A. Direct lot access to an arterial street (see figure 5C.1 at subsection F of this section) will only be granted upon presentation by the applicant of convincing evidence that an alternative means of access is not feasible from an intersecting local or collector street or through means of a cross access easement.
B. The city will approve or deny a request for direct lot access to an arterial street based on whether an alternative means of access is available, the size and nature of the proposed development, the anticipated amount of traffic that will be generated by the development, the capacity of the surrounding streets, and the character of surrounding land uses. At the discretion of the city, a traffic study may be required as described in subsection C of this section for any request for access to an arterial street.
C. When an applicant makes a request for driveway access from any use to an arterial street, either as part of an access permit application or an application for a new subdivision, the city may require the applicant to conduct and submit a traffic study. The city will determine the scope of the traffic study. The traffic study must provide accurate and convincing evidence justifying the need for the proposed access point and also determine whether additional traffic control improvements are necessary for safe access. These improvements may include, but are not limited to the following:
1. Right turn lanes.
2. Left turn lanes, including two-way left turn lanes.
3. Opening or closing a median.
4. Cross access roads or driveways.
5. Installation or modification of traffic signals, or other traffic control devices.
6. Widening or narrowing driveways and improving on site vehicle storage areas.
7. Consolidating or closing existing driveways.
8. Relocating or re-orienting access to provide better sight distance.
9. Redesigning internal road and parking layout.
10. Modifications to on street parking or off street parking.
D. If the city determines that a cross access easement, road or driveway is required as a condition of approval, the development must adhere to the standards for cross access easements outlined in section 14-5C-7 of this article.
E. In addition to any traffic control improvements required based on the traffic study, the driveway spacing, location, and dimensional standards contained in this article must be met.
F. Figure 5C.1 - Iowa City Arterial Street System:
(Ord. 05-4186, 12-15-2005)