RURAL ROAD STANDARDS FOR AGRICULTURAL ZONING DISTRICTS

Charleston, S.C., Zoning Ordinance art. 10, pt. 4

in effect

Charleston, S.C., Zoning Ordinance § 54-1050 Abbreviations.

Sec. 54-1050. - Abbreviations. For the purpose of these regulations, abbreviations relating to streets and drainage are defined as follows: a. AASHTO - American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials b. ADA - Americans with Disabilities Act c. ADAAG - Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines d. ASTM - American Society for Testing Materials e. HOA - Homeowners' Association f. MLW - Mean Low Water g. MSL - Mean Sea Level (Elevation 0.0 as determined by the NGVD 29 datum) h. MUTCD - Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices i. NGVD 29 - National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929 j. SCDHEC/OCRM - South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control/Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management k. SCDOT - South Carolina Department of Transportation l. SCDOT (SS) - South Carolina Department of Transportation Standard Specifications for Highway Construction, latest edition m. TRC - City of Charleston Technical Review Committee n. USACOE - United States Army Corps of Engineer (Ord. No. 2018-031, § 11, 4-10-18)

Charleston, S.C., Zoning Ordinance § 54-1051 Definitions.

Sec. 54-1051. - Definitions. For the purpose of these regulations, terms relating to streets and drainage are defined as follows: a. Base Course - The layer or layers of specified or selected material of designated thickness or rate of application placed on a sub base or subgrade to comprise a component of the pavement structure to support the pavement or subsequent layer of construction. b. Bridge - A structure, including supports, erected over a depression or an obstruction; e.g., water, highway, or railway, and having a track or passageway for carrying traffic or other moving loads. c. Causeway - An earthen structure with at least one side adjacent to a depression, wetland, or marsh that supports a track or passageway for carrying traffic or other moving loads. d. Cul-de-sac - The radial turnaround area at the end of a dead-end street. e. Culvert - Any structure which provides an opening under any roadway or any other structure so named in the plans, excluding bridges. f. Design Professional - An individual or firm appropriately licensed and registered in the State of South Carolina. g. Detention - The temporary restriction of storm water that is released at a predetermined or controlled rate. h. Developer - The legal or beneficial owner of a lot or of any land proposed for development; the holder of an option or contract to purchase; or any other person having an enforceable contractual interest in such land. i. Drainage easement - The right of access of storm water runoff from adjacent drainage basins into the drainage way within the defined easement. j. Earth Roads - Those roads constructed of compacted earth material. k. Easement - A privilege or right of use, access or enjoyment granted on, above, under, or across a particular tract of land by the landowner to another person or entity. l. Homeowners' (or Property Owners') Association - A formally constituted, non-profit association or corporation made up of the property owners and/or residents of a defined area. The homeowners' or property owners' association may take responsibility for costs and up-keep of common open space or facilities, or enforce certain covenants and restrictions. m. Main Utility Lines - Those facilities, including piping, conduits, outlets, and other appurtenances necessary for the proper functioning of essential services to a development including water, electricity, gas, sanitary sewer, storm sewer, cable, communications, etc. n. Mean Sea Level - Elevation 0.0 as determined by the NGVD 29 datum. o. Plat - A diagram drawn to an engineering scale showing all essential data pertaining to the boundaries and subdivision of a tract of land as determined by a professional land surveyor. p. Director of the Department of Public Service - The Director of the Department of Public Service for the City of Charleston or his/her authorized representative. q. Responsible Entity - The unit of local government responsible under South Carolina law for the maintenance of the roadway and/or drainage system; or, in the case of private roadways and/or drainage systems, the owner of the property upon which the roadway and/or drainage system is located; or if existing, a homeowners' association previously created to maintain the roadway and/or drainage system. r. Right-of-Way - Land that has been or is being dedicated for the construction and maintenance of a road or street. Right-of-way may also be used to identify an area dedicated for use as part of a drainage system or utility corridor. s. Roadway - The entire area between the outside limits of construction, including structures, slopes, ramps, intersections, utilities, side ditches, channels, waterways, etc., necessary for proper drainage. This term shall, in general, be considered synonymous with street or road. t. Rock Roads - Those roads in which the riding surface is constructed of a layer or layers of material usually comprised of compacted rock or other aggregate materials u. Street. - A vehicular way, which may also serve in part as a way for pedestrian traffic, whether called a street, highway, thoroughfare, parkway, throughway, road, avenue, boulevard, lane, place, alley, mall, or other designation, including the entire area within the right-of-way. v. Stub Street - A street that intersects another local street and extends, usually one lot deep, to the property line of the development or rear of the block being developed. w. Subgrade - The top surface of a roadbed upon which the roadway structure and shoulders are constructed. (Ord. No. 2018-031, § 11, 4-10-18)

