A.

Street Classification

1.

Streets shall be classified into a street hierarchy system, based on current and projected traffic volumes. Street classification and design standards shall be based on the road function and projected average daily traffic (ADT). Traffic volumes shall be calculated using trip generation rates as published in the most recent edition of the Trip Generation Manual, available from the Institute of Transportation Engineers.

2.

Street or road classes and their corresponding ADT thresholds are as follows:

3.

The applicant shall demonstrate that the distribution of traffic on any proposed street system shall not exceed the ADT thresholds for the proposed street classifications. In instances where segments of a single street vary significantly in projected traffic volumes, the Director may permit dual classifications and permit each segment to be designed and constructed to the relevant standards for each classification. The final determination regarding the classification of any existing or proposed street shall be made by the Director.

B.

Right-of-Way and Pavement Widths

1.

Minimum widths for new streets or roads shall be as shown on the following table (See Standard Design and Construction Details for detailed dimensions). However, if a street is used for access, the developer shall conform to the existing street width if it is greater than that required in this Ordinance.

2.

Minimum widths for new streets or roads shall be as shown on the following table. (See Standard Design and Construction and Construction Details for detailed dimensions.)

* Pavement width not including curb and gutter, where required.

C.

Right-of-Way Dedication

1.

The minimum width of right-of-way shall be dedicated based upon the street classification, as provided in this Section and approved by the Director.

2.

On any existing street abutting a proposed development, one-half of the required width of right-of-way shall be dedicated, at no cost to Walton County, as measured from the centerline of the roadway along the entire property frontage. Right-of-way widths for existing streets shall be based on the current classification, as determined by the Director.

3.

Additional right-of-way may be required at intersections or other locations fronting the property where turning lanes, storage lanes, medians, re-alignments or other traffic safety improvements are required.

If a new street or thoroughfare is proposed by the Comprehensive Plan or the State of Georgia to adjoin or traverse the property, the proposed road shall be accommodated into the development plans of the property in accordance with these Regulations. These right-of-way requirements shall govern except where there exist clearly defined plans of the Georgia Department of Transportation or Walton County which require additional right-of-way. In that case, the greater right-of-way requirements shall govern.

D.

It shall be unlawful for any person to encroach upon any part of any County right-of-way or prescriptive right-of-way. No building, structure, service area, or required off-street parking or loading facilities, except driveways, shall be permitted to encroach on County rights-of-way. The County shall owe no compensation for the removal of illegal encroachments or obstructions.

"Encroachments" means any building, structure, or vehicle, or other object or thing (including, but not limited to, mailboxes, signs, cars, gates, walls, sprinkler systems, trees, posts, etc.) which is located within the right-of-way. "Encroach" means to be within the right-of-way.

"Right-of-way" means any right-of-way that has been accepted by Walton County into the County road system, and such term includes the full width of the right-of-way, and not just width of the pavement. Such a term also includes rights-of-way acquired by prescriptive easement, or pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 44-5-163 or O.C.G.A. § 32-3-3, or any other means.

1.

Permitted Encroachments

a.

Driveways. Driveways (including paved, masonry, asphalt, etc.) are permitted to encroach on the right-of-way. A driveway permit shall be required, and the lot owner shall secure permission for any new driveway from the Planning and Development Department. Driveways must meet sight distance requirements of the Walton County Comprehensive Land Development Ordinances and Appendixes and must be constructed in compliance with County requirements for stormwater drainage/piping.

b.

Mailbox Support Structures. The County permits limited encroachment of the right-of-way for mailbox support structures, which meet the following standards:

(1)

The use of massive mailbox support structures that, when struck, could damage vehicles and cause serious injury to vehicle occupants are prohibited. Heavy metal posts, concrete posts, brick bases, and miscellaneous items such as farm equipment or supports filled with concrete are also prohibited and cannot be used for mailbox supports.

(2)

Acceptable mailbox supports include: a) a single four-inch by four-inch or four-inch diameter wooden post; b) a metal post with strength no greater than a two-inch diameter standard strength steel hollow pipe; or c) other support of no greater strength, as approved by the Public Works Department, as in accordance with the standards of the AASHTO Roadway Design Guidelines for mailbox structures, which are incorporated herein by reference. In the event the property owner has any question as to whether the proposed mailbox support will be permitted, the Public Works Department should be consulted.

(3)

Mailbox supports must be embedded no more than twenty-four (24) inches into the ground. A metal post shall not be fitted with an anchor plate, but it may have an anti-twist device that extends no more than ten (10) inches below the ground surface.

(4)

Mailboxes. The post-to-box attachment details should be of sufficient strength to prevent the box from separating from the post top if a vehicle strikes the installation. The mailbox itself should be of lightweight steel, wood, or plastic/composite construction, and meeting U.S. Postal Service regulations.

2.

Exemptions

a.

Decorative or masonry mailboxes located on interior streets of subdivisions.

3.

Nonconforming Encroachments

a.

All encroachments pre-existing the date of adoption of this Ordinance may remain as nonconforming encroachments, unless and until removal is ordered by the Public Works Department head, for utility work, road work or other work necessitating access to the right-of-way. For pre-existing encroachments, the County shall give thirty (30) days' notice of removal (unless the encroachment presents a safety hazard).

b.

Any structure pre-existing the Ordinance which is damaged or removed shall not be replaced in kind and must be replaced in accordance with the requirements of the Ordinance.

c.

The County shall owe no compensation for removal of nonconforming encroachments.

4.

Administration and Enforcement

a.

Administration. This Ordinance shall be administered by the Planning and Development Department and the Public Works Department. The appeal of any decision by the Public Works Department shall be to the Walton County Board of Appeals.

b.

