SUSTAINABLE URBAN LANDSCAPES Alternative Development Standards for Sustainable Communities
TRADITIONAL PATTERN WITH ECOLOGICAL UNDERLAY Residential Mews Section	Back
One exploration for a narrow residential side-street.  In this exploration the right-of-way is greatly reduced to 11 metres (36') by decreasing the roadway dimension to create a 3.5 metres (11.5')"cueing" street where drivers must pull onto the shoulder in order to allow oncoming automobiles to pass.  This method of passage is common to many of Vancouver's older neighbourhoods.  Further right-of-way reduction is achieved by grouping uses.  Unpaved 2.25 metre (7.25') shoulders provide space for street trees, a parking lane, and  shallow roadside swales which carry surficial drainage to nearby retention swales.  Placing the 1.5 metre (5') sidewalk at the property line, eliminating the grass boulevard traditionally found at this location further reduces the right-of-way. The incorporation of surficial drainage eliminates the need for a curb and gutter system. Flush curbs take the place of raised curbs. These curbs allow water to drain from the roadway directly into the roadside swales, and prevent the asphalt edge from crumbling.