This article sets out the minimum requirements and standards for construction of subdivisions and other land development projects, including general principles of design and layout and requirements for such public facilities as streets and utilities.

While building officials examine land development project plans for compliance with the technical codes and all other pertinent laws or ordinances, the owner shall ultimately remain responsible for the design of the project. Notwithstanding the building official's role in accepting and approving submissions specified in this ordinance, the owner is not entitled to rely on approval from the county of any documents as evidence that the plans are all internally consistent or compliant with applicable health and safety codes and standards. Nothing herein is intended to create an actionable duty on the part of the building officials.

(Ord. of 10-13-2020)

(a)

The Standard Design Specifications of Barrow County, also referred to in this Development Code as "standard details", as adopted by the board of commissioners and as may be amended from time to time are incorporated into this Development Code as though set forth within the body of this Development Code. In the case of a conflict between the standard design specifications and the text of this Development Code, the text of this Development Code shall control.

(1)

Traffic signs and street striping. The installation of all traffic control signs and street striping shall be governed by the standards contained in the "Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices", latest edition, published by the Federal Highway Administration of the U.S. Department of Transportation.

(2)

Georgia DOT standard specifications. Unless otherwise specially set forth in this Development Code or the Standard Design Specifications of Barrow County, all of the materials, methods of construction, and workmanship for the work covered in reference to street construction and storm drainage construction shall conform to the latest standard specifications of the Georgia Department of Transportation.

(3)

AASHTO design standards. Design criteria and standards not specifically set forth herein shall conform to the latest edition of the AASHTO Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets.

(4)

Stormwater management. The design, construction, operation and maintenance of the stormwater system, including stormwater detention facilities and all conveyances whether piped or open, shall conform to the provisions of the current edition of the "Georgia Stormwater Management Manual."

(Ord. of 10-13-2020)

In the interpretation and application of the provisions of these standards, the following shall govern:

(a)

Governing standards. Whenever a provision of these standards or any provision in any law, ordinance, resolution, rule, or regulation of any kind contains any restrictions covering any of the same subject matter, the standards that are more restrictive or impose higher standards or requirements shall govern.

(b)

Prior acceptance of construction plans. Barrow County shall not modify or alter any development plans that have been filed with and accepted by the county prior to the effective date of this Development Code. This exception shall be subject to the conditions and limitations under which said plans were accepted by the county.

(Ord. of 10-13-2020)

(a)

Request for design exception. When unique conditions and circumstances exist on a project, the developer's engineer may submit a request for design exception in a format provided by the director of public works. Design exceptions request should be identified as early as possible during the design process. The director of public works is the approval authority for design exceptions.

(b)

Field changes. Minor changes in construction plans caused by field conditions shall be made at the direction of the director of public works with the cost of such changes to be paid by the developer. All changes are to be documented as revisions to the approved development plans and correctly shown on the as-built surveys. Discrepancies between the as-built surveys and the approved development plans may result in delays in approving final plats or certificates of occupancy.

(Ord. of 10-13-2020)

(a)

Suitability of the land.

(1)

Land physically unsuitable for subdivision or development because of flooding, poor drainage, topographic, geologic or other such features that may endanger health, life or property, aggravate erosion, increase flood hazard, or necessitate excessive expenditures of public funds for supply and maintenance of services shall not be approved for subdivision or development unless adequate methods are formulated by the developer for solving the problems. Such land shall be set aside for such uses as shall not involve such a danger.

(2)

Land within a proposed subdivision or development that is unsuitable for development shall be incorporated into common open space areas or into the buildable lots as excess land. Lots that do not comply with the requirements of this Development Code are prohibited.

(b)

Conservation.

(1)

Development shall be planned, designed, constructed and maintained to avoid substantial probabilities of:

a.

Accelerated erosion.

b.

Pollution, contamination, or siltation of lakes, rivers streams, and other water bodies.

c.

Damage to vegetation.

d.

Injury to wildlife and fish habitats.

(2)

Development shall be planned, designed, constructed and maintained to provide open space and to create a man-made environment for human use or occupancy compatible and harmonious with the natural environment and specific consideration shall be given to the preservation of natural topography, to preservation of existing vegetation, to retention of major land forms and to preservation of important vistas.

(c)

Conformance to the comprehensive plan and other adopted plans. In addition to the requirements established herein, all subdivisions and individual development projects shall comply with the following laws, rules and regulations:

(1)

All proposed subdivisions and individual development projects shall conform to the comprehensive plan and development policies in effect at the time of submission to the Planning and Community Development Department.

(2)

All highways, major thoroughfares, streets and other transportation facilities shall be platted by the developer in the location and to the dimension indicated on the comprehensive plan or the transportation plan, whichever is the most recently adopted or amended.

(3)

When features of the comprehensive plan or other plans adopted by the board of commissioners (such as schools or other public building sites, parks or other land for public uses) are located in whole or in part in a subdivision, such features shall be either dedicated or reserved by the subdivider for acquisition within a reasonable time by the appropriate public agency.

a.

Whenever a plat or site plan proposes the dedication of land to public use that the planning and community development director finds not required or suitable for such public use, the planning and community development director shall refuse to approve the plat or site plan. The director's opinion may be appealed to the board of commissioners.

b.

Whenever a plat or site plan proposes the dedication of land to public use that the board of commissioners finds to be not required or suitable for such public use, the board of commissioners shall refuse to accept the dedication.

(4)

In subdivisions or developments related to or affecting any state or U.S. numbered highway, the Planning and Community Development Department shall require the approval of the Georgia Department of Transportation.

(5)

Any and all rules of the county health department, the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (formerly the Soil Conservation Service), and all other appropriate state and federal agencies.

(d)

Name of subdivision or development project. The name of each subdivision or development project must have the approval of the Planning and Community Development Department. The name shall not duplicate nor closely approximate the name of an existing subdivision or development project in Barrow County or any of its cities.

(1)

Street names.

a.

Proposed streets obviously in alignment with other existing and named streets shall bear the names of the existing streets. In no case shall the name for a proposed street duplicate existing street names in Barrow County or any of its cities, irrespective of the use of a suffix such as: street, avenue, boulevard, road, pike, drive, way, place, court or other derivatives. In the same development, the root name may reoccur four times.

b.

Root names shall consist of no more than 20 characters including spaces and punctuation marks.

(2)

Approval of street names for new subdivisions. All new subdivision streets must have proposed street names viewed and approved. New street names must be shown on the final plat and recorded as such. To obtain approval of a proposed street name, you must submit a list of names to the GIS department before steps are taken to receive a development permit or before using on any plats or documents. Names will be reviewed against established criteria. If acceptable, they will be placed on a "reserved list". If disapproved, you will be given an explanation of the disapproval. Street names will be verified on both preliminary and final plats to make sure that no changes have taken place. Once the final plat is recorded, street names become permanent and are so noted on all records.

(3)

Approval of subdivision names for new subdivision. As with new street names, new subdivision names must also be reviewed and approved. Names must be submitted to GIS before steps are taken to acquire a development permit or before using on any plat or document. Names will be reviewed against established criteria and if acceptable, will be placed on a "reserved list". Once the final plat is recorded, subdivision names become permanent and are so noted on all records.

(4)

Street addresses.

a.

All developments, commercial or residential, must be assigned a street address after the issuing of a septic permit and building permit. This gives confirmation that the lot is buildable.

b.

All new subdivisions are assigned addresses right before final plat approval. Environmental health signature is required on the plat before addresses are issued. Submit two copies of the plat to the GIS department for assignment of addresses.

(e)

Alleys. Alleys shall only be allowed as an intrinsic element of a particular development design, such as providing access to rear-entry garages in a subdivision, and must be approved as part of the project approval process contained in the Procedures and Permits Article of this Development Code.

(f)

Blocks.

(1)

Design guidelines. The lengths, widths, and shapes of blocks shall be determined with regard to:

a.

Provision of adequate building sites suitable to the special needs of the type of use contemplated.

b.

Zoning requirements as to lot size and dimensions.

c.

Needs for convenient access, circulation, control and safety of street traffic.

d.

Limitations and opportunities of topography.

(2)

Length.

a.

Unless otherwise approved by the planning and community development director under unusual circumstances, block lengths shall not exceed 1,200 feet nor be less than 400 feet in length.

b.

In blocks greater than 1,200 feet in length, the planning and community development director may require one or more public easements of not less than 20 feet in width to extend entirely across the block for pedestrian crosswalks, fire protection or utilities.

c.

Width: Blocks shall be wide enough to allow two rows of lots, except as follows:

1.

Where reverse frontage lots on major thoroughfares are provided, or where abutting upon limited access highways or railroads;

2.

When prevented by topographic conditions or size of the property;

3.

Lots along the periphery of the subdivision; or

4.

Other situations make this requirement impractical, in which case the planning and community development director may approve a single row of lots.

(3)

Nonresidential blocks. Blocks for other than residential use shall be of such length and width as may be suitable for the prospective use, including adequate provision for off-street parking and service.

(g)

Lots. The lot size, width, depth, shape and orientation, and the minimum building setback lines shall be appropriate for the location of the subdivision and for the type of development and use contemplated and meet all the area and dimensional requirements of this Development Code for the zoning district in which the lots are located.

(1)

Adequate building sites. Each lot shall contain a site large enough for a normal building that will meet all building setback requirements as set forth in this Development Code and not be subject to flood or periodic inundation

(2)

Arrangement. Insofar as practical, side lot lines shall be at right angles to straight street lines or radial to curved street lines (including culs-de-sac).

(3)

Corner lots. Corner lots shall be sufficiently large to permit the location of buildings so as to conform to the front building setback lines on both streets.

(4)

Through (double-frontage) lots.

a.

Except where specifically required to provide reverse frontage separation from a county road or a state or U.S. numbered highway, or to overcome specific disadvantages of topography and orientation of property, through lots (i.e., "double-frontage" lots) are to be avoided.

b.

A no-access easement of at least 25 feet in width, shall be provided along U.S. or state numbered highways and 10 feet in width along all other county roads. Said easement shall contain a planting screen of trees and shrubs, decorative fencing or other landscape treatment as outlined in this Development Code.

(5)

Lot depth restrictions. Lots in any minor subdivision or major subdivision that front exclusively on, or gain their access from, an existing county road shall have a lot depth no greater than five times the lot frontage. This provision does not apply to any lot that is larger than 25 acres in size.

(6)

Placement of lots. All lots of a new development shall face the interior streets of the development, except where expressly allowed by this Development Code, such as minor subdivisions.

(7)

Grading of lots.

a.

Maximum graded earthen slope shall not be steeper than 2½:1.

b.

Walls providing grade separation greater than two feet in height shall be designed by a registered design professional and subject to inspection by the building inspector.

c.

When a development incorporates step walls, then a registered design professional shall design wall system.

Table 10.1: Slope Height

(h)

Areas reserved for future development. If any portion of a tract is reserved for future subdivision development, the minimum lot width and frontage of the reserved area may be reduced to the width required for a future street to serve such area.

(1)

Such a reserved area must be labeled "reserved for future development" on the final subdivision plat, and the portion of the lot where a street will be built must be labeled "future street".

(2)

Such a reserved area will not be eligible for issuance of a building permit unless the lot meets all requirements of this Development Code, including minimum lot width and frontage requirements of the applicable zoning district.

