-
TO: Mayor and Councilors
-
Date: 10/8/2002 12:00:00 AM
-
TO: Mayor and Councilors
-
Date:
-
Created:
-
6/17/2008 10:01:00 AM
-
THRU: Isaiah Hugley, City Manager
-
-
FROM: Richard Bishop
-
Subject: Utility Ordinance Draft
No attachments for this document.
Attached is a draft copy of the proposed revised Utility Ordinance. We are
continuing to meet with those affected by this Ordinance.
COLUMBUS CODE
ARTICLE IV. REPAIR, INSTALLATION AND CONSTRUCTION
ON ALL RIGHTS-OF-WAY WITH IN MUSCOGEE COUNTY
EXCEPT
U.S. OR GEORGIA HIGHWAYS
Sec. 18-60. Regulations Adopted.
The following regulations, prepared by the Department of Engineering of
Columbus, Georgia, are hereby adopted and established for work done on all
public rights-of-way within Columbus, Muscogee County, Georgia. Exempted from
this ordinance is work done on designated U. S. Highways and designated Georgia
State Highways. Work done on these rights of way must be permitted by the
Georgia Department of Transportation. (Ord. No. 82-98, 12-28-82)
Sec. 18-61. Scope.
This article shall apply to all work done within the limits of the right of way
for maintenance, reconstruction, relocation or installation of any utility
within the limits of city-owned rights-of-way and any other work done within
the limits of the right-of-way. This ordinance shall apply to all utility
companies, and contractors that have facilities and / or do work within
Columbus, Muscogee County, Georgia including all utilities who currently hold
?Franchise Agreements? with the Columbus Consolidated Government, and
contractors working for utility companies or private companies. (Ord. No
82-98, 12-28-82).
Any private contractor desiring to do work on the Right of Way shall show proof
of a contractors license, and a business license to do work in Muscogee County.
Sec. 18-62. Application.
1) A Permit shall be required for all work done on the Right of Way of any
street that is not a designated State or Federal Highway within Columbus,
Muscogee County, Georgia. Work done on State or Federal Highways or on roadways
that are listed on the Transportation Improvement List having receiving funds
from the State or Federal Government, shall be permitted by the Georgia
Department of Transportation and a courtesy copy of the permit shall be
forwarded to the Department of Engineering of the Columbus Consolidated
Government.
2) Utility companies shall obtain all permits for all work done associated with
repair, replacement or expansion of existing facilities whether the work is
done by the utility company?s forces or by contractors working for the utility
company.
3) Work done by developers and their contractors on new development may be per
permitted through the developer?s contractor.
4) Accompanying documents - Anyone desiring to do work within the limits of the
right-of-way will be required to obtain a permit from the City Engineering
Department. The minimum documents needed for submittal are:
a) Completed application, including an emergency number and point of contact
from the utility company / contractor. The contacts shall be available 24 hours
a day, 7 days a week, including weekends and holidays. The number and names
shall also be made available to the Directors of Engineering, Public Services,
and 911.
b) Site plan including proposed location of work.
c) Traffic control plan.
d) Profile or cross sections for proposed roadway crossing.
e) Coordination with the City Arborist is required when using open cut or
trenching .in areas where trees are located.
5) Exceptions ? Approved permits shall be required for any work done on the
Right of Way by any utility company or licensed contractor, at least
forty-eight (48) hours before work is to begin, with the following exceptions:
a) Emergency cuts: In case of an emergency, the utility company / contractor
will obtain a permit not later than one (1) working day after problem is
reported.
i) For the purpose of this ordinance an emergency may be defined as a
situation where there is an immediate threat to the health, safety or welfare
of a person or property.
ii) Problems that have been reported but are not acted on within the same
working week (Monday through Friday) will not be considered ?emergency work?
but shall be considered planned maintenance. In these cases the standard permit
procedure shall apply and the permit shall be obtained prior to commencement of
work
b) Normal scheduled maintenance and planned projects by the utility company /
contractor does not constitute emergency work and as such are not subject to
this exception.
