Standards for blocks in subdivisions shall be as follows:

A.

Where possible, blocks shall be laid out to have their short length abutting arterials, collectors, or the development's major road. The length, width and shape of blocks should be determined with due regard to the provision of adequate sites for buildings of the type proposed, zoning requirements, topography, emergency services, utilities, and interconnection to adjacent parcels.

B.

Blocks should be, at minimum, such width as will provide two (2) tiers of lots, except where reverse frontage lots are located along an arterial or collector street or where such an arrangement is prevented by size, topographical conditions or other inherent site conditions of property, as determined by the Department.

C.

Blocks for commercial, office and industrial areas. Elements of design contained in this Section may vary if the nature of the use requires other treatment. In such cases, safe and convenient multi-model access to the street system shall be required. Space for off-street parking also may require similar access for employees and customers. Extension of streets and utilities should be provided as necessary.

D.

Blocks for residential, commercial, office or mixed-use style subdivisions or developments.

1.

A grid or other formal system is desired in which open spaces are integrated into the block design. Exceptions would be made for green spaces along drainage or stream channels, or where other natural resources make the grid difficult or cost prohibitive.

2.

Alleys are considered desirable in areas where lot sizes are less than twenty thousand (20,000) square feet in area. Where possible, alleys should be used to provide increased vehicular, bicycle, and pedestrian circulation and access, provide areas for utility installation, and allow interconnections to adjacent parcels.

3.

No sides less than two hundred forty (240) feet in length and no sides greater than six hundred (600) feet in length with a maximum perimeter of one-thousand eight hundred (1,800) feet shall exist. These distances will be measured from either right-of-way and parcel lines or development envelopes as appropriate.

4.

Shared use pathways may be placed generally perpendicular to the longest block dimension at mid-block in lieu of a street or roadway, with the approval of the Department. Landscaping along mid-block shared use pathways shall be provided as required by this Chapter.

E.

For development along designated byways, modifications to block design will be permitted for scenic viewshed protection where conservation design is utilized.

(Ord. No. 97-172, § 3(ch. 13, § 20.210), 12-31-1997; Ord. No. 09-037, § 1, 10-13-2009; Ord. No. 18-021, § 17, 7-10-2018; Ord. No. 22-072, § 8, 10-11-2022)