17.32.010 Legislative findings

The City Commission makes the following findings:

1. A well-developed and well-maintained street system is needed to provide proper access to property and efficient traffic circulation.
2. Streets serve two competing functions: property access and movement of goods and people. When the number of accesses onto a high-traffic street increases, traffic efficiency declines and safety is jeopardized.
3. The function of a street, number of lots served, traffic level, requirements of emergency services, and driver expectations should dictate the street standards in terms of surface width, right-of-way width, maximum grade, and so on. For example, a high-traffic street should be built to a higher standard than a street that serves a few residential lots.
4. An interconnected street system is preferable to a street system where cul-de-sacs are used extensively.
5. Streets are an important factor in community and subdivision design. Improperly designed streets and intersections can negatively affect the safety and efficiency of public streets, create unnecessary maintenance costs, limit a parcel's development potential, and limit a project's desirability.
6. Excessive street standards that do not further the public health, safety, and welfare are unnecessary and add to development costs.
7. Traffic control devices at high-traffic locations are needed to ensure efficient and safe vehicular and pedestrian movement.
8. The advantages of a single access point to a major residential project (greater sense of security and elimination of through-traffic) are outweighed by the advantages of multiple access points, which include reduced internal congestion and diffusion of the development's full traffic impact to the external public street system.
9. Street intersections are points of conflict and potential hazard. Street intersections should be designed to afford drivers complete and unobstructed view of approaching traffic to enable them to safely enter or cross the traffic flow.
10. Traffic calming techniques, when properly designed, can be used to enhance safety.

17.32.020 Purpose

This chapter is established to promote the public health, safety, and welfare and is intended to accomplish the following purposes:

1. establish a hierarchy of street types with corresponding development standards
2. optimize efficient traffic movement
3. optimize traffic safety
4. ensure legal access to all parcels of land
5. minimize adverse environmental impacts from street development
6. create functional and attractive developments that will be an asset to the community
7. reduce the number of conflict points between pedestrians and vehicles
8. ensure that all streets accommodate the requirements of emergency vehicles for ingress and egress
9. establish standards to ensure adequate sight distances at street intersections so that motorists at an intersection are able to see approaching traffic and allow them to safely enter or cross the traffic flow
10. minimize the surface area of streets, thereby reducing stormwater runoff and increasing groundwater infiltration

17.32.030 Street classification

1. Street types. All existing and proposed streets in the City shall be classified as one of the following:
   1. principal arterial
   2. minor arterial
   3. collector
   4. local
2. Classification of existing streets. Existing streets are classified as documented in the “Great Falls Area Transportation Plan – 2003”, as may be amended from time to time.
3. Classification of proposed streets. Proposed streets shall be classified based on function, anticipated traffic speed, and average daily traffic (ADT). The estimates for ADT shall be based on trip generation rates from the most current edition of "Trip Generation" (published by the Institute of Transportation Engineers). Trip generation rates from other sources may be used if it can be shown that the alternative source better reflects local conditions.

17.32.040 Improvements constructed at developer's expense

The developer shall provide streets and associated improvements consistent with this chapter.

17.32.050 Timing of improvements

Improvements required by this chapter shall be completed according to the schedule in Chapter 68 of this Title.

17.32.060 Traffic impact analysis

1. When required. A traffic impact analysis shall be prepared when the peak hour traffic of the proposed development at build-out exceeds 300 trip ends. When the peak hour traffic is between 200 and 299 trip ends, the City may require a traffic impact analysis when circumstances warrant such review.
2. Preparation. When a traffic impact analysis is required, the applicant shall hire an engineer as approved by the City. The approved engineer shall have expertise in transportation planning.
3. Trip generation rates. Trip generation rates for various land uses shall be based on the manual entitled "Trip Generation" (latest edition) published by the Institute of Transportation Engineers. Trip generation rates from other sources may be used if it can be shown that the alternative source better reflects local conditions.
4. Form and content. The traffic impact analysis shall be in written form along with supporting maps and other information as appropriate. At a minimum, the report shall include the following elements:
   1. existing traffic circulation conditions and patterns
   2. anticipated traffic circulation conditions and patterns
   3. effects of the project on the street network
   4. recommendations/alternatives to alleviate negative effects

17.32.070 Facility design requirements

1. Qualifications. All transportation facilities that may be required in this chapter shall be designed by and constructed under the supervision of a registered professional engineer.
2. Approval required prior to construction. Prior to construction, the registered professional engineer shall submit a complete set of plans and specifications for the project to the City Engineer for review and approval.
3. As-built drawings. A registered professional engineer shall submit a set of as-built drawings to the City Engineer within 4 months following completion of the work.