Enforcement Powers. The Planning and Development Department, Public Works Department, and the County Sheriff are empowered to enforce this Ordinance. The foregoing shall be empowered to issue citations, seek other civil relief, or issue stop work orders for violations of this Ordinance. Any person, firm, partnership, corporation, or other legal entity who shall do anything prohibited by this Ordinance as the same exists or as it may hereafter be amended, or which shall fail to do anything required by this Ordinance as the same exists or as it may hereafter be amended shall be subject to an enforcement action.

5.

Right of Removal. In an emergency the Public Works Department shall have the authority to remove without notice any encroachment or obstruction of the right-of-way. The Public Works Department shall also have the authority to issue a notice of removal to property owners giving them up to thirty (30) days to remove an unpermitted encroachment.

(7-6-2021; Ord. No. OA24060019-1, 11-5-2024)

The following standards shall apply to land subdivision and development, except for single-family dwelling units or industrial development where the primary access is from a state or federal highway or a thoroughfare classified as a major collector or arterial in the Walton County Comprehensive Plan. These standards shall apply unless a more restrictive standard is required by the Georgia Department of Transportation.

A.

Joint and Cross Access

1.

Adjacent commercial or office properties on major collectors and arterials shall provide a cross access drive and pedestrian access to allow circulation between sites.

2.

Joint driveways and cross access easements shall be established for multi-parcel commercial office or industrial development wherever feasible along major arterial highway corridors. The building site shall incorporate the following:

a.

Continuous service drive or cross access corridor connecting adjacent parcels along the entire length of the development for at least one thousand (1,000) feet of linear frontage along the thoroughfare.

b.

A design speed of fifteen (15) mph and a two-way travel aisle width of twenty-four (24) feet to accommodate automobiles, service vehicles, and loading vehicles.

c.

Driveway aprons, stub-outs and other design features to indicate that abutting properties may be connected to provide cross access via a service drive.

3.

The Planning and Development Department may reduce the required separation distance of access points where they prove impractical, provided all of the following requirements are met:

a.

Joint access driveways and cross access easements are provided wherever feasible in accordance with this Section.

b.

The site plan incorporates a unified access and circulation system for vehicles and pedestrians in accordance with this Section.

B.

Minimum Driveway Setbacks at Intersections

Driveway spacing at intersections and corners shall provide adequate sight distance, response time, and permit adequate queuing space. Driveway connections shall not be permitted within the functional area of an intersection, which includes the longitudinal limits of auxiliary or turning lanes. Minimum standards: No driveway access shall be allowed within one hundred fifty (150) feet of the centerline of an intersecting Major Collector or Arterial Street, or within one hundred (100) feet of any Minor Collector Street.

C.

Minimum Access Requirements

1.

Except as otherwise noted in Subsection 2, below, all developments shall have access to a public right-of-way. The number of access points shall be as follows:

2.

Minimum Number of Access Points

3.

Townhouse and Multi-Family Developments

a.

Individual parcels shall have right of access through common areas containing private streets and/or private drives at least twenty-two (22) feet in width leading to a publicly maintained street.

4.

Manufactured Home Park

a.

No space shall have direct vehicular access to a public street.

b.

All spaces shall directly abut a private street contained within the park. Private streets shall be paved and provide adequate drainage in accordance with these Regulations.

c.

Adequate access shall be provided to each space, with a minimum access width of twenty (20) feet unless more is deemed necessary because of topographical conditions or street curvature.

D.

Separation of Access Points

1.

Subdivisions located along existing county roads shall be required to provide reverse frontage lots or parallel frontage roads where feasible. All other lots must comply with the following:

a.

Along State or US highways, no more than one (1) point of vehicular access from a property shall be permitted for each three hundred (300) feet of lot frontage, or fraction thereof, although requirements of the Georgia Department of Transportation shall apply whenever more restrictive.

b.

Along Arterial or Collector roads other than State or US highways, no more than two (2) points of vehicular access from a property to each abutting public street shall be permitted for each three hundred (300) feet of lot frontage, or fraction thereof; provided however, that lots with less than two hundred (200) feet of frontage shall have no more than one (1) point of access to any one public street. The Department shall determine whether the points of access may be unrestricted or will have to be designed for right-in, right-out traffic flow.

2.

No point of access shall be allowed within thirty-five (35) feet of the right-of-way line of any street intersections for single-family and two-family residential lots and within fifty (50) feet for multi-family and non-residential properties.

3.

Corner lot access shall be located as far from the intersection as reasonably possible to reduce turning movement conflicts and to promote proper traffic circulation.

4.

Otherwise, the separation of access points on any street or road shall be determined by the established speed limit of the street or road, with the following minimum spacing requirements:

5.

The distance between access points shall be measured from the centerline of the proposed driveway to the nearest adjacent driveway or roadway.

6.

The requirements of this Section are not intended to eliminate all access to a parcel of land that was legally subdivided prior to the enactment of this Section.

E.

Emergency Access

All public streets, private and residential drives shall be designed and maintained so as to provide safe and convenient access for emergency vehicles.

(12-3-2013)

A.

Permits Required

No driveway shall be constructed abutting a county maintained road or street until all applicable driveway permits have been approved and issued by the Department. For driveways which abut a State or Federal highway, all applicable permits shall be obtained from the Georgia Department of Transportation prior to construction.

B.

General Requirements

1.

Joint access driveways shall not be utilized to achieve minimum driveway spacing requirements.

2.

No property may have a curb cut in excess of fifty (50) feet in width without approval of the Director.

3.

If a non-residential driveway design is one-way in or one-way out, then the driveway shall be a minimum width of sixteen (16) feet and shall have appropriate signage designating the driveway as a one-way connection.

4.

For two-way non-residential access, each lane shall have a minimum width of eleven (11) feet. When more than two (2) lanes are proposed, a specific driveway design must be approved by the Department.

5.

