WTP City - of - Boulder - Design - and - Construction - Standards - 6-26-19 - 0
WTP City - of - Boulder - Design - and - Construction - Standards - 6-26-19 - 0
WTP City - of - Boulder - Design - and - Construction - Standards - 6-26-19 - 0
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Page
INTRODUCTION
(A) Introduction...........................................................................................................................................I-1
(B) DCS Adoption.......................................................................................................................................I-1
(C) Changes Reflected in the DCS..............................................................................................................I-1
(D) Ordinance No. 7088..............................................................................................................................I-5
CHAPTER 1
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
1.01 GENERAL...........................................................................................................................................1-1
(A) Intent....................................................................................................................................................1-1
(B) Scope ...................................................................................................................................................1-1
(C) Minimum Standards ............................................................................................................................1-1
(D) Terminology ........................................................................................................................................1-1
1.02 DESCRIPTION AND USE OF THESE STANDARDS ..................................................................1-2
(A) Using these Standards .........................................................................................................................1-2
(B) Restrictions..........................................................................................................................................1-2
(C) Public Improvements Design ..............................................................................................................1-2
(D) Construction Approvals.......................................................................................................................1-2
(E) Public Improvements Construction.....................................................................................................1-3
(F) Standards .............................................................................................................................................1-3
1.03 SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS FOR CONSTRUCTION APPROVAL ..................................1-4
(A) Documentation ....................................................................................................................................1-4
(B) Engineering Reports............................................................................................................................1-5
(C) Rights-of-Way and Easement Dedications, Permits, and Agreements ...............................................1-6
(D) Construction Plans...............................................................................................................................1-6
(E) Plan and Profile Drawings.................................................................................................................1-10
(F) Submittal and Approval of Construction Plans and Drawings .........................................................1-13
(G) As-Built Drawings.............................................................................................................................1-14
(H) Submittal AND APPROVAL OF AS-BUILT DRAWINGS ........................................................................1-14
1.04 ALTERNATIVE MATERIALS AND METHODS OF CONSTRUCTION...............................1-15
(A) Use.....................................................................................................................................................1-15
(B) Approval............................................................................................................................................1-15
(C) Proof OF CLAIMS ...............................................................................................................................1-15
1.05 ALTERATIONS, MODIFICATIONS, AND WAIVERS .............................................................1-15
(A) Practical Difficulties..........................................................................................................................1-15
Effective: June 20, 2019 DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS T-i
(B) Criteria...............................................................................................................................................1-15
(C) Application Requirements.................................................................................................................1-16
(D) Decision.............................................................................................................................................1-16
CHAPTER 2
TRANSPORTATION DESIGN
2.01 GENERAL.............................................................................................................................................................2-4
(A) Intent..........................................................................................................................................2-4
(B) Transportation Master Plan ............................................................................................................2-4
(C) Reference Standards .......................................................................................................................2-4
(D) Functional Street Classification ......................................................................................................2-4
2.02 TRAFFIC STUDY.................................................................................................................................2-4
(A) Traffic Assessment .........................................................................................................................2-4
(B) Traffic Study Requirements ............................................................................................................2-4
(C) Responsibilities for Traffic Studies.................................................................................................2-4
(D) Preparation......................................................................................................................................2-4
(E) Coordination with City ...................................................................................................................2-5
(F) Submittal.........................................................................................................................................2-5
2.03 TRAFFIC STUDY FORMAT.............................................................................................................................2-5
(A) Study Requirements........................................................................................................................2-5
(B) Introduction..................................................................................................................................2-5
(C) Site Location and Zoning................................................................................................................2-5
(D) Study Area Boundaries...................................................................................................................2-5
(E) Existing Area Street System Description ........................................................................................2-5
(F) Existing and Projected Roadway and Intersection Traffic Volumes................................................2-5
(G) Existing and Proposed Site Uses.....................................................................................................2-6
(H) Existing and Proposed Land Uses in Vicinity of the Site ................................................................2-6
(I) Travel Demand Management Strategies .........................................................................................2-6
(J) Trip Generation...............................................................................................................................2-6
(K) Trip Distribution/Assignment and Modal Split...............................................................................2-7
(L) Existing and Projected Traffic Volumes ..........................................................................................2-7
(M) Transportation Service Standards...................................................................................................2-9
(N) Level of Service Analysis ...............................................................................................................2-9
(O) Traffic Counts and Analyses Worksheets.....................................................................................2-10
(P) Traffic Control and Signals..................................................................................................................2-10
(Q) Traffic Accidents...........................................................................................................................2-11
(R) Noise Attenuation.....................................................................................................................2-11
(S) Recommendations.........................................................................................................................2-11
(T) Conclusion ....................................................................................................................................2-12
(U) Revisions to Traffic Study ............................................................................................................2-12
2.04 SITE ACCESS ....................................................................................................................................2-12
