Title
Approval of Engineering Design and Development Standards (EDDS) 2016 Annual Update Topics and Process
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Land Use & Environment Committee reviewed and unanimously recommends the proposed 2016 Topics and the Public Involvement and Communication Strategy.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the 2016 Topics and the Public Involvement and Communication Strategy recommended by the Land Use & Environment Committee.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve the 2016 Topics and the Public Involvement and Communication Strategy for updating the EDDS.
Staff Contact:
Steve Sperr, P.E., Assistant City Engineer, Public Works Engineering, 360.753.8739
Presenter(s):
None - Consent item.
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.
The EDDS are updated annually to address:
o Changes in the Comprehensive Plan, utility plans, Municipal Code or policy,
o Changes in equipment and materials,
o Improvements in technology, and
o Correcting mistakes found in text and standard drawings.
This year, besides clarifying text and standard drawing notes and updating changes in equipment and materials, the update will address several Policies in the Comprehensive Plan related to:
o Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Curb Ramps,
o Franchise Utilities,
o Street Trees, and
o Commercial Streets.
The first attachment summarizes the proposed changes, including why they are needed. The other two attachments show the public involvement and communication strategy and the annual timeline staff follows to update the EDDS.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The EDDS provide predictability and consistency in how the City’s infrastructure is built. Making timely changes to the EDDS ensures that infrastructure installed meets the most current standards and builds the foundation for the City’s vision.
Information related to the proposed changes is available on the City webpage dedicated to the EDDS. Stakeholders are engaged throughout the review and approval process, as shown in the attached public involvement and communication strategy.
Options:
1. Approve the recommendations. Approving the recommendations will allow staff to begin to develop the specific changes and meet the timeframes shown in the attached schedule.
2. Do not approve the recommendations and have staff revise as directed. Not approving the recommendations delays the development of the specific changes and may impact the timeframes shown in the attached 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 ADA ramp improvements on a more consistent basis, will cost more to developers and private utilities.
Attachments:
Summary of proposed changes to the EDDS (list of 2016 EDDS topics)
EDDS Public Involvement and Communication Strategy
EDDS Public Involvement and Communication Schedule