A.. Trail tread width. (See Appendix A at the end of this chapter.)
1. Ten-foot minimum.: Regional Trail and Backbone Recreational Trail.
2. Twelve-foot minimum: 15-foot preferred: Regional and Backbone Multi-recreational Trail.
3. Eight-foot minimum: Feeder and Connector Recreational Trail.
4. The actual trail tread width needs to be determined according to the level of use or the expected level of use. However, the trail tread width is not to be less than the minimum standard.
B. Trail types. (See Appendix A at the end of this chapter.)
1. Regional and Backbone Recreational Trail. This trail type is preferred for multiple-use under most conditions. A majority of the Master Plan trails are of this type. Service vehicles could use this trail, if necessary.
2. Regional and Backbone Multi-recreational Trail. This trail type serves as a major, multiple-use trail where space and topography are not limiting factors. This type is ideal for projected high use trails. It provides adequate space for all uses in a safe, effective manner. Service vehicles could use this trail, if necessary.
3. Feeder and Connector Recreational Trail. This trail type is appropriate for multiple-use under most conditions. This type is ideal for projected low use trails and trail connections. Service vehicles could use this trail, if necessary.
C. Right-of-way. (See Appendix A at the end of this chapter.)
D. Setbacks.
1. Two-foot minimum setback from existing or future curb face, retaining walls or fences, edge of sidewalk, or edge of paved or unpaved shoulder.
2. Four-foot minimum buffer separation from bikeway, sidewalk or other trails.
E. Vertical clearance. Fifteen-foot. minimum vertical clearance for structures and tree limbs and 12-foot minimum for culverts.
F. Trail fencing.
1. Fencing shall be provided where users need to be firmly confined within the trail width such as in specific areas of community parks, steep slope areas, bridges, and other potential hazard or high-traffic and general public use areas. Golf ball netting shall be provided where necessary to protect trail users.
2. The following are standards for split rail and post fencing when needed to separate the trails. However, alternative materials and design standards may be allowed.
Material | Vinyl fencing, white three rails |
Rail size | 2"x 6"x 16' |
Post size | 5" x 5" x 7' |
Post spacing | 8' |
3. Other standards:
a. Fence height shall not exceed five feet.
b. The center to center distance between the top and bottom rails shall be 21 inches.
c. Hitching posts shall be constructed of six-inch square wood posts, set 18 inches into the ground, reaching a four-foot height. Rings for tethering horses will be attached to the top of the post.
d. Barbed-wire is prohibited as a trail fencing material. In the event of existing barbed-wire along a trail, additional fencing should be constructed to protect the trail user from the barbed-wire.
G. Trail signs.
1. Trail name signs shall be placed at entry points, halfway points and other points where trail identification is needed.
2. Directional signs should be placed, as appropriate, to clarify trail destination and direction to trail users.
3. Signs shall be offset from the trail edge a minimum of two feet. However, exact location for the best visibility can only be accomplished in the field.
4. Trail user yield signs shall be placed at all trailheads and posted periodically. Especially at trail crossings and along trails that accommodate a variety of users.
5. Intersection signs shall be placed at intersections to warn both the trail user and oncoming traffic.
6. All trail signs shall be located where they can be easily read from the trail. The copy shall be large enough so that it is easily legible (two-inch high letters). Vegetation and other surroundings (usually 40 inches from the ground to bottom of a sign) should determine height of signs.
7. Material:
a. Wood, with emblazoned lettering, should be used for trail name signs. The California State Park System guidelines can be referenced for further details.
b. Metal signs should be used where vandalism may be a problem or where signs interface with public roadways where standard metal signs are used.
c. Concrete or composite signs and markers can also be used as a less expensive alternative in the construction of trail signs.
H. Roadway treatments.
1. Street signage to warn motorists of impending trail crossings shall be located in advance of trail crossings. Signs shall meet City and State standards.
2. Roadways at trail crossings shall have a textured surface.
I. Grades. (See Appendices A and C at the end of this chapter.)
1. Grades of 1% to7% are ideal. The maximum grade for distances greater than 500 feet is 12%. Maximum grades for distances less than 500 feet are as follows:
Less than 250' | 20% |
Less than 500' | 15% |
2. Long stretches of a steep grade should be avoided. Each stretch of grade over 12% must be separated by a grade less than 12% for a minimum of 250 feet. The grade should undulate gently to provide natural drainage and to eliminate monotonous level stretches.
3. Grades should be lessened at approaches to switchbacks and the turns should be as nearly level as practical. Approaches to road crossings should be nearly level.
J. Drainage.
1. Drainage requires a special study of precipitation, run-off, springs and streams in the area. Surface water must be diverted from the trail surface before it builds up to an erosive force. The method used to drain the trail will depend on the quantity and speed of the water, the type of soil in the area, and the grade of the trail. The best and simplest drainage is to slope the trail surface 2% to 3% to allow the water to sheet off, rather than run in a stream down the trail. Low grades help prevent drainage problems; steep grades allow the water to flow faster, building up an erosive force.
2. Drainage devices shall not be located in the pathway of the trail.
3. Landscaping adjacent to trails can help to facilitate better drainage. Therefore, emphasis should be placed on the importance of maintaining the integrity of the trail as part of the landscape design.
K. Surfacing materials.
1. (See Appendix B at the end of this chapter.)
2. The trail may be treated or surfaced in areas where; the dust caused by trail use presents a problem, it is needed to prevent erosion, or it is needed to improve slick or muddy conditions. Surfacing color and type should always be compatible with the surrounding environment.
L. Proximity to roadway. In combined trail systems, the bicycle trail shall be located closest to a roadway.
M. Signalized intersections. Push buttons shall be installed at all signalized intersections interfacing with trails: one at equestrian height and another at pedestrian height. Push buttons should be located on the “trail side” of the signal pole.
N. Barriers. To prevent motorized vehicles from using the trails, barriers (i.e., bollards) shall be placed appropriately at trail entrances.
O. Undercrossings.
1. Undercrossings shall only be used when safe at-grade crossing is not feasible.
2. The rectangular dimension of a pedestrian culvert should be at least 12 feet high by ten feet wide. The ideal height is 15 feet. Culverts less than15 feet high, shall have a sign posted that warns riders to dismount and walk their horses. Undercrossings shall have no bends, be separate from creeks and have textured surfaces. Adequate drainage and lighting shall be provided as required for safety.
P. Bridges and trestles.
1. Bridges/trestles are not usually necessary for crossing water, and they may be a major expense. They should be used only when there are no feasible alternatives.
2. Prefabricated bridges may be used. The following are minimum bridge/trestle standards:
a. Width:
Minimum -10 ft.
Optimum - 20 ft. (i.e., over freeways).
b. Side railings: The railings must provide for some type of physical barrier to prevent one from falling off the bridge or trestle.
c. Side railing height: Minimum - 7 ft.
d. Camber:
Slope of bridge: 5% - 8%
10% maximum for short distances with increased surface texture.
e. Surface: Non-skid, textured (i.e. rubber, wood, cement).
f. Bridges should never be completely enclosed as that may cause horses to spook.
Q. Water crossing. (See Appendix D at the end of this chapter.) When surface flows or subterranean springs are intercepted by a trail, a water culvert may be placed perpendicular to the trail in such a manner to redirect the water and divert it to the downhill side of the trail. All culvert outflows shall be directed into the natural watercourse of the intercepted flow. The size of the culvert should be sufficient to adequately carry the maximum peak flow of water anticipated and promote self-cleaning.
(Ord. 3182, passed 5-15-2012)