6) Minor work such as service connections where the service connection and the
main line are on the same side of the street, may be exempt from submitting a
site plan attached to the permit request.
7) Work that runs parallel to the street for a distance of less than 20 feet,
does not cross the street or encroach on the roadway, and remains in front of a
single lot may be exempt from submitting a site plan attached to the permit
request.
Sec. 18-63. Design Specifications.
Construction methods should be used that minimize disturbance and impact to the
City=s Right-of-Way and private property.
1) Open Cut Technology ? Roadways:
Open Cut of a roadway is prohibited for new installations unless site
conditions warrant it or as otherwise approved by the Department of
Engineering. The open cut method may be used for repair of existing facilities
only. Open Trench repair may be done one of the two methods described here.
When the open cut method is used the following shall apply:
a) Alternate Method 1 (concrete cap)
i) Alternate Method 1 (concrete cap) ? The trench may be backfilled with good,
dry local material from the cut. The material shall be placed in 6 inch sifts
and compacted beginning at the bottom of the trench and continuing to 7 ?
inches below the finished surface. On this compacted material a 6? concrete
bride (cap) shall be placed in accordance with the specifications of this
ordinance. The final 1 ? inches of asphalt shall be place no later than 30 days
after work done below the roadway is completed but no sooner than 3 days after
the concrete is placed.
ii) Concrete caps on city streets shall be six (6) inches thick, ?Class A?,
three thousand (3,000) p.s.i. concrete. Slump shall be within the limits of 2
inches minimum to 4 inches maximum. An allowance of one and one-half (1 2)
inches in depth shall be provided below the existing roadway surface to allow
for appropriate asphaltic overlays.
iii) Under alternate Method 1, permanent repair trenches shall be cut an
additional six (6) inches wide on each side to a depth of seven and one-half (7
1/ 2) inches to provide for the placement of a concrete bridge (cap) to reduce
differential settlement.
b) Alternate Method 2 (backfill with specified material)
i) The trench shall be backfilled in 6 inch lifts using ?Graded Aggregate
Base.? Alternate backfill materials may be substituted with written permission
from the City Engineer on a case by case basis.
ii) The material shall be compacted to 98% of the maximum dry density for the
entire depth of the trench. Moisture shall be added to each lift as the trench
is filled in order to achieve maximum compaction.
iii) The trench shall be filled and compacted to the street surface level with
the GAB material. Once the trench is filled then the roadway may be opened for
traffic.
iv) Within 30 days of completion of the work, a the contractor shall excavate
the GAB to and elevation of 1 ? inches below the surface of the roadway, and
place 1 ? inches of asphalt of the type specified in this ordinance for a
permanent patch.
2) Open Cut - General Specifications:
a) Asphalt will be one and one-half (1 2) inches, Type E, F or other suitable
mix approved by the City Engineer.
b) When using concrete bridges (caps) the entire base area shall be tack-coated
prior to any placement of asphalt.
c) Patching will be permitted on days when weather is satisfactory. Placing
concrete temperature shall be forty (40) degrees and rising, and placing
asphalt temperature shall be forty (40) degrees and rising.
d) All trench cuts shall be a minimum of eighteen (18) inches wide to allow
room for mechanical compaction equipment. Narrower trenches may be approved by
the Department of Engineering if smaller compaction equipment is available.
All backfill shall be tamped in six-inch lifts, to a minimum of ninety-five
(95) per cent maximum dry density of a standard proctor.
e) All cuts shall be saw cut and made to maintain a square or rectangular
configurations. No round cuts will be accepted.
i) Asphalt cuts ? In existing asphalt streets, all required cuts shall be sawed
in a square or rectangular shape.
ii) Concrete cuts ? All cuts in concrete paved surfaces shall be saw cut
smoothly in a square or rectangular shape.
iii) All cuts shall be a minimum of 2 feet each way measured on the surface, to
allow enough space for compaction of backfill and asphalt the asphalt surface.
iv) No cleated equipment is to be used on paved surfaces. Special care shall
be taken to protect pavements from damage by equipment stabilizers.
v) All excavated material stored during the process of the work:
3) Excavated material stored on the roadway surface shall be cleaned from
pavement surfaces and the surface shall be swept to the satisfaction of the
field inspector. Under no circumstances shall the roadway be washed clean. The
utility shall use all available means to protect inlets from the infiltration
of sediment into the drainage system including the use of approved filter
barriers placed to protect the openings of inlets and pipes.
