Road Access Ordinance (RAO) (VERV)

Subject Matter

This Ordinance regulates

a. the technical requirements for the design of local access roads as driveways,

b. the technical requirements for exits and the permissible impacts of land use on local and main access roads,

c. the setback regulations for walls, fences, and plants in the area of local and main access roads.

1 This Ordinance applies to public roads and private roads that are not exclusively for private use. It does not apply to house driveways, with the exception of § 13.

2 The provisions of Section D do not apply to the cities of Zurich and Winterthur.

700.4 Traffic Access Ordinance (VErV)

In this Ordinance

a. Roads: Roads, paths, and squares for fine and coarse development,

b. Access Roads: Roads for fine development connecting from the property boundary to the coarse development road network,

c. Driveways: Private property- or area-internal roads, paths, tracks, and trails for accessing properties and the existing or planned buildings and facilities thereon,

d. Exits: Connections intended for vehicle use between a property and a road,

e. Road Body: The superstructure and substructure, as well as other components required for the construction and operation of the road according to road legislation,

f. Impacts: All emissions, physical and non-physical, resulting from property use, particularly from objects, water, snow, dust, pollution, noise, light, and gases,

g. Walls: Walls of all kinds, such as decorative, retaining, revetment, wing walls, and gabions,

h. Fences: Boundaries and screens facing roads that are higher than curbing, such as walls, barriers, fences, wire, meshes, and grids.

1. 1. 25-127

1

Scope

Definitions

Access roads and exits must be designed such that

a. they fulfil their purpose and are sufficient for the complete utilisation of the properties,

b. traffic safety for all road users is guaranteed at all times, and the needs of mobility and visually impaired people, as well as children, particularly on school routes, are taken into account,

c. the deployment of public services, especially for emergency operations, is guaranteed at all times,

d. walls, fences, plants, and effects of property uses do not impair traffic safety or the safety of the road body.

1 Access and exit points must comply with the technical requirements set out in Annexes 1–6.

2 For the needs of people with mobility and visual impairments, standard SN 640 075 / Barrier-free traffic areas (2014 edition)1 must be observed.

3 At road junctions and at points where minor roads merge into major access roads, the technical requirements according to Annex 2 and the sight lines according to Annexes 3 and 4 apply mutatis mutandis.

1 For access roads and exits, in individual cases, lower requirements than those in § 5 may be imposed for important reasons

a. due to special topographical conditions,

b. in the interest of objects of nature and homeland protection or in other overriding public interests,

c. for agricultural operations.

1 The standard can be inspected at local building authorities and obtained from www.vss.ch.

2

Traffic Development Ordinance (VErV)

700.4

2 For access roads, in individual cases, lower requirements than those in § 5 may also be imposed for important reasons

a. for communal parking facilities and uses with reduced traffic generation,

b. for significantly reduced speeds, particularly in pedestrian zones, shared spaces (Begegnungszonen), and 30 km/h zones,

c. where bicycle or pedestrian access is separately managed.

3 Emergency access and traffic safety must always be ensured.

Should emergency access or traffic safety not be guaranteed despite compliance with the technical requirements according to Annexes 1–6, increased requirements can be imposed

a. due to special topographical conditions or the local urban development situation,

b. at junctions of rural roads or at exits from agricultural holdings,

c. on school routes or in areas with increased pedestrian or bicycle traffic.

If a traffic-safe design cannot be achieved through structural measures, other measures must be ordered.

1. Special Precautions According to Section 240 (2) PBG Required for

Whether special precautions are required under Section 240 (2) PBG is assessed Unusual Heavy

based on the type, intensity, and speed of traffic, taking into account local Traffic

conditions.

2. Special precautions include, but are not limited to

a. Turning lanes, deceleration and acceleration lanes,

b. Traffic control and lighting systems,

c. Measures for road space design,

d. Pedestrian crossings.