(A) Access Requirements ....................................................................................................................2-12
(B) Access Permit Required ................................................................................................................2-12
(C) Location of Access .....................................................................................................................2-13
(D) Sight Distance ...............................................................................................................................2-13
(E) Restriction of Turning Movements ...............................................................................................2-13
(F) Traffic Control ..............................................................................................................................2-14
(G) One-Way Access Lanes ................................................................................................................2-14
T-ii DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS Effective: June 20, 2019
(H) Speed Change Lanes .....................................................................................................................2-14
(I) Access and Curb Cut Type........................................................................................................2-14
(J) Access and Curb Cut Width......................................................................................................2-15
(K) Access and Curb Cut Radii ...........................................................................................................2-15
(L) Access and Curb Cut Grades.........................................................................................................2-15
(M) Driveways ....................................................................................................................................2-16
2.05 RIGHT-OF-WAY REQUIREMENTS .............................................................................................2-17
2.06 BASE STREET AND ALLEY STANDARDS.................................................................................2-17
(A) Base Street Standard ....................................................................................................................2-17
(B) Base Alley Standard.....................................................................................................................2-17
2.07 STREET GEOMETRIC DESIGN ...................................................................................................2-18
(A) Minimum Requirements ...................................................................................................................2-18
(B) Right-of-Way ...............................................................................................................................2-18
(C) Lane Width ..................................................................................................................................2-18
(D) Horizontal Alignment ..................................................................................................................2-19
(E) Vertical Alignment.......................................................................................................................2-21
(F) Sight Distance ..............................................................................................................................2-22
(G) Medians...................................................................................................................................2-22
(H) Vertical Clearance of Structures ..................................................................................................2-22
2.08 SIDEWALKS ....................................................................................................................................2-23
(A) Required.......................................................................................................................................2-23
(B) Conformance with the Transportation Master Plan .....................................................................2-23
(C) Compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)..........................................................2-23
(D) Minimum Widths .........................................................................................................................2-23
(E) Vertical Grades ....................................................................................................................................2-23
2.09 RESIDENTIAL STREETS..........................................................................................................2-23
(A) Purpose.............................................................................................................................2-23
(B) Scope............................................................................................................................................2-24
(C) Director Review ...........................................................................................................................2-25
(D) Residential Street Sections...........................................................................................................2-26
2.10 EMERGENCY ACCESS LANES..........................................................................................................2-30
(E) Emergency Access Required .......................................................................................................2-30
(F) When Emergency Access Lane is Required ................................................................................2-30
(G) Secondary Emergency Access ...................................................................................................2-31
(H) Local Emergency Access Lane Standards ...................................................................................2-31
(I) Unobstructed Access .........................................................................................................2-31
(J) Access Identification....................................................................................................................2-32
2.11 BICYCLE FACILITIES DESIGN..................................................................................................2-32
(A) Conformance with Bicycle System Plan ......................................................................................2-32
(B) On-Street Bike Lanes - Streets Without On-Street Parking .........................................................2-32
(C) On-Street Bike Lanes - Streets With On-Street Parking ..............................................................2-32
(D) Off-Street Bike Lanes...................................................................................................................2-32
(E) Bicycle Parking ............................................................................................................................2-32
2.12 STREET LIGHTING.........................................................................................................................2-34
(A) Scope............................................................................................................................................2-34
Effective: June 20, 2019 DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS T-iii
(B) Guidelines for Street Lighting......................................................................................................2-34
(C) Easements ....................................................................................................................................2-35
CHAPTER 3
STREETSCAPE DESIGN AND TREE PROTECTION
3.01 GENERAL ............................................................................................................................................................3-1
(A) Intent .........................................................................................................................................3-1
(B) Scope3-1
(C) Reference Standards.......................................................................................................................3-1
(D) City Approval Required .................................................................................................................3-1
3.02 LANDSCAPING PLAN .......................................................................................................................3-1
(A) Landscaping Plan Required ...........................................................................................................3-1
(B) Tree Protection...............................................................................................................................3-1
(C) Landscaping Plan Requirements....................................................................................................3-2
3.03 STREET TREES AND PLANTS........................................................................................................3-2
(A) Tree Selection ................................................................................................................................3-2
(B) Tree Placement in Medians and Landscape Planting Strips...........................................................3-5
(C) Tree Placement in Paved Areas Using Tree Grates and Planting Pits............................................3-6
(D) Plant Selection and Placement for Landscaping in Medians .........................................................3-8
3.04 TREE REMOVAL AND RELOCATION...........................................................................................3-9
(A) Permit Required for Tree Removal or Relocation..........................................................................3-9
(B) Undesirable Trees for Public Rights-of-Way...............................................................................3-10
(C) Tree Removal ...............................................................................................................................3-10
(D) Tree Relocation (Transplanting) ..................................................................................................3-10
3.05 TREE PROTECTION FOR CONSTRUCTION SITES .............................................................3-11
(A) Tree Protection Required .............................................................................................................3-11
