Summary of Proposed Changes to Subdivision Road Standards

SUBDIVISION ROAD STANDARDS ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGE

Summary The proposed Ordinance changes will update the road standards contained in Appendix 1. The proposed standards follow conventional road classifications based on the amount of land use and expected traffic. The design standards have been reviewed by the Road Commissioner and the Town’s peer review engineer, and their recommended changes are included.

Current vs. Proposed Subdivision Road Standards
           Aspect                       Current                         Proposed
 Road Classifications.        Classification based on       Classification based on
                              “public” and “private”        expected traffic levels (sub-
                              roads.                        collector, local, & minor
                                                            local).
 Road Right-of-Way Width.     50 feet for all roads.        50 feet for local and minor
                                                            local roads. 60 feet for sub-
                                                            collectors
 Pavement Width.              22 feet for public roads,     20 feet for minor local, 22 feet
                              20 feet for private roads.    for local, and 24 feet for sub-
                                                            collectors.
 Shoulder Width.              4 feet for public roads, 2    2 feet for all roads.
                              feet for private roads.
 Issuance of Building         Entire road must be           Road must be complete to the
 Permits.                     complete except paving.       lot to the satisfaction of the
                                                            Fire Chief.
 Gravel Roads in              Can be gravel if 3 or fewer   Clarification of paving if road
 Subdivisions.                lots.                         is extended beyond 3 lots.
 Road Base Components.        6 inches of “aggregate        3 inches of “surface gravel”
                              base” & 12 inches of          and 15 inches of “base
                              “aggregate sub-base.”         gravel.”
 Culverts.                    Minimum of 12” zinc-          Minimum of 15” high-density
                              coated metal pipe.            polyethylene pipe.
 Parking                      Parking standards are         Parking standards moved to
                              contained in subdivision      site plan review standards.
                              roads appendix.
 Driveways at Road End.       Driveways are allowed on      Driveways limited on
                              turnarounds.                  turnarounds.
 Entrance Sight Distances     Incomplete list of sight      Match MDOT standards.
                              distances.

Why the Changes?

The current road classifications are outdated and based on the repealed Growth Management Ordinance that set standards for “public” road acceptance in the Southwest Bend Growth District and “private” roads everywhere else in Town. The road design standards are outdated and don’t match current construction industry standards.

We want to hear from you! Do you support the proposed changes to the subdivision road standards or have any concerns with them? Please share your thoughts with the Planning Board during the public participation process. You can submit written comments to the Town Planner for circulation to the Board by emailing townplanner@durhammaine.gov.