Vehicular Access and Circulation
Biloxi Land Development Ordinance § 23-6-1(F)
in effect(F) - Vehicular Access and Circulation
(1) Vehicular Accessway Classifications
As a basis for application of many of the vehicular access and circulation standards in this subsection, proposed and existing vehicular accessways shall be classified in accordance with the following classifications, which reflect the accessway's relative functions in providing access to and from principal origin and destination points and accommodating travel mobility. Driveways represent the lowest classification and interstate highways the highest classification.
a. Driveways
Driveways include accessways that function solely to provide direct and immediate vehicular access to and from the principal origin and destination points within a development, or part of a development. They generally handle low travel speeds and low traffic volumes, but may handle moderate to high traffic volumes within large commercial and mixed-use developments (e.g., driveways within shopping center parking areas).
b. Local Streets
Local streets primarily function to provide direct access to and from a development, or part of a large development, as well as to provide travel mobility by connecting driveways and other local streets with collector streets and arterial streets. Local streets generally handle low to medium travel speeds and traffic volumes, but may handle high traffic volumes within large commercial and mixed-use developments or in urbanized areas (e.g., shopping streets in the Downtown District).
c. Collector Streets
Collector streets primarily function to provide travel mobility by connecting local streets and other collector streets with arterial streets, but may also provide limited direct access to and from a development through driveway connections. Collector streets are designated on the city's Major Thoroughfare Plan.
d. Minor Arterial Streets
Minor arterial streets primarily function to provide travel mobility among the city's major activity centers by connecting local streets, collector streets, and other minor arterial streets with major arterial streets. They generally handle moderate travel speeds and traffic volumes over relatively long distances, and provide limited direct driveway access to a development. Minor arterial streets are designated on the city's Major Thoroughfare Plan.
e. Major Arterial Streets
Major arterial streets primarily function to provide travel mobility among the city's major activity centers, as well as intercity traffic, by connecting collector streets and minor arterial streets with other arterial streets and interstate highways. They generally handle moderate to high travel speeds and traffic volumes over relatively long distances, and provide very limited direct driveway access to a development. Major arterial streets are designated on the city's Major Thoroughfare Plan.
f. Interstate Highways
Interstate highways are special types of arterial streets that function solely to connect major arterial streets and different communities. Freeways generally consist of divided, limited-access highways that must accommodate uncongested traffic at very high travel speeds.
(2) Required Vehicular Access and Circulation
a. General
A development shall be served by a system of vehicular accessways (including driveways, local streets, collector streets, and minor and major arterial streets, as well as alleys and fire lanes) that permits safe, convenient, efficient, and orderly movement of emergency vehicles, public transit and school buses, garbage trucks, delivery vehicles, service vehicles, and passenger motor vehicles among the following origin and destination points within the development, and between these internal origin and destination points and the external roadway system, as appropriate for the type of vehicle:
1. Emergency vehicles: Points within 150 feet of all buildings, major structures, and major recreational facilities.
2. Public transit and school buses: Designated or planned bus stops and shelters.
3. Garbage trucks: Bulk refuse containers and points within 150 feet of individual refuse receptacle storage/collection sites.
4. Large delivery trucks: Off-street loading spaces.
5. Small delivery trucks, service vehicles, and passenger motor vehicles: Off-street parking spaces.
b. Emergency Vehicle Access
1. To accommodate access for firefighting, accessways to all development except single-family detached, two-family dwellings, three- to four-family dwellings, manufactured homes, and manufactured home parks shall be capable of supporting loads imposed by expected fire apparatus, maintain a vertical clearance of at least 14 feet, and have a turning radius sufficient for the expected fire apparatus.
2. Where accessways provide insufficient access for fire fighting, unobstructed fire lanes that are at least 20 feet wide shall be provided adjacent to a structure's primary entrance, in accordance with the Fire Code. If the structure is 30 feet or more in height, the fire lane shall be at least 26 feet wide and run along the longest side of the structure. This requirement does not affect the requirements for primary drive aisles (See Section 23-6-1(F)(5)e.).
