There are more than 4 million miles of road in the United States, according to data published by the U.S. Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). To help drivers navigate these roads, community developers use signs displaying the respective street's name. While all street name signs feature the name of the street, though, developers must use signs that comply with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). Otherwise, the local municipality may force the developer to take them down. So, how do you know if your street name signs are MUTCD compliant?
As the country's real estate market continues to rebound from the 2008 bubble, more neighborhoods and residential communities are popping up. From the East Coast to the West, the number of newly constructed homes is steadily increasing -- and this trend isn't expected to change anytime soon. If you've been given the task of developing a new neighborhood or community, though, you should strive for a cohesive design.
Cluster mailbox units (CBUs) have been around for more than half-century, with the United States Postal Service (USPS) releasing the first official curbside CBU in 1967. Since then, they've become the preferred mail delivery system for apartments. A typical apartment complex has about 100 to 300 units. Rather than designating a curbside mailbox for each of these units -- or requiring couriers to hand-deliver each tenant's mail to his or her apartment -- just a few CBUs can be used. While CBUs will likely remain the leading mail delivery system for apartments, they are also becoming more popular in neighborhoods.
Regardless of where you live in the United States, there are probably road signs present. Whether it's a major Interstate Highway or a small street running through a residential community, all roads have signs to safely dictate the flow of traffic. They've been around for centuries, and while the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has enacted new regulations regarding their use and design, the basic purpose of road signs remains the same.
Street signs play an important role in the function and aesthetics of a residential community. They help to reinforce the community's brand, reduce traffic accidents, guide motorists to their intended destination and even increase property values. Whether you're a property manager, developer or member of a homeowners association, though, you'll need to choose the right street signs for your community.