17.56.040 Trail easements.
A. On lands through which Category A and B trails pass, the Platting Board shall require the dedication of easements to conform to the adopted comprehensive recreational trail plan.
B. Existing trail alignment may be adjusted to minimize impact on subdivision design, property use, and safety of residents, and to avoid conflict with existing or proposed roads, driveways, and utility or other special purpose easements. Such adjustments must be consistent with preservation of the continuity of the trail, safety of the trail users, and the purpose of the trail. Adjustments should be made only where necessary.
C. Where realignment is proposed, the new segments to be reserved shall be:
1. Cleared of all trees or brush to a width of five feet for nonmotorized trails or eight feet for multiple use trails. This clearing can be completed by the applicant or by the Borough at the request of the applicant if funds have been appropriated for this purpose; and
2. Equivalent, as nearly as practicable, to the average grade, slope, and terrain of the existing trail; and
3. A gradual transition from the existing trail. Transition points shall be marked or flagged to identify the transitions.
D. Whenever an existing trail alignment is to be abandoned which, because of duration of use or statutory provision, may have established a legal standing affecting title of the underlying fee, vacation of that alignment shall be pursued under provisions of Chapter 17.32 FNSBC, Vacations.
1. Wherever portions of an existing improved trail are proposed for vacation and are utilized for established access to land beyond the property under subdivision, the subdivision road network must provide for alternative routes which furnish equivalent utility for access.
E. Trail easement widths shall be as follows:
1. On public lands:
a. Category A.
i. Twenty feet for nonmotorized use,
ii. Forty feet for multiple use;
b. Category B.
i. Twenty feet for nonmotorized use,
ii. Forty feet for multiple use;
2. On nonpublic lands:
a. Category A.
i. Twenty feet for nonmotorized use,
ii. Twenty feet for multiple use;
b. Category B.
i. Twenty feet for nonmotorized use,
ii. Twenty feet for multiple use;
3. In subdivisions with proposed average lot size less than 80,000 square feet and trail Category B:
a. Ten feet for nonmotorized use;
b. Ten feet for multiple use.
F. In those cases where the deflection angle of the tangent at the point of intersection (delta angle) exceeds 45 degrees, a curve shall be introduced with a radius of 50 feet for nonmotorized trails and 50 feet for multiple-use trails to ensure that the predominant use of the trail will occupy as nearly as possible the center of the reserved easement. (Ord. 2023-50 § 2, 2023; Ord. 2005-10 § 2, 2005. 2004 Code § 17.60.090.)