4) Excavated material stored on the shoulder of the roadway shall be removed
completely and damaged vegetation shall be restored immediately. The method of
restoration for vegetation shall be approved by the inspector and may include
seeding and mulching, sod or placement of fiber or jute blankets.
5) Under no circumstances shall excess material be placed in or obstruct a
drainage way or block access (ingress and egress) to someone?s property at any
time.
6) Drawing Number E-905 or current standard shall be filed in the Department of
Engineering for graphic details of patching specifications.
7) The Utility company / contractor may be required to resurface all or
portions of roadway where work has been preformed. Roadways that are identified
on the ?Reconstruction List? for the City of Columbus then resurfacing shall
not be required. Roadways that are not listed on the ?Reconstruction List?
shall be resurfaced when they meet the following criteria:
8) In a block where linear cuts, running parallel to the centerline of the
street and where these cuts extend more than 30% of the entire block length,
the utility company / contractor responsible for these cuts shall at their
expense resurface the street within the block affected.
9) In a block in which 3 or more street are made, the utility company /
contractor responsible for these cuts shall at their expense, resurface the
affected area. The exact limits shall be determined by the City Engineering
Department. This shall apply to all streets not on the ?Reconstruction or
Resurfacing List.?
10) The resurfacing shall consist of a minimum of a 1 inch overlay of asphaltic
concrete, Type E, F or approved mix. The resurfacing shall extend for the
entire affected block length and shall be a minimum of one lane wide and a
maximum the entire roadway width. The actual length of overlay may be adjusted
at the discretion of the City Engineer. The resurfacing requirement may be
waived if the street is programmed for Resurfacing or Reconstruction.
11) The Utility Company or contractor shall be responsible for the maintenance
of all utility manholes, valve boxes, pipes, conduits etc. for the life of the
structure.
a) Trench cuts across roadways shall be warranted for a period of 2 years after
the permanent patch is placed. Notification in writing must be received in this
office of placement of a permanent patch before the 2 year period begins.
i) Failure of roadways due to failure of structures shall be the responsibility
of the utility companies to which the structures belong.
ii) Failure of patches after the 2 year warranty period that is due to decay or
failure of the utility structure or poor workmanship on the part of the utility
or his contractor shall be the responsibility of the utility company to which
the structures belong.
12) Trenchless Technology:
Directional drilling, boring, auguring or other alternative methods or any
other type subsurface means of utility installation shall be used for the
following:
a) Subdivisions or developments in which the maintenance bond for the streets
has expired. Installation of new underground utilities in areas that have
established vegetation, i.e., landscaping, established lawns, etc.,
b) Subdivisions or developments that are still under the maintenance bond of
the developer may be trenched except for street crossings.
c) Replacement or upgrading of existing utilities where the existing utility
shall remain in place and abandoned.
d) Road crossings except where conditions prohibit the process of directional
drilling or boring.
e) Installation of new underground utilities in areas that are within the
dripline of any trees on the right-of-way. A minimum depth of 3? is required
to protect the roadbed and critical root zone for trees unless otherwise
approved due to subsurface conditions.
i) The City Arborist shall be notified of any trenching done within the
dripline of a tree before the work is begun.