(B) Tree Protection Procedures ..........................................................................................................3-11
3.06 GENERAL LANDSCAPING AND MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS ...................................3-14
(A) Protecting Existing Improvements ...............................................................................................3-14
(B) Maintenance of Landscaping .......................................................................................................3-14
CHAPTER 4
GENERAL UTILITIES DESIGN
4.01 GENERAL...........................................................................................................................................4-1
(A) Intent....................................................................................................................................................4-1
(B) Utilities Master Plans ..........................................................................................................................4-1
(C) Reference Standards ............................................................................................................................4-1
4.02 UTILITY CONNECTION PLAN .....................................................................................................4-1
(A) Required ..............................................................................................................................................4-1
(B) Plan Requirements...............................................................................................................................4-1
4.03 UTILITY PLAN ....................................................................................................................................4-2
(A) Required ..............................................................................................................................................4-2
(B) Plan Requirements...............................................................................................................................4-2
T-iv DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS Effective: June 20, 2019
(C) Utility Plan Approvals.........................................................................................................................4-3
4.04 UTILITIES EASEMENTS ................................................................................................................4-4
(A) General ................................................................................................................................................4-4
(B) Easements Crossing Single-Family Residential Lots..........................................................................4-4
4.05 PIPE STRENGTH ..............................................................................................................................4-5
4.06 SEPARATION OF UTILITIES ........................................................................................................4-5
(A) Parallel (Horizontal) Separation ..........................................................................................................4-5
(B) Pipe Crossings (Vertical) Separation ..................................................................................................4-5
(C) Drainageway and Irrigation Ditch Crossings ......................................................................................4-6
(D) Separation of Utilities from Trees .......................................................................................................4-6
(E) Special Conditions for the Separation of Utilities...............................................................................4-7
4.07 UNDERGROUNDING OF UTILITIES ...........................................................................................4-8
4.08 ABANDONMENT, REPAIR AND UPGRADE OF SERVICE LINES AND TAPS ...................4-8
(A) General ................................................................................................................................................4-8
(B) Abandonment ......................................................................................................................................4-8
(C) Witnessing ...........................................................................................................................................4-8
(D) Tap Upgrade ........................................................................................................................................4-8
(E) Water Services.....................................................................................................................................4-8
(F) Sewer Services ....................................................................................................................................4-9
CHAPTER 5
WATER DESIGN
5.01 GENERAL...........................................................................................................................................5-1
(A) Intent ................................................................................................................................................5-1
(B) Water Utility Master Plan ................................................................................................................5-1
(C) Reference Standards ........................................................................................................................5-1
5.02 UTILITY REPORT ............................................................................................................................5-1
(A) Requirement.....................................................................................................................................5-1
(B) Report...............................................................................................................................................5-1
(C) Preliminary Plan ..............................................................................................................................5-2
(D) Connection and Isolation Plan .........................................................................................................5-2
5.03 WATER MAIN EXTENSIONS.........................................................................................................5-3
(A) Water Utility Master Plan ................................................................................................................5-3
(B) Main Extension Agreements............................................................................................................5-3
5.04 DESIGN FLOW ..................................................................................................................................5-3
(A) Water Distribution Mains ................................................................................................................5-3
(B) Water Services .................................................................................................................................5-4
5.05 MATERIALS AND INSTALLATION .............................................................................................5-4
5.06 CORROSION PROTECTION ..........................................................................................................5-5
5.07 TRANSMISSION MAINS .................................................................................................................5-5
(A) Specifications...................................................................................................................................5-5
(B) Taps..................................................................................................................................................5-5
Effective: June 20, 2019 DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS T-v
(C) Valves ..............................................................................................................................................5-5
(D) Relief Valves....................................................................................................................................5-6
(E) Ground Water Barriers.....................................................................................................................5-6
5.08 DISTRIBUTION MAINS...................................................................................................................5-6
(A) Specifications...................................................................................................................................5-6
(B) Taps..................................................................................................................................................5-6
(C) Valves ..............................................................................................................................................5-7
(D) Looping and Terminal Mains ..........................................................................................................5-7
(E) Extensions........................................................................................................................................5-7
(F) Future Connections ..........................................................................................................................5-8
(G) Ground Water Barriers.....................................................................................................................5-8
5.09 WATER SERVICES ..........................................................................................................................5-8
(A) General.............................................................................................................................................5-8
(B) Domestic Services............................................................................................................................5-9
(C) Irrigation Services..........................................................................................................................5-10
5.10 FIRE PROTECTION .......................................................................................................................5-10
(A) Fire Hydrants .................................................................................................................................5-10