B. Access Roads

1 The possible type of access and the technical requirements pertaining thereto are determined according to Annex 1. The subdivision of access routes into sections is permissible.

2 For the determination of the type of access, the anticipated traffic volume based on the use with residential units according to the initial values in Annex 1 is decisive. Other types of use are converted into residential units according to the anticipated traffic volume.

3 The municipal executive board may, for densely populated areas that are well-served by public transport, define the permissible residential units for the respective type of access up to the maximum values according to Annex 1. It shall publish its decision.

4 It may, for parts of the settlement, determine the anticipated traffic volume and the capacity of the access route through planning. In doing so, it may define the permissible residential units for the respective type of access up to the maximum values according to Annex 1.

**1 Determination of the type of access and technical requirements**

1. 1. 25-127

3

700.4

Traffic Access Ordinance (VErV)

Detailed access planning

a. decisive criteria

b. Content and procedure of the detailed access plan

Emergency access

Passing places

When the municipal executive determines the projected traffic volume for the development of a catchment area based on planning assessments, it shall consider the following criteria in particular

a. Development status of the access road,

b. Quality of access by public transport,

c. Type of traffic,

d. Specifications of the Building and Zoning Regulations regarding utilization, use, and parking spaces,

e. Existing traffic calming measures,

f. Importance as a school route, bicycle, and pedestrian connection.

1 The municipal executive determines the result of the planning assessment in a detailed development plan.

2 The detailed development plan consists of a plan showing the catchment area and the number of residential units, as well as a technical report in which the planning assessment is presented, weighing the affected public and private interests.

3 Otherwise, the procedure is governed by §§ 5–7 PBG.

Drives and house entrances are designed in accordance with the Guideline for Fire Department Access Roads, Maneuvering, and Standing Areas (FKS Guideline, 2015 Edition)² for emergency deployment by public services.

If orderly traffic flow requires it, passing places can be provided. For their location and design, the following criteria are particularly decisive

a. Length of approach,

b. Visibility conditions,

c. Expected traffic volume.

2 The guideline can be downloaded free of charge at www.feukos.ch.

4

Traffic Access Ordinance (VErV) 700.4

1 If a one-way system is planned, the dimensions of the expanded one-way systems will be determined separately.

2 Decisive factors include, in particular

a. the type of access,

b. the significance of the access as a school, pedestrian, or bicycle path,

c. the opening of the one-way system for cyclists in the opposite direction.

Inadmissible Driveways

Driveways are generally not permitted in the area of junctions and public transport stops.

Pedestrian Connections

Footpath connections within the area of pavements must be connected to roads. If this is not possible, sufficient sight lines and, if necessary, a waiting area will be provided at the connection point.

Can private land be used by the public – Use of private land by the public

If private land can be used by the public, it must be made sufficiently load-bearing.

**C. Impacts of land uses and requirements for driveways**

1 Road safety and the safety of the road body must not be impaired Permissible

by impacts originating from properties. The necessary protective impacts

measures must be taken.

2 The permissibility of impacts from property uses shall be assessed

according to the following criteria

a. importance and development level of the road,

b. signage regulations,

c. local conditions, in particular the type of development, the zoning

plan and the road alignment.

1 The vertical clearance is

a. at least 4.5 m in the carriageway area, subject to special transport routes,

b. at least 2.65 m in the area of pavements, pedestrian and cycle paths.

2 The clearance must be kept permanently free. Building line, setback and special use regulations remain reserved.

1.1.25-127 5

700.4 Traffic Access Ordinance (VErV)

Separations

from the road

Drainage

of water

and other

liquids

Sight lines

Requirements

for petrol stations

Special

transport routes

1 Through structural measures, the following must be separated from the road

a. Parking and turning areas that, according to Annex 2, may only be driven into forwards,

b. access roads running parallel to the road,

c. forecourts and front gardens.

