Erie County Engineer's Office

Access Management Manual
Effective: April 30, 2006

 

Chapter Four

DESIGN STANDARDS AND SPECIFICATIONS

 

401 - PURPOSE

Section 400 defines the design standards and specifications the County Engineer will use to ensure the functional and operational integrity of County and Township roadways will be maintained, to provide reasonable and necessary access, and to protect the health and safety of the public.


402 - USE OF THIS SECTION

When an application meets the requirements of Section 200, the standards and specifications of this section shall be used to locate, design, and construct the access connection. An application that meets the criteria of Section 200 but is not able to meet the requirements of this section shall not be approved, unless a variance is authorized in accordance with Section 600.


403 - DATA REQUIREMENTS

403.1 The most recent editions of the references listed in Section 111 shall be used. The citation of a reference or standard in Section 111 always refers to the most current edition or revision of the reference.

403.2 For the purposes of conducting analysis under the standards of this section, design traffic volumes shall be determined as specified in Section 500.

403.3 When the methods of Section 500 indicate the land use for the access connection will generate raffic in excess of the threshold values specified in Section 501.2, a traffic impact study shall be required.


404 - ACCESS CONNECTION CLASSIFICATION

The following volumes shall be used to define access connection classifications as used in this section.

404.1 Minimum Use Driveway An access connection with 5 trip ends or less in the peak hour and 10 trip ends or less per day. Examples include field driveways and single-family residence driveways.

404.2 Low Volume Driveway An access connection with more than 5 but less than 100 trip ends in the peak hour. Examples include small office buildings and day care centers.

404.3 Medium Volume Driveway An access connection with at least 100 but less than 200 trip ends in the peak hour. Examples include drive through banks, gasoline filling stations.

404.4 High Volume Driveway An access connection with 200 or more trip ends in the peak hour. Examples include fast-food restaurants, large discount stores, and large office buildings.

404.5 Intersection An access connection to be constructed within dedicated right-of-way, whether public or private, and intended to serve trip ends generated by more than one adjacent property, or intended to serve trip ends generated by a multiple use, single property (for example, a mall); or any access connection, regardless of trip ends generated, to be constructed in such a way as to resemble a roadway or street intended for public use.


405 - ACCESS CONNECTION REQUIREMENTS AND SPACING

405.1 The requirements of Section 405 shall govern the spacing, number, and allowable vehicle movements of each access connection.

Chart 405-1 Rural Minor Arterial - FC 06 (PDF, 72KB)

Chart 405-1 Rural Collector - FC 07 & 08 (PDF, 72KB)

Chart 405-1 Rural Local - FC 09 (PDF, 71KB)

Chart 405-1 Urban Minor Arterial - FC 16 (PDF, 72KB)

Chart 405-1 Urban Collector - FC 17 (PDF, 72KB)

Chart 405-1 Urban Local - FC 19 (PDF, 63KB)

 

405.2 Access Connection Chart All access connections shall be governed by the standards, requirements, and specifications listed in Chart 405-1.

405.3 Sight Distance Access connections shall be located such that sight distance criteria of Section 200 of the Location and Design Manual, Volume 1, are satisfied, according to the following requirements

  • Intersection sight distance (ISD): intersections, high volume driveways, and medium volume driveways.
  • Stopping sight distance (SSD): low volume driveways, minimum use driveways.

Any proposed access connection that does not meet the applicable sight distance criteria shall not be approved. 405.4 When access is requested for a proposed development abutting roadways assigned to different access categories, access should only be given to the roadway with the lesser access category, unless otherwise determined by the County Engineer.

The following charts show stopping sight distance and intersection sight distance. The data are taken from the Location and Design Manual, Volume 1. For purposes of access design and spacing, the Location and Design Manual, Volume 1, should be consulted for the definitive tables of stopping sight distance and intersection sight distance.

Figure 405-1 - Stopping Sight Distance & Figure 405-2 - Intersection Sight Distance (PDF, 48KB)

 

406 - CORNER CLEARANCE

406.1 Intersection Functional Area. The functional area of an intersection shall be defined as shown in Figure 406-1.

406.2 Intersection Transition Zone. The transition zone shall be defined as shown in Figure 406-1.

406.3 - Requirements for Corner Clearance

406.3.1 No access connection shall be permitted within the functional area, except as allowed by Section 406.3.4.

406.3.2 An access connection outside of the functional area shall meet or exceed the minimum access connection spacing requirements of Section 405.