(B) Fire Sprinkler Lines .......................................................................................................................5-11
5.11 CROSS-CONNECTION REGULATIONS....................................................................................5-12
(A) Purpose...........................................................................................................................................5-12
(B) Additional Regulations ..................................................................................................................5-12
(C) General Requirements....................................................................................................................5-12
(D) Installation Required......................................................................................................................5-13
(E) Duty to Inspect, Test and Repair ...................................................................................................5-13
(F) Specifications.................................................................................................................................5-13
(G) Records and Reports ......................................................................................................................5-15
(H) Backflow Prevention Assemblies ..................................................................................................5-15
(I) Certified Tester Criteria .................................................................................................................5-15
CHAPTER 6
WASTEWATER DESIGN
6.01 GENERAL...........................................................................................................................................6-1
(A) Intent....................................................................................................................................................6-1
(B) Wastewater Utility Master Plans .........................................................................................................6-1
(C) Reference Standards ............................................................................................................................6-1
6.02 UTILITY REPORT ............................................................................................................................6-1
(A) Requirement ........................................................................................................................................6-1
(B) Report ..................................................................................................................................................6-1
(C) Preliminary Plan ..................................................................................................................................6-2
6.03 WASTEWATER MAIN EXTENSIONS ..........................................................................................6-3
(A) Wastewater Utility Master Plan ..........................................................................................................6-3
(B) Main Extension Agreements ...............................................................................................................6-3
6.04 DESIGN FLOW ..................................................................................................................................6-4
(A) Wastewater Collection Mains .............................................................................................................6-4
T-vi DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS Effective: June 20, 2019
(B) Wastewater Services............................................................................................................................6-5
6.05 MATERIALS AND INSTALLATION .............................................................................................6-5
6.06 COLLECTION MAINS .....................................................................................................................6-5
(A) System Design .....................................................................................................................................6-5
(B) Size ......................................................................................................................................................6-5
(C) Locations .............................................................................................................................................6-5
(D) Depth ...................................................................................................................................................6-5
(E) Slope ....................................................................................................................................................6-6
(F) Alignment ............................................................................................................................................6-6
(G) Separations and Crossings...................................................................................................................6-6
(H) Taps .....................................................................................................................................................6-7
(I) Ground Water Barriers ........................................................................................................................6-7
(J) Extensions ...........................................................................................................................................6-7
6.07 MANHOLES .........................................................................................................................................6-7
(A) Location...............................................................................................................................................6-7
(B) Flow Channels .....................................................................................................................................6-8
(C) Drop Manholes ....................................................................................................................................6-8
(D) Maintenance Access ............................................................................................................................6-8
(E) Covers..................................................................................................................................................6-8
6.08 WASTEWATER SERVICES ............................................................................................................6-9
(A) General ................................................................................................................................................6-9
(B) Connections .......................................................................................................................................6-10
(C) Service Lines .....................................................................................................................................6-10
CHAPTER 7
STORMWATER DESIGN
7.01 GENERAL...........................................................................................................................................7-1
(A) Intent ................................................................................................................................................7-1
(B) Comprehensive Flood and Stormwater and Greenways Master Plans ............................................7-1
(C) Reference Standards ........................................................................................................................7-1
(D) Floodplains.......................................................................................................................................7-1
(E) Stormwater Quality and Erosion Control ........................................................................................7-1
(F) Wetlands Protection.........................................................................................................................7-2
(G) Streets...............................................................................................................................................7-2
(H) Irrigation Ditches and Laterals ........................................................................................................7-2
(I) Multiple Functions of Major Drainageways....................................................................................7-2
(J) Definitions .......................................................................................................................................7-2
7.02 CONCEPTUAL DRAINAGE REPORT AND STORMWATER PLAN......................................7-4
(A) General.............................................................................................................................................7-4
(B) Conceptual Drainage Report............................................................................................................7-5
(C) Conceptual Stormwater Plan ...........................................................................................................7-5
7.03 PRELIMINARY DRAINAGE REPORT AND STORMWATER PLAN.....................................7-5
(A) General.............................................................................................................................................7-5
(B) Preliminary Drainage Report ...........................................................................................................7-5
(C) Preliminary Stormwater Plan...........................................................................................................7-8
CHAPTER 8
TRANSPORTATION STANDARDS
8.1 ADOPTION OF STANDARDS OF THE COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
(CDOT) WITH MODIFICATIONS 8-2
(A) Section 401, Plant Mix Pavements - General.................................................................................8-2
(B) Section 403, Hot Bituminous Pavement ........................................................................................8-3
(C) Section 608, Sidewalks and Multi-Use Paths ................................................................................8-4
(D) Section 610, Median Cover Material .............................................................................................8-4
