San Bernardino Municipal Code Ch. 12.30 Sight Distance Requirement

For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT SERVICES. Any authorized representative of said Director.

SIGHT RESTRICTION. Any obstruction to a driver’s line of sight.

SIGHT TRIANGLE. The area in which no sight restrictions are allowed.

TRAFFIC ENGINEER. Any authorized representative of the City’s Traffic Engineer.

(Ord. MC-783, passed 5-6-1991; Ord. MC-1027, passed 9-9-1998)

Sufficient sight distance shall be provided at all intersections to allow approaching vehicles to stop before colliding with a vehicle on an intersecting street. No obstructions that create a sight restriction shall be permitted within the clear sight triangle, as shown on the “Standard Drawing(s) for Sight Distance Requirements” incorporated into the Traffic Policy Paper promulgated, from time to time, by the Department of Development Services and on file with the City Clerk.

(Ord. MC-783, passed 5-6-1991; Ord. MC-1027, passed 9-9-1998)

Obstructions shall include any object extending more than two and one-half feet above the pavement, at the curb lines of the intersecting streets, such as trees, shrubs, fences, walls, newspaper racks, utility facilities, bus shelters and the like. Trees, trimmed to a minimum height of eight feet above ground; traffic signals; and street light poles shall not be considered as obstructions, unless a finding is made by the Traffic Engineer that they constitute a sight restriction based on the size, trunk diameter, number in a small area or number in a row. Legally parked motor vehicles shall not constitute an obstruction.

(Ord. MC-783, passed 5-6-1991)

This chapter shall not apply to conditions existing on the effective date of this chapter, but as pre-existing corner sight obstructions are discovered, which may affect the health and safety of residents of the city, the provisions of this chapter may be looked to as guidelines as to how such sight obstructions may be remedied.

(Ord. MC-783, passed 5-6-1991)

Removal of street trees shall be in accordance with Chapter 12.40.

(Ord. MC-783, passed 5-6-1991)

Any person violating any provision of this chapter is guilty of an infraction, which, upon conviction thereof, is punishable in accordance with the provisions of § 1.12.010.

(Ord. MC-783, passed 5-6-1991)