PDF Includes all Division One PLATES
Sec. 101-1 Purpose
These standards apply to and regulate all land development improvements and are intended to provide for adequate, coordinated, modern development with the required facilities to serve and protect the potential uses and users of the various areas of the County of Kern.
Sec. 101-2 Plan Review
Plans submitted with road improvements to be included in the County Road Maintenance System shall be reviewed and approved by the Kern County Roads and Engineering, Surveying & Permit Services Departments.
Sec. 102-1 The following definitions shall be applicable to these standards:
102-1.01 "INTERSECTION” is the area embraced within the prolongation of the lateral curb lines, or, if none, then the lateral boundary lines of the roadways of two highways which join one another at approximately right angles, or the area within which vehicles traveling upon different highways joining at any other angle may come in conflict.
102-1.02 "BRIDGES" Structures of a span of more than 20 feet, measured under the copings along the centerline of the road and multiple span structures where the individual spans are in excess of 10 feet,
measured from center to center of supports along the centerline of the road.
Sec. 102-2 Other Documents Referred to in Standards
The following documents are referred to in these standards may be applicable and are on file in the Roads and/or the Engineering, Surveying & Permit Services Departments. References are to be current editions unless specified otherwise.
102-2.01 "Planning Manual of Instructions," published by the California Department of Transportation.
102-2.02 “California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CMUTCD)” of California Department of Transportation.
102-2.03 "Standard Specifications for Highway Bridges," "A Policy on Geometric Design of Rural Highways," and "A Policy on Arterial Highways in Urban Areas" of the American Association of State Highway Officials.
102-2.04 "Bridge Design Manual" of, the Office of Structures, California Department of Transportation.
102-2.05 “Highway Design Manual” of California Department of Transportation (HDM).
102-2.06 “General and Specific Plans” of County of Kern.
102-2.07 “Standard Plans and Specifications” of California Department of Transportation.
102-2.08 “Subdivision Map Act” of the State of California.
102-2.09 “Land Division Ordinance” of County of Kern.
102-2.10 “Hydrology Manual” of County of Kern.
102-2.11 “Federal and/or State Regulations pertinent to accessibility guidelines & requirements.”
102-2.12 “California Fire Safe Regulations, Title 14-California Code of Regulations.”
102-2.13 “Federal and/or State Regulations pertinent to Wildland fire protection on State Responsibility Areas.”
102-2.14 “California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.”
Sec. 102-3 Plans to be Approved by Director
The developer shall cause to be prepared, in accordance with these standards, and submitted to the Director for approval, plans, profiles and specifications for the proposed improvement of all streets, and
related improvements. The developer shall obtain the approval of the Director of said plans, profiles and specifications prior to commencing any construction.
Sec. 102-4 Where no Standard Specified: Requirements to be Prescribed by Director
Where the requirements for street improvements are not specified in these standards, or the documents referenced in these standards, the requirements shall be established by the Director. Such requirements shall conform to accepted engineering standards.
Sec. 102-5 Payment for Improvement
102-5.01 All improvements required by these standards shall be constructed and installed by the developer at his expense unless expressly agreed by the Board of Supervisors that the County will bear the expense or
any portion of the expense.
102-5.02 Arterial or Collector Highway Alignment in Development:
In case of an arterial or collector highway alignment lying within the development, improvement thereof shall be subject to the following provisions:
Sec. 102-6 Access
(See Section 18.55.030 A.5 Land Division Ordinance).
Sec. 102-7 Widening and Improvement of Existing Streets
Where land abuts an existing substandard street is to be developed, the developer shall dedicate any necessary additional right-of-way and improve such street, including drainage improvements, modifications to traffic control devices, and all necessary improvements needed to conform to these standards in order to provide adequate traffic capacities.
Sec. 102-8 Design of Street Systems
The design of street systems, including right of way and improvement widths shall provide:
Sec. 102-9 Utilities, Design and Installation
All utilities shall be designed, constructed, and installed by the Developer in accordance with all applicable County requirements and State laws. Underground utilities including services to be located within street right-of-way shall be installed prior to surfacing the streets. Underground utility construction shall be in accordance with the provisions of Public Utility Commission General Order 95. The director of Kern County Department of
Planning & Community Development may require aboveground cabinets or facilities to be screened in an approved manner. Any aboveground cabinets or facilities located within the road right-of-way shall be permitted only upon approval by the Director. Compliance with this requirement may result in the need to create public utility easements outside of the right-of-way.
