Chapter 3 - Assigning Address Numbers

Although assigning an address number to each structure on a particular street seems relatively straightforward at first glance, it actually poses some of the most difficult addressing problems. For example, the curvilinear streets and cul-de-sacs found in newer subdivisions create situations which are far harder to address than the traditional rectangular grid pattern of streets. Strip shopping centers and office parks often contain multiple buildings that are not in a clearly ordered sequence and often have the potential for many addresses being assigned in the same address range. As a result, it is likely that meeting all of the addressing standards suggested below will happen in some but not all situations. In the remaining cases, address number assignment will involve compromises between standards. The standards are listed in approximate order of importance, so that where compromise is necessary the standards near the bottom of the list should be the first to be considered for noncompliance.

In general, at least one address should be assigned to each habitable structure that is not clearly accessory to another building or insubstantial in nature (e.g., a detached garage for a single-family residence probably does not need an address but a commercial parking garage should have an address). Where a single building has multiple exterior entrances to separate tenant spaces or separate residential units, then a separate address number should be assigned to each such exterior door. Where a single building has multiple doors leading to a shared hallway or lobby, then only one address should be assigned.

1. Numeric Sequence

   Addresses should always be assigned so that they are in numeric sequence. Where two or more buildings addressed off of the same street are located in a "stacked" configuration (one building behind the other), addresses should be kept in sequence within each building (rather than alternating between buildings) to the greatest degree possible. In addition, the stacked building closest to the street should generally have lower address numbers than buildings farther away.

2. Odd/Even Numbering (Address Parity)

   Addresses should be assigned with odd numbers on the south and east sides of the street and even numbers on the north and west sides of the street. Since curvilinear street may change direction for short distances or run at a diagonal, this standard should be applied given the primary direction of the street.

   Addresses on very short cul-de-sacs or "eyebrows" that are not given a separate street name should be based on the numbering sequence and parity for the perpendicular street that provides access to the cul-de-sac. This will keep address numbers consistent with this standard with respect to the perpendicular street that is being used as the basis for addressing, although with respect to the cul-de-sac it may appear that there are odd or even numbers on both sides.

   

3. Sequence Direction

   Addresses should get bigger as you travel west and south. Again however, this standard must be interpreted based on the primary direction of the street. Curvilinear streets may violate this standard for short stretches provided that they are in compliance with respect to the general direction of the full street segment. Where compliance with this standard is difficult or impossible, it may warrant considering a change in the street name at the point where it changes direction.

   

4. Consistency with Cross Streets

   Since each street in the street name grid has a "hundred block" designation, addresses should be assigned so that they are consistent with those designations. Quivira Road, for example, is the 11900 block. Thus, addresses on a numbered street that intersects with Quivira should be less than 11900 east of Quivira and greater than 11900 west of Quivira.

5. Consistency with Distance-Based Address Grid

   Since there are 16 named streets per mile and 8 numbered street names per mile, "hundred block" designations should normally change every 330 feet on an east-west street and every 660 feet on a north-south street. Thus, addresses can be assigned based on the distance south or west from the nearest section line. This standard is particularly useful in areas that are largely undeveloped (and thus don't have many cross streets) or in areas that have existing streets that are not in the standard street name grid. This standard should generally be considered to be less important, however, than staying consistent with the address designations of cross streets (see Standard 4 above).

6. Avoid Duplicate Address Numbers

   Where two streets have the same street name but different street types (e.g., 98th Street and 98th Terrace), the same address number should not be used on both streets. For example, if addresses for a block on 98th Street are assigned as 13700, 13704, 13708, etc, then addresses on the corresponding block of 98th Terrace should be assigned as 13703, 13706, 13710, etc. This may help minimize potential service delivery mistakes if there is some confusion over the street type.

7. Addressing Consistency

   Addresses located across the street from each other should be assigned so that they are nearly equal. Where there are more addresses on one side of the street, addresses assigned to the other side will need to be more widely spaced so that addressing consistency is maintained for addresses across from one another.