Driveways that enter a major thoroughfare at traffic signals must have at least two (2) outbound lanes (ones for each turning direction) of at least eleven (11) feet in width, and one (1) inbound lane with a maximum width of twelve (12) feet.

6.

Except for single family and two-family residences, driveway grades shall conform to the requirements of the Georgia Department of Transportation Design Standards.

7.

No driveway design shall be permitted, which could pose safety hazards for pedestrians, bicycles, and other vehicles.

8.

Driveways shall generally intersect roads or streets at right angles.

9.

Driveway aprons shall be constructed so as to provide a minimum slope of one-quarter (¼) inch per foot away from the edge of pavement of the public street, to prevent the direct discharge of surface water onto the travel lane of the abutting road or street.

10.

Driveways shall comply with the minimum requirements of the Standard Design and Construction Details, based on projected use and classification.

11.

Driveways serving single-family detached or duplex residences may be no less than ten (10) feet wide at the right-of-way line and shall provide a radius to the back of the curb or edge of the pavement of the roadway of no less than five (5) feet. All other driveway curb cuts on public streets shall conform to the standards shown on the driveway details contained in the Standard Design and Construction Details.

12.

All driveways and driveway curb cuts on State highways shall conform to Georgia Department of Transportation Standards, unless County requirements are more restrictive.

C.

Auxiliary Lanes

1.

Along any arterial or major collector street, a deceleration lane, acceleration lane, larger turning radius, traffic islands or other devices or designs may be required to avoid specific traffic hazards which would otherwise be created by the proposed driveway location.

2.

Deceleration lanes shall be required at each access point on state and federal routes as required by GDOT. Deceleration lanes are required on county roads classified as arterial, major and minor collector streets when the speed limit is forty-five (45) mph or higher or on any street when the Director determines that a deceleration lane is needed to safely access a subdivision or other development. Minimum deceleration lengths are specified below. The Director may vary length requirements based upon a consideration of available sight distance.

3.

When a new deceleration lane required by this Ordinance is proposed to begin within one hundred (100) feet of an existing driveway, then the deceleration lane shall begin at the nearest edge of the existing driveway.

D.

Corner Sight Distance

All driveways approaching a collector or arterial street shall provide adequate corner sight distance as shown in Appendix F, Standard Design and Construction Detail 3.12. The minimum corner sight distance from the driveway shall be equal to or exceed ten (10) times the regulated speed of the intersecting street, as measured from the center of the driveway in both directions along the right-of-way line of the intersecting street unless a more restrictive standard is required by the Georgia Department of Transportation. The sight distance shall provide clear visibility of an object two (2) feet above the intersected street when viewed from the centerline of the approaching street at a height of three and one-half (3½) feet above the ground.

(12-2-2003)

A.

All new streets proposed to be constructed in a subdivision or other development, whether public or private, shall be designed and constructed to the minimum standards contained in this Ordinance, in accordance with the classification of streets.

B.

If a new street or thoroughfare is proposed by the Comprehensive Plan or the State of Georgia to traverse the property, the proposed road shall be designed and constructed in accordance with the street classification as shown in the Comprehensive Plan and contained in this Ordinance, or as shown on plans proposed by the County or State of Georgia. The specific vertical and horizontal alignment of the proposed roadway shall be as established or approved by the County.

C.

Substandard Streets

1.

If a substandard street (dirt or gravel road or inadequate width of pavement or right-of-way) provides a means of access to a major subdivision or non-residential development, the street shall be upgraded to the street classification standard required by the Walton County major thoroughfare plan and in accordance with Section 9-1-100 of this Article. These improvements shall extend from the entrance of the development to the nearest standard paved road of an equivalent or higher classification, along the route of primary access.

2.

All right-of-way required for these off-site improvements shall be acquired at the expense of the developer, unless additional requirements are mandated by the County as outlined in subsection B, above.

D.

Improvements Along State Highways

For any development which abuts a State or Federal highway, improvements to the roadway and the location and design of any street or driveway providing access from the State highway shall comply with the standards and requirements of the Georgia Department of Transportation and this Ordinance. A permit for the proposed access or improvements shall be required to have been approved by the Georgia Department of Transportation and incorporated into the construction drawings for the project prior to issuance of a development permit by the Department.

E.

Permanent Dead End Streets

1.

New streets shall connect at both ends of existing streets unless the Director determines that unique parcel configuration or terrain make a fully connected street pattern infeasible or unsafe.

2.

When necessary, streets designed to have one end permanently closed shall provide a cul-de-sac turnaround and may be no more than 1000 feet in length unless otherwise approved by the Director.

3.

The length of a cul-de-sac street shall be measured from the center of the cul-de-sac to the center of the intersection with another street.

4.

Cul-de-sacs shall conform to Section 9-1-100 of this Part and design requirements of the Standard Design and Construction Details.

F.

Temporary Dead End Streets

1.

A temporary dead end street shall be provided to the boundary of a subdivision to provide access to abutting property for planned continuity of future circulation, improved access for public safety vehicles or for the extension of public water or other utilities to neighboring properties. Such dead end streets shall be designed so as to allow their reasonable extension and shall be located so as to be reasonably incorporated into a street design for the neighboring property. A temporary vehicular turnaround shall be provided as shown in the Standard Details 3.10 in Appendix F.

2.

Dead end streets on abutting property shall be extended into a proposed subdivision and incorporated into the street design of the development.

3.

Paragraphs 1 and 2 may be modified by the Director in cases of serious topographical hardship unacceptable land use conflicts between the two (2) developments. This modification may be conditioned on the provision of easements necessary for the extension of public utilities, the provision of a cul-de-sac or other permanent turnaround on the dead end street or the removal of the dead end street back to its nearest intersection.

4.

