Visibility Triangle

Purpose of a Visibility Triangle
The purpose of this section is to alleviate or prevent congestion of public rights-of-way so as to promote the safety and general welfare of the public by establishing minimum requirements for the provision of vehicular visibility.

In order to provide a clear view of intersecting streets to motorists there shall be a triangular area of clear vision formed by the two intersecting streets and a chord connecting said center-lines, as determined by the Director of Public Works.
Map showing a visability triangle
Right-of-Way Width
Distance from Right-of-Way Intersection
Less than 50 feet
 50 feet
50 feet
 50 feet
51 - 60 feet
 40 feet
61 - 66 feet
 34 feet
67 - 82.5 feet
 15 feet
Greater than 82.5 feet
 15 feet
Restrictions
With the triangular area, the following restrictions apply:
Type of Object
Maximum Height Allowed
 Signs 30 inches
Parking spaces
 30 inches
Structures 30 inches
Earthwork 30 inches
Vegetation 8 feet (if greater than 30 inches in height, object must not exceed an opacity of .2)
Fencing 8 feet (if greater than 30 inches in height, object must not exceed an opacity of .2)
Any other such obstruction
 8 feet (if greater than 30 inches in height, object must not exceed an opacity of .2)

Note: See Section 13-1-249(d)(2) for how to calculate opacity. For more information, please email the Building Department or call 608-848-9940.