18.31.240 Street types and standards | Covington Municipal Code

(1) Applicability. The provisions of this section are applied differently for existing and new streets:

(a) These standards shall be considered in combination with the City of Covington Design and Construction Standards (as adopted and amended pursuant to Chapter 12.60 CMC), which provide minimum standards for street and storm drainage elements. Where the street type standards in this chapter include design elements that conflict with the Design and Constructions Standards, the provisions of this chapter shall apply, unless otherwise determined by the Director in consultation with the Public Works Director.

(b) Existing and New Streets. All improvements illustrated in the applicable street cross-section apply to new development or publicly initiated street improvements. For existing streets with a nonconforming design, this may include both roadway (e.g., adding a parking lane) and sidewalk improvements. For half-streets, refer to the City of Covington Design and Construction Standards, Section 2.04.

(c) Where a street type is not designated in CMC 18.31.220, the Director shall have the authority to determine the street type designation or alternative street design based on the existing or planned function and context of the street, applicable zoning designation, and block-frontage designation.

(2) Design Departures. Adjustments to the street type standards in subsections (4) through (8) of this section may be approved by the Director as a departure, per CMC 18.31.040, provided the design meets the goals and policies of the comprehensive plan for a pedestrian-oriented circulation system and built environment. See also Section 1.08 of Covington’s Design and Construction Standards, as amended.

(3) Interpretation of Street Type Standards in Subsections (4) Through (8) of This Section. The following interpretations apply to the various street elements referenced in the street type standards:

(a) Sidewalks. Refers to minimum width of sidewalks.

(b) Curb Cuts. Refers to the standards for curb cuts and driveways.

(c) Curb Bulbs. Refers to the standards for curb bulbs that facilitate pedestrian crossings.

(d) Amenity Area. Contains vegetation, pedestrian amenities, utilities, LID BMPs, such as bioretention, and other roadside infrastructure. Street trees must be included according to the installation standards and requirements in the Covington Engineering Design Standards. When included, curbs are part of the landscaped area width.

(e) Bike Facilities. Refers to required bike facility type and width.

(f) Trees. Refers to required street tree spacing.

(g) Roadway. Refers to number of vehicular travel lanes.

(h) Median/Turning Lane. Refers to options and requirements for landscaped medians and center left-turn lanes or left-turn pockets.

(i) Parking. Refers to options and requirements for on-street parking.

(a) Introduction. These streets are intended to function as the “primary pedestrian street” in terms of the building-street relationship and the high degree to which pedestrian comfort and safety are addressed through streetscape design and minimization of vehicle-pedestrian conflict points. Although vehicular traffic is not excluded, its movement should be slow and “calmed” through devices such as curb bulbs, on-street parking, and frequent crossings. Sidewalks should be very wide, street trees and understory vegetation should be plentiful, and pedestrian-scaled lighting and abundant street furnishings should be incorporated.

Figure 18.31.240(3). Typical Cross-Section for Type I Streets

Table 18.31.240(3). Standards for Type I Streets
Element	Standard
Sidewalks	Sidewalks shall be separated from the roadway by a minimum 5 feet wide amenity area behind the curb for plantings and furnishings, and shall provide a minimum 9 feet wide clear passageway for walking. Wider sidewalks, extending on to private property, are encouraged to allow for cafe seating.
Curb cuts	To ensure smoother, more organized traffic movements and less disruption of pedestrian movement, curb cuts shall: • Be no more than 30 feet wide. • Be a minimum of 200 feet apart from any other curb cut or street intersection; provided, access to a property shall not be precluded. • Not interrupt the paving material or grade of the sidewalk. The sidewalk paving should be continuous.
Curb bulbs	Required at intersections where on-street parking is integrated.
Amenity area	Special pedestrian-oriented lighting and furnishings are required within the amenity area.
Bike facilities	None required, except where designated by the comprehensive plan transportation element. If provided, protected bike lanes with buffers from parking and travel lanes are encouraged.
Trees	Trees shall be planted within the street right-of-way or utility easement at the rate of one tree every 25 feet of street frontage. Exception: trees may be spaced at irregular intervals to accommodate sight distance requirements for driveways and intersections. Trees shall be a species approved by the City and compatible with overhead utility lines, if present.
Roadway	The roadway shall consist of one travel lane in each direction.
Median/turning lane	Turn lanes shall only be included where the Director determines they are necessary for vehicular circulation. The turn lane shall be limited to the length necessary to accommodate planned turning movements. Where the turn lane is not warranted, planted medians are encouraged.
Parking	A parking lane shall be incorporated on both sides of the street. The Director may waive this requirement where on-street parking is not appropriate based on the block-frontage designation, planned ground floor building use, or where a bike lane is planned.