(i)

Plats straddling political boundaries. Whenever access to a subdivision is required across land in another governmental jurisdiction, the planning and community development director may request assurance from the county attorney, and/or the other county agency that access is legally established, and that the access road is adequately improved. In general, lot lines shall be laid out so as to not cross jurisdictional boundary lines.

(Ord. of 10-13-2020)

(a)

Minor subdivisions. By definition, a minor subdivision does not involve the construction of major public improvements, such as new streets or stormwater detention. However, the following improvements are required in order to adequately serve the lots and protect the safe operation of the existing road:

(1)

Right-of-way shall be dedicated along the property's frontage from the centerline of the existing road equal to one-half of the minimum requirement for the classification of the road, as established in this article.

(2)

The potential location of a driveway connection serving each lot and meeting the requirements of these development regulations shall be indicated on the final subdivision plat.

(3)

The stormwater carrying capacity of the road, whether in an existing ditch or gutter, shall not be compromised. If the stormwater characteristics of the existing road are inadequate to accommodate the new lots, the director of public works may require improvement of the roadway ditch as appropriate.

(4)

Survey monumentation shall be provided in accordance with section 89-1181.

(5)

A natural resource easement is to be provided along any perennial stream or water impoundment in accordance with the requirements for greenways under the Environmental Protection Article of this Development Code.

(b)

Major subdivisions, multi-family and nonresidential developments. The following improvements shall be provided by the developer or at the developer's expense in every major subdivision or individual multi-family or nonresidential development in accordance with the requirements and standards contained in this article.

(1)

Survey monumentation in accordance with section 89-1181.

(2)

Dedication of easements as set forth under section 89-1182.

(3)

Streets providing access to such a development and to all lots in such a subdivision, including the extension of streets required to provide access to adjoining properties, in accordance with section 89-1183.

a.

Streets contained wholly within such a subdivision shall be improved to the full standards contained in this article. Existing streets that adjoin such a development shall be improved to the minimum standards from the centerline of the street along the development's frontage.

b.

Curb and gutter where required along all roadways.

c.

Dedicated right-of-way along existing streets.

(4)

Street name signs, stop bars, striping and traffic control signs as approved by the county shall be paid for by the developer and installed by the Barrow County Road Department in accordance with section 89-1184.

(5)

Street lights, if desired, in accordance with section 89-1185.

(6)

Driveway access to each lot under the provisions of section 89-1186.

(7)

Deceleration and turn lanes, if required under section 89-1187.

(8)

Sidewalks, if required under subsection 89-1187(b)(7).

(9)

Stormwater drainage and detention facilities in accordance with section 89-1190.

(10)

Public or private water supply as required under section 89-1192.

(11)

Public or private sanitary waste disposal as required under section 89-1193.

(c)

Improvement guarantees. At the option of Barrow County, the developer may be required to provide to the county financial security to guarantee the installation of project improvements required in this article. The developer's financial guarantee shall be as provided for in section 89-1252(e). The guarantee shall be in an amount sufficient to secure the full costs, as determined by the Barrow County Director of Public Works, of the construction cost of the improvements, based on the most recent edition of Georgia Department of Transportation "Item Means Summary" or other comparable standardized cost estimation procedure.

(d)

Guarantee in lieu of completed improvements. No final subdivision plat shall be approved by the county until one of the following conditions has been met:

(1)

All required improvements have been constructed or funded in a satisfactory manner and approved by the director of public works; or

(2)

The public works director has received a guarantee, as provided for in section 89-1252(e), in the amount of 150 percent of the estimated cost of installation of the required improvements, and has approved an executed contract as appropriate for installation of the improvements by a qualified contractor.

a.

The improvements funded through the guarantee shall include final pavement topping for streets, grassing of street shoulders, landscaping, sidewalks, street and parking lot striping, and all other improvements required by this Development Code.

b.

The executed contract shall call for completion of the grassing, landscaping and striping improvements within nine months of approval of the final subdivision plat, and for completion of final street topping and sidewalks prior to the end of the maintenance surety period. See the maintenance surety provisions of Land Development Activities, article 11 of this Development Code regarding the maintenance surety period.

(Ord. of 10-13-2020)

(a)

All property surveys shall be marked at corners and other pertinent points of reference in the field with monuments as required under this section, and meeting requirements of the Georgia law regarding the recordation of maps and plats (O.C.G.A. § 15-6-67) and additional requirements of the procedures and permits article of this Development Code regarding final plats. Horizontal control shall be based on the Georgia State Plane, and vertical control shall be based on the North American Vertical Datum (NAVD) (formerly known as the National Geodetic Vertical Datum (NGVD)).

(1)

Exterior development boundaries.

a.

An iron pipe or ½-inch iron pin at least 24 inches long shall be placed at all corners of the exterior boundaries of the subdivision or development project being developed and shall be driven no less than one inch above the finished grade.

b.

Existing permanent monuments that, in the professional opinion of a registered land surveyor, are of sufficiently durable construction shall be marked and maintained.

(2)

Lot and street corners.

a.

All other street or lot corners shall be marked with an iron pipe or ½-inch iron pin at least 24 inches long and driven flush or no more than one inch above the finished grade.

b.

All such monuments shall be properly set in the ground and shall be approved by a registered land surveyor prior to the time of final plat approval.

(Ord. of 10-13-2020)

(a)

Utility easements.

(1)

Utility easements for private utilities shall be avoided except in cases where no other satisfactory arrangements can be provided for the installation of private utilities.

(2)

Whenever it is necessary or desirable to locate a public utility line outside of the street right-of-way, the line shall be located in an easement dedicated to the county (or other appropriate public entity) for such purpose. Easements for water and sanitary sewers shall be a minimum of 20 feet wide, and may be required to be wider depending on the depth of cut to maintain a 1:1 open cut slope. When warranted, temporary construction easements widths shall be as required by the county.

(3)

Easements for sanitary sewers may be required by the director of public works for future extension of lines, whether or not the subdivision or development is currently proposed to be served by public sewer.

(b)

Pedestrian easements. Pedestrian easements, not less than ten feet wide, may be required where deemed essential to provide circulation, or access to schools, playgrounds, shopping centers, transportation, and other community facilities.

(c)

Drainage and access easements.

(1)

Publicly dedicated drainage easements for improved ditches, pipe construction, and detention facilities shall be cleared, opened, and stabilized at the time of development to control surface water runoff. Runoff slopes and side slopes shall be specified by the developer's engineer according to good engineering practices.

(2)

Publicly dedicated drainage easements shall be provided where a development is traversed by or contains a watercourse, impoundment, detention pond, floodplain, natural stream or channel. It shall conform substantially to the flooding limits of the 100-year storm along such natural drainage feature, but shall not be less than 20 feet in width.

(3)

A publicly dedicated drainage easement is to be provided along any manmade drainage channel or drainage pipe located outside a street right-of-way. All drainage easements shall be calculated as the pipe diameter plus two feet plus two times the depth, rounded up to the nearest five-foot interval, but shall be no less than 20 feet wide.

(4)

Drainage easements outside of the street right-of-way shall be clearly defined on the final plat with dimensions or bearings and distances as appropriate. Approval of a plat by the county shall not constitute acceptance of any easement indicated on the plat by the county; absent express acceptance by the county all easements shall be considered dedicated to the public and not accepted by the county. The property owner will be required to maintain and keep the publicly-dedicated easement free of obstruction in such a way as to assure the maximum designed flow at all times. The property owner shall not alter any drainage improvements without the prior approval from the county.

(5)

Barrow County may access and maintain, but assumes no responsibility to maintain publicly-dedicated easements, natural or artificial drains, pipes, and other structures beyond the extent of county property and county-accepted drainage easements. Barrow County assumes no responsibility for the extension of culverts beyond the point shown on the approved and recorded plan.

(d)

Conservation and natural resource easements. Conservation and natural resource easements, as may be required by this Development Code shall be clearly defined on the plat and deed of the individual property owner, and must conform to the requirements set out for such easements in the environmental protection article of this Development Code.

(e)

Overlapping easements. Easements for water, sanitary sewers and drainage purposes may be combined, but must be a minimum of 30 feet if in combination. Any easement containing more than one pipe must provide at least ten feet beyond the pipe and the pipes must be at least ten feet apart (measured on center). Wider easements shall be required when necessary to maintain a 1:1 open cut slope to each pipe.

(a)

Access.

(1)

Each building shall be located on a lot or parcel that abuts a public street or a private street approved by the county, or has access to a public street by means of a recorded access easement as provided for in this Development Code.

(2)

Every development and every major subdivision shall have access to the public street system via a paved road. A building permit shall not be issued unless a publicly dedicated street or an approved private street provides continuous paved road access between the property and the public street system. See subsection (g) below.

(3)

A building permit shall not be issued on any property that does not front on or have approved access to a publicly dedicated street or an approved private street, in accordance with the minimum lot frontage and access easement provisions of this Development Code.

(4)

When land is subdivided into larger parcels than ordinary building lots, such parcels shall be arranged and designed so as to allow for the opening of future streets and to provide access to those areas not presently served by streets.

(5)

No subdivision or development shall be designed in a way that would completely eliminate street access to adjoining parcels of land.

(6)

Reserve strips which control access to streets, alleys and public grounds shall be prohibited unless their control is placed in the hands of the county under ownership, dedication, or easement conditions approved by the county attorney and the planning and community development director.

(7)

Subdivision streets that intersect a state or U.S. numbered highway, a county arterial or county collector road shall do so at intervals of not less than 800 feet, or as required by the Georgia Department of Transportation, whichever is greater. On all other roads, at least 300 feet must separate street intersections on the same side of the road, measured centerline to centerline. Compliance with sight distance requirements of this Development Code may require greater distances between street intersections.

(b)

Street classifications. Streets are classified according to the function that they serve, the type, speed, and volume of traffic they will carry and the required standards of design. The classifications of streets and roads are as follows, and as may be shown on the latest adopted or amended Barrow County Thoroughfares: Functional Classification System Map:

(1)

Principal arterials. These roads, which include interstates and rural freeways; serve "substantial" statewide or interstate trips, as defined by high mileage or volume; connect most urban areas of 25,000 or more and virtually all urban areas of 50,000 or more; and provide an integrated network without stub connections except where geography dictates otherwise.

(2)

Minor arterials. With the principal arterial system, these roads form a rural network that links other cities, larger towns, and other traffic generators, such as major resort areas, capable of attracting travel over long distances; links all developed areas of the state; and serve corridors with trip lengths and travel density greater than those predominantly served by rural collector or local systems. Minor arterials therefore constitute routes whose design should be expected to provide for relatively high overall travel speeds, with minimum interference to through-movement.

(3)

Major collectors. These roads, with minor collectors, primarily serve the county rather than state traffic. Consequently, more moderate speeds are typical. They serve any county seat or larger town not on an arterial route, and other traffic generators of equivalent intra county importance, such as consolidated schools, shipping points, county parks, and important mining and agricultural areas; link the latter places with nearby larger towns or cities, or arterials and freeways; and serve the more important intra county travel corridors.

(4)

Minor collectors. Serving county-wide traffic, these roads should evenly collect traffic from local roads and bring all developed areas within a reasonable distance of a collector road; provide service to the remaining smaller communities; and link the locally important traffic generators with the hinterland.

(5)

Local roads. These roads serve primarily to provide access to adjacent land and serve low-mileage trips as compared to collectors or other higher systems. Local roads constitute the rural mileage not classified as part of the principle arterial, minor arterial, or collector systems.

(c)

Extension of existing streets.