17.32.080 Street layout considerations

1. Consistency with growth policy and others. All new streets shall be consistent with the City’s adopted growth policy, the document entitled the “Great Falls Area Transportation Plan – 2003”, and neighborhood plans that may be adopted, all of which may be amended from time to time.
2. Avoidance of environmentally sensitive areas. Streets shall be laid out to avoid environmentally sensitive areas, such as wetlands.
3. Through traffic. Streets shall be laid out to encourage inter-neighborhood travel but discourage unrelated through travel and speeding.
4. Coordination with adjoining parcels. Streets in a new development shall be connected to right-of-way in adjacent areas to allow for inter-neighborhood traffic flow. If adjacent lands are unplatted, stub outs in the new development shall be provided for future connection to the adjacent unplatted land. When topographic or other conditions make such continuation undesirable, and/or impractical, the Director of the Planning Department, in consultation with the City Engineer, may waive or modify this requirement.
5. River crossings. Where a street crosses a river or stream, the street shall intersect the waterbody at right angles, except where impracticable due to environmental damage, excessive construction costs, and other factors.
6. Divided streets. The City Engineer may permit and may require divided streets to protect environmental features. For divided streets, the design standards shall be applied to the aggregate dimensions of the two segments.

17.32.090 Street design standards

1. Guardrails. In areas of excessive fill or steep back slopes, roadside guardrail shall be installed consistent with the standards in “Roadside Design Guide” (January 1996) as published by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO).
2. Pavement design. A pavement design report shall be prepared for all street projects by a registered professional engineer, or other qualified professional approved by the City Engineer, and submitted to the City Engineer for review and approval. The design shall be based on site characteristics (e.g., soils) and based on at least a 20-year performance period traffic volume; however, the minimum design lane equivalent 18,000 pound single axle load (ESAL) used in the pavement design must not be less than 50,000 ESAL. Pavement thickness shall be consistent with the standards contained in the current AASHTO “Guide for Design of Pavement Structures” or the current Asphalt Institute Manual Series No. 1 (MS-1).

3. Exhibit 32-1. Standards for back slope and fill slope under normal conditions

   Cut Depth	Allowable Back Slope
   0 – 5 feet	5:1
   5 – 10 feet	4:1
   10 – 15 feet	3:1
   15 – 20 feet	2:1
   > 20 feet	1.5:1
   Fill Height	Allowable Fill Slope
   0 – 10 feet	6:1
   10 – 20 feet	4:1
   20 – 30 feet	3:1
   > 30 feet	2:1

   Cut and fill slopes. Cut and fill slopes shall meet the standards in Exhibit 32-1. When these standards can not be met because of steep terrain, limited right-of-way, or other site constraint, a geotechnical report shall be prepared by a professional engineer and submitted to the City Engineer for review and approval. The geotechnical report shall contain, at a minimum, the following:
   1. An explanation of why the standards can not be met.
   2. A description of the soil types encountered at the site and their properties.
   3. An assessment of soil slope stability.
   4. A copy of any boring logs, if any were taken.
   5. A description of the recommended design, supported by design calculations.

   If other slope stabilization measures are necessary (e.g., soil pinning, retaining walls), the geotechnical report shall also include the following information:

   1. Settlement characteristics of the soil, including amount of settlement expected, time rate of settlement, surcharge or camber if required.
   2. Bearing capacity of the soil.
   3. Expected skin friction of the soil if piles or drilled shafts are proposed.
   4. Soil pressure, stability, and alternates (if a soil retaining wall is being considered).
4. Cul-de-sacs. Cul-de-sacs must meet a 42½–foot radius from center of cul-de-sac to back of curb, a 55-foot radius on the right-of-way, and cannot be longer than 500 feet.
5. Temporary dead-end streets. When a street terminates in the first phase of a multi-phase project or where it is intended that the street will continue into an adjoining vacant parcel when it develops, a temporary cul-de-sac shall be provided. Upon completion of the connection, the temporary cul-de-sac shall be removed and the street cross-section completed.
6. Street grades. Street grades shall conform to the standards of Exhibit 32-2.

