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Chapter XXX — DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS

30-85 - SUBDIVISION DESIGN STANDARDS.

Alameda Zoning Code · 2026-06 edition · updated 2026-07-07 · Alameda

30-85.1 - General Requirements.

In addition to meeting the specific requirements of this title, the design of the subdivision shall, to the satisfaction of the advisory agency, conform to the land use, circulation and other policies of the City's general plan and its component elements and any other officially adopted specific plan or land development policy, and shall conform to the zoning ordinance, officially adopted standards for streets and roads, grading, erosion and siltation control, seismic safety, and design standards adopted by utilities, fire protection, sanitary and flood control districts in which the land division is located. The size and alignment of streets and sidewalks and the location and configuration of sites for lots, schools, parks, and similar facilities shall be coordinated with the anticipated requirements of the future population and the physical characteristics of the land.

(Ord. No. 3369 N.S., 5-7-2024)

30-85.2 - Street Alignment.

The centerlines of all streets and highways which are to be extended shall be the continuation of the centerlines of existing streets and highways on adjacent and contiguous property. In cases in which the straight continuations are not desirable, the centerlines may be continued by curves tangent at the intersection with the boundaries of the proposed subdivision to the centerlines of existing streets or highways.

(Ord. No. 3369 N.S., 5-7-2024)

30-85.3 - Street and Alley Grades and Widths.

a.

Grades of all streets and alleys shall be established so that the subdivision is properly drained and shall conform as nearly as possible to the natural topography of the property. Minimum street grade is one-half of one (0.5%) percent except where otherwise approved by the City Engineer. Maximum street grade is twelve (12%) percent except where otherwise approved by the City Engineer.

b.

Where a subdivision adjoins unsubdivided land, provision may be made for reasonable future access to the acreage.

c.

The widths of streets shall be based on the width of streets of which they are a continuation, but shall not be less than those approved by the City Engineer or established right-of-way lines unless otherwise

approved under a master plan (Section 30-4.20) or planned development (Section 30-4.13).

d.

Minimum right-of-way widths of streets which are to be accepted into the City road system shall be as shown on the City's standard plans or established right-of-way lines. Easements for construction and maintenance of slopes in excavation or embankments outside the limits of street dedication may be required where topographical conditions make easements desirable.

(Ord. No. 3369 N.S., 5-7-2024)

30-85.4 - Parcels.

a.

Parcels shall be designed to meet or exceed the minimum standard for area, lot width, lot depth, and lot frontage specified for the zoning district in which the subdivision is located.

b.

Parcels, and the grading thereof, shall be of a size and shape to accommodate the uses that reasonably could be expected to occur under applicable zoning with consideration given to the limitations of topography and soil conditions, and the need for providing access, privacy and preserving natural features of significance.

c.

Parcels shall be designed to provide, to the extent feasible, for future passive or natural heating or cooling opportunities within the subdivision.

(Ord. No. 3369 N.S., 5-7-2024)

30-85.5 - Grading.

Subdivision grading shall conform with the intent, general requirements and lot design requirements of this chapter, shall be consistent with recommendations contained in the soils and geologic investigation reports prepared for the proposed subdivision, and subject to review and approval by the City Engineer, and shall specifically conform with all City design standards.

(Ord. No. 3369 N.S., 5-7-2024)

30-85.6 - Erosion and Siltation Control.

Erosion and sediment control facilities shall control and contain erosion-caused sediment deposits and provide for the safe discharge of sediment-free stormwater into existing storm drain facilities and natural watercourses. Drainage across interior property lines will not be permitted except in special circumstances approved by the City Engineer after establishment of approved easements. Construction grading and erosion control shall be conducted in such a manner as to prevent sedimentation or other damage to offsite property. Drainage, sedimentation and erosion control measures shall be shown on the subdivider's improvement plans.

a.

Slopes. The faces of cut and fill slopes shall be prepared and maintained to control against erosion.

b.

Debris Basins. Debris basins shall be installed whenever and wherever necessary to protect the subdivision and the properties below the subdivision from erosion and sedimentation.

c.

Temporary Debris Basins. Temporary debris basins shall be installed prior to commencing grading operation and shall be maintained until the permanent erosion and sediment control measures have been installed and are fully effective.

d.

Erosion and Sediment Control Measures. Erosion and sediment control measures shall be consistent with the recommendations contained in the preliminary soils investigation report and the report evaluating the geological conditions present, to the extent reviewed and approved by the City Engineer.

(Ord. No. 3369 N.S., 5-7-2024)

30-85.7 - Flood Hazards and Sea Level Rise Mitigation.

Where a subdivision is proposed which lies partially or totally within an area designated on a map prepared by a governmental agency as having a special flood hazard (FEMA) or subject to sea level rise inundation as predicted in an adopted plan, the subdivider shall make provisions to minimize damage to structures and improvements, including those of public utilities, in accordance with accepted practice. The subdivider shall provide adequate drainage to reduce exposure to such hazards and shall make site improvements and design water supply and sanitary sewage systems to minimize infiltration of floodwaters into the systems and prevent discharges of sewage and other contaminants into flood waters. The stormwater system and the flood protection structures shall be designed and implemented to protect the project site from inundation based on the conservative scenario of a high tide during a one hundred (100) year stormwater event in combination with sea level rise.

(Ord. No. 3369 N.S., 5-7-2024)

30-85.8 - Exceptions to Design Standards.

The Planning Director, City Engineer, Planning Board and City Council may, in the exercise of reasonable judgment, grant exceptions to the requirements of this section, for street alignment, grades, widths, lengths, block design, lot width and lot frontage, and to all subjects referred to in this Section, as determined warranted by topographic limitations, soil or geological conditions, or other site-specific conditions that warrant special consideration as recommended by the City Engineer.

(Ord. No. 3369 N.S., 5-7-2024)

30-86 - IMPROVEMENTS AND DEDICATIONS.

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