(1)

The street pattern within a development or subdivision shall provide for the continuation or appropriate projection of the existing street pattern or anticipated development, if any, at the same or greater width, but in no case less than the required minimum width. Topography, natural features such as streams and tree growth shall be considered.

(2)

Existing streets shall be connected and extended within the limits of a new development. However, streets or portions of streets adjacent to a proposed nonresidential or multi-family use, which are developed and are being used exclusively for residential access shall not be connected, extended or in any way provide access to a nonresidential or multi- family use. In addition, private drives which provide access to a nonresidential or multi-family use shall not be permitted in any residential district.

(3)

If the county determines that the roadway should be improved to a standard greater than its current use, due specifically to the traffic that will be generated by the subdivision or development project, the developer shall provide or pay the cost of the additional materials and labor due to the increased use.

(4)

All right-of way required for off-site improvements shall be acquired by the developer at no expense to Barrow County. If the developer is unable to acquire the right-of-way, the Barrow County Attorney shall initiate acquisition proceedings, at the expense of the developer, after authorization by the Barrow County Board of Commissioners.

(5)

Access to adjoining property.

a.

Where, in the opinion of the planning and community development director, it is necessary to provide for access to adjoining property, proposed streets shall be extended by dedication of right-of-way to the boundary of such property and existing streets through the development.

b.

Where no street exists or where the adjoining property is in alignment with a proposed street, a temporary turnaround shall be provided at the boundary of the property.

(6)

Subdivisions shall be laid out so as to discourage through traffic on local streets. However, the provision for the extension and continuation of arterial and collector streets into and from adjoining areas is required.

(7)

Where a subdivision abuts or contains an existing or proposed arterial street, the Planning and Community Development Department shall require marginal access streets, single tier lots, or such other treatment as will provided protection for abutting properties, reduction in the number of intersections with the arterial street, and separation of local and through traffic.

(d)

Design standards for streets.

(1)

Arterial streets. All state or U.S. numbered highways shall meet all design requirements of and be approved by the Georgia Department of Transportation. All county arterials that are not state or U.S. numbered highways shall meet all design requirements of this Development Code.

(2)

Local and collector streets. All local and collector streets shall comply with the design and construction requirements of this Development Code, except that all state or U.S. numbered highways shall meet all design requirements of and be approved by the Georgia Department of Transportation.

(3)

Minimum width of right-of-way. Minimum width of right-of-way measured from lot line to lot line shall be as shown on Table 10.2. Additional right-of-way may be required to accommodate turn lanes, deceleration lanes or other road improvements.

Table 10.2: Minimum Right-of-Way Width

* Per Georgia DOT for state and U.S. numbered highways.

(4)

Additional right-of-way.

a.

Subdivisions that include an existing street that does not conform to the minimum right-of-way requirements of this Development Code shall provide additional width along one or both sides of such street or road so that the minimum right-of-way required by this article is established if lots front on the existing street. Subdivisions abutting only one side of such a street or road shall provide a minimum of one-half of the right-of-way required by these regulations measured from the center of the existing right-of-way.

b.

When a future street or road, as proposed in the comprehensive plan, adjoins or traverses the subdivision or development project, the future right-of-way shall be platted as part of the subdivision or development project. No development will be allowed within the platted future right-of-way except for drives and landscaping, and the platted future right-of-way is to be treated as a lot line for the provision of all setback lines as required by this article. The developer will be contractually bound to the county to sell this strip of land to the county at a future date, for the amount stated in the tax digest. A right-of-way agreement shall be executed prior to issuance of a development permit.

(5)

Street grades.

a.

Maximum grades for proposed streets by street classification shall be as shown on Table 10.3. Design exceptions must be justified and approved by the director of public works.

b.

All streets shall have a minimum grade of 1.5 percent. Minimum grade on culs-de-sac shall be 1.5 percent.

c.

Maximum grade across a cul-de-sac turnaround shall be six percent.

d.

Grades at 12 percent shall not exceed a length of 200 feet; greater lengths are subject to approval by the public works director.

Table 10.3: Street Grades and Design Speed*

(6)

Minimum design speeds. Street improvement requirements not otherwise addressed in this Development Code shall be designed to the minimum design speeds shown on Table 10.3.

(7)

Vertical alignment of streets. In approaches to intersections, there shall be a suitable leveling of the street at a grade not exceeding three percent and for a distance of not less than 50 feet from the nearest line of the intersecting street.

Table 10.4: Vertical Curves

(8)

Horizontal alignment of streets.

a.

Where a deflection angle of more than five degrees in the alignment of a street occurs, the radius of curvature of the centerline of said street shall be not less than as shown on Table 10.5.

b.

Curved streets shall have a minimum tangent of 50 feet at intersections as measured from the centerline of cross streets. A tangent of a least 200 feet in length shall be introduced between reverse curves on collector streets, and 50 feet on local streets.

c.

Street jogs shall have centerline offsets of no less than 125 feet.

d.

Intersections. All streets shall intersect at no less than 85 degrees, and as near a right angle as possible. The angle of intersection is to be measured at the intersection of the street centerlines. Such intersecting streets shall provide an uninterrupted line of sight from the center point of the intersection for not less than the minimum sight distance required in accordance with this Development Code.

e.

Multiple intersections involving the junction of more than two streets shall be prohibited unless otherwise approved by the director of public works.

f.

Islands at intersections shall be subject to individual approval by the director of public works. In no case shall anything extend more than three feet above the back of the curb within the right-of-way of the intersecting street.

g.

Curb lines at street intersections shall have a radius of curvature of not less than 20 feet. Where the angle of street intersection is less than 90 degrees, a longer radius may be required.

h.

Intersecting street right-of-way lines shall parallel the back of curb of the roadway, and shall be mitered 20 feet along both streets from the point of the right-of-way lines projected to their intersection.

Table 10.5: Horizontal Alignment

* Or per Georgia DOT for state and U.S. numbered highways.

(9)

Minimum sight distance.

a.

Lines of sight shall be provided along street roadways, at street intersections and at driveway intersections in accordance with AASHTO Design Standards, latest edition.

b.

The sight line shall be clear along its entire minimum length and unimpaired by intervening changes in street grade, horizontal alignment or obstructions. Examples of obstructions are vegetation, ground cover, signs, and existing topography.

c.

The design speed for sight distance requirements on existing streets shall be the existing posted speed limit.

d.

Visibility triangle. No fence, structure, sign, planting or other obstruction shall be maintained within 15 feet of the intersection of the right-of-way lines extended of two streets, or of a street intersection with a railroad right-of-way, except as provided in this resolution.

(10)

Dead-end streets (culs-de-sac). Dead-end streets designed to have one end permanently closed shall provide a cul-de-sac turnaround and may be no more than 2,000 feet in length. The county may approve additional length necessitated by topography or property configuration.

a.

Turnaround dimensions.

1.

Culs-de-sac in residential subdivisions with curb and gutter shall terminate in a circular turnaround having a minimum right-of-way of at least 114 feet in diameter, and a paved turnaround with a minimum outside diameter of 80 feet to back of curb.

2.

Culs-de-sac in nonresidential subdivisions with curb and gutter shall terminate in a circular turnaround having a minimum right-of-way of at least 138 feet in diameter, and a paved turnaround with a minimum outside diameter of 100 feet to back of curb.

3.

Culs-de-sac in subdivisions with swale ditch drainage shall have a right-of-way radius equal to the right-of-way width. A paved turnaround shall be provided with minimum outside diameter as follows: in residential subdivisions, 80 feet to edge of pavement; in nonresidential subdivisions, 100 feet to edge of pavement.

4.

A dead-end street other than a cul-de-sac shall not be allowed except as a temporary stage of construction of a street that will be extended in a later stage of construction. No building permit shall be issued on any lot that fronts exclusively on such a street until it is extended in a future phase of construction, unless a temporary cul-de-sac is installed, however, if road is not extended by the end of the bonding period then permanent pavement is required. Such limitation shall be noted on each such lot on the final subdivision plat.

(11)

Public access alleys.

a.

Alleys dedicated as public rights-of-way shall not be allowed in multi-family, commercial or industrial developments.

b.

Alleys in residential subdivisions shall not be permitted, unless the alleys are intended to provide rear-access to garages on each lot or otherwise intrinsic and necessary to the design of the subdivision.

c.

When allowed, dead-end alleys shall be provided with a turn-around having a radius of at least 40 feet, a "T-head" turn-around, or other solution acceptable to the director of public works.

(12)

Half streets prohibited. Half streets shall be prohibited. Whenever a street is planned adjacent to the proposed subdivision tract boundary, the entire street right-of-way shall be platted within the proposed subdivision.

(e)

Street improvements. Roadways shall be constructed and paved with top courses meeting the following standards:

(1)

Street base.

a.

Graded aggregate base course. The base course shall consist of mineral aggregate and may be a combination of natural deposit or a blend of the materials specified. All materials are subject to approval by the director of public works. If a blend of materials is used, it shall be blended through a base plant that meets the latest specifications of the Georgia State Highway Department Specification 815.

b.

Street base material shall conform to the thickness as required for the street type on Table 10.6.

c.

For streets without curbs, the base shall extend at least one foot beyond the edge of pavement.

d.

Wherever unsuitable material is found in the subgrade, the unsuitable material shall be replaced with graded aggregate stone or other suitable material approved by the director of public works.

(2)

Pavement topping.

a.

Minimum width of pavement. The minimum pavement width, measured from edge of pavement to edge of pavement (exclusive of curb and gutters), shall be as required for the street type on Table 10.6

b.

Prime. After the base has been placed, mixed, compacted, shaped, inspected and accepted, it shall be primed with suitable asphaltic materials as specified in Georgia Department of Transportation Specification 412. The director of public works may waive the prime coat requirement depending on conditions at the time of construction.

c.

Roadway binder. After the prime has been inspected and accepted, the roadway or street shall be surfaced with Type "B" binder as required for the street type on Table 10.6.

d.

Tack coat shall be applied on a prepared asphalted road surface according to the requirements of Georgia Department of Transportation Specification 413.

Table 10.6: Street Base and Pavement

* Not including turn lanes, striped medians, etc. Width measured between pavement edges (excludes curb and gutter).

** Per Georgia DOT for state and U.S. numbered highways; AASHTO for all other major thoroughfares.

*** Minor collector interior to a residential development.

e.

Final topping shall consist of asphaltic cement as required for the street type on Table 10.6. No surface treatment pavement as a finished wear surface will be accepted. The director of public works may determine whether Type "E" or "F" must be used for particular residential streets.

f.

If the director of public works approves two-stage paving for residential streets, the developer shall place the binder course on the street but may delay final paving, provided that adequate provision is made for drainage.

1.

Prior to the expiration of the performance period, the binder surface will be cleaned and then tack-coated with suitable asphaltic materials [0.06 gallon of R.C. 70 per square yard] as specified in Department of Transportation Standard Specifications—Construction of Roads and Bridges, most current edition. Only the area to be paved the same day is to be tack-coated.

2.

After the tack coat has been inspected and accepted, the roadway or street shall be surfaced with a minimum 1½ inches of Type "E" or "F" asphaltic concrete wearing surface.

g.

All binder and final topping shall be mixed in an asphalt plant approved by the Georgia Department of Transportation.

(3)

Curb and gutter.

a.

Curb and gutter are required along:

1.

All new commercial and industrial streets.

2.

All new residential subdivision streets except for those subdivisions in which the minimum size of all lots in the subdivision is greater than one acre and the minimum lot width is greater than 150 feet.