Where a dead end street (other than a cul-de-sac) serves four (4) or more lots in a multi-phase subdivision and such street is to be extended later, the developer shall be required to provide a temporary vehicular turnaround within the right-of-way. This requirement may be waived if extension of the dead end street is approved and under construction prior to its inclusion in a Final Plat.

G.

Construction Access Drives

1.

On multiphase developments, the developer shall be required to dedicate, install, maintain, and remove temporary construction access drives for the ingress and egress of construction vehicles, personnel, and equipment.

2.

Temporary construction access drives shall be shown on the concept plan and preliminary plat, and shall access an existing County road where possible. Construction access drives shall be permitted through the Planning and Development Department, and shall comply with sight distance requirements outlined in these Regulations.

3.

Temporary construction access drives shall be utilized as the sole means of ingress and egress during the construction of subsequent phases of the development, to prevent the flow of construction and heavy vehicular traffic on newly constructed streets completed under earlier phases.

4.

If a temporary construction access drive cannot be provided at the discretion of the Director, due to site-specific restrictions, then the Developer shall provide a maintenance surety for those portions of the newly constructed roadway utilized for construction access. The maintenance surety shall provide collateral for roadway repairs and resurfacing. The required surety amount per linear foot shall be the current amount established by the Board of Commissioners. The maintenance surety shall be provided to the County prior to the start of construction, and shall not expire for a period of six (6) months following the completion of all construction activities.

H.

Half-Streets

Both the construction of new half-streets and the extension of access to existing 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.

I.

Reserve Strips

Land in private ownership adjacent to public rights-of-way which could control or are intended to control access to streets, alleys or public lands shall not be permitted unless control is given to the County under ownership, dedication or easement conditions approved by the County Attorney or acceptable to the Director. No development shall be designed so as to deny access to abutting properties.

J.

Alleys

Alleys may be permitted by the Director where lots are less than sixty (60) feet in width or otherwise when the developer produces satisfactory grounds for the request. In the event the Director approves the request, the alleys must be laid out in a grid fashion at rear lot lines, and double-fronting lots are permitted. However, in residential subdivisions with alleys driveway access shall be permitted on the alley side only. The alley shall be designated as a private street or constructed as a local street pursuant to the standards contained in this Ordinance. Alleys shall not be permitted as dead end streets except in unusual circumstances, subject to approval by the Director.

K.

Street Jogs

1.

Local streets shall either directly align or have offsets of a minimum of one hundred twenty-five (125) feet for residential subdivision streets and a minimum of two hundred (200) feet for non-residential subdivision streets, as measured between the centerlines.

2.

Where alignment of arterials or collector streets is not desirable or feasible, collectors or arterials shall provide offsets, spaced no less than six hundred (600) feet apart as measured between centerlines.

L.

Traffic Calming Measures

Specific traffic calming measures may include ease-abouts, eyebrow cul-de-sacs (Local streets only), or other methods approved by the Director and may be used on streets longer than one thousand (1,000) feet. Street layout and configuration should include a series of relatively short, interconnected roadways in lieu of longer straight roads, to discourage excessive speeds.

M.

The profile elevation of the centerline of all streets shall be constructed a minimum of one (1) foot above the 100-year flood elevation contours. Exceptions to this provision may be granted by the Board of Commissioners, in cases where construction of the street elevation below the 100-year flood elevation contours would improve drainage or reduce the effects of flooding.

(7-5-2005; 11-4-2008)

A.

Angle of Intersection

Intersections shall generally be at right angles and shall not be at an angle of less than eighty-five (85) degrees, unless otherwise approved by the Director. If the intersection is signalized, the angle of the intersection may be reduced subject to the review and approval of the Director or designated Traffic Engineer.

B.

Intersection Approaches

1.

The approaching street at any intersection shall be designed and constructed to provide both the minimum horizontal and vertical approach distances, as defined under this Section and indicated in the table below.

2.

Minimum horizontal approach distance is defined as the minimum distance required along the centerline of an approaching street, perpendicular or no less than eighty-five (85) degrees to the intersected street, as measured from the edge of pavement of the intersected street to the point of horizontal curvature on the approaching street.

3.

Minimum vertical approach distance is defined as the minimum distance required along the centerline of the approaching street, at a grade less than or equal to the recommended grade indicated in the table below, as measured from the edge of pavement of the intersected street to a point on the profile of the approaching street where grades exceed recommended values.

C.

Crown Taper

The typical crowned street cross section shall be tapered over a distance of not less than fifty (50) feet on the approaching street at all intersections, in order to connect flush with the line and grade of the edge of pavement on the intersected street. The cross section taper shall be designed and constructed so as to provide for the adequate drainage of surface water from all portions of the travel surface and gutter.

D.

Intersection Radii

Intersection radii for roadways measured at back of curb and for the right-of-way lines shall be as follows. For intersecting streets of different classification, the larger radii shall be provided. In all cases, adequate right-of-way shall be provided to maintain minimum of twelve (12) feet from back-of-curb. Larger radii may be required for streets intersecting at angles less than ninety (90) degrees. Reference Standard Design and Construction Details, Roadway Design Parameters, 3.03.

E.

Islands

Islands in street intersections shall conform to the design requirements of the standard drawings. In no case shall anything in an island extend more than three (3) feet above the street grade within the right-of-way, except traffic regulatory devices, street trees and other infrastructure erected or approved by Walton County. No island shall be approved which contains less than one hundred (100) square feet. Irrigation or other private systems shall not be installed within public right-of-way.

F.

Intersection Corner Sight Distance

1.

Intersections shall be designed with adequate corner sight distance for each approaching street. Where necessary, back slopes shall be flattened and horizontal or vertical curves lengthened to provide the minimum required sight distance.

2.

