as a single project. Right-of-way for all public roads shall be dedicated to the public free from any physical or legal encumbrances. The right-of-way width shall be as established in Tables 19.23.045-1 and 19.23.045-2.
(b) 
Existing Classified Roads.
(i) 
Frontage Improvements Required. Where a proposed development is served by a nonstandard public collector or arterial classified road, the road must be improved to the current adopted County Road standards along the entire frontage of the property. Frontage improvements will be constructed concurrently with development or proportional financial contributions will be made at the time of final development approval. Proportional financial contributions will not be considered for those frontage improvements necessary for safe and efficient traffic operations upon completion of the development, as determined by the County Engineer.
(ii) 
Off-site Improvements Required. Off-site road improvements are required to mitigate impacts to the general transportation network resulting from the proposed development, that have been identified through SEPA and concurrency reviews. Off-site road improvements will be constructed concurrently with the development or proportional financial contributions will be made at time of final development approval. Proportional financial contributions will not be considered for those Off-site improvements necessary for safe and efficient traffic operations upon completion of the development, as determined by the County Engineer.
(c) 
Urban Access Roads.
(i) 
Frontage Improvements Required.
(A) 
Paved. Where a development is served by a nonstandard paved urban access road the road must be improved to the current adopted County road standard along the entire frontage of the property. A financial contribution, in lieu of frontage improvements may be proposed for consideration by the County Engineer.
(B) 
Gravel. Where a development is served by a gravel urban access road, the roadway shall be improved to the current adopted County road standards along the entire frontage of the property and to the nearest county road intersection measured along the primary travel route to the property. No design modification for surface type will be granted. Frontage improvements will not be required for the following permits: Agricultural buildings not including agriculturally related industry; single family residential or duplex; building improvements or changes of use that do not cause transportation impacts; grading; lot line adjustments; Comp. Plan amendments; Shoreline; accessory dwelling units; personal wireless services facility; and proposals for facade improvements, re-roofing or signage.
(ii) 
Off-site Improvements. Off-site improvements, other than identified in Subsection 19.23.040(2)(c)(i) will only be required if a significant deficiency affecting roadway capacity or safety has been identified by the County Engineer.
(d) 
Rural Access Roads.
(i) 
Frontage Improvements Required.
(A) 
Paved. Where a development is served by a nonstandard paved rural access road, the road must be improved to the current adopted County Road standard along the entire frontage of the property. A financial contribution, in lieu of frontage improvements may be proposed for consideration by the County Engineer. Within the RT, R-10/5, R/ELDP-40 and FW zones, and for residential or agricultural seasonal development within the AG zone, no frontage improvements will be required if the County Engineer determines that the road is adequate to serve the development.
(B) 
Gravel. Where development is served by a gravel rural access road, the roadway shall be improved to current adopted County road standards along the entire frontage of the property. A financial contribution, in lieu of frontage improvements, may be proposed for consideration by the County Engineer. No design modification for surface type will be granted. Frontage improvements will not be required for the following permits: Agricultural buildings not including agriculturally related industry; single family residential or duplex; building improvements or changes of use that do not cause transportation impacts; grading; lot line elimination, correction or modification; Comp. Plan amendments; Shoreline; accessory dwelling units; personal wireless services facility; and proposals for facade improvements, re-roofing or signage.
(ii) 
Off-site Improvements. Off-site improvements will only be required if a significant deficiency affecting roadway capacity or safety has been identified by the County Engineer.
(3) 
Connectivity.
(a) 
Relationship to Other Adopted Plans and Ordinances. New development or redevelopments shall incorporate design and evaluation of vehicular, bicycle, and pedestrian circulation systems that conform to comprehensive plans and trails plans adopted by cities, towns and Yakima County and shall meet connectivity requirements to those developments.
(b) 
General Connection Requirements. The arrangement of roads in any development shall, when applicable:
(i) 
Provide for the continuation or appropriate projection of existing roads and corridors in surrounding areas; or
(ii) 
Conform to the comprehensive plan or to a neighborhood plan adopted by the Board of County Commissioners to meet a situation where topographical or other conditions make continuance or conformance to existing classified roads impractical.
(iii) 
Provide or accommodate multiple direct connections in the local street system.
(iv) 
Be extended by the developer to and through the proposed development.
(4) 
Street Grid System. The proposed development shall provide or accommodate a street grid system according to adopted comprehensive plan and as follows:
(a) 
Within any Urban Growth Area or RS zoning district: Development shall provide a local street system connection to each property at intervals not to exceed the block lengths in Subsection 19.23.060(1)(h), and be consistent with the designated arterial and collector corridors.