3.

Deceleration lanes and travel lane widening in association with new construction on existing county streets and roads, unless waived by the public works director due to hydrology.

b.

Local residential street curbs shall be Portland cement concrete, 6-inch x 24-inch x 12-inch vertical (high-back) or 24-inch roll-type, with a minimum strength of 3,000 psi at 28 days.

c.

Curbs along collectors and local commercial or industrial street curbs shall be Portland cement concrete, 6-inch x 24-inch x 12-inch vertical type only or GDOT standard specification 9032B as determined by the county engineer, with a minimum strength of 3,000 psi at 28 days.

d.

Curbing along streets shall meet the following standards:

1.

Developer's engineer or surveyor shall set line and grade.

2.

Expansion joints (scratch joints) shall be provided at all radius points and at intervals not to exceed 50 feet in the remainder of the curb and gutter.

3.

Centerline stakes shall have finished sub-grade elevations marked (cut or fills acceptable) for inspection before street curb and gutter is installed.

4.

Curb and gutter stakes shall also be set 90 degrees and tangent to curve with centerline, with every corresponding centerline stake, and shall be off set four feet from back of curb. Finished sub-grade elevations (cut or fills acceptable) shall be marked for inspections before curb and gutter is installed.

5.

Developer shall submit to the director of public works a letter prepared by a professional engineer or professional land surveyor before street curb and gutter is installed, indicating that street grades meet county requirements and no change in hydrology, for instances where hydrology has changed then a re-submittal of road alignment and hydrology study is required.

6.

The director of public works shall individually approve special curbing design (center islands, etc.).

7.

Curb and gutter shall be set true to line and grade and finished by skilled workers to the section shown on the plans.

8.

Inferior workmanship or construction methods resulting in unsightly curb and gutter will be cause for rejection of the finished work.

9.

All curbing shall be backfilled and grassed.

10.

Adequate storm drainage structures shall be provided. The curb and gutter shall be constructed so as to present a smooth, even line both horizontally and vertically. There shall be no areas of ponding. After installation, drainage under the curb to side slopes is required, using minimum four-inch diameter pipe sections.

11.

All catch basins on streets with curb and gutter shall be constructed as standard pre-cast catch basins according to GDOT Specification 1033D or 1034D.

e.

A valley gutter may be used across a driveway at its intersection with a street. However, valley gutters shall not be allowed across streets at street intersections unless specifically approved by the director of public works.

(4)

Slopes and shoulder improvements.

a.

On streets with curb and gutter, the shoulders shall slope one-fourth inch to the foot toward the roadway for at least seven feet from back of curb, and no more than one-half inch to the foot for the remainder of the right-of-way width.

b.

At driveway entrances where there is curb and gutter, the driveway shall slope toward the roadway with the elevation of the driveway six inches higher than the gutter at the right-of-way line. Sidewalks shall have a smooth transition, unless variance is approved by the Barrow County Engineering Department.

c.

On streets with swale ditch drainage, the shoulders shall slope three-fourths inch to the foot away from the roadway for at least five feet to the drainage channel. The maximum slope for the drainage channel shall be three feet of run for each one foot of fall, with a minimum depth of two feet.

d.

Slopes outside of the right-of-way shall have a maximum slope of two feet of run for each one foot of fall.

(f)

Private streets.

(1)

Private streets, if approved by the county, shall meet all requirements and standards that apply to public streets.

(2)

The private street shall be located within an access easement no less wide than that required for right-of-way for a similar public street. The access easement shall be recorded as a cross-easement with every lot that the private street serves.

(3)

Apartment and condominium streets and associated storm drainage shall be constructed to the residential public street standards of this Development Code.

(4)

Private streets within any district shall not be used to satisfy the off-street parking requirements of this Development Code, unless adequate paving width is added and the plan is approved by the public works director.

(5)

Owner's release.

a.

At the time of purchasing property that is served by a private street, upon any sale or resale of a property, the purchaser shall acknowledge by execution of a release that the street is private and not maintained by the county, and that maintenance of the street is the responsibility of the owner or other private association or entity identified in the release.

b.

The release is to be prepared using a form acceptable to the county attorney and shall be recorded with the clerk of the superior court.

(6)

Other standards.

a.

A private street subdivision shall meet all other requirements and standards that apply to public subdivisions, such as stormwater runoff and detention requirements, the provision of utilities, and traffic and street name signs.

b.

Private streets shall be denoted as such on the street name signs for each such street. Proposed streets, which are extensions of, or in alignment with, existing or other proposed streets shall have the same name. Street names shall not duplicate or be phonetically similar to existing street names. The county may require a different color than the standard color for the street name sign, or may require that an additional sign be affixed to the street name sign pole indicating that the street is not maintained by the county.

c.

Any gate placed across a private street that limits access to a subdivision or development shall provide for unimpeded access by emergency vehicles, governmental vehicles on official business, and delivery services including the U.S. Postal Service. Accessibility to such gated communities shall comply with all standards and requirements of the county for access activation, and shall be of breakaway construction.

(g)

Substandard streets. No major subdivision, multi-family or nonresidential development project, or minor subdivision requiring paved-road access, shall be approved if the road providing access to the property is substandard, and for the purposes of the UDC, a road shall be considered "substandard" if such road fails to satisfy current county specifications and /or AASHTO standards. If a developer wishes to provide paved-road access to the property at his or her own expense, the following shall apply:

(1)

The street shall be upgraded to a paved roadway from the project entrance to the nearest standard paved road along the primary route of access. Improvements shall, at a minimum, result in a full-section roadway meeting applicable street base and pavement requirements of this article.

(2)

Additional right-of-way and paving shall be required as needed to meet minimum county standards for a local road.

(3)

The developer shall design the road and provide the labor, equipment, and materials required for roadway improvements and necessary drainage improvements.

(4)

All right-of-way required for off-site improvements shall be acquired by the developer and deeded to the county at time of final plat approval.

(5)

If the county desires the roadway to be improved to a standard greater than that for a residential local street, the county shall provide or pay the cost of the additional right-of-way, materials and labor.

(h)

Complete streets standards. The purpose of this section is to assure that new roadway construction and existing roadway improvement projects on Barrow County roadways include consideration for adequate infrastructure, where appropriate and feasible, for bicyclists, pedestrians, users of public transit of all ages and abilities, vehicular and the physically disabled.

(1)

Requirements. An array of facilities and amenities that are recognized as contributing to complete streets, including, but not limited to: street and sidewalk lighting, pedestrian and bicycle safety improvements, access improvements for freight; access improvements in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act; and street amenities shall be provided where practical.

a.

New roadway projects shall accommodate users of all abilities of the transportation system, including pedestrians, bicyclists, users of mass transit, people with disabilities, the elderly, motorists, emergency responders, and adjacent land users.

b.

New roadway projects shall make use of the latest and best design standards, policies, and guidelines.

c.

Complete Streets solutions shall be developed to fit within the context(s) of the community and those solutions shall be flexible so that the needs of the corridor can be met.

d.

New roadway projects shall identify anticipated phases and key milestones of project development.

(2)

Exemptions

a.

Ordinary maintenance activities designed to keep assets in serviceable condition;

b.

Areas that involve a roadway that bicyclists and pedestrians are prohibited by law from using efforts should be made to accommodate bicyclists and pedestrians else-where;

c.

There are extreme topographic or natural resource constraints; and

d.

A reasonable and equivalent alternative already exists for certain users.

(Ord. of 10-13-2020)

(a)

Street name signs.

(1)

Street name signs shall have a green background with white legends mounted on channelized posts. Alternate post material shall be subject to the review and approval of Barrow County.

(2)

The posts and signs will be furnished and installed by the county at all street intersections. The developer (or homeowners' association in the event an alternate signpost is chosen at a later date) shall pay the county's costs.

(b)

Traffic signs.

(1)

Traffic control signs shall be provided by the developer as required to properly and safely handle traffic volumes and movements created by the development.

(2)

Traffic control signs shall conform to the "U.S. Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices", latest edition.

(3)

The county shall install these traffic control signs through payment of fees by the developer.

(c)

Striping requirements.

(1)

All newly constructed streets having four or more lanes (including auxiliary lanes) and existing streets being widened with one or more additional lanes shall be striped or the payment of said striping costs shall be required from the developer by Barrow County prior to the approval of development conformance for the project. The developer is responsible for the condition of striping through the end of the maintenance bond period.

(2)

Striping shall be accomplished with paint meeting Georgia DOT standards conforming to the "Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices".

(Ord. of 10-13-2020)

The board of commissioners shall provide and be responsible for the construction, establishment, maintenance and operation of lighting fixtures for the illumination of public streets, roads, sidewalks and alleyways (collectively referred in this article as "public rights-of-way") situated within the unincorporated area of the county, in the manner and in accordance with the standards set forth in this section. No person shall be permitted to establish lighting of public rights-of-way in any portion of the unincorporated area of the county without first complying with the provisions of this section.

(a)

Street lighting districts. The public works director shall be responsible for administering the street lighting program as set forth in this article and shall:

(1)

Advise prospective petitioners for proposed street lighting districts of the procedures required for the establishment of such districts pursuant to this article.

(2)

Establish the boundaries of proposed street lighting districts in accordance with such criteria and in such manner as the transportation engineer may deem necessary and appropriate.

(3)

Establish an orderly system of numbering street lighting districts created pursuant to this article in conjunction with the county tax assessor and the county tax commissioner.

(4)

Provide standard form petitions for use by prospective petitioners.

(5)

Advise petition originators of estimated assessment rates for owners of property lying within proposed street lighting districts.

(6)

Examine all filed petitions for accuracy and for compliance with the provisions of this article.

(7)

Submit petitions to the board of commissioner's together with estimated assessment rates to owners of property lying within such districts and with such recommendations, as the public works director may deem appropriate.

(8)

Coordinate the installation of lighting fixtures within such districts upon final approval by the board of commissioner's.

(9)

Perform any and all other acts or duties necessary or proper for the attainment of the purposes set out in this article.

(b)

Creation of district; installation of fixtures in proposed subdivisions.

(1)

Petition by property owners.

a.

The owners of residential parcels within either an existing subdivision or a discrete and definable area, or the owners of property lying within an area zoned for purposes other than residential use, may submit to the public works director, for approval, a petition for the creation of a street lighting district wherein lighting fixtures for the illumination of public right-of-way shall be installed and operated.

b.

The petition must contain the signatures of at least 75 percent of the owners of the property lying within the proposed street lighting district in favor of such designation and must contain an accurate description of the property to be included by tax map parcel numbers as the tax map parcel numbers are used by the county tax assessor and the county tax commissioner.

c.

The director of public works shall, within 60 days from the date of approval of the petition, submit such petition to the board of commissioner's for final approval.

d.

If 100 percent of the owners within any such proposed district shall fail to sign such petition, a notice of a public hearing to be conducted by the board of commissioner's shall first be published, in the newspaper in which the county advertisements are usually published, once a week for two weeks immediately preceding the meeting at which the board of commissioner's shall consider the creation of a street lighting district.

(2)

Installation of fixtures in proposed subdivisions.

a.

The owners of property lying within a proposed subdivision of land may, but shall not be required to, construct and install lighting fixtures for illumination of public rights-of-way to be located within such proposed subdivision, subject to the provisions of this section.

b.