   Exhibit 32-2. Street and alley standards

   	Principal Arterial	Minor Arterial	Collector	Local Street	Alley
   Right-of-way width (feet)	110	100	80	60	20
   Maximum grade (percent)	5	7	10	10	10
   Minimum grade (percent)	0.5	0.5	0.5	0.5	0.5

7. Curved Streets. Curved collector streets shall have a centerline radius of not less than two-hundred fifty feet. Curved local (minor) streets shall have a centerline radius of not less than one-hundred feet. (Ord. 2950, 2007)

17.32.100 Alleys

1. Generally. Alleys may be used to provide access to the rear yard. When an alley is available, vehicular access to the lot is encouraged from the alley and not from the street. If located on a corner lot, access may be from the side of the lot.
2. Standards. The travel surface of an alley shall be between 10 and 12 feet wide within a right-of-way width as specified in Exhibit 32-2.

17.32.110 Street intersections

Street intersections shall meet the following standards:

1. Offsets. New intersections along one side on an existing street shall, where possible, coincide with existing intersections. When an offset is necessary, the distance between centerlines of the intersecting streets shall be no less than 125 feet for local streets. When the street is a collector or arterial, the minimum separation shall be 300 feet.
2. Angle of intersection. Streets shall intersect at right angles, except when topography or other natural features precludes such alignment. In no case shall the angle of intersection be less than 60 degrees.
3. Number of streets. No more than 2 streets may intersect at a given location.

17.32.120 Acceleration, deceleration, and bypass lanes

Acceleration, deceleration, and bypass lanes shall be provided on principal and minor arterials as may be required to maintain traffic safety and/or efficiency.

17.32.130 Traffic calming

A developer may propose and the City may require traffic calming techniques when necessary to provide for traffic safety and to promote pedestrian travel. Examples are included in Appendix C to this Title. The specific measure being proposed, or required, shall be determined on a case-by-case basis.

17.32.140 Common driveways

1. Generally. A common driveway with one curb cut shall be used on minor arterials or principal arterials whenever possible to serve two or more properties.
2. Easement required. The common driveway shall be located within an easement which shall be recorded with the County Clerk and Recorder. The easement shall run with the land and can only be terminated by written agreement of all of the affected property owners.

17.32.150 Driveway access

1. Generally. Prior to the installation of a driveway curb cut or other access point onto a public street or right of way, the developer or owner shall obtain approval from the Montana Department of Transportation, Cascade County, or from the City.

2. Exhibit 32-3. Maximum curbcut widths

   Type of Use	Maximum Width
   Single-family residential & Duplex *(see 17.32.150(B) for further restrictions)	One stall, 10 feet* Two stalls, 20 feet* Three or more stalls, 30 feet* 30 feet is the maximum allowed width*
   Multi-family	24 feet, two-way 12 feet, one-way
   Commercial zoning district	36 feet, two-way 45 feet with City Engineer approval
   Industrial zoning district	45 feet, two-way 55 feet with City Engineer approval

    

   Exhibit 32-4. Number of curb cuts

   Residential Lot Frontage	Number Allowed
   less than 101 feet	1
   101 feet or more	2
   Commercial/Industrial/PLI Lot Frontage	Number Allowed
   Less than 51 feet	1
   51 feet to 600 feet	2
   More than 600 feet	3

   Width. Curb cuts shall not be wider than the widths listed in Exhibit 32-3. For single family and duplex uses, the width of curb cuts shall conform to the standards listed in Exhibit 32-3 or the following, whichever is more restrictive:
   1. for lots less than 61 feet in width of frontage, the cumulative width of curb cuts shall not be more than 30% of the lot frontage width.
   2. for lots 61 feet or greater width of frontage, the cumulative width of curb cuts shall not be more than 35% of the lot frontage width.
3. Number. The number of curb cuts shall conform to the standards listed in Exhibit 32-4.
4. Location. Curb cuts shall be located at the discretion and by the approval of the City Engineer to ensure traffic safety and the character of the neighborhood is maintained.
5. Off street parking. Approval of curb cuts to serve off street parking that is not connected to a garage or covered carport in residential areas is discouraged and shall be at the discretion of the City Engineer.
6. Drainage structures. All driveways shall be constructed so as to not impair drainage within the right-of-way nor alter the stability of the roadway subgrade and at the same time not impair or materially alter drainage of the adjacent areas. All drainage structures required within the public right of way and under the driveways as a result of the property being developed shall be installed in accordance with the standards of the City.
7. Driveway paving. Driveways connecting to a public street must be surfaced and maintained with cement or asphaltic concrete. Paving of driveways connecting to a public street in R-1 Zoning District shall be required at the discretion of the City Engineer. (Ord 2950, 2007)

