§ 4.2.2. Location Criteria for Streetscape Furnishings

Streetscape furnishings are objects of the streetscape available for public use that are intended to enhance the pedestrian experience and support pedestrian activity as a transportation mode. Typically streetscape furnishings are located in the curbside zone of the sidewalk but may also be located at back of sidewalk in some instances. Regardless of their location, a 5′ (1.5 m) clear zone shall be left for pedestrian travel, unimpeded by permanent or temporary objects. The dimensions of the curbside and clear zone will vary depending on street type and location within the city.

A.

Bike Racks

Bike racks on sidewalks are intended to serve as decentralized parking where the bicycle is left for a short period of time. Racks should be located close to transit stops, places of major employment, recreational destinations and in pedestrian and retail districts. Racks should be visible from and convenient to building entrances, easily accessed from the street, protected from motor vehicles and visible to passersby to promote usage and enhance security. Where sidewalks have distinct use zones, the racks shall be located in the curbside zone.

Bike racks shall be located in the sidewalk curbside zone and as follows:

•  For sidewalks 12′ (3.6 m) wide or greater, racks shall be placed perpendicular to the curb, with the center of the rack aligned with the street trees and street lights (if any) or a minimum of 4′ (1.2 m) from face of curb, with at least 5′ (1.5 m) clearance from the rack to the back of sidewalk or adjacent building wall, to allow room to maneuver the bike. The racks shall be placed 36″ (900 mm) on center and 24″ (900 mm) clearance from nearest vertical object or edge of tree pit.

•  As an alternative location on sidewalks 12′ (3.6 m) wide or greater and less than 18′ (5.4 m) wide, racks shall be placed parallel to and 24″ (600 mm ) from back of sidewalk or adjacent building wall.

•  The clearance from the bike rack to any public or private utility appurtenance shall be a minimum of 36″ (900 mm). Bike racks shall not be mounted on top of vaults or storm drain inlets.

B.

Trash Receptacles

Trash receptacles are located on sidewalks for the purpose of reducing litter on the street by providing a place for pedestrians to deposit small amounts of trash that they do not want to carry to their destinations. Receptacles should increase in number in high pedestrian use areas and near food service establishments. Receptacles shall be located no closer than 2′ (600 mm) to benches or seating areas in order to minimize exposure of bench users to objectionable odors and insects. To enable users to find and use receptacles and facilitate servicing receptacles, they should be located in a consistent, predictable manner within each district or street type.

•  In the Downtown, receptacles shall be located at the intersections, adjacent to the sidewalk ramps. If the sidewalk ramps have wings, the receptacle shall be centered in the curbside zone. For ramps with a curb return, the outside of the receptacle shall be aligned with the top of the ramp. 1′ (300 mm) clearance shall be provided between receptacle and outside edge of curb return. The receptacle shall be oriented so that the opening to receive trash is parallel with the ramp and the service door when fully open will not block access to the ramp.

C.

Benches

Benches provide places for pedestrians to rest, wait for buses or companions and gather together. Benches should be concentrated in areas of high pedestrian activity where there is lighting for secure night-time use. Benches are best located in shaded areas of the sidewalk for optimal year-round use. Place benches in groups facing each other to facilitate social interaction. Groups of benches shall include a space for wheelchair access to the seating group.

Benches shall be located in the sidewalk curbside zone and as follows:

•  On sidewalks 12′ (3.6 m) wide or greater, benches shall be placed perpendicular to the curb with the center of the bench aligned with the street trees and street lights (if any), provided that the end of the bench is a least 18″ (450 mm) from face of curb.

•  On sidewalks 12′ (3.6 m) wide or greater and less than 18′ (5.4 m) wide if utilities or other site constraints prevent benches from being placed in the curbside zone, benches shall be placed parallel to and 6″ (150 mm) from back of sidewalk or adjacent building wall.

•  The clearance from bench back to any vertical object or surface shall be 6″ (150 mm).

•  The clearance from the bench to any public or private utility appurtenance must be a minimum of 36″ (900 mm). Benches shall not be mounted on top of vaults or storm drain inlets.