Title
2016 EDDS Update
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
Recommended Action
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to forward the proposed 2016 Engineering Design and Development Standards (EDDS) Update to City Council and schedule a public hearing to receive public comment.
Report
Issue:
Whether to recommend that the proposed 2016 Update to the EDDS move to public hearing before City Council.
Staff Contact:
Steve Sperr, P.E., Assistant City Engineer, Public Works Engineering, 360.753.8739
Presenter(s):
Steve Sperr, P.E., Assistant City Engineer, Public Works Engineering
Background and Analysis:
The Engineering Design and Development Standards (EDDS) guide the design and construction of transportation, drinking water, reclaimed water, sewer, storm water, 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 May 19, staff briefed the Land Use and Environment Committee on 51 proposed topics to address in this year’s Update to the EDDS. That briefing included an overview of the EDDS, highlights of proposed changes, the public involvement and communication plan, followed by a discussion. On June 21, a similar presentation was made to the full City Council.
Since those briefings, staff has developed, and continues to develop, draft language and drawing changes to address this year’s topics. Staff has also begun the process of reaching out to interested parties by contacting them directly and providing the entire list of proposed changes on the City’s website. Staff will also be providing more specific information on the proposed changes to both the Utility Advisory Committee and the Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee.
The Land Use and Environment Committee will receive a briefing on the proposed changes as well as an update to the current schedule.
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 toward the City’s Comprehensive Plan Action Plan goal of providing Sustainable Infrastructure.
To date, the City has received only a few comments, primarily on the transportation and private utility-related changes. Staff is working with several stakeholders on these topics. More information will be provided on the current status of these discussions during the presentation.
Options:
Option 1: Recommend that the proposed updates move to public hearing before City Council. After the hearing, Council could approve an Ordinance updating the EDDS. This option allows the EDDS to be updated per the current schedule.
Option 2: Do not recommend that the proposed EDDS updates move to public hearing. Delaying adoption could result in potential conflicts with City standards or the Olympia Municipal Code.
Option 3: Make additional edits or request specific changes to the 2016 Update, and recommend that the proposed updates move to public hearing before City Council. This option clarifies proposed changes, while keeping the 2016 Update on schedule.
Financial Impact:
Most of the proposed changes should not result in notable increases to the costs of private development or public work projects. However, a few, such as requiring structural soil for street trees, and requiring ADA ramp improvements on a more consistent basis, will cost more to developers and private utilities. Staff will provide more information regarding costs associated with these items as part of the presentation.
Attachments:
1. EDDS webpage
2. List of 2016 EDDS topics