Sec. 103-1 Improvement Requirements
Wherever the standards mentioned in the Land Division Ordinance are related to lot area, the reference to the area shall be deemed to be either net area or gross area, depending on whether the minimum lot area for the zoning classification is determined by net area or gross area.
103-1.01 Type "A" Subdivision requirements are as follows:
Sec. 103-2.02 Type "B" Subdivision requirements are as follows:
103-2.03 Type "C" Subdivision requirements are as follows:
103-2.04 Secondary and emergency access shall be constructed per plate R-29
103-2.05 Limited Exceptions
Sec. 103-3 Private Streets
The use of private streets within a subdivision requires a Development Variation as specified by the Land Division Ordinance. When private streets are approved for use, an acceptable entity shall be formed for street and drainage maintenance prior to recording.
The following notes shall be placed on the street improvement plans before the Director signs them:
Sec. 103-4 Pedestrian Accessibility Guidelines
Federal and state regulations require that each facility or part thereof shall be designed 11 and constructed in such a manner that the facility is readily accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities.
Every project, including encroachment permit projects, within the R/W that proposes to construct sidewalk/pedestrian walkway must be designed in compliance with the accessibility requirements of ADA, ADAAG, and Title 24 requirements. If it is found that an accessibility design standard can not be fully incorporated in a design, an accessibility design exception will be required, subject to the Director’s approval. For an exception to be approved, it will be necessary to document that it is technically infeasible to do so because existing physical structural conditions or because other existing physical or site constraints prohibit modification or when a unique characteristic of terrain prevents the incorporation of the accessibility standard.
Sec. 104-1 Alignment Criteria for Streets
104-1.01 Minimum centerline radius of horizontal curvature shall be as follows:
104-1.02 Intersections
104-1.03 Dead-end streets in excess of 150 feet in length shall be constructed to permit vehicles to turn around at the end. The director may increase the length to 200' providing no access is provided by the road. The maximum length of a dead-end street, including all deadend streets accessed from that dead-end street shall not exceed the following cumulative lengths, regardless of the number of parcels
served:
Where a dead-end street serves areas in which several different length limits could apply because of several different parcel sizes, the shortest allowable length shall apply.
Sec. 104-2 Gradient
104-2.01 Minimum grade on any street or alley shall be 0.5%. Where concrete curb and gutter or gutter in the case of an alley, is constructed, minimum grade shall be 0.2%.
104-2.02 The maximum grade on any street or alley shall be as follows:
Exceptions to the maximum or minimum grades may be granted by the Director as follows:
104-2.03 Superelevation shall be provided for all streets where required by the Director.
104-2.04 Vertical curves shall be as follows:
104-2.05 The maximum grade for cul-de-sac street turning area shall be 8%.
104-2.06 The maximum grade through any intersection of two streets shall be 8% within the intersection (P.I. to P.I.).
104-2.07 When any road is extended to a subdivision boundary for the purpose of providing a future connection to adjoining property, the subdivider shall submit an alignment and profile demonstrating the feasibility of such future extension. (Minimum distance beyond tract line shall be 100 feet, 200 feet in mountains).
104-2.08 The minimum grade for any cross gutter shall be 0.35% measured from BCR to ECR.
Sec. 104-3 Grading
104-3.01 Roadways shall be graded by the developer to full width as shown on the standard typical cross-sections.
104-3.02 The maximum grade tolerance in roadway sections for aggregate base, aggregate subbase and original ground shall be 0.05 of a foot high.
104-3.03 Grading beyond the right-of-way may be required by the Director to provide for safe sight-distance, stability and to control drainage.
104-3.04 All grading or excavating in an existing county road, city street, or state highway shall be first authorized by a valid encroachment permit.
104-3.05 Where improvements are required outside of the right-of-way as part of the development improvements, the subdivider shall provide satisfactory easements to allow construction and/or maintenance of the improvements. The easements shall conform to all subdivision requirements including, but not limited to, free and clear dedication, removal of obstructions and guarantee of title.
