1. Clear Zone
Clear
zones are unobstructed, relatively flat areas beyond the edge of the road. They
provide clear,
traversable recover areas, walking paths, and sight
distance for the traveling public. To maintain clear zones, required setback
for fixed objects such as fences, walls, trees, and other obstructions are as
follows:
In
urban areas, setbacks may be reduced where there is curb and gutter or berm.
If you have questions about setbacks, or what items are not allowed in the road
right of way clear zone, contact the Road Encroachment Permits at 805-681-4990.
2. Encroachment permit policies
A.
General
•Encroachments
must conform with applicable community plans.
•Encroachments
must conform with current American
Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements.
•Public
Works may take
into account aesthetics in reviewing all encroachment permits.
•Above
grade facilities must be set back as far as possible
and provide landscape or other approved screening to minimize
visual impacts.
B. Clear Zone and pedestrian access
Agreement
to maintain clear zones is a requirement of road encroachment permits.
Common
items requiring an encroachment permit and required to meet clear zone criteria
include walls, fences, trees, plants, utilities, structures, signs, and any
other feature meeting fixed object criteria – contact encroachment permits
office if you are unsure.
C.
Other notes on encroachments
•In
the Montecito Community Plan area
landscaping is not allowed in the clear zone unless pedestrian
facilities are specifically provided for.
•In
the Summerland Community Plan
area County Codes
does
not
allow any encroachments. Only minimal walls necessary for access to off street
parking areas (garage, driveway, due to elevation changes) will be permitted.
Landscaping ground will be allowed.
•Street
trees and landscaping in the right of way:
•select an appropriate tree for the
location.
The County's Urban Forest supervisor may decide what is appropriate.
•install root barriers within the
drip line.
•Install drip irrigation with
emitters, not spray emitters.
•Mailboxes
must
be constructed and/or located to meet County of Santa Barbara Engineering
Standards' and U.S. Postal Service Standards' criteria for Fixed Objects.
Shoulder construction must provide room for a mail truck to pull out of the
travel lane everywhere possible.
•Above
Ground Utility devices and meters (gas, electric, water, etc.) must not be
installed within the Right-of-Way unless previously approved by the County Engineer.
•Fixed
objects
must be designed to provide the proper sight distance clearance for
pedestrian(s), bicyclist(s), and equestrian(s) access when applicable
(existing, new, or future).
FAQ:
I
see other properties around me don't conform to these, why do I have to?
Answer:
Just as with building codes, previous encroachments standards may have differed
or not applied. Transportation responds to individual complaints as priorities
allow, with an emphasis on safety concerns over other requests.
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