(b) 
Outside Urban Growth Areas and the RS zoning district: The local street grid system shall generally follow corridors along section and half-section lines, considering terrain and other land characteristics in Subsection 19.23.030(3)(a) above, and be spaced at intervals not to exceed one-half mile along each boundary that abuts potentially developable land in zones other than the AG and FW zones.
(c) 
In all zones:
(i) 
The proposed development shall be consistent with the arterial and collector corridor or alignment designated by Yakima County on a map or in an adopted plan or comprehensive plan element, or has been identified through early assistance as necessary to provide a higher functional classification.
(ii) 
Where there is no existing road to connect to, the property owner shall, in lieu of improvements to a local street stubbed to the boundary of the development, establish an easement 60 feet in width in the location or locations specified by this Section.
(iii) 
Appropriate structural setbacks shall also be provided to ensure future development does not encroach on designated street or road corridors.
(iv) 
The developer shall also provide an irrevocable offer to dedicate said easement for road construction purposes when the municipality exercises its option to facilitate the connectivity provisions of the legislative intent of this Chapter.
(5) 
Intersections. In general intersection of a collector street with an arterial street should be provided at an interval of approximately 1,300 feet or one-quarter mile along arterial streets. An intersection of a local street with a collector street should be provided at an interval approximately 660 feet. Alternative intersection intervals may be determined by the corridors designated by adopted comprehensive plan, adopted transportation plan or the presumed street grid system outlined in Subsection (e) above. Developments must provide for any such intersection(s) that occur within their project application area.
(a) 
Centerlines of opposing roads shall be directly aligned at road intersections, or offset at least 165 feet from each other to ensure efficient intersection operation.
(b) 
Roads shall be laid out to intersect as nearly as possible at right angles and no road shall intersect any other road at less than 85 degrees.
(c) 
Proposed intersections of private roads, access easements or dedicated right-of-way with a public road shall be designed to appropriate standards as determined by the County Engineer.
(6) 
Right-of-Way. Right-of-way for public roads shall be dedicated to the public free from any physical or legal encumbrances. The right-of-way width shall be as established in Tables 19.23.040-1 and 19.23.040-2. Design modifications to this standard may only be granted under the design modification criteria of Section 19.35.040 and when drawings are submitted by a professional engineer, which substantiate, to the satisfaction of the County Engineer, that all improvements can be accommodated within the proposed reduced width.
(7) 
Half Roads. Half roads that do not include the construction of the full traveled way cross section are prohibited.
(8) 
Non-Through Roads.
(a) 
Permanent, non-through roads may only be granted by the Administrative Official if findings document that:
(i) 
There is no conflict with the connectivity standards of Subsection 19.23.030(3)(c) because through-roads in all directions meet the local street grid system intervals; or
(ii) 
The proposal meets design modification criteria of Section 19.35.040 and the connectivity modification criteria in Subsection 19.23.030(3)(g).
(b) 
In Urban Growth Areas and the Rural Settlement zoning district, permanent non-through roads, shall not be longer than 500 feet as measured from the nearest intersection of road centerlines to the farthest extent of the road surface. Design modifications of this standard to allow a length greater than 500 feet may be granted under the design modification criteria of Section 19.35.040.
(c) 
Non-through roads that meet the connectivity provisions of this Chapter shall be provided at the closed end with a turnaround in conformance with the YCC Title 13 International Fire Code. When a project is phased, each phase must be provided with turnarounds. The turnarounds shall be temporary and abandoned when the road is extended. Lots shall be configured to accommodate the future road extension.
(9) 
Road Grades. Road grades shall be determined using AASHTO guidelines in consideration of functional classification, terrain and design speed, not to exceed 12%. Grades for private roads and private, shared driveways shall comply with YCC Title 13 for fire apparatus access road requirements.
(10) 
Blocks.
(a) 
The lengths, widths and shapes of blocks shall be determined with due regard to:
(i) 
Provision of adequate building sites suitable to the type of use contemplated;
(ii) 
Needs for convenient access, circulation, control and safety of road traffic;
(iii) 
Limitations and opportunities of topography including floodplains.
