street width

The recent use of PRDs has allowed neighborhoods to develop with reduced street widths.

The streets still meet the safety requirements for traffic and emergency services and have a number of benefits: less environmental impact in terms of stormwater runoff; traffic calming; and improved visual character.

These streets typically have a reduced width of both driving lanes and parking lanes, and may also have a reduction in on-street parking.

street width

The width of streets can have some of the greatest impacts on subdivisions, influencing: the sense of place and aesthetic quality of neighborhoods; traffic speed and in turn pedestrian safety; stormwater runoff and pollution; and, maintenance and repair costs. These are all proportionately affected by the larger amounts of pavement needed for wider streets.

The images above illustrate the difference in proportion of street cross sections between newer and older plats.

The Planning Commission may wish to have street section options for subdivisions to maximize their benefits, and reduce the impacts excessive street sections can have.