Charleston, S.C., Zoning Ordinance § 54-1052 Introduction.

Sec. 54-1052. - Introduction. Within the agricultural zoning districts, landowner/developers have the option of constructing rural roads to serve subdivided lots, as described herein, that do not satisfy the pavement, curb, sidewalk and width requirements of Article 8. These standards provide specific information and design parameters regarding the construction of rural roads within the AG-8 and AG-S zoning districts. This document defines risks and responsibilities that are accepted by the responsible entity pertaining to the maintenance of the roads. (Ord. No. 2018-031, § 11, 4-10-18)

Charleston, S.C., Zoning Ordinance § 54-1053 Objective.

Sec. 54-1053. - Objective. The primary objective is to ensure that property being subdivided is provided with access. (Ord. No. 2018-031, § 11, 4-10-18)

Charleston, S.C., Zoning Ordinance § 54-1054 Property access.

Sec. 54-1054. - Property access. It is the responsibility of the landowner/developer to provide access to the property being subdivided. Access to those properties shall be maintained and either privately or publicly owned. The ownership and maintenance status of the access shall be indicated on all submitted plats. (Ord. No. 2018-031, § 11, 4-10-18)

Charleston, S.C., Zoning Ordinance § 54-1055 Landowner/developer responsibilities.

Sec. 54-1055. - Landowner/developer responsibilities. The landowner/developer is responsible for selecting the type of access to be provided for their subdivision. If rural road standards or ingress/egress easements, as described herein, are to be used, the classification of access will determine the party responsible for maintenance and the city's associated responsibilities, if any. (Ord. No. 2018-031, § 11, 4-10-18)

Charleston, S.C., Zoning Ordinance § 54-1056 Rural road classifications.

Sec. 54-1056. - Rural road classifications. a. Private roads. Any road dedicated to an individual or entity other than City of Charleston with an ingress/egress easement (maximum of 10 lots) or a right-of-way dedicated to a homeowners' association. The easement holder retains ownership and maintenance responsibility for access and drainage. b. Public roads (minimum standards): 1. Non-standard city roads (maximum of 10 Lots). a. Surface: earth. 3. Minimal drainage. 4. Travel way minimum width determined on a per road basis. 5. Lot drainage is each owner's responsibility. 2. Primary rural road. a. Surface: earth, rock, or pavement. b. Minimal drainage with outfall (only for the roadway). c. Travel way minimum width of 20 feet. d. Lot drainage is each owner's responsibility. 3. Secondary county road. a. Surface: rock or pavement. b. Drainage plan required for property and roadway system. c. Open ditch drainage system. d. Travel way minimum width of 22 feet. (Ord. No. 2018-031, § 11, 4-10-18)

Charleston, S.C., Zoning Ordinance § 54-1057 Applying road classifications.