The minimum corner sight distance from the approaching street shall be equal to or exceed ten (10) times the regulated speed of the intersected street, as measured from the center of the approaching street in both directions to a point along the centerline of the intersecting street. As an alternative, the minimum corner sight distance requirement may be calculated using AASHTO "Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets," Chapter 9 (at-grade intersections), latest edition. The sight distance shall provide clear visibility of an object two (2) feet above the intersected street, when viewed from the centerline of the approaching street at a height of three and one-half (3.5) feet above the ground.

G.

Obstructing Visibility at Intersections

On all corner lots located at a street intersection, a clear sight zone shall be maintained at all times. The clear sight zone is defined as the area formed by the lot lines fronting on each street, and a miter line joining points on such lot lines, located at a distance of fifteen (15) feet from the point of their intersection (see Standard Detail 3.11).

The following requirements shall apply to all clear sight zones:

1.

There shall be no fence or wall or hedge higher than three (3) feet.

2.

There shall be no obstruction to vision other than a post, column or tree not exceeding one (1) foot in greatest cross-sectional dimension, between a height of three (3) feet and a height of fifteen (15) feet above the established grade of either of the intersecting streets.

3.

Any and all objects determined to create a visible obstruction by the County shall be removed within forty-eight (48) hours of notification. If it is determined by the County that the obstructive object poses a significant and immediate traffic hazard, the County may remove the obstructive object without prior notification of the property owner.

H.

Turning Lanes at Intersections

Both center left turn and right turn lanes shall be provided on all new internal project streets, and on all existing County roads where traffic volumes and turning movements warrant the installation. At the request of the Director, the Developer or Applicant shall prepare and submit a detailed traffic study (as defined herein) outlining projected traffic volumes, turning movements, and auxiliary lanes required. The methodology and conclusions presented in the traffic study are subject the review and approval of the Planning and Development Department.

1.

Center Turn Lane Storage — A minimum storage length of one hundred fifty (150) feet shall be provided for center left turn lanes on any Arterial Streets. A minimum storage length of one hundred (100) feet shall be provided on all Collector Streets. Additional storage capacity shall be provided as required, based on projected peak traffic volumes and turning movements.

2.

Taper Length — The taper length shall be in accordance with AASHTO design standards, based on the lane widths and design speed of the subject street.

3.

The design, right-of-way acquisition, drainage system improvements, roadway widening, asphalt construction, traffic control, traffic striping, signage and all other improvements required or incidental to the installation of auxiliary turn lanes required to support any proposed development shall be completed by the Developer or Applicant, at no cost to Walton County.

4.

Under the following conditions, left storage lanes shall be added to two-lane collectors or arterials with speed limits of forty (40) MPH or more, at unsignalized locations where left turning vehicles will leave the arterial or collector street and enter major driveways or development entrances:

Source: Institute for Traffic Engineers, Traffic Engineering Handbook.

A.

All streets and roadways shall be designed in accordance with the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Standards, as provided in A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets, latest edition and any amendments thereto. All applicable signage, markings or other traffic control measures shall be designed in accordance with the Manual of Uniform Traffic Devices (MUTCD), latest edition and any amendments thereto.

B.

Horizontal Curvature and Super Elevation

All new streets shall adhere to the following standards governing horizontal curvature and super elevation unless otherwise specified by AASHTO Standards:

C.

Tangents

Between reverse horizontal curves there shall not be less than the minimum centerline tangents shown below unless otherwise specified by AASHTO Standards. Desirable tangent lengths shall be provided unless hardship conditions of topography or property configuration do not allow for tangent lengths greater than the minimum. For compound circular curves, the ratio of the flatter radius to the sharper radius shall not exceed 1.5 to 1.

D.

Vertical Alignment

1.

All changes in street profile grades having an algebraic difference greater than one percent (1%) shall be connected to a parabolic curve having a minimum length in feet (L), which is equal to the algebraic difference between the grades in percent (A) multiplied by the design constant (K) assigned to the street according to its classification and design speed (i.e., L = KA).

2.

Constant (K) values are shown in the table below for both desirable and minimum acceptable (hardship) conditions. The desirable value shall be utilized in all cases, unless otherwise approved by the Director based on topographic or other site-specific conditions. In such situations, the Director may approve a lesser value to the extent required by the hardship condition, but in no case shall the constant K value be less than the minimum permitted.

E.

Street Centerline Grades

1.

Street or road grades exceeding ten percent (10%) for a minor collector and twelve percent (12%) for local streets are prohibited, unless otherwise approved by the Director. The Director may grant limited exceptions on maximum grades based on conclusive evidence that shows a lesser grade is impractical due to topographic or site specific limitations.

2.

The minimum centerline grade for any street or roadway shall not be less than one and one-half percent (1.5%), without exception, due to drainage concerns. A desirable minimum centerline grade of two percent (2%) shall be provided where possible.

3.

The maximum centerline grade across any cul-de-sac turnaround shall be six percent (6%).

F.

Crown Slope

All streets and roadways, unless super elevated, shall be designed and constructed with crown slope of one-quarter (¼) inch per foot, to provide for the adequate drainage of surface water from the street centerline to the gutter or edge of pavement.

G.

Super Elevation

The design of arterial and major collector roadways may require the super elevation of the travel surface on horizontal curves in accordance with AASHTO Standards. The design and horizontal alignment of minor collectors and local streets serving residential areas should avoid the use of super elevation where possible. In all instances, the maximum super elevation rates shall be in accordance with paragraph B above. Under no circumstance is a curved street to be reverse super elevated.

Unless otherwise specifically set forth in these Regulations, all of the materials, methods of construction, and workmanship used in street construction shall conform to the Georgia Department of Transportation's Standard Specifications for the Construction of road and Bridges, latest edition and any amendments thereto.

A.

