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Asset Type : Engineered

Water Classification:
Stormwater
Combined Sewer Overflows

Construction Rank : 5

O&M Rank : 1

How it Works :

Street Rights-of Way make up about 30% of the area in a typical residential neighborhood. Reducing pavement width provides more permeable areas for boulevards and other streetscape features, which reduces the amount of stormwater runoff. Narrow, well landscaped streets will enhance safety by reducing speeds and will create a green and livable community.

O&M Required :

N/A

Design Considerations :

Streets are usually sized to meet code requirements. The Uniform Fire Code requires streets have a minimum of 20 feet of unobstructed width and if there is a street with parking on both sides it is at least 34 feet. Many streets have widths as large as 40 or 50 feet. These streets are larger than necessary and could be narrowed.

Costs :

N/A

Benefits :

Narrower streets leave room for more pervious areas which would allow other green infrastructure to potentially be used.

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References:

Green Streets Basics and Design
Better Site Design Fact Sheet: Narrower Residential Streets
Green Streets

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