Sec. 54-1057. - Applying road classifications. a. Private road. The landowner/developer shall have the option to utilize any of the private road classifications for property subdivision regardless of region (see below). b. Public road. 1. Roads that are to be constructed, dedicated, and accepted into the City maintenance system shall be constructed in accordance with one of the public road classification standards. 2. Primary rural roads will be allowed in the AG-8 and AG-S zoning districts when the following conditions are met to the satisfaction of the Director of the Department of Public Service: (a) The proposed road is a cul-de-sac or future expansion is limited. The lots being created are a minimum of five acres in size or the design professional demonstrates adequate lot and roadway drainage can be provided. (b) Public roads shall connect with an existing public roadway that has been accepted by a public agency (county, municipality, or state). Public roads shall not rely upon a right-of-way that has only been dedicated but not accepted into a public maintenance system. (c) If a land development plan exceeds the non-standard city road ten lots maximum, construction shall be required to improve the non-standard road to the required City standards from its point of connection to an existing County standard, City or State public road. (Ord. No. 2018-031, § 11, 4-10-18)

Charleston, S.C., Zoning Ordinance § 54-1058 Private road standards.

Sec. 54-1058. - Private road standards. 1. General Information. a. Introduction. The private road standards provide the landowner/developer flexibility to determine the level of access and service provided to lots being created. The private road standards require the landowner/developer to be responsible for the extent and quality of property access and drainage. The landowner/developer is responsible for the establishment of standards for design, construction, and maintenance of the roadway and drainage systems and for items such as access for emergency service vehicles, school buses, mail couriers, and coordination of utilities. Note that public services are not guaranteed by the City of Charleston. The private right-of-way shall be dedicated to a legally recognized or chartered entity. Private right-of-way shall not be dedicated to the public. Further, the City of Charleston is neither obligated nor responsible for private right-of-way maintenance. b. Landowner/Developer Responsibilities. The landowner/developer is responsible for determining the type of access to be provided for his subdivided property. The landowner/developer shall be responsible for oversight and coordination of design and construction and for obtaining required approvals or permits from the appropriate agencies. The landowner/developer is responsible for informing prospective property owners, whether solicited or unsolicited, of all conditions and responsibilities, or lack thereof, that have been placed on the property. If access or drainage connects with a City right-of-way or easement, an encroachment permit shall be obtained prior to construction. 2. Ingress/Egress Easement (Maximum of Ten Lots). Additional Landowner/Developer Responsibilities: The location of proposed ingress/egress easement(s) shall be clearly depicted and labeled on submitted plats or plans. All ingress/egress easements must comply with the applicable requirements of this Chapter including, but not limited to, the requirements contained in sub-sections a and b below. The landowner/developer shall secure the necessary licensed, professional personnel to prepare designs, obtain required approvals and permits, and oversee construction. (a) Prior to issuance of zoning permits for land development activities other than construction of ingress/egress easements and private rights-of-way, installation of required street signs, additions/renovations to existing structures that are legally permitted, and new construction of accessory structures, all ingress/egress easements shall be: i. Constructed in the location shown on the approved, recorded plat; ii. Constructed to comply with City's fire codes, from their point of connection to an existing publicly owned and maintained right-of-way to lot(s) proposed for development; and iii. Inspected pursuant to Section 54-1058, 6. (b) The Director of the planning department may allow use of a portion of an ingress/egress easement that was constructed prior to July 18, 2017 that cannot comply with the width clearance requirements of the International Fire Code when: (1) the Director determines that moving the ingress/egress easement to a different location is not possible due to site constraints, property size, Grand Trees, wetlands, etc.; (2) the applicant submits letters from the providers of emergency services for the subject properties stating they can access all properties utilizing the ingress/egress easement; and (3) all future portions of the ingress/egress easement comply with the International Fire Code. 3. Private Right-of-way Dedicated to A HOA with No Road Construction Required (maximum of ten Lots). Additional Landowner/Developer Responsibilities: All rights-of-way shall be clearly depicted on submitted plats or plans. The landowner/developer is responsible for determining the construction suitability and the accessibility of the defined right-of-way, provided, however, that all private rights-of-way must comply with the applicable requirements of this Chapter, including, but not limited to, the requirements contained in sub-sections a and b below. The landowner/developer shall secure the necessary licensed, professional personnel to prepare designs, obtain required approvals and permits, and oversee construction. a. Prior to issuance of zoning permits for land development activities other than construction of ingress/egress easements and private rights-of-way, installation of required street signs, additions/renovations to existing structures that are legally permitted, and