Pre-Construction Meeting

A mandatory pre-construction meeting is required for all development, construction, and land disturbing activities, unless this requirement is specifically waived by the Planning and Development Department. The Applicant or Developer shall contact the Department to schedule a pre-construction meeting. The Department will ensure the attendance of all necessary County Staff. The Applicant or Developer must at a minimum have the following project personnel attend the pre-construction meeting:

1.

On-Site Project Representative on behalf of the Applicant or Developer

2.

General and/or Grading Contractor

3.

Sub-Contractors performing drainage system installation, base course construction or asphalt paving

4.

Other specialty contractors performing a significant portion of the work

5.

Design Professional responsible for project design

B.

Clearing and Grubbing

Before grading is started the entire right-of-way area shall be first cleared and grubbed of all trees, stumps, roots, brush, debris and other objectionable materials. Specific trees that are intended for preservation shall be indicated on the design plans, and subject to the review and approval of the Planning and Development Department.

C.

Rough Grading

1.

Grading activities shall be performed in accordance with the lines and grades shown on the approved construction plans. Grading plans shall include a plan view of the proposed roadway, showing existing and proposed contour lines at an interval of no more than two (2) feet, as well as a profile of the street centerline and all applicable curve and design data. Grading plans shall outline those areas required to remain undisturbed (i.e., Tree Protection Areas, Buffers, etc.) and shall indicate protective fencing or staking to be placed surrounding such areas.

2.

Cut or fill slopes shall not exceed three (3) horizontal units to one (1) vertical unit, unless otherwise approved by the Director based on site-specific topographic conditions. Flatter slopes shall be provided where possible, to better accommodate utility installation and maintenance activities.

3.

Erosion and Sediment Control Best Management Practices (BMP's) shall be installed in accordance with the approved construction plans, prior to or concurrent with all land disturbing activities. Alternate or additional BMP's may be required by the County Inspector, if it is deemed that current measures do not provide adequate protection.

4.

All suitable material from roadway cuts may be used in the construction of fills, approaches, or at other places as needed. Excess or unsuitable materials, including organics, soft clay, etc., shall be removed from within the roadway limits and for a distance not less than one (1) foot on each side of the road surface for each vertical foot of unsuitable material at the edge of pavement.

5.

Fill material shall be placed in uniform horizontal layers or "lifts," not to exceed a compacted thickness of more than six (6) inches. Moisture content shall be adjusted as necessary to compact material to ninety-five percent (95%) of maximum dry density. The top twelve (12) inches of subgrade material under any roadway, drive or parking area shall be compacted to one hundred percent (100%) of maximum dry density.

D.

Final Grading and Subgrade Preparation

1.

After rough grading, storm sewer and utility installation is complete, and the back-fill in all such ditches thoroughly compacted, the subgrade shall be brought to the lines, grades, and typical roadway section shown on the plans.

2.

All utility crossings shall be installed prior to subgrade approval. If utility installation cannot be completed at this time, the Developer shall coordinate the installation of casings or conduits to accommodate subsequent utility installation without disturbance to the subgrade. Utility trenches cut in the subgrade shall be back-filled and compacted as specified herein. The County Inspector may require additional compaction tests at utility crossings to verify compaction.

3.

Prior to subgrade inspection and approval, the design professional shall certify in writing to the Planning and Development Department that the lines and grades of the proposed street or streets are within six (6) inches of design grades. This letter shall be submitted prior to subgrade inspection by County personnel.

4.

Subgrade Testing and Inspection: Subgrade compaction shall be tested by the County Inspector, prior to construction of the graded aggregate base course. Compaction testing shall be accomplished by visual inspections of actual live axle loads, commonly referred to as a "Roll Test." The Developer or Contractor shall schedule all compaction tests with the County Inspector no less than twenty-four (24) hours in advance. The Developer or Contractor shall also provide an adequate testing vehicle, minimum eighteen (18) ton hauling capacity, fully loaded. All areas or sections of the subgrade that do not pass visual live load compaction testing, at the discretion of the County Inspector, shall be corrected. Once the Developer or Contractor makes all necessary corrections, it shall be his/her responsibility to re-schedule any and all subsequent roll tests.

5.

Provisions shall be made to provide adequate drainage of the road surface during the course of construction, including temporary four-inch drain lines in all concrete gutters.

E.

Graded Aggregate Base Course Construction

1.

The Base Course shall consist of graded aggregate, of a minimum thickness as required based on the street classification. Minimum base course thickness is provided in the Standard Design and Construction Details. The base course shall be constructed in accordance with the lines, grades and typical cross sections shown on the approved construction plans. All aggregate materials shall be secured from Georgia Department of Transportation approved sources, and shall comply with Section 815 of the Standard Specifications for the Construction of Road and Bridges, latest edition.

2.

All base course material shall be spread uniformly with a mixture spreader, or other approved means, to the proper depth to obtain the required thickness. The maximum thickness of base course material to be placed one course shall be six (6) inches compacted. If the design thickness of the base course is more than six (6) inches, it shall be constructed in two (2) or more courses of approximate equal thickness. With sufficient and suitable equipment, the County Inspector may allow base material to be placed in lifts up to eight (8) inches.

3.

The moisture content of the aggregate material shall be uniformly distributed, and shall be adequate to allow compaction to a minimum of one hundred percent (100%) of the maximum dry density (AASHTO T180, Method D). Immediately following the spreading of the graded aggregate, all material shall be compacted to the full width by rolling with a smooth wheel vibratory roller weighing seven (7) to ten (10) tons, or an equivalent sheepsfoot packer. Rolling shall progress gradually from the edge to the center, parallel with the centerline of the street and lapping uniformly each preceding track by one-half the width of such track. Rolling shall continue until the entire surface is smooth, closely knit, free from cracks, conforming to the prescribed line, grade and cross section, within the limits specified.

4.

