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Division II. Road Standards
Chapter 12.50
ROAD STANDARD GENERAL INFORMATONSections:
12.50.010 Purpose.
12.50.020 Scope and applicability.
12.50.030 Amendments.
12.50.040 Definitions and terms.
12.50.050 Exemptions.
12.50.060 Interpretation, enforcement and appeals.
12.50.070 Relationship to other county standards and requirements.
12.50.080 Reference design specifications.
12.50.090 Project acceptance.
12.50.100 Alternatives.
12.50.110 Performance assurance.
12.50.120 Violations and penalties.
12.50.130 Severability.
12.50.140 Fees.
12.50.150 Transportation system and frontage improvements.
12.50.160 Withdrawal of approval/acceptance.
12.50.170 Site maintenance.
12.50.180 Correspondence.
12.50.010 Purpose.
A. These minimum standards for development provide requirements for road and bridge design, construction and reconstruction. In establishing the minimum standards for development, the county engineer has sought to encourage standardization and internationality of road design elements. Considerations include safety, convenience, aesthetics, proper drainage, and maintenance.
B. The county’s permitting, certification or licensing activities require the adoption of standards to guide individuals and entities in the administrative process of procuring the necessary county approvals. The county must also have flexibility to carry out its general duty to provide streets, roads and highways for the diverse and changing needs of the traveling public. Accordingly, these standards are not intended to represent the legal standard by which the county’s duty to the traveling public is to be measured.
C. The decision to use a particular road design element at a particular location should be made on the basis of an engineering analysis of the location. Thus, while this document provides minimum requirements for design, it is not a substitute for professional engineering judgment. It is the intent that the provisions of these standards be international requirements for road and bridge design, but may not be appropriate for all locations and existing situations.
D. These standards cannot provide for all situations. It is intended to assist, but not substitute for, competent work by design professionals. It is expected that each professional bring to each project the best of their skills and abilities. These standards are also not intended to unreasonably limit any innovative or creative effort which could result in the more effective and appropriate combination of design, cost savings, or both. Any proposed departure from these standards will be judged on the likelihood that such a departure or variance will produce a compensating or comparable result, adequate in every way, for the road user and county resident. (Ord. TLS 07-04-30B Exh. B (part): Ord. TLS 04-02-30B Exh. A (part))
12.50.020 Scope and applicability.
A. Except as exempted in DCC Section 12.50.050, all requirements contained in these standards, together with any and all amendments thereto, shall apply to all road, bridge, and other new construction and reconstruction of county and private roads in unincorporated Douglas County or as may be required as a condition of development approval as defined in DCC Chapter 14.98 within Douglas County, and as far as practicable and feasible to the reconstruction of existing county and private roads in unincorporated Douglas County. These standards shall also apply to all public and private accesses, exempt private roads and driveways connecting to public roads; usage of unopened county rights-of-way; location and installation of new utilities; and pedestrian, bicycle and equestrian facilities. In cases of any ambiguity or dispute over interpretation or application of the provisions of these standards, the decision of the county engineer shall be final subject to administrative appeal as set forth in DCC Section 14.12.010.
B. These standards apply to modifications of roadway features of existing facilities which are within the scope of reconstruction or capital improvement projects when so required by the county or to the extent they are expressly referred to in project plans and specifications.
C. These standards are applied as follows:
1. Mandatory standards are those considered most essential to the achievement of overall design objectives. Mandatory standards use the word “shall.”
2. Advisory standards allow some flexibility in application to accommodate design constraints or to be compatible with local conditions. Advisory standards use the word “should.”
3. All standards other than the mandatory and advisory, indicated with the word “may,” are permissive with no requirement intended.
D. If these standards are silent regarding a specific issue regarding the planning, design or construction of a road or bridge, then the AASHTO Geometric Design of Highways and Streets, WSDOT Standard Plans and Specifications, WSDOT Construction Manual, and the WSDOT City and County Design Standards as contained within the WSDOT Local Agency Guidelines shall provide guidance as to the requirements subject to approval by the county engineer.
E. For the purpose of these standards, the defined “administrator” shall be the county engineer. (Ord. TLS 07-04-30B Exh. B (part): Ord. TLS 04-02-30B Exh. A (part))
12.50.030 Amendments.
A. These standards may be amended from time to time in accordance with DCC Chapter 14.32.
B. All requests for amendments or revisions to these standards from other county departments, other agencies or other outside parties shall be provided to the county engineer for evaluation. Such requests shall be in writing and shall provide such supporting information as may be required by the county engineer. (Ord. TLS 07-04-30B Exh. B (part): Ord. TLS 04-02-30B Exh. A (part))
12.50.040 Definitions and terms.
Unless otherwise defined or redefined within these standards, all definitions and terms used in these standards are contained in DCC Chapter 14.98. (Ord. TLS 07-04-30B Exh. B (part): Ord. TLS 04-02-30B Exh. A (part))
12.50.050 Exemptions.
These standards shall not govern the following:
A. Road and associated work done on roads that are under the authority, ownership or responsibility of other governmental agencies. In such cases, the standards of the other governmental agency shall apply.