**2 Deviations may be made for important reasons.**

1 Rainwater, meltwater, and other liquids must not drain or be discharged onto the road.

**2 Deviations from this rule are permissible in exceptional topographic conditions and for small partial areas.**

The required sightlines must be kept clear at all times.

1 The departure axis at petrol stations must maintain an angle of 45–90° to the road axis.

**2 Between the entrance and exit of the petrol station, along the road boundary, a separating strip at least 0.5 m wide and 12 m long must be created, which cannot be driven over.**

**3 The facilities shall be designed in such a way that vehicles can be parked outside the road and the necessary sight areas at bends, intersections, and exits.**

**4 The fuel pumps must have a clear distance of at least 4 m from the road.**

1 The Department of Economic Affairs, after consulting the municipalities, determines routes for exceptional transports in a plan.

2 The requirements according to Annex 6 apply.

D. Distances from Walls, Fences and Plants

Distances from

Walls and

Fences

1 Provided that traffic safety is not impaired, the following may be placed at the road boundary

a. open fences,

b. in all road areas, walls and closed fences up to 0.8 m in height,

c. on straight road sections and on the outside of curves, walls and closed fences exceeding 0.8 m in height.

6

Traffic Access Ordinance (VErV)

700.4

2 If a standard-compliant protection for pedestrians is missing in road sections, a distance of up to 0.5 m may be ordered to ensure traffic safety.

5 Distances of Plants in General

1 The following distances apply to trees, measured from the centre of the trunk

a. 2 m from the road boundary within built-up areas,

b. 4 m from the road boundary outside built-up areas,

c. 0.5 m from footpaths, freestanding pavements, and cycle paths.

2 For other plants, a distance applies such that they do not protrude into the clear space, but for bushes and hedges, at least 0.5 m, measured from the centre of the stump.

4.1. Reduction of Distances

If the requirements for road safety, particularly visibility distances and clearance profiles, are met, the distance of trees can be reduced

a. within built-up areas, provided that the road body and utility lines are not impaired;

b. outside built-up areas, in the interest of local or landscape protection, to 2 m.

2. The infrastructure owner may make the reduction of the distance dependent on a maintenance contract.

3. If road safety is no longer guaranteed, the trees may be ordered to be removed without compensation.

In the case of walls, solid fences, and dense planting exceeding 0.8 m in height on the inside of curves, an appropriate distance may be required for reasons of traffic safety.

Distances on the

inside of curves

Soweit die Verkehrssicherheit gewährleistet ist, sind von fes- Befreiung

ten Abstandsvorschriften befreit

a. Ausstattungen und Ausrüstungen für den bestimmungsgemässen

Gebrauch der Strasse,

b. inventarisierte Schutzobjekte bei Strassen und Plätzen.

von festem

Abstandsmass

1. 1. 25-127

7

700.4

E. Übergangsbestimmung

Verkehrserschliessungsverordnung (VErV)

Diese Verordnung gilt für alle Bauvorhaben, die nach ihrem Inkraft-

treten bei den örtlichen Baubehörden eingereicht werden.

1 OS 75, 281; Begründung siehe ABI 2019-05-03. §§ 1–4 und 26–29 vom Kantons-

rat am 20. April 2020 genehmigt.

2 Inkrafttreten: 1. Juni 2020.

3 LS 700.1.

4 Eingefügt durch RRB vom 14. September 2022 (OS 79, 429; ABI 2022-09-30).

In Kraft seit 1. Dezember 2024.

5 Fassung gemäss RRB vom 14. September 2022 (sOS 79, 429; ABI 2022-09-30).

In Kraft seit 1. Dezember 2024.

