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HomeMy WebLinkAboutStudy Session Packet 01/24/2011
STUDY SESSION AGENDA CITY COUNCIL MEETING CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO City Council Chambers 7500 W. 29th Ave. January 24. 2011 Upon adjournment of Council Meeting Individuals with
disabilities are encouraged to participate in all public meetings sponsored by the City of Wheat Ridge. Call Heather Geyer, Public Information Officer at 303-235-2826 at least one week
in advance of a meeting if you are interested in participating and need inclusion assistance. APPROVAL OF AGENDA .L Staff Report 2. Revision of the City Fine Schedule concerning Overweight
Commercial Vehicle Fines ;L Streetscape Design Manual Update
" ~ A ~ ~ _ ~ City of ~~WheatRL-dge ~PUBLIC WORKS Memorandum TO: Patrick Goff, City Manager FROM: ~ Tim Paranto, Director of Public Works ) ~ DATE: January 19,2011 SUBJECT: Transportation
Grant Applications Update Staff submitted three (3) projects for consideration by the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) for inclusion in the 2012-2017 Transportation Improvement
Program (TIP). An application was also submitted for Colorado Funding Advancements for Surface Transportation and Economic Recovery (FASTER) transit funds. The DRCOG Transportation Advisory
Committee (T AC) has concurred with the recommendations of DR COG Staff concerning first phase projects selected for the 2012-2017 TIP. The Wheat Ridge 32nd Avenue Wright Court to Braun
Court Operation Improvement Project is among those selected. This project would widen 32nd Avenue east and west ofI-70 using $2,924,000 Federal dollars to help finance the $5,500,000
cost. The local match for this grant is $2,576,000. The DRCOG Metro Vision Issues Committee (MVIC) conducted the second phase of TIP project selections earlier this month. The Wheat
Ridge Kipling Street multi-use trail from 32nd Avenue to Clear Creek project was included in the MVIC recommendations. This project would construct a multi-use trail from 32nd Avenue
to 35th Avenue (Discovery Park) and construct a multi-use trail from 38th Avenue to the existing Clear Creek Trail. The grant would provide $2,473,000 in Federal funds for the estimated
$3,178,000 project. The local match for this grant is $705,000. The City's other TIP project submittal, com~letion of an environmental study and design for the widening of Wadsworth
Boulevard from 38t Avenue to 44th Avenue, was not selected. The City Staff requested FASTER funding for the purchase and installation of bus stop shelters to replace those previously
provided by advertising vendors. This project was also recommended by DRCOG Staff and the DRCOG TAC. The State FASTER Grant would provide $288,000 of the $360,000 cost of thirty (30)
shelters. The local match for this State grant is $72,000. Construction of the bus stop shelters will obligate the City to their maintenance and repair, estimated at approximately $80,000
per year. The DRCOG Board will conduct hearings on the project selections on February 16, with final Board action scheduled for March 16. If the 32nd Avenue widening project is approved,
City Staff will work to advance the construction schedule to 2011.
, ., .~ _ r City of. ~Wheat~dge ~OLlCE DEPARTMENT TO: THROUGH: FROM: DATE: SUBJECT: ISSUE Memorandum Mayor DiTullio and City CO~1l Patrick Goff, City ManageJv{} Daniel Brennan, Chief
of Police ~ January 13,2011 Revision of the City Fine Schedule Concerning Overweight Commercial Vehicle Fines The State of Colorado has revised its fine schedule for overweight violations
for commercial vehicles traveling on State and Federal Highways. As a result, the City of Wheat Ridge Code of Laws, Section 13-6, Safety standards and specifications, has fallen well
behind the State's fine schedule. In addition, a comparison study of three other Jefferson County municipalities revealed that Wheat Ridge is well behind the fine schedules adopted by
those jurisdictions as well. PRIOR ACTION: The City of Wheat Ridge last revised the municipal fme schedule for these violations in 1997. FINANCIAL IMP ACT: The Crime and Traffic Team
(CA TT) conducts commercial vehicle weight and safety inspection checkpoints on regular duty time as a scheduled workday event. Less than 2% of the citations issued have resulted in
court appearances in 20 I O. Adopting the State fine schedule would increase revenues generated from fmes and those fines transferred to the City's General Fund. BACKGROUND: The City
of Wheat Ridge has a significant amount of commercial vehicle traffic traveling along the 1-70 corridor and on the State highways, which traverse our city. Overweight vehicles present
a significant safety hazard to other motorists, because of their weight, which also causes additional wear to critical safety items like brakes. In addition, overweight vehicles cause
additional damage to our roadway infrastructure. The Police Department regularly conducts commercial vehicle weight and safety checkpoints in conjunction with the Colorado Department
of Revenue Port of Entry personnel. Eight of these checkpoints were conducted in 2010, resulting in the following: 1. Two hundred and sixty-nine trucks were weighed and/or inspected
in 20 10, an average of 33.6 trucks per day. 2. Two hundred and sixty-four violations were cited, an average of 1.01 violation per commercial vehicle.
Staff Report: Revision of the City Fine Schedule Concerning Overweight Commercial Vehicle Fines January 13,2011 Page 2 of2 3. These violations generated $29,508 in fines in 2010. 4.
While the number of checkpoints has doubled in an effort to address safety issues with commercial vehicles, there has been no reduction in the number of safety and weight violations
cited due to the additional enforcement efforts. S. Nationally, data shows that commercial vehicles account for a significant number of traffic accidents and the need for local municipalities
to increase education and enforcement efforts related to safety and weight violations remains a priority . . A comparison study of surrounding municipalities showed that surrounding
communities have taken steps to increase fines associated with overweight commercial vehicles. The City of Lakewood adopted a fine schedule in accordance with the fines set forth by
the State. Fines over and above the $999 limit are written into County Court, 50% of the fme is then returned to the city. The City of Westminster is in the process of revising their
fine schedule to be in accordance with the State fine schedule, with the same $999 provision as Lakewood. Lastly, the City of Arvada revised their fine schedule in 2006, and are in the
process of revising their schedule again to reflect the State fines, with the same $999 provision. ALTERNATIVES Department staff considered several alternatives regarding this topic
to include: I. The Police Department could continue its operations with the current fine schedule. Our fines would be behind the State fine schedule and not reflective of fine schedules
in surrounding communities. This is a cost neutral approach for the City. 2. The Department could discontinue commercial vehicle weight and safety checkpoints. Staff does not recommend
this approach. The Department's education and enforcement strategies along the 1-70 corridor and high accident locations has resulted in a reduction of property damage, serious injury
and fatal accidents. accidents. 4. Approve the updated fine schedule. The Police Department recommends that City Council consider and approve an increase in the fine schedule for overweight
commercial vehicles based on the State of Colorado's fine schedule. RECOMMENDATION The Police Department is seeking City Council direction specific to developing an ordinance revising
the fine schedule for overweight commercial vehicles. Staff recommends City Council approve this recommendation. Report Prepared By: Tracy Wardell, Sergeant Crime and Traffic Team A
TT ACHMENTS: Wheat Ridge Code of Laws, Section 13-6 Comparison Table of Proposed Fine Schedule
ARTICLE I. -IN GENERAL Page I of2 Sec. 13-6. -Safety standards and specifications. (a) Adopted. The "Rules and Regulations Governing the Satety Standards and Specifications of All Commercial
Vehicles." as promulgated by the Colorado Department of Public Safety, and as the same may be amended from time to time, are hereby adopted. Copies of said rules and regulations are
available for inspection at the office of the city clerk. (b) Penalties. Any person, firm or corporation violating any of the provisions of subsection (a) of this section or Part 5 of
the Model Traffic Code for Colorado Municipalities, as amended, upon a plea of guilty or no contest, or upon a conviction thereof, shall be fined in a sum not to exceed nine hundred
ninety·nine dollars ($999.00) for each violation. In th e alternative, any person, firm or corporation violating any of the provisions of subsection (a) of this section or Part 5 of
the Model Traffic Code, as amended, may be fined a penalty assessment fin e of seventy-five dollars ($($75.00) for each violation. Each and every day which a violation is permitted to
exist shall constitute a separate and distinct offense. The penalties herein shall not preclude the city from initiating any other action to abate or prevent the occurrence of any violation
of the provisions specified in this section. (c) Immobilization. Police officers are hereby authorized to immobilize, impound or othelWise direct the disposition of commercial vehicles
when it is determined that the motor vehicle or operation thereof is unsafe and when such immobilization, impoundment or disposition is appropriate under the "Rules and Regulations Governing
the Safety Standards and Specifications of All Commercial Vehicles," as promulgated by the Colorado Department of Safety, and as the same may be amended from time to time. (d) Excess
weight-Penalty assessment. Any person who pleads guilty or is convicted of violating the weight limitations of either section 507 or section 508 of the Model Traffic Code, as amended,
shall be subject to the penalties of subsection (b) of this section and for each axle andlor gross weight i ,"n i I penalty I to the I i ' ." "' o~ ,,' o · Excess Weight Penalty Assessment
in Pounds Fine Amount 1 to 3,000 $ 50.00 3,001 to 4,250 65 .00 4, 251 to 4,500 80.00 4, 501 to 4,750 95.00 4, 751 to 5,000 110.00 5,001 to 5,250 125.00 5,251 to 5,500 140.00 5, 501 to
5,750 155.00 5,751 to 6,000 170.00 6,001 to 6,250 185.00 6,251 to 6,500 210.00 6, 501 to 6,750 235 .00 6,751 to 7,000 260.00 7,001 to 7,250 285.00 7,251 to 7,500 325.00 7,501 to 7,750
365.00 7,751 to 8,000 405.00 8,001 to 8,250 445.00 8,2 51 to 8,500 495 ,00 8,501 to 8,750 545.00 8,751 to 9,000 595.00 9,001 to 9,250 645 .00 http://librmY J11unicode .comIHTMLlI1707/leve13IPTIICOLA_
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ARTICLE 1. -IN GENERAL Page 2 of2 9,251 to 9,500 705.00 9,501 to 9,750 765.00 9,751 to 10,000 825.00 10,001 to 10,250 885.00 10,251 to 10,500 920.00 10,501 to 10,750 955.00 10,751 to
11,000 990.00 11 ,001 and over 999.00 (Ord. No. 1990-842. § J, 9·24·90; Ord. No. 1996·1063, § 1, 1-13· 97) hllp:l/library.municode.comIHTMLl II 707/Ieve13IPTIICOLA CH 13MOVETR AR TllN...
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CURRENT SCHEDULE PROPOSED MUNICIPAL FINE SCHEDULE for Overweight Axle Loads (8800 Ibs max) Excess Weight in Penalty Assessment Fine Excess Weight Penalty Assessment Pounds Amount in
Pounds Fine Amount 1 to 3,000 $ 50.00 1 to 999 $ 40.00 3,001 to 4,250 65.00 1,000 to 1,200 50.00 4,251 to 4,500 80.00 1,201 to 1,400 75.00 4,501 to 4,750 95.00 1,401 to 1,600 100.00
4,751 to 5,000 110.00 1,601 to 1,800 125.00 5,001 to 5,250 125.00 1,801 to 2,000 150.00 5,251 to 5,500 140.00 2,001 to 2,200 175.00 5,501 to 5,750 155.00 2,201 to 2,400 200.00 5,751
to 6,000 170.00 2,401 to 2,600 225.00 6,001 to 6,250 185.00 2,601 to 2,800 250.00 6,251 to 6,500 210.00 2,801 to 3,000 275.00 6,501 to 6,750 235.00 3,001 to 3,200 300.00 6,751 to 7,000
260.00 3,201 to 3,400 325.00 7,001 to 7,250 285.00 3,401 to 3,600 350.00 7,251 to 7,500 325.00 3,601 to 3,800 375.00 7,501 to 7,750 365.00 3,801 to 4,000 400.00 7,751 to 8,000 405.00
4,001 to 4,200 425.00 8,001 to 8,250 445.00 4,201 to 4,400 450.00 8,251 to 8,500 495.00 4,401 to 4,600 475.00 8,501 to 8,750 545.00 4,601 to 4,800 500.00 8,751 to 9,000 595.00 4,801
to 5,000 525.00 9,001 to 9,250 645.00 5,001 to 5,200 550.00 9,251 to 9,500 705.00 5,201 to 5,400 575.00 9,501 to 9,750 765.00 5,401 to 5,600 600.00 9,751 to 10,000 825.00 5,601 to 5,800
625.00 10,001 to 10,250 885.00 5,801 to 6,000 650.00 10,251 to 10,500 920.00 6,001 to 6,200 675.00 10,501 to 10,750 955.00 6,201 to 6,400 700.00 10,751 to 11 ,000 990.00 6,401 to 6,600
725.00 11 ,001 and over 999.00 6,601 to 6,800 750.00 6,801 to 7,000 775.00 7, 001 to 7,200 800.00 7, 201 to 7,400 825.00 7,401 to 7,600 850.00 7,601 to 7,800 875.00 7,801 to 8,000 900.00
8,001 to 8,200 925.00 8,200 to 8,400 950.00 8,401 to 8,600 975.00 8,601 to 8,800 1,000.00
" \ A ~ ~ ~ City of rct: Wheat BL-dge ~OMMUNllY DEVELOPMENT TO: THROUGH: FROM: DATE: SUBJECT: Introduction Memorandum The Mayor and City Council ~ Patrick Goff, City ManagerJJ Ken Johnstone,
Community Deve opment Director Sarah Showalter, Planner n January 14, 20 II (for January 24th Study Session) Streetscape Design Manual In order to create streetscape design standards
that correspond with the new Bicycle-Pedestrian Master Plan, to promote quality streetscapes for priority corridors identified in the City's planning documents, and to update the outdated
Streetscape and Architectural Design Manual (2001), planning staff has drafted a new Streetscape Design Manual. The new manual will serve several purposes, including: • Creating uniform
design standards for sidewalks and streetscapes that correspond with the street cross sections established in the City's Bicycle-Pedestrian Master Plan • Ensuring quality streetscape
design that will complement planned mixed use development on major commercial corridors (identified as "priority corridors" in the new Streetscape Design Manual) • Replacing the largely
outdated Streetscape and Architectural Design Manual This memo is structured as follows: I. Background 2. Process 3. Streetscape Design Manual Overview Background In 200 I, the City
adopted the Streetscape and Architectural Design Manual. This document contains design guidelines for both streetscapes and new buildings. The portion of the manual that addresses building
design was replaced by the Architectural and Site Design Manual (ASDM), adopted in 2007. The portion of the manual that addresses streetscape design is still in effect, however it has
not been updated since 200 I and has rarely been implemented. Lack of implementation is based on several issues, including: • Lack of objective standards (i.e. minimum sidewalk widths)
in the manual • Outdated street classifications • General lack of significant new development on commercial corridors to trigger major
Streetscape Design Manual Memo January 24, 20 II Page 2 streetscape improvements. Some smaller redevelopment projects in the past few years have created an escrow for future streetscape
improvements, but did not build them as part of the project since the project's frontage on a corridor was so small One of the primary reasons for replacing the former Streetscape and
Architectural Design Manual with a new Streetscape Design Manual is to create clarity and consistency as to what is required for streetscape improvements when major redevelopment occurs.
Process Staff began the Streetscape Manual update in the summer of20 I O. Staff from Commlmity Development, Public Works, and Parks met several times to review and create the content
of the manual. In addition, Plarming staff held a study session with City Council in August 20 I 0 and two study sessions with Plarming Commission in the fall and winter of20 1 O. The
addition of Chapter 2, which spells out specific criteria for priority corridors throughout the City, was added due to feedback from Planning Commission at their first study session.
The draft manual was also reviewed by LiveWell Wheat Ridge's Active Community Environments (ACE) task force. The group gave valuable comments to staff that helped to improve the content
of the manual. After the January 24th Study Session with City Council, the planned next step is to bring the manual, along with ordinance changes, to Planning Commission for a public
hearing. After that, a public hearing will be held before City Council for final adoption. Streetscape Design Manual Overview The format and structure of the proposed manual is similar
to that of the Streetscape and Architectural Design Manual from 2001. A brief outline of the manual may be found below, with a complete draft attached for your review. Chapter 1 -Introduction
• Establishes intent and purpose of the Streetscape Design Manual • Applicability: only applies to arterials and collectors. Does NOT apply to local residential streets. Any new development,
or redevelopment that expands SF by more than SO%, will need to meet the standards and guidelines in the manual. The manual will al so apply to any City-funded streetscape improvements.