B. Road maintenance work within county road rights-of-way performed by county forces or by contract.
C. Road maintenance work on private roads that does not affect the prior approved geometrics or adversely affect the safe passage of vehicles on the private road.
D. Temporary road repairs made on an emergency basis.
E. Resurfacing and restoration (“2-R”) projects.
F. New road construction or reconstruction within urban growth boundaries where the county and a city or town have entered into an interlocal agreement to use the city’s or town’s road standards.
G. Exempt private roads, except that portion of the exempt private road which accesses and is located within a county right-of-way. An access permit shall be required for all new and revised accesses to a county road per DCC Chapter 12.24. The standards within Figure 4-1 shall be the minimum standards applicable to intersections of exempt private roads to county roads. (Ord. TLS 07-04-30B Exh. B (part): Ord. TLS 04-02-30B Exh. A (part))
12.50.060 Interpretation, enforcement and appeals.
A. Interpretation and enforcement of these standards shall be the responsibility of the county engineer or designated representative.
B. Failure to comply with these standards will be cause for withholding or withdrawing acceptance of plans or drawings, withholding of bond, final inspection approval or occupancy certificates and/or other penalties as provided for in DCC Chapter 14.92. For the purposes of DCC Chapter 14.92, the “director” shall mean the county engineer or designated representative.
C. All appeals of any decision by the county engineer in his/her administration, interpretation or enforcement of these standards shall be in writing and within fourteen days of the decision. The written appeal, including the recommendations and analyses of the county engineer, shall be made to the Douglas County hearing examiner in accordance with DCC Section 14.12.010. (Ord. TLS 04-02-30B Exh. A (part))
12.50.070 Relationship to other county standards and requirements.
Other Douglas County plans, standards and requirements for which these standards are intended to be consistent with are:
A. Douglas County Code, as amended, particularly DCC Titles 12, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19 and 20.
B. Douglas County Comprehensive Plan, current edition.
C. Greater East Wenatchee Comprehensive Plan, current edition, and all other adopted community plans within Douglas County.
D. Douglas County Non-Motorized Transportation Plan, when adopted. (Ord. TLS 04-02-30B Exh. A (part))
12.50.080 Reference design specifications.
Except where these standards provide otherwise, design detail, construction materials and workmanship shall be in accordance with the following publications:
A. WSDOT Standard Plans Specifications for Road, Bridge and Municipal Construction, current edition, henceforth referenced as the “WSDOT Standard Specifications” along with the WSDOT Design Manual, current edition.
B. WSDOT Standard Plans for Road and Bridge Construction, current edition, henceforth referenced as the “WSDOT Standard Plans.”
C. WSDOT Local Agency Guidelines, current edition, including the City and County Design Standards for the Construction of Urban and Rural Arterials and Collectors.
D. AASHTO “A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets,” fourth edition (2001), also known as the “Green Book.”
E. AASHTO “Guidelines for Geometric Design of Very Low-Volume Local Roads (ADT<= 400),” 2001.
F. USDOT “Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices,” current edition as adopted, including amendments, by the Washington State Department of Transportation, henceforth referenced as the “MUTCD.”
G. ITE Trip Generation Manual, current edition.
H. HEC22, Urban Drainage Design Manual.
I. ADA Guidelines for Public Right-of-Ways.
J. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Technical Release 55, “Urban Hydrology for Small Watersheds.”
K. Washington State Department of Ecology, “Stormwater Management Manual for Eastern Washington” (when released and approved for use by DOE).
L. WSDOT Construction Manual, current edition.
M. WSDOT Bridge Design Manual, current edition.
N. WSDOT Hydraulics Manual, current edition.
O. WSDOT Materials Manual, current edition.
P. WSDOT Roadside Manual, current edition.
Q. WSDOT Utilities Manual, current edition.
R. WSDOT Work Zone Traffic Control Manual, current edition.
S. WSDOT Highway Runoff Manual, current edition.
T. WSDOT Pedestrian Facilities Guidebook, current edition.
U. Department of Ecology, Criteria For Sewage Work Design, Pub No. 98-37 WQ, 1998. (Ord. TLS 04-02-30B Exh. A (part))
12.50.090 Project acceptance.
A. The county engineer shall rely upon the certification and approval of the road and drainage plans and calculations by the applicant’s engineer for approval of the project. The county engineer’s acceptance of the plans shall not relieve the applicant or the applicant’s engineer from any liability related to portions of the design that are not in conformance with these standards nor follow good engineering practice.