(b) 
Block lengths in the local street system within the RS, SR, R-1, R-2, R-3, B-1, B-2, SCC, LCC, GC, M-1 and M-2 districts shall not exceed 1000 feet. Length shall be measured between intersections of through roads for blocks adjacent to streets or along other fixed boundaries where there are no streets. Design modifications of this standard may only be approved when the road design modification requirements of Section 19.35.040 are met and when:
(i) 
The maximum permitted increase in block length is based on the determination of the Reviewing Official of the requested road design modification; and
(ii) 
The development is restricted to residential land uses with densities of seven dwellings per acre or less.
(11) 
Signalization. The County Engineer may require signalization or limited movement at intersections where warranted by existing or future traffic volumes to coordinate land use and transportation.
(12) 
Alleys.
(a) 
Alleys or other provisions for service access shall be provided in commercial and industrial districts for off-road loading, unloading and parking, and/or fire and emergency services adequate for the uses proposed.
(b) 
Alleys may be provided in residential developments to facilitate alternative design and development styles.
(c) 
Where approved, the minimum width of an alley right-of-way in industrial or commercial areas shall be 30 feet. The minimum width of an alley right-of-way in a residential development shall be 20 feet. In both cases the width of the travel way shall not be less than ten feet.
(d) 
Alleys shall intersect with the public street at intervals consistent with the block length established for the development.
(e) 
Dead-end alleys are prohibited.
(Ord. 7-2013 § 1 (Exh. A) (part), 2015; Ord. 8-2015 § 2 (Exh. 4) (part), 2015)
(1) 
Urban. Public roads in Urban Growth Areas, the RS and HTC zoning districts, and areas of the RT zoning district within the Federal Highway Administration's Urban Area shall conform to adopted comprehensive plans, the standards in Table 19.23.045-1 or the standard plans approved by the County Engineer, whichever is greater.
Table 19.23.045-1. Public Urban Street Standards Summary
Street Class
Item
Urban Standard
Principal Arterial
Right of Way Width(4)
80' min.
Number of Lanes
4 or 5, determined by Plan(1)
Street surface width
determined by Plan
Lane width – exterior
14'
Lane width – interior
11'
Turn lane
11'
Sidewalks(3)
7'
Minor Arterial
Right of Way Width(4)
80' min.
Number of Lanes
3 or 4, determined by Plan
Street surface width
determined by Plan
Lane width – exterior
14'
Lane width – interior
11'
Turn lane
11'
Sidewalks(3)
7'
Collector Arterial
Right of Way Width(4)
70' min.
Number of Lanes
2, 3 or 4, determined by Plan
Street surface width
min. 35'
Lane width – exterior
12' or 14'
Lane width – interior
11'
Turn lane
11'
Sidewalks(3)
7'
Local Streets(2)
Right of Way Width(4)
60' min.
Number of Lanes
2
Street surface width (no on-street parking)
28'
Street surface width (with parking)
32'
Lane width
10' to 12'
Sidewalks(3), where required by 19.23.060(4)(b)
5'
Bike Lanes
Comprehensive plans determine if a bike lane is required. A shared lane (14' outside lane) may be appropriate in some cases. No bike lanes are required on local streets.
Multi-use Trail/Pathway
As required by AASHTO design guidelines (refer to Section 19.23.040 for pedestrian facilities outside of public right-of-way).
Notes:
(1)
Determined by Plan = To be determined by adopted comprehensive plans as defined in this Title.
(2)
Local streets in areas of the RT Zoning district that are within the Federal Highway Administration's Urban Area may conform to the modified standard for Rural Access (09) ADT < 1000 roads listed in Table 19.23.040-2.
(3)
Sidewalks located three or more feet behind the backs of curbs shall be a minimum of four feet wide for all urban roadway classifications.
(4)
Right-of-way shall be sufficient to contain the entire roadway including surface, drainage, slopes and utilities.
(a) 
Road Curbing.
(i) 
All public through roads and roads that will be through roads shall be constructed with barrier curbs. Such barrier curbs may utilize low-impact design for stormwater where approved by the County Engineer.
(ii) 
Public roads approved to be permanent, non-through roads may use low-impact design curbs constructed with either rolled mountable curbs or barrier curbs at the developer's preference.
(iii) 
The curb radii at all intersections and interior corners shall be constructed with barrier curbs from the property lines of the corner lots.
(b) 
Sidewalks and Other Pedestrian Facilities.
(i) 
Sidewalks shall be constructed as provided in Table 19.23.040-1 and this Subsection. See Section 19.23.030(10) for construction of separated pedestrian facilities.
(ii) 
All sidewalks shall be constructed to a minimum depth consistent with Yakima County road standards.
