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Commission discusses proposed 32-foot pavement standard, ditch reductions to offset cost
Summary
Planning commissioners discussed a nonbinding proposal to adopt a 32-foot paved-width standard for new city roads to improve fire access, and considered reducing ditch widths from six to four feet to limit developer costs.
Commissioners discussed June 18 a statewide proposal, developed in consultation with fire chiefs, to adopt a wider minimum pavement width—roughly 32 feet—for city streets to improve fire apparatus turning and access. City staff said the current typical paved width in Woodland Hills is about 25 feet and that the discussion is limited to future construction; the change would not require retrofitting existing roads.
Staff and commissioners spoke about offsetting developer costs by reducing the standard ditch width from six feet to four feet on each side of the road. The idea would reallocate pavement/ditch dimensions so the paved area could be increased (for example from 25 to 28 feet) without proportionally increasing the total right of way. Commissioners discussed right-of-way widths (one figure cited was 56 feet) and noted sidewalk placement, curb-and-gutter, and park-strip widths factor into total cross-section calculations. Commissioners said the city would not pursue enlarging existing rights-of-way but would apply a new standard to future development and consider modest right-of-way adjustments.
No formal motion was made at the meeting; staff said they will explore ordinance language and present a proposal to the Planning Commission before sending it to City Council. Commissioners flagged developer cost impacts and noted the change would primarily affect new subdivisions and construction, and that permit applicants would bear the additional pavement cost if adopted.
The discussion was informational; staff and commissioners will continue to refine a proposal that balances emergency-access needs and construction cost impacts.