new construction of accessory structures, all ingress/egress easements shall be: i. Constructed in the location shown on the approved, recorded plat; ii. Constructed to comply with the City's fire codes from their point of connection to an existing publicly owned and maintained right-of-way to lot(s) proposed for development; and iii. Inspected pursuant to Section 54-1058, 6. b. The Directors of the Zoning and Planning Department may allow use of a portion of an ingress/egress easement that was constructed prior to July 18, 2017 that cannot comply with the width clearance requirements of the International Fire Code when: (1) the Director determines that moving the ingress/egress easement to a different location is not possible due to site constraints, property size, Grand Trees, wetlands, etc.; (2) the applicant submits letters from the providers of emergency services for the subject properties stating they can access all properties utilizing the ingress/egress easement; and (3) all future portions of the ingress/egress easement comply with the International Fire Code. 4. Private Right-of-way Constructed and Dedicated to a HOA. Additional Landowner/Developer Responsibilities: The landowner/developer shall determine the location and size of rights-of-way to be provided and the standards for the design and construction of the roadway and drainage systems, provided that all private rights-of-way comply with the applicable requirements of this Chapter including, but not limited to, the requirements contained in sub-sections a and be below. The landowner/developer shall secure the necessary licensed, professional personnel to prepare designs, obtain required approvals and permits, and oversee construction. a. Prior to issuance of zoning permits for land development activities other than construction of ingress/egress easements and private rights-of-way, installation of required street signs, additions/renovations to existing structures that are legally permitted, and new construction of accessory structures, all private rights-of-way shall be: i. Constructed in the location shown on the approved, recorded plat; ii. Constructed to comply with the City's fire codes, from their point of connection to an existing publicly owned and maintained right-of-way to lot(s) proposed for development; and iii. Inspected pursuant to Section 54-1058, 6. b. The Directors of the Zoning and Planning Department may allow use of a portion of a private right-of-way that was constructed prior to July 18, 2017 that cannot comply with the width clearance requirements of the International Fire Code when: (1) the Director determines that moving the private right-of-way to a different location is not possible due to site constraints, property size, Grand Trees, wetlands, etc.; (2) the applicant submits letters from the providers of emergency services for the subject properties stating they can access all properties utilizing the private right-of-way and (3) all future portions of the private right-of-way comply with the International Fire Code. 5. Construction Plan Submission. Roadway and/or drainage construction plans, and subsequent plan revisions, shall be submitted to the Technical Review Committee prior to submittal of applications for land development activities other than additions/renovations to existing structures that are legally permitted and new construction of accessory structures. Such plans shall be submitted to the Technical Review Committee prior to applications for construction of ingress/egress easements or private rights-of-way and installation of required street signs. The submission shall meet the TRC submittal requirements for subdivisions. Once TRC approves the roadway and/or drainage construction plans, the landowner/developer may submit application(s) for construction of the ingress/egress easement, private right-of-way, and/or drainage and installation of required street signs. No other permits (other than permits for additions/renovations to existing structures that are legally permitted and new construction of accessory structures) shall be issued for the property until the ingress/egress easement, private right-of-way, and/or drainage, as well as the installation of required street signs, have been inspected and approved by the Public Service Department pursuant to Section 54-1058, 6. 6. City Inspection. All roadway and drainage work shall be inspected by the Director of the Department of Public Service for compliance with the submitted plans and specifications prior to the issuance of permits for land development activities other than: construction of ingress/egress easements or private rights-of-way; installation of required street signs; additions/renovations to existing structures that are legally permitted; and new construction of accessory structures. The inspections will be performed to: provide construction documentation; review ingress/egress easements and private rights-of-way construction according to the City's fire codes; ensure that ingress/egress easements, private rights-of-way, and drainage, have been constructed in compliance with this Chapter; and, if applicable, to ensure street signs have been installed in the correct locations and are in compliance with applicable City ordinances. After the required City inspection and approval, the landowner/developer may submit permit application(s) for subsequent land development activities. The landowner/developer shall give a one-week notice prior to beginning work at the site. After the initial notice, a 24-hour notice shall be given prior to beginning each operation (or continuing an operation when the work has been disrupted for more than one work-day). 7. Certification From The Design Professional. The design professional shall provide a written statement certifying that to the best of his knowledge, the road and drainage infrastructure has been constructed in accordance with the submitted plans. (Ord. No. 2018-031, § 11, 4-10-18)

