Title
Approval of the Proposed Scope for 2020 Engineering Design and Development Standards Update
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
The Land Use & Environment Committee recommends approval of the proposed scope for 2020 Engineering Design and Development Standards update (EDDS).
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the recommendation from the Land Use & Environment Committee to approve the proposed scope for the 2020 EDDS update.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve the proposed scope for the 2020 EDDS update.
Staff Contact:
Stephen Sperr, P.E., Assistant City Engineer, Public Works Engineering, 360.753.8739
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item.
Background and Analysis:
The 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 developing and administering the EDDS.
The EDDS are updated annually to:
• Implement Goals and Policies established in the City’s Comprehensive Plan and other Council-approved plans such as the Downtown Strategy.
• Reflect changes to the Olympia Municipal Code (OMC), particularly Titles 12-18.
• Help implement policies established in approved Utility Master Plans.
• Address changes in equipment and materials.
• Enable the use of improvements in technology.
• Clarify information and requirements described in the text and shown on standard drawings.
A few topics of particular interest listed under the Substantive Changes heading in the attachment to this staff report include street connectivity, downtown sidewalk standards, thresholds for frontage improvements, and private streets in mobile home parks. These topics implement Comprehensive Plan goals and policies consistent with reducing housing and development costs while maintaining public safety. Some of these topics will require significant staff time and public input before being finalized. This will likely result in a 12-18 month timeframe to fully develop and approve some of these substantive changes. The other proposed changes will likely be brought forward later this year to City Council for a public hearing and approval.
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.
Options:
1. Approve the recommended the Proposed Scope of 2020 EDDS update. Staff will move forward with developing the changes.
2. Recommend additional topics to be addressed through the 2020 EDDS update. Staff will move forward with developing the scope of the additional topic(s) along with the recommended changes.
3. Do not approve the recommendation and have staff revise as directed. Not approving the recommendation may delay the development of the specific changes.
Financial Impact:
Most of the proposed changes should not result in notable increases to the costs of private development or public work projects. However, those addressing street connectivity, downtown sidewalk standards, thresholds for frontage improvements and private streets in mobile home parks should end up costing less for owners and developers.
Attachments:
Proposed Scope