A. Private Streets Generally. Private streets may be permitted subject to compliance with the following design criteria and improvement standards of this chapter, Title 18 of this code, and Standard Plan No. S-18F.
B. Private Street Length.
1. Cul-de-sacs. Private street cul-de-sacs shall not exceed 500 feet in length.
2. Loop Streets. Private loop streets improved to the standards set forth in this section shall not exceed 1,000 feet in length.
3. Standards for private streets exceeding 1,000 feet in length shall be determined on a case-by-case basis.
C. Horizontal Alignment. Private streets shall conform to the following minimum standards:
1. Minimum curve radius at centerline shall be 50 feet.
2. Minimum cul-de-sac or turnaround radius to face of curb shall be 46 feet.
D. Profile. The maximum grade for a private street shall not exceed 8%. The minimum grade shall correspond to the standards for a public street.
E. Cross Section.
1. Geometric cross section.
a. Private streets servicing less than 26 lots shall have a minimum street width of 24 feet without on-street parking and 36 feet with on-street parking.
b. Private streets serving 26 lots or more shall have a minimum street width of 30 feet without on-street parking and 40 feet with on-street parking.
c. Private streets may be either crowned streets or valley gutter streets. Valley gutters shall not be used on streets serving 26 lots or more.
2. Curb and Gutter.
a. Crowned Streets. Curb and gutter shall be constructed in accordance with city of Chico public street improvement standards.
b. Valley Gutter Streets. Curb and gutter may be constructed in accordance with the public street improvement standards, or curbing with a minimum width of 6 inches above the surfaced section of the private street at the curb line may be constructed. A 4-foot wide longitudinal P.C.C. valley gutter shall be constructed along the street centerline when the slope is less than 1%.
3. Structural Section. The subdivider’s engineer shall prepare a soils report and determine the “R” value. If the “R” value is 25 or more, the minimum structural section shall consist of four inches of compacted aggregate base with a one and one-half inch asphalt concrete overlay, or an equivalent full depth asphalt section as approved by the public works director. If the “R” value is less than 25, the structural section shall be as determined by the public works director.
F. Intersection with Public Street.
1. A private street shall intersect a public street at right angles.
2. Private streets shall have standard driveway approaches installed at intersections with public streets, unless curb returns are authorized by the public works director.
G. Sidewalks. Pedestrian access shall be provided either by constructing sidewalks in accordance with the design criteria, or pedestrian access may be provided by a comprehensive on-site pedestrian access system approved as part of a subdivision, zoning or permit approval.
H. Street Lights. Street lights shall be installed as required by the public works director.
I. Street Names. Proposed street names shall not be similar to present street names, except that streets that are a prolongation or approximate prolongation of existing streets shall be given the same names as the existing streets. No street shall be designated by the same name as any other street even though differentiated by a suffix (Terrace, Court, Lane, Place, or other term). Generally, no street should change direction by more than 90 degrees without a change in street name. Private street names shall be suffixed “Terrace,” “Court,” “Lane,” or “Place.”
J. Signs. Street signs shall be installed at all street intersections in accordance with city of Chico public street improvement standards. The street sign shall clearly indicate that the street is a private street. Stop signs shall be installed on all private streets that intersect a public street.
J. House Numbers. House and unit numbers shall be assigned by the building official and shall be placed and maintained in a manner which is clearly visible from the street.
L. Parking.
1. All private streets approved for no on-street parking shall be signed for “NO PARKING” and all curbs within 15 feet of any fire hydrant shall be painted red.
2. All private streets providing emergency vehicle access shall provide additional signage and markings as directed by the fire chief and chief of police.
3. All development utilizing private streets without on-street parking shall provide off-street parking in the amount specified in Title 19 of this code plus two (2) additional spaces for each residential unit.
4. At the time the private street is created, a statement shall be included in the conditions, covenants and restrictions or other recorded document approved by the city attorney that sets forth the following:
a. On-street parking is prohibited on private streets (if appropriate).
b. The California Vehicle Code does not apply to routine traffic matters on private streets.
c. The city of Chico police department does not enforce or respond to routine traffic matters on private streets.
M. Setbacks. On any lot abutting a private street, any setback required by this code shall be measured from the edge of the private street easement.
N. Private Street Maintenance. Whenever private streets are approved for a residential subdivision, the developer or subdivider through recorded conditions, covenants and restrictions, or other instrument approved by the city attorney shall provide for the following:
1. Maintenance of the private street and related private facilities, including but not limited to the following:
a. Street;
b. Street lights;
c. Traffic-control devices, if any;
d. Sanitary sewer facilities;
e. Storm drainage facilities.
2. If the private street and related private facilities are not adequately maintained, the city, after prior notice to the organization responsible for maintenance and property owners, shall have the right to:
a. Enter upon and maintain and repair the facilities, and to recover the prorata costs of such maintenance or repairs from each owner of a lot having access to a private street or utilizing private facilities, which costs shall constitute a lien upon the lot until paid; and/or
b. Form a maintenance district or benefit assessment district to provide for the maintenance of such private streets or facilities.
3. A private homeowners’ association shall be formed to maintain all private streets and other related private facilities whenever conditions, covenants and restrictions are prepared for a residential subdivision containing five or more lots.
(Res. No. 110 86-87 §5, Res. No. 22 88-89, Res. No. 59 90-91 §§6-7, Res. No. 67 90-91, Res. No. 167 92- 93 §2, Res. No. 113-07)