Sec. 104-4 Pavement, Structural Sections
All streets shall be surfaced by the developer in accordance with the following specifications:
104-4.01 Streets shall be designed in accordance with Chapter III "Street Improvement Requirements" of these standards and the following sections.
104-4.02 Road surfacing on all classes of streets and alleys shall be of asphalt concrete, except as hereinafter provided.
104-4.03 Aggregate Bases - In addition to the specified R-Value for aggregate bases, the R-Value at 150 psi exudation pressure shall be 90% of the R-Value at 300 psi exudation pressure.
Sec. 104-5 Utility Placement Within Streets
Underground utilities including services to be installed in streets shall be installed prior to surfacing of the streets.
The minimum cover of any underground utility within a street right-of-way shall be 30 inches.
Sec. 104-6 Street Lights
The Engineering, Surveying & Permit Services Department strives to find ways to operate as economically as possible to save energy costs and reduce carbon foot print. The Department will entertain the use of lower wattage bulbs, such as light emitting diode (LED) and solar street lights. The developers are encouraged to utilize new technology in order to reduce carbon foot print and reduce energy cost.
Unless otherwise approved by the Director, street lighting to be designed in conformance with these specifications, RP-8, “American National Standards Practice for Roadway Lighting, Illuminating Engineering Society of North America, Kern County Zoning Ordinance and/or other approved design guidelines.
All material and work shall conform to the requirements of the California Electrical Code, National Electrical Code, and other pertinent codes and regulations.
104-6.01 Residential Areas - Street lights shall be located at intersections, at midblock with blocks greater than 600 feet between intersections, at ends of cul-de-sacs greater than 150 feet in length, and on curved streets as required by the Director. Street lights on arterial and collector streets or intersections with an arterial street shall be 9,500 lumen. Street lights on local streets shall be 5,800 lumen. Lumin output and light sources may vary depending on new technology. Street lights shall have an acceptable maintenance entity formed and be energized prior to acceptance of the improvements. Street light construction shall be in accordance with Plate R-75 unless approved otherwise by the Director.
104-6.02 Commercial and Industrial Areas - Street lights shall be located at intersections and ends of cul-de-sacs greater than 150 feet in length. Luminaires shall be as provided in the above paragraph. 16
On all streets, the pull box shall be installed and the light wired from the pull box at the pole per plate R-76. Electrical service shall be provided to the street light from the adjacent parcel (on either side of
the street) as it is developed. Electrical service easements shall be granted as required. Street lights shall be installed per plate R-75.
104-6.03 Additional Street Lights - In commercial, industrial, or residential areas, additional street lights shall be installed as required by the Director.
104-6.04 Street light shall be installed at post office approved community mail boxes.
104-6.05 Street light shall be installed at all passenger bus loading/unloading zones.
104-6.06 All County Service Area maintained street lights shall be Rate Schedule LS1 “PG&E – owned street and Highway Lighting”. Luminaire shall be full cutoff optics.
104-6.07 Street light location plan and general plan details shall be submitted for review and approval by the engineer. The plans shall show and identify all street lights to be installed, distance between poles, height of poles, wattage of lamps, lumens, type of luminaire, irrigation pedestals and all other pertinent information. Also, all existing street lights within 400 feet of the project shall be clearly identified and shown on the plans.
Sec. 105-1 State Highways
Access to state highways, is regulated by Caltrans. Requests for access and changes to existing access shall be coordinated with Caltrans. Encroachment permits for access to state highways shall be obtained from Caltrans.
Sec. 105-2 City Streets
Access to city streets, is regulated by the incorporated city who has jurisdiction. Requests for access and changes to existing access shall be coordinated with the respective incorporated city. Encroachment permits for access to city streets must be obtained from the respective incorporated city.
Sec. 105-3 County Roads – Access Limitations and Intersection Locations
Arterial streets are designed primarily for the movement of through traffic (80% to 90%) with minor usage as access to abutting properties (10% to 20%). Collector streets operate at approximately 40% to 60% either way. Local street’s function is to provide nearly 100% access to abutting properties and should be designed to eliminate through traffic.
