3.3F Utilities and signs

Clearance to curb

1.5’ clearance is generally required from the face of curb to utilities and signs, including for fire hydrants, service cabinets, APS pushbutton poles, utility poles, waste receptacles, parking meter pay stations, signs, and bicycle racks. 1’ clearance is used between the face of curb and the edge of the foundation for streetlights. Traffic signals are typically centered 2’ off the face of curb, which means the clearance is a minimum of 1’ to the edge of the foundation. 

Location

Utilities are often included in the corner public use zone (see elements of the sidewalk zone for more details). 

1. Traffic signals are located to try to accommodate an APS pushbutton without a separate pole while maintaining curb ramp and pedestrian clear zone access. 
2. Service cabinets are typically placed down traffic from a signal pole to protect against collisions and generally need to be on the same side of the street through a corridor for interconnect.

Maintaining pedestrian and bicycle clear zones

Other than accessible pedestrian signal push buttons, utilities and signs should not be located in the clear corner zone, the pedestrian clear zone, or the bicycle operating area. See sidewalk zone design guidance for recommended pedestrian clear zone widths by street type.