(3) Vehicular Access Management
a. Limitation on Direct Access from Arterial Streets
Direct driveway access to a development's principal origin or destination points (including individual lots in a subdivision) may be provided directly from a major arterial, minor arterial, or collector street only if:
1. No alternative direct access from a lower-classified accessway (e.g., driveway or local street) is available or feasible to provide; or
2. The origin or destination point generates sufficiently low traffic volumes, and the adjacent arterial or collector street is expected to retain sufficiently low travel speeds and traffic volumes, to allow safe driveway access while preserving the safety and efficiency of travel on the arterial or collector street.
b. Number of Access Points
1. For single-family detached, single-family attached, townhouse, two-family dwellings, three- to four-family dwellings, and manufactured homes, a second driveway access is allowed along a lot frontage with a width between 80 and 1,500 feet, and a third driveway access is allowed along a lot frontage with a width of 1,500 feet or more. Two-family dwellings and three- to four-family dwellings on corner lots may be permitted to have one driveway access from each fronting street, and a pair of one-way driveways may be substituted for a single two-way driveway if the one-way driveways are located and aligned as necessary to protect the function, safety, and efficiency of travel on the intersected street and any associated bikeways and sidewalks.
2. For multifamily residential, public and institutional, commercial, and industrial developments, the number of street access points shall be minimized as necessary to protect the function, safety, and efficiency of travel on the street and any associated bikeways and sidewalks.
3. Where a through lot or corner lot fronts on roadways of different classifications, direct driveway access to the lot shall be from the lower-classified fronting street, to the maximum extent practicable.
c. Driveway Intersection Spacing and Alignment
1. Driveway Intersection Spacing
A. The minimum spacing between adjacent driveway intersections along collector and arterial streets—or between a driveway intersection along a collector or arterial street and an adjacent street intersection—shall comply with the requirements in Table 23-6-1(F)(3)c., Minimum Driveway Spacing Standards Along Collector and Arterial Streets.
TABLE 23-6-1(F)(3)c: MINIMUM DRIVEWAY INTERSECTION SPACING ALONG COLLECTOR AND ARTERIAL STREETS co;normal;normal
POSTED SPEED LIMIT (MILES PER HOUR)co;normal;normal | MINIMUM SPACING (FEET) 1,2 co;normal;normal
20 | 85
25 | 105
30 | 125
35 | 150
40 | 185
45 | 230
> 50 | 275
NOTES: 1. Measured from the near extended edge of the driveway to the near extended edge of the adjacent driveway or roadway (See Figure 23-6-1(F)(3)c, Measurement of Driveway Intersection Spacing.). 2. Spacing between a pair of adjacent one-way driveways (one in, one out) may be reduced to 40 ft if compatible with the internal circulation for the development(s) served and wrong-way movements on the driveways are made impossible or extremely difficult for motorists.
[image omitted; see the official code]
Figure 23-6-1(F)(3)c: Measurement of Driveway Intersection Spacing
B. The spacing of adjacent driveway intersections between major street intersections along a collector or arterial street shall be uniform to the maximum extent practicable.
C. Driveway intersections providing access to a single-family, two-family dwelling, three- to four-family dwelling, or manufactured home shall be spaced from an adjacent property line a distance sufficient to avoid encroachment of the driveway radius onto the adjacent property or interference with safe use of a driveway on the adjacent property.
2. Driveway Alignment
A. Driveway intersections along a street shall line up with existing or approved driveway or intersections on the opposite side of the street unless the intersections are separated by a median in the street.
B. To the maximum extent practicable, the angle of driveway approaches to an intersection with a street shall be approximately 90 degrees for two-way driveways and between 60 degrees and 90 degrees for one-way driveways.
3. Modification of Intersection Spacing and Alignment Standards
If an applicant can demonstrate that pre-existing conditions prevent compliance with the driveway intersection spacing and alignment requirements of this subparagraph, the Director of Community Development may modify the requirements to allow reasonable access, or grant temporary access approval until alternative access meeting the requirements is approved.
d. Driveway Length
Private driveways shall be no longer than 150 feet unless a means for vehicular turn around is available or the driveway continues through to a public street, as approved by the Fire Marshall.
e. Shared Driveways
1. Driveway access shared between adjoining lots is encouraged and may be required to limit direct access from arterial roads (Section 23-6-1(F)(3)a.), minimize the number of access points (Section 23-6-1(F)(3)b.), or comply with driveway intersection spacing requirements (Section 23-6-1(F)(3)c.).
2. Easements allowing cross-access to and from properties served by a shared driveway, along with agreements defining maintenance responsibilities of property owners, shall be recorded before issuance of a Certificate of Zoning Compliance for the development.