(iii) 
A note shall be placed on the final document indicating that developers shall replace all cracked or damaged sidewalks during construction of buildings and road improvements in a timely fashion at no cost to the public. The property owner is responsible for snow and ice removal, maintenance and repair of sidewalks in such fashion on local access roads.
(iv) 
Yakima County has a tiered sidewalk program for local streets:
(A) 
Sidewalks are required on both sides of a local access street, unless the entire street will never serve more than 30 lots or housing units, whichever is greater.
(B) 
Sidewalks are required on one side of streets serving up to 30 housing units or lots, based upon maximum density allowed by zoning, that have no potential to be extended under connectivity standards.
(C) 
No sidewalk if a permanent non-through street serves less than ten homes (or units).
(D) 
The location of sidewalks when only provided on one side of the street shall be on that side of the street that provides logical and continuous connections, as determined by the Reviewing Official.
(E) 
As an alternative to the above sidewalks, the County may approve a separated multi-use trail along local access streets, as provided in Section 19.23.030(10).
(c) 
Street Lighting. Street lights approved by the County Engineer shall be constructed at all intersections and at the ends of all cul-de-sacs. Additional street lights shall be constructed between intersections based on roadway classification.
(d) 
Surfacing. Hard surfacing for public streets shall be provided in Urban Growth Areas, in the RS, HTC zones and areas in the Rural Transitional zone within the designated FHWA Urban Area, as determined by standard plans approved by the County Engineer.
(2) 
Rural. Public roads outside Urban Growth Areas, outside the RS and HTC zoning districts, and areas of the RT zoning district outside the Federal Highway Administration's Urban Area shall conform to Yakima County Comprehensive Plans or the requirements in Table 19.23.040-2, whichever is greater.
Table 19.23.045-2. Public Rural Road Standards Summary
Roadway Classification
Feature
Standards
Rural Major Collector (07) ADT >2000
Rural Minor Collector (08) ADT >2000
Right-of-Way Width(4)
70' min.
Number of Lanes
2
Lane Width
12'
Shoulder Width
8' (1)
Rural Major Collector (07) ADT 1000 to 2000
Rural Minor Collector (08) ADT 1000 to 2000
Right-of-Way Width(4)
70' min.
Number of Lanes
2
Lane Width
12'
Shoulder Width
5' (1)
Rural Access (09) ADT > 1000
Right-of-Way Width(4)
60' min.
Number of Lanes
2
Lane Width
12'
Shoulder Width
5' (1)
Rural Major Collector (07) < 1000
Rural Minor Collector (08) ADT 1000 to 2000
Right-of-Way Width(4)
70' min.
Number of Lanes
2
Lane Width
11'
Shoulder Width
4' (1)
Rural Access (09) ADT < 1000
Right-of-Way Width(4)
60' min.
Number of Lanes
2
Lane Width
11' (2)
Shoulder Width
4' (1)(3)
Notes:
(1)
See Yakima County Roadway Design Standards for Shoulder Widths with Guardrail Installations.
(2)
Lane widths shall be ten feet in areas of the RT zone that are within the Federal Highway Administration's Urban Area.
(3)
Shoulder widths shall be five feet in areas of the RT zone that are within the Federal Highway Administration's Urban Area.
(4)
Right-of-way shall be sufficient to contain the entire roadway including surface, drainage, slopes and utilities.
(Ord. 7-2013 § 1 (Exh. A) (part), 2015; Ord. 8-2015 § 2 (Exh. 4) (part), 2015)
Private roads serving development, including gated communities, may only be approved when the Reviewing Official determines that all the following criteria will be met based on documentation provided by the applicant.
(1) 
There is no conflict with an existing public road or with the County's long-range road circulation plan;
(2) 
There is no conflict with the connectivity standards of Subsection 19.23.030(3);
(3) 
The proposed design sufficiently incorporates the features of Subsection 19.23.050(6)(a) such that the private road will have a significantly different appearance than a public road;
(4) 
The Administrative Official, in consultation with the County Engineer determines that the road will not, due to topographical or other physical or environmental constraints, ever have the possibility of:
(a) 
Being extended to serve adjacent development, or
(b) 
Serving 16 lots or development that generates 160 or more daily vehicle trips, unless located within an approved rural master planned resort or urban master planned development.
(5) 
The safety, quality and lifespan of the transportation facilities are assured for the long-term benefit of future property owners and occupants of the proposed development.
(6) 
Design Standards.
(a) 
Minimum Construction Standards.
(i) 
A professional engineer shall design the road, provide the specifications, engineering judgment and assumptions supporting the road design, test its construction, and certify it meets the following standards:
(A) 
All private roads shall be designed using the highest practical design speed with a minimum of 25 miles per hour.
