Chowchilla Municipal Code Ch. 12.04 Sidewalks, Curbs, Gutters and Driveway Approaches

It is unlawful for any person to construct or cause to be constructed or remove, in the city, any sidewalk, whether in the parking strip or in the normal sidewalk area, or any driveway approach, curb or gutter without first obtaining from the street superintendent of the city a permit in writing to do so.

(Prior code § 17-2)

The permit required by this chapter shall be upon blank forms furnished by the street superintendent and shall specify the name and residence of the applicant, the location of the property in front of which the proposed sidewalk, driveway approach, curb or gutter is to be constructed, the dimensions thereof, and shall refer to this chapter for the materials to be used and the method of construction. In no case shall a permit be issued to construct sidewalks, driveway approaches, curbs or gutters where formal proceedings have been instituted to construct any thereof under the general laws of this state.

(Prior code § 17-3)

A. The street superintendent shall charge such construction permit and curb grade fees as are established by resolution of the city council. Before any permit is issued under this chapter by the street superintendent, the applicant therefor shall pay such fees.

B. The city council hereby declares and finds that the following are reasonable and proper charges to be made by the city for the regulation of constructing curbs, gutters, street openings, driveways, sidewalks, grading, removal of excess materials and repair of streets:

1. Before any permit shall be issued to install curbs and gutters, a fee of ten cents per lineal foot for engineering and staking out grades shall be paid to the city;

2. Before any permit shall be issued to install curbs, gutters, sidewalks and/or remove curbs and gutters an inspection fee of two and one-half dollars shall be paid to the city;

3. Before any permit shall be issued for the installation of curbs and gutters, a fee of ten cents per lineal foot for grading, removal of excess materials and repair of streets shall be paid to the city.

(Prior code § 17-4)

All permits for any construction referred to in this chapter shall be posted conspicuously, near the work by the person to whom such permit is issued.

(Prior code § 17-5)

The failure of any person to abide by and carry out the provisions of this chapter or to remedy any defects appearing in the work within a period of one month, shall be sufficient cause to refuse the request of any person of any permit for a permit under this article to do work of like character in the city.

(Prior code § 17-6)

Nothing in this chapter shall be deemed to compel the street superintendent to issue a permit required by this chapter if, in his judgment, the proposed work is against the public interest or convenience.

(Prior code § 17-7)

The city shall have the authority to rescind any permit granted for curb removal or sidewalk installation when it finds such action to be in the public interest.

(Prior code § 17-8)

No permit shall be issued to remove any curbing unless a concrete driveway between the curb and the sidewalk is to be installed.

(Prior code § 17-10)

It is unlawful to place asphalt, masonry, concrete or other surfacing in any parking strip, except with the approval of the city council.

(Prior code § 17-11)

The city council may require that planting areas be left in the parking strip for planting street trees.

(Prior code § 17-12)

The person to whom any permit provided for in this chapter is granted shall thereby become and be responsible for the proper execution of the work and for all personal injuries or damages to third persons arising from the doing of any of the work specified in such permit. The permittee shall see that necessary barriers, "Street Closed" signs, lights and watchmen, or any thereof as may be necessary to prevent accidents to the public and to protect the work, are provided.

(Prior code § 17-9)

All sidewalks, driveway approaches, curbs or gutters shall be constructed in every particular in accordance with the permit issued therefor, and shall be completed within ninety days from the date of such permit unless an extension of time thereon is granted by the council. All sidewalks, driveway approaches, curbs and gutters shall be constructed according to the specifications of the "Division of Highway, State Department of Public Works of the State of California." All construction provided for in this chapter shall be constructed according to the grades established by the city engineer, unless otherwise permitted or ordered by the city council on the recommendation of the city engineer.

(Prior code § 17-14)

No sidewalk, driveway approach, curb or gutter shall be constructed of any other material than concrete; except, that curbs may be constructed of other materials if special permission to do so is first obtained from the city council, on recommendation of the street superintendent. Such permission shall only be granted on application in writing to the council, by the owner of the property in front of which any of such work is to be done.

(Prior code § 17-13)

No driveway shall be located closer than five feet from intersecting corners, or so as to interfere with the intersection of sidewalks, traffic signals, lampposts, fire hydrants or other public improvements.

(Prior code § 17-16)

The minimum distance between driveways serving the same lot or parcel of land shall be not less than sixteen feet, as measured at the top of curbing.

(Prior code § 17-17)

No driveway serving one lot or parcel of land shall exceed sixty percent of the frontage upon any street.

(Prior code § 17-18)

A. The maximum width of any driveway shall be not more than thirty-five feet, as measured at the top of curbing, for entrance into any residential, commercial or industrial establishment requiring driveways; provided, however, the maximum allowable width may be exceeded in special situations where an investigation and report of the public works director is made and any variance from this provision is granted by the city council.

B. The minimum width of any driveway serving residential property shall be twelve feet, measured from the top of the curbing.

(Ord. 255-75 § 1, 1975: prior code § 17-15)

All work provided for in this chapter shall be done under the supervision and direction and to the satisfaction of the street superintendent. Notice shall be given him when the forms are in place, and no concrete shall be poured until such forms are inspected and approved by him.

(Prior code § 17-19)

The necessary adjustment to utility facilities, light standards, fire hydrants, catchbasins, street or railway signs, signals or other public improvements or installations shall be accomplished without cost to the city.

(Prior code § 17-20)