Chapter 2 -Priority Corridors • Establishes standards, including minimum sidewalk width and tree spacing, for the streetscape design of the following priority corridors: o W. 38th Avenue
between Sheridan and Wadsworth o Wadsworth Boulevard between W. 32nd Ave and [-70 o Kiplin& Street between W. 3Sth Ave and W. Sl" Place o W.44 Avenue between Harlan and Wadsworth and
between Everett and 1-70 o Youngfield Street between W. 32nd Ave and Highway S8 o Any streets in the future TOD area 2
Streetscape Design Manual Memo January 24, 20 II Page 3 Chapter 3 -Design Standards and Guidelines • This chapter establishes general standards for the streetscape along all other collectors
and arterials in the City • Includes design standards and guidelines for street plantings and street furniture, including street trees, shrubs, benches, fences, lights, and monument
signs. The overall intent is to create design guidelines that set a minimum level of quality but that are flexible and can apply to a variety of the City's arterial and collector corridors.
Standards and guidelines will encourage pedestrian-friendly design, especially in more urban, retail districts. Chapter 4 -Maintenance and Irrigation This chapter establishes maintenance
requirements, which are crucial for the long-term value of a streetscape. ATTACHMENT: I. Draft Streetscape Design Manual 3
City of Wheat Ridge Streetscape Design Manual DRAFT 01.10.2011 ...... -_ .-Ci ty o f • ? \VheatR:gge
TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER 1 -Introduction 1.1. Historical Context ................•... • • •. . •• .... . ......... 1 1.2 Purpose . .............••... ... .. .. ... ........ .... ......
. . 2 1.3 Applicability ......... ..... .. ... .. . .. ............... .... .. . 2 1.4 Review Procedure . . .. .. . ........ ... . . • .. ........... . .. . . .. 3 1.5 Definitions ..
... . ... ............ ...... . ............. ... .. . 3 1.6 Street Types. . . . . . . . • • • • • • • • . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 5 CHAPTER 2 -Priority
Corridors 2.1. W. 38th Avenue . . . . .. . ....... ... ... . . . . ... .. ... . . . ........ 8 2.2 Wadsworth Boulevard . ... ........ ....... . .. ..... ..... •. .... 9 2.3 Kipling Street
. ........ ....... .... ..... . .. ...... ........ .. . 12 2.4 W. 44th Avenue . .... . ... .. ..................... .. . ...... .. 13 2.5 Youngfield Street ...................... ...
...... .... . . . .. .. 14 2.6 Transit-Oriented Development Area ... . . ........ .. .. . ..... . . . 15 CHAPTER 3 -Design Standards and Guidelines 3.1. Sidewalks ... ..... . . .....
. .. .. .... . .. ................ ..... 19 3.2 Amenity Zones ............................... . .•.....• ... 20 3.3 Street Trees ................................ .... ....... ... 22
3.4 Groundcovers and Shrubs .....••.•• . ... . ... .. .. ........ .. . . 25 3.5 Street Furnishings .. . . ...... .. .•..•. ... ... . . ............ ... 25 3.6 Lighting . ... ...... .
.. ... .. . .. ..... ... .. .. ............. ... 31 3.7 Crosswalks and Curb Ramps .. .... ...............•...••..... 32 CHAPTER 4 -Maintenance and Irrigation 4.1 Maintenance .........................
.... .... . .......... . 33 4.2 Irrigation . .......... . .... .......... . ........ . ......... . .. 34 APPENDIX A -References Soil Volume Guidelines and References ......... .. ..
...... ... .... . 37 Structural Soil Reference ............. . ....•••••••••• ..... . . . ... 38 Tree Protection Reference ...•••••• . ......... .... .. .... .. ...... . 40 APPENDIX
B -Recommended Plant List Recommended Shrubs . . ................ . ..... ..... . . . ... .... .. 45 Recommended Grasses and Groundcovers ... . .. . . .... .. ... .. ...... 47 Recommended
Street Trees ................ . .. . .... . ..... .. ... . . 48 DRAFT 01.10.2011 Wheat Ridge Streetscape Design Manual
CHAPTER 1 -INTRODUCTION The Wheat Ridge Streetscape Design Manual establishes design standards for important corridors throughout the City. This manual is intended to promote high-quality
streets that encourage pedestrian use and enhance the public realm. 1.1 Historical Context Wheat Ridge had its origins in the silver and gold rush days of Colorado in the late 1800's.
Miners traveled back and forth between Golden, Blackhawk and Central City through what is now the City of Wheat Ridge to Denver. Eventually, farmers settled Wheat Ridge and the routes
between Denver and points west became established as the main thoroughfares we know today. Wheat Ridge became an incorporated City in 1969. Wheat Ridge, like many satellite suburban
communities, does not have an historical main street or town center. Residential development radiated out from Denver and the commercial activity developed along the main thoroughfares.
Today these thoroughfares remain as Wheat Ridge's main commercial corridors: W. 38th Avenue, W. 44th Avenue, Sheridan Boulevard, Wadsworth Boulevard, Kipling Street and Youngfield Street.
The City's suburban development pattern has created a diverse and eclectic character in the community. On the east side of Wheat Ridge development followed the traditional Denver urban
grid pattern. The development pattern east of Wadsworth Boulevard is more dense and compact and the structures are older. As development moved west of Wadsworth, the pattern became more
suburban with curved streets, cul-de-sacs and lower density development. Farther to the west, lower-density residential and agricultural uses remain . Historically, many of the City's
commercial corridors were pleasant, treelined country lanes with smaller scale neighborhood-oriented retail shops. The proliferation of automobile travel as the main mode of transportation
was at odds with creating pedestrian-friendly and pedestrian-oriented developments. The suburban development pattern moved buildings from the street edge and placed large parking lots
between the building and street. Streets once characterized by small-scale buildings with intimate settings became disorganized streetscapes dominated by parking lots, overscaled signs
and under-utilized or non-existent sidewalks. Wheat Ridge's commercial corridors provide many benefits to the City and surrounding neighborhoods. These corridors serve as gateways into
the City and establish the image of the City. They provide service, shopping, dining, cultural and entertainment opportunities for residents of the adjacent neighborhood, the city and
the region. Business activity along these Wheat Ridge streetscape Design Manual Figure 1.1 -The Wheat Ridge float in a 1914 parade along an early Denver streetscape Figure 1.2 -The first
Wheat Ridge post office, now preserved in the Wheat Ridge Historical Park DRAFT 1.10.2011
Figure 1.3 · Existing commercial streets cape an Wheat Ridge's IN. 38th Avenue Figure 1.4 -The Streetscape Design Manual is intended to promote multi· modal streets that encourage use
by pedestrians and bikers, as well as cars (IN. 32nd Avenue in Wheat Ridge) DRAFT 01.1 0.2011 2 corridors provides a significant tax base for the City. Commercial corridors should help
connect neighborhoods and add to a sense of community pride. This manual is intended to improve the design and appearance of major corridors within the City. Quality streetscapes are
a vital component to a thriving community. The standards in this manual support the City's goals for transforming its commercial corridors into more pedestrian-friendly, lively streets
lined with mixed-use development. 1.2 Purpose The purpose of the Wheat Ridge Streetscape Design Manual is to: • Promote high-quality streetscapes that contribute to the overall character
and identity of the City • Promote multi-modal streets that encourage pedestrian use, enhance the public realm, and complement compact, mixed-use development patterns • • • Encourage
the use of draught-tolerant, low-water plants that promote water conservation Establish standards and guidelines for the streetscape design of all collector and arterial streets within
the City of Wheat Ridge, with a particular focus on priority corridors identified in Chapter 2 Create design standards and guidelines that are consistent with: 1. The City of Wheat Ridge
Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan 2. The City of Wheat Ridge Comprehensive Plan, Envision Wheat Ridge 3. The zoning rules and regulations of the City of Wheat Ridge 4. The City of Wheat
Ridge Parks and Recreation Master Plan Many of the design guidelines within this manual are based on the City's former Streetscape and Architectural Design Manual, adopted in 2001. This
updated Streetscape Design Manual was developed to provide consistency with the updated Comprehensive Plan, adopted in 2009, and the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, adopted in 2010.
1.3 Applicability The standards and guidelines in this manual apply to: • Any new development along collector and arterial streets, identified in the Roadway Classification Map (Figure
1.14). This includes new development, redevelopment, and additions over 50 percent of the existing floor area. • Improvements to existing collectors and arterials • The new construction
of collectors, arterials, or any local street serving mixed use or commercial development • Any City-funded street improvement project This manual only applies to arterial and collector
streets, as well as local streets serving mixed use or commercial development. It does not include any standards for semi-urban street typologies, which feature roadside Wheat Ridge
Streetscape Design Manual
ditches and often lack sidewalks. There are few existing semi-urban arterial or collector streets in the city, and the City intends to transition existing semi-urban cross-sections into
urban cross-sections, which include curb, gutter and sidewalk. 1.4 Review Procedure All new development or redevelopment meeting the criteria above in Section 1.3 Applicability shall
submit a complete streetscape plan to the City for review. The streetscape plan shall be included with the application for either (1) Site Plan Review or (2) Building Permit Review,
whichever occurs first. The streetscape plan shall include all necessary information to show compliance with the standards and guidelines within this document, including but not limited
to: • Landscape plan showing all plantings in the streetscape area, with dimensions and spacing labeled. • Location plan showing all street furnishings, with dimensions and spacing labeled.
• Lighting plan showing all existing and proposed lights, with dimensions and spacing labeled. • Utility plan, showing the location of all existing and proposed utilities in the streetscape.
• Details and section drawings for any proposed tree vaults. • Cut sheets for all proposed lighting fixtures and street furnishings. As part of the Site Plan or Building Permit review,
City staff will review all streetscape drawings for compliance with this document. The drawings will also be referred to utility companies for review and approval. Approval of the streetscape
plan will be required for the approval of the Site Plan or Building Permit application that is simultaneously under review. 1.5 Definitions There are several terms used regularly in
this document, which are defined below. Amenity Zone: the portion of the streetscape between the curb and the sidewalk, and also referred to as a "buffer." The amenity zone may be hardscaped
or landscaped and provides a buffer between the sidewalk and parking or driving lanes on the street. Landscaped amenity zones may also be called "tree lawns." The amenity zone is the
location for street lights, street trees, street amenities and furniture,
bike racks, and utilities. Arterial Street: a roadway that serves high traffic volumes and provides access to regional destinations, economic centers, and freeway interchanges. Arterials
typically have limited access points and are bordered by commercial land uses. Principal arterials serve high traffic volumes and provide access to regional destinations, economic centers,
and highway interchanges. Examples of principal arterials in Wheat Ridge include Wadsworth Boulevard Wheat Ridge Streetscape Design Manual Figure 1.5 -Example of a hardscaped amenity
zone~ or the buffer between the sidewalk and roadway (Old South Gaylord Street in Denver) Figure 1.6 -Example of a landscaped amenity lone, or the buffer between the sidewalk and roadway,
also called a tree lawn (W 38th Ave in Wheat Ridge) DRAFT 1.10.2011 3
Figure 1.7 -Example af an entry walk Figure 1.B -Example of a "semi-urban" street, with no curb, gutter or sidewalk (W 29th Ave in Wheat Ridge) • 1 1 1 1 J IAmenityl I Zone I 1 1 I 1
and Kipling Street. Minor arterials serve less traffic volume than principal arterials but sti ll connect regional destinations. Examples of minor arterials in Wheat Ridge include Youngfield
Street and W. 44th Avenue. Building Facade: the face, or outside wall, of a building. Collector Street: a roadway that serves moderate traffic volumes and primarily provides connections
between neighborhoods and the arterial roadway system. Collectors may be bordered by commercial and/or residential land uses. Entry Walk: a paved walkway which extends from the sidewa
lk or building face to the street, providing a pedestrian route to on-street parking areas through a landscaped amenity zone. Hardscape: exterior su rface areas covered with concrete,
pavers, brick, stone, or a similar surface and not intended for vehicular use. Local Street: a a roadway that serves low traffic volumes and is primarily used to gain access to the property
bordering it. Private Amenity Zone: the portion of the streetscape between the sidewalk and the building face. This is an optional portion of the streetscape that is common in retail
areas. The private amenity zone contains elements such 1 1 I Buffer I 1 1 1 1 1 1 Public Right-ot-Way (ROW) Buffer • 1 1 1 1 J tal1':51 "'I ~J ~: 0 1 ~I :51 «I 1 1 1 1 1 1 Optional I
PnVCHe I Amenity I Zone I 1 1 '" ' , " Streetscape Roadway • Streetscape • , Figure 1.9 -Common components of the street. DRAFT 01 .1 0.2011 4 Wheat Ridge Streetscape Design Manual
as outdoor seating, planters, and cafe tables. Right-of-Way: the land area owned by the City that forms the public street. The right-of-way typically contains road improvements, utilities,
sidewalks, amenity zones, landscaping, lighting and street furniture. Roadway: the portion of the street where vehicles, including cars and bicycles, travel. Semi-Urban Street: a street
that does not have curb and gutter, but instead has a road-side ditch next to the roadway. This manual does not include standards or guidelines for semi-urban streets. For typical cross-sections
of semi-urban street, see the Wheat Ridge Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan. Sidewalk: a paved walkway between the amenity zone and the building face, or between the amenity zone and
a private amenity zone. Step-out Strips: also called landing walks, step-out strips are paved strips adjacent to the curb where landscaped amenity zones, or tree lawns, border on-street
parallel parking. Step-out strips provide a way for people to enter and exit their their car without damaging the landscaped area and are typically used in conjunction with entry walks.
Streetscape: the general area between the curb and building face where pedestrian activity is concentrated. The streetscape area includes the sidewalk, amenity zone (landscaped or hardscaped),
and the optional private amenity zone. Urban Street: a street that contains curb and gutter, rather than the semiurban road-side ditch. All of the standards and guidelines in this manual
apply to urban streets. Xeriscape: landscaping that utilizes low-water plants to promote water conservation. 1.6 Street Types Arterial Streets Arterial streets serve high traffic volumes,
provide access to regional destinations, have limited access points, and are typically lined with commercial land uses. Principal arterials have the highest traffic volumes, while minor
arterials serve lower volumes. The arterial streets in Wheat Ridge, as illustrated in the Roadway Classification Map (Figure 1.15), are: • Wadsworth Boulevard • Kipling Street • Ward
Road • Sheridan Boulevard • Youngfield Street (minor arterial) Wheat Ridge Streetscape Design Manual Figure 1.10 -Example of a step-out strip Figure 1.11 -Example of an "urban" streetJ
with curb, gutter. and sidewalk (Harlan Street in Wheat Ridge) Figure 1.12 -West 44th Avenue in Wheat Ridge is an example of a minor arterial street with four lanes DRAFT 1. 1 0.2011
5
Figure 1.13 -Wadsworth Boulevard is an example of a five-lane principal arterial street in Wheat Ridge Figure 1.14 -Harlan Street is an example of a three-lane collector street in Wheat
Ridge DRAFT 01.10.2011 6 • • • • W. 38th Avenue (minor arterial west of Kipling Street) W. 44th Avenue (minor arterial) W. 32nd Avenue (minor arterial) W. 26th Avenue (minor arterial)
Arterial streets may have as many as five to six traffic lanes, including a center turn lane and/or center median. Col/ector Streets Collector streets serve moderate traffic volumes
and primarily provide connections between neighborhoods and the arterial roadway system. The collector streets in Wheat Ridge, as illustrated in the Roadway Classification Map (Figure
1.15), are: • Tabor Street (north of W. 44th Ave) • Ridge Road • Miller Street (north of W. 48th Ave) • Independence Street (north of W. 48th Ave) • Garrison Street (north of W. 48th
Ave) • Pierce Street (south of W. 44th Ave) • Harlan Street (north of W. 32nd Ave) • Marshall Street (between 1-76 and Lamar Street) • • • • • Cabela Drive W. 50th Avenue (between Ward
Road and Independence) W. 49th Avenue (between Kipling and Garrison) W. 48th Avenue (between Lamar and Harlan) W. 29th Avenue (between Wadsworth and Sheridan) Collector streets typically
have two to three traffic lanes, including a center turn lane and/or center median. Local Streets Local streets serve low traffic volumes and typically have two lanes. Existing local
streets in the City provide access to residential land uses and are not subject to the standards or guidelines in this manual. However, where new local streets are constructed to serve
mixed use or commercial development, the requirements in this manual shall apply. Wheat Ridge Streetscape Design Manual
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'-' «--' 0 z UJ '" IC-J-) IC-J-) IC-J-) 0 z ~ z ~ f'! UJ e OJ Z 0-I--UJ Z Z UJ 0 UJ « "-OJ 0 ii: I--UJ CJ) CrJ ) 28TH AVE Figure 1.15 City of Wheat Ridge Roadway Classifications LEGEND
-Collector -Minor Arterial .-. -.. ., Principal Arterial l_ .. ,J City of Wheat Ridge Boundary 2,000 N I o 2,000 Stale Plane Coordinate Projection Colorado Central Zone Datum: NAD83
4,000 Fee. DISCLAIMER NOTICE' "This IS a plc10rial representadoo of geographIC and demographc i'lformabcn. Re~a'lCe I.JIOfl the aoculllCY. reiatllity and 8UItlority d lhillnfonna~on
is $defy requestor's respon$lblity. The City d Wheat Ridge. in Jerr8fSQn County. Colontdo -a political sul)diYlSiOl1 d the State of Cdorado. has compiled lot its use certan COl1pUenzad
Inlormadon. This Information is available 10 assist '" Identifying general areas of concem a'lIV. The compu\el'lzed InformatIOn prDYided should only be reWed upon with oorrobofation
of the methods, assumptions, and results by a qualified independent source. The UHf of this infcrmalion shallndamrify and hold 'flHt the City d Wheal Ridge from any and alilabi~Ii8S.