8

Verkehrserschliessungsverordnung (VErV)

Anhang 1: Technische Anforderungen an Zufahrten

700.4

Zufahrtsarten¹

Anwendungs-

bereiche

Massgebender

Begegnungsfall³

Ausbaugrössen Fahrbahn

Strassentypen³

Bemerkungen zum Fussgängerschutz

R min m

Breite (b) m

Querschnitt

Zufahrtsweg

bis 50 (1002)

PW/VF

5,00 (10,00)4 3,005-4,00

Typ 1

Typ 28

Typ 33

Zufahrtsstrasse 1

bis 150 (3002)

PW/PW

10,00

4,006-5,707

Typ 28

Typ 34

Typ 4

Zufahrtsstrasse 2

bis 300 (6002)

LW/PW

10,00

4,806-7,207

Typ 28

Typ 33

Erschliessungsstrasse

bis 600 (12002)

LW/PW

15,00

4,806-6,10

Typ 4

Typ 1

Typ 2

Fahrbahn /

(B) Fussgängerinnen und Fussgänger (B)

Fahrbahn /

Fussgängerinnen und Fussgänger

b

b

Typ 3

Typ 4

B

Fahrbahn

Trottoir

B

Fahrbahn

Trottoir

b

b

Anforderungen

1 bei Stichstrassen ist ein Wendeplatz oder eine Wendemöglichkeit notwendig

2 Höchstwert gemäss § 10 Abs. 3 und 4

3 bei Ausweichstellen nach § 14 für andere Begegnungsfälle: Trottoirbereich nicht

befahrbar mindestens 1,2 m

4 sofern Notzufahrt für Feuerwehr (vgl. § 13)

5 sofern Notzufahrt für Feuerwehr (vgl. § 13), Fahrbahn (mit befahrbarem Bankett)

mindestens 3,5 m

6 bei Gewerbe-/Industriezonen oder öffentlichem Busverkehr Fahrbahnbreite min-

destens 6,10 m

7 einschliesslich Fläche teilweise befahrbarer Fussgängerschutz bei Ausweichstel-

len (Typ 3) oder Begegnungszone (Typ 2)

8 nach Massgabe der Verkehrsanordnungen

Abkürzungen

WE Wohneinheiten

VF Velofahrende

PW Personenwagen

LW Lastwagen

R Radius in der Achse

B Bankett begehbar

(mindestens 0,3 m)

T Trottoir mindestens 2 m

1. 1. 25-127

9

700.4

Verkehrserschliessungsverordnung (VErV)

Anhang 2: Technische Anforderungen an Ausfahrten

Anwendung verschiedener Ausfahrtstypen

Anschluss

Zufahrtsweg

Zufahrtsstrasse

Erschliessungsstrasse

Übergeordnete Strasse

Ausfahrten mit der verkehrstechnischen

Bedeutung von

A

A

A

B

Einzelner Abstellplatz

A

A

B

B

Zufahrtsweg

A/B

B/C

B/C

Zufahrtsstrasse 1 und 2

B/C

B/C

Erschliessungsstrasse

Anforderungen¹

Kriterium

Ausfahrtstyp

Typ A

Typ B

Typ C

Aus- und Einfahrt nur vorwärts

Nein

Ja

Ja

Trottoir entlang übergeordneter Strasse

unterbrochen oder

(falls vorhanden)

(in der Regel durchgehend)

durchgehend

durchgehend

Maximale Neigung innerhalb 5 m

ab Strassengrenze

%

+8

+5

+5

Maximaler Gefällsbruch ohne Vertikal-

ausrundung (an der Strassengrenze)

%

6

6

6

Einlenkradius

m

3

5

6-12

Beobachtungsdistanz ab Fahrbahnrand

m

2,5

2,5

2,5

Breite der Ausfahrt

mit Gegenverkehr

m

3

4-5

5-6

mit Einbahnverkehr

m

3

3

3

1 Bei Notzufahrten sind die Mindestwerte einzuhalten (vgl. § 13).

Anhang 3: Sichtbereiche auf Fahrbahn

Erforderliche Sichtbereiche je nach Geschwindigkeit der vortrittsberechtigten Motorfahrzeuge

Signalisierte

Geschwindigkeit (km/h)

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

Sichtbereiche (m)¹

10-20

20-35

35-50

50-70

70-90

90-110

110-140

1 Die Sichtbereiche müssen vertikal in einem Bereich zwischen 0,8 m und 2,65 m bei Trottoirs, Fuss- und Velowegen bzw.

in den übrigen Fällen 3 m frei sein.