A written request for authorization to construct and install lighting fixtures signed by all owners of such property shall be submitted to the public works director on such forms as may be prescribed from time to time by the transportation engineer, together with plans and specifications for such lighting fixtures for approval by the public works director.

c.

Such plans and specifications shall be designed and/or approved by the public utility company which will provide electrical service to the proposed subdivision and shall include, but not be limited to, a preliminary plat of the proposed subdivision showing the location of the lighting fixtures within the subdivision as required by the appropriate public utility and a description of the fixtures, poles and other components approved for use by such utility company.

d.

Upon approval of the plans and specifications by the public works director, such plans, specifications and other required documents, together with the recommendation of the public works director, shall be submitted to the board of commissioner's for final approval.

e.

The construction and installation of such lighting fixtures shall not commence until the board of commissioners has approved such plans and specifications.

(3)

Authority of board of commissioners to create district.

a.

Any other provision of this section to the contrary notwithstanding, the board of commissioners shall be authorized and empowered to create special street lighting districts and provide lighting fixtures in areas in which the board of commissioners has determined that special conditions exist which uniquely affect such areas so as to warrant the creation of such districts and the provision of such lighting fixtures therein.

b.

In making such determination, the special conditions which the board of commissioners may consider shall include but not be limited to public safety, security and welfare and the creation of such street lighting districts shall be upon such terms and conditions and in such manner as the board of commissioners may deem necessary or proper.

c.

A notice of a public hearing to be conducted by the board of commissioners shall first be published, in the newspaper in which county advertisements are usually published, once a week for two weeks preceding the meeting at which the board of commissioners shall consider the creation of a street lighting district pursuant to this section.

(c)

Payment of costs; assessments.

(1)

Generally.

a.

The cost of providing and maintaining service in street lighting districts created pursuant to the article shall be the actual cost of the energy used plus the retirement of any construction costs incurred in the installation of lighting fixtures and an amount equal to ten percent of such sum to cover administrative expenses. Each property owner shall be responsible for and pay his pro rata share of such cost, which shall be prorated among all property owners on the basis of the number of parcels, whether improved or unimproved, owned by each property owner within such district. The construction costs incurred in the installation of lighting fixtures shall be retired in the manner set out by agreement with the public utility or other person to whom the indebtedness is owed.

b.

For purposes of this article, the term "parcel" shall be defined as any single tract of land which falls within any of the zoning classifications as defined by the zoning regulations of the county and shall include both improved and unimproved property.

(2)

Authority of board of commissioners to establish costs. Any other provision of this article to the contrary notwithstanding, the board of commissioners shall be authorized to establish, by resolution duly adopted, the cost of providing and maintaining services in street lighting districts created pursuant to the provisions of this article as the board of commissioners may deem necessary or proper.

(3)

Collection of costs. The tax commissioner shall be responsible for the collection and receipt of monies in payment of the cost of illuminating public rights-of-way from the owners of property lying within each street lighting district. The cost of such service shall be added to the tax statement issued annually to each such property owner. The board of commissioners shall be authorized to establish, by resolution duly adopted, such other manner or method of billing, accounting, collecting and receiving of monies in payment of the cost of providing and maintaining street lighting districts as the board of commissioners may deem necessary or proper.

(d)

Installation and construction standards. The American National Standard Practice of Roadway Lighting of the Illuminating Engineering Society, as approved by the American Standards Institute, as amended from time to time, is hereby adopted as the standard for the installation and operation of lighting in the unincorporated area of the county.

(e)

Contracts for work; authority to grant exceptions.

(1)

The board of commissioner's shall be authorized to enter into and make contracts with public utility companies and other persons for the purpose of carrying out and effecting the provisions of this article.

(2)

The board of commissioner's shall be authorized to grant exceptions to the literal terms of this article where special conditions or hardships exist.

(Ord. of 10-13-2020)

All proposed subdivisions, subdivision lots and other land development projects shall be provided with driveways or development entrances meeting the following requirements.

(a)

Driveway access to a state road. Access onto a state road shall meet Georgia Department of Transportation requirements, except that the entrance must be paved. A copy of the Georgia Department of Transportation permit shall be submitted to the public works director before the plans can be approved.

(b)

Driveway access to a county road.

(1)

Residential lots in any major subdivision shall have no direct driveway access to any existing county, state or U.S. numbered road.

(2)

Reverse frontage lots may be utilized but are not required in major residential subdivisions where direct access to a county road, or to a state or U.S. numbered highway, is not allowed.

(3)

An easement of at least 25 feet in width along a U.S. or state numbered highway or ten feet in width along all other county roads, across which there shall be no right of access, shall be provided in a major subdivision along the line of lots abutting any existing county road. The backs of the adjacent houses must be screened from view as follows:

a.

The easement may retain its natural vegetation if existing trees and understory shrubs will adequately screen the view of the backs of the adjacent houses.

b.

Supplemental vegetation may be added within the easement to provide adequate screening.

c.

The easement may be improved with a landscaped earthen berm of no less than four feet in height.

d.

All driveways, other than those required elsewhere in this Development Code, which access a paved public street, must have a paved pad from the edge of the roadway pavement of no less than 12 feet in length and ten feet in width plus tapers. The design and construction standards must comply with AASHTO. This requirement shall not be varied or waived.

(4)

A common access driveway (or shared driveway) may be allowed by approval of the planning and community development director in order to allow for more efficient traffic flow, to reduce traffic hazards from numerous individual driveways, to consolidate access to lots in cases of environmental impediments (e.g. wetlands), and otherwise where it is determined that a common access driveway will be more advantageous to the community than separate driveways. Where minor subdivision is proposed on a county road with speed limit of 45 miles per hour or greater, a common access driveway shall be required to limit traffic hazards.

(c)

Driveway standards; general.

(1)

A driveway permit is required as outlined in the procedures and permits article of this Development Code for any driveway entering an existing county road.

(2)

Each driveway shall be constructed according to Barrow County standards and in a manner that will not damage the adjacent roadway or hinder use of the adjacent roadway.

(3)

Driveways shall not intersect adjacent roads at an interior angle less than 80 degrees.

(4)

All waters from driveways must enter onto the shoulders of adjacent roads and into the ditch or gutter. No water shall enter onto the adjacent road surface or pavement.

(5)

Any driveway entering on a roadway or street shall be sloped down from the street or roadway at a rate of one-half inch per one foot for a minimum of ten feet (except in major subdivisions).

a.

At the ditchline, the driveway must be lower in elevation than the adjacent roadbed (except in major subdivisions).

b.

The finished driveway surface within the right-of-way where it abuts the adjacent road must be no higher in elevation than the roadbed.

(6)

As far as practical, all driveways must be located and constructed so as to maximize sight distance by those traversing the driveway or the adjacent road.

(7)

In and around the first 50 feet of all driveway culverts, the slope of the land shall be at a grade of no more than three to one so as to enable to county to better maintain the culvert area.

(8)

All driveway culvert pipes shall comply with the materials and installation requirements of this article.

(9)

For common access driveways, the following additional standards shall apply.

a.

Common access driveways shall be of sufficient dimensions so as to provide safe travel for vehicles and insure the safety of pedestrians. Where appropriate, the specific standards set forth below may be modified. The board of commissioners will give consideration to the number of residences on the common driveway, the character of the neighborhood, and the nature of the terrain over which the driveway passes.

b.

Common access driveways shall have an easement width of not less than 24 feet and shall have a paved width of not less than 18 feet.

c.

A three foot wide shoulder shall be constructed along each side of the paved driveway.

d.

The minimum centerline radius shall be 60 feet.

e.

Grades shall not exceed 12 percent and shall not exceed three percent within 50 feet of the street line.

f.

Common access driveways shall not exceed 100 feet in length.

g.

Common access driveways shall not be located nearer than 100 feet from any intersection.

h.

Turnaround space shall be provided at the end of any common access driveway that does not have two intersections with the county road. Such turnaround shall be capable of serving all vehicles including ambulances, fire engines and police vehicles.

i.

Common access driveways shall be completely defined by installing bounds (iron rods or pipes) at each point of change in direction of the easement lines.

(d)

Separation between driveways.

(1)

Residential driveways.

a.

On subdivided lots that access an existing county road, the driveway shall be placed as far as possible from existing road intersections to maximize sight distance, but a minimum of 100 feet from any intersection and 40 feet from another curb cut. When this requirement cannot be met, the director of public works may approve an alternate separation that maximizes both the distance to the intersection and traffic safety considerations.

b.

Minimum separation between driveways along the same side of an arterial or major collector road: 200 feet between centerlines as measured along the roadway edge or back of curb. Sight distance considerations may change this requirement to enhance safety as determined by the director of public works.

(2)

Nonresidential driveways.

a.

Minimum separation from a street intersection: 100 feet from centerline of driveway to nearest right-of-way line of the intersection street, extended. When this requirement cannot be met, the director of public works may approve an alternate separation that maximizes both the distance to the intersection and traffic safety considerations.

b.

For any driveway on a major thoroughfare having a centerline between 100 feet and 200 feet from the intersection street right-of-way, access restrictions may be imposed to avoid traffic hazards.

c.

Greater separation or additional improvements such as a free-right lane, acceleration or deceleration lane, may be required for safe operation.

d.

Minimum separation between driveways along the same side of an arterial or major collector road: 200 feet between centerlines as measured along the roadway edge or back of curb. Sight distance considerations may change this requirement to enhance safety as determined by the director of public works.

e.

Whenever possible, proposed driveways along one side of a street shall coincide with existing or proposed driveways on the opposite side of such street.

(e)

Access easements for driveways. Vehicular driveway access may be provided from a public street via easement in any one or more of the following circumstances:

(1)

The property existed in whole as a legal lot of record prior to the adoption of this Development Code, but does not meet the minimum frontage requirement of the applicable zoning district. The property must be served by an exclusive access easement, which shall be limited to the provision of access to only one principal use or structure on one lot.

(2)

The access easement serves one single-family residence on a lot that is otherwise a buildable lot of record, and which is sharing a common driveway with one other single-family residence, both of which meet the minimum size, frontage, lot width and other requirements of this Development Code.

(3)

The access easement was lawfully established as such prior to the adoption of this Development Code.

(4)

The access easement serves a buildable lot of record that meets the minimum frontage requirements of this Development Code, but from which access cannot be achieved.

(5)

The access easement is established in accordance with a planned common access driveway approved by the planning and community development director.

(f)

Residential subdivision entrances.

(1)

A single entrance road to a subdivision shall serve no more than 99 lots. When more than one entrance is required, the first additional entrance shall be provided to serve up to an additional 150 lots, and each additional entrance thereafter shall be provided for each additional 250 lots. Alternately, or in combination with additional subdivision entrances, improvements such as dedicated left-turning lanes, center turn lanes, merge lanes, signalization, etc., may be required based on the recommendations of a professionally prepared traffic study.

(2)

Entrance streets to a residential subdivision containing 24 lots or more that is accessed from a collector or arterial road shall construct a deceleration lane at each entrance to the subdivision. See section 89-1187, below.

(3)

Residential subdivisions with fewer than 24 lots whose entrance street is on an existing collector or arterial road shall install offset radii and 50-foot tapers.

(4)

A residential major subdivision that is capable of generating 1,000 average daily vehicle trips or more shall be required to submit a traffic study acceptable to the director of public works to determine if additional improvements such as dedicated left-turning lanes, center turn lanes, merge lanes, signalization, etc., are required for safe traffic operations along the county road and at each entrance. If the traffic study determines that further steps should be taken to protect the traveling public, the director of public works shall impose the additional requirements.