(a) Introduction. These street types support pedestrian, transit, and bicycle circulation while also fully accommodating vehicles. Some traffic calming devices may be used and speed limits should be relatively low. These streets should have one travel lane in each direction, with turning pockets at intersections. On-street parking should be present where there are commercial uses. Sidewalks should be moderate in width and contain street trees between the curb and clear walking zone. Pedestrian-scale lighting should also be present.

Figure 18.31.240(4). Typical Cross-Section for Type II Streets

Table 18.31.240(4). Standards for Type II Streets
Element	Standard
Sidewalks	Sidewalks shall accommodate a minimum 5 feet wide zone behind the curb for plantings and furnishings and a minimum 8 feet wide clear passageway for walking.
Curb cuts	To ensure smoother, more organized traffic movements and less disruption of pedestrian movement, curb cuts shall: • Be no more than 30 feet wide. • Be spaced a minimum of 200 feet apart from another curb cut or street intersection; provided, access to a property shall not be precluded. • Not interrupt the paving material or grade of the sidewalk. The sidewalk paving shall be continuous.
Curb bulbs	Curb bulbs at intersections are required where on-street parking is integrated.
Amenity area	Sidewalk lighting and furnishings are required within the amenity zone.
Bike facilities	A minimum 5-foot bicycle lane shall be included on both sides of street where designated in the comprehensive plan transportation element or as determined by the Director of Public Works. Protected bike lanes with buffers from parking and travel lanes are encouraged.
Trees	Trees should be planted within the street right-of-way or utility easement at the rate of one tree every 25 feet of street frontage. Trees may be spaced at irregular intervals to accommodate sight distance requirements for driveways and intersections. Trees shall be a species approved by the City and compatible with overhead utility lines, if present.
Roadway	The roadway should consist of one travel lane in each direction.
Median/turning lane	The roadway shall include a landscaped median and shall include a center turn lane where warranted to allow for left turn movements as determined by the Director of Public Works. The Director may determine a turn lane is not appropriate based on factors such as traffic volumes, safety, and number of driveways.
Parking	A parking lane shall be incorporated on both sides of the street. The Director may waive this requirement where on-street parking is not appropriate based on the block-frontage designation, planned ground floor building use, or where a bike lane is planned.

(a) Introduction. This type of street is intended to emphasize landscaping and low impact development features such as vegetated swales, rain gardens, native landscaping species, stands of mature trees, and retention of other natural elements of a site.

Figure 18.31.240(5). Typical Cross-Section for Type III Streets

Table 18.31.240(5). Standards for Type III Streets
Element	Standard
Sidewalks	Sidewalks shall accommodate a minimum 8 feet wide clear passageway for walking. On the south side of Wax Road, the sidewalk shall meander to create a “park-like” setting (see example photo below), except when adjacent to a building meeting the standards of a Storefront block-frontage.
Curb cuts	To ensure smoother, more organized traffic movements and less disruption of pedestrian movement, curb cuts shall: • Be no more than 30 feet wide. • Be spaced a minimum of 300 feet apart from another curb cut or street intersection; provided, access to a property shall not be precluded. • Not interrupt the paving material or grade of the sidewalk. The sidewalk paving shall be continuous
Curb bulbs	Curb bulbs at intersections are required where on-street parking is integrated.
Amenity area	The amenity area shall consist of a minimum 7 feet zone behind the curb. Sidewalk lighting and furnishings are required within the amenity area. Improvements should include LID components such as drainage swales, rain gardens, etc. to address stormwater infiltration, consistent with Chapter 13.25 CMC. On the south side of Wax Road, the amenity area shall be considered combined with the sidewalk for a total 15 feet wide zone. See the sidewalk standard above.
Bike facilities	Bicycle facilities are required where designated by the comprehensive plan transportation element, and may be provided in several ways, as long as the facility design is consistent along the length of the street. Options include: • A minimum 5 feet wide bicycle lane on both sides of the street. Protected bike lanes with buffers from parking and travel lanes are encouraged. • A minimum 12 feet wide, two-way protected bicycle lane (with a buffer from parking and travel lanes) on one side of the street. • A minimum 14 feet wide multi-purpose pathway (shared with pedestrians) on one or both sides of the street.
Trees	Stands of healthy, mature trees, and other natural elements shall be retained whenever possible within the 15 foot amenity area. New trees should be planted within the street right-of-way or utility easement at the rate of one tree every 25 feet of street frontage. Trees may be spaced at irregular intervals to accommodate sight distance requirements for driveways and intersections. Trees shall be a species approved by the City and compatible with overhead utility lines, if present.
Roadway	The roadway should consist of one travel lane in each direction. Appropriate transitions in lane configuration may be necessary north of SE 275th Street to accommodate vehicle movement at intersections.
Median/turning lane	The roadway shall include a landscaped median, which may optionally include a center turn lane. The center turn lane shall be occupied by a landscaped median except where the Director determines a turn lane is not appropriate based on factors such as traffic volumes, safety, and number of driveways.
Parking	A parking lane shall be incorporated on both sides of the street. The Director may waive this requirement where on-street parking is not appropriate based on the bicycle facilities, block-frontage designation, and/or planned ground floor building use.

