Return to home page

Part I: Urban Design Guidelines for All Subdivision and Development in the District

 

7    Street and Lot Layout

 

7.1    Street and Block Orientation for Efficient Access and Sunlight

The layout, size and length of urban blocks are important in maintaining a walkable neighbourhood. Blocks that are too deep or too long limit the connectivity of a neighbourhood and increase the distances residents need to travel to services and amenities. This reduces the appeal for pedestrians and can add unnecessary vehicle travel.


The orientation of roads and blocks should also ensure that lots receive adequate sunlight that will allow dwellings and other types of buildings and uses to provide a public ‘front’ to the road and a private ‘back’ for amenity.


Developers should consider the following design elements to maximise opportunities for sunlight access:

  • Align roads and sections to provide maximum sunlight penetration for buildings and outdoor living.
  • Provide south facing lots with north facing backyards for outdoor living.
  • Ensure sunlight access to roads. This means that any trees planted should allow sunlight penetration through winter.
  • Limit the size and length of urban blocks to increase the choice of routes, and allow for increases in residential density close to town centres.
  • Avoid rear lots as they generate public/private conflict with adjacent lots, and don’t provide connection to the road, community, or amenities.