(B) 
The private road shall accommodate two-way traffic based unless a design modification for one-way traffic is proposed and approved.
(C) 
All private roads must meet the minimum fire apparatus access road requirements of YCC Title 13.
(ii) 
The road shall meet AASHTO recommended 20 year design guidelines for development density, use and intensity that could be served by the road based on plan designation, zoning, public safety and natural hazards. In lieu of the applicant's engineer submitting a detailed analysis, the following minimums are required. The applicant's engineer will be required to certify that the project meets the minimum requirements contained in Table 19.23.050-1.
Table 19.23.050-1 Private Road Standards
Design Speed (min.)
25 miles per hour
Roadway Width
20 feet or current Fire Code (whichever is greater)
Horizontal Curve (min.)
154' radius (at 4% max. super-elevation)
Vertical Curve (crest min.)
L = 12 x (A), where L is the length of vertical curve, A = the algebraic difference in intersecting grades.
Vertical Curve (sag min.)
L = 26 x (A), where L is the length of vertical curve, A = the algebraic difference in intersecting grades.
Maximum Grades
10% or current Fire Code (whichever is least)
Stopping Sight Distance
155 feet (on level ground)
Roadway must accommodate two-way traffic
Pavement section must be designed for a 20 year lifecycle
Roadways in Urban Areas shall have pedestrian facilities, street and pedestrian lighting and drainage facilities
(iii) 
Where private roads require a crossing of an existing natural stream or drainageway, the crossing shall comply with applicable Building Codes and the Critical Areas Ordinance or Shoreline Master Program.
(iv) 
Roads in special flood hazard areas are subject to review to ensure that the design will be analyzed for flood effects and mitigation. Such roads may alternatively be constructed with the top of the finished road at existing grade where the County Engineer and Fire Marshal determine the roads are not needed for flood ingress and egress because there are safe and suitable alternative routes that meet International Fire Code requirements.
(v) 
Pedestrian facilities that meet AASHTO guidelines for a separated multi-user trail or sidewalk shall be provided from all lots and units to the nearest public road or trail in Urban Growth Areas and the Rural Settlement zoning district;
(vi) 
Drainage facilities shall be provided in accordance with YCC Chapter 12.10 to prevent any drainage onto a public roadway;
(vii) 
Easements shall be of sufficient widths to include all provided transportation improvements; and
(viii) 
Hard surfacing shall be provided in Urban Growth Areas, in the RS, HTC zones and areas in the Rural Transitional zone within the designated FHWA Urban Area, and in other locations where the Reviewing Official determines that the road will serve more than 15 lots or units or such surfacing is otherwise required, as determined through the development approval process, based on zoning and the intensity of the use.
(b) 
Other Standards, Criteria and Conditions. Private roads serving development shall comply with the following standards, criteria and conditions:
(i) 
Any existing or new private road allowed under this Chapter shall be retained permanently as a private road, located within non-exclusive access easements, and maintained privately.
(ii) 
Covenants providing for the perpetual maintenance of the private road shall be required. The covenants shall be signed by the owners, according to the records of the office of the County Auditor of property to an aggregate amount of the majority of the lineal frontage upon the improvement required and of the area within the boundaries of the properties served by the road. Said covenants shall establish a road maintenance fund and require the owners in the development to pay into such fund. Covenants shall be approved by the County. The covenants shall be recorded by the developer with a copy of the recorded document provided to the Planning Division and shall be referenced on the face of the plat, short plat or binding site plan prior to its recording.
(iii) 
Private road name signs shall be provided by the developer at the intersections of private roads with private roads and at the intersection of private roads with public roads. Such signs shall meet the specifications in the Manual on Uniformed Traffic Control Devices. Names for private roads shall be approved by the County under the Road Naming and Site Addressing Ordinance YCC Chapter 13.26.
(iv) 
The property owners shall be responsible for maintaining private roads and the signs within private roads.
(v) 
Private roads shall be open and unobstructed for use by emergency, public service and utility vehicles.
(vi) 
The face of any plat or short plat containing a private road, and all subsequent documents transferring ownership of lots within such plat or short plat, shall bear the following language:
Yakima County has no responsibility to build, improve, maintain or otherwise service any private road for this plat/short plat. Any right-of-way dedicated to the public by this plat/short plat shall not be opened as a County road until it is improved to County road standards and accepted as part of the County road system.
