BIRCHWOOD DRIVE ACCESS PLAN [TRC Plan Review]
Initial Review Note
All comments are based on adopted policy documents, specific City of Wilmington Land Development Code (CofW LDC) and City of Wilmington Technical Standards and Specifications Manual (CofWTSSM) requirements in effect at the time of this review. These have been noted after the comment as appropriate for your ease in further research.
The City Engineer may administratively approve dimensional variance requests per LDC Sec. 18-348. If the Applicant feels further interpretation is in order, please contact Transportation Planning directly to discuss in additional detail. Please apply for all administrative variances in writing, an email is acceptable or this may be included on the plan set. Please see Sec. 18-348 of the Land Development Code for the information required to process a variance request.
BASE INFORMATION:
• Revise relevant sheets to accurately illustrate the existing conditions on and surrounding this parcel. Show all adjacent traffic signs, lane configurations, traffic control devices and pavement markings for the Birchwood Dr/Market St on the site plan. Please refer to the Technical Standards and Specifications Manual (link is below) Ch. VII C.1.a.2.for specific information and distance requirements. Contact Traffic Engineering at 341-7888 if you need assistance locating these elements.
https://www.wilmingtonnc.gov/home/showdocument?id=1910
• Please show the existing ramps, warning domes or any missing details for the intersection of the proposed driveway with Birchwood Dr.
NCDOT:
It is the Applicant’s responsibility to coordinate directly with NCDOT to determine if any driveway permits/ revisions/ review processes are required. Contact NCDOT at 910-398-9100. Please note additional comments may be forthcoming once coordination occurs.
TECHNICAL STANDARDS – ACCESS (driveway, sidewalk, and sight distance):
1. The driveway curb return must be at least 6.5’ from intersecting property lines. [Chapter VII, C, Table 4 CofWTSSM]. A variance may be required.
2. Dimension driveway width at the property line. [Sec.18-530 CofW LDC]
3. The minimum two-lane driveway width is 23’. [7-9 CofW Tech Stds] and the maximum two-lane driveway width is 30’.
4. The City Engineer may approve driveway widths more than 30 feet where it is deemed necessary for safe movements of a large number of large vehicles [Chapter VII, C (b) (3) CofWTSSM].
5. Site plan is showing a stop bar installed. A stop sign shall also be installed at the driveway [MUTCD].
6. ‘No left turn’ movement prohibitory sign shall be installed in conjunction with the STOP sign or on the near right-hand corner if there is no median/island at the driveway [MUTCD].
7. Consider marking the crosswalk based on the long pedestrian crossing distance without a median refuge island at the driveway off Birchwood Dr.
8. Please verify the location of the traffic signs used for the private driveway. Signs shall not be installed in the public right-of-way when the signs being installed are intended to function as traffic control for a private driveway [Figure 1.4, Figure 2.1, Sec 1 A (18) CofW Sign Specification]
9. Show and apply the City’s 20’x70’ sight distance triangle at the driveway on the site plan. [Sec.18-529(c) (3) CofW LDC].
MISCELLANEOUS:
Contact Traffic Engineering at (910) 341-7888 to discuss street lighting options.
We will reserve comments on the driveway geometry and other technical issues until a full construction drawing is submitted.
Please let me know if you have any questions or if I can be of further assistance as this development moves through the review process.
BIRCHWOOD DRIVE ACCESS PLAN [TRC Plan Review]
Initial Review Note
All comments are based on adopted policy documents, specific City of Wilmington Land Development Code (CofW LDC) and City of Wilmington Technical Standards and Specifications Manual (CofWTSSM) requirements in effect at the time of this review. These have been noted after the comment as appropriate for your ease in further research.
The City Engineer may administratively approve dimensional variance requests per LDC Sec. 18-348. If the Applicant feels further interpretation is in order, please contact Transportation Planning directly to discuss in additional detail.Please apply for all administrative variances in writing, an email is acceptable or this may be included on the plan set. Please see Sec. 18-348 of the Land Development Code for the information required to process a variance request.
BASE INFORMATION:
• Show driveway dimensions and structures on Birchwood Drive and Market Street, including valves, cleanouts, Fiber Optic Equipment, etc.
NCDOT:
Please show the NCDOT TIP project ROW on the plan. Contact NCDOT at 910.398.9100 to coordinate TIP plan details and identify contact persons. Please note additional comments may be forthcoming once coordination occurs.
TECHNICAL STANDARDS – DRIVEWAY ACCESS (Major Thoroughfares):
1. Driveways for lots along major thoroughfares must at least 75’ offset from property lines to the curb line. A variance may be required for this driveway
TECHNICAL STANDARDS – ACCESS (driveway, sidewalk, and sight distance):
2. The proposed project does not have a public or private street. Please designate whether the proposed Drive will be dedicated for public use, private drive or access easement. Note, commercial subdivisions may require a ROW.
3. The proposed access drive does not provide public sidewalk or other pedestrian access along the sides of the access drive.
4. The proposed street style intersection has R50’ corner radius on the ingress and egress dimensions. The corner radius exceeds technical standards, which allow R35’ corner radius on streets and R25’ corner radius on driveway access that will be used by Fire and Rescue Vehicles. Please revise the dimensions for the driveway widths and tapers.[Sec.18-529 CofW LDC]
5. The proposed striped island does not provide adequate protection for pedestrians attempting to cross this intersection. Please provide a shorter crossing and/or concrete refuse island and cross walk at this intersection. [Detail 3-01, Street Sections and Detail 3-09 Intersections, CofW Tech Stds]
6. The proposed driveway entrance exceeds the maximum 62’ driveway width for a , as measured along the curb and gutter flow line. This measurement allows for 36’ wide driveway with standard 13’ tapers. [Chapter 7, page 7-10, Note 1, CofW Tech Stds]
7. The Handicap ramp and sidewalk section of the Birchwood Drive and Market Street Intersection appears to be missing from the plan. Please revise.
8. Please provide a street cross section of the proposed access drive, with pavement and base sub-material s shown.
9. The plan does not show internal access drives from Lot #3 and Lot #2b to the new drive. Please revise to show these connection locations.
TECHNICAL STANDARDS – Barrier Free Design:
10. Please show location of handicap ramp(s) and curb ramps on the plan.
11. Show the location of tactile mats, cross walks and concrete refuge islands on the plans.
12. Pedestrian Crossing signs may be required for this site including warnings to watch / yield for pedestrians before turning right/ turning left.
MISCELLANEOUS:
Permitting of business identification signage is a separate process. NCDOT/ City of Wilmington will not allow obstructions within the right of way.
Transportation Planning Staff will review the landscape plan once submitted for compliance with sight distance requirements.
Please let me know if you have any questions or if I can be of further assistance as this development moves through the review process.