[Amended 9-17-2015]
A.
The standards of this article are intended to promote public safety
and efficient flow of vehicular traffic by minimizing conflicts from
turning movements resulting from the poor location and/or the proliferation
of curb cuts and driveways.
B.
The Township recognizes the driveway standards herein may be more
restrictive than those required by Wayne County. When conflicts arise,
the more-stringent standard shall apply in recognition that the county-wide
standards may not meet the comprehensive transportation and land use
goals of the Charter Township of Northville.
A.
This article shall apply to all vehicular access points intersecting
a public road, driveways for nonresidential uses, driveways for multiple-family
developments, and shared residential driveways that serve more than
two residential lots or dwelling units. This article shall not apply
to individual driveways serving one or two dwelling units or an essential
public service structure.
A.
For sites located adjacent to vacant land, or land that may be redeveloped
in the future (including potential out-lots), the access shall be
located to ensure the driveway spacing requirements can be met for
adjacent site(s) or provisions for a shared driveway shall be made.
B.
Minimum spacing requirements between a driveway and an intersection,
either adjacent to or on the opposite side of the street, are identified
in the table below. Measurements shall be taken from the near edge
of the proposed driveway, measured at the throat perpendicular to
the street, to the near lane edge of the intersecting curb (or pavement
edge for uncurbed sections).
 |
|
Minimum Driveway Spacing from Street Intersection
| |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Location of Driveway
|
Full-Movement Driveway
|
Channelized Driveway Restricting Left Turns
| |
|
Along major thoroughfare, (intersecting street is a major thoroughfare)
|
250'
|
125'
| |
|
Along major thoroughfare (intersecting street is not major thoroughfare)
|
200'
|
125'
| |
|
Along a collector road
|
125'
|
75'
| |
|
Along a collector, local street or private road
|
75'
|
50'
| |
C.
If a parcel does not have enough street frontage to meet the spacing
requirement from an intersection, the Township may require the driveway
to be constructed:
D.
Minimum spacing between driveways shall be determined based upon
the posted speed limits along the parcel frontage. Measurements are
taken from center line to center line.
E.
Where it can be demonstrated that preexisting conditions prohibit
compliance with the minimum spacing between driveways, the Township
may modify the driveway spacing requirements. Modifications shall
be the minimum amount necessary, provided a minimum spacing of 80
feet is maintained between.
|
Speed Limit
|
Driveway Spacing
| |
|---|---|---|
|
25 mph
|
130'
| |
|
30 mph
|
185'
| |
|
35 mph
|
245'
| |
|
40 mph
|
300'
| |
|
45 mph
|
350'
|
 |
To reduce left-turn conflicts, driveways shall be aligned with
those across the street. If alignment is not possible, driveways should
be offset at least 250 feet along major arterials and 150 feet along
other streets. Longer offsets may be required based on the expected
inbound left-turn volumes.
 |
A.
The number of driveways serving a property shall be limited to the
minimum number necessary to provide reasonable access and access for
emergency vehicles, while preserving traffic operations and safety
along the public roadway.
B.
One access shall be provided for each separately owned parcel. Access
may be an individual driveway, shared driveway or service drive.
C.
Additional driveways may be permitted as follows:
(1)
One additional driveway may be allowed for parcels with more
than 300 feet of road frontage. After the first 300 feet of frontage,
an additional driveway may be permitted for an additional 300 feet
of road frontage, provided the following conditions are met:
(a)
The Township determines additional access is justified without
compromising traffic operations, based upon a traffic impact study.
(b)
There are no other reasonable access opportunities.
(c)
The additional driveway will comply with driveway spacing or
offset requirements contained in this article.
A.
When required due to parcel constraints or to be consistent with
recommendations of a corridor or subarea master plan, and if the Township
determines reducing the number of access points may have a beneficial
impact on traffic operations and safety, a shared driveway or service
road connecting two or more properties/uses may be required. The use
of service roads, in conjunction with driveway spacing, is intended
to preserve traffic flow along major thoroughfares, minimize traffic
conflicts and retain reasonable access to property.
 |
B.
Service roads shall comply with the following standards:
(1)
Service roads shall generally be parallel or perpendicular to
the front property line and may be located either in front of, adjacent
to or behind principal buildings. The setbacks of existing buildings
and anticipated traffic flow for the site shall be considered in determining
the best location for the service road.
(2)
The service road shall be constructed to the property line of
the subject property.
(3)
The proposed elevation of the service road must be identified
at the property line.
(4)
The service road shall be located within a recorded easement
permitting traffic circulation between properties, and a maintenance
agreement shall be established. The minimum easement width shall be
40 feet wide; however, a wider easement may be required based on anticipated
traffic volume and other requirements.
(5)
The width of the service road shall be 26 feet wide, measured
from the face to face of curb.
(6)
The service road is intended to be used exclusively for circulation,
not as a parking/maneuvering aisle.
(7)
The requirements of this article shall apply to driveway locations
along the service road.
(8)
Temporary access may be permitted where a continuous service
road is not yet available, provided a financial guarantee, acceptable
to the Township, is provided to assure elimination of temporary access
when the service road is continued. The financial guarantee shall
be provided to the Township prior to issuing an occupancy permit.
 |
A.
For high traffic generators, or for driveways along high-volume roads,
two egress lanes may be required.
B.
Where a boulevard entrance is provided, an island having a minimum
of 180 square feet shall be provided to separate the ingress and egress
lanes. The island shall be designed to accommodate the largest vehicle
that may use the driveway.
C.
In locations where opposing boulevards are present, the nose of new
medians shall be set back at least 50 feet from the edge of the roadway.
D.
Right-turn deceleration lanes and/or tapers may be required.