damages, lawsu~s. and C8tJ$8$ of action thaI result as a COflseq.J8nce of his reliance on Infotmation provICIed heraln . ... ~ 4 ~ ~Of WheatRL.dge DATE: 0910912010
CHAPTER 2 -PRIORITY CORRIDORS The purpose of this chapter is to establish design goals, standards, and guidelines for key corridors in Wheat Ridge. Chapter 3 outlines design standards
and guidelines that apply generally to all streets. This chapter supplements Chapter 3 by creating additional goals for the most important streets in the City. These streets, identified
in the Priority Corridor Map (Figure 2.1}, represent those corridors where mixed use and commercial development is most likely to occur based on the City's adopted plans. Priority corridors
deserve well-designed streetscape improvements that exceed the minimum standards established in Chapter 3. Applicants should first refer to this chapter in order to understand the vision
and requirements for specific corridors, and then to the general standards and guidelines in Chapter 3. The priority corridors are consistent with the corridors identified in the Comprehensive
Plan, Envision Wheot Ridge, and include the following streets: • W. 38th Avenue between Sheridan and Wadsworth • Wadsworth Boulevard between W. 32nd Ave and 1-70, with a mixed use town
center between W. 38th Ave and W. 44th Ave • • • Kipling Street between W. 35th Ave and W. 51st Place W. 44th Avenue between Harlan and Wadsworth and between Everett and 1-70 Youngfield
Street between W. 32nd Ave and Highway 58 Streets with the future Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) at Ward Road Station Please note that Harlan Street, north of 38th Avenue, is also
a priority commercial corridor for Wheat Ridge. However, this street already contains cohesive streetscape improvements, installed by the City in 2001, and thus it is not included in
this chapter. For each priority corridor, design goals outline the vision for the character and quality of the streetscape design. The goals are followed by design standards and guidelines
that help to ensure the vision is met. Design Standards are objective criteria that require compliance. Standards often utilize the term "shall" and must be followed unless there there
is a unique condition or hardship that prevents their application. Design standards are underlined. Design Guidelines are criteria that are strongly recommended, and should be followed
wherever feasible. Guidelines often use the terms "should" or "encouraged." For any priority corridor, where bus stop benches are required, bus shelters may be permitted as an alternative,
given appropriate ridership levels and approval by the Department of Public Works. Wheat Ridge Streetscape Design Monual Priority Corridors: West 38th Avenue between Sheridan and Wadsworth
Wadsworth Boulevard between Kipl ing Street between W. 35th Ave and W. 51 st Place West 44th Avenue between Harlan a nd Wadsworth Young fie ld Street between W. 32nd Ave and Highway
58 Streets within the future TOD area Figure 2.2 -Existing streetscape improvements on W 38th Ave between Sheridan and Harlan DRAFT 1.10.2011 7
Figure 2.3 -Example af the sidewalk on W 38th Ave west of Harlan, where there are no streets cape enhancements Figure 2.4 -This streetscope in Old Town Arvada represents the type of
highquality, pedestrian-friendly atmasphere that is envisioned far W 38th Ave Figure 2.5 -The standard metal bench and trash can to be utilized on W 38th Avenue, including at bus stops
DRAFT 01.1 0.2011 8 2.1 West 38th Avenue w. 38th Avenue between Sheridan and Wadsworth is envisioned as a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly street lined with a mix of uses. Its history, central
location, and unique mix of businesses make it a special destination. Envision Wheat Ridge designates the street as a main street corridor, calling for neighborhood-oriented retail and
mixed-use development along the street. The Bicycle-Pedestrian Master Plan recommends a full sidewalk and amenity zone for the corridor as well as a shared on-street bicycle facility.
The City will begin a Corridor Plan for W. 38th Avenue in 2011. Recommendations within the completed plan for roadway and streetscape improvements will guide future amendments to the
requirements for W. 38th Avenue in this manual. The City completed significant streetscape improvements to w. 38th Avenue, between Sheridan and Harlan, in 2002. However, there are large
portions of the street west of Harlan that lack adequate sidewalks or amenity zones. The following goals, standards, and guidelines shall apply to any new streetscape improvements on
W. 38th Avenue between Wadsworth and Harlan (the area labeled 1.a on Figure 2.1). Design Goals Establish a high-quality streetscape that complements the vision for W. 38th Avenue to
become a primary destination within the City. Create a vibrant streetscape environment that prioritizes the pedestrian and forms a cohesive image for the corridor. • Establish high-quality
sidewalks with enhanced paving patterns and materials. • Provide a public amenity zone with enhanced streetscape amenities including street trees, plantings, and benches that are compatible
with the character of the existing streetscape amenities on W. 38th Avenue between Harlan and Sheridan. Design Standards and Guidelines A. Sidewalk width: the streetscape on W. 38th
Avenue shall include a sidewalk at least 8 feet wide. B. Public amenity zone width: the streetscape on W. 38th Avenue shall include a public amenity zone at least 6 feet wide between
the sidewalk and roadway. C. Public amenity zone design: the public amenity zone shall be landscaped, except where adjacent to on-street parking, where hardscape amenity zones are encouraged.
Landscaping may include ornamental grasses and/or groundcover and should incorporate low-water use plants. Any hardscaped amenity zone shall be distinguished from the sidewalk through
the use of textures. integral color, or scoring patterns. Pavers or flagstone should be used in combination with the concrete to provide interesting patterns and to enhance the amenity
zone's design. D. Private amenity zones: where sidewalks are adjacent to Wheat Ridge Streetscape Design M
anual • .. •• , l. .. .. t , . + ~ , + • I • .l , < , -. . . -• " . " " ... . , •• ~ . , •• 11 •• '" i : ' i . , ... j • ........ i=-L. rl .... H-.. • .i. .• : 6 i ! 50TH PL __ : • t;;
I I a: :' ... 1 •• I ~ !'II_II• :.-'-t-:-i i ! .. i : , . ,I,t . ~ .•• 1._11' '. .. ...... ....-I .,.,:....... ........... .. ... .. -~,I....~. '" " • I : ;-.;... .'1 : ,, i. :" .,.
.. Hi. ':":_,,~ .. T-: • + .i .! ,~ .! -:;-.-.. .........., ~ L. _ .....-".Ii . ..... _-" ~• :It ,. ...... ..-.-..,. -. ....-,....... -.--...,., ··. ...· C : '~'.'~"_I_'''I : • •• ..'
. ~. t-i . 1:70 = . -, -,. 4b 44TH AVE 2 . . . . , 3 • f r .. . 4a '. /' ./: .... ,~ I.. .......... HIGHWAY 58 .~..._ .--. i .. (\ I \ .12a 1 I I . .. . • 1'.11."." ~I\ ...... 1." -,
..... r ~I ..... II_I._I._I i i i i.. .......... . .. . . \ .. ... i .. ~ . , 1 t. • • • • • 1 . t , • t-• . . ,:.~.~;.;.-.. -.. -.. ._.I_ .. .. -..• ~ #-I " .. : ' , .. ~. I ·, i .
. '. ' .. ~-' . I : . • . ' .'. , ".."_-.".1'_11_..1. .4. l-. ! r ! r .. 3?T':l AIi.E . . . . .. m , ~ a~: a~: ,-. ~ cc I--: f.-. I I • -? ~ 1 , :. . L. + ~ ~ ~ 0 !... __ +",. 2i: ~
< ~ >2 32ND AVE . :s: , , . '" . .................................... 11 ........... , • • • t ~ i .i , . i I t r 1'-"." . i , ... • • , I i'_ .II •.'.•. H .II.... 26.T.H AVE. • :J.
:.-i ! . ' I . I ! III • ~'I ' . "i . .. . L •••••••••••••••••I I......... .. .. r....... _.. .. If , ( .' ,, ... .. .•. + ..... -. , , . ...04 .. ....... .,. ~ ~ .. . , • ;..., . t
•.• , I .. " . . , , t-t-, • + , • , , , ~ " • • • . . • + , + Not to Scale Figure 2.1 Streetscape Design Manual Priority Corridors 1 W. 38th Ave between Sheridan and Wadsworth 10 W.
38th Ave: fu ture streetscape improvement area (west of Harla n) 2 Wadsworth between W. 32nd Ave and 1-70 20 Wadsworth between W. 38th Ave and W. 44th Ave (mixed use town center) 3 Kipling
between W. 35th Ave and W. 51st Place 40 W. 44th Ave between Harlan and Ammons 4b W, 44th Ave between Everett and 1-70 5 Young field between W . 32nd Ave and Highway 58 6 Future Transit·Oriented
Development (TOD) Note: numbers are for labelinig purposes only and do not indicate ran kings or priority levels .. ~ J ,f =r? -'Vc:ilyof W heat RL,dge
buildings with restaurant or retail uses, private amenity zones with additional pedestrian amenities and outdoor seating areas are encouraged. Where sidewalks abut parking lots, landscaped
private amenity zones are encouraged to help buffer the pedestrian realm from the parking area. E. Street trees: street trees shall be planted in the public amenity zone at a minimum
spacing of 35 feet on center. Variations in spacing may be allowed due to existing obstructions, special conditions, and the expected mature size of the tree. F. Benches: metal benches.
consistent with the design of the existing metal benches within the W. 38th Avenue streetscape (Figure 2.5\' shall be provided at a minimum spacing of one bench per every 150 feet per
each side of the street Where bus stops contain an existing vendor! advertising bench. that bench shall be replaced with the standard metal bench (Figure 2.5\, Except at bus stops, benches
may be placed in the private amenity zone, subject to approval by the Community Development Development and Public Works Departments. Additional seating areas within the streetscape,
especially near corners and areas with high pedestrian traffic, are encouraged. G. Trash receptacles: next to each bench. including those at bus stops. a metal trash receptacle that
is consistent with the design of the existing trash containers on W. 38th Avenue (Figure 2.5) shall be provided. H. Planters and pots: planters and pots with flowers should be incorporated
into the private or public amenity zone, especially near benches and within hardscaped public amenity lones. I. Gateway markers and banners: banners and gateway markers that identify
and brand the W. 38th Avenue corridor are encouraged. Pedestrian lights should include brackets that may be used to hang banners. J. Pedestrian lighting: the existing acorn-style pedestrian
lights on W. 38th Ave west of Harlan Street (Figure 2.6) shall be relocated or replaced so that they are regularly spaced at 65 feet on center within the public amenity zone. Variations
in spacing may be allowed due to existing obstructions, utility boxes, or other constraints. Existing light fixtures should be replaced with an acorn fixture with shielding to prevent
light pollution, subject to approval by Xcel and the Department of Public Works. 2.2 Wadsworth Boulevard Wadsworth Boulevard is a primary commercial arterial that forms an important
north-south connection within the City. The street carries high traffic volumes and is a state highway controlled by the Colorado Wheat Ridge Streetscape Design Manual 8' Min Sidewalk
, 6'Min , , Publ ic, ,Amenity, , Zone , Figure 2.6 -Typical section for streets cape improvements on W 38th Avenue between Harlan and Wadsworth Figure 2.7 -Example of existing acorn
pedestrian lights on W 38th Avenue, between Harlan and Wadsworth DRAFT l.1 0.2011 9
Figure 2.7 -Example of the existing streetscape environment on Wadsworth Figure 2.8 -This street in Toronto demonstrates the wide sidewalk and quality public amenity zone that is envisioned
for Wadsworth, especially in the Town Center Area DRAFT 01.10.2011 10 Department of Transportation (COOT). Today, the street lacks sidewalks in many locations and nearly the entire corridor
lacks an amenity zone. Envision Wheat Ridge and the Wadsworth Corridor Subarea Plan (2007) create a vision for Wadsworth to be redeveloped into a mixed-use, multimodal corridor with
pedestrian and streetscape improvements. The portion of the corridor between W. 38th Ave and W. 44th Ave is intended to become a mixed use town center for Wheat Ridge. The Wadsworth
Corridor Subarea Plan proposes three alternate cross sections for Wadsworth between W. 26th Avenue and W. 48th Avenue that recognize COOT's long-term plans to widen the street, potentially
up to a total right-of-way width of 150 feet. The Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan identifies Wadsworth for pedestrian and bicycle improvements, off-and on-street bike facilities.
The future design of Wadsworth has not been finalized. However, future streetscape improvements between on Wadsworth between W. 32nd Avenue and shall meet the following goals, standards,
and guidelines. Design Goals Create a streetscape with an attractive sidewalk and high-quality public amenity zone to buffer pedestrians from vehicular traffic. Incorporate street trees,
plantings, pedestrian lights, seating, gateway markers, and other amenities into the public amenity zone that can help identify the corridor as well as distinguish the pedestrian environment
from the roadway. Provide pedestrian connections to adjacent and intersecting local streets that serve the future mixed use town center. Design Standards and Guidelines A. Sidewalk width:
the streetscape on Wadsworth shall include a sidewalk at least 10 feet wide. B. Public amenity zone width: the streetscape on Wadsworth shall include a public amenity zone at least 6
feet wide between the sidewalk and roadway. C. Public amenity zone design: the public amenity zone shall be landscaped. Landscaping may include ornamental grasses and/or groundcover
and should incorporate low-water use plants. D. Private amenity zones: where sidewalks are adjacent to buildings with restaurant or retail uses, private amenity zones with additional
pedestrian amenities and outdoor seating areas are encouraged. Where sidewalks abut parking lots, landscaped private amenity zones are encouraged to help buffer the pedestrian realm
from the parking area. E. Street trees: street trees shall be planted at a minimum of 35 feet on center. Due to the planned widening of the Wadsworth right-of-way, street trees should
be planted in the expected location of the future public amenity zone, based on a future right-of-way width of 150 feet. Wheat Ridge Streetscape Design Manual
This location shall be approved by Department of Public Works. Variations in spacing may be allowed due to existing obstructions, special conditions, and the expected mature size of
the tree. F. Benches: At least one bench shall be provided at each bus stop on Wadsworth. Where bus stops contain an existing vendor/advertising bench, that bench shall be replaced with
the standard metal bench (Figure 2.51. Within the mixed use town center area, between W. 38th Ave and W. 44th Ave. additional benches shall be provided at a minimum spacing of one bench
per every 300 feet, per each side of the street. Except at bus stops, benches may be located in the private amenity zone, subject to the approval of the Community Development and Public
Works Departments. G. Trash receptacles: next to each bench, including those at bus stops, a metal trash receptacle shall be provided. H. Gateway markers and banners: banners and gateway
markers that identify and brand the mixed use town center area between W. 38th Ave and W. 44th Ave are encouraged. New pedestrian lights should include brackets that may be used to hang
banners. I. Pedestrian lighting: pedestrian lights shall be provided at a spacing of 80 feet on center. Due to the planned widening of the Wadsworth right-of-way, pedestrian lights should
be placed in the expected location of the future public amenity zone, based on a future right-of-way width of 150 feet. This location shall be approved by Department of Public Works.
