The standards of this article are intended to promote public safety and efficient flow of vehicular traffic by minimizing conflicts from turning movements resulting from the poor location and/or the proliferation of curb cuts and driveways.

The Township recognizes the driveway standards herein may be more restrictive than those required by Wayne County. When conflicts arise, the more-stringent standard shall apply in recognition that the county-wide standards may not meet the comprehensive transportation and land use goals of the Charter Township of Northville.

This article shall apply to all vehicular access points intersecting a public road, driveways for nonresidential uses, driveways for multiple-family developments, and shared residential driveways that serve more than two residential lots or dwelling units. This article shall not apply to individual driveways serving one or two dwelling units or an essential public service structure.

Driveways shall be located to minimize interference with the movement of traffic, to provide adequate sight distance, and to provide the most-favorable driveway grade.

Driveways, including residential driveways, shall be set back at least four feet from a lot line.

For sites located adjacent to vacant land, or land that may be redeveloped in the future (including potential out-lots), the access shall be located to ensure the driveway spacing requirements can be met for adjacent site(s) or provisions for a shared driveway shall be made.

Minimum spacing requirements between a driveway and an intersection, either adjacent to or on the opposite side of the street, are identified in the table below. Measurements shall be taken from the near edge of the proposed driveway, measured at the throat perpendicular to the street, to the near lane edge of the intersecting curb (or pavement edge for uncurbed sections).

If a parcel does not have enough street frontage to meet the spacing requirement from an intersection, the Township may require the driveway to be constructed:

Minimum spacing between driveways shall be determined based upon the posted speed limits along the parcel frontage. Measurements are taken from center line to center line.

Where it can be demonstrated that preexisting conditions prohibit compliance with the minimum spacing between driveways, the Township may modify the driveway spacing requirements. Modifications shall be the minimum amount necessary, provided a minimum spacing of 80 feet is maintained between.

The number of driveways serving a property shall be limited to the minimum number necessary to provide reasonable access and access for emergency vehicles, while preserving traffic operations and safety along the public roadway.

One access shall be provided for each separately owned parcel. Access may be an individual driveway, shared driveway or service drive.

Additional driveways may be permitted as follows:

When required due to parcel constraints or to be consistent with recommendations of a corridor or subarea master plan, and if the Township determines reducing the number of access points may have a beneficial impact on traffic operations and safety, a shared driveway or service road connecting two or more properties/uses may be required. The use of service roads, in conjunction with driveway spacing, is intended to preserve traffic flow along major thoroughfares, minimize traffic conflicts and retain reasonable access to property.

Service roads shall comply with the following standards:

For high traffic generators, or for driveways along high-volume roads, two egress lanes may be required.

Where a boulevard entrance is provided, an island having a minimum of 180 square feet shall be provided to separate the ingress and egress lanes. The island shall be designed to accommodate the largest vehicle that may use the driveway.

In locations where opposing boulevards are present, the nose of new medians shall be set back at least 50 feet from the edge of the roadway.

Right-turn deceleration lanes and/or tapers may be required.