Charleston, S.C., Zoning Ordinance § 54-1059 Public road standards.

Sec. 54-1059. - Public road standards. All public roads shall be constructed to City standards pursuant to the requirements of Article 8 and other applicable City codes, except that Non-standard city roads with an earth surface and width as described above, Primary rural roads with an earth, rock or pavement surface and width as described above, and secondary city roads with a rock or pavement surface and width as described above shall be permitted in the agricultural districts if the requirements of this Article are satisfied. 1. Maintenance Guarantees. Street and storm water management/drainage systems that are to be dedicated to the City of Charleston for public maintenance shall meet all dedication requirements of the City. 2. Secondary Rural Road Standards (Maximum of Ten Lots). a. General design requirements: (1) Required right-of-way: The minimum right-of-way width is 50 feet. (2) Required minimum street section: Streets shall be constructed to minimum earth street standards and have a minimum travel way width of 18 feet. (3) Required minimum street elevations: The minimum street centerline elevation at finish grade shall be 6.5 feet above mean sea level. (4) Required minimum profile gradient: The minimum street profile centerline gradient shall be 0.4% except for causeways where land areas adjacent to the road embankment are jurisdictional wetlands or critical area. (5) Street centerline minimum curve radius criteria: (a) Street centerline curve radii shall meet AASHTO guidelines for the design speed limit. (b) Where streets are designed for less than 30 mph speed limit, the design professional shall provide supporting design data, including traffic control signage. (c) All roads shall be designed with a minimum road centerline radius of 125 feet. (d) Horizontal sight distances shall be considered in the design process. (e) Vertical curves shall have a minimum length of 100 feet. b. Roadway Drainage Design. See the City of Charleston Stormwater Design Standards Manual. c. Construction Plans and Specifications. The construction plans shall satisfy the requirements of the Code of the City of Charleston and the City of Charleston Stormwater Design Standards Manual and shall be reviewed and approved through the TRC. 3. Primary Rural Road Standards. a. General Design Requirements: (1) Required right-of-way: The minimum right-of-way width is 50 feet. (2) Required minimum street section: Streets shall have a minimum travel way width of 20 feet. The travel surface shall be at least equal to the type of surface with which it is being connected (pavement, rock, or earth). If development characteristics warrant, the Director of the Department of Public Service can approve a reduction in the surface type. Written requests for a reduction in surface type shall be directed to the Director of the Department of Public Service with an accompanying justification statement. (3) Required minimum street elevations: The minimum street centerline elevation at finish grade shall be 6.5 feet above mean sea level. (4) Required minimum profile gradient: The minimum street profile centerline gradient shall be 0.4% except for causeways where land areas adjacent to the road embankment are jurisdictional wetlands or critical areas. (5) Street centerline minimum curve radius criteria: (a) Street centerline curve radii shall