Variations in spacing may be allowed due to existing obstructions, utility boxes, or other constraints • I I ,Existing ROW Width I (Varies) I I I I I I I I 10' Min ' i I Future I I =
Area to Future IAmenityl I Public I be removed Sidewalk I Zone I Sidewalk IAmenitYI when Location ILocationl I Zone I roadway is I I widened Figure 2.9 (below) -The image an the left
shows a typical cross section for how streetscape improvements may be made to the existing ROW width on Wadsworth so that the street trees and pedestrian lights are in the location of
the future amenity zone. The image on the right depicts the desired streetscape section after the planned widening of the corridor. I I Future p 50' ROil'( Width IO' Min Sidewalk I 6'Min
I Public I IAmenitYI I Zone I I I * The sidewalk and public amenity zone should be a minimum of 10 feet and 6 feet respectively where possible. However, anticipating the future widening
of Wadsworth, Public Works and Community Development may approve narrower widths so that the street trees and future amenity zone are located in the correct locabon based on the planned
future width of the street. DRAFT 1.10.201 1 Wheat Ridge Streetscape Design Manual 1 1
Figure 2.10 -Existing bench and trash receptacle at a bus stop on Kipling. This is the standard metal bench and trash con that should be used at all bus stops Figure 2.11 -Existing acorn-style
pedestrian lights on Kipling DRAFT 01.10.2011 12 2.3 Kipling Street Kipling is a primary commercial arterial located in the center of Wheat Ridge. It carries high traffic volumes and
is a state highway controlled by the Colorado Department of Transportation (COOT). Today, significant portions of the corridor do not have a sidewalk and there is no amenity zone along
the street. Envision Wheat Ridge identifies this corridor as a priority area for commercial and mixed-use redevelopment. Recommendations include adding pedestrian improvements and a
multi-use trail along the east side of the street. The Bicycle-Pedestrian Master Plan also recommends potential on-street bike facilities as part of future improvements to the corridor.
Future streetscape improvements along Kipling between w. 35th Ave and W. 51st Place must comply with the below goals, standards, and guidelines. Design Goals • Create a streetscape with
an attractive sidewalk and high-quality public amenity zone to buffer pedestrians from vehicular traffic. • Incorporate street trees a pedestrian lighting within the public amenity zone
to enhance the image of the street and to help separate the sidewalk from the roadway. • Provide pedestrian connections to adjacent and intersecting local streets that serve future development.
Design Standards and Guidelines A. Sidewalk width: the sidewalk on the west side of Kipling shall be at least 6 feet in width. The sidewalk on the east side of Kipling shall be at least
10 feet in width. B. Public amenity zone width: the streetscape on Kipling shall include a public amenity zone at least 6 feet wide between the sidewalk and roadway. C. Public amenity
zone design: the public amenity zone shall be landscaped. Landscaping may include ornamental grasses and/or groundcover and should incorporate low-water use plants. D. Private amenity
zones: where sidewalks are adjacent to buildings with restaurant or retail uses, private amenity zones with additional pedestrian amenities and outdoor seating areas are encouraged.
Where sidewalks abut parking lots, landscaped private amenity zones are encouraged to help buffer the pedestrian realm from the parking area. E. Street trees: street trees shall be planted
in the public amenity zone at a minimum spacing of 35 feet on center. Variations in spacing may be allowed due to existing obstructions, special conditions, and the expected mature size
of the tree. F. Benches: At least one bench shall be provided at each bus stop on Kipling. Where bus stops contain an existing vendor/advertising bench, that bench shall be replaced
with the standard metal bench (Figure 2.10), Wheat Ridge Streetscape Design Manual
G. Trash receptacles: next to each bench. a metal trash receptacle shall be provided. H. Pedestrian lighting: pedestrian lights shall be provided at a spacing of 80 feet on center within
the public amenity zone. Variations in spacing may be allowed due to existing obstructions, utility boxes, or other constraints. The existing acorn-style pedestrian lights on Kipling
north of W. 44th Ave should be relocated or replaced within the landscaped public amenity zone. Existing light fixtures should be replaced with an acorn fixture with shielding to prevent
light pollution, subject to approval by Xcel and the Department of Public Works. 10' Min I 6'Min I 6' Min I 6' Min I Sidewalk!
I Public I ~. I Public I Multi-Use IAmenitYI I IdewalklAmenity I Tra il I Zone I I I Zone I Figure 2.12 -The image on the left shows the typical streetscape section for Kipling on the
east side of the street. The image on the right shows the typical section on the west side of the street. 2.4 West 44th Avenue W. 44th Avenue is an important east-west route through
Wheat Ridge. It is a minor arterial lined with commercial and residential uses. Envision Wheat Ridge identifies most of this corridor (between Harlan Street and Ammons Street and between
Everett Street and 1-70 on the west end of town) as a neighborhood commercial corridor that is appropriate for commercial and mixed-use redevelopment. The Bicycle-Pedestrian Master Plan
calls for a bike lane along the street between Harlan and Kipling. The existing streetscape on W. 44th Avenue varies. In many locations the street has a 4 foot wide sidewalk with a narrow
hardscape amenity zone (typically 3 to 4 feet wide) with no street trees or street furniture. Future improvements to the corridor between Harlan Street and Ammons Street and between
Everett Street and 1-70 must comply with the following goals, standards, and guidelines. Figure 2.13 -Example of existing streets cape environment on W 44th Avenue DRAFT 1.10.2011 Wheat
Ridge Streetscape Design Manual 13
I 6' Min I 6' Min I L. I Public I rldewalklAmenity I I I Zone I Figure 2.14 -Typical streetscape section for W 44th Avenue Figure 2.15 -Example of existing sidewalk with no amenity zone
on the east side of Youngfteld DRAFT 01.10.2011 14 Design Gools Create a streetscape with an attractive sidewalk and high-quality public amenity zone to buffer pedestrians from vehicular
traffic. • Incorporate street trees and pedestrian lighting within the public amenity zone to enhance the image of the street and to help separate the sidewalk from the roadway. Design
Standords ond Guidelines A. Sidewalk width: the streetscape on W. 44th Avenue shall include a sidewalk at least 6 feet in width. B. Public amenity lone width: the streetscape on W. 44th
Avenue shall include a public amenity zone at least 6 feet wide. C. Public amenity lone design: the public amenity zone shall be landscaped. Landscaping may include ornamental grasses
and/or groundcover and should incorporate low-water use plants. D. Private amenity lanes: where sidewalks are adjacent to buildings with restaurant or retail uses, private amenity zones
with additional pedestrian amenities and outdoor seating areas are encouraged. Where sidewalks abut parking lots, landscaped private amenity zones are encouraged to help buffer the pedestrian
realm from the parking area. E. Street trees: street trees shall be planted in the public amenity zone at a minimum spacing of 35 feet on center. Variations in spacing may be allowed
due to existing obstructions, special conditions, and the expected mature size of the tree. F. Benches: At least one bench shall be provided at each bus stop on W. 44th Ave. Where bus
stops contain an existing vendor/advertising bench, that bench shall be replaced with the standard metal bench (Figure 2.11\. G. Trash receptacles: next to each bench, a metal trash
receptacle shall be provided. H. Pedestrian lighting: pedestrian lights shall be provided at a spacing of 80 feet on center within the public amenity zone. Variations in spacing may
be allowed due to existing obstructions, utility boxes, or other constraints. 2.5 Youngfleld Street Youngfield is a primary commercial arterial that runs along the western edge of Wheat
Ridge. The street is bordered by an 1-70 immediately to the west and provides access to a large commercial development on the east. Today, most of the street has a 4 foot wide sidewalk
along the east side only with no amenity zone, street trees, or street furniture. Envision Wheat Ridge highlights Youngfield as a primary commercial corridor and recommends adding on-street
bicycle facilities. The Bicycle-Pedestrian Master Plan also recommends an on-street bike facility and multi-use trail along the east side Wheat Ridge Streetscape Design Manual
of the street to connect with the Clear Creek Trail. Future improvements to the Youngfield streetscape, on the east side of the street only, must match the goals, standards, and guidelines
outlined below. For the portion of Youngfield north of W. 42nd Ave, which will be realigned under COOT's 1-70 State Highway 58 Interchange project, the following requirements shall not
apply until the realignment is complete. Design Goals Create a streetscape with an attractive sidewalk and high-quality public amenity zone to buffer pedestrians from vehicular traffic.
Incorporate street trees and pedestrian lighting within the public amenity zone to enhance the image of the street and to help separate the sidewalk from the roadway. Design Standards
and Guidelines A. Sidewalk width: the streetscape on Youngfield shall include a sidewalk at least 10 feet in width. B. Public amenity zone width : the streetscape on Youngfield shall
include a public amenity zone at least 6 feet wide. C. Public amenity zone design: the public amenity zone shall be landscaped. Landscaping may include ornamental grasses and/or groundcover
and should incorporate low-water use plants. D. Private amenity zones: where sidewalks are adjacent to buildings with restaurant or retail uses, private amenity zones with additional
pedestrian amenities and outdoor seating areas are encouraged. Where sidewalks abut parking lots, landscaped private amenity zones are encouraged to help buffer the pedestrian realm
from the parking area . E. Street trees: street trees shall be planted in the public amenity zone at a minimum spacing of 35 feet on center. Variations in spacing may be allowed due
to existing obstructions, special conditions, and the expected mature size of the tree. F. Benches: At least one bench shall be provided at each bus stop on Youngfield Street. Where
bus stops contain an existing vendor/advertising bench. that bench shall be replaced with the standard metal bench (Figure 2.11!. G. Trash receptacles: next to each bench. a metal trash
receptacle shall be provided. H. Pedestrian lighting: pedestrian lights shall be provided at a spacing of 80 feet on center within the public amenity zone. Variations in spacing may
be allowed due to existing obstructions, utility boxes, or other constraints. 2.6 Transit-Oriented Development Area This priority area encompasses a 1/4 mile radius around the future
Ward Road commuter rail station at the end of the Regional Transportation Wheat Ridge Streetscape Oesign Manual 10' Min Sidewalk! Multi-Use Trail I 6'Min I Public I IAmenitYI I Zone
I Figure 2.16 -Typical streetscape section for Youngfield Street DRAFT 1.10.201 1 15
8'Min Sidewalk I 6' Min I Public I IAmenitYI I Zone I Figure 2.17 -A typical street section for commercial and mixed use streets in the planned TOO area Figure 2.18 -E. 29th Avenue in
Denver demonstrates the character of streetscape envisioned for streets serving commercial and mixed use development at the future TOO area DRAFT 01.10.2011 16 Districts (RTD's) Gold
Line rail corridor. The station's proposed location near Ward Road and W. 50th Place is a largely industrial area where there are few improved streets. The City's plans for the area,
including the Northwest Subarea Plan (2006) and Envision Wheat Ridge, call for transit-oriented development (TOO) that will support transit ridership, incorporate compact development
with a mix of uses, and promote pedestrian and bicycle connectivity. Recommendations for future TOO include the construction of a new complete streets, as well as upgrades to existing
streets such as W. 50th Place, so that the entire street network promotes a quality pedestrian environment. In accordance with the Northwest Subarea Plan, the majority of the streets
in the TOO area will include on-street parking, especially where adjacent to retail, commercial, and mixed-use development. In order to promote connections to the commuter rail station,
the Bicycle-Pedestrian Master Plan calls for the addition of bicycle lanes on Tabor Street and Ridge Road, as well as an improved sidewalk and amenity zone on Ward Road. The streets
that are part of the TOO area (anywhere within 1/4 mile of the station) are divided into two types: (1) Commercial/mixed-use streets: this category includes any street within the TOO
area that serves commercial or mixed-use development (2) Residential streets: this category includes any street within the TOO area that serves primarily residential development Any
new street and all streetscape improvements to existing streets within the TOO area must comply with the following design goals, standards, and guidelines. Commercial/Mixed-Use Streets
Design Goois Create a vibrant streetscape environment that focuses on the pedestrian and complements the vision for a walkable, mixed-use transit village. Provide high-quality sidewalks
with ample width and enhanced paving materials and patterns. Incorporate a public amenity zone with enhanced streetscape amenities including street trees, plantings, benches, and pedestrian
lighting that form a cohesive image for the TOO area. Design Stondords and Guidelines A. Sidewalk width: sidewalks shall be a minimum of 8 feet wide. On streets with significant retail
development, a 10 foot minimum width is preferred. B. Public amenity zone width: all streetscapes in the TOO area shall include a public amenity zone at least 6 feet wide between the
sidewalk and roadway. C. Public amenity zone design: the public amenity zone Wheat Ridge Streetscape Design Manual
may be landscaped or hardscaped. Landscaping may include ornamental grasses and/or groundcover and should incorporate low-water use plants. Where adjacent to on-street parking, hardscaped
amenity zones are preferred. Any hardscaped amenity zone shall be distinguished from the sidewalk through the use of textures. integral color. or scoring patterns. Pavers or flagstone
should be used in combination with the concrete to provide interesting patterns and to enhance the amenity zone's design. D. Private amenity zones: private amenity zones that provide
outdoor seating areas are encouraged. Where possible, private amenity zones should be utilized to provide additional pedestrian amenities, such as benches or planters. E. Street trees:
street trees shall be planted in the public amenity zone at a minimum spacing of 30 feet on center. Variations in spacing may be allowed due to existing obstructions, special conditions,
and the expected mature size of the tree. F. Benches: benches shall be provided at a minimum spacing of one bench per every 150 feet. per each side of the street. Except at bus stops,
benches may be located in the private amenity zone subject to approval by the Community Development and Public Works Departments. Additional seating areas within the streetscape, especially
near corners and areas with high pedestrian traffic, are encouraged. G. Trash receptacles: next to each bench. a metal trash receptacle that is consistent with the design of the bench
shall be provided. H. Planters and pots: planters and pots with flowers should be incorporated into the private or public amenity zone, especially near benches and where hardscaped public
amenity zones are provided. I. Gateway markers and banners: banners and gateway markers that identify and brand the TOD area are encouraged. New pedestrian lights should include brackets
that may be used to hang banners. J. Pedestrian lighting: regularly-spaced pedestrian lights. generally placed 65 feet on center. shall be provided in the public amenity zone. Pedestrian
light spacing may vary based on existing constraints and obstructions. Residential Streets Design Goals Create a quality streetscape environment that is oriented around the pedestrian
and enhances the quality and character of the neighborhood. • Incorporate a public amenity zone with streetscape amenities including street trees, plantings, and pedestrian lighting
that contributes to a quality, cohesive image for the residential street. Wheat Ridge Streetscape Design Manual Figure 2.19 -An example of a public amenity zone that incorporates hardscape
next to on-street parking, as well as landscaped areas for street trees I 8' Min I 6' Min I L. I Public I r ldewalklAmenity I I I Zone I Figure 2.20 -A typical street section for residential
streets in the planned TOD area DRAFT 1.1 0.2011 17
Figure 2.21 -example of a residential street with a landscaped public omenity zone that includes street trees and pedestrian lighting Figure 2.22 -this landscaped public amenity zone
incorpora tes low-water use plants, which is encouraged for the streets at the future DRAFT 01.10.2011 18 Design Standards and Guidelines A. Sidewalk width: sidewalks shall be a minimum
of 6 feet wide. B. Public amenity zone width: all streetscapes in the TOO area shall include a public amenity zone at least 6 feet wide between the sidewalk and roadway. C. Public amenity
zone design: the public amenity zone shall be landscaped. Landscaping may include ornamental grasses and/or groundcover and should incorporate low-water use plants. D. Private amenity
zones: private amenity zones that provide outdoor seating areas are encouraged. Where possible, private amenity zones should be utilized to provide additional pedestrian amenities, such
as benches or planters. E. Street trees: street t rees shall be planted in the public amenity zone at a minimum spacing of 35 feet on center. Variations in spacing may be allowed due
to existing obstructions, special conditions, and the expected mature size of the tree. F. Benches: benches shall be provided at a minimum spacing of one bench per every 200 feet. per
each side of the street. Except at bus stops, benches may be located in the private amenity zone subject to approval by the Community Development and Public Works Departments. G. Trash
receptacles: next to each bench. a metal trash receptacle that is consistent with the design of the bench shall be provided. J. Pedestrian lighting: regula rly-spaced pedestrian lights.
