Shafter Zoning Code § 10.40 Circulation, Transportation

Purpose and Intent

This Section is intended to ensure that development proposals which include the design and/or construction of new roads, trails, and transit facilities are consistent with the adopted Circulation Element and Open Space/Conservation Element of the General Plan, and contribute to the

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implementation of the goals and policies of those Elements. Further, it is intended to ensure that proposed transportation improvements are consistent with efficient traffic management and good traffic engineering practices.

Public Street, Highways, Alleys, Easements
- a. All streets, highways, alleys and ways shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the City’s Subdivision and Engineering Design Standards as may be periodically Updated by the City Engineer as incorporated herein by reference.
- b. The design of any new street system proposed as part of any new development shall, in the opinion of the City Engineer, relate to the established street pattern In the area adjoining the proposed development.
- c. The proposed street plan shall provide for access and connection for future subdivision or development of adjoining undeveloped property when applicable.
- d. All streets shall be designed, dedicated and constructed in a manner consistent with the Circulation Element of the General Plan and the City’s Subdivision and Engineering Design Standards.
- e. Additional rights-of-way or easements shall be provided when the City Engineer determines that such additional rights-of-way or easements are necessary to accommodate roadway slopes, drainage structures, and other facilities related to improvements required for a development.
- f. No direct access to residential property contiguous to a freeway, highway, of arterial street, as shown on the Circulation Element of the General Plan, shall be permitted except by a frontage road, service road, or street separated from said major thoroughfare by a tier of lots.

g. The design and construction of new, or the extension of any existing streets, shall be consistent with the surrounding street pattern, the Circulation Element of the General Plan, and the City’s Subdivision and Engineering Design Standards. The design and construction of parkways, grade separations, flood control facilities, local drainage facilities and other physical constraints shall be consistent with good engineering practice and shall be subject to approval by the City Engineer.

h. Secondary or alternative access shall be provided for all new development whenever deemed necessary by the City Engineer to protect the public safety.
i. Within subdivisions and other developments where immediate full improvements are not required, the centerline alignment of the street

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right-of-way shall be located so that future improvements can be constructed in accordance with the conditions of approval.

j. The type and placement of required street name signs shall conform to the City’s Subdivision and Engineering Design Standards.
- k. All new or reconstructed streets which are not through streets shall terminate in a cul-de-sac, designed to the specifications of the City’s Subdivision and Engineering Design Standards, unless specifically waived by the City Engineer in favor of some other design alternative.
- l. Street lights shall be installed along the right-of-way of all newly constructed or extended streets within the City, unless this requirement is specifically waived by the City Engineer.
- m. Clear site triangles shall be maintained at intersections of public roadways, and at intersections of private driveways or alleyways with public roadways in a manner consistent with the City’s Subdivision and Engineering Design Standards

Private Streets, Alleys, or Ways
- a. Private streets may be permitted when the City Engineer determines that:
  - (1) There is adequate provision for their construction and continuous maintenance;
  - (2) The access and parking needs of the occupants of the development will be adequately served;
  - (3) The construction, use, and maintenance of private streets will not be detrimental to the public health, safety and general welfare;
  - (4) Occupants of the development are better served by private streets; and
  - (5) The type of development proposed is typically served by private streets.
  - (6) Private streets may, subject to approval by the City Engineer, provide for access control by design, posting or gating.
- b. The intersection of a private street or drive with a public street shall be indicated by posting, gating, or a change of pavement material and color at the entry to the private street, as approved by the City Engineer.
- c. Concrete rolled curbs may be permitted in place of standard curbs on private streets and drives upon the determination by the City Engineer that the streets are adequate to handle drainage, that an adequate

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maintenance program is provided for in the covenants, conditions and restrictions, and/or some other maintenance mechanism approved by the City Engineer is utilized.

Sidewalks, Walking Paths, Bicycle Paths and Horse Trails
- a. Sidewalks shall be constructed in conjunction with public and private streets unless they are determined by the Planning Commission to be unnecessary, considering the rural nature of the development and/or pedestrian circulation needs. Sidewalk construction shall be in accordance with the City’s Subdivision and Engineering Design Standards.

b. The City may require dedication of walking paths, equestrian, and/or other trails for public use when such paths are determined to be necessary to further the goals and objectives, policies, or programs of the General Plan. In addition, and in conjunction with required street dedications, a project applicant may also be required to dedicate such additional land as may be necessary and feasible to provide bicycle paths for the use and safety of the residents of the development.

Local Transit Facilities

The City may require the dedication or irrevocable offer of dedication of land for local transit facilities such as bus turnouts, benches, shelters, loading pads and similar items. If a subdivision is involved such requirements shall directly benefit the residents of the subdivision, and shall apply only if the subdivision as shown on the tentative map has the potential for 200 dwelling units or more if developed to the maximum density shown on the City’s General Plan and if the City finds that transit services are or will, within a reasonable time, be made available to the subdivision.