What is Daylighting? 

Removing parking at intersections for the purposes of increasing visibility, otherwise known as daylighting, enhances safety for all roadway users. Daylighting promotes safety by: 

• Preventing drivers from parking too close to a crosswalk, giving sufficient space for pedestrians to wait to cross the street. 
• Allows drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists to see each other without obstructions. 

Citywide Regulations for Parking Near Intersections  

Section 10-4-41 of the City Code prohibits parking within 20 feet of intersecting curb lines at every intersection citywide. The diagram below demonstrates where this point is at an example intersection (shown with a red circle) and indicates how far from this point drivers should park. Signage is not required for Parking Enforcement to issue citations regarding this ordinance.

Intersection Daylighting Program 

The Intersection Daylighting program is a tool for the community to contribute to the City’s mission of enhancing roadway safety. Residents can submit an Intersection Daylighting Request Form to request an assessment of an intersection where they believe that guidelines under section 10-4-41 of the City Code are insufficient.  

Eligible Locations 

Application MUST involve two of the following:  

• Stopping sightline distance/intersection sight triangles insufficient as determined by American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) guidelines  
  • Driver needs to be able to see pedestrians from 155 feet away at 25 mph  
    • Grade (>3% per AASHTO guidance; determined via Traffic Engineering analysis)  

• Intersections with uncontrolled crossing (no stop signs, yield signs, or traffic signals) 
• Crashes within last five years (Vizion Zero Crash Dashboard): 
  • Only if it could be addressed by improving sight distance  
  • Especially if any crashes resulted in injury  
• Presence of:  
  • School bus stops (on the approaches in question, as determined by staff)
  • Public bus stops (on the approaches in question) 
  • Schools, recreation/community centers, libraries, parks, and public squares (within 750 feet)  
• >25-foot curb radius  
  • If drivers tend to park along the curvature of the intersection  
  • If crosswalk/sidewalk is far back from intersection 

Eligible Locations for Traffic and Parking Board Consideration: 

• Criteria:  
  • Involves only one of the Eligible Locations criteria AND not deemed Ineligible.  

Ineligible Locations: 

• Will not be considered by Traffic and Parking Board after determination that the intersection is meeting guidelines.    
• Criteria:  
  • If daylighting would result in unintended consequences such as increased speeding or less stopping as a result of parking removal OR 
  • Satisfies stopping sightline distance requirements AND no history of crashes within last five years.  

Application Flowchart 

Flowchart of proposed non-staff-led application process  

*staff-initiated daylighting does not go through this process if it meets two or more eligibility criteria

To begin the daylighting process, please see the instructions on and fill out the official request form here.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email Max Devilliers with the T&ES Mobility Services Division at max.devilliers@alexandriava.gov.