(A) For the purposes of this section, the following definitions shall apply regarding streets and alley ways.
PRIVATE ALLEY. A narrow vehicular service access, generally 20-feet in width, to the back or side of properties that is privately owned and maintained, either by an association such as an HOA, or by a specific individual, and/or is not open to all members of the public.
PRIVATE STREET. A street that provides for private or individual use for the purpose of vehicular and pedestrian traffic and the placement of utilities that is owned and maintained by a private entity, either by an association such as an HOA, or by a specific individual, and/or is not open to all members of the public.
PUBLIC ALLEY. A narrow vehicular service access, generally 20-feet in width, to the back or side of properties that is publicly owned and maintained and is open as of right to the public.
PUBLIC STREET. The entire width between the boundary lines of every way of travel which provides for public use for the purpose of vehicular and pedestrian traffic and the placement of utilities and including the terms “road”, “highway”, “place”, “avenue” and other similar designations.
(B) Except in the C-1 Zone, a clear vision area shall be maintained on the corners of all property immediately adjacent to the intersection of the following:
(1) All public streets and public alleys intersecting with another public street or public alley.
(2) All public streets and public alleys intersecting with a private street or private alley.
(3) All public streets intersecting with a railroad.
(4) All driveways providing vehicular access to a public street or public alley, intersecting with such public street or public alley.
(C) Lots or parcels that are immediately adjacent to any of the intersections described above shall maintain a sight triangle with no sight obstruction between three feet and ten feet in height as measured from street grade. Sight obstructions include, but are not limited to, fences, vegetation, berms, signs and structures. The sight triangle shall be measured from the corner of the street, alley, driveway, or railroad in question (apex), to a distance of 20 feet along each side of the applicable intersecting way described above. (See Figure 1.) The city may require additional vision clearance based on a hazard identified by the city. However, tree trunks and sign poles not exceeding 12 inches in diameter may be located within the vision clearance area; provided, the diameter does not exceed 24 inches.
(D) For clarity’s sake, the following intersections are exempt from the city’s clear vision standard requirements of this section, and any HOA or other associated private entity shall bear full responsibility in connection with the same:
(1) All private streets and private alleys intersecting with another private street or private alley.
(2) All driveways providing vehicular access to a private street or private alley, intersecting with such private street or private alley.
(Prior Code, § 16.160.000) (Ord. 491, passed 10-2-2023)