(A) A clear view at each corner of an intersection shall be maintained by establishing an unobstructed "sight triangle". The extent of the required sight triangle varies according to the speed limit of streets forming the intersection. For streets signed 35 mph or greater, the area to be clear of view obstructions at unsignalized intersections is generally to be the triangular area formed by the point of intersection of street right-of-way lines and a point located along each right-of-way line at a distance of 35 feet from the point of intersection. For intersecting streets signed for less than 35 mph, the shaded area in the figure below illustrates the area which must, in most instances, be clear of obstructions to driver visibility at unsignalized intersections. As indicated, the clear sight triangle will vary according to speed limit for traffic on the approaching street.
(B) No planting, structure, sign, fence, wall, human-made berm or other obstruction to vision shall be installed, constructed, set out or maintained so as to obstruct cross-visibility in the sight triangle between 30 inches and 72 inches above the level of the center of the street intersection.
(C) The limitations of this section may be modified by the Zoning Administrator in the instances noted below, so long as adequate visibility is maintained relative to intended speed limit:
(1) Existing natural grades;
(2) Trees trimmed such that no limbs or foliage extend into the area between 30 and 72 inches above the level of the adjacent intersection;
(3) Fire hydrants, public utility poles, street markers, government signs, electrical junction boxes and traffic control devices;
(4) Buildings located in the Town Center District, the Neighborhood Center District or the commercial centers of TND Districts; and
(5) The approved and intentional use of traffic calming techniques to reduce speed; these include, but are not limited to: a series of hill crests, neckdowns, intersection diverters and curb bulbs.
(2003 Code, § 8-3.7.10) (Updated 2009)