VDOT's Subdivision Street Requirements (2005)

Downloads | Major Developments | Purpose | Questions

2007 Secondary Street Requirements revisions

In 2005, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), working closely with an external subdivision street requirements advisory committee, completed the most comprehensive revision of the department’s Subdivision Street Requirements (SSRs) since they were first adopted in 1949.

Following a two-year review and revision, under procedures prescribed by the Administrative Process Act, VDOT’s new SSRs went into effect Jan. 1, 2005. The acceptance of all new streets for maintenance by VDOT after that date is subject to this regulation.

In addition to major changes to the regulatory provisions of the SSRs, design-related provisions are now part of the department’s Road Design Manual (Appendix B).

Downloads

• 2005 Subdivision Street Requirements (537 KB)
• RDM Appendix B: Subdivision Street Design Guide (1.8 MB)
• 2000 Pavement Design Guide (274 KB)
• 1996 Subdivision Street Requirements (330 KB, for reference only)

Revision summaries

• Comparison of 2005 and 1996 SSRs (23 KB)
• Summary of 2005 SSR revisions (21 KB)
• Summary of design changes for the 2005 SSR revisions (15 KB)
• Design Table Revisions - Annotated (76 KB)

Purpose of the SSRs

Virginia is one of only a few states that manage the maintenance and operations of local streets. The SSRs establishes the criteria governing the department's acceptance of approximately 200 miles of new roads annually.

Each locality is responsible for establishing new streets and roads within its jurisdiction, including those that VDOT will maintain. These new streets are usually built by land developers.

In localities where VDOT maintains the local streets, the governing body may ask VDOT to assume the responsibility to operate and maintain the new streets after the locality has accepted them.

To qualify for VDOT acceptance, new streets must:

• Be available for unrestricted public use
• Provide public service sufficient to warrant maintenance at public expense
• Be located on right-of-way that is dedicated to public use
• Have been fully and properly constructed to a standard adequate to sustain the traffic volume anticipated when the land served is fully developed

VDOT’s first SSRs were adopted in 1949 and were published within other department manuals.

In 1980, the SSRs were published as a stand-alone document. Since then, VDOT has evaluated the need to revise the criteria every five to 10 years, developing revisions in accordance with the Administrative Process Act.

SSRs events

Fall 2002

VDOT surveys its field offices and local governments regarding the 1996 SSRs.

Early  2003

VDOT issues Notice of Intended Regulatory Action, asking for public comment to identify changes desired. It also forms an external advisory committee of local government officials and land development professionals.

Spring/summer 2003

VDOT and theCommittee meet several times to draft proposed changes to the SSRs.

Spring 2004

VDOT published a draft of proposed changes and solicits public comment.

Summer 2004

VDOT, in consultation with the advisory committee, amends the proposed revisions in response to comments from the public.

September 2004

The Commonwealth Transportation Board adopts the new SSRs.

Fall 2004

The Secretary of Transportation and the Governor’s Office concur with the new SSRs.

November 2004

Final SSRs published in the Virginia Register.

Jan. 1, 2005

New SSRs take effect

Questions

If you have any questions, please e-mail Ken.Smith@VDOT.Virginia.gov or call (804) 786-2576.

^top