13) Driveways:
Driveways to be replace in accordance with standard details for driveway
installation. Details may be obtained from the Traffic Engineering Department
of the Columbus Consolidated Government. When existing driveways must be cut to
repair existing utilities, they shall be replaced to the following standards
a) Residential driveways will be replaced with five-inch, Class A, three
thousand (3,000) p.s.i. concrete.
b) Commercial driveways will be replaced with six-inch, Class A, three thousand
(3,000) p.s.i. concrete.
c) Asphalt driveways will be sawed and replaced in a uniform manner.
d) All driveways must be replaced with special care taken to satisfy property
owners. The driveways must be saw cut and removed to the nearest joint.
Driveways shall be replaced in accordance with standard driveway details used
by the Columbus Consolidated Government. In cases of disputes with property
owners, the decision of the City Engineer shall be final. (Ord. No. 82-98,
12-28-82)
e) Driveways that are to be removed and replaced near trees shall be inspected
by the City Arborist. The Arborist shall direct the best way to replace the
driveway in order to have the least negative affect on exiting trees. Should a
tree be damaged to the extent that removal is required, then the utility shall
be responsible for it?s removal and disposal.
14) Sidewalks:
When a section of sidewalk has to be removed, the existing sidewalk shall be
saw cut to a neat line, perpendicular to be the centerline and the surface of
the concrete slab. Existing concrete shall be cut along the nearest existing
construction joint. It shall be replaced with a minimum 4?thickness of 3000
p.s.i. concrete reinforced with fibermesh and match existing widths. If the
thickness is greater than 4?, then existing thickness shall be matched.
15) Curb & Gutter:
For curb and gutter, it too shall be saw cut to a neat line, perpendicular to
the centerline. The new work will be neatly joined to existing surfaces so as
to form an even unbroken plane between the two. The linear dimension of a curb
and/or gutter cut shall be a minimum of 5'. All spoils shall be cleaned from
pavement area to the satisfaction of the Field Inspector. Curb and gutter
shall be poured separately from concrete patches. Joint material shall be
provided as necessary.
16) Grassed/Landscaped Areas:
a. No trenching will be allowed for new installations within the critical root
zone of any tree on City right-of-way. The critical root zone is considered to
be, the root system within the dripline. Any work within this area shall be
coordinated with the City Arborist prior to commencement of work. When it is
anticipated that the presence of trees will interfere with the planned work,
the contractor / utility shall furnish proof of coordination with the City
Arborist at the time the application is submitted. The Arborist may require a
plan showing the approximate location of trees located on City right-of-way.
This plan should include size and species of trees and vegetation affected. A
site visit by the City Arborist and a representative from the construction
company / utility may be substituted in lieu of the detailed plan at the
discretion of the City Arborist.
b. Trees that are damaged by work on the right of way shall become the
responsibility of the utility doing the work and shall be removed and / or
replaced in accordance with the ?Tree Ordinance?.
17) Erosion Control:
Erosion control measures shall be maintained in place throughout the job and
after completion of the work until permanent vegetation is established. The
Utility company / contractor shall be responsible for replanting if vegetation
does not become established 30 days after the work has been completed. If
temporary grassing is used then permanent grassing shall be provided at the
earliest possible growing season. All permanent grassing shall be like kind for
all disturbed areas to include sod where sod is located.
a. Linear Projects- All work shall be completed as it progresses along the
route to include all the trenches shall be backfilled and compacted to a 100%
of a standard proctor under the roadway and 90% along the shoulder not under
the roadway. Trenches shall be kept backfilled and at no point be more than 1
day behind the installation of utility lines or pipes.
b. Non-Liner Projects ? As work progresses all holes shall be backfilled and
compacted to 100% of a standard proctor under the roadway and 90% along the
shoulder not under the roadway.
c. All projects that disturb the City Right of Way shall install temporary and
/ or permanent vegetative measures in accordance with the season, not longer
than 5 working days following backfill and compaction of holes or trenches. All
debris and excess material shall be cleaned and hauled from the site prior to
installing vegetation or within 5 working days of completion of the work which
ever is sooner.
d. All spoil stockpiled on site shall be contained at the end of each working
day in a manner satisfactory to the Engineer. No spoil shall be left exposed or
uncontained so that it may run into a drainage system during a rain event.
e. For underground construction and maintenance, the utility and / or his
contractor are responsible for restoring disturbed areas as close as possible
to original condition. This includes the replacement of grassing, shrubs,
trees, etc. with in kind species. Repairs and / or replacements of existing
structures and irrigation systems that are located on the Right of Way are the
responsibility of the utility company / contractor or their designated
contractor and shall also be replaced.
