1113.04 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS AND REGULATIONS.

      (a)   The number of driveways afforded any one site shall be minimized (the need for more than one driveway may be required to be substantiated by a Traffic Impact Study).

   (b)   It should be noted that these are desirable minimum distances. It is recognized that site frontage and property limits may, by necessity, alter these dimensions. At the same time, the City reserves the right to call for greater spacing distances where feasible.

   (c)   Driveways shall be located in accordance with applicable sight distance requirements (Stopping Sight Distance (SSD) and Intersection Sight Distance (ISD) as contained in Section 200 of the ODOT Location and Design Manual).

   (d)   A variance to these standards as administered by the City Engineer may be applied for to the Bellefontaine Planning Commission in accordance with the following rules:

      (1)   The request for a variance shall specify, in writing, why the variance is appropriate and necessary and shall document the unique conditions or special circumstances that make it impractical and infeasible to meet the applicable standards and/or requirements of the Access Management Plan. The documentation shall show that the applicant has considered all practical and reasonable alternatives to mitigate the unique conditions or special circumstances, that the alternatives are not feasible or practical, and that, without the variance, the applicant will be deprived of reasonable access.

      (2)   In considering a request for a variance, the City shall determine if:

         A.   The variance meets minimum applicable State, County, or City standards including geometric design, operation, and safety elements - and if the variance is shown to be beneficial to the traveling public.

         B.   The variance is not detrimental to the public health, safety, and welfare.

         C.   The variance does not degrade the planned or intended operation of the roadway system.

      (3)   A variance approval shall be consistent with the guiding principles of the Access Management Plan.

      (4)   When a variance is granted, the documentation of the reason(s) for approving the variance shall be included in the records and files pertaining to the permit.
(Ord. 08-68. Passed 12-19-08.)