300.16: VISIBILITY AT DRIVEWAYS AND INTERSECTIONS (SIGHT DISTANCE):

Visibility at driveways and intersections shall be maintained in accordance with the following standards. The City Engineer may require extended or reduced sight distance lengths where special conditions exist or will be created, as necessary to maintain adequate visibility.

A. Driveways. Visibility at a driveway crossing a street property line shall not be blocked above a maximum height of three (3) feet by vegetation or three and one-half (3.5) feet by structures for a depth of twelve (12) feet as viewed from the edge of the curb face on either side of the driveway at a distance of twelve (12) feet. Street trees that are pruned at least eight (8) feet above the established grade from top of curb so as not to obstruct clear view by motor vehicle drivers are permitted. FIGURE 300.16A: DRIVEWAY VISIBILITY

B. Controlled Intersections. A controlled intersection is one where a traffic signal or stop sign (all-way or minor street only) exists to control the flow and ensure the safety of traffic. Visibility at controlled street intersections shall not be blocked above a maximum height (measured from intersection street grades) of three (3) feet by vegetation or three and one-half (3.5) feet by structures, including, but not limited to, fences and walls. There shall be corner cut-offs of all lots which abut an intersection of two streets. These standard corner cut-offs are determined by intersection points located twelve (12) feet from the edge of the curb face of each street and are the areas between these intersection points and the streets, one point being twenty (20) feet from the curb face extension and the other a distance “D” from the intersection of the crossing street (see Table 300.16, Sight Distance Standards). The corner cut-offs for left turns from a minor road, are determined by intersection points located three (3) feet from the middle edge of the inside lane, and are the areas between these intersection points and the streets, one point being twenty (20) feet from the curb extension and the other a distance “D” from the intersection of the

crossing street (see Table 300.16). No obstruction which limits the visibility of persons operating vehicles on said streets shall be permitted in corner cut-off areas.

FIGURE 300.16B: VISIBILITY AT CONTROLLED INTERSECTIONS

C. Uncontrolled Intersections. An uncontrolled intersection is one where no traffic controls exist and is subject only to yielding from each street leg. Same requirements as controlled intersections shall apply except that both intersecting streets shall require a distance “D” from the intersection of the crossing street to comply with the sight distance requirements on Table 300.16, Sight Distance Standards.

FIGURE 300.16C: VISIBILITY AT UNCONTROLLED INTERSECTIONS

TABLE 300.16: SIGHT DISTANCE STANDARDS

Note: Design speed is based on road classification per AASHTO or Caltrans manuals. Sources:

"A Policy On Geometric Design Of Highways And Streets", AASHTO, 2010. "Highway Design Manual", Caltrans, 2011.

(Ord. 1866, 11-19-2019)