17.32.160 Intersection visibility

1. Generally. To provide motorists with a clear view of intersecting streets, alleys and driveways, nothing within the clear visibility triangle shall be erected, placed, parked, planted, or allowed to grow at a level between 2.5 feet and 8 feet above the adjoining street center line surface elevation. A tree whose branches are 8 feet or higher may be located in this area. (Ord. 2950, 2007)
2. Size. The configuration of a clear visibility triangle is shown in Exhibit 32-5 and the length of each leg measured along the curbline or edge of roadway, (indicated on Exhibit 32-5 as “x”) shall be 45 feet for street intersections, and 10 feet for alleys and 15 feet for driveways . (Ord 2950, 2007)
3. Exemption. Properties in the C-4 Central Business zoning district are required to comply with the provisions in this section unless compliance is not possible due to the setback of the building. (Ord 2950, 2007)

17.32.170 Dedication of streets

1. Streets shall be dedicated to the City upon completion, inspection, and acceptance by the City.
2. Private streets may be allowed within developments that will remain under common ownership, provided they are designed and constructed pursuant to the standards as provided for in this chapter, a homeowner’s association is formed to own the parcel containing the street and a street maintenance agreement is filed as provided for in this chapter.

17.32.180 Right-of-way

1. Width. Right-of-way widths shall be provided for new streets and alleys consistent with Exhibit 32-2.
2. Allowable uses within right-of-way. The following may be placed within the right-of-way subject to applicable specifications: streets, sidewalks, pedestrian ways, bikeways, and public or private utilities, including, sanitary sewer, potable water, telephone wires, cable television wires, gas lines, or electricity transmission.

17.32.190 Bridges

1. Load capacity. Bridges shall have a load capacity of H-20 (as described by the American Association of State Highway Officials).
2. Width. The bridge shall be at least as wide as the street surface.
3. Vertical clearance over another street. Where a bridge passes over another street, there shall be a vertical clearance of at least 14.5 feet.
4. Bridges. When a bridge crosses a watercourse or channel, it shall be designed to handle storm events as listed in Exhibit 32-6.

17.32.200 Culverts

Culverts shall be installed where appropriate and designed to handle storm events as listed in Exhibit 32-6. Under no circumstance shall the cross-section of the culvert be smaller than 15 inches in diameter.

17.32.210 Sidewalks

1. When required. Sidewalks shall be provided on both sides of public and private streets, but not alleys. In addition, sidewalks shall be constructed within a development when necessary to provide safe pedestrian access within the project.
2. Location. Sidewalks in residential areas shall be separated from the street by a boulevard area that is at least 6 feet in width. In areas where the topography or other physical feature prevents this type of placement, the City Engineer shall approve a suitable alternative.
3. Cross-walks within development projects. When a sidewalk crosses a street internal to the project, a pedestrian crossing shall be constructed to provide for safe passage. Appropriate design features may include pavement treatments, signals, lighting, traffic-calming features, median-refuge areas, signs, and striping.
4. Access for physically handicapped persons. Sidewalks shall be handicapped accessible consistent with federal, State, and local requirements.

17.32.220 Public transit facilities

If the proposed development project fronts on, or contains, a public street designated as a transit route by the Great Falls Transit District and the potential ridership generated by the proposed project at build-out warrants the establishment of a transit stop, the City Commission may require the developer to provide those facilities necessary to accommodate a transit stop. Such facilities include, a pull-out lane, signage, pedestrian access, lighting, and bike racks.

17.32.230 Signs and traffic control devices

Traffic control devices shall be installed at intersections and other locations deemed necessary by the City Engineer to provide safety for motorists and pedestrians. Such devices shall meet the specifications contained in the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and any amendments made thereto.

17.32.240 Street name signs

1. Number and where required. At least one street name sign shall be installed at a street intersection.
2. Sign appearance. When the street is a public street, street name signs shall be consistent with City standards. When the street is private, the developer may install alternate signs, provided the street maintenance agreement includes a mechanism for maintenance of the signs and the design is consistent throughout the project.
3. Names. Street names shall be approved by the Planning Department.

17.32.250 Off-site improvements

The developer shall provide off-site transportation improvements to the extent deemed necessary by the City to accommodate the development project. The requirement for such improvements would be based upon a direct correlation between the development project and any corresponding offsite improvements identified through a traffic impact analysis, if required.