meet AASHTO guidelines for the design speed limit. (b) Where streets are designed for less than a) 30 mph speed limit, the design professional shall provide supporting design data, including traffic control signage. (c) All roads shall be designed with a minimum road centerline radius of 125 feet. (d) Horizontal sight distances shall be considered in the design process. (e) Vertical curves shall have a minimum length of 100 feet. b. Roadway Drainage Design. See the City of Charleston Stormwater Design Standards Manual. c. Construction Plans and Specifications. The construction plans shall satisfy the requirements of the Code of the City of Charleston and the City of Charleston Stormwater Design Standards Manual and shall be reviewed and approved through the TRC. 4. Secondary County Road Standards a. General Design Requirements: (1) Required right-of-way: (a) The minimum right-of-way width is 50 feet, however; (b) The road right-of-way must be of sufficient width to provide for the following: i. Drainage; ii. Pavement or rock travel way; iii. Shoulders; iii. Signage; iv. Trees; and v. Utilities such as street lights and overhead/underground utility lines (electric, telephone, cable TV, gas, water, and sewer). (2) Required minimum street section: Streets shall have a minimum travel way width of 22 feet. The travel surface shall be at least equal to the type of surface with which it is being connected (pavement or rock). If development characteristics warrant, the Public Works Director can approve a reduction in the surface type. Written requests for a reduction in surface type shall be directed to the Public Works Director with an accompanying justification statement. (3) Required minimum street elevations: The minimum street centerline elevation at finish grade shall be 6.5 feet above mean sea level. (4) Required minimum profile gradient: The minimum street profile centerline gradient shall be 0.4% except for causeways where land areas adjacent to the road embankment are jurisdictional wetlands or critical areas. (5) Street centerline minimum curve radius criteria: (a) Street centerline curve radii shall meet AASHTO guidelines for the design speed limit. (b) Where streets are designed for less than a 30 mph speed limit, the design professional shall provide supporting design data, including traffic control signage. (c) All roads shall be designed with a minimum road centerline radius of 125 feet. (d) Horizontal sight distances shall be considered in the design process. (e) Vertical curves shall have a minimum length of 100 feet. b. Roadway Drainage Design. Shall satisfy the City of Charleston Stormwater Design Standards Manual. 5. Non-standard County Road Standards. a. General Design Requirements: (1) Required right-of-way: The minimum right-of-way width shall be the width of the traveled way plus five feet on either side. (2) Required minimum road section: Roads are not constructed to minimum earth road standards. (3) Required minimum road elevations: The minimum road centerline elevation at finish grade shall be 6.5 feet above mean sea level, if possible. (4) Required minimum profile gradient: N/A. (5) Road centerline minimum curve radius criteria: N/A. b. Roadway Drainage Design. The roadway drainage design must show, at a minimum, how the drainage is directed away from the travel way. c. Construction Plans and Specifications: N/A. (Ord. No. 2018-031, § 11, 4-10-18)

