5.1.4. Access to Lots

Except where authorized in accordance with Section 5.1.4.B, Alternative Access, all development shall comply with the following standards:

   A.   General Requirements.

      1.   Every lot shall abut or have direct access, via a driveway, to a publicly-maintained street.

      2.   No building or structure shall be constructed or placed on a lot that does not abut or have direct access to a publicly-maintained street.

      3.   Access to residential lots shall meet the minimum requirements of Section 4.3 Residential Use Types.

      4.   Direct access to a publicly-maintained street shall not extend through or across land in a different zoning district than the lot being served by the access (see Figure 5.1,4.A: Lot Access). This requirement is waived when the land in the different zoning district:

         a.   Is classified as a business or mixed-use district; or

         b.   Allows the use being served by the direct access; or

         c.   Provides the sole means of access for the use.

Figure 5.1.4.A: Lot Access

   B.   Alternative Access. As an alternative to compliance with the general standards in subsection (A) above, development may incorporate one of the following alternative street access standards (see Figure 5.1,4.B: Alternative Lot Access):

      1.   Multiple Lot Development. Up to a maximum of three individual lots in a multiple lot development may have shared rights of access along a single driveway that is at least 20 feet in width and leads to a publicly-maintained street.

      2.   Single-Family Lot of Record. Vacant lots of record established prior to January 1, 2020, that do not abut a publicly-maintained street may establish access through a recorded access easement, provided the lot is used for one single-family detached dwelling and its allowable accessory uses, and provided the easement complies with the following:

         a.   The minimum easement width is 20 feet;

         b.   The minimum separation between the easement and any other platted access or right-of-way is at least 150 feet;

         c.   The location of the easement is recorded on a plat; and

         d.   The easement permits ingress, egress, regress, and necessary utilities to serve the lot.

Figure 5.1.4.B: Alternative Lot Access

(Ord. 2020-36, passed 12-2-2019; Ord. 2022-19, passed 10-4-2021)