Any irregularities, areas of segregation, or depressions that develop under such rolling shall be corrected by loosening the material at these locations and adding or removing material until the surface is smooth and uniform. The application of water, applied uniformly over the base course may be required to achieve adequate compaction. Shaping and rolling shall be performed alternately as required to prepare a uniform compacted base.

5.

Along curbs, headers, walls and at all locations not accessible to the roller, the base course material shall be compacted thoroughly with mechanical tampers or approved hand tampers.

6.

No base material shall be deposited or shaped when the subgrade is frozen, thawing, or during other unfavorable weather conditions.

F.

Graded Aggregate Base Course Testing and Inspection

1.

Cross Section: The cross section and crown slope shall be verified at intervals or locations determined by the County Inspector. The Developer or Contractor shall provide a string line and dedicated personnel, to pull the line and allow verification measurements to be made by the County Inspector. Those areas or portions of the roadway, which do not comply with the design cross section or crown slope, shall be corrected and verified by County personnel prior to Base Course approval.

2.

Roll Test: Base course compaction shall be tested by the Planning and Development Department, prior to the application of Bituminous Asphalt Paving. Compaction testing shall be accomplished by visual inspections of actual live axle loads, commonly referred to as a "Roll Test." The Developer or Contractor shall schedule all compaction tests with the County Inspector no less than twenty-four (24) hours in advance. The Developer or Contractor shall also provide an adequate testing vehicle, minimum eighteen (18) ton hauling capacity, fully loaded. All areas or sections of the base course that do not pass visual live load compaction testing, at the discretion of the County Inspector, shall be corrected. Once the Developer or Contractor makes all necessary corrections, it shall be his/her responsibility to re-schedule any and all subsequent roll tests.

3.

Prime Coat: At the completion of base course construction, testing and approval by the County Inspector, the base course shall be primed and sealed with one-quarter (0.25) gallon of R.C. 70 per square yard. This requirement may be waived by the County Inspector, if the placement of asphalt paving is anticipated within the following three (3) to five (5) days and prior to any significant rainfall event.

4.

Additional Inspections due to weather conditions: If a significant weather or rainfall event occurs following the approval of base construction but prior to asphalt paving, the County Inspector may require additional roll testing to reverify the structural integrity of the road base. The Developer or Contractor shall be subject to comply with such additional inspections, at the discretion of the County Inspector.

G.

Bituminous Asphalt Paving

1.

Bituminous asphalt production, handling, transportation and placement shall meet or exceed the requirements of the Georgia Department of Transportation's Standard Specifications for the Construction of Roads and Bridges, latest edition and any amendments thereto. Asphalt pavements shall be of the conventional mix design as specified herein, and the use of "superpave" mix designs will not be permitted unless otherwise approved by the Director.

2.

Equipment:

a.

Mechanical Pavers: Mechanical pavers used for the placement of hot mix asphalt shall be capable of spreading and finishing all courses to the indicated widths and depths, true to line, grade, and cross section, and shall be capable of striking a smooth finish, uniform in density and texture. Mechanical pavers shall be equipped with extendable screeds, capable of spreading at the width of each travel lane in one (1) pass.

b.

Compaction Equipment: The compaction equipment must be in good mechanical condition and capable of compacting the mixture to the required density. The number, type, size, operation, and condition of the compaction equipment shall be subject to the approval of the County Inspector. At a minimum, a smooth drum vibratory roller (min. eight-ton) and a separate pneumatic tired roller shall be provided. An additional finish roller or larger equipment may be required by the County Inspector based on visual observations of surface texture or density tests.

H.

Paving Operations

1.

The County Inspector may require that a copy of the detailed asphalt mix design be submitted prior to asphalt paving. Only asphalt produced by a Georgia DOT approved plant may be utilized. Plant production, transportation and paving operations shall be so coordinated that a uniform continuity of operation is maintained. If the spreading operations are interrupted for one (1) hour or more, a transverse joint shall be constructed. Asphalt shall be delivered to the job site at a temperature of no less than three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit (350°F). The County inspector may reject any asphalt load that does not meet temperature requirements, contains segregated material or does not comply with mix design requirements.

Weather Limitations: The mixing and placement of Bituminous Asphalt Pavement shall not be performed when the existing surface is wet or frozen. For all courses, the air temperature for placement of the mix shall be in accordance with the following table.

2.

Bituminous Tack Coat: Tack shall be applied prior to the placement and compaction of all subsequent courses of asphalt pavement, in accordance with Georgia DOT Standards, Section 413. On curbed streets, the edge of the gutter shall be tacked to provide a water resistant seal at the joint. Special care shall be taken to avoid the application of bituminous tack to portions of the curb and gutter which are to be visible following construction.

I.

Concrete Streets

For concrete streets classified as Local or Minor Collectors, six (6) inches of three thousand five hundred (3,500) psi concrete is to be applied on a stabilized subgrade consisting of at least one hundred fifty (150) pounds of stone per square yard mixed in four (4) inches deep and compacted. The design and construction of the street shall comply with the Portland Cement Association Standards. Concrete road design for Major Collectors and Arterials will be based on design loading in accordance with AASHTO Standards.

J.

Rural Cross Section

Certain local residential roads may be constructed without curb and gutter as provided in this Ordinance. On all such rural streets, the road base shall be extended one (1) foot beyond the edge of the pavement.

K.

Typical Sections

All streets and roadways shall be constructed to the typical sections specified in the Standard Design and Construction Details, based on street classification category.

A.

All new streets or street widening sections shall be provided with curb and gutter except as noted below. All gutters shall drain positively with no areas of ponding.

B.

Streets without curb and gutter shall be allowed per Article 6 in residential subdivisions. Such streets shall be graded to provide a minimum eight-foot shoulder on each side of the pavement. Such shoulders shall have at least a one-half (½) inch per foot slope away from the edge of the pavement. See Typical Detail 3.01.