(E) Section 703, Aggregates ................................................................................................................8-6
(F) Section 612, Delineators and Reflectors ........................................................................................8-6
(G) Section 614, Traffic Control Devices.............................................................................................8-6
(H) Section 627, Pavement Marking ....................................................................................................8-7
(I) Section 713, Traffic Control Materials ..........................................................................................8-7
CHAPTER 9
UTILITIES STANDARDS
9.01 GENERAL...........................................................................................................................................9-1
(A) Intent..................................................................................................................................................9-1
(B) Scope .................................................................................................................................................9-1
(C) Reference Standards ..........................................................................................................................9-1
(D) City Approval Required ....................................................................................................................9-1
9.02 EXCAVATION AND TRENCHING................................................................................................9-1
(A) General ..............................................................................................................................................9-1
(B) Materials ............................................................................................................................................9-2
(C) Execution ...........................................................................................................................................9-4
9.03 DUCTILE IRON PIPE (DIP) ..........................................................................................................9-10
(A) General ............................................................................................................................................9-10
(B) Materials ..........................................................................................................................................9-10
(C) Thrust Restraint ...............................................................................................................................9-11
(D) Connections to the Existing System ................................................................................................9-12
(E) Execution .........................................................................................................................................9-12
9.04 POLYVINYL CHLORIDE (PVC) PRESSURE PIPE..................................................................9-14
(A) General ............................................................................................................................................9-14
(B) Materials ..........................................................................................................................................9-14
(C) Thrust Restraint ...............................................................................................................................9-15
(D) Connections to the Existing System ................................................................................................9-17
(E) Execution .........................................................................................................................................9-17
9.05 WATER SERVICES ........................................................................................................................9-19
(A) General ............................................................................................................................................9-19
(B) Materials ..........................................................................................................................................9-19
(C) Execution .........................................................................................................................................9-23
T-x DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS Effective: June 20, 2019
9.06 GATE VALVES ................................................................................................................................9-24
(A) General ............................................................................................................................................9-24
(B) Materials ..........................................................................................................................................9-24
(C) Execution .........................................................................................................................................9-25
9.07 BUTTERFLY VALVES...................................................................................................................9-26
(A) General ............................................................................................................................................9-26
(B) Materials ..........................................................................................................................................9-26
(C) Execution .........................................................................................................................................9-27
9.08 TAPPING SLEEVES AND VALVES.............................................................................................9-27
(A) General ............................................................................................................................................9-27
(B) Materials ..........................................................................................................................................9-28
(C) Execution .........................................................................................................................................9-28
9.09 FIRE HYDRANTS............................................................................................................................9-29
(A) General ............................................................................................................................................9-29
(B) Materials ..........................................................................................................................................9-29
(C) Execution .........................................................................................................................................9-30
9.10 COMBINATION AIR VALVE .......................................................................................................9-30
(A) General ............................................................................................................................................9-30
(B) Materials ..........................................................................................................................................9-30
(C) Execution .........................................................................................................................................9-31
9.11 PIPELINE FITTINGS......................................................................................................................9-31
(A) General ............................................................................................................................................9-31
(B) Materials ..........................................................................................................................................9-31
9.12 DISINFECTING WATERLINES ...................................................................................................9-32
(A) Scope ...............................................................................................................................................9-32
(B) Materials ..........................................................................................................................................9-32
(C) Execution .........................................................................................................................................9-32
9.13 TESTING OF WATER PIPES........................................................................................................9-33
(A) General ............................................................................................................................................9-33
(B) Materials ..........................................................................................................................................9-33
(C) Execution .........................................................................................................................................9-34
9.14 POLYVINYL CHLORIDE (PVC) NON-PRESSURE PIPE........................................................9-35
(A) General ............................................................................................................................................9-35
(B) Materials ..........................................................................................................................................9-35
(C) Execution .........................................................................................................................................9-36
9.15 REINFORCED CONCRETE PIPE................................................................................................9-38
(A) General ............................................................................................................................................9-38
(B) Materials ..........................................................................................................................................9-39
(C) Execution .........................................................................................................................................9-40