B. Upon receipt of the project plans and calculations, the county engineer will review the work of the applicant’s engineer for accuracy and completeness. The plans and calculations will either be accepted by the county or returned for revisions. All revisions are subject to hourly review fees as set forth in the current fee schedule. Project acceptance occurs when the county engineer signs the plans.
C. The plans, reports, basin maps and calculations shall be signed, sealed and dated by the applicant’s engineer. The cover sheet of the plan set and the cover sheet of all calculations shall bear the certification by the applicant’s engineer that reads:
The design improvements shown in this set of plans and calculations conform to the current edition of the Douglas County Road Standards. All design variances have been approved by the Douglas County Engineer. I approve these plans for construction.
D. The acceptance of plans shall be valid for a period of three years from the date of approval by the county engineer. Construction in accordance with the approved plans must be completed within this period. If not completed within this period, the plans shall be resubmitted to the county engineer for review and any revisions or modifications necessary to meet the standards in effect at the time of resubmittal shall be made. Resubmittal fees equal to new application fees shall be paid before the plans can be approved by the county.
E. A traffic impact analysis shall only be valid for a period of five years from the date of approval of the development. If the project is not completed within this time period, the traffic impact analysis shall be updated and resubmitted to the county engineer for review and concurrence prior to project acceptance. Resubmittal fees equal to new application fees shall be paid before the updated analysis is approved by the county.
F. Requests for modifications made during the construction of a project that are not in conflict with the preliminary plat approval conditions shall be approved by the county engineer and county fire marshal, when applicable, prior to any changes being made in the field.
G. Depending upon the nature of the modifications and in all cases where there is a conflict with the preliminary plat approval conditions, approval of the Douglas County hearing examiner will also be required as provided for in DCC Title 14. (Ord. TLS 04-02-30B Exh. A (part))
12.50.100 Alternatives.
A. These standards represent reasonable approaches based on past experience in Douglas County and other jurisdictions. These standards indicate the appropriate practice under most conditions.
B. Engineering design is an endeavor that examines alternative solutions to real world situations and accordingly, these standards are not provided to hamper the introduction of new ideas. It is fully expected that creative engineering will continue to take place. Situations will present themselves where alternatives may be preferred to allow conformance with existing conditions, to overcome adverse topography or to allow for more affordable solutions without adversely affecting safety, maintainability or aesthetics. These standards are intended to provide predictability yet still allow for the flexibility necessary for innovation.
C. Alternatives to these standards shall be proposed at the preapplication meeting and evaluated and accepted prior to the application submittal.
D. The alternative request shall be in writing, submitted to the county engineer, and address the following points:
1. Specifically outline the reason for the alternative request.
2. Specify the chapter and section for which the alternative is requested.
3. Provide supporting evidence demonstrating that an alternative from these standards is based on sound engineering judgment; that the requirements for safety, function, appearance, fire protection and maintainability are fully met; and that it complies with the Douglas County Comprehensive Plan and appropriate subarea plan, if applicable.
4. The above information shall be used by the county engineer in evaluating requests for the use of alternatives to these standards. Alternative requests that conflict with the International Fire Code as adopted by Douglas County shall also require written concurrence from the county fire marshal.
5. Any alternative proposal which achieves the standard but at an equal or greater value. (Ord. TLS 04-02-30B Exh. A (part))
12.50.110 Performance assurance.
A. Construction Performance.
1. In lieu of the completion of any required improvements prior to approval of a final plat, short plat, or other land use action, the county engineer may accept a performance guarantee in an amount and with satisfactory surety and conditions providing for and securing to Douglas County the actual design, construction and installation of such improvements within a period specified by the county engineer. The county engineer will enforce the guarantee through appropriate legal and equitable remedies. If a surety bond is provided, the amount of the bond shall not be less than one hundred and twenty-five percent of the estimated design and construction cost as reviewed and concurred in by the county engineer. See DCC Chapter 14.90 for specific instructions.
2. The amount of the performance guarantee may be reduced during construction, as determined by the county engineer and based upon the amount of progress payments. At no time will the performance guarantee amount be reduced to less than thirty percent of the original amount or five thousand dollars, whichever is greater.