generally placed 80 feet on center. shall be provided in the public amenity zone. Pedestrian light spacing may vary based on existing constraints and obstructions. Wheat Ridge Streetscape
Design Manual
CHAPTER 3 -DESIGN STANDARDS & GUIDELINES This chapter establishes general design standards and guidelines for streetscape design elements. Design Standards are objective criteria that
require compliance. Standards often utilize the term "shall" and must be followed unless there is a unique condition or hardship that prevents their application. Design standards are
underlined. Design Guidelines are criteria that are strongly recommended, and should be followed wherever feasible. Guidelines often use the terms "should" or "encouraged." 3.1 Sidewalks
Sidewalks are an essential element for providing safe pedestrian access along streets. Sidewalks are paved surfaces that provide a clear walking path for pedestrians. Width A. Sidewalks
shall be at least 6 feet wide. Sidewalks less than the minimum required width may be allowed, subject to approval of the Public Works Department. B. Where right-of-way width allows,
sidewalks 8 to 10 feet in width may be required on streets with high levels of pedestrian activity. Paving A. Sidewalks shall be paved. Concrete is the most common and appropriate paving
system for sidewalks. Other appropriate materials include flagstone, concrete unit pavers, and brick pavers. Pavers or flagstone, used in combination with concrete, can provide interesting
patterns which can emphasize a particular area along the sidewalk. B. Concrete unit pavers or brick pavers are preferred over the use of patterned concrete. C. Concrete should be at
least 4 inches thick and meet City standards for concrete mix, finishing, curing, and sealing. D. Integral concrete color systems are acceptable for use in sidewalks. Select subtle earth
tones, not bright colors, when using integral concrete colors. E. Scoring and expansion joints should be spaced uniformly along the length of the sidewalk. F. Brick pavers shall be specifically
designed for sidewalk use according to City specifications. G. Interlocking concrete pavers and precast concrete pavers may be installed on a sand base or a concrete slab and should
meet City specifications. H. Flagstone pavers are most appropriate in historic areas. They can be laid on a sand base with sand joints or on a concrete base with mortared joints. Wheat
Ridge Streetscape Design Manual Sidewalk Amenityl I Zone! I I Buffer I I I Roadway Figure 3.1 -The sidewalk is the paved walking path, typically located between the amenity zone/buffer
and the building /' Figure 3.2 -Example of a sidewalk with pavers Figure 3.3 -Example of a concrete sidewalk DRAFT 1.10.2011 19
Sidewalk 'Annen,ity ' Roadway Figure 3.4 -The amenity lone, or buffer, is the area between the sidewalk and the roadway Figure 3.5 -An example of a landscaped amenity zone Figure 3.6
-An example of a hardscaped amenity zone DRAFT 01.10.2011 20 3.2 Amenity Zones The amenity zone is the area between the curb and the sidewalk. It provides a buffer between the roadway
and the area where pedestrians travel. Amenity zones may be landscaped -often called a "tree lawn" -or hardscaped. The amenity zone is the location for street amenities, including plants,
trees, furniture, and lights, as well as utilities. Hardscaped amenity zones are most appropriate for retail districts, especially those with higher pedestrian traffic and where on-street
parking is provided. Some streetscapes, especially in retail areas, may incorporate a private amenity zone, which is located between the building face and the sidewalk. This area provides
outdoor seating opportunities and can add significantly to the pedestrian experience. Width Width A. Amenity zones shall be at least 6 feet wide. Amenity zones less than the minimum
required width may be allowed, subject to approval of the Public Works Department. Landscaped Amenity Zanes A. Landscaped amenity zones shall be planted with low groundcover plantings,
ornamental grasses, or turfgrass, as well as regularly-spaced street trees, Landscaped amenity zones shall contain uniform street furnishings, including benches or other seati ng areas,
B. Where trees are planted, a 5 foot minimum width is required. In certain circumstances, where space is limited, a narrower width may be approved. Please refer to Section 2,3 Street
Trees for further guidelines about appropriate planting area widths and soil volumes. C. Where the width needed for trees is not available, shrubs may be used, D. Entry walks, which
provide a paved pedestrian route from the sidewalk to the curb, are an appropriate feature for landscaped amenity zones. They should be 3 to 5 feet in width and may be constructed of
concrete, concrete pavers, flagstone, or brick. Entry walks are highly encouraged where on-street parking is provided and should be coordinated with step-out strips. E, Step-out strips
should be utilized where on-street parking borders a landscaped amenity zone. Step-out strips should be 1 to 2 feet in width and may be constructed of concrete, concrete pavers, flagstone,
or brick. Step-out strip locations should be coordinated with entry walks, Hardscaped Amenity Zanes A. Hardscaped, or paved, amenity zones are most appropriate in retail districts, areas
with high pedestrian traffic, and where on-street parking is provided, Hardscape amenity zones may be as wide as 12 feet. Wheot Ridge Streetscape Design Manual
B. Hardscaped amenity zones should be paved with one of the following materials: • Concrete • Concrete unit pavers • Brick pavers • Flagstone pavers C. Paving materials in the amenity
zone shall follow the same installation standards and guidelines as those established in Section 3.1 Sidewalks. D. Concrete unit pavers or brick pavers are preferred over the use of
patterned concrete. E. Where concrete is utilized in the amenity zone, it should be differentiated from the sidewalk area by the use of textures, integral color, or scoring patterns.
Wherever possible, pavers or flagstone should be used in combination with the concrete to provide interesting patterns and to enhance the design of the amenity zone. F. Hardscape amenity
zones shall contain regularly-spaced street trees and uniform street furnishings. including seating areas and trash receptacles. Please see Sections 3.3 Street Trees and 3.5 Street Furnishings
for standards and guidelines about placement and spacing for these items. G. Trees may be planted in tree vaults, with tree grates or pavers above, or in at-grade, open planters. Tree
grates and pavers are most appropriate for high-traffic pedestrian areas. Please refer to Section 3.3 Street Trees below for further guidelines about appropriate planting area widths
and soil volumes. Private Amenity Zanes A. The private amenity zone is an optional element of the streetscape that occurs between the sidewalk and building face. These zones are encouraged
in retail areas, especially where restaurants, cafes, and other businesses with outdoor seating are planned. B. Private amenity zones should contain outdoor seating areas, planting pots,
and other amenities that complement street furnishings in the public amenity zone. C. Where outdoor seating is provided, a railing should be provided to separate the seating area from
the sidewalk. D. Private amenity zones should be paved with one of the following materials: • Concrete • Concrete unit pavers • Brick pavers • Flagstone pavers E. Paving materials in
the private amenity zone shall follow the same installation standards and guidelines as those established in Section 3.1 Sidewalks. Wheat Ridge Streetscape Design Manual Figure 3. 7
-An example of a hardscaped amenity zone L I Sidewalk I Optional I Zone! I I Private I Buffer I I Amenity I I I Zone I I I I Figure 3.8 -The private amenity zone is located between the
sidewalk and the building face Figure 3.9 -An example of 0 privote amenity zone with outdoor seating DRAFT 1.10.2011 21
Figure 3.10 -Mature street trees in a landscaped amenity zane on W 38th Avenue Figure 3.11 -New street trees in open planters with adequate room for future growth and water needs DRAFT
01.10.2011 22 3.3 Street Trees Street trees are a vital component of streetscape design. They provide a positive aesthetic impact, creating attractive streets that encourage pedestrian
use. They also provide many practical benefits, including buffering of pedestrians from vehicular traffic, providing shade, buffering from wind, and reducing air pollution. For street
trees to be healthy and contribute to the character of a street in the long term, adequate soil volume and room for growth must be provided at the time of planting. Street Tree Design
A. Trees should be planted in a uniform pattern in all amenity zones, both landscaped and hardscaped. For private development and redevelopment. street trees in the public right-of-way
shall be provided in addition to anyon-site landscaping requirements per Section 26-502 of the Wheat Ridge Zoning and Development Code. B. In most cases, the same species should be planted
on the same block to maintain continuity. However, to prevent the loss of species, tree species should vary from block to block. Trees of a similar form, texture, and color can be alternated
with the predominant tree species, typically from block to block, to avoid over-use of one species on a street. Random changes in species should be avoided. C. Trees should have the
same characteristics on both sides of the street. Location and Spacing A. Street trees should be planted in a straight row with regular spacing, midway between the sidewalk and the curb,
where adequate space allows. B. Tree location should be based on the mature height and spread of the tree. Adjustments in spacing or species should be made where signs, lights, overhead
or underground utilities, utility poles, fire hydrants, or buildings would limit mature tree size. C. Tree spacing should be in regular intervals. Some variation may be approved due
to existing obstructions or special conditions. See the following table for recommended tree spacing based on the mature height of trees· Small Trees Medium Trees Large Trees Mature
Height Mature Height Mature Height 25' or less 30' -45' over 45' Recommended 15' minimum, 25' minimum, 3~' minimum, Spacing 20' recom-30' recom-40' recombetween Trees mended mended mended
Source: "Choosmg SUitable Trees for Urban and Suburban Sites, H Edward F. Gilman and Laura Sadowski, Document ENH 1057, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences,
September 2007. Wheat Ridge Streetscape Design Manual
D. Visibility of signs, as well as sight triangles at intersections, should be considered when placing trees (reference Section 26-603 of the Wheat Ridge Zoning and Development Code
for regulations on sight triangles). E. Tree locations should be coordinated with utility locations and adequate separations maintained. Generally, a minimum of 5 feet between street
trees and underground utilities should be maintained. The City and utility companies must approve streetscape and utility plans. Size and Farm A. The size and form of a tree should appropriately
relate to space in which it is planted. Trees should be large enough to add significant shade and should reach a height appropriate to adjacent buildings. B. Street trees shall have
a minimum 2 1/2 inch caliper. C. The branching height of mature trees shall be no less than 8 feet on the pedestrian side of the tree. and no less than 14 feet on the street side of
the tree. D. Lower-branching trees may be used in medians, planters, and landscaped areas that are are not adjacent to the street edge and where low branches would not interfere with
vehicular or pedestrian traffic. E. Lower-branching trees may be used in areas where overhead utility wires would require large trees to be pruned. Planting Area and Sail Volume A. Adequate
planting area is essential to ensuring the long-term health of a tree. Where trees are planted. the minimum width of the planting area shall be 5 feet. In certain instances, where space
is constrained, a narrower width may be approved depending on the proposed tree species. The following table establishes recommended planting area widths based on the mature size of
a tree: Small Trees Medium Trees large Trees Mature Height Mature Height Mature Height 25' or less 30' -45' over 45' Recommended Width of 5' minimum 6' minimum 8' minimum Planting Area
Source. " Choosmg SUItable Trees for Urban and Suburban Sites, " Edward F. Gilman and Laura Sadowski, Document ENH 1057, University of Florida Institute 0/Food and Agricultural Sciences,
September 2007. B. Sufficient soil volume is required for a tree to grow to its mature size. The larger the soil volume, the larger the tree. Soil volume is an essential factor when
selecting tree species and designing the streetscape. Where trees are planted. the Wheat Ridge Streetscape Design Manual Figure 3.12 -Distances between the tree --at its mature height
and width --and nearby buildings and utilities should be considered when selecting the appropriate street tree. This will ensure that the tree has adequate room to grow to its full size.
_--,-..,.-':. . .. . .. n.L . ., --,-_ ~' u.minimsum /'. '. " " " ~ " . .' : . . . '.' . " . " Figure 3.13 -The minimum width for any planter or tree grate where Q tree is planted should
be 5 feet. Where tree vaults, or pits, are used, the width belowgrade may be wider to provide adequate soil volume DRAFT 1.10.2011 23
Figure 3.14 -The minimum soil depth where trees are planted should be 3 feet. Figure 3.15 -Street trees should be compatible with the height and style of buildings along the street DRAFT
01.1 0.2011 24 depth of soil shall be at least 3 feet. Appendix A contains guidelines for determining the appropriate amount of soil volume based on the size of a tree. C. Where trees
are planted in a tree vault with a tree grate or pavers above. structural soil shall be utilized. Structural soil is designed to meet pavement design installation requirements while
also supporting root growth. For more information, please see Appendix A. Tree Selection A. Street trees shall be hardy. strong. wooded trees with strong branching characteristics according
to their species. They shall be resistant varieties. have upright growth. and be single stem. B. Trees near sidewalks and pedestrian areas should be fruitless and thornless to minimize
maintenance and to reduce pedestrian hazards. C. Trees should be
selected so that they have room to mature to their full height and spread. Street trees should be selected to minimize the obstruction of sign age and to be consistent with the character
of the given street or district. D. Wherever possible, street trees should have a low to moderate water rating in the recommended street tree list (Appendix B). Irrigation must be installed
for street trees and the proper amount of water must be given to each tree. E. Please see Appendix B for a list of recommended tree species. F. The following species are prohibited from
planting in any right-of-way: • Box Elder (Acer negundo) • Silver Maple (Acer saccharinum) • Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) • Russian Olive (Elaeagrus angustifolia) • All Poplar
(Populus) species • Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) • All Willow (Salix) species • Salt Cedar (Tamarix) • Siberian Elm (Ulmus pumila) • Chinese Elm (Ulmus panifolia) G. Other restrictions
regarding street tree selection: • Trees should not have weeping or pendulous branches • Trees may not have bushy growth habit, which cannot be maintained to a single trunk H. All existing
trees within a given streetscape area must be considered. Each existing tree should be evaluated to determine if it should be preserved. Those trees determined to be preserved must be
protected during any construction Wheat Ridge Streetscape Design Manual
activity. Please see Appendix A for a reference on tree protection. 3.4 Groundcovers and Shrubs Besides trees, plantings in the streetscape may include turf, groundcovers, and shrubs.
Groundcovers provide functional and aesthetic value, softening the street edge in areas where pedestrian travel is low. Shrubs create areas of interest and add form, texture, and color
to the streetscape. Xeriscape design, which requires less water consumption for irrigation, is highly encouraged. Groundcovers A. Groundcovers provide a viable alternative to turf grass
in areas such as landscaped amenity zones and open planters. B. Areas planted with turf should be at least 5 feet wide, with a recommended width of 8 feet. Where adequate width is not
available, groundcover plantings should be used instead. e. Please see Appendix B for a list of recommended groundcover plants. D. Groundcover plantings that require low water use are
encouraged. E. Sufficient irrigation must be provided at the time of installation, as well as during the period of establishment. This applies to low-water use, or xeric, plants as well.
Shrubs A. Hardy, maintainable deciduous and evergreen shrubs may be used in landscaped areas and planters. Shrubs are typically not recommended in landscaped amenity zones, or tree lawns,
along the street edge. B. Shrubs with thorns shall not be allowed in the public rightof-way. e. Shrubs may be effectively used to screen parking areas adjacent to the street. D. Form,
texture, timing of flowering and color of foliage should be considered in the planting design of shrubs. E. Please see Appendix B for a list of recommended shrubs. F. Shrubs that require
low water use are encouraged. G. Sufficient irrigation must be provided at the time of installation, as well as during the period of establishment. This applies to low-water use, or
xeric, plants as well. 3.5 Street Furnishings Street furnishings are integral elements of the streetscape, especially in retail districts intended to encourage pedestrian traffic. Street
furniture should be attractive and appropriate to each streetscape and provide for visual continuity, public service, and the safety of pedestrians. Wheat Ridge Streetscape Design Manual
Figure 3.16 -A landscaped amenity zone with groundcover plantings Figure 3.17 -Shrubs contribute to the streetscape on W 38th Ave in Wheat Ridge DRAFT 1.10.201 1 25
Figure 3.18 -Typical metal bench Figure 3.19 -Seating is an important component of the amenity zone (the space between the sidewalk and the roadwoy) DRAFT 01.10.2011 26 Placement A.
Furniture in the right-of-way should be located at least 3 feet from the curb face where on-street parking or a bike lane adjoins the curb, and at least 4 feet from the curb face where
a travel lane adjoins the curb. B. Any item placed in the right-of-way will require approval by Public Works through a Right-of-Way (ROW) Use Permit. C. Street furniture shall not obstruct
the sidewalk. A minimum 5 foot clear walking zone should be provided at all times. D. All street furnishings should be of high-quality design, intended for outdoor use, and require minimum
maintenance. Benches and Seating A. Comfortable seating areas should be provided at regular intervals as part of the streetscape design. B. Metal benches are a typical element in most
streetscape settings. Other appropriate seating options include benches, moveable chairs, planter walls, and steps. Metal benches should typically be painted black or a dark color with
a factory-applied finish. C. Seating should be conveniently placed. Shade, view of storefronts, and proximity to adjacent uses should be considered in the placement of seating. D. Seating
should not interfere with pedestrian flow or plant materials. E. Seating should be attractive, comfortable, and durable. It should be compatible with other furnishings and adjacent buildings.