9.16 MANHOLES AND INLETS............................................................................................................9-42
(A) General ............................................................................................................................................9-42
(B) Materials ..........................................................................................................................................9-42
Effective: June 20, 2019 DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS T-xi
(C) Execution .........................................................................................................................................9-43
9.17 TESTING OF GRAVITY SEWER PIPELINES AND MANHOLES.........................................9-44
(A) General ............................................................................................................................................9-44
(B) Materials ..........................................................................................................................................9-44
(C) Execution .........................................................................................................................................9-44
(D) Sanitary Sewer Manholes ................................................................................................................9-46
9.18 CORRUGATED METAL PIPE......................................................................................................9-47
(A) General ............................................................................................................................................9-47
(B) Materials ..........................................................................................................................................9-47
(C) Execution .........................................................................................................................................9-48
9.19 CURED-IN-PLACE PIPE (CIPP)...................................................................................................9-49
(A) General ............................................................................................................................................9-49
(B) Materials ..........................................................................................................................................9-49
(C) Execution .........................................................................................................................................9-50
9.20 PIPE BURSTING NON-PRESSURE PIPE ...................................................................................9-52
(A) General ............................................................................................................................................9-52
(B) Materials ..........................................................................................................................................9-53
(C) Execution .........................................................................................................................................9-53
9.21 TELECOMMUNICATION OR CABLE SYSTEM STANDARDS ............................................9-53
(A) General ............................................................................................................................................9-53
(B) Underground Facilities ....................................................................................................................9-54
(C) Aboveground Facilities ...................................................................................................................9-55
9.22 ELECTRIC POWER FACILITY STANDARDS..........................................................................9-57
(A) General ............................................................................................................................................9-57
(B) Underground Facilities ....................................................................................................................9-57
(C) Aboveground Facilities ...................................................................................................................9-58
9.23 GAS DISTRIBUTION FACILITY STANDARDS........................................................................9-59
(A) General ............................................................................................................................................9-59
(B) Underground Facilities ....................................................................................................................9-59
(C) Testing Requirements ......................................................................................................................9-61
(D) Aboveground Facilities ...................................................................................................................9-61
CHAPTER 10
STREETSCAPING STANDARDS
10.1 GENERAL .......................................................................................................................................................10-1
(A) Intent 10-1
(B) Scope 10-1
(C) Reference Standards ..................................................................................................................10-1
(D) City Approval Required.............................................................................................................10-1
(E) Water Conservation.................................................................................................................10-1
(F) Public Lands Other Than Public Rights-of-Way .......................................................................10-1
10.2 SITE PREPARATION.........................................................................................................................10-1
(A) Description ................................................................................................................................10-1
T-xii DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS Effective: June 20, 2019
(B) Materials ....................................................................................................................................10-1
(C) Construction Requirements .......................................................................................................10-2
10.3 PLANTING ...........................................................................................................................................10-5
(A) Description ................................................................................................................................10-5
(B) Materials ............................................................................................................................................10-5
(C) Construction Requirements .......................................................................................................10-8
10.4 SEEDING/SODDING.......................................................................................................................10-11
(A) Description...............................................................................................................................10-11
(B) Materials ..................................................................................................................................10-12
(C) Construction Requirements .....................................................................................................10-16
10.5 UNDERGROUND IRRIGATION SYSTEM.............................................................................10-19
(A) Description...............................................................................................................................10-19
(B) Materials ..................................................................................................................................10-19
(C) Construction Requirements .....................................................................................................10-24
CHAPTER 11
TECHNICAL DRAWINGS
GENERAL DRAWINGS
TRANSPORTATION DRAWINGS
STREETSCAPE DRAWINGS
GLOSSARY
REFERENCES
LIST OF TABLES
Number Page
CHAPTER 2
TRANSPORTATION DESIGN
CHAPTER 3
STREETSCAPE DESIGN AND TREE PROTECTION
Table 3-1: Approved Street Tree List for Non-paved Medians and Landscape Planting Strips ................3-4
Table 3-2: Limitations on Individual Tree Species ....................................................................................3-5
Table 3-3: Tree Grates and Planting Pits Standards...................................................................................3-6
Table 3-4: Approved Street Tree List for Paved Areas Using Tree Grates and Planting Pits ....................3-7
T-xvi DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS Effective: June 20, 2019
Table 3-5: Approved Median Shrub List ...................................................................................................3-9
Table 3-6: Tree Characteristics ................................................................................................................3-15
CHAPTER 4
GENERAL UTILITIES DESIGN
CHAPTER 5
WATER DESIGN
CHAPTER 6
WASTEWATER DESIGN
CHAPTER 7
STORMWATER DESIGN
CHAPTER 8
TRANSPORTATION STANDARDS
CHAPTER 9
UTILITIES STANDARDS
CHAPTER 10
STREETSCAPING STANDARDS
LIST OF FIGURES
Number Page
CHAPTER 7
STORM WATER DESIGN
INTRODUCTION
(A) INTRODUCTION
The City of Boulder Design and Construction Standards (DCS) were developed to regulate the design and
construction of public infrastructure, improvements and landscaping in the city’s public rights-of-way and
public easements. The DCS was originally adopted on July 2, 1998 to replace the Design Criteria and
Standard Specifications adopted in July 1982. The November 16, 2000 update replaced the July 2, 1998
manual and addressed changes in engineering practices, construction technology, and city review
processes. The update also attempts to clarify sections that have been identified as unclear or in error by
users of the manual. Updates to chapters 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9 and 11 and the Glossary and References were
adopted on May 21, 2019. These updates were related to utilities infrastructure and to comply with
requirements of the city’s State of Colorado Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit.