10

Verkehrserschliessungsverordnung (VErV)

Anhang 4: Sichtbereiche auf Velowege¹

Längsneigung der vortrittsberechtigten Anlage mit Veloverkehr

≥ -5%

-4%

-2%

0 ≤

Sichtbereiche (m)²

≥ 50

45

35

30

¹ Separat geführt.

2 Die Sichtbereiche müssen vertikal in einem Bereich zwischen 0,8 m und 2,65 m frei sein.

Anhang 5: Messweisen

Lichtraumprofil in der Höhe

h: 4,5 m

Fahrbahn b

Strassengebiet

h: 2,65 m

Trottoir

Strassengrenze

1. 1. 25-127

11

700.4

700.4

Sichtbereiche auf Fahrbahn

Fahrbahnmitte

Fahrbahnrand

Sichtbereich (m)

Sichtbereiche auf Velowege

Veloweg

(separat geführt)

12

Verkehrserschliessungsverordnung (VErV)

Sichtbereich (m)

Beobachtungsdistanz

Grenze des

Sichtbereichs

Einlenkradius

Breite

Sichtbereich (m)

Sichtbereich (m)

Veloweg

Beobachtungsdistanz

Grenze des

Sichtbereichs

Fahrbahnrand

Fahrbahnmitte

Fahrbahnrand

Einlenkradius

Breite

Verkehrserschliessungsverordnung (VErV)

700.4

Anhang 6: Anforderungen an Ausnahmetransportrouten

Typ I

Typ II

Exportrouten

Versorgungsrouten

Lichtraum in der Höhe mindestens

5,20 m

4,80 m

Lichte Breite mindestens

7,50 m

6,50 m

Totalgewicht höchstens

480 t

240 t

Achslast höchstens

30 t

20 t

1. 1. 25-127

13

To the extent that road safety is ensured, the following are exempt from fixed distance regulations

a. Equipment and installations for the intended use of the road,

b. Inventoried protected objects near roads and squares.

Exemption from fixed distance measures

1. 1. 25-127

7

700.4

E. Transitional Provision

Road Access Ordinance (VErV)

This Ordinance applies to all construction projects submitted to the local building authorities after its entry into force.

1 Official Gazette (OS) 75, 281; for justification, see Official Gazette (ABI) 2019-05-03. §§ 1–4 and 26–29 approved by the Cantonal Council on April 20, 2020.

2 Entry into force: June 1, 2020.

3 LS 700.1.

4 Inserted by Resolution of the Government Council (RRB) of September 14, 2022 (OS 79, 429; ABI 2022-09-30). In force since December 1, 2024.

5 Version according to RRB of September 14, 2022 (sOS 79, 429; ABI 2022-09-30). In force since December 1, 2024.

8

Road Access Ordinance (VErV)

Appendix 1: Technical Requirements for Access Roads

700.4

Types of Access Roads¹

Areas of

Application

Relevant

Encounter Scenario³

Roadway Design Dimensions

Road Types³

Remarks on Pedestrian Protection

R min m

Width (b) m

Cross-section

Access Path

up to 50 (1002)

PC/Cyc

5.00 (10.00)4 3.005-4.00

Type 1

Type 28

Type 33

Access Road 1

up to 150 (3002)

PC/PC

10.00

4.006-5.707

Type 28

Type 34

Type 4

Access Road 2

up to 300 (6002)

Lor/PC

10.00

4.806-7.207

Type 28

Type 33

Development Road

up to 600 (12002)

Lor/PC

15.00

4.806-6.10

Type 4

Type 1

Type 2

Carriageway /

(B) Pedestrians (B)