(g)

Commercial/industrial subdivision entrances.

(1)

A deceleration lane and any other access improvements as deemed necessary by the director of public works shall be installed at all entrance roads into a commercial or industrial subdivision. See section 89-1187, below.

(2)

The director of public works may require a traffic study to determine if the project's size warrants a center turn lane, longer deceleration lane, an acceleration lane or other improvements. If the traffic study determines that further steps should be taken to protect the traveling public, the director of public works will impose the additional requirements.

(h)

Driveways for multi-family and nonresidential developments.

(1)

Multi-family and nonresidential developments shall install a deceleration lane at each driveway entrance connected to a major collector or arterial street. See section 89-1187, below.

(2)

If a driveway entrance to a multi-family or nonresidential development is less than 200 feet from a street intersection, a continuous travel lane shall be constructed along the property's frontage from the intersecting street to the driveway in lieu of a deceleration lane.

(3)

Service stations and other commercial businesses on corner lots that have frontage on interior subdivision streets shall have access only from the main street.

(4)

The director of public works may require a traffic study to determine if a center turn lane, a longer deceleration lane, an acceleration lane or other improvements will be necessary. If the traffic study determines that the traffic generated by the project and the existing county road warrants it, the director of public works will require the additional improvements or other mitigating measures.

(i)

Sight distances at driveways and project entrances. If the sight distance required by this article cannot be met at a proposed driveway or development project entrance, the developer shall be required to upgrade the existing county road as needed to meet the sight distance requirements in order for the driveway or development project entrance to be approved.

(Ord. of 10-13-2020)

(a)

Median breaks. If the street has an existing or proposed median, and the developer desires to construct a median break to serve the development, a left turn lane leading to the median break shall be provided by the developer meeting the design standards of Barrow County.

(b)

Deceleration and turn lane construction standards.

(1)

Deceleration lanes and turn lanes shall be a minimum length of 150 feet, with an additional 50-foot taper length, and a pavement width of 12 feet (exclusive of curb and gutter). Additional right-of-way to accommodate the deceleration lane or turn lane and a ten-foot shoulder shall be dedicated by the developer to Barrow County. Deceleration lanes and tapers may be required to be of greater length, based on the design speed of the road.

(2)

Curb and gutter along all deceleration lanes and tapers are required, and shall be constructed in accordance with subsection 89-1183(e)(3). The curb and gutter may end at the termination of the full-width section of the deceleration lane unless the existing roadway beyond the deceleration lane has curb and gutter.

(3)

Associated drainage improvements as deemed necessary by the construction of the deceleration or turn lane shall also be required.

(4)

Other project access improvements may be required by the director of public works in addition to or in lieu of a required deceleration lane in order to ensure adequate site access, pedestrian access, convenience and safety to the motoring public, based on a traffic study prepared by a professional engineer for the developer.

(5)

The developer will pay the cost of any catch basins that must be constructed along an existing county road as a result of the deceleration lane.

(6)

All utilities and drainpipes shall be relocated at the developer's expense outside of the deceleration lane.

(7)

In cases involving rock cuts, deep fills or cuts, proximity to floodplain, etc., the requirements of pavement widening for full deceleration lanes may be modified or waived by the director of public works following accepted engineering practice.

(Ord. of 10-13-2020)

(a)

Sidewalks; where required.

(1)

All new commercial and industrial streets shall have continuous sidewalks compliant with this section 89-1188 on both sides of the street, regardless of whether all lots are developed along the street.

(2)

All new residential subdivision streets shall have continuous sidewalks compliant with this section 89-1188 on at least one side of the street, regardless of the number of lots in the subdivision, regardless of the size of the lots in the subdivision, and regardless of whether all lots are developed along the street.

(b)

Sidewalks; where located.

(1)

When required, sidewalks shall be located 18 inches from back of curb and gutter to edge of sidewalk. Where no curbing exists or future road improvements are anticipated, the sidewalks shall be placed in a location acceptable to the director of public works. All new sidewalks shall match and provide a smooth transition to any existing sidewalk. No sidewalk shall be located in any development unless first submitted and approved as part of the development plan.

(2)

Sidewalks, when required by this Development Code or other County ordinance, shall be located on both sides of the street within a subdivision, and along the side of any street that abuts a subdivision or development project.

(3)

Where future road improvements are anticipated, the sidewalks shall be placed in a location acceptable to the director of public works.

(4)

All new sidewalks shall match and provide a smooth transition to any existing sidewalk.

(c)

Sidewalks; construction standards.

(1)

Sidewalks must comply with all requirements of the federal Americans with Disabilities Act.

(2)

Sidewalks shall be a minimum four feet wide and four inches thick.

(3)

Class "B" concrete sidewalks shall be 2,500 psi at 28 days' strength.

(4)

Slope: Sidewalk shall have a one-fourth inch per foot slope toward the street along the width of the sidewalk.

(5)

Height: The edge of the sidewalk nearest the curb and gutter shall be one-half inch higher than the top of the curb and gutter.

(Ord. of 10-13-2020)

All utility work, encroachments, pavement cuts and associated road or lane closures must be reviewed, approved and permitted by the director of public works.

(a)

Location of utilities in streets.

(1)

Above-ground utilities. Street light poles, junction boxes, transformers and other public or private utility structures placed above ground within a street right-of-way must be at least eight feet back from the back of the street curb (or edge of pavement) and one foot back from the edge of any sidewalk, whichever is farthermost from the roadway.

(2)

Underground utilities.

a.

All proposed public underground utilities shall be located within the right-of-way of a public street or within an easement designed for such use.

b.

All electric, telephone, cable TV and other wires shall be placed underground in any major subdivision and in any multi-family or nonresidential development.

c.

Utilities placed underground shall be placed within the right-of-way as shown on the standard details. Where required because of topography, location of existing utilities, or other factors, the director of public works may allow the installation of utilities in other areas.

d.

No private improvements or permanent structures, such as private lawn sprinkler systems, yard lighting, and the like, shall be installed within a public right-of-way except by authorization of the public works director. Such authorization, if issued, shall require the owner to assume all repair costs of the owner's facilities should they become damaged.

(Ord. of 10-13-2020)

(a)

Applicability and exemptions.

(1)

An adequate drainage system, designed in accordance with this section, including necessary ditches, pipes, culverts, drains, inlets, bridges, etc., shall be provided for the proper drainage of all surface water.

(2)

All persons proposing development or construction in the county shall prepare a stormwater management plan. The stormwater management plan shall address the requirements of this section, and the on-site drainage including lot-to-lot drainage and off-site impacts. The stormwater management plan shall also meet the minimum standards of the current edition of the "Georgia Stormwater Management Manual." No final subdivision plat shall be approved and no development or building permit shall be issued until and unless the stormwater management plan has been reviewed and approved by the planning and community development director, except as exempt below.

(3)

Exemptions from storm drainage requirements. The following development activities are exempt from the provisions of this section and the requirement of providing a stormwater management plan:

a.

Agricultural land management.

b.

Additions or modifications to existing single-family detached dwellings.

c.

New construction of single-family detached dwellings on lots that are not included in a major subdivision.

d.

Residential development consisting of single-family houses, each on a lot of two acres or greater.

(b)

Stormwater detention facilities.

(1)

All development plans shall require a hydrology study certified by a registered design professional. If detention has been waived or provided in a previous phase or unit of development then a letter from the design professional with supporting documents shall be provided.

(2)

All stormwater detention facilities shall be designed to detain the one-year storm runoff, for the area draining to the pond, for 24 hours. For the project, this volume called the channel protection volume, shall be equal to or greater than the one-year storm runoff volume from the project. In addition, these facilities shall control the peak flow rates associated with storms having two-year, five-year, ten-year, and 25-year return frequencies so that flows from the developed site do not exceed those associated with predevelopment conditions at the project boundary nor increase the peak flows downstream from the project to the point in the drainage basin where the project area is ten percent of the total basin. Where adverse impacts occur during the 100-year storm, the 100-year storm shall also be regulated.

(3)

To eliminate detention facilities for stormwater, a registered design professional shall evaluate the basin utilizing the ten percent rule as defined in the current edition of the "Georgia Stormwater Management Manual." The design professional shall demonstrate that post-developed peak flows at the ten percent point of analysis are not increased for all storm events up to and including the 25-year storm. Where adverse effects occur for the 100-year storm, the 100-year storm shall also be regulated.

(4)

Non-detained, post development runoff shall leave the project site as sheet flow and will not have an adverse impact on downstream properties.

(5)

Permanent detention facilities, when required, shall be designed so that the following standards shall apply:

a.

The location and size of all proposed stormwater improvements shall be designed in accordance with and meet all standards relating to stormwater management of this Development Code and the current edition of the "Georgia Stormwater Management Manual."

b.

Stormwater detention facilities providing for the storage and controlled release of runoff shall be required for any development activity that will increase the peak rate of discharge by one cubic foot per second or more for the ten-year frequency storm at any point of discharge from the property. All stormwater detention facilities shall be designed to control the runoff volumes associated with storms having two-year, five-year, ten-year and 25-year frequencies and safe overflow for 100-year storm.

c.

The structure shall be constructed such that trash and pollutants are prevented from exiting the pond.

d.

The reservoir routing method or an equivalent method shall be used in sizing detention ponds. (The bowstring method is not acceptable.)

e.

An emergency overflow device (which does not include the throttling device) for a detention pond shall be designed to pass the 100-year peak developed inflow without overtopping the dam.

f.

Pond discharge locations shall be in defined drainage ditches. The developer's engineer shall include in the hydrology study a discussion of existing conditions downstream of the detention pond and an explanation of how downstream property owners will not be adversely affected by the "concentrated" runoff from the project boundary up to and including the ten percent point of analysis.

g.

The steepest fill slopes shall be 3:1. Cut slopes shall be no steeper than 2:1.

h.

The top of the berm shall be a minimum of ten feet wide when 3:1 slopes are used.

i.

Slopes shall be stable under all conditions including maintenance.

j.

Full and living coverage of an approved permanent grass or ground cover devoid of noxious weeds shall be provided.

k.

Fences are required around the perimeter of a detention facility except as provided by paragraph 3 of this subsection.

1.

The fence shall be commercial gage chain link fence of six feet in height with a 12-foot wide two-section gate aligned with the access easement. A ten-foot wide clear area shall be provided outside of the fenced area.

2.

The fence shall be constructed within the drainage easement for a detention pond and enclose the outlet piping.

3.

The director of public works may waive the fencing requirement if the slope of the interior side slopes of the detention facility is no more than 3:1, and the 100-year ponding depth is less than four feet.

4.

The director of public works may waive the fencing requirement in commercial developments when the detention facility is located more than 500 feet from a residential district, or in instances of unusual topography.

l.

A silt gauge, consisting of a durable weather - resistant post, shall be installed and maintained on all normally dry detention facilities and sediment forebays. The post shall be installed at the lowest ground elevation of the detention facility or sediment forebay. The post shall be embedded a minimum of two feet into the ground and extend a minimum of five feet above ground. Numbers and adjacent tick marks must be on the post beginning with the number "1" at one foot above the post installation elevation and thereafter a number tick mark for each corresponding foot. Numbers and tick marks must be clear, readable, weather resistant, and durable. A comparable alternative may be used upon approval of the public works director.

