Title
Agenda Item:
Public Hearing - Engineering Design and Development Standards (EDDS) Adoption
Body
Issue:
To receive public input on proposed changes to the EDDS through a formal public hearing.
Committee Recommendation:
The Land Use and Environment Committee reviewed the proposed changes on June 21, 2012, and October 25, 2012, and recommended that the EDDS proceed through the adoption process to City Council.
City Manager's Recommendation:
Conduct a Public Hearing on the proposed amendments to the EDDS and move to hold the First Reading of the proposed ordinance on February 5, 2013.
Staff Contact:
Fran Eide, P.E., City Engineer, Public Works Technical Services, 360.753.8422
Presenter(s):
Fran Eide, P.E., City Engineer, Public Works Technical Services
Background and Analysis:
The Engineering Design and Development Standards (EDDS) are the technical standards used to govern new construction (both public and private) within the City of Olympia. This includes modifications to transportation, storm drainage, drinking water, reclaimed water, wastewater, and solid waste facilities. The EDDS also establish the process for requesting a deviation from standards, professional qualification requirements, and plan review requirements.
The City routinely updates the EDDS in order to incorporate changes in construction materials and integrate new study results and policy changes. Staff takes this opportunity to clarify any standards that are not clear or require further definition. The last comprehensive update to the EDDS was completed in 2009.
In August 2011 the City sent approximately 150 postcards and emails to request input from developers, consultants, contractors, interest groups and City staff on proposed changes to the current standards. The following list of issues was identified as needing to be addressed:
1. Update text in all chapters to correct and clarify
2. Provide criteria for installing sidewalks for single-family residences
3. Update trail and shared use path standards
4. Update Table 2 - Chapter 4 - Transportation: Street Design Standards - street trees and awnings
5. Add LED streetlight standard
6. Update utility manufacturer information
7. Clarify slope construction tolerance for sewer pipe
8. Define requirements for garbage and recycling enclosures
9. Update Standard Drawings
While some of the proposed changes address new or updated policy, the majority of the changes are technical in nature.
The EDDS were updated by the City Engineer to address issues identified. On June 21, 2012, and again on October 25, 2012, staff presented the draft EDDS to the Land Use and Environment Committee. The Committee provided input related to consistency of terms, process, and connection of this document to the Comprehensive Plan.
The Draft EDDS were also submitted to the State Department of Community Trade and Economic Development (CTED). CTED serves as a clearing house for all plans and studies so other agencies can easily access and review them. The 60-day review period has passed and no comments have been received.
A State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) checklist was submitted to City's Community Planning and Development (CPD) Department. A determination of non-significance was issued on December 3, 2012.
When Council adopts the proposed changes, an updated version of the EDDS will be posted to the City's website and all affected parties will be notified by email and/or direct mail.
The next major update will begin later this year when the City's Comprehensive Plan is adopted by City Council. The EDDS will be updated to reflect policy changes made to the Comprehensive Plan.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Private consultants, private utilities, Intercity Transit, Olympia Safe Streets, the Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee, and other interested parties/individuals have been notified and involved in the update of the standards.
Key concerns identified include: multiple/conflicting process for approving deviation from standards, hierarchy of regulations, lack of clarity for trail standards, and bike and pedestrian connections at stub roads. These concerns have been addressed in the proposed update. A summary of comments received is attached to this staff report.
Options:
1. Conduct a Public Hearing on the proposed amendments to the EDDS. After hearing all comments, provide direction to staff necessary to prepare for the First Reading of the proposed ordinance on February 5, 2013.
Financial Impact:
Specific financial impacts were not calculated for the proposed changes. However, staff believes project costs may increase slightly for both Public Works projects and private development projects, depending on the nature of work. This is primarily due to the higher up front cost of LED light fixtures. LED lighting, while more expensive up front, significantly reduces the City's on-going power costs for streetlights and help advance the sustainability of construction practices in Olympia.