PURPOSE

  1. To provide shared access, loading, and service to lots and blocks.
  2. To enable alley-loaded blocks that concentrate “back-of-house” elements to the rear of buildings, including utility infrastructure, refuse collection, and access to parking & loading in the block interior.
  3. To enable use of alleys for permitted uses and accessory structures.

APPLICABILITY

  1. Applies to any development that creates an alley.

GENERAL

  1. Alleys cannot be used to meet the frontage requirement for lots, with the following exceptions:
    1. Cottages, townhouses, and fabrication buildings may front on alleys.
    2. Flag or insular lots, which would not otherwise be buildable, may front on alleys.
    3. Where primary buildings front on alleys, frontage zone requirements do not apply.
  2. Accessory buildings may front on alleys and are not subject to rear setback requirements.
  3. The following thoroughfare types may be used as alleys: natural lane, paved lane, curbed lane, yield street, footpath, or crossweave.

ALLEY ACCESS

  1. Blocks may be accessed by alleys in one of the configurations defined below:
    1. Common Block: A block where parking and service areas internal to the block are shared among several lots and buildings.
    2. H - Block: A block with three alleys that intersect to form an “H”, allowing development to front on four block faces.
    3. T - Block: A block with two perpendicular alleys that intersect to form a “T”, allowing development to front on three block faces.
    4. I - Block: A block with one alley servicing lots on either side of a block, allowing development to front on two block faces.
  2. To every extent possible, alley access into blocks should be aligned on opposite block faces as well as with alleys on opposite sides the street.
  3. Within blocks serviced by alleys that are less than 30 ft in width, a service court may be provided to facilitate changes in vehicular direction. Service courts may not exceed 30 ft in length or 1,200 sf in total area.

DESIGN

  1. To the greatest extent possible, alleys should be aligned to run between opposite block faces and where possible provide connections to alleys on the opposite side of the street to allow for a continuous path of travel.