(6)

As part of the hydrological study, the design professional shall complete a downstream analysis in accordance with the current edition of the "Georgia Stormwater Management Manual." Consideration shall be given to the flow capacity of downstream drainage structures from the property line up to and including the ten percent point of analysis. If the downstream system is inadequate, the developer is required to either improve the down stream drainage structure or provide additional storage in the detention facility.

(7)

In approved cases, damming a natural basin with minimal clearing may provide the detention. In such cases:

a.

The required discharge structure opening must be large enough to prevent stoppage from leaves and other debris naturally occurring. Also, the volume should be adequate to account for natural growth of vegetation.

b.

Documentation shall be provided for the natural drainage way that it is not jurisdictional state waters or for an approved Georgia EPD Buffer Variance Application.

c.

Documentation shall also be provided showing compliance with the Clean Water Act Section 404, permitting requirements.

d.

Fencing of natural ponds shall be considered by the director of public works on a case-by-case basis.

(8)

Detention facility location criteria. For purposes of these regulations, a detention facility shall be deemed to consist of the area within the maximum design ponding limits, the dam (if one) including all embankment slopes and wall footings (if applicable), primary and emergency outlet works, any drainage and access easements, and any energy dissipation devices.

a.

In residential subdivisions, any required retention and/or detention areas shall be incorporated into the common areas of the residential development or incorporated into an individually platted parcel, which the homeowners association shall be responsible for its maintenance and continuing operation.

b.

(In nonresidential subdivisions, the detention facility may be located on a separate lot and owned by a property owners' association, which shall be responsible for its maintenance and continuing operation; or located on each lot within the subdivision and constructed when the lot is developed.

c.

In multi-family and nonresidential development projects, separate detention facilities shall be provided for each development. The owner of the property shall be responsible for maintenance and continuing operation of the facility.

d.

The county may approve stormwater detention facilities serving two or more developments, provided that private ownership of the facilities and provisions for their perpetual maintenance and continuing operation are clearly established in a manner acceptable to the county attorney.

e.

No portion of any detention facility shall disturb any required (as opposed to voluntary) buffer not otherwise authorized without first obtaining the required approvals.

(9)

Detention facility easement requirements.

a.

An easement at least 25 feet in width shall be required to provide access to all detention facilities from a public street. This easement shall be cleared, grubbed and/or graded so that it can be utilized by rubber-tired construction vehicles. The easement shall include a 15-foot access drive graded to maximum 15 percent grade. Its location shall be such as to minimize the amount of grading required.

b.

Every normally dry detention basin or detention facility shall be completely enclosed within a drainage easement. The drainage easement shall extend at least ten feet beyond the limits of the detention facility and related facilities including fencing.

(c)

Long-term maintenance and inspection of stormwater facilities and practices.

(1)

Stormwater management facilities and practices must undergo ongoing inspections to document maintenance and repair needs and ensure compliance with the documents approved as part of the permitting process pertaining to those facilities/practices. If no such documents were required to be approved when the facility/practice was installed, the facility/practice must be maintained in good working condition.

(2)

A stormwater management facility or practice shall be inspected on a periodic basis by the owner and/or operator of the subject property or other responsible person named in the applicable stormwater management facility maintenance agreement or plan. Those facilities which are subject to an approved maintenance agreement shall be inspected in accordance with that agreement. In the event that the stormwater management facility has not been maintained and/or becomes a danger to public safety or public health, the stormwater department may notify the person responsible for carrying out the maintenance, or the property owner on which the facility exists, by registered or certified mail. The notice shall specify the need to comply with the agreement, the plan or, in the absence of an agreement or approved plan, standard maintenance practices and shall specify the time within which such measures shall be completed. If the responsible person fails or refuses to meet the requirements of the maintenance agreement or notice as provided herein, the stormwater department may correct the violation as provided in subsection (e) of this section.

(3)

Inspection programs by the stormwater department may be established on any reasonable basis, including but not limited to: routine inspections; random inspections; inspections based upon complaints or other notice of possible violations; and joint inspections with other agencies inspecting under environmental or safety laws. Inspections may include, but are not limited to, reviewing maintenance and repair records; sampling discharges, surface water, groundwater, and material or water in stormwater management facilities; and evaluating the condition of stormwater management facilities and practices.

(d)

Records of maintenance activities. Parties responsible for the operation and maintenance of a stormwater management facility shall provide records of all maintenance and repairs to the stormwater department when requested.

(e)

Failure to maintain. If a responsible person fails or refuses to meet the requirements of the maintenance agreement or the standards contained herein, the stormwater department, after ten days' written notice (except that, in the event the violation constitutes an immediate danger to public health or public safety, immediate action may be taken), may correct a violation of the design standards or maintenance requirements by performing the necessary work to place the facility or practice in proper working condition. The stormwater department may assess the owner of the facility for the cost of repair work which shall be a lien on the property, and may be placed on the ad valorem tax bill for such property and collected in the ordinary manner for such taxes.

(f)

Alternate structural stormwater controls.

a.

All structural stormwater management facilities shall be selected and designed using the appropriate criteria from the current edition of the "Georgia Stormwater Management Manual." All structural stormwater controls must be designed appropriately to meet their intended function. For other structural stormwater controls not included in the current edition of the "Georgia Stormwater Management Manual," or for which pollutant removal rates have not been provided, the effectiveness and pollutant removal of the structural control must be documented through prior studies, literature reviews, or other means and receive approval from the county before being included in the design of a stormwater management system. In addition, if hydrologic or topographic conditions, or land use activities warrant greater control than that provided by the minimum control requirements, the county may impose additional requirements deemed necessary to protect upstream and downstream properties and aquatic resources from damage due to increased volume, frequency, and rate of stormwater runoff or increased nonpoint source pollution loads created on the site in question.

b.

Applicants shall consult the current edition of the "Georgia Stormwater Management Manual" for guidance on the factors that determine site design feasibility when selecting and locating a structural stormwater control.

(g)

Dam design guidelines.

(1)

Any land disturbing activity that involves a site, which proposes a dam, shall comply with the Georgia Safe Dams Act and Rules for Dam Safety as applicable.

(h)

Stormwater management facility maintenance agreement.

(1)

Prior to the issuance of any permit for a land development activity requiring a stormwater management facility or practice hereunder and for which the county requires ongoing maintenance, the applicant or owner of the site must, unless an on-site stormwater management facility or practice is dedicated to and accepted by the county, execute an inspection and maintenance agreement, and/or a conservation easement, if applicable, that shall be binding in perpetuity on all subsequent owners of the site.

(2)

The inspection and maintenance agreement, if applicable, must be approved by the county prior to plan approval, and recorded in the deed records upon final plat approval.

(3)

The inspection and maintenance agreement shall identify by name or official title the person(s) responsible for carrying out the inspection and maintenance. Responsibility for the operation and maintenance of the stormwater management facility or practice, unlessassumed by a governmental agency, shall remain with the property owner and shall pass to any successor owner. If portions of the land are sold or otherwise transferred, legally binding arrangements shall be made to pass the inspection and maintenance responsibility to the appropriate successors in title. These arrangements shall designate for each portion of the site, the entity to be responsible in perpetuity for its inspection and maintenance.

(4)

The terms of the maintenance agreement shall provide for the county to enter the property at reasonable times and in a reasonable manner for the purpose of inspection. This includes the right to enter a property when it has a reasonable basis to believe that a violation of this article is occurring or has occurred and to enter when necessary for abatement of a public nuisance or correction of a violation of this article.

(i)

Water quality treatment applicability.

(1)

The provisions of this article shall be applicable to all land development within the unincorporated area of Barrow County, including, but not limited to, site plan applications, subdivision applications, and grading applications, unless exempt pursuant to subsection b. hereof. The provisions of this article further apply to any new development or redevelopment site that meets one or more of the following criteria:

a.

New development that includes the creation or addition of 5,000 square feet or greater of new impervious surface area, or that involves land disturbing activity of one acre of land or greater;

b.

Redevelopment that includes the creation, or addition of 5,000 square feet or greater of new impervious surface area, or that involves land disturbing activity of one acre or more;

c.

Any commercial or industrial new development or redevelopment, regardless of size, with a Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code that falls under the NPDES Industrial Stormwater Permit program, or is determined by the public works director of the county to be a hotspot land use; or

d.

Land development activities that are smaller than the minimum applicability criteria set forth in subsections (i)(1) and (2) hereof if such activities are part of a larger common plan of development, even though multiple, separate and distinct land development activities may take place in connection with such development at different times on different schedules.

(2)

The following activities are exempt from this article:

a.

Individual single-family or duplex residential lots that are not part of a subdivision or phased development project;

b.

Additions or modifications to existing single-family or duplex residential structures that are not part of a subdivision or phased development project;

c.

Agricultural or silvicultural land management activities within areas zoned for these activities; and

d.

Repairs to any stormwater management facility or practice deemed necessary by the public works director of the county.

(j)

Modifications for off-site facilities.

(1)

The stormwater management plan for each land development project shall provide for stormwater management measures located on the site of the project, unless provisions are made to manage stormwater by an off-site or regional facility. The off-site or regional facility must be located on property legally dedicated for the purpose, must be designed and adequately sized to provide a level of stormwater quantity and quality control that is equal to or greater than that which would be afforded by on-site practices and there must be a legally-obligated entity responsible for long-term operation and maintenance of the off-site or regional stormwater facility. In addition, on-site measures shall be implemented, where necessary, to protect upstream and downstream properties and drainage channels from the site to the off-site facility.

(2)

A stormwater management plan must be submitted to the public works department that shows the adequacy of the off-site or regional facility. To be eligible for a modification, the applicant must demonstrate to the satisfaction of the public works department that the use of an off-site or regional facility will not result in the following impacts to upstream or downstream areas:

a.

Increased threat of flood damage to public health, life, and property;

b.

Deterioration of existing culverts, bridges, dams, and other structures;

c.

Accelerated streambank or streambed erosion or siltation;

d.

Degradation of in-stream biological functions or habitat; or

e.

Water quality impairment in violation of state water quality standards, and/or violation of any state of federal regulations.

(Ord. of 10-13-2020; Ord. of 4-13-2021, § 1)

(a)

Storm drains.

(1)

Sizing and location of all existing and proposed drainage structures shall be the responsibility of a registered design professional subject to approval by the director of public works.

(2)

Storm drainage pipes shall be sloped so as to maintain a minimum velocity of three fps at design flow or lower so that sediment will not collect. Minimum slopes for RCP pipe shall be 0.5 percent, and for CMP pipe shall be one percent.

(3)

State Highway Standard 1030D (or most current) shall be used in determining class (concrete) or gauge of pipe under fill, method of backfilling and pipe installation.

(4)

Drainage formula used in determining size of drainage structure shall be determined by the developer's registered design professional according to accepted engineering practice, subject to approval of the director of public works.

(5)

A registered design professional shall certify the storm drainpipe sizes with supporting calculations verifying capacity of the system.

(6)

The 25-year storm event shall be used in designing the storm drains. In cases where a spring, creek, or other watercourse traverses the property, the 100-year storm event will be used for design. In cases where upstream property drains through the development, the storm drain system passing this flow shall be designed using the 100-year storm event for the area draining to the property. No increase in water surface elevation or ponding shall be allowed on upstream off-site property without consent of the upstream off-site property owner.

(7)

Storm sewer catch basins, drop inlets, manholes, and junction boxes shall be designed by the developer's registered design professional to GDOT State Highway Standard Specifications and subject to final approval by the director of public works. Catch basins shall be located outside of intersection radii unless unusual circumstances cause undue hardship, in which case the director of public works may waive this requirement. Catch basins shall be constructed to GDOT standard specification 1033D or 1034D, as amended.