3. Once a performance assurance is approved by the county, building permits or any additional permits required by the county may be issued prior to completion and approval of all road, drainage and utility construction. Building permits will only be issued if the roads are determined to be usable unless otherwise exempted by the fire marshal.
B. Maintenance Performance.
1. The developer shall warrant all portions of construction work done in the right-of-way for a period of eighteen months after completion or acceptance, whichever is later, against defective workmanship and materials. The developer shall keep the roads and public improvements in good order and repair during the eighteen-month period.
2. This warranty shall be secured with a form of collateral acceptable to the county engineer in conformance with the requirements of DCC Chapter 14.90. The amount of this collateral shall be fifteen percent of the original estimated or final design and construction cost as reviewed and concurred in by the county engineer or five thousand dollars, whichever is greater.
3. This warranty collateral shall be submitted concurrently with a request for release of the construction performance guarantee and the two-year warranty period shall commence on the date of said release of the guarantee. The warranty collateral shall not be drawn upon. This warranty collateral will be held eighteen months by Douglas County and will cover all improvements associated with the road system and its related drainage facilities.
4. During the course of the warranty period, periodic inspections will be conducted by the county engineer or his/her representative. If deficiencies are observed, other than normal deterioration, they shall be brought to the attention of the developer for his/her action. At the end of the eighteen-month period, the county engineer shall conduct a final inspection of the improvements and determine all work and an estimate of the cost necessary to restore the roadway, drainage facilities and any other improvements to their original design condition and provide said information to the developer. The developer shall have the option to perform all necessary restoration within a reasonable time as may be negotiated with the county engineer. Should any or all of the restoration not be satisfactorily accomplished by the developer, the county engineer will arrange for the accomplishment of the repairs. This restoration amount shall be deducted from the warranty collateral and the balance returned to the developer with an itemized list of all deductions; if the cost of the restoration work done by the county exceeds the amount of the warranty collateral, the developer shall be billed by the county for the balance including an itemized statement of all work performed.
5. Maintenance guarantees will not be required when the required construction performance guarantee is one thousand dollars or less. (Ord. TLS 04-02-30B Exh. A (part))
12.50.120 Violations and penalties.
A. Failure to comply with these standards shall be cause for withholding or withdrawing approval of plans, forfeiture of financial security or nonacceptance of the work by the county.
B. Violation of any provisions of these standards by any person, firm or corporation shall be pursued and resolved in the same manner as any violation of Douglas County Code as provided for in DCC Chapter 14.92.
C. Notwithstanding the existence or use of any other remedy, the director or county engineer may seek legal or equitable relief to enjoin any acts or practices and abate any conditions that constitute or will constitute a violation of these standards or other regulations herein adopted. (Ord. TLS 04-02-30B Exh. A (part))
12.50.130 Severability.
If any part of these standards or its application to any person is, for any reason, declared invalid, illegal, or unconstitutional, in whole or in part by any court or agency of competent jurisdiction, said decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions thereof. (Ord. TLS 04-02-30B Exh. A (part))
12.50.140 Fees.
Fees shall be assessed in accordance with the current development fee schedule as approved by the Douglas County board of county commissioners. (Ord. TLS 04-02-30B Exh. A (part))
12.50.150 Transportation system and frontage improvements.
Frontage improvements are required for all improvement and development projects that have frontage on a public road that does not meet current standards. The transportation system and frontage improvements shall be in place, paid or be secured by means of an approved deferred improvement agreement no later than time of final plat approval or certificate of occupancy, whichever occurs first, for that development or phase. If the improvements are not listed on the county transportation improvement plan, they shall be installed prior to final plat approval.
A. Transportation Improvements—Off-Site. Off-site transportation improvements such as road widening, additional right-of-way, paving, geometric improvements, additional lanes, traffic control devices, bridge and drainage structure modifications, pedestrian facilities, bike paths and intersection improvements away from the development shall be required where identified by a traffic impact analysis or otherwise be determined to be necessary as part of the development review process.
The Douglas County department of transportation and land services will also review the right-of-way status of abutting and adjoining county roads to determine if additional right-of-way is needed to meet the current road standards as set forth in these standards.
All such required off-site improvements must be completed or other financing arrangements made as approved by the county prior to final development approval. Alternate financing methods such as use of road benefit assessment reimbursement areas as set forth in DCC Chapter 12.44 may be used.
B. Frontage Improvements—General Requirements.
1. Frontage improvements may be required for all improvement and development projects that have frontage on a public road. Frontage improvements shall consist of, but not be limited to, dedication of right-of-way, road widening, turn lanes, traffic signals, bus stop pads, bus shelter pads, passenger shelters, bus pullouts, pedestrian facilities, bike paths where designated in the current county comprehensive plan and safety and drainage improvements, including all tributary runoff.