Driveway access on arterials shall be kept to a minimum as determined by safety, topography, zoning and prior parcelization constraints or other special circumstances. Waivers of access on subdivisions shall be provided along major streets except where driveway access is permitted.
105-3.01 Minimum full access intersection spacing on arterials shall be limited to one-third mile. Closer spacing may be permitted if a traffic signal synchronization study is approved which demonstrates the location to be feasible for a signal. The signal, if allowed, shall be funded and installed by the developer.
105-3.02 Minimum spacing and type of local street access along arterial and collector streets shall conform to details in Plates R-49 and R-50. Access points along arterial streets shall be restricted to right turn in and right turn out movements only. Full access median openings or openings limited to allow left turn in with no left turn out may be permitted where an approved traffic study provides justification for said access. Analysis for and development of full access openings must also meet the signalization requirements of Section 105-3.03. The design of limited access openings shall conform to applicable details in Plates R-42 through R-50.
105-3.03 For purposed development of no more than 200 residential dwelling units, circulation may be developed with only one access available. Development beyond 200 units will be required to provide a second means of access. Access points on collectors within 300 feet of the curb return at an
arterial intersection shall be limited to right turn in and right turn out movements. This provision in no way limits more restrictive secondary access requirements, imposed for public safety purposes.
Sec. 105-4 County Roads – Driveway Approaches
All construction to connect driveway approaches to county roads must first be authorized by a valid Encroachment Permit. The design, number and location of driveway approaches must comply with the standards and policies contained herein and must be approved by the County.
105-4.01 Driveway approaches will not be permitted for parking or loading areas which would require backing into county roads with the exception of single family (R-1) residences.
105-4.02 Driveway approaches constructed along arterial streets shall be restricted to right turn in and right turn out movements only. Full access median openings or openings limited to allowing left turn in
with no left turn out may be permitted where an approved traffic study 18 provides justification for said access. Analysis for and development of full access openings must also meet the signalization requirements of Section 105-3.03. The design of limited access openings shall conform to applicable details in Plates R-42 through R-50. Driveway approaches constructed along collector streets within 300
feet of the curb return at an arterial intersection shall be limited to right turn in and right turn out movements.
105-4.03 Only one driveway approach per property per street is permitted for single family R-1 lots excepted on local streets. Additional driveway approaches may be permitted where an approved traffic study is provided which demonstrates that more than one access is required to adequately handle driveway volumes, and will not adversely affect traffic flow on county roads.
Addition of access to the higher classification street may be allowed provided an approved traffic study provides sufficient justification. Access to the higher classification street may be denied and may also
be subject to other constraints contained in these standards and by County regulations.
105-4.04 After all improvements have been accepted by the Roads/Engineering, Surveying & Permit Services Departments, the reconstruction, repairs, and maintenance of all driveways, driveway approaches and sidewalk will be the responsibility of the property owner. During construction all such activities will be the responsibility of the permittee.
105-4.05 Arrangements must be made by the developer or permittee, for the necessary removal or relocation of any public utilities, structures, trees or plants with the person or entity having ownership or control prior to commencing work. Removal or relocations must be accomplished at no cost to the County.
105-4.06 Driveway profiles shall comply with the Kern County Type A Street Improvement Details, Plates R-53 thru R-55.
Sec. 105-5 County Roads – Turn Lanes
105-5.01 Arterial Streets: Left turn storage lanes are required to all streets and 19 access points where left turn ingress is permitted along arterial streets. Right turn storage lanes are required at all streets and access points where one of the following criteria is met:
105-5.02 Collector Streets: Left and right turn storage lanes are required on all collector streets at arterial street intersections. Striping for left turn channelization shall be provided for any access leading to a development, which, at build out, generates more than 50 peak trips.
105-5.03 Design of left and right turn storage lanes shall comply with the applicable requirements of details in these standards. Bay tapers for turn lanes shall be 90 feet in length for single turn lanes and 120 feet in length for dual turn lanes. 60' bay tapers will be permitted on streets where the 85th percentile speed is 40 MPH or less, provided the turn lane is accessing either a driveway or a local street.
