Title
Approval of Ordinance Adopting Engineering Design and Development Standards
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
The Land Use and Environment Committee reviewed the proposed changes on April 24 and September 25, 2014 and recommended that the Engineering Design and Development Standards (EDDS) proceed through the adoption process.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve on second reading the amendments to the EDDS.
Report
Issue:
Whether to adopt the amended Engineering Design and Development Standards (EDDS).
Staff Contact:
Steve Sperr, P.E., Assistant City Engineer, Public Works Engineering, 360.753.8739
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar item.
Background and Analysis:
The background and analysis have not changed from first to second reading.
A public hearing was held on October 28, 2014 in order to receive comment on the proposed amendments to the EDDS. Other than the topic of LED streetlights, Council did not request changes to any of the proposed amendments to the EDDS.
Comments and subsequent discussion focused on a proposal to establish a color temperature range for Light Emitting Diode (LED) streetlights. Simply put, the higher the color temperature, the brighter the light appears. There was a request to use lower color LED streetlights than those installed to date. At the request of Council, staff researched the on the topic, including the availability and characteristics of lower color temperature LED streetlights.
Based on staff research, staff recommends that the EDDS be updated to include a color temperature range of 3,500 to 4,300 degrees Kelvin. The most available color temperature from manufacturers is 4,000 degrees Kelvin (K) or higher. This standard is consistent with the current LED streetlights recently installed by both the City and Puget Sound Energy, which are all rated at 4,000 K.
Currently, there is a lack of competitive alternatives among manufacturers who supply LED lights lower than 3,500 K. Staff found only one who supplies a 3,000 K LED streetlight that meets City technical and warranty requirements. Although there are other manufacturers, they require a minimum quantity and must be special ordered. As a result, they will be more expensive and take longer to get. Attached is a summary comparing color temperature availability and other characteristics of LED streetlights available from the most common manufacturers.
As the LED lighting industry evolves and more options become available, staff will test lower temperature LED streetlights to see if they provide the quality and quantity of lighting needed for safety and visibility of pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicles.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Adopting the proposed amendments to the EDDS will ensure that water, sewer, stormwater, reclaimed water, solid waste and transportation infrastructure will meet the most current standards, consistent with the vision identified in the City's Comprehensive Plan.
Staff talked to those who participated in the public hearing about the proposed LED streetlight color standard. While they prefer a lower color temperature standard for LED streetlight because of potential impacts to wildlife, they understand and support staff's recommendation. Since availability, price, and LED lighting technology is evolving quickly, they asked staff to review this issue again during the next EDDS cycle.
Options:
1. Approve on second reading the amendments to the EDDS.
2. Provide additional direction on changes to the proposed EDDS.
Financial Impact:
Other than the higher initial cost of LED streetlights as compared to High Pressure Sodium (HPS), the proposed changes should not result in notable increases to project costs of private development or public works projects.
Attachments:
1. LED Streetlight Comparison.
2. Color temperature wording in Section 4F.020.
3. Ordinance adopting the 2014 Amendments to the EDDS.