2. Frontage improvements, including the dedication of right-of-way, shall be installed at the time of development unless otherwise approved by the county.
3. The developer shall coordinate the design and construction with the county and Link Transit when frontage improvements include bus stop pads, shelter pads and bus shelters. Prescription of a passenger shelter shall also incorporate the condition that the shelter meets Link Transit’s standard passenger shelter specifications.
C. Exceptions. The county engineer may approve an alternative as set out in subsection D of this section to the installation of frontage improvements, not including dedication of right-of-way, if one or more of the following conditions apply:
1. The design grade and alignment of the abutting roads cannot be determined at the time of construction of the development.
2. The installation of frontage improvements required for the development would create or intensify a hazard to public safety.
3. The installation of frontage improvements required for the development could be more safely, efficiently, and effectively implemented if done concurrently with the installation of improvements required for other developments along the same road frontage.
D. Deferral of Improvements. Any deferred frontage improvement shall be secured for installation at a later date by an agreement and covenant between the county and the property owner whereby the property owner agrees to two methods of installation of the deferred frontage improvements. This agreement and covenant shall be executed before the issuance of any improvement and development permits. The county engineer shall select which method to enforce against the property owner at the time when the deferred frontage improvements are required to be installed. Three methods the property owner shall agree to are:
1. Commitment to Participate in an Improvement District. The property owner shall execute and record an agreement with the county and covenant running with the land that ensures the participation of the subject property owner in any local improvement district (Chapter 35.43 RCW), road improvement district (Chapter 36.88 RCW), or transportation benefit district (Chapter 36.73 RCW) formed for the construction of such frontage improvements. Said document shall be in a form acceptable to the county prosecuting attorney’s office and shall be effective for a period not exceeding ten years from the date of recording. This document shall bind the owner and its designees, heirs, transferees, donees, and/or successors in interest.
2. Agreement to Participate in Improvement Project. The property owner shall execute and record an agreement with the county and covenant running with the land that ensures the participation of the subject property owner in an improvement project not supported by an improvement district that encompasses the said deferred frontage improvements by paying their share thereof. Such share shall be equal to the county’s costs for installing the deferred frontage improvements. The county shall provide a nonbinding total cost estimate to the property owner at the time the agreement is entered into including a disclaimer that the total cost of the project at the time of construction may vary due to inflation, changes in design standards or other governmental laws and regulations. A contract shall be developed at the time the improvement project is developed outlining the level of participation by the subject property owner in said project and the manner in which payment is to be made; provided, that the financial responsibility of the subject property owner shall not exceed the cost of said deferred frontage improvements at the time of the improvement project. Such an agreement and covenant shall bind the owner and its assignees, heirs, transferees, donees, and/or successors in interest. The agreement and covenant document shall be effective for a period of ten years from the date of recording.
3. Voluntary Payments. See RCW 82.02.020. (Ord. TLS 04-02-30B Exh. A (part))
12.50.160 Withdrawal of approval/acceptance.
At the discretion of the county engineer, errors and omissions in the approved/accepted plans or information used as a basis for such approvals/acceptances may constitute grounds for withdrawal of any approvals/acceptances and/or stoppage of any or all permitted work. It shall be the responsibility of the applicant to show cause why such work should continue, and make such changes in plans that may be required by the county before the plans are re-approved. (Ord. TLS 04-02-30B Exh. A (part))
12.50.170 Site maintenance.
A. The applicant shall schedule and control the work to comply with all applicable provisions of county development regulations and applicable state and federal laws and regulations to prevent any hazards to public safety, health and welfare.
B. On existing roads, two-way traffic and all existing lanes of traffic shall be maintained at all times unless detour and/or traffic control plans have been approved in advance by the county engineer.
C. Roads shall be kept free of dirt and debris.
D. Pedestrian and bicycle facilities shall be kept free of obstructions.
E. Pedestrian and vehicular access to occupied buildings shall be maintained except where written approval from the building owner has been obtained.
F. Drainage facilities shall be maintained and fully functional and stormwater, erosion, and sedimentation control devices shall be maintained and fully functional.
G. On-site grading shall be done in a manner to minimize off-site erosion and siltation in conformance with all statutory requirements, permits and approved plans. (Ord. TLS 04-02-30B Exh. A (part))
12.50.180 Correspondence.
All correspondence, including letters, reports, and plans, shall be clearly labeled with the county project number as assigned by the department. Submittals or correspondence without this identification number will not be accepted and will not be reviewed. (Ord. TLS 04-02-30B Exh. A (part))