Charleston, S.C., Zoning Ordinance § 54-1060 Design and construction requirements.

Sec. 54-1060. - Design and construction requirements. 1. Road Design. a. Specific Right-of-Way Information. (1) Causeways: (a) Streets to be constructed on causeways shall meet all of the requirements contained within these specifications and the causeway shall also meet the following requirements: (b) The minimum street centerline elevation at finish grade shall be 6.5 feet above mean sea level. (c) The minimum side slopes shall be 2:1, preferably 3:1 (Horizontal/vertical). (d) The minimum top width of the roadway shall be as defined by the road classification plus six-foot wide shoulders (as measured from the edge of travel way to the face of the guide rail) if SCDOT standard guide rails are constructed. If no guide rails are constructed, nine-foot wide shoulders shall be required on each side of the travel way. (e) The developer shall provide copies of the approved permits or application ID numbers from all applicable regulatory agencies should expanding the causeway roadbed beyond the toe of the original roadbed be required. (2) Bridges: (a) Bridges shall be designed in accordance with the AASHTO Standard Specifications for Highway Bridges, current edition and interims, as well as meet the following requirements: i. Live load: HS 20-44 loading or an alternate military loading, whichever produces the greatest stress. ii. The minimum travel way centerline elevation shall be 6.5 feet above mean sea level. iii. The minimum width of the bridge shall be 24 feet clear roadway width. iv. The minimum clear width for all bridges on streets with curbed approaches should be the same as the curb to curb width of the approaches, but not less than 24 feet clear roadway width. v. For streets with shoulders and no curbs, the clear bridge width preferably should be the same as the roadway width. However, in no case should it be less than 24 feet or the travel way width plus two feet each side, whichever is greater. vi. Pedestrian ways on the approaches shall be carried across all new structures. vii. SCDOT standard guide rails shall be required. viii. All bridges shall be concrete structures supported on concrete piles. ix. The developer shall provide copies of approved permits from applicable regulatory agencies for the construction of bridges. x. The Public Works Director may consider design alternatives to the aforementioned standards. Any request for design alternatives must be submitted in writing and include details and justifications for each requested alternative. Written approval by the Public Works Director of the requested alternative is required prior to proceeding with construction. (3) Temporary Cul-de-sacs: Temporary cul-de-sacs shall be provided when incremental road construction and/or phasing is requested by the developer. Temporary cul-de-sacs shall be constructed as required by this section. Unpaved temporary cul-de-sacs shall require an additional two inches (compacted depth) of base course. b. Pedestrians Ways Within Publicly Dedicated Right-of-Way. (1) When placed within the public right-of-way, pedestrian ways shall be constructed as specified below: (a) Asphalt sidewalk: i. An asphalt sidewalk shall have a minimum asphalt thickness of 1½" inches and a minimum base course thickness of four inches. The minimum width for pedestrian ways shall be four feet. All work, materials, methods, and equipment, unless specified otherwise herein, shall be in accordance with the SCDOT (SS). ii. For additional ADA requirements see Section 54-1060, 1.a(2) Bridges. (b) Concrete sidewalk: A concrete sidewalk shall have a minimum thickness of 4" except at driveways where the minimum thickness shall be 6". Transverse expansion joints shall be placed at intervals of not more than 50'. The minimum width for pedestrian ways shall be 4'. All work, materials, methods, and equipment, unless specified otherwise herein, shall be in accordance with the SCDOT (SS). c. Road Surfaces Types. (1) Earth roads. (a) The City standard earth roadway is identical in cross section to a City standard paved road except that roadbed stabilization may require that material be mixed into the existing soil material, as needed, to a depth of six inches to achieve suitable compaction. The crown shall be six inches. Department of Public Service inspectors will determine whether the prepared subgrade material and earth road overlay soil are acceptable. (b) A suitable soil is required for a minimum depth of 18 inches to provide a street that will serve the traffic needs in extremely dry, normal, and in wet weather. Where necessary, a stabilizing type soil shall be added and properly mixed with the soil in place for a depth of not less than 0.6 inches. (c) Earth roads, when intersecting with an existing paved road, shall have a paved apron extending to the paved road's right-of-way and when intersecting with a rocked road, shall have a rocked apron extending to the rocked road's right-of-way. (2) Rock roads. (a) The City standard rock roadway is also identical in cross section to a City standard paved road except that the subgrade is mixed with a 4" minimum aggregate base course worked into the top 2 inches of the existing subgrade, creating a six-inch deep compacted rock surface, meeting the SCDOT (SS). The road crown shall be a minimum of 6". The rock material shall be crusher-run granite aggregate unless otherwise approved by the Public Works Director. (b) Rocked roads, when intersecting with an existing paved road, shall have a paved apron extending to the edge of the paved road's right-of-way. (3) Paved roads. Shall satisfy the requirements of the Code of the City of Charleston.

Source: City of Charleston, South Carolina, Code of Ordinances and Zoning Ordinance (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/sc/charleston/codes/zoning?nodeId=ART10AGZODI_PT4RUROSTAGZODIFetched: 11/7/2026