406.3.3 An access connection within the transition zone shall be limited to right-in, right-out vehicle movements.

406.3.4 An access connection shall be permitted within the functional area when all of the following conditions are satisfied:

  1. No other reasonable access to the property is available;
  2. The applicant provides written evidence that (s) he has made a good faith but unsuccessful effort to obtain indirect access via adjacent properties;
  3. A study of the proposed access connection, prepared by a registered engineer and submitted by the applicant, determines that the access connection will not create a safety or operational problem.

406.3.5 Any access connection permitted within the functional area shall be located along the property line furthest from the intersection, and shall be limited to right-in, right-out vehicle movements.

 

407 - JOINT AND CROSS ACCESS

407.1 Adjacent properties zoned for commercial, office, or industrial purposes, and abutting a roadway with an access classification of rural minor arterial, rural collector, urban minor arterial, or urban collector, shall provide a system of joint access connections and cross access easements as specified in this section.

Reference Section 406 - Corner Clearance - Figure 406-1 (PDF, 100KB) 

407.2 - Cross Access Corridor General Design Requirements

407.2.1 General A system of cross access corridors and easements allows vehicular and pedestrian travel to adjacent sites without the need to re-enter the roadway network. Cross access corridors allow for continuous travel generally parallel to the adjacent roadway.

407.2.2 One cross access corridor shall be provided for each 1320 feet of property depth. Each cross access corridor shall allow continuous, unobstructed travel across the entire width of the property.

407.2.3 The geometric design of the cross access corridor shall be governed by a design speed of no less than 15 MPH.

407.2.4 The cross access corridor shall be of sufficient width to safely accommodate two-way vehicular travel, and shall be capable of safely providing for non-roadway pedestrian access, and automobile, service vehicle, and delivery vehicle circulation.

407.2.5 The design of the cross access corridor shall make it visually evident to the average driver and pedestrian that adjacent properties are accessible via said corridor.

407.2.6 Upon approval of the application, the permittee shall file and record with the deed an easement allowing access to and from adjacent properties connected by said cross access corridor.

407.3 - Joint Access Connections

407.3.1 Joint access connections shall be provided for the joint use of adjacent properties where feasible. All joint use access connections shall meet the design standards specified in Section 410.

407.3.2 Joint access connections shall be provided when individual, non-joint access connections for adjacent properties not under common ownership or control do not or cannot meet the spacing requirements of Section 405.

407.3.3 When adjacent property is undeveloped, or where a joint use driveway cannot be constructed until the adjacent property is brought into conformance with the requirements of this Manual, the applicant may apply for a permit to construct a temporary, non-joint access connection. All temporary, non-joint access connections constructed under Section 407.3.3 shall be subject to the following requirements:

  1. The temporary access connection shall meet the design
  2. The permittee shall record an agreement with the deed that the temporary access connection and any other preexisting access connections shall be closed and eliminated after construction of each side of the joint use driveway;
  3. The permittee shall comply with all other applicable requirements of Section 407.3.

407.3.4 Upon approval of an access permit application for a joint access connection, the permittee shall:

  1. Record an easement with the deed allowing cross access to and from adjacent properties served by the permitted joint access connections; and
  2. Record an agreement with the deed to close and eliminate all access connections other than the joint use access connection; and
  3. Record with the deed a joint maintenance agreement for the joint access connection defining the maintenance responsibilities of the respective owners of the adjacent properties.

407.3.5 In cases where a proposed joint access connection cannot meet the spacing requirements of Section 405, the County Engineer may reduce the minimum access connection spacing where such spacing proves impractical, provided:

  1. Joint access connections and cross access connections are provided wherever feasible in accordance with this section; and
  2. The site plan incorporates a unified access and circulation system in accordance with this section.

 

408 - PARCELS UNDER COMMON OWNERSHIP

408.1 In the interest of promoting unified access and circulation systems, the following requirements shall apply.

408.2 - Parcels Under Common Ownership

408.2.1 For the purposes of this Manual, adjacent parcels under common ownership or control, or consolidated for the purposes of development, or parcels comprised of more than one site for development, shall not be considered separate properties, but shall be considered one parcel. Separate phases of a single development shall not be considered separate parcels.

408.2.2 The number of access connections permitted for parcels in Section 408.2.1 shall be the minimum necessary for reasonable access to these properties, not the maximum available or allowed for said properties frontage.

408.2.3 All requirements of Section 407 shall be met.


409 - ACCESS CONNECTIONS NEAR BRIDGES, GUARDRAIL

409.1 No access connection shall be permitted within 150 feet of a bridge abutment, except as provided for in Section 409.2.

409.2 When no reasonable alternative access is available and a proposed access connection is permitted within 150 feet of a bridge abutment, such access shall be located along the property line furthest from the abutment.

409.3 All plans and designs for the modification and/or installation of guardrail shall be prepared by a professional engineer, and shall be subject to the review and approval of the County Engineer.