F. With the exception of moveable chairs, seating should be secured in place to the pavement for user safety and to prevent vandalism. G. All seating should meet the following dimensional
guidelines: • 16 to 18 inches in height • 16 inch minimum depth for seats without backs • 14 inch minimum depth for seats with backs H. Seating adjacent to walkways or multi-use paths
that receive bicycle use should be set back a minimum of 3 feet from the path. Tree Grates A. Tree grate openings should be no more than 1/4 inch in width. B. Tree grates shall be be
made of iron and have an opening for the tree that will provide for its normal growth. Alternate tree grate types may be approved by the Departments of Community Development and Parks
and Recreation. C. Tree grates should either be unpainted or painted with a Wheat Ridge Streetscape Design Manuol
factory-applied finish. D. The size and shape of a tree grate should relate to the paving systems and patterns adjacent to the tree. E. If seasonal tree lights are desired, an electrical
outlet should be provided within the tree grate area. Trash Receptacles A. Trash receptacles should be located so as not to disrupt pedestrian flow and in locations convenient to benches
and other street furnishings. They should be compatible with surrounding street furniture and the architecture of nearby buildings. B. Trash receptacles should be attached to the paving
or footings in landscaped areas to discourage vandalism. C. Each receptacle shall have two parts: an inner container. which will provide for easy trash removal. and an outer shell that
is compatible with the other street furnishings in the area. They shall also have a covered top and solid bottom to keep trash dry and out of sight. D. Trash receptacles should be made
of a durable material, such as metal. Ballards A. Bollards should be used to define and protect pedestrian areas, separating them from areas of vehicular traffic. B. Bollards should
be compatible with the other street furnishing and other architectural elements in the area. C. Iron bollards are preferred. Bollards should be of simple design, and typically 24 to
42 inches high. They should be painted black or a dark color with a factory-applied finish. D. Bollards shall be located a minimum of 3 feet from the curb edge of vehicular traffic ways.
Bicycle Racks A. Bicycle racks should be incorporated into the streetscape design. Bicycle racks are required in the streetscape for any street that is designated as a bicycle route
in the Wheat Ridge Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan. On these streets. a minimum of four bicycle parking spaces (two typical inverted U racks) per block. on each side of the street.
shall be provided. These bicycle parking spaces must be provided in addition to anyon-site bicycle parking required by zoning. B. Bicycle racks should be placed in locations that do
not interfere with pedestrian or vehicular traffic. C. Racks should be conveniently placed in visible locations to provide for security. D. The standard bike parking rack is the inverted
U type, or another type as approved by the Community Development Wheat Ridge Streetscape Design Manual Figure 3.20 -Example of an iron tree grate Figure 3.21 -Example trash receptacle
Figure 3.22 -Example of on iron bollord DRAFT 1.10.2011 27
Figure 3.23 -Example of a standard inverted U bike parking rack Figure 3.24 -Planting pots incorporated into streets cape Figure 3.25 -Example of quality metal railing DRAFT 01.1 0.2011
28 Director. Each inverted U rack shall count as two bike parking spaces. E. Racks should be designed to be compatible with other street furnishings and be made of durable metal materials.
Racks must provide for at least one wheel and the frame to be locked to the rack. F. Racks shall be securely attached to the pavement to provide a stable place to rest bicycles and to
prevent vandalism. Planters and Planting Pats A. Pots and planters should be used to provide interest to the streetscape and should be planted with annual flowers, perennial flowers,
or low-growing shrubs. B. Large pots or planters may be used in place of bollards to separate pedestrian and vehicular traffic. c. In determining the location of planting pots, the possibility
of pavement staining should be considered. D. Provisions for watering of planters and pots must be in place to provide for the healthy growing of plants. Each pot should have some provision
for drainage in the event of over-watering. Fencing, Railings, and Gates A. A sturdy, wrought iron or steel fence painted black or a dark color is preferred. Fences or railings of other
high-quality materials may be approved if the materials are consistent with surrounding streetscape furnishings and building architecture. B. Fence picket spacing should not exceed 4
inches for child safety reasons. C. The height of fences may vary depending on the purpose and location of the fence. Where pedestrian access needs to be limited, a fence as high as
4 feet may be used. Where a parking lot screen is needed or required, the fences may be as low as 3 feet. Where a fence or railing provides a safe barrier between severe grade changes.
a minimum height of 42 inches must be provided. D. Fencing may be combined with low walls for enhanced design. E. All structural railings must be designed to support a horizontal and
vertical load of 50 pounds per linear foot. F. All fences and railings must be securely fastened in place in pavement or footings. G. All fencing shall conform to Chapter 26 of the Zoning
and Development Code. Newspaper Racks and Enclosures A. Newspaper racks should be designed to be compatible Wheat Ridge Streetscape Design Manual
with other street furnishings. Enclosures can be provided to screen racks from the street. B. Newspaper racks and enclosures should be clustered together and located where they have
the least visual impact on the streetscape. C. Newspaper racks and enclosures should be on a neutral color, preferably made of metal, and should be designed to blend in with surrounding
street furniture and architecture. D. Racks and enclosures should be located in convenient locations for pedestrian access and not in locations where they will obstruct the view of motorists.
Community Announcement Boards A. Community announcement boards, or kiosks, are intended to be used to post community events and notices at special pedestrian areas along the street.
They should be used sparingly and primarily in areas of high pedestrian traffic. B. Community information boards should be designed to be compatible with other street furnishings. They
should facilitate the posting of community notices in a convenient manner. C. Announcement boards should be easily accessible from all sides, adequately illuminated, and designed so
that they are easy to clean and maintain. Transit Bus Stops A. The location of bus stops are set by RTD in coordination with the City. With the approval of RTD, shelters may be provided
by private companies or the City. Shelters are encouraged for transit stops, especially those with high levels of ridership. B. Bus shelters should be integrated into the streetscape
and may not obstruct pedestrian flow. Public Works and RTD will approve shelter locations. C. Where bus stops contain vendor benches with advertising, such benches shall be replaced
by a standard metal strap bench (Figure 3.28). The Department of Public Works will approve all new benches at bus stops. Fountains and Water Features A. Fountains and water features
can add a special element to the streetscape, but they should only be used in situations where there is adequate space to incorporate a focal point in the public space along the street.
B. Fountain and water feature design and placement should consider solar orientation, orientation to winds, surrounding buildings, existing and planned pedestrian circulation, site furnishings,
and how the feature will look when water is not available. Wheat Ridge Streetscape Design Manual Figure 3.26 -Example of a community announcement board Figure 3.27 -Bus shelters are
encouraged at bus stop locotions Figure 3.28 -Metal strap bench to be utilized at bus stops DRAFT 1.10.2011 29
Figure 3.29 -Where there is adequate room, public art can odd life to the streets cape Figure 3.30 -Example of a parking lot screen Figure 3.21 -Gateway markers should be integrated
into the design of the streetscape DRAFT 01.10.2011 30 C. Fountains and water features should have an efficient recirculating pump system which will allow for continued operation, water
conservation and ease of maintenance. D. There must be a long-term commitment from the City. district. or property owner/s) to maintain and manage the water feature or fountain. Public
Art A. The provision of public art is encouraged and recommended on major streetscape improvements in the City. Public art may be functional or purely an art form and it should be considered
as a complement to other amenities in the streetscape. B. Art objects should not compete with or detract from adjacent storefronts or obstruct pedestrian walkways or vehicular traffic.
C. Art objects should be constructed of durable and maintainable materials such as stone or metal. Walls and Screens A. Walls and screens, typically used to screen parking lot or vehicular
areas from the streetscape, should be constructed of durable and maintainable materials. B. The location and design of screen walls must comply with Chapter 26 of the Zoning and Development
Code. C. Walls should be constructed of high-quality masonry units. Integrating iron fencing into the design of the screen wall is encouraged. Gateway Markers and Monument Signs A. Monuments
and gateway markers help establish the character or identity of a district, st reet, or neighborhood. They should be located in key locations, primarily in at intersections or important
gateways. B. Gateway markers and monument signs should be integrated into the streetscape, complementing items such as plantings, trees, paving patterns, and street furnishings. C. Monument
signs, which may include neighborhood identification signs, should be constructed of high-quality, durable materials. D. Monument signs should only be placed where there is adequate
room so that the sidewalk is not obstructed. Visibility, location of trees and vegetation, and compatibility with the surrounding landscaping and hardscaping should be considered in
the placement and design of the sign. E. All signs must comply with Chapter 26 of the Zoning and Development Code. including sight triangle requirements. Wheat Ridge Streetscape Design
Manual
Utilities A. All utilities should be inventoried and identified in the design stage of any streetscape project. The location of existing and planned utilities should be considered when
determining the location of street furnishings, street trees, plants, signs, and light fixtures. B. The location of vaults, meters, and irrigation controllers should be consolidated
wherever possible. C. Larger utility cabinets and vaults should be place in lowvisibility areas and screened from view wherever possible. D. Utilities should not be located under amenity
zones where they could interfere with or preclude the planting of trees. 3.6 Lighting Lighting contributes to both the character and function of a streetscape. Overhead lighting provides
for traffic safety along the street. Pedestrian lighting provides lighting at the human scale and contribute to the aesthetic character of a corridor. Overhead Street Lighting A. Street
lights should be located at regular intervals as part of an overall system that includes cabinets and transformers. Recommended spacing for commercial streets ranges from 100 to 150
feet. B. Lights shall be placed at least 21/2 feet from the curb face so that there is adequate room for car bumpers and door swings. Pedestrian Lighting A. Pedestrian lights shall be
no more than 14 feet high. The preferred height is 12 feet. B. Pedestrian lighting can playa major role in the development of the commercial streetscape and should provide visual continuity
along a street. It should be designed to be compatible with surrounding street furniture and architecture. C. Pedestrian lighting is not recommended in residential areas. D. Lights shall
be placed at least 2 1/2 feet from the curb face so that there is adequate room for car bumpers and door swings. E. Pedestrian lights should be spaced at least 50 feet apart. 60-115
feet is preferable in most cases to allow room for street trees and street furnishings. Too close spacing can cause unwanted glare. F. Lighting should be designed to minimize light pollution
to to comply with dark sky principles. Pedestrian lights shall be semi-cutoff fixtures at a minimum. Full-cutoff fixtures are preferred. Wheat Ridge Streetscape Design Manual Figure
3.32-Utility boxes should be consolidated wherever possible Figure 3.33-Example of pedestrian lighting that is not cutoff Figure 3.34-Example of a full cutoff pedestrian light fixture
DRAFT 1.10.2011 31
Figure 3.35-Example af an enhanced crosswalk on W 38th Avenue Figure 3.36 -Example of a curb ramp DRAFT 01.10.2011 32 3.7 Crosswalks and Curb Ramps Crosswalk pavement systems are important
at all intersections where pedestrians travel. Curb ramps provide safe and convenient movement for all pedestrians. Crosswalks A. Crosswalks shall be provided at every intersection and
designated mid-block crossings. B. Crosswalks with enhanced pavement design are encouraged in commercial areas and at major intersections. Special paving in the crosswalk area should
contrast with the adjacent street paving in terms of color and texture. Enhanced crosswalk paving can provide for increased safety and help unify the character of a retail district.
C. The recommended material for crosswalks with enhanced paving is concrete. Stamped concrete is prohibited from use. D. Unit pavers and bricks pavers may be used in the crosswalk area
as long as the pounds per square inch (PSI) meets City standards for withstanding automobile use. However, these materials can be expensive to maintain. Curb Ramps A. Curb ramps shall
be provided at every intersection in the City. Curb ramps should also be provided at designated midblock crossings. B. Curb ramps should be aligned with curb ramps on the other side
of the street/intersection. C. The Department of Public Works will approve the type and design of all curb ramps. Wheat Ridge Streetscape Design Manual
CHAPTER 4 -MAINTENANCE & IRRIGATION Investments in streetscape improvements are not truly realized without proper maintenance. Adequate maintenance ensures the long-term quality and
attractiveness of the streetscape and helps to maintain property values. 4.1 Maintenance Long-term maintenance of the streetscape is essential. The following standards and guidelines
apply to the maintenance of all elements within the streetscape area. General Maintenance Requirements A. It is the responsibility of the property owner, maintenance district. or improvement
district to maintain all streetscape elements, including landscaping, street furniture, and the sidewalk, in the public right-ofway adjacent to their property, B. Landscaping must be
maintained continuously. This means any necessary watering, weeding, pest control, and pruning, as well as the replacement of dead or diseased plants. C. Dead or diseased plants shall
be replaced in the same location and type as the approved plan. Trees, Shrubs, and Graundcaver A. Tree plantings and landscaped areas should be regularly maintained, including watering,
cleaning, weeding, mulching, mowing, fertilizing and aerating as necessary. This includes removing fallen leaves from the sidewalk or other areas utilized by pedestrians and bicyclists,
B. Tree limbs should be pruned to the standards of the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and to ensure proper clearances above sidewalks and streets, established in Section
3.3 Street Trees (minimum 8 feet on the pedestrian side of the tree and minimum 14 feet on the street side of the tree), c. Mulching serves many benefits for planted areas, including
the regulation of soil temperature and the retention of soil moisture. The regular application and maintenance of mulch is recommended. D, All tree, shrub, and groundcover areas shall
be maintained to be free of weeds. Herbicides should be used with care to prevent damage to plants. E, When maintenance on trees or tree roots within a tree vault is required, grates,
pavers, or any other materials installed in the tree space should be removed and then properly reinstalled when the maintenance is complete. F. Tree grates or paving materials should
be replaced when damaged and adjusted as necessary for tree growth. Sidewalks A. Cracked, broken, or missing sidewalk paving is hazardous to public safety, Maintenance requirements for
sidewalks include: • Maintain concrete joints and replace sealant when necessary • Remove snow when necessary • Remove trash on a regular basis • Sweep sidewalks free of sand when necessary
Walls, Fences and Screens A. Walls, fences, and screens shall be maintained to remain attractive, functional and safe. B. Maintenance measures include cleaning, refinishing, painting,
repair, and replacement if damaged. C. These elements should be maintained to a level comparable to their condition at installation. DRAFT 1.10,2011 Wheat Ridge Streetscape Design Manual
33
Street Furnishings A. Walls. fences. screens. and bike racks shall be maintained to remain attractive. functional and safe. B. Maintenance measures include cleaning, refinishing, painting,
repair, and replacement if damaged. C. These elements should be maintained to a level comparable to their condition at installation. Lighting A. Lighting shall be maintained and continuous
electrical service shall be provided. The following maintenance standards apply: • Maintain lighting control devices, including timers, photocells, etc. • Replace damaged or missing
light poles or parts within thirty (30) days of damage. • Replace burned-out bulbs or lamps within ten (10) days of burn out. • Perform general maintenance work including regular cleaning
and planting when required. 4.2 Irrigation A well-designed irrigation system should cover all plantings within the streetscape. A well-maintained irrigation system is critical for the
health and growth of plant materials. DeSign of Irrigation System A. During establishment period, plants require more water. After establishment, the amount of water for irrigation may
be reduced. B. Irrigation systems should be designed so that turfgrass can be irrigated separately from all other planting areas. C. In order to reduce water usage, rainfall and soil
moisture sensors, pressure reducers, check valves, and/or flow sensor valves are recommended. D. Sprinkler heads in the same zone should have the same precipitation rates. E. Controllers
should have the capability to water shrubs, flowers, and trees separately from turf areas. They should also have the time capability to permit the use of low-volume systems over longer
cycles. F. Spraying of walks, patios, buildings, parking areas, and fences should is discouraged. If the spraying of walks and bikeways cannot be avoided, the controller should be timed
to spray and night to prevent conflict with pedestrians and bicyclists. Maintenance of Irrigation System A. Maintenance of the irrigation systems is essential for the survival of plants.
