Among their functions, sidewalks provide a linear through-circulation route for pedestrians; “spillout” space for people entering and exiting frontage buildings and parked cars, and; area for boulevard amenities such as street trees, transit shelters, lighting, benches, outdoor cafes, and vendors.

Sidewalks should be configured to reflect the three basic sidewalk functions note above. As depicted in Figure 5-15, guideline recommendations include a 4-foot spillout zone adjacent to frontage buildings, a minimum 8-foot through walking zone, and a 6-foot amenity zone adjacent to the curb line for street trees, street lighting, and spillout area for curbside parking.

In link areas with residential or office frontage land uses, the amenity zone could be used for a buffer landscape area. Variations in sidewalk paving patterns and/or materials should be considered to highlight the different sidewalk zones.