Menlo Park Municipal Code Art. II Subdivision Layout and Configuration

Blocks shall not be longer than one thousand two hundred feet between intersecting street lines, except on major streets where longer blocks may be required. Lots with frontage on more than one street will not be permitted, except corner lots, unless topographic conditions warrant, and then only upon the approval of the planning commission and when access rights are relinquished on one street. A one-foot-wide nonaccess strip, in addition to other easements, shall be dedicated to the city for the installation of a permanent wall or fence when required by the planning commission.

(Ord. 615 § 1 (part), 1977; Prior code § 24.6(3))

Easements not less than seven and one-half feet wide shall be required on each side of all lots and fifteen feet wide at the rear of all lots where necessary for utility wires, drainage and water mains or other utilities. The city engineer may allow a reduction of the width when in his opinion, and in the opinion of the serving utility, a lesser width is justified.

(Ord. 615 § 1 (part), 1977; Prior code § 24.6(4))

All lots shall abut on a street unless approved as a panhandle subdivision by the planning commission, under policies adopted by such planning commission.

(Ord. 615 § 1 (part), 1977; Prior code § 24.6(5))

The size and shape of lots shall conform to any zoning regulations affecting the land to be subdivided. The lot depth shall not be greater than three times the average width, in a single-family residential zoning district. Width at front property line in residential subdivisions may be reduced to thirty-five feet where the frontage abuts the outside of a curve with a radius of one hundred feet or less. Lot size may be reduced through the Sections 15.16.210 through 15.16.230 if authorized.

(Ord. 615 § 1 (part), 1977; Prior code § 24.6(6))

Panhandle development shall not be allowed for more than three panhandle lots. A constant width for the access strip of not less than twenty feet for up to two panhandle lots and twenty-four feet for three panhandle lots shall be provided.

(Ord. 615 § 1 (part), 1977; Prior code § 24.6(7))

Recontouring may be allowed when approved by the planning commission; provided, that the area shall be graded according to preliminary plans approved by the planning commission, and final design plans approved by the city engineer.

(Ord. 615 § 1 (part), 1977; Prior code § 24.6(8))

(a) Existing streets shall be extended as required by the planning commission.

(b) Street stubs to adjacent unsubdivided property shall be required where, in the opinion of the planning commission, they are necessary. A satisfactory temporary turnaround may be required.

(c) Streets shall intersect at as near right angles as is practicable. Property lines on the corners of intersecting streets shall be on a curve, the radius of which shall be a minimum of twenty feet.

(d) The centerline of opposing streets, not on the same alignment, intersecting a common street, shall be offset not less than two hundred feet.

(e) Reserve strips, where required to control access over certain lot lines or over the ends of street stubs, shall be dedicated to the city.

(f) Alleys shall be constructed in industrial, commercial and in multiple-dwelling areas where it is necessary to control access to major streets or provide emergency access.

(g) Cul-de-sac streets shall have the following limiting dimensions:

(1) Forty feet minimum radius to curb, at turnaround;

(2) Fifty feet minimum radius to property line at turnaround, commercial and industrial developments may require larger radii as determined by the city engineer;

(3) Three hundred feet maximum length, from intersecting street centerline to bulb radius point. A longer cul-de-sac street may be allowed to serve twelve or less lots.

(h) Names for proposed new streets shall be shown on the tentative map.

(i) Streets, rights-of-way and easements in any subdivision shall be offered for dedication where required. The city may, at its option, accept or reject any such offer.

(j) Streets shall conform as to alignment and width to the official general plans for streets and highways of the city.

(k) Where a subdivision abuts or contains any existing or proposed state highway or freeway, major street or railroad right-of-way, the planning commission shall require:

(1) Marginal access streets;

(2) Reverse frontage with screen planting contained in a nonaccess reservation along the rear property line;

(3) Deep lots with rear service alleys; or

(4) Such other treatment as may be necessary for adequate protection of adjacent properties and to afford separation of through and local traffic.

(l) Streets within a new subdivision shall connect to a city street, county-maintained road, or state highway. Where an off-site connection is necessary to provide access to such street, road or highway, the subdivider shall acquire the right-of-way and construct the improvements required.

(m) The planning commission may impose a requirement that any dedication or offer of dedication of a street shall include a waiver of direct access rights to such street from any property shown on a final map as abutting thereon, and that if the dedication is accepted, such waiver shall become effective in accordance with the provisions of the waiver of direct access.

(Ord. 615 § 1 (part), 1977; Prior code § 24.6(9))

Building setbacks shall be required at least as great as the applicable zoning requirements. Setbacks for lots with access easements shall be measured from the easement line.

Where lot frontage abuts the outside of any curve of a radius of one hundred feet or less, the setback line shall be:

(1) Of length equal to the minimum lot width as required by the zoning ordinance; and

(2) Perpendicular to a radial line passing through the center of front lot line.

(Ord. 615 § 1 (part), 1977; Prior code § 24.8)

Improved walkways not less than fifteen feet in width may be required through blocks more than nine hundred feet in length and at other locations where necessary to provide access to schools, parks or where pedestrian or bicycle access is desired.

(Prior code § 24.7 (part); Ord. 615 § 1 (part), 1977)

Watercourses shall be shown as easements, and storm drains shall be placed in easements when public right-of-way is not available or adequate. The planning commission or city engineer may require watercourses to be placed entirely in underground conduits or adequately fenced or otherwise improved. If any watercourse alteration is to be made in the designated flood hazard area, the city engineer will notify the California State Department of Water Resources, and the Federal Insurance Administrator.

(Prior code § 24.7 (1); Ord. 615 § 1 (part), 1977; Ord. 658 § 2(b), 1980)