All necessary start-ups, shut downs, periodic checks, adjustments, and replacements of parts must be performed by the owner or district responsible for irrigation. B. The system should
be completely checked during the start-up period in spring, monitored and adjusted throughout the season, and properly shut down at the end ofthe season. C. Soil moisture should be checked
at 6" and 12" depths regularly with the use of soil probe and appropriate adjustments made to the controller. D. Trees require watering once a month in the winter when the temperature
is above freezing. DRAFT 01 .10.2011 34 Wheat Ridge Streetscape Design Manual
BIBLIOGRAPHY 1. Denver Streetscape Design Manual, City and County of Denver, 1993. Available online at http://www.denvergov.org/Portals/646/documents/DesignGuidelines_StreetscapeDesign_1993.pdf
2. Streetscape and Architectural Design Manual, City of Wheat Ridge, 2001. 3. City of Wheat Ridge Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, City of Wheat Ridge, 2010. 4. Street Tree Guide,
City of Denver Forestry Division. Available online at http://www.denvergov.org/Portals/626/documents/Street%20tree%20guide.pdf 5. City of Aurora Landscape Manual and Recommended Plant
List, City of Aurora Parks and Open Space Department Available online at http://www.auroragov.org/stellent/groups/public/documents/article-publication/025219.pdf 6. City of Fort Collins
Streetscape Design Standards and Guidelines, City of Fort Collins, 2001. Available online at http://www.fcgov.com/advanceplanning/documents.php 7. University of Florida Institute of
Food and Agricultural Studies Extension Website: http://hort.ifa s.u fl .edu/woody 8. Choosing Suitable Trees for Urban and Suburban Sites, Edward F. Gilman and Laura Sadowski, Document
ENH 1057, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, September 2007. 9. Virginia Tech Forestry Department: The Virginia Urban Street Tree Selector Website: http://www.cnr.vt.e
du/dendro/treeselector/10. Cornell University Department of Agriculture Extension: Urban Horticulture Institute Website: http://hort.cals. corn ell.ed u/ca Is/ho rtf exte nsion/i n d
ex .cfm 11. Protecting Trees During Construction, C. Dennis and W.R. Jacobi, Colorado State University Extension, no. 7.420, 2008. DRAFT 1.10.2011 Wheat Ridge Streetscape Design Manual
35
DRAFT 01 .10.2011 36 Wheat Ridge Streetscape Design Manual
APPENDIX A -REFERENCES 1. Soil Volume Guidelines and References When planning a streetscape project, especially where space is limited, it is important to evaluate how to provide the
optimal soil volume for each tree. The first step is to calculate the optimal soil volume per tree. A general rule of thumb is to measure the area within the projected mature drip line
of the tree and provide 2 cubic feet of usable soil per square foot (Grabosky and others, 1999; Urban, 1999). Based on this rule of thumb, Urban (1999) correlated crown projection and
tree size to identify minimum required soil volume for various size trees (Figure A). Figure A: Soil volume required for various tree sizes. Assumes a soil depth of 3 feet (Source: lomes
Urbon, 1999) Ultimate Tree Size Crown Projection (sq. n.) Achquatl! soiluoiume n..echd for roou can M approximated from the siu the tru will M at maturity. 200 400 600 800 1000 1200
1400 lS00cu.h. SOIL VOLUME REQUIRED Figure B: Recommended soil volumes based on crown spread of tree ((3' minimum depth of soil): Estimated crown spread '" 10' diameter Soil Volume ::
120 (ubic feet Estimated crown spread = 21'diameter Soil Volume = 500 cublc feet Wheat Ridge Streetscape Design Manual Estimated crown spread :c 30' diameter Soil Volume = 1000 cubic
feet DRAFT 1.10.2011 37
2. Structural Soil Reference 38 STRUCTURAL SOIL: A'i [ '!'iOVATIVE MEDlI"M U:'I'DER PAVEME"iT TIIAT IMPROVES STREET TREE V1GOR Nina Bassuk. Directur and Profe.".",r Urblltl 1101"1 icuh
un.' I.ns linll c, Curnell UniW'tbit y, Idulf'u, j\" Jason Grabosky. UrbHlr
l/orl ic-u hurt · \n :;lilllt e. Curm:U Unin::rsit)" hhw'u, i\'Y Peter Trowbridge, FASLA. Prufr :s.-.ur L,andsnrpc A r<~ hi\('(' lUrc_ Curtlf'll Ul1in·n,;ity. Ith:WH. XV James Urban.
FASLA, JUlIl CS Urhun and AssociHles, Annapolis, ~1D Inlrodl/clion Tlw lIIa ;n .. inq)t"d iment II) establi shing Iree~ in pen -eel III"hun a reas is the kH'k of a n adequutt' ' -f1
IUIlIC of sui I for tl'ef' f'iJOt' growth. Soils under pavf"rnf'nls are highly Cl)fnpHC'I €'f1 It) meel. load -beUl~ng requirem E'J11S find t"lIl-:,ri nf'ering stundards. This nfte ll
sW I ~ '"ooti:) from h1l"owing. n Hls ing: them 10 he i'tlTltaine<1 ,...-ithin "I very smull u ~a bl e volume of :,Oil without uclequl:l te wU ler_ nurrients or oxygf' Il, Subsequently,
Ilrhan tn;>~ wi th IllOst of their rOOIh undf>r 1.I<I\'f>lnent grow pnorly a lld die prematurely, It i!; eb"1imated that an lIr b~H1 trt'f' in this type of setting li,'es for an uyeruge-of
o nly 7-10 years, where we r:ollid expf'ct 50 or morf' yea rs with bener soil ('ond itions, T host> Irees that do f,"llnri ,'e within such p.] w·ll lent d esib'll::' often interfere
wi lh I)<wernent inregrity, Oldf'1' e:,tahli::.hf>d Irees Illay j'<1U5e I'<:Wf'HWllt fai lure when r(K)I;:, ~r(Jw directly below the pan~m r nl a nd exvund wi th age, Di~ pl acellleni
of paw TIlf'nt ('<.m (Te<:Ite u tripping hazard, As a r~ul,-the pOlentiaJ for legal liability ('nmpound::. t'xl'enses as.'. iOf'iated wi lh 1:.fI\'t' lIw nt srnl1'luml rf' pai'b. ~I
OI'eover. rx'wemt"nt rt:'pair~ wh idl can !:iignifi n UIII)' damagt" ITee root,:, often result in tTee dedine and d eath. The problelll ::' as omlinefl ahove fit) 1101 Ilf'('e,--,.*,rily
I if' "rith lhf' tTee instal lation bu t " rith tht' mHIt'ria l helow Iht' pan~ ltI l~1lI" in whi ch tlH.~ tree lS e::\l Jet:ted (0 gTuW, New tt't.: hniq1J~ fo r meeting t.he oftt'll
opposing needs of tlw m:e <:I nc! engineering :,i<:l llriards are needed. Om' nt'\\' 1001 for llrba ll rref' e..'ita blishmellt i:j the n xle:;ign of the enl"irf' p.we nwnl profile to
111t't't th l" IOHd -beH ring retrUirelllellt for l-5t1"ucn.I !'Illly ~o und p:wcllwnt in::.iallatlon while erwou rClb'; lIg d eep r(ll,t b'Towth nway frnll1lhe p.wf'll1f'nt slIrfaj
'e. Tht:' new p'Wt' II1f'1l1 SlIhst n-t tt\ ('a iled ~bTru ctural soil ', has bef'1l dew:. lnped Hnd If .. ..-;l!-·d !:io Iha l it· can Iw ('11mpnd erl In IIwet (' llh'; IIt'el;lIg l"l'qllirt'lll
l~ II' S for p;t \"t~d b"l.lrfaces, yet ptlS!:i(~SS (padiri{-"!; Iha l allnw roots to gnl\\-fret' ly, under and awar frnm tlw 1'<:l"Nllf' nt, rlwJ'eily reducing sidf'walk heavi ng from
n'ee roots. COIH'entia) Tree Pits are Designed ror Failure Looki ng at a typical !:itTeet tree pit detail. it is evident (hut it dlsfilpts the layered p.n-ernent syst em. In fI e,--idew<:ll.k
jI<l\"enwlH profi le, a properly t.:ompaeled :,u bf,'1'adl;" of f':xis ting material o ften i:'l largely imperlll f':a ble to rOOI grow'1h and WHi p I' in filtration and s ih'llificamly
J't'duc.'cs drainHge if large IwJ't't-'llI"ages of ~lIld are 1101 pre:,f>nl. AI)I)\'f' Ihe !-iu bf,'Ttlde th ere i .... uSllal ly a sln .wrtlral grdllular IXL~' IIl1ltt'l ; UI. To tnH
intHill "I !-!11-lble piwelllent 5urf<:!ct' til(> ha!*' II ltlh~l-ial is " 'd l compacted <.I ud Ij('~,s high bt>aring strenhrth. Thi::. is why a gmvel or sand IIwterial t.;ontain ing
lirtlt> si lt t IT' d ar is 1l::'lIally ,:,pt'"cifie-d a nd COIllP<'U'If'"(.IIO C)5% Proctor d en:,;ry (AASHTO T-9l)), T he b:-l5e layer is h'Tclllular rna lt'rial \\;lh nIl Hpprel'
iable pla nt l.lva ilaule 1ll0 i:.nll'e or llUtT;ent ho ldi ng capacitY-Su bse<luently, the j><l\'ement sUl'1'olllld ing the tret" pit is de.-:.if,rned to repel or lHu'"e wu ter <.tway,
not ho ld il. sineI'" water jw,t helow the (Alvenlf'nt can calise pl:lveme.nt fHilurt', A.-knnwlMging thl:lt; the Hbnvt' gellerali zations do not aCCOUIll for a ll of the ('hallt'nges
below t.he pavel1"u:!nt for trees, it i~ no Ill yi-Jtf'rr why tT'res a re lIftt~ n d(H:IIllf'd to failure IX"fore they are e,'en planted. The sllhh'l'ad(~ <lnd !-"Tanular base cou rse
materia ls arc u ~"l.lull y w mpacted 1"0 levels assol·iHted wi th root impedance, Cin'"n tlit, p rillI' drainage below t.he base cou rse, the fTel:' often experi ences a la rgely suturBted
pl ~lnrin g :-;n il. Designed U'f:'f' pit t h-Hi nuge-.. an relieve soiI SD turatl (ln, but does nOlh ing to 1"f'lit·w· the phYSlca l imped a l1f'e of t.he IIl ll teriHII)t-' low till'
1' ~l wmt-' nl ",hidl phys ically sto ps root growth. A New Syslem 10 [nlegrale Trtles and P,wtlllleni 'SlHu-tural ~() i l' is a de::;ign t-'CI IllediulH which <..:fIll 1lIet'1 Or t-x(
't-et.1 P}I,'t'lHt'nt d~lh'll and inswlia tion requiremen ts whlle f"{' IlHtining ronl pt>,wll'able-and !')u PlxlI-ri\-e of tree gnl\\-th, Cornell 's Urban HOI,tieulI1Ire Institl lte.,
has been testing a seri e:) of mBH:"l'ia ls over (he l)flt" fi'-e rear ..... f()t' II~1 (In characterizi ng their ellb';llt'ering as well 1:1.:; IHWtlndrura l propertie:s, The IlU.Herial
~ testt'C1 an: ga p-grad t:'C1 h'1'uwl:: .. which are made up of cnl:;hed blone., day loa Ill,. <lnd a h yJ rug{~1 :---tabi lizing agent. Tilt' nw[t'riulb ('an I-w ("ornl'a("fed to 1Ilt""f'1
all J"t'it"'a nl l'il\'l;'trWllt de1->ign • Store P8rtcIe o--AI ex WaIf!' PDe Fig, ,: 1he stone lattice be.us (!Aldin}; while the soil particle partially m/~ tlw 1.1Nice voids, rt"quirt'rne
nts ret allow fOI" ~'lJ5tain a hl e mot growth, The new ti"r~te rn essenti aUy forms a rib';J , IO~td -IJt:"" II-in g stone lattice a nd I'a rl"ially fills the la ttice voids "rith soi
l (Fi;,rU"f> I). SITLh'tw'ul boi l pn)\~des a continuous b}ls(> CUI Il~ under pm-ements while Wheat Ridge Streetscape Design Manual
provid ing <I rmHt'I'ial for 1 ret." rOOl growth. This s hift ~ designing away from indi\'idua llree pjt~ In an ir llf"gn:ued, root penetrable. high ~ tr(,llg1h paveme nt !:iy!:ltt'trl.
,~ l'/)o~.'" aI,"' .. fut~1 MJdjJrolis..· 111is system l~o n s i sts of a four to oix inch rigiu paveme nt surfact:, with a pHVf'ntf"nt opening large enough LO aCf'ommocia te a fony
yea r or older t ree (Figure 1 ) . The ope ning coulu also ('ons isl of concentric rings of inte rlocking pavers d esigned for remo\'a l as the buttress rOOt8 meet tlwlll. Below tha
t, a conventional base course could be installed and compacted with the material meeting no rrnal regio llnl pavement specifio"t tions for the tra ffic they are expected 1O experience.
The ba:se COU I"Se would ael as a root exclllsinn zone from t1w pa\'enwnt s urfacf'. Although field tesl.'; :show that tree roots naturally tend to grow away from thf' pavf' tl1f'nt
s urf"v'e in sU"u ct-lind w il. A geotext ile could segr'cgntt' the bHSt' course of the paVemf'rH from the st ru ctural soiL The .......d%""~ gap~graded. struClUral soil nW!erial has
ueen show" to allow n)tJt .... OO«lo.A!llH pe ne tration when compacted. 111is materia l would be C'..ompaC'ted to 1I0t less than C)5% Proctor density (A1\S IITO 1'-99) a nd ~x)s''3eSg
<:1 Calirorn ia Bea r'i ng BOlio green er thHn 40 [Cn-lbosky a nd Bassuk 1995, 19961 The slru ctur"ll soil thick ness worrld df'pend on the designed depth to subgrade 0 1'10 a pn-:ferred
depth of .36 inches. ' 111is d epth of excavation is negotiahle, but a 2-4 in('h minimum is encow'Hged for the rooting zone. 11w subgrude should be exc"lVHt ed to paralk·l the fini shed
grade. Under-dra inage f'o nfonning 10 uppro n:·d enginf't'ring surnuHl"(js for a given region tllllst be pnwidf'd heneath the str'uctur~d soil rmll eri':l l. The SIt·u(·t ur",1 soil
mate ri a l is desigrlf'cI as (ollows. The thr'ee compo nents of the s tructural soil [I re mi~xed in the following propo rtions by weight, crw;hed slOne: tOO; clay loam: 20; h yd rogel:
0.03. Total moi s s run.~ at nrixing should be 10% (AASIITO T~99 optimum mo isture). Cr-u.shtX! stone (grfrnite or lirnestulle) sh ould he narrowly graded from 3/-+ -I 1/2 in(·h. highly
a ngular with no fine s. 'fire clay 10HI11 sho uld conform 10 the USDA soil (:Iassificmion system (gravel<5%. oand 2.5-:10%. silt 20--+0%. clay 25--+0%). Organic ma ttf'r sh o uld ra
nge between 2% and 5%. 'Ille hydrogel. a pOl<:lssiurn pro pe n o~l l e -pro pe n [lmid e copolymer is added in <.1 SllInll amorrnt to act as a tack ifie r, prf'H·nting sep<.rnttion of
Ihe sto rre amJ soil dW'ing mix ing and installation. t\-lix ing u rn be d one on a pi'\'ed s lId~lc e using front t'ncl loade rs. T ypically the SlOne is spread in a la ye r. the cl
l'Y h ydrogf'l is spread evenly on lOp and ,he screened moist loalll is tilt' lOp laye r. rnle e ntir'e pile is turned and mixed until a uniforlll blend is produ(·ed. Tire structural
soil is th en installed and compuned in () iudl lifts. In a street tree ins wUation of stich H otru cl"UI'ul soil. the po po tentia l root ing ZOlle could extend from huilding face to
("u rb, nrnning tllf' f'nUff' length (If the street. 111is would enSIII'(" an adecprare \'nlume uf soil 10 I1wet the long Eerm needs of the t!"t'e. Whe re th is entire t'.xC<:1vmion
is not feasible, a trench. nrnning continuous a nd paraliellO th e curb. eight feet \\'ide ct nclthree feet deep wou ld be minirrH-llly mif'quate ror continuous St reet u'ee planting.
The re will he a need 10 ensur"€' moist ure rf'charge and free gas exchange throllglrout tlr f' n :)()1 w nf'. The challengt" nw)' bf' met by the installation of a three dimensional
geo-cnmposite (a geo~g"id wrapped in tl;:x1ile Ortf' inch tlrick by eight inches wide) which ('ould be la id above the stru clUrul :;o il a~ spokf'..5 radiating fl"O!l1 the tTlrnk flair
openin g. This is e rrr~ r'endy in tilf' testin g stage. Other pervious surface treat me nts could a lso provide addiriona l moisture recharge. as could u'aclitional irrigHtio n. \'\Then
(;o ll1pa nx l to ex ist ing pnlCtice, a uditio nal drainage systems. and the reuesigned structural soil la yer re pre~ i;ent additio nal costs w a projf'(·1. ' 1111" addit ion of the
propo:;ed struclUr'a l !:loil n ece&i it ~lt es deeper e..xnwH tion or the site which also lIlay be costly. Itt SO tnf' "fhrions Ihis excavation i:; a rl'lU!ler' of standard practi ce.
ll o\\'eve r. this process might best be suit ed for nt'w constn.rct ion and infnt ~tru G ture replacement or r·epa ir. :; ince the ('ost of deep e.xca\"Htion is ~tlr"(!ad y incurred.
