The City’s Street Design Manual was first adopted back in 2013 as a technical supporting document of the UDO. With the understanding that there is a critical link between land use and transportation, the design guidelines provide for coordinated development with necessary facilities to serve and protect all users of Raleigh’s transportation system. The manual includes excerpts from different codes, including those from Transit, Solid Waste, Trees, and other related subjects.
While the manual has provided clarity on some topics, we’ve gotten feedback that the document is not as “user friendly” as it could be which prompted its first update. Underway since last October, the update is intended to improve functionality by creating a “smart document.” In other words, it will be enhanced to include hyperlinks to applicable UDO sections, City construction standards, and other related webpages.
Although less than 10% of the text in the original document will be changing, the revised manual (a.k.a. Version 2.0) will be laid out completely differently. Version 2.0 includes a new Table of Contents that splits the manual into different chapters, articles, and sections. The new document also provides more references to code sections.
As mentioned, there are only a few text changes proposed, including:
• Changes to multi-family streets (when this type of street can and cannot be used)
• The addition of pre-approved design adjustments to integrate new streetscapes into existing streets and infrastructure
• Centralized delivery requirements
• Additional Plot Plan requirements for residential curb cuts and driveways
All proposed text changes are highlighted in red throughout the document to better illustrate what has been changed or added.
We are currently in the midst of a public review period which began on March 9 and ends April 23. It is anticipated that Version 2.0 will be adopted this coming July. And in order to adequately maintain the manual, our Transportation Field Services staff will update it annually with the process beginning each fall. Future updates should not be as lengthy as this one since changes to the layout took a considerable amount of time.
There is still plenty of time to let your opinion be heard! View the document online and submit your comments to Rene Haagen, Project Manager, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