Carriageway /

Pedestrians

b

b

Type 3

Type 4

B

Carriageway

Pavement

B

Carriageway

Pavement

b

b

Requirements

1 For cul-de-sacs, a turning area or turning facility is necessary

2 Maximum value according to § 10 para. 3 and 4

3 For passing places according to § 14 for other encounter scenarios: Pavement area not

traversable, at least 1.2 m

4 If emergency access for fire department (cf. § 13)

5 If emergency access for fire department (cf. § 13), carriageway (with drivable shoulder)

at least 3.5 m

6 For commercial/industrial zones or public bus transport, carriageway width at least 6.10 m

7 Including area of partially traversable pedestrian protection at passing places (Type 3)

or shared space zone (Type 2)

8 As per traffic regulations

Abbreviations

WE Residential Units

Cyc Cyclists

PC Passenger Cars

Lor Lorries

R Radius on the axis

B Shoulder walkable

(at least 0.3 m)

T Pavement at least 2 m

1. 1. 25-127

9

700.4

Road Access Ordinance (VErV)

Appendix 2: Technical Requirements for Exits

Application of different exit types

Connection

Access Path

Access Road

Development Road

Higher-ranking Road

Exits with the traffic engineering

significance of

A

A

A

B

Single Parking Space

A

A

B

B

Access Path

A/B

B/C

B/C

Access Road 1 and 2

B/C

B/C

Development Road

Requirements¹

Criterion

Exit Type

Type A

Type B

Type C

Exit and entry only forwards

No

Yes

Yes

Pavement along higher-ranking road

interrupted or

(if available)

(generally continuous)

continuous

continuous

Maximum gradient within 5 m

from road boundary

%

+8

+5

+5

Maximum break in gradient without vertical

curve (at the road boundary)

%

6

6

6

Turning radius

m

3

5

6-12

Observation distance from carriageway edge

m

2.5

2.5

2.5

Width of the exit

with oncoming traffic

m

3

4-5

5-6

with one-way traffic

m

3

3

3

1 For emergency accesses, the minimum values must be observed (cf. § 13).

Appendix 3: Sight Distances on Carriageway

Required sight distances depending on the speed of priority motor vehicles

Posted

Speed (km/h)

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

Sight Distances (m)¹

10-20

20-35

35-50

50-70

70-90

90-110

110-140

1 The sight distances must be clear vertically within a range between 0.8 m and 2.65 m for pavements, footpaths and cycle paths, and 3 m in other cases.

10

Road Access Ordinance (VErV)

Appendix 4: Sight Distances on Cycle Paths¹

Longitudinal gradient of the priority facility with cycle traffic

≥ -5%

-4%

-2%

0 ≤

Sight Distances (m)²

≥ 50

45

35

30

¹ Separately aligned.

2 The sight distances must be clear vertically within a range between 0.8 m and 2.65 m.

Appendix 5: Measurement Methods

Vertical Clearance Profile

h: 4.5 m

Carriageway b

Road Area

h: 2.65 m

Pavement

Road Boundary

1. 1. 25-127

11

700.4

700.4

Sight Distances on Carriageway

Carriageway Center

Carriageway Edge

Sight Distance (m)

Sight Distances on Cycle Paths

Cycle Path

(separately aligned)

12

Road Access Ordinance (VErV)

Sight Distance (m)

Observation Distance

Limit of

Sight Distance

Turning Radius

Width

Sight Distance (m)

Sight Distance (m)

Cycle Path

Observation Distance

Limit of

Sight Distance

Carriageway Edge

Carriageway Center

Carriageway Edge

Turning Radius

Width

Road Access Ordinance (VErV)

700.4

Appendix 6: Requirements for Special Transport Routes

Type I

Type II

Export Routes

Supply Routes

Minimum vertical clearance

5.20 m

4.80 m

Minimum clear width

7.50 m

6.50 m

Maximum total weight

480 t

240 t

Maximum axle load

30 t

20 t

1. 1. 25-127

13