(4) Connectivity
a. Purpose
The purpose of the following vehicular connectivity standards is to enhance safe and convenient intra- and inter-neighborhood mobility that helps integrate and connect neighborhoods, allow residents to conveniently visit neighbors and nearby activity centers without compromising the capacity of the city's arterial roads to accommodate through traffic, improve opportunities for comprehensive and convenient transit service, enhance efficient provision of public services, and improve the speed and effectiveness with which emergency services and police and fire protection can be provided to city residents and properties.
b. Connectivity Index
1. Circulation plans for all new development shall demonstrate achievement of a connectivity index score of 1.5 or greater.
2. The Director of Community Development may reduce the required connectivity index score through the Administrative Adjustment procedure (See Section 23-2-4(Q), Administrative Adjustment) if the applicant demonstrates that it is impossible or impracticable to achieve the score due to topographic conditions, natural features, or adjacent existing development patterns.
3. The connectivity index for a development shall be calculated by dividing the number of nodes (roadway intersections and cul-de-sac heads) within the development into the number of links (stretches of roadway that connect nodes)—see Figure 23-6-1(F)(4)b, Connectivity Index.
[image omitted; see the official code]
Figure 23-6-1-(F)(4)b: Connectivity Index.
This is an example of how to calculate a development's connectivity index. The diagram shows 36 links (circles) and 21 nodes (stars). Thus the connectivity index is 1.71 (36/21 = 1.71)
4. For purposes of calculating the connectivity index for a development:
A. One link beyond every node that exists in the development and provides access to the roadway network shall be included in the index calculation.
B. Temporary dead-end roadways terminating at the perimeter of the development (roadway extensions or stub-outs) count as a link.
C. Temporary dead-end roadways terminating internal to the development, gated roadways, private roads in gated sections, and alleys shall not be counted as links.
c. Roadway Connections to/from Adjoining Development and Developable Land
1. The vehicular access and circulation system for a development shall incorporate the continuation and connection of roadways and/or associated rights-of-way extended or connected to the boundary of the development site from existing or approved adjoining developments. It also shall provide for the extension or connection of proposed internal roadways and associated rights-of-way to those boundaries of the development site that adjoin potentially developable or redevelopable land. See Figure 23-6-1(F)(4)c., Roadway Connections to and from Adjoining Development.
[image omitted; see the official code]
Figure 23-6-1(F)(4)c.: Roadway Connections to and from Adjoining Development
2. Roadway extensions and connections to adjoining lands shall be spaced at intervals not exceeding 1,500 feet along each principal boundary direction (north, south, east, west).
3. The Director of Community Development may require the provision of a temporary turnaround at the end of a roadway extension on determining that the turnaround is needed to facilitate traffic flow or accommodate emergency vehicles pending the roadway's connection to other roadways.
4. The Director of Community Development may waive or modify the requirements or standards for extension or connection of a roadway from or to adjoining property on determining that such extension is impractical or undesirable because it would:
A. Require crossing a significant physical barrier or environmentally sensitive area (e.g., railroads, watercourses, floodplains, wetlands); or
B. Provide a direct connection between arterial roads and encourage cut-through traffic at levels inappropriate for the classification of the roadway and character of the neighborhood.
5. Where a roadway is extended to, but not yet onto, adjoining land, a sign shall be installed at the terminus of the roadway that informs neighboring property owners that the roadway is intended to be extended in the future (e.g., "STREET MAY BE EXTENDED BY AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF BILOXI"). Notation of that intent shall also be included on the Site Plan or Preliminary Plat, as well as on the Final Plat.
d. Cross Access between Adjoining Development
To encourage shared parking and minimize access points along roads, circulation plans prepared for all new nonresidential and mixed-use development, except within the Downtown (DT) District, shall comply with the following standards:
1. The internal vehicular circulation system shall be designed to allow for vehicular cross-access between the development's vehicle use areas and those on adjoining lots containing a nonresidential or mixed-use development, or to the boundary of adjoining vacant land zoned to allow nonresidential or mixed-use development. (See Figure 23-6-1(F)(4)d., Cross-Access between Parking Areas of Adjoining Developments.)
[image omitted; see the official code]
Figure 23-6-1(F)(4)d: Cross-Access between Parking Areas of Adjoining Developments
2. Cross-accessways shall provide for two-way vehicular traffic between the vehicle use areas on the adjoining lots through the use of a single driveway or drive aisle that is at least 22 feet wide or through two one-way driveways or aisles that are each at least 11 feet wide.