C.

All concrete curb and gutter shall be Georgia DOT Standard Type A, with a general gutter dimension of 24-inches and curb six (6) inches in height. Type B curb and gutter may be used in super elevated sections only. Roll-back or Hollywood curbing shall be prohibited.

D.

Curbing shall conform to the following standards:

1.

Concrete shall be Class "A", as defined by Georgia Department of Transportation, and have a minimum strength of three thousand (3,000) PSI at twenty-eight (28) days.

2.

One-half (½) inch expansion joints or pre-molded bituminous expansion joint material shall be provided at all structures and radius points and at an interval not to exceed two hundred fifty (250) feet in the remainder of the curb and gutter. Contraction joints shall also be provided at ten-foot intervals along the curb line.

3.

When the development ties into existing curbing, the curb and gutter shall transition to and match the existing width and profile at the connection point.

4.

Terminations or curb tapers shall be provided at the end of any gutter. The curb height shall be tapered from six (6) inches to zero (0) inches over a distance of six (6) feet.

E.

Curb and gutter shall be set true to the line and grade of the street, horizontally and vertically field staked, and finished to the section shown on the plans. Line and grade shall be established by the Developer's engineer or surveyor. Offset staking shall be provided at 50-foot intervals.

F.

Curbing not installed in accordance with the requirements of this Section or the Standard Details, shall be removed and replaced at the Developer's expense. The County Inspector may require and the Developer shall provide core samples to verify concrete thickness.

G.

Disturbed areas along all curbing shall be back-filled, stabilized, and grassed.

(1-4-2022)

A.

Sidewalks shall be located:

1.

Along the street frontage of all non-residential developments. The Director may waive the installation of sidewalks if the development is agricultural or located on a rural road section; and

2.

Along the street frontage of all developments within a one-half-mile radius of any public school; and

3.

Along the interior streets of all residential developments with lot sizes of less than one (1) acre.

B.

Sidewalks shall be installed on both sides of the street where the development includes property on both sides of the street.

C.

Sidewalks in subdivisions shall be continued to the nearest arterial street.

D.

Sidewalks shall be located two (2) feet from the back of the curb.

E.

Sidewalks shall be installed on an individual lot basis at the time of building construction. Required sidewalks shall be installed across open space or other common areas prior to the acceptance of the street. The County shall inspect the location and construction of the sidewalk, and shall not accept the street nor issue a Certificate of Occupancy until the required sidewalk is properly installed.

F.

A strip of grass or other approved landscape material at least two (2) feet in width shall separate sidewalks from adjacent curbs on all streets The width may be reduced to abut the curb with the approval of the Director.

G.

Sidewalks shall be concrete and a minimum of four (4) feet wide on interior streets and five (5) feet wide on all other streets and four (4) inches thick. Concrete shall be Class "A", as defined by the Georgia Department of Transportation, and have a strength of three thousand (3,000) psi at twenty-eight (28) days. Disturbed areas along sidewalk shall be backfilled, stabilized and grassed.

H.

Additional sidewalks and/or pedestrian easements may be required in subdivisions or developments where deemed essential to provide circulation or access to schools, playgrounds, shopping centers, transportation, and other community facilities.

I.

Bicycle lanes, where required, shall be a minimum of four (4) feet in width and placed between the outside lane of a roadway and the curb or shoulder. When on-street parking is permitted, the bicycle lane shall be between the parking lane and the outer lane of moving vehicles. Lanes shall be delineated with appropriate markings, as required by MUTCD Standards. Bikeways and bicycle lanes must be pre-approved by the Department.

(7-5-2005)

A.

MUTCD Compliance

All traffic signals, signage, striping and pavement markings shall conform to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, latest edition and any amendments thereto. Signs shall comply in shape, color, size, reflectivity, height, materials, and placement.

B.

Traffic Signage

1.

Prior to Final Plat approval, the Developer shall be responsible for all sign materials and their installation as required by the approved plans.

2.

Any signs that are damaged following initial installation, due to additional work at the site, shall be replaced at the Developer's expense.

3.

Decorative signs or traffic control devices shall be prohibited. The use of decorative signposts may be approved at the discretion of the Director, if covenants are provided which require decorative sign post replacement to be funded by an established Property Owner's Association. If decorative signposts in any development are damaged or worn, the County will provide only a standard U-channel sign post as replacement.

C.

Pavement Markings

1.

All centerline or edge line striping shall be performed in compliance with Georgia DOT Standard 652, Paint Striping. On any street classified as a Major Collector or Arterial, all traffic striping shall be thermoplastic in accordance with Georgia DOT Standard 653.

2.

All pavement markings shall be reviewed and approved by the Planning and Development Department. All Pavement Markings shall be thermoplastic and shall be installed in accordance with Georgia DOT Standard 653 and MUTCD requirements.

3.

On any newly paved or resurfaced streets on public rights-of-way, thermoplastic stop bars are required on all approach lanes in accordance with MUTCD Standards.

4.

Raised Pavement Markers (RPMs) or similar devices or shall be required on all Major Collector and Arterial streets, and on any other street installed by developers where safety conditions warrant such devices.

D.

Traffic Signals

Traffic signal installation must be approved by Walton County and the Georgia Department of Transportation. The Developer shall submit a traffic study prepared by a Professional Engineer, registered in the State of Georgia, detailing existing and projected traffic volumes, movements, capacity and required improvements. The Director may require that a traffic study be provided for any development where increased traffic volumes may significantly impact the existing capacity, traffic flow or safety on any existing County Road. See Appendix D for details.

E.

Traffic Safety Improvements

It shall be the Developers sole responsibility to fund, design, construct and/or install any all traffic safety improvements and traffic control devices required to provide safe ingress and egress to any development.

(2-7-2006)