(Ord. 7-2013 § 1 (Exh. A) (part), 2015)
(1) 
When Allowed. Private shared driveways may only be approved when the Reviewing Official determines that all the following criteria are met, based on documentation provided by the applicant or other evidence:
(a) 
The private, shared driveway will not serve more than four lots or units, or, due to topographical or other physical constraints as determined by the Reviewing Official, have the possibility based on zoning of:
(i) 
Being extended to serve more than four lots or units, or
(ii) 
Accommodating a development that generates more than 40 daily vehicle trips based on current plan designation and zoning;
(b) 
There is no conflict with an existing public road or with the County's long-range road circulation plan, or with the connectivity standards of Subsection 19.23.030(3);
(c) 
The development minimizes the number of access points to a public roadway; and
(d) 
An agreement is provided that binds owners within the development to financially participate in perpetual maintenance of the private shared driveway.
(2) 
Design Standards.
(a) 
Minimum Construction Standards. Where private shared driveways are authorized, the improvements shall meet the following standards:
(i) 
The minimum driveway standard is a minimum travel surface as required by the International Fire Code.
(ii) 
Where private shared driveways require a crossing of an existing natural stream or drainageway, the crossing shall comply with YCC Titles 13, 16C and 16D.
(iii) 
Private shared driveways in special flood hazard areas are subject to review to ensure that the design will be analyzed for flood effects and mitigation. Such private shared driveways may alternatively be constructed with the top of the finished road at existing grade where the Reviewing Official determine the roads are not needed for flood ingress and egress because there are safe and suitable alternative routes that meet International Fire Code requirements.
(iv) 
The minimum standard for all private shared driveways in any development within an Urban Growth Area, RS or HTC zoning districts will be hard surfaced with two inches of asphalt concrete pavement (or the equivalent, as determined by the Reviewing Official in consultation with the County Engineer) on a subgrade of six inches of crushed surfacing base course, compacted depth. An alternative design may be required to maintain durability for commercial or industrial uses.
(v) 
In the RT, Rural-10/5, R/ELDP-40, MIN, AG, and FW zoning districts, private shared driveways shall meet a minimum standard as determined by YCC Title 13.
(vi) 
Drainage facilities must be sufficient to prevent discharge onto any public roadway.
(b) 
Driveway Locational Regulations.
(i) 
This Subsection is intended to limit the number of driveway approaches to an arterial or collector street, combine access so multiple adjacent land uses are served by a common approach, and maximizes the distance between neighboring approaches and intersections.
(ii) 
Re-development of the property may require existing driveways to be modified consistent with these requirements.
(iii) 
Neighboring accesses to individual lots in a single development shall be combined using common easements to minimize adjacent access points to a roadway. The objectives of this standard are to provide for safety and efficient use of land.
(iv) 
The County Engineer shall determine whether the proposed driveway locations conform to the following:
(A) 
Driveway approaches shall be restricted within the intersection's functional limits, which may be a distance of up to 350 feet from the intersection on a classified (arterial or collector) road.
(B) 
No driveway approach shall be so located as to create a hazard to pedestrians or motorists, or invite or compel illegal or unsafe traffic movements.
(C) 
A driveway approach on a local access street shall maximize the distance from a street intersection, as measured from the property line at the corner, and be located at least 30 feet from the street intersection corner.
(D) 
A driveway approach to a collector or arterial street shall maximize the distance from an adjacent driveway approach and be located at least 75 feet (measured along the collector or arterial) from any other such collector or arterial street approach on the same side of the street.
(E) 
A driveway approach to a collector or arterial street shall be at least 75 feet from the nearest right-of-way line of an un-signalized street intersection.
(F) 
Driveway approaches shall be limited in the vicinity of a signalized street intersection. No driveway shall be permitted within 100 feet of a signalized intersection, as measured from the right-of-way line. Driveways within 200 feet of the right-of-way line of the intersection shall be restricted to right turns only.
(G) 
A construction permit pursuant to Chapter 10.08 shall be required for the construction of new driveway approaches from a public street or a modification of an existing driveway approach for the specifications of the driveway approach.
(Ord. 7-2013 § 1 (Exh. A) (part), 2015; Ord. 10-2019 (Exh. 1) (part), 2019)
Yakima County has established its Level of Service (LOS) standard for transportation concurrency in its comprehensive plans. It is based on both a Condition LOS and a Capacity LOS. Proposed developments that would reduce the LOS below the established standards shall be mitigated so the LOS is met, or denied.
(Ord. 7-2013 § 1 (Exh. A) (part), 2015)