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Local Street Classifications and Design Standards <br /> Applicable Planning Principles: <br /> * New streets should be designed to meet the needs of pedestrians and encourage walking <br /> as a transportation mode. <br /> * Local streets should be interconnected to provide for efficient provision of utility services <br /> and to provide for more even dispersal of traffic.. <br /> * Local street design should be responsive to topography and other natural features. <br /> * The pavement area of local streets should be minimized, consistent with efforts to reduce <br /> street construction and maintenance costs, stormwater runoff, and environmental impacts <br /> of street construction. <br /> * The range of local street types should be broad enough to allow a great deal offlexibility <br /> for residential developers, thus discouraging the construction of private streets. <br /> * Local street layout should permit and encourage efficient lot layout and attainment of <br /> maximum densities. <br /> * Local streets should be designed to function safely while minimizing the need for <br /> extensive traffic regulations, control devices, and enforcement. <br /> * The function of the local street should be readily apparent to the user through its <br /> appearance and design. <br /> * Local circulation systems and land development patterns should not detract from the <br /> efficiency of adjacent collector or arterial streets. The local street system should be <br /> designed for a relatively uniform low volume of traffic that provides for optimum <br /> dispersal. Collectors, however, should be designed to accommodate peak periods of <br /> demand. <br /> Discussion: <br /> Design Flexitility: Local streets are currently defined as those streets whose primary function <br /> "is to provide access to properties fronting on the street ". Little recognition is given to the many <br /> functions actually provided by the local street system, including those related to providing a <br /> framework for distinctive neighborhoods; providing a visual setting and entryway for homes; <br /> providing � a place to walk, bicycle and a place to park; and providing a place to meet neighbors <br /> and acquaintances. <br /> 27 <br />