(c) Wax Road Widening. The ultimate right-of way width along Wax Road south of State Route 516 is a 90 feet wide section consistent with its classification as a Type III street. Consistent with CMC 18.31.220(3), right-of-way dedication is required as follows:

(i) Between State Route 516 and SE 275th Street, new development on the east side of Wax Road shall dedicate 30 feet of property to the City.

(ii) Between SE 275th Street and Covington Way SE, new development on both sides of Wax Road shall dedicate 15 feet of property to the City.

(a) Introduction. This street type refers to 272nd Street/State Highway 516. These street segments support pedestrian, transit, and bicycle circulation while also fully accommodating vehicles. These streets may have two travel lanes in each direction, with turning pockets at intersections. Sidewalks should be moderate in width and contain street trees between the curb and clear walking zone. Pedestrian-scale lighting should also be present.

Figure 18.31.240(7). Typical Cross-Sections for Type IV Streets

Table 18.31.240(6). Standards for Type IV Streets
Element	Standard
Sidewalks	West of Wax Road, sidewalks shall consist of a minimum 12 feet wide multi-purpose pathway for walking and bicycling. East of Wax Road, sidewalks shall consist of a minimum 8 feet wide clear passageway for walking. Alternatively, a minimum 14 feet wide multi-purpose pathway on one or both sides of the street.
Curb cuts	To ensure smoother, more organized traffic movements and less disruption of pedestrian movement, curb cuts shall: • Be no more than 30 feet wide. • Not allow additional curb cuts. Consolidation of curb cuts shall take place where possible and access should be off secondary streets where possible. This shall not preclude access to a property, however. • Not interrupt the paving material or grade of the sidewalk. The sidewalk paving shall be continuous.
Curb bulbs	Not required.
Amenity area	West of Wax Road, the amenity area shall consist of a minimum 8 feet zone behind the curb. Street trees and landscaping shall be arranged to create a significant visual buffer from the roadway. Sidewalk lighting and furnishings are required within the amenity area. East of Wax Road, the amenity area shall consist of a minimum 5.5 feet wide zone behind the curb. Sidewalk lighting and furnishings are required within the amenity area.
Bike facilities	West of Wax Road, sidewalks shall consist of a minimum 12 feet wide multi-purpose pathway for walking and bicycling. East of Wax Road, a minimum 5 feet wide bicycle lane shall be included on both sides of the street where designated in the comprehensive plan transportation element or as determined by the Director of Public Works. Protected bike lanes with buffers from parking and travel lanes are encouraged. Alternatively, a minimum 14 feet wide multi-purpose pathway on one or both sides of the street.
Trees	Trees should be planted within the street right-of-way or utility easement at the rate of one tree every 25 feet of street frontage. Trees may be spaced at irregular intervals to accommodate sight distance requirements for driveways and intersections. Trees shall be a species approved by the City and compatible with overhead utility lines, if present.
Roadway	West of Wax Road, the roadway should consist of three travel lanes in each direction, with the outer lanes restricted to business access and transit (BAT) use. East of Wax Road, the roadway should consist of two travel lanes in each direction.
Median/turning lane	Where left turn movements need to be specifically accommodated, planted medians with turn pockets are encouraged rather than a continuous center turn lane.
Parking	Not allowed.

(a) Applicability. The traditional alley is a design option to help serve service and access elements for new development.

(b) Minimum 28 feet wide public access easement.

(c) Minimum 24 feet wide pavement and travel way featuring asphalt, concrete, unit paving, or other similar decorative and durable surface material.

(d) Refer to the Covington Design and Construction Standards for other requirements.

Figure 18.31.240(7). Cross-Section of Minimum Standards for an Alley