The DCS prescribe minimum standards to be used in the design and construction of public infrastructure
located in public rights-of-way and public easements in the City of Boulder, and the design of private
transportation and utility improvements, such as driveway cuts, utility services and onsite drainage
systems, which are connected to or impact public infrastructure. The standards in the DCS are intended
to provide for the public health, safety and welfare by ensuring the comprehensive design and
construction of adequate and functional public improvements associated with developing, redeveloping
and subdividing lands and providing necessary right-of-way, transportation and utility services. The DCS
requirements reflect accepted and well-founded civil engineering practices, construction industry
specifications and conformance with national safety standards and are consistent with current city
ordinances, standards, policies and practices.
Information regarding the adoption of Ordinance No. 7088 can be reviewed at the City of Boulder Central
Records Office as part of the Planning Board agenda materials for September 7, 2000 and the City
Council agenda materials for October 3, 2000 and October 17, 2000.
Information regarding the adoption of Ordinance No. 8324 can be reviewed at the City of Boulder Central
Records Office as part of the Planning Board agenda materials for April 18, 2019 and the City Council
agenda materials for May 7, 2019 and May 21, 2019.
CHAPTER 1
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.01 GENERAL .....................................................................................................................................................1
(A) INTENT .............................................................................................................................................................1
(B) SCOPE ..............................................................................................................................................................1
(C) MINIMUM STANDARDS .....................................................................................................................................1
(D) TERMINOLOGY .................................................................................................................................................1
1.02 DESCRIPTION AND USE OF THESE STANDARDS .............................................................................2
(A) USING THESE STANDARDS ................................................................................................................................2
(B) RESTRICTIONS ..................................................................................................................................................2
(C) PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS DESIGN ......................................................................................................................2
(D) CONSTRUCTION APPROVALS ............................................................................................................................2
(E) PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS CONSTRUCTION ..........................................................................................................3
(F) STANDARDS .....................................................................................................................................................3
1.03 SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS FOR CONSTRUCTION APPROVAL ..............................................4
(A) DOCUMENTATION.............................................................................................................................................4
(B) ENGINEERING REPORTS ....................................................................................................................................5
(C) RIGHTS-OF-WAY AND EASEMENT DEDICATIONS, PERMITS, AND AGREEMENTS................................................6
(D) CONSTRUCTION PLANS .....................................................................................................................................6
(E) PLAN AND PROFILE DRAWINGS ......................................................................................................................10
(F) SUBMITTAL AND APPROVAL OF CONSTRUCTION PLANS AND DRAWINGS ........................................................13
(G) AS-BUILT DRAWINGS .....................................................................................................................................14
(H) SUBMITTAL AND APPROVAL OF AS-BUILT DRAWINGS ....................................................................................14
1.04 ALTERNATIVE MATERIALS AND METHODS OF CONSTRUCTION ..........................................15
(A) USE ................................................................................................................................................................15
(B) APPROVAL......................................................................................................................................................15
(C) PROOF OF CLAIMS ..........................................................................................................................................15
1.05 ALTERATIONS, MODIFICATIONS, AND WAIVERS ........................................................................15
(A) PRACTICAL DIFFICULTIES ...............................................................................................................................15
(B) CRITERIA ........................................................................................................................................................15
(C) APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS ........................................................................................................................16
(D) DECISION........................................................................................................................................................16
(A) Intent
The Design and Construction Standards (“Standards”) are intended to protect the public health,
safety, and welfare in the provision and maintenance of public improvements within the City of
Boulder “City”). These Standards apply to the comprehensive design and construction of adequate
and functional public improvements associated with developing, redeveloping and subdividing
lands and providing necessary right-of-way, transportation, and utility services.
(B) Scope
The City will review, approve, and monitor the design and construction of all public improvements
within the public right-of-way or public easements to ensure compliance with these Standards.
The City has the sole authority for approving, accepting, or denying the design and construction of
any public improvement.
(D) Terminology
Terms, words, and abbreviations used in these Standards are defined in the Glossary (Appendix
B).
Effective: June 20, 20 19 DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS 1-1
1.02 Description and Use of These Standards
(B) Restrictions
The descriptions in this Chapter provide the reader with a general guide to using these Standards.
Nothing in this Chapter is intended to be a substitute for the requirements, criteria, and procedures
contained in these Standards.
(F) Standards
(1) Transportation: The transportation standards prescribed in Chapter 2, “Transportation
Design,” and Chapter 8, “Transportation Standards,” provide for the study, design, and
construction of site accesses, streets, sidewalks, bicycle facilities, and trails. A traffic
impact study may be required as part of construction approvals to demonstrate adequate
design and mitigation for traffic impacts associated with new streets and driveways.
(2) Streetscapes: The streetscape standards prescribed in Chapter 3, “Streetscape Design and
Tree Protection,” and Chapter 10, “Streetscaping Standards,” provide for the selection,
design, placement, and protection of trees and landscaping along public streets throughout
the community. The City places high value on and strongly encourages the use of
streetscapes as a means to calm automobile traffic, address environmental concerns for
clean air and water quality, and enhance neighborhood qualities. General criteria are also
included related to subsurface work impacting transportation infrastructure.