T'he Urba n Ilorli ('ulwre Inst itute cont inues to work on rf'fining tlte specification for produ{;ing u structural soil mHIt:,r'ialto make the sys tem COSt efff'('tive. It is patent
pend ing and will be 0010 \"ilh the tHldell1Hrk 'CU-Soil ' (0 in sw'e quality control. Testing over five ye<cll"S has demnnstra lt"d that sta bilized, gap·graded s trLlclLlral soil materia
ls ca n meet this IIt-ed whilp allo\\'ing rapid rOOt I)f'nel ration. Several working ins tallations have beel! j'o rnpl e teu in Ithaca, Ithaca, NY, l\ t"w York City, NY, Cirrf'irrna
ti. 0 11 , Camb,·idgt'. MA and elsewht" re. To d ~rtf', the rocus has been on the use of these mixe.s t~) grea tly e.xpand the potential rooting volume unde r' ptl\·ern eill. It a ppears
that an added advantage of us ing a stru('wra l soil is its ahili ty to allow roots to grow awuy from the pHv€'lllem surfa(,e. thus reducing the pOlf'tllial for sidewalk he<:tving as
wt'll <:18 pru\' iding for h ealthie r. 10ng~li \'ed trees. C rabo~ky. 1. mrd Bns...::;ttk. N. '--A N('w LJrb}ln Trce' Soil to Safely TnfTeasc Homing Vollilnes Undcr Sidewa lks" , I
Q93, Juu n wl of Arbori('ulntl"c 2 1 (-t), 1 (n-2m. Crabosi..,', J. <1nd BaSiuk, N. ""Tcsring of Strucrural Urhun Trf'P Soill'l fHlerials for P$t.~ Under PH\'cment 10 IncrcHsc Srrcer
Tree Rooting V{Jlumcs", Iqq(), Jounl,11 of Arhorinrlntre 22(6), 25S~263. DRAFT 1.10.2011 Wheat Ridge Streetscape Design Manual 39
3. Tree Protection Reference Quick Facts ... Soil compaction and grade changes adversely affect tree root health, and can lead to branch dieback and tree death Prior to starting construction
activities, evaluate existing trees in the area to see if preservation is worthwhile and feasible. Involve all parties associated with the construction proiect when determining which
trees to preserve. Establish specific guidelines to prevent tree injury during the construction project. Minimize injury to existing trees with properly placed and properly sized barricades.
Extension © Colorado State University Extension. 2199. Reviewed BlOB. www.exl.colostate.edu DRAFT 01 .10.2011 40 G A R D E N N G ea., s E R E s TREES & SHRUBS Protecting Trees During
Construction by C. Dennis and W R. Jacobi' (6108) no. 7.420 Why Preserve Existing Trees? Shade trees add to the value of residential and commercial properties. During construction, established,
healthy trees can be preserved with minimal effort or expense. Many trees are valuable enough to justify the extra concern. The Preservation Planning Process Many lowns and cities in
Colorado have tree protection spec ifications detailed in their land use code; property owners must adhere to the tree protection specifications spelled out in land use code of the ir
town or city. Prior to beginnjng a construc tion project, the property owner should have a city forester, licensed arborist or certi fi ed tree appraiser, evaluate every tree in the
proposed construction area to determine if preservation is worthwhile. For each ex isting tree, consider location, present size, future size, species, vigor, cost of preservation, and
cost of removal. While evaluating trees ror preservation , vis ualize the ruture landscape. If plans call ror preservation of trees near buildings or in landscapes, the trees should
be suffic iently healthy to justify preservation. Some large, mature trees may not be structurally sound or estheti cally appealing LO warrant preservation. Older trees do not adapt
LO environmental changes as well as younger trees, thus it may be more practical to protect a 1-to 8-i nch diameter tree than a larger, more mat ure tree. Some exis ting trees (particularly
the smaller trees) may be dug with a tree spade and relocated on the property. Tree species differ in their abi lity to adapt to environmental change (Table 1). Recognize that it may
be impossible to preserve every tree. Table 1: Adaptability to environmental change. High American elm Common hackberry Cotlonwood (spp) Ginkgo Green ash Honeylocust London planetree
Siberian elm Silver maple White ash Willow (spp) Degree of Adaptability Moderate Aspen Black walnut Boxelder Bur oak Linden Norway maple Pine (spp) White oak Low Bolleana white poplar
Black locust Colorado blue spruce English oak Lombardy poplar Northern red oak Norway spruce Wheat Ridge Streetscape Design Manual
Figure 1: Roots lie in the upper 24 inches of soil and are easily damaged. Figure 2: Highly visible tree protection barriers. Figure 3 (below): Ideally, the protection barriers should
extend beyond the dripJine. Reprinted with permission from Tree City USA Bulletin No.7, National Arbor Day Foundation. To avoid short-and long-term problems, early in the planning process
consul t all parties involved in the project, inc luding the property owner, contractor, architect, engineer, and arbo rist. Once trees are selected for preservation, prepare a preservation
plan that contains specific tree preservation methods. Set contractor guidelines for tree protection within contrac ts. Such guidelines include: prominently mark protected areas; erect
barricades around designated trees; avoid vehicular traffic or parking in restricted areas; and proh ibit materi al storage, grading, and dumping of chemicals and other materials in
restricted areas. To ensure compliance, COnLractors should have tree preservation bonds to cover potenti al noncompliance fines. Noncompliance fines are based on trees species, trce
value, replacement costs if required, and the amount and type of damage done. Tree preservation bonds create an additional incenLi ve for compliance. All parties should be aware of and
agree to the consequences for noncompliance. Before construction begins, conduct an on-site meeting with all parties, with special emphasis on educating the project contractor. Provide
a handout that outlines the preservation plans to everyone working on the project. The Importance of Protecting a Tree's Root System Tree root systems contain large, woody roOLS, and
small. short-lived absorbing roOIS. Large, woody roots are perennial and grow hori zontall y and are mostly in the lOp 6 to 24 inches of the soi l (Figure I). Their main functions include
anchorage, water and mineral transport, and nutrient and water storage. Smaller absorbing rooLs, averaging 1116 inch in diameter, constitute the majority of the root system's surface
area. These roots grow outward and upward from the large roots. near the soil surface where mineral s, water and oxygen are abundant. Their major functi on is to absorb water and minerals.
The rool zone extends horizontally from the tree for a di stance at least equal to the tree's height. Preserve at least 50 percent of the root system to maintain a heal thy tree. During
summer construction, trees require adequate water, enough to saturate the soil , everyone to two weeks. Preventing Injury to Existing Trees Preventing damage is less costly than correcting
it. Post highl y-visible barricades and signs around the trees and areas to be protected (Figures 2 and 3). The optimal size of barricaded areas varies by tree species, size, and construction
project. For recently planted trees (one to four years). the area under the branches (d ri pline) should be adequate. For minimal protection of trees older than four years, barricades
should extend beyond the dripline; for each inch of diameter of the tree's trunk, add extend the protection area an additional fool. For additional protection, a layer of wood chips
(4 to 6 inches deep) can be placed around each tree prior to placement of the barricades. Examine trees and barricades at least once a week during construction. DRAFT 1.10.2011 Wheat
Ridge Streetscape Design Manual 41
Figure 4: Surface grading severs many roots. Figure 5: Trenching near trees can severely damage root systems. Figure 6: Construction vehicles can damage the existing soil structure by
compressing soil particles. Figure 7: Within two years of adding 12 inches of soil, this tree died. DRAFT 01.10.2011 42 Avoid Direct Injury to Existing Trees There are four general fonns
of direct tree injury caused by mechanized equipment: bark removal, branch breakage, surface grading and trenching inj ury (Figures 4 and 5). Bark removal or "skinn ing" of the trunk
can be caused by any type of equipment This can easily kill the tree, because it cannot survive without bark. Breakage of lower branches may make the tree unsightly or remove too many
leaves, causin g stress. Surface grading removes surface vegetation and topsoil that contains many absorbing roots. Also, inj ury often occurs to the tree base. Trenching for utilities
can also cause substantial root damage and should be done far away from ex isting trees. in new developmenls, thi s can be done easil y. Where the trench must pass under or near a tree,
avoid substantial injury by using a power auger to bore a tunnel under the roots. If trenching is unavoidable, place the LIench as far from the Lrunk as possible (minimum 8 feet), cutting
as few roOlS as possible. Cleanly prune cut roOlS and refill Lrenches as soon as possible to prevent excessive moisture loss. Wounds make the tree highl y susceptible to rool pathogens
and decay fungi. Decline and death can res ult if more than 40 percent of the stem or roots are damaged or ki lled. Stressed trees are also more susceptible to insects such as bark beetles
and borers. Avoid Soil Compation Problems After a tree is es tablished, any activity that changes the soi l condition is extremely detrimental to its health. Construction Iraffic compacts
soil most severely near the surface, the area where the majority of tree roots lie (Figure 6). Soil compaction decreases soil permeability and interferes with essential gas exchange
processes as well as surface and subsurface drainage. When rOOL growth is restricted by compacted soils, less nutrients and water are avai lable for plant growth. These factors I imit
root growth, reduce tree vigor and can cause tree death. Decline and dieback may gradually appear over a period of years. Lt is much easier to avoid soil compaction than to correct it.
Keep construction traffi c and material storage away from tree root areas. Apply a 4 to 6 inch layer of wood chips around all protected trees to help reduce compaction from vehicles
that inadvertentl y cross the barricades. Avoid Soil Fills When excessive amounts of soil are added around a tree base, the additional soil imerferes with normal air and moisture ci
rculation to the roots (Figure 7). Soil fill s subject roots to improper gas exchange and can lead to carbon dioxide or loxic gas buildup. Minor fills (less than 3 inches) will not harm
most trees. The topsoil should be high in organic matter and have good drainage properties --it should not be clay. Major changes in grading require an air supply to the raOl's. This
can be accompl ished with a drywell. Early symptoms of decline from excessive fill are small leaf size and premalUre fa ll coloration. Dieback of twigs and progressive dying of larger
stems in the upper crown also occurs. This dieback may not be noticed for several years, depending on tree species and initial tree health. Avoid Soil Cuts Lowering the grade usually
is less complicated than fi lls, but can be equally harmful. Where the grade has been changed near a tree, the most common damage is the complete severing of major roo ts in thal area
(Figure 8). This can cause decline, death or decrea sed stability to high winds. To protect the tree, terrace the grade (Figure 9) or build a retaining wall between the tree and the
lower grade. Walls should encompass an area extending at least to the drip line. Wheat Ridge Streetscape Design Manual
Figure 8: Lowering the grade severs roots and kills trees. 'e. Dennis, Colorado Stale Forest Service; and W.R. Jacobi, professor, bioagricultural sciences and pest management. Original
Grade ~~' O"'i. N.w_~=-,", .. , Figure 9: Terracing can substantially limit root injury. Reprinted with permission from Tree City USA Bulletin No.7, National Arbor Day Foundation. Pruning
Injured Trees Trees with injured roots may show branch dicback quickly or within a few months after the initial injury. Prune dyi ng branches LO reduce insect and disease damage to the
rest of the tree. Also prune to reduce any hazardous cond itions on preserved trees. It is better to wait until the tree exhibits branch die back to see how much to prune, rather than
10 arbitrarily remove pans of the crown because you assume the root system was damaged. Wildfire regu lations may require prun ing to a height of 10 feet all trees around your home and
outbuild ings. Additional Information Fact Sheets · 2.926, Healthy Roots and Healthy Trees · 6.302, Creating Wildfire-Defensible Zones · 7.4 19. Large Dec iduous Trees Plantta lk Coloradol"M
• 1709, Hiring a tree care company • 172 1, Why prune shade trees? • 1724, Pruning shade Lrees • 1730, Whcn to prune Lrees Websites • Colorado State Uni versity Ex tension county office,
www.cxLcolostate. edu/cedireclory/a l1counties2.cfm • Colorado Statc Forest Service, csfs.colostatc.edu/index.htm • American Society of Consulting Arborists, www. asca-consultants. org/index.
hunl • Rocky Mountain Chapter of the International Society of Arboricu ltu re, www.isarmc.org/prolindex.htm Colorado State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Colorado counties
cooperaling. CSU Extension programs are available to aU without discrimination. No endorsement of products menlioned is intended nor is criticism implied 01 products not mentioned. DRAFT
1.10.201 1 Wheat Ridge Streetscape Design Manual 43
DRAFT 01.10.2011 44 Wheat Ridge Streetscape Design Manual
APPENDIX B -RECOMMENDED PLANT LIST City of Wheat Ridge Recommended Shrubs Nome IAce'gi I i I il lAce, ginnala ' ~l i I 'Emerald Elf' i I 'Flame' "a, alniralia a lniralia 'Regenl' I Ii
'Autumn I iJli i l cana I davidii " ; fend Ie,' ; lanala sso, I s ledifalius i , :v,"us oU'aans 'Soanish Gold' Daohne so, ssp, fallugia I I Amu,Maole IEme,ald Elf Amu' Maple Iflame Amu,
Maple 1 Maple 'Regenl, 'ulumn I Sage Silve, , Toll Weslem I Blue Misl Spi,ea Littleleaf ult-Ieaf :liffrose B'aam I B'aam Soanish Gold B'aam Daphne Apache Plume New Me,ican p,,yel Sea
I , i Juniper J 1 amabilis I lyor, Ii ~ ~~:;~~:", 0)', , 1 valgme i "p.' i korolkowii vcr. floribundo 'Blue Velvet ' i I I var.wolfii i , ta tmicc 'Mnald Red' i I ; 'Clavey's Dwalt'
iiii I "eDens i I Ii I I iSO, I • lewisii iSD, Ii ' & cultivms P,.vel Regal P,ivel , P,ivel Upright Privet , P,.vet Blue Velvet Honeysuckle Lilac-f dwalt Amald Rec :Iavey's Dwalt l G'aDe
Hallv ".' Lewis, , I I Mugo pine , .aUo. Highest Water Medium Water lowesl Water Use Use Use I----~p~,uun~us;ib~e"~SSPeY~ii _______ ~lw~esle~'m~ls~a'n~d:~he,~~ __i _ ___ 3IIIIIIIE-_-~---1
Wheat Ridge Streetscape Design Manual DRAFT 1.10.2011 45
• o. Co'o", do '0'". • Name Nome iii • lowest Wefer U •• U •• U •• IPrunus I IGmund Cherry IPrunus INonklnq Chenv IPrunus . r gombelii Oak IRhussp ISumoc IRhus' I Sumac IRhus, , 'Gro·low'
IGro·low Sumac IRhus a.obra Smoo'h Sumac IRhus globro var, 'Rhus frllabatc I I Sumac '~~~:fv~~ lodnolo Ir,~"; , r ;,sumoc -Rlbes so. !~aIOinum Iplne Curronl Ibes olplnum 'Green Mound'
Currant IRlbes oureum 'olden' orranl IRlbe, cereum ax Curran' ,Rlbes 'Red lake' IRed lake ':urran' ,Rlbes 'Plxwell' IPlxwell Curran' rsP. 'p,aeo, ;sp. ,albu, I I --ii 'MOQic Berry' IMOqlc
Berry' doorenbosii 'While nc",'l:::Ic' j,,,,, Hedge Snowberry 'We,'ern II rv sYringa ',p, lilac Syrlnqa I , I , loll I Early lilac Syrlnqo , I , loll culllvorsl la.e lilac Syrlnqa vulaorls
, & French lilac "p. , lo'ano I , "en'ogo I tr i II ONate;, , ,can loin thorn, DRAFT 01.10.2011 46 Wheat Ridge Streetscope Design Ma nual
City of Wheat Ridge Recommended Grasses and Groundcovers Ornamental Grasses Nome Highest Water Medlvm Wote1' lowest Woler Use Use Use i Ii Gr avn d covers Bolonlcol Nome Common Nome
Anlennaria rosee Pink Puss loes Cerastium tomentosum Snow-in-Summer Delosperma sp. Hardy Ice Plant Euonymus fortunei varieties Winlercreeper lyslmachia nummularia Moneywort Polygonum
affine Himala on Fleeceflawer Pol anum 'Border Jewell' Himalo on Border Jewell Santolino chamaec "u, lavendar Cation Sedum spectab~e Showy Stonecrop Sempervirens sp. Hens and Chicks
Thymus pseudolanuginosus Wooly Thyme Veronica eclinala Blue Blue Wool S eedwell Vinca minor 'Bowles' Periwinkle Zinnia randifloro Po er Flower DRAFT 1.10.201 1 Wheat Ridge Streetscape
Design Manual 47
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