Title
Public Hearing on the 2023 Engineering Design and Development Standards Update
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
The Land Use and Environment Committee recommends holding a public hearing on the 2023 Engineering Design and Development Standards (EDDS) Update. After hearing public testimony, close the public hearing and move to direct staff to return to Council with a proposed ordinance adopting the updated EDDS.
City Manager Recommendation:
Hold a public hearing on the 2023 EDDS Update. After hearing public testimony, close the public hearing and move to direct staff to return to Council with a proposed ordinance adopting the updated EDDS.
Report
Issue:
Whether to hold a public hearing on the 2023 EDDS Update and move to direct staff to return to Council with a proposed ordinance adopting the updated EDDS.
Staff Contact:
Stephen Sperr, P.E., Assistant City Engineer, Public Works Engineering, 360.753.8739
Presenter(s):
Stephen Sperr, P.E., Assistant City Engineer
Background and Analysis:
The Engineering Design and Development Standards (EDDS) guide the design and construction of transportation, drinking water, reclaimed water, sewer, stormwater, and solid waste collection systems. They are also the technical interpretation of the City’s Comprehensive Plan and various utility master plans. The City Engineer is responsible for approving and administering the EDDS.
On August 24, staff briefed the Land Use and Environment Committee on proposed topics to address in this year’s update to the EDDS. That briefing included an overview of the EDDS and highlights of the proposed changes, as well as a discussion of four substantive changes.
Since that briefing, staff has continued to develop draft language and drawing changes to support this year’s topics. Staff are also reaching out to interested parties by contacting them directly and by providing the entire list of issues being addressed on the City’s website. Staff are incorporating their comments into the proposed text and drawing changes.
Before the public hearing, staff will provide the full Council with a short presentation on the 2023 EDDS changes being considered.
Climate Analysis:
Several of the substantive changes support the City’s Climate Mitigation Strategies. One of these, Frontage Improvement Thresholds, reduces the scope and cost of required frontage improvements for change of use, remodels, and tenant improvements for smaller projects. This encourages reuse of existing, developed properties, supporting urban density and reducing urban sprawl.
Another substantive change, Protected Bike Lanes, established standards for separated and enhanced bike lanes that further encourage the use of bicycles and related, non-motorized modes of transportation. This will increase the efficiency of the transportation system and reduce greenhouse gases, as community members are more likely to use bicycles instead of motorized vehicles.
Clarifying the standards associated with school walking routes should also support a reduction in motorized vehicle use.
Equity Analysis:
The proposed changes do not focus on a particular area in the City, nor any particular group. However, several of the substantive changes, such as Frontage Improvement Thresholds and Protected Bike Lanes (mentioned above) are anticipated to have a positive impact on those groups in our community that are economically disadvantaged. Changes to Frontage Improvement Thresholds are more likely to benefit small and new businesses by reducing initial costs to set up a “storefront”.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Updated EDDS will ensure utility and transportation systems, as well as solid waste improvements constructed meet the most current standards. Updates will also continue to move us closer to the City’s Comprehensive Plan Action Plan goal of providing sustainable infrastructure.
To date, the City has received no substantive comments. More information will be provided about discussions with stakeholders during the presentation.
Financial Impact:
Most of the proposed changes should not result in notable increases to the costs of private development or public work projects. However, changes to thresholds for frontage improvements and private streets in mobile home parks should end up costing less to owners and developers.
Options:
1. Hold a public hearing on the 2023 EDDS Update. After hearing public testimony, close the public hearing and direct staff to return to Council with a proposed ordinance adopting the updated EDDS.
2. Hold a public hearing on the 2023 EDDS Update. After hearing public testimony, close the public hearing and direct staff to incorporate specific changes to the 2023 EDDS. The first reading of a proposed ordinance adopting the updated EDDS may be delayed.
3. Do not hold a public hearing and delay updating the EDDS until a later date. This option will result in potential conflicts in attempting to ensure that development impacts within the right-of-way are consistently addressed.
Attachments:
Link to EDDS Webpage
List of 2023 EDDS Topics