409.4 The installation and/or modification of guardrail shall be done in accordance with the applicable design and construction standards of the Ohio Department of Transportation, or as otherwise required by the County Engineer.

409.5 The cost of any work for the modification or installation of guardrail in conjunction with the construction of the proposed access connection shall be borne by the permittee.


410 - DRIVEWAY DESIGN STANDARDS

410.1 General A driveway connects adjacent property to a public roadway. Driveway design is dependent upon several factors. Driveway purpose will determine what vehicle types must be considered in the design, which affects the driveway width, radius, and flare dimensions. The traffic volume using the drive will determine the number of lanes required, whether or not dedicated turn lanes are required, and the pavement materials. Restrictions on turning movements will also affect the design.

410.2 Review by County Engineer The design of the driveway types specified in Sections 410.3.2, 410.3.3, and 410.3.5 shall be subject to the review and approval of the County Engineer. The design of driveway types specified in Sections 410.3.1 and 410.3.4 may be reviewed by the County Engineer at his or her discretion.

410.2 - Applicability

410.2.1 Access connections that are to be placed in public or private right-of-way and dedicated in conjunction with or as an adjunct to a proposed development shall be governed by the design criteria of the Subdivision Regulations of Erie County.

410.2.2 Access connections not intended to be platted, dedicated, or placed in right-of-way, but constructed in such a way as to resemble a roadway or street intended for public use, shall be governed by the design criteria of the Subdivision Regulations of Erie County.

410.2.3 Access connections that are not platted, dedicated, or placed in right-of-way or easements, and do not otherwise resemble roadways for public use, shall be subject to the design requirements specified in Section 410.

410.3 Driveway Types. The driveway types listed in this Section are used for technical design only, and shall not be used for the evaluation of access connection spacing or trip generation.

410.3.1 Residential A driveway providing access to one duplex or single-family residence.

410.3.2 Multiple Residential A driveway providing common access to more than one single-family residence or duplex, or to an apartment building, or condominium, but in all cases not serving more than four single-family dwellings.

410.3.3 Commercial A driveway providing access to an office, business, commercial, or institutional building, or residential facility having five or more single-family dwelling. These establishments are customarily served by trucks as an incidental rather than principal driveway use. Industrial plant driveways whose primary function is to serve administrative or employee parking lots are considered commercial driveways.

410.3.4 Farm/Field A driveway providing access to an agricultural tract of land.

410.3.5 Industrial/Retail A driveway directly serving substantial numbers of trucks (equal to or greater than 20 trip ends per day) to and from industrial facility loading docks; warehouse; or truck terminal; or a specially designed, located, and designated driveway providing access to trucks for a centralized retail development.

410.4 - Driveway Dimensions

410.4.1 Driveway width and turning radii are determined by the number of lanes on the driveway and the design vehicle chosen for the driveway. The width and radii of the driveway shall permit vehicles to enter and exit with minimal interference to through traffic on County and Township roadways, yet be restrictive enough to discourage erratic maneuvers.

410.4.2 Driveway Dimension Chart The geometric design of driveways shall be governed by the requirements of Chart 410-1.

410.5 - Islands

Where it is necessary to physically control or prohibit certain movements, median islands and/or channelizing islands shall be used. The maintenance of islands installed as part of private drives shall be the responsibility of the permittee.

410.5.1 - Median Islands

410.5.1.1 A median island is a curbed island that prevents cross movement of internal traffic near the driveway approach. It is necessary to ensure that ingress and egress traffic has the necessary maneuvering space for turns at the intersection.

410.5.1.2 Median islands shall conform to the requirements specified in Section 800 of the Location and Design Manual, Volume 1.

410.5.2 - Channelizing Islands

410.5.2.1 Channelizing islands are used to control and direct traffic movements on an intersection approach. A properly designed channelizing island designates the correct turning path, defines the merge area, and reduces conflicting movements.

410.5.2.2 Channelizing islands shall be used on all driveways where either the County Engineer or applicant has restricted specific vehicle turning movements.

410.5.2.3 A channelizing island shall be designed to accommodate the design vehicle specified for the driveway in Chart 410-1.

410.5.2.4 The design of a channelizing island shall physically define, control, and direct the permitted movements and ensure the physical blocking of prohibited movements.

410.5.2.5 The surface area of each channelizing island shall be no less than 50 square feet. The surface area of a channelizing island should be at least 100 square feet.

Chart 410-1 - Driveway Dimensions (PDF, 97KB)

410.5.2.6 The channelizing island face of curb shall be offset at least 10 feet from the edge of the traveled lane, or by the width of the paved shoulder, whichever is greater.

