Road Classifications

Functional classification is the process by which streets and highways are grouped into classes, or systems, according to the character of service they are intended to provide.

The BCZR provides definitions of "collector" and "arterial" which are rather subjective. This is unfortunate, since they have a legislative importance, such as the 150' setback required in §1A04.3B2 from a "collector road" in an RC-5 zone. The BCZR should refer to the Federal Functional Classification shown here and described here.

The Department of Planning, at my request, provided maps in Dec 2009 and again in Apr 2016. The major change was the elimination of the distinction between "urban" and "rural" areas. The 2009 map classified the built-up areas of Kingsville, for example, along Jeruslam, Mt. Vista, and part of Bradshaw, as "urban". The new map makes no distinction. It is unknown whether or not the actual designation has been eliminated, since no action by the Metropolitan Council has been found.