TOWN OF RIVER FALLS
Private Access Road and Driveway Requirements
These requirements apply to new building construction, and improvements to existing buildings totaling more than 1/3 the value of the existing building. The requirements include residential, commercial, and industrial buildings, but excludes accessory structures such as pole sheds.
1 Access road and driveway construction or alteration requires a permit issued by the Town Board.
2
Access roads and driveways must:
a)   have a minimum side to side width clearance of 20 feet.
b)   have a minimum road base width of 16 feet.
c)   have a minimum driving surface of 12 feet.
d)   have a minimum height clearance of 13.5 feet.
e)   have a slope no greater than 10% unless documentation is obtained stating that slope will not affect public safety in providing emergency services.
f) be able to sustain a minimum weight load of 25 tons.
g) have the first 20 feet from the edge of the highway be near level, but slightly lower than the highway, to allow for water drainage.
h) have a minimum of 5 inches of crushed rock.
i) intersect with town roads at right angles.
j) have a sight distance of 250 feet in any direction along the town road being intersected, if the legal speed limit is 35 miles or less. If the speed limit is over 35 miles, sight distance should be 350 feet.
k) be at least 100 feet from any intersection.
l) be placed no closer than 10 feet from the lot line, as measured from the lot line to the nearest edge of the shoulder or the ditch, whichever is nearest.
m) be completed before work is started on the construction or improvement of the building.*
3 Access roads and driveways that are over 300 feet in length that end in a dead end must terminate at a 90 foot diameter cul-de-sac or area sufficient for a turn around of a tandem axle truck.
4 All access roads which connect a driveway to a public road must also adhere to these rules.
5
Culverts must: 
a)   have a minimum diameter of 12 inches.
b)   be installed at the same grade as preexists.
c)   be adequate for drainage.
6
Bridges and culverts must:
a)   be able to carry a weight load of at least 25 tons.
b)   be able to withstand water from a 25 year flood.
7 Bridges, and culverts with a diameter of 30 inches or more, must be inspected every 5 years and after a 25 year flood. (The Town will hire an inspector-then bill the property owner.)
8 Proper steps must be taken for erosion control.
* A driveway waiver may be issued by the Town Board to allow for construction of buildings, before driveways are completed, if winter weather interferes.
9/3/96 
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