3. The Director of Community Development may waive or modify the requirement for vehicular cross-access on determining that such cross-access is impractical or undesirable due to the presence of topographic conditions, natural features, or vehicular safety factors.
4. Easements allowing cross-access to and from properties served by a vehicular cross-access, along with agreements defining maintenance responsibilities of property owners, shall be recorded with the Office of the Chancery Clerk of Harrison County before issuance of a Certificate of Zoning Compliance for the development
(5) Accessway Layout and Design
a. Coordination with Transit, Bicycle, and Pedestrian Access and Circulation
1. The vehicular access and circulation system of a development located along or adjacent to an existing or planned transit route shall accommodate a transit stop and other associated facilities unless the Director of Community Development determines that adequate transit facilities already exist to serve the needs of the development.
2. The vehicular access and circulation system of a development shall be coordinated with the bicycle and pedestrian access and circulation systems of the development to minimize conflicts.
b. Stacking Space for Drive-through and Related Uses
1. Required Number of Stacking Spaces
In addition to meeting the off-street parking standards in Table 23-6-2(F)(4), Minimum Number of Off-Street Parking Spaces, uses with drive-through facilities and other auto-oriented uses where vehicles queue up to access a service facility shall provide at least the minimum number of stacking spaces established in Table 23-6-1(F)(5)b., Minimum Stacking Spaces for Drive-through and Related Uses.
TABLE 23-6-1(F)(5)b: MINIMUM STACKING SPACES FOR DRIVE- THROUGH AND RELATED USES co;normal;normal
USE OR ACTIVITY 1 co;normal;normal | MINIMUM NUMBER OF STACKING/STANDING SPACES co;normal;normal | MEASURED FROM co;normal;normal
Automated Teller Machine (ATM) | 3 | Teller machine
Auto Repair and Servicing | 3 per bay | Bay entrance
Bank of Financial Institution, with Drive-Through Service | 4 per lane | Teller window
Car Wash, Automatic | 4 | Bay entrance
Car Wash, Self-Service | 3 per bay | Bay entrance
Child Day Care | 6 | Building entrance
Drug Store or Pharmacy, with Drive-Through Service | 4 per lane | Agent window
Dry Cleaning or Laundry Drop-Off Establishment, with Drive-Through Service | 4 per lane | Window
Gas Station | 3 | Each end of the outermost gas pump island
Nursing Home | 3 | Building entrance
Restaurant, with Drive-Though Service 2 | 8 | Pick-up window
Other | Uses not specifically listed are determined by the Director of Community Development based on standards for comparable uses, or alternatively based on a parking demand study.
NOTES: 1. See use tables in Sections 23-4-1(B) and 23-4-1(C). 2. Restaurants with drive-through service shall provide at least four stacking spaces between the order box and the pick-up window (See Figure 23-6-1(F)(5)b, Stacking Spaces for a Drive-Through Restaurant.).
2. Design and Layout
Required stacking spaces are subject to the following design and layout standards.
[image omitted; see the official code]
Figure 23-6-1(F)(5)b: Stacking Spaces for a Drive-Through Restaurant
A. Size
Stacking spaces shall be a minimum of eight feet by 17 feet in size.
B. Location
Stacking spaces shall not impede onsite or offsite traffic movements or movements into or out of off-street parking spaces.
C. Design
Stacking spaces shall be separated from other internal driveways by raised medians if deemed necessary for traffic movement and safety by the Director of Community Development.
c. Stacking Lanes for Parking Lot Entrance Drives
Except in the Downtown (DT) District, nonresidential uses shall provide stacking lanes between the edge of the street right-of-way and entrances into off-street parking areas in accordance with the minimum stacking lane distance established in Table 23-6-1-(F)(5)c., Minimum Stacking Lane Distance for Parking Lots. (See Figure 23-6-1(F)(5)c: Stacking Lane for a Parking Lot Entrance Drive.)
TABLE 23-6-1(F)(5)c: MINIMUM STACKING LANE DISTANCE FOR PARKING LOT ENTRANCE DRIVES co;normal;normal
NUMBER OF OFF-STREET PARKING SPACES 1 co;normal;normal | MINIMUM STACKING LANE DISTANCE (FT) 2 co;normal;normal
1—49 | 25
50—249 | 50
250—499 | 100
500 or more | 100 feet + 15 feet for every additional 50 spaces beyond 500
NOTES: 1. Entrances into parking structures may be credited towards the stacking lane distance requirement provided the parking structure entrance is accessed from a development driveway and not a primary drive aisle. 2. Stacking lane distance is measured from the edge of the driveway apron adjacent to the street right-of-way, along the centerline of the stacking lane, to its intersection with the centerline of the primary drive aisle through the parking area or other internal intersecting driveway.