Sec. 18-64. Responsibility and Liability
1) Traffic Control:
a) 2 lane Residential Streets ? Streets having less than 1,000 vehicles per day
will be allowed to post traffic controls per MUTCD for one lane traffic,
provided 500 feet of sight distance is available at the road closure point.
Traffic volumes shall be estimated at 6 trips/ vehicles per day, per house
along said street and / or subdivision streets blocked by road closure.
b) 2 lane Commercial Streets ? Steel plates shall be used over trenches. No
exceptions.
c) Multi-lane Streets ? Where street closure is required on multilane roadways,
all traffic control in accordance with MUTCD including lighted arrow boards
shall be used at all times during and after working hours.
d) The utility company / contractor is responsible for maintaining warning
devices and barricades on all utility cut projects until the cut is either
permanently or temporarily repaired and opened to traffic. The traffic control
shall be set up in accordance with the latest version of the Manual on Uniform
Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways. If flaggers are required,
then they must be Georgia DOT certified or certified by the National Safety
Council. All flaggers shall have proof of certification on their person at all
times when they are working on any part of the City Right of Way. The
requirement for proper certification will be in effect the same day this
ordinance is adopted by the Council of Columbus, Georgia.
e) When a trench on a two-lane roadway must be left open overnight, they shall
be covered with steel plates and secured to prevent shifting, if necessary. No
trench shall be left open through a weekend unless appropriate traffic control
including detour is provided.
2) Progress and Completion on Work:
a) Utility companies shall repair all open cuts immediately following
completion of construction with temporary patching material. Permanent
patching material shall be placed no later than thirty (30) calendar days
following completion of temporary patch. This includes repairs to existing
driveways, sidewalks, roadways, etc. The Department of Engineering shall be
notified upon completion of permanent patching.
b) Variances on the required time of repair may be issued on a case by case
basis by the City Engineer when sufficient reason or circumstances cause the
utility company or his contractor to be delayed in completion of the work.
3) Liability and Quality Control:
a) Any damage or claim of damage from the general public due to utility repair
work or installation operations shall be the responsibility of the utility
company / contractor.
b) The utility companies shall be held responsible for insuring that all cuts
are satisfactorily completed. Failure to comply will result in non-issuance of
further permits and / or issuance of a citation for violation of this
ordinance.
c) The Utility Companies shall be responsible for scope and quality of work
performed by their subcontractors. Including, but not limited to compaction,
erosion control and traffic control. Subcontractors shall be licensed in
Columbus, bonded and insured. (Ord. No. 82-98, 12-28-82)
d) The utility company / contractor is required to notify affected parties and
the Department of Engineering when extensive construction is going to be
performed in the area. Notification shall be done at least seven (7) days
prior to commencement of construction.
e) Where necessary to temporarily close full operations of a roadway, the
utility company / contractor / contractor shall notify Traffic Engineering
Division at least seven (7) days in advance.
Sec. 18-65. Penalties and Incentives
1) Upon determination that a violation of this ordinance has occurred, the
Department of Engineering shall do one of the following:
a) Issue an oral or written warning that a violation has occurred and issue a
timeline for the violation to be corrected.
b) Issue a citation for the violation.
2) If after the verbal warning the violation is not corrected in the specified
time then a written citation will be issued. Each citation carries a minimum
fine of $500. A separate citation may be written for each day of violation. The
penalties will be in accordance with Section 1-8 of the Columbus Code.
3) Any violator shall be required to restore the disturbed area to an
acceptable condition. If corrective action is not taken within ten (10) days,
the Department of Engineering may direct City forces be used to take corrective
action with the cost of such action being charged to the appropriate party.