410.5.2.7 The overall design of a channelizing island shall be subject to the approval of the County Engineer.

410.5.2.8 Figures 410-2 to 410-5 are intended to provide examples for the design of channelizing islands for access connections on County and Township roadways. Not every possible case is shown here. These figures are intended as guidelines only and do not show all details required for the proper layout and construction of the islands shown, nor do they absolve the permittee of responsibility for ensuring the proper design of such islands. They do, however, illustrate the proper relation of road width and curve radius to maximize turning speed while minimizing the overall width of the driveway approach.

410.5.2.9 Island Maintenance The permittee shall be responsible for the maintenance and repair of the channelizing island.

410.6 - Driveway Profile

The profile of a driveway can greatly affect the operation of a driveway. It shall be designed to provide a smooth and safe transition for its users, and shall not unnecessarily impede or slow the travel of vehicles and pedestrians.

410.6.1 Commercial and Industrial/Retail Driveways The maximum allowable grade shall be 8 percent.

410.6.2 Residential and Farm/Field Driveways The maximum allowable grade shall be 10 percent.

410.6.3 Vertical Alignment at Uncurbed Roads Within 10 feet of the edge of the pavement, the grade of the driveway shall be identical to the cross slope of the adjacent roadway. In no case shall the alignment of the driveway allow onsite storm water drainage onto the roadway.

410.6.4 Vertical Alignment at Curbed Roads The grade of the driveway may allow only that portion of the driveway within the adjacent roadway right-of-way to drain onto the roadway.

410.6.5 Changes in Vertical Alignment All changes in vertical alignment shall be designed to accommodate the appropriate design vehicle expected to use the driveway. However, the minimum length of vertical curve allowed shall be 25 feet.

410.6.6 Other Standards Except as provided for in this Manual, Section 804 of the Location and Design Manual, Volume 1 shall govern the profile design of all driveways.

410.7 - Driveway Cross Slope

410.7.1 Driveway Surface Cross Slope Driveway cross slope shall be adequate to facilitate storm water drainage and prevent water from ponding on the driveway surface.

410.7.2 Cross Slope at Roadside Ditches and Swales Where a proposed driveway crosses an existing roadside ditch or swale, the driveway banks shall be sloped at no less than 25 percent. Where a proposed driveway will cross a roadside ditch or swale to be constructed or modified as part of a development, the driveway banks shall be sloped at no less than 10 percent.

410.7.3 Driveway Culverts Where a proposed driveway crosses a roadside ditch or swale, where feasible a culvert shall be used to conduct drainage under the driveway. The design of the culvert shall be in accordance with the Erie County Storm Water and Erosion Control Manual and shall meet the requirements of the Erie County Drainage Superintendent.

410.8 - Driveway Geometry

410.8.1 Except as otherwise specified in this Manual, driveway geometry shall be in accordance with both Section 803 of the Location and Design Manual, Volume 1, and Standard Construction Drawing BP-4.1. In cases where Section 803 and BP-4.1 conflict, BP-4.1 shall govern.

410.8.2 Nothing in Section 803 of the Location and Design Manual, Volume 1, shall be construed or interpreted as voiding or annulling spacing, location, or other requirements for access connections as set forth in this Manual.

410.9 - Materials

410.9.1 All materials and construction methods shall conform to the Construction and Material Specifications of the State of Ohio Department of Transportation.

410.9.2 Applicability Driveways subject to Section 410.2.1 and Section 410.2.2 shall conform to the material requirements and specifications of the Subdivision Regulations of Erie County, Ohio. Driveways subject to Section 410.2.3 shall conform to the requirements of Section 410.9.3 within the boundaries of roadway rights-of-way and highway easements.

410.9.3 - Driveway Materials Within Roadway Rights-of-Way

410.9.3.1 Roadway With No Curb Driveways connecting to roadways with no curbs shall have surface materials of either asphalt concrete or crushed aggregate within 10 feet of the roadway edge of pavement. Portland cement concrete shall not be used within 10 feet of the roadway edge of pavement. If the reconstruction of a roadway will result in driveway concrete within 10 feet of the roadway edge of pavement, the driveway may be reconstructed as necessary to maintain the 10-foot material requirements of this section, subject to right-of-way constraints.

410.9.3.2 Roadway With Curb Driveways connecting to roadways with curbs shall have surface materials of asphalt concrete or portland cement concrete. Crushed aggregate shall not be used.

410.9.3.3 Material Cross Section Driveway material cross section design shall be in accordance with the procedures of the Pavement Design and Rehabilitation Manual. Material course thickness and type shall be of adequate structural number to withstand projected design vehicle axle loads for the service life of the driveway.