105-5.04 In the absence of turning volume data showing the need for greater storage, the following minimum lengths shall be used:
Dual left and single right turn storage lanes from arterial street into another arterial street shall be designed for a minimum length of 200 feet (measured from end of taper to limit line). Left and right turn
storage into local streets or major private entrances shall be 150 feet minimum. Left and right turn storage into minor private entrances shall be 100 feet minimum on collector streets and 150 feet minimum on arterial streets.
105-5.05 Upon subdivision or other development which accesses onto an arterial or collector street, the following minimum improvements will be required to provide left turn channelization, where insufficient width would otherwise be available due to existing or proposed street improvements.
On and off site road improvements are required from any collector or arterial street to provide left turn channelization into each street (or access point) within the subdivision (or development). Said channelization shall be developed to provide necessary transitions and turn lanes to meet the current Caltrans standards for the design speed of the roadway in question.
Sec. 105-6 Bus Turnout
Bus turnouts and associated speed change lanes will be required on future and existing bus routes at locations identified by Golden Empire Transit (GET)/Kern Regional Transit 20 (KRT). Design shall be based upon standards contained in Plates R-66.
Sec. 106-1 Introduction
This chapter is intended to serve as a standard for the placement, size and configuration of site access improvements.
Sec. 106-2 Access Widths and Spacing
Access widths and spacing shall be designed per Plate R-56.
Sec. 106-3 Alignment
Access drive or road must intersect a public street at 90 degrees or as close as possible to 90 degrees or minus a maximum deviation of 15 degrees on local streets. Minimum sight distance shall be provided at all access points in accordance with the provisions of this Division and Chapter 5 of Division Nine.
Sec. 107-1 Street and Highway Drainage Easements and Improvements
Any drainage easements and improvements necessary for street and highway drainage shall be provided by the Developer, in accordance with the provisions of this section.
Sec. 107-2 Requirements for Street and Highway Drainage
The following criteria shall be applied to the design and construction of drainage facilities for streets and highways:
107.2.01 Street Drainage (See Drainage - Division Four, Chapter V.).
107-2.02 Cross Drainage (See Drainage - Division Four, Chapter VI.).
Sec. 107-3 Design Standards for Culverts and Bridges Structural Design
Sec. 107-4 Miscellaneous Provisions
Street or highway crossings below check dams and/or spillways shall require special investigation and design. Plans for such crossings shall be submitted to the Director for review and approval.
Where special design or variation from standards is necessary for any drainage facility, crossing a street or highway, said design shall be subject to the approval of the Director.
Sec. 108-1 Landscaping
Landscaping shall comply with Division Five – Landscaping, of these standards. When landscaping within or adjacent to street intersections, the following sight distance and safety criteria shall be provided:
108-1.01 The standards apply only to those intersections which meet at normal skews and where the grade difference between the intersecting streets is not greater than 10 percent.
108-1.02 The clear sight triangle for roadways intersecting arterial and collector highways (55 mph design speed) and stopping sight distance is three hundred (300) feet (near lane approach) and one hundred and fiftythree (153) feet (far lane approach).
108-1.03 The maximum height of shrubs and other obstruction within the above area shall be maintained at a height of thirty (30) inches or less above the sidewalk grade.
108-1.04 For local street intersections; nothing greater than a thirty (30) inch height (above sidewalk grade) within sixty (60) feet of the curb lines extended (normal skew and grades).
108-1.05 See attached Plate T-7 for illustrations of the above standards.
108-1.06 The maximum trunk diameter for trees located in the road right-of-way of any street shall be four (4) inches or less at 10-year growth.
108-1.07 To maintain appropriate sight distances, no shrubs or trees with a height greater than 30 inches shall be located in a median area within three hundred (300) feet from the centerline of the intersecting cross street, pedestrian walkways, bikeways, or median openings.
108-1.08 All landscaping facilities shall be designed and maintained so as not to present a hazard to the traveling public.
Sec. 109-1
Street closures for business purposes require a Special Event Permit, which is approved and issued by the Planning & Community Development Department.
The following general notes shall be included on Subdivision Street Improvement Plans:
NOTE: Any additional notes, not required by the Engineer, will be listed under a heading of
“The Engineer of Record’s Notes” and will not be considered to be a part of the County approval.
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