Ingress and egress options for a commercial site—especially at an intersection—are regulated by local and state transportation authorities and significantly impact site functionality, safety, and tenant appeal. These authorities determine where, how, and whether vehicles can enter and exit the property from adjacent roadways, based on traffic volume, road classification, proximity to intersections, and safety standards.
1. Driveway Location and Spacing Requirements
- Transportation departments regulate the minimum distance between driveways and intersections to reduce conflict points.
- Access may be permitted only on the minor road if the major arterial is restricted.
- Corner parcels often qualify for dual access, but spacing standards may limit driveways to one side.
- Shared access or cross-access easements with adjacent parcels may be required to reduce curb cuts.
- A site access plan must usually be submitted for review and approval during permitting.
2. Right-In/Right-Out Restrictions
- On high-volume or median-divided roads, authorities may limit access to right-in/right-out only, prohibiting left turns.
- Full-movement access may be denied on high-speed or heavily congested corridors.
- Directional access design must factor in turn lanes, sight distance, and queueing space.
- Access control measures such as raised medians, signage, or channelizing islands may be required.
- These restrictions can affect site circulation and tenant suitability (especially QSR or convenience uses).
3. Signalized Intersection Proximity and Turn Lane Requirements
- Driveways near a signalized intersection must avoid interfering with traffic signal operations or turn movements.
- Access may be conditioned on the installation or extension of dedicated left-turn or deceleration lanes.
- Signal warrants may be triggered if new traffic volume significantly alters intersection performance.
- Existing signal timing, lane configuration, and crosswalk placement affect driveway feasibility.
- Some parcels may need shared signalized access through a frontage road or side street.
4. Secondary and Emergency Access Standards
- For larger developments, transportation authorities may require multiple access points for fire and emergency services.
- These points must comply with fire code standards for width, surface type, and turnaround radii.
- Access points may need to support delivery trucks, refuse vehicles, or service equipment.
- In constrained sites, developers may request a variance or propose off-site improvements.
- Driveway permits often require a traffic engineering review to support secondary access justification.
5. Permitting and Approval Process
- Most jurisdictions require an access permit application through the city engineering department or the state DOT.
- Submittals include site plans, driveway profiles, turning movement diagrams, and sometimes a traffic impact study.
- Coordination with utility easements, bus stops, or sidewalk infrastructure is also part of the review.
- Final approvals may be conditional on roadway upgrades, curb modifications, or signal integration.
- Without approval, construction permits and occupancy certificates may be withheld.
