3.3.6 Urban Core Context

Urban core context houses the highest level of development density with its mixed residential and commercial uses accommodated in high-rise structures. While there may be some on-street parking, it is usually very limited and time restricted. The area is accessible to automobiles, commercial delivery vehicles, and public transit. Bicycle facilities and transit corridors are common. Structures may have multiple uses, and setbacks are not as generous as in the surrounding urban area. Examples of typical urban core areas are shown below.
Typical characteristics are:
  • High-density development;
  • On-street, time-restricted parking, or off-street in parking structures;
  • Small building setbacks;
  • Driveway densities greater than 30 driveways/mile on both sides of the road;
  • High pedestrian, bicycle, and transit use; and
  • Multi-story and high-rise structures for residential, commercial, and educational uses.
Example Roadway in Urban Core Context ( click in image to see full-size image)
Figure 3-8: Example Roadway in Urban Core Context
Source: Graham-Smith Partners – AASHTO Green Book 7
th
 Edition (Top Image); Google Maps (Bottom Image)