(b)

Street drainage.

(1)

Street water runoff shall be designed using the gutter spread formula and shall be limited to a maximum spread of eight feet.

a.

Culs-de-sac on downhill street grades shall require catch basin throat design and cul-de-sac grading detail.

(2)

Subdrainage will be installed to control the surplus ground water by intercepting sidehill seepage or by lowering or regulating the ground water level where such conditions exist.

(3)

A certification by the supplier of the pipe specifications for each pipe shall be required before installation.

(4)

(Bridges shall be designed for a 100-year storm event with a minimum freeboard of 1.5 feet measured from the centerline of roadway.

(5)

Provide riprap or other energy dissipation measure at all downstream discharge points of storm drains. The area of riprap or size/configuration of energy dissipation measure required shall be determined using design equations in the current edition of the "Georgia Stormwater Management Manual."

(c)

Cross drain and side drain pipes.

(1)

Cross drain and side drain pipes shall not be less than 18 inches in diameter when under the street. No storm drain pipe running parallel to the existing primary road shall be located beneath the proposed acceleration/deceleration lanes. The director of public works may modify or waive this requirement if unusual circumstances exist such as topography.

(2)

The minimum allowable pipe diameter shall be 18 inches except driveway pipes may be a minimum of 15 inches.

(3)

The inlet and outlet end of all storm drain pipes (except driveway pipe) shall have either flared-end sections or rectangular concrete headwalls that meet the standards of Georgia Department of Transportation 1120 or 1125. Driveway pipe shall have safety flared end sections according to latest GDOT standards.

(4)

Storm drain pipes shall extend 50 feet back from the front building line with a minimum length of 120 feet on the downhill side of the road.

(5)

Maximum continuous length of pipe shall be 200 feet for pipes less than 42 inches. Junction boxes or other manhole structures allowing access shall be installed in pipes longer than 200 feet.

(6)

Junction boxes having access to the pipe shall be constructed to meet the requirements of State Standard 1011A (or most current).

(d)

Stormwater channels. All channels between storm drain pipes and downstream of storm drain pipe shall be designed by a registered design professional. The design plans shall show the velocity, depth and flow quantity for each channels. Stormwater velocity shall not exceed five fps during the 25-year storm event unless the channels are lined with riprap or other energy dissipation materials as approved by the director of public works. In addition, for channels passing flows from upstream properties, the channel shall be evaluated using the 100-year storm.

(e)

Materials and installation.

(1)

Table 10.7 sets out guidelines for the use of storm sewer pipes by pipe material and type of installation.

(2)

All pipe materials shall meet the minimum requirements of the Georgia Department of Transportation's Standard Specification for Construction of Transportation Systems, most current edition.

(3)

Pipe installation shall conform to Georgia Department of Transportation Standard Specifications for Construction of Roads and Bridges. Before any traffic over a storm drain is allowed, the developer shall provide an adequate depth and width of compacted backfill to protect the structure from damage or displacement. The developer shall remove any debris or silt that constricts the flow through a pipe as often as necessary to maintain drainage. All pipe structures shall be cleaned before the work is accepted. Any damage or displacement that may occur due to traffic or erosion shall be repaired or corrected at the developer's expense. Trench construction for storm drainage pipe shall be in accordance with State Highway Standard 1030D (or most current).

(4)

Storm drainage pipe shall be bedded in Type 57 gravel if required due to pipe trench conditions.

(5)

Backfilling of trenches shall be accomplished immediately after the pipe is laid. The fill around the pipe shall be placed in layers not to exceed six inches with each layer being thoroughly compacted. All material shall have an in place density of 98 percent standard proctor to a depth of six inches below the finished grade, and 95 percent standard proctor at depths greater than six inches below the finished grade. Compaction requirements shall be attained by the use of mechanical compaction methods. Each layer of backfill shall be placed loosely and thoroughly compacted in place.

(6)

All backfill shall be non-plastic in nature, free from roots, vegetative matter, waste, construction material or other objectionable material. Said material shall be capable of being compacted by mechanical means and shall have no tendency to flow or behave in a plastic manner under the tamping blows.

(7)

Material deemed by the director of public works as unsuitable for backfill purposes shall be removed and replaced with selected backfill material.

(8)

Water shall not be permitted to rise in trenches that are not backfilled after the pipe has been placed.

(9)

Benching is required in the bottom of all structures. The invert channels shall be constructed as to cause the least possible resistance to flow. The shapes of invert channels shall conform uniformly to inlet and outlet pipes. Inverts may also be precast into the structure.

(f)

Minimum clearances.

(1)

One foot between the bottom of the base or sub-base, if used, and the exterior crown of the culvert are required under the roadway.

(2)

Pipes included in easements shall have a minimum cover of one foot or at the manufacturers' recommendations.

(3)

A minimum of one foot between underground utilities and exterior crown of culverts.

(g)

Driveway culverts.

(1)

Where a wet weather drainage ditch exists between the proposed road and 20 feet into the lot, the design professional shall size the driveway culvert as if the driveway was at the lowest point on that lot. Sizing shall be based on the 25-year storm with one and one half foot of freeboard. The construction plans shall show the minimum driveway pipe size required.

(2)

Driveway culverts in the right-of-way may be any of the types of pipe materials shown on

(3)

Table 10.7 for longitudinal pipe installation.

(4)

The inlet and outlet end of all driveway culverts shall have safety flared-end sections that meet the standards of Georgia Department of Transportation 1120 or 1125.

(h)

Inspections.

(1)

Responsibility for inspection. The developer's contractor will be responsible for the quality, accuracy and workmanship of the contractor's completed work. County personnel will review the quality of work during construction and oversee inspection on all installed infrastructure. The county shall have the right to review and inspect all construction and may reject any work that does not meet quality control standards.

(2)

Access to project. Authorized representatives of the county, which may include county employees and the county engineering consultant, as well as state or federal agencies, shall have access to the site for inspection at any time.

(3)

Communications. The developer, contractor(s) and the developer's professional responsible for construction will be required to attend a pre-construction conference with the county. At the pre-construction conference, the contractor will submit to the county, in writing, the date they propose to begin construction. The contractor will provide notification by phone any time the work is to be vacated for longer than 72 hours and will provide notice by phone prior to resuming work. The applicable county departments may have informal verbal communications with the contractor foreman or superintendent at any time during construction. The county will not direct the actions of contractor's workmen. Requests for inspections shall be made at least 24 hours prior to when the inspection is needed.

(4)

Concealed work. The contractor shall notify the county and receive inspection approval prior to concealing certain work such as storm sewers and bedding, storm drainage structures, etc. Inspections shall be made and passed prior to continuation of further activity.

(i)

Final acceptance. The developer's professional will provide the county copies of as-built drawings. After the submittal of these items the county will schedule a final inspection. A representative of the developer's professional and the contractor will be present during this final inspection. This final inspection will generally include spot checks of storm sewers, drainage system, drainage easements, and a complete overview of the project. The developer shall be responsible for correcting any deficiencies identified in the final development inspection prior to approval.

(j)

Responsibility for work. References in this section to the various responsibilities of contractors and design professionals are to clarify the role each is expected to play in the permitting process. No such references relieve the owner from its ultimate responsibility for compliance with this section. The owner shall ensure that its contractors and design professionals comply with the requirements of this section.

Table 10.7: Selection Guidelines for Storm Sewer Piping*

* See corresponding notes below:

Note 1: Only reinforced concrete pipe (AASHTO M-170) shall be used inside the roadbed. Concrete pipe shall not be used on grades exceeding 10%. Metal and corrugated high-density polyethylene pipe may be used outside the roadbed.

Note 2: Corrugated high-density polyethylene pipe, smooth lined type "S" must be manufactured and installed in strict compliance with AASHTO M-294 and ASTM D-233.1. HDPE applications shall not exceed 48 inches in diameter.

Note 3: Reinforced concrete box culverts are required under excessive flow and/or fill depth conditions. Approved pipe materials may be utilized in some instances, based on the director of public works' assessment of existing conditions and future maintenance requirements.

Note 4: In the case of a flowing stream Reinforced concrete pipe (AASHTO M170), or Concrete Box Culvert, shall be used.

(Ord. of 10-13-2020; Ord. of 4-13-2021, §§ 2, 3)

(a)

Public water systems.

(1)

Public water service shall be provided to every lot in every subdivision and to every development for both domestic use and fire protection if public water is available or under bid or contract to be available within 1,500 feet of the subdivision or development. Water mains shall be connected to the existing public water system and extended past each lot.

(2)

All water mains, fire hydrants and appurtenances shall be designed in accordance with the policies, standards, plans and specifications of the Barrow County Fire Prevention Ordinance and the water system entity having jurisdiction.

(3)

The board of commissioners may waive or delay the requirement to connect to the public water system when in the best interests of Barrow County.

(b)

Private water systems.

(1)

If a public water system is not available nor under bid or contract to be available, the subdivider shall provide a water supply using a community water system or individual wells in conformity with applicable state regulations.

(2)

If a community water system is created, it must be designed to provide a minimum fire flow of 550 gallons per minute.

(3)

Private water system plans, if any, indicating proposed water main size and location, with fire hydrants, on the site. The distance and direction to all other fire hydrants within 500 feet of the site or buildings along existing streets or other access drives shall also be indicated.

(c)

Authority to restrict use of water. In the case of a water shortage, the applicable jurisdiction may, by resolution or other established procedures, place restrictions upon the use of water by its customers which it deems necessary to protect the water supply. It shall be unlawful for any person to violate such restrictions.

(Ord. of 10-13-2020)

(a)

Public sewerage system.

(1)

Sewer lines shall be connected to the sanitary sewerage system of the appropriate providing jurisdiction and extended past each lot in accordance with all requirements.

(2)

At the written instruction of the county health department, a connection to the public sewer shall be made within 90 days at the property owner's expense, and the individual on-site disposal system abandoned according to health department requirements.

(b)

Private wastewater disposal.

(1)

If a public sewerage system is not available nor under bid or contract to be available, each lot shall be provided with septic tanks or other on-site disposal systems in accordance with the regulations of the Barrow County Health Department, these development regulations and all other applicable laws and regulations.

(2)

The owner of a septic tank leach field system shall operate and maintain the private wastewater disposal facility in a sanitary manner at all times at no expense to the board of commissioners. Communal on-site sewage disposal is prohibited.

(3)

Privately financed wastewater disposal plants serving more than one residence or more than one property are prohibited.

a.

If a property does not use an individual on-site sewage disposal system, it must be connected to a sewer leading to a public wastewater treatment facility except as follows:

b.

A privately financed wastewater disposal plant serving a particular project or area my be approved by the board of commissioners if the plant will be built to standards established by the county, operated by or under the direction of the county, and will become owned by the county and an interconnected part of the county system when such becomes available to the site.

(4)

At such time as a public sewer becomes available to a commercial/industrial property served by a private wastewater disposal system, a direct connection shall be made to the public sewer within 90 days in compliance with this article, and any septic tanks, cesspools, and similar private wastewater disposal facilities shall be cleaned of sludge and filled with suitable material.

(5)

Safety. All excavations and operation areas for privately financed wastewater disposal systems shall be adequately guarded with barricades and lights so as to protect the public from hazard.

(Ord. of 10-13-2020)