[image omitted; see the official code]
Figure 23-6-1(F)(5)c: Stacking Lane for a Parking Lot Entrance
d. Driveway Design
1. Minimum Driveway Width
Except for driveways serving single-family dwellings, two-family dwellings, three- to four-family dwellings, and manufactured homes, all driveways shall comply with the following minimum width requirements:
A. One-way driveways shall be at least 20 feet wide, as measured between the backs of curbs or edge of paving.
B. Two-way driveways shall be at least 22 feet wide, as measured between the backs of curbs or edge of paving, except that a two-way driveway may be less than 22 feet wide if it is less than 50 feet long or serves a surface off-street parking area with six or fewer parking spaces.
2. Medians in Driveway Entrances
Medians may be provided within driveway entrance drives provided:
A. The median is surrounded by valley or "roll" curbing;
B. No signage is included within the median other than a monument sign not exceeding a height of five feet;
C. Planted material within the median is limited to understory trees, shrubs, and ground cover; and
D. The minimum aisle width is maintained for each travel and turning lane.
e. Primary Drive Aisles
Primary drive aisles within or serving off-street surface parking lots with 400 or more spaces shall be designed to appear as an extension of the public street network extending from the public right-of-way along the full length of the primary façades of structures being served by the drive, and shall meet the following standards:
1. Primary drive aisles shall have a maximum cross section width of 38 feet to accommodate two travel lanes and parallel parking spaces along both sides of the drive aisle in areas not needed for turning movements;
2. Primary drive aisles shall be striped to designate parallel parking spaces, where appropriate, but in no case shall parallel parking spaces be designated within 60 feet of the primary building entrance(s);
3. A sidewalk shall be provided adjacent to the building's front façade; and
4. Street trees shall be provided along both sides of the primary drive aisle every 50 feet, although understory trees may be used adjacent to the building façade within 40 feet of building entrances.
(See Figure 23-6-1(F)(5)e., Primary Drive Aisle.)
[image omitted; see the official code]
Figure 23-6-1(F)(5)e: Primary Drive Aisle
f. Sight Triangles at Driveway Intersections
1. Wherever a driveway intersects with a local, collector, or arterial street, unobstructed cross-visibility shall be provided between the heights of three and seven feet above the grade elevation of the roadway within sight triangles at each side of the intersecting driveway. Each sight triangle shall be measured from a point where the curb or edge-of-pavement line for the roadway and the extended edge of the driveway meet, to a point along the driveway edge located 15 feet behind the roadway's curb or edge-of-pavement line, to a point along the roadway curb or edge-of-pavement line located 30 feet from the original point—see Figure 23-6-1(F)(5)f, Sight Triangle at Driveway Intersection.
[image omitted; see the official code]
Figure 23-6-1(F)(5)f.1.: Sight Triangle at Driveway Intersection
2. Within the sight triangles, no fence, wall, sign, earthworks, hedge, shrub, or other structure or planting shall be located, maintained, or permitted to grow between the heights of three and seven feet above the grade elevation of the adjacent road. Public safety and utility devices (such as street light, street sign, and telephone poles) and trees less than 12 inches in diameter are exempt from these standards, provided their number and location is limited, and the limbs and foliage of any such trees are trimmed, so as to ensure provision of the required unobstructed cross-visibility. (See Figure 23-6-1(F)(5)f.2., Sight Triangle Clear Visibility.)
[image omitted; see the official code]
Figure 23-6-1(F)(5)f.2: Sight Triangle Clear Visibility
g. Traffic Control and Calming Measures
Traffic-calming measures—such as, but not limited to, diverters, street gardens, and curvilinear alignments—shall be integrated into a development's vehicular circulation system where necessary to mitigate the impact of potential future cut-through traffic.
h. Roadway Layout and Design
Roadways shall be arranged and designed in accordance with Section 23-7-4, Street Standards.
(Ord. No. 2535, § 1, 10-24-2023)
Source: City of Biloxi, Mississippi, Code of Ordinances and Land Development Ordinance (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/ms/biloxi/codes/land_development_ordinance?nodeId=ART23-6DEST_1ACCI_FVEACCIFetched: 11/2/2026