Design Elements — Verge Areas/Tree Lawn
A verge is the space between the sidewalk and the cartway where street trees are often planted. These spaces can enhance the pedestrian orientation of a conservation subdivision development by providing separation between vehicles and pedestrians and by adding additional greenery and shade (if street trees are present). Verges or tree lawns can be an attractive design feature on any residential street, but they are particularly important on streets that will have higher traffic and pedestrian volumes.
Ordinance Considerations
Verges should be at least 3 feet wide if no trees will be planted there and at least 4 feet wide if trees will be planted there. If a multi-use trail is planned adjacent to a roadway, a verge of at least 5 feet in width should be provided, especially if the cartway is not curbed. In general, the wider a verge, the healthier any street trees planted there will be.
Sample Ordinance Language
- A verge area shall be provided between the curb or edge of street and any off-road pedestrian infrastructure or bicycle infrastructure.
- Verge areas between pedestrian infrastructure and/or bicycle infrastructure and the curb may contain street lights, trees, benches, trash cans, mailboxes, or newspaper boxes. No obstacle in the verge area may reduce the required width of any pedestrian infrastructure or bicycle infrastructure, nor shall any object obstruct access to bus stop infrastructure or prevent access to the front, side, or rear door for the purposes of loading and unloading.
- Verge areas shall be maintained as a planted or grass strip between the pedestrian infrastructure and curb. If grass is determined to be impractical by the municipal Engineer, then brick pavers or similar approved surface may be used. If a grass strip is not utilized, a wider sidewalk may be necessary in place of a verge area to create a safe pedestrian environment.
- Verge areas may be utilized for stormwater management in accordance with the municipality's Stormwater Management Ordinance.
- Portions of verge areas may be converted to concrete in areas designated for curbside pick-up/drop-off or for loading pads associated with designated bus stops on fixed route public transit services.