(3) Water and Wastewater Utilities: The utility standards prescribed in Chapter 4, “General
Utilities Design,” Chapter 5, “Water Design,” Chapter 6, “Wastewater Design,” and
Chapter 9, “Utilities Standards,” provide for the study, design, and construction of water
Effective: June 20, 20 19 DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS 1-3
and wastewater service facilities. These Standards detail required forecasting for sizing
water distribution and wastewater collection mains, specific construction requirements for
ensuring public health standards, and requirements for installing domestic water and sewer
service lines.
(4) Stormwater: The stormwater standards prescribed in Chapter 7, “Stormwater Design,”
and Chapter 9, “Utilities Standards,” provide for the study, design, and construction of
stormwater drainage, stormwater quality and flood control improvements. Detention
ponding, storm sewer and drainageway systems, stormwater quality, and erosion control
measures may be required as part of construction approval to mitigate the impacts of
increased runoff resulting from land development and to comply with the city’s Phase II
Municipal Separate Stormwater System Permit.
(5) Technical Drawings: The standards for construction detail drawings prescribed in
Chapter 11, “Technical Drawings,” provide design requirements for specific construction
features associated with the general construction of public improvements and
infrastructure. These drawings are intended to supplement the design and approval of
construction plans and ensure consistency in project construction to promote long-term
dependability and maintenance of public improvements and infrastructure.
(A) Documentation
(1) An applicant for construction approval shall submit required engineering reports, rights-
of-way and easement dedications, ancillary permits and agreements, and construction
plans in compliance with these Standards. Construction approvals are subject to the
Director’s review, approval, and acceptance.
(2) Prior to approving construction plans, the Director may require an applicant to submit the
following documentation:
(a) Engineering reports
(b) Rights-of-way and easement dedications
(c) Permits and agreements
(d) Financial guarantees
(3) Prior to issuing a right-of-way permit or building permit, the Director may require an
applicant to submit the following documentation:
(a) Documents listed in Section 1.03, Paragraph (A)(1), above
(b) Construction plans
(c) City land use approvals
(d) Financial guarantees
(e) Documents required by Section 8-5-4, “Permit Application,” B.R.C., 1981.
(4) Prior to the final acceptance of public improvements, the Director may require an
applicant to submit the following documentation:
(A) Use
The provisions of these Standards are not intended to prevent the use of any materials or methods
of construction, design, or compliance not specifically prescribed in these Standards, provided that
the alternative materials or methods of construction, design, or compliance have been approved
and their use authorized by the Director.
(B) Approval
The Director may approve an alternate material or method of construction, design, or compliance,
provided the proposed design is satisfactory and complies with the provisions of these Standards
and that the material, method, or work offered is, for the purpose intended, at least the equivalent
of that prescribed in these Standards in suitability, strength, effectiveness, durability, safety, and
sanitation.
(B) Criteria
No alteration, modification, or waiver of the strict application of any provision of these Standards
shall be granted unless the applicant clearly demonstrates and the Director finds that the following
conditions exist:
(1) The strict application of the provisions of these Standards would deprive an individual of
(D) Decision
(1) The Director will advise the applicant, in writing, of the decision on the requested
alteration, modification, or waiver. The Director’s decision is a final action that is
administrative and may be appealed through the judicial process. In granting any
alteration or modification to these Standards, the Director may impose specific conditions
necessary to ensure that the criteria described in Section 1.05(B), above, are, and will
remain, satisfied.
(2) The Director of Public Works will consult with the Planning Director when evaluating
issues that potentially impact urban design. The details of any decision granting approval
of an alteration, modification, or waiver to these Standards will be entered in the form of
written findings. A written log of all decisions granting alterations, modifications, or
waivers to these Standards will be kept current in the office of the Director of Public
Works and will be available for public inspection.
CHAPTER 2
TRANSPORTATION DESIGN
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Page
2.01 GENERAL .....................................................................................................................................................1
(A) INTENT .............................................................................................................................................................1
(B) TRANSPORTATION MASTER PLAN.....................................................................................................................1
(C) REFERENCE STANDARDS ..................................................................................................................................1
(D) FUNCTIONAL STREET CLASSIFICATION .............................................................................................................1
2.02 TRAFFIC STUDY .........................................................................................................................................1
(A) TRAFFIC ASSESSMENT ......................................................................................................................................1
(B) TRAFFIC STUDY REQUIREMENTS .....................................................................................................................1
(C) RESPONSIBILITIES FOR TRAFFIC STUDIES ..........................................................................................................1
(D) PREPARATION ...................................................................................................................................................2
(E) COORDINATION WITH CITY ...............................................................................................................................2
(F) SUBMITTAL ......................................................................................................................................................2
2.03 TRAFFIC STUDY FORMAT ......................................................................................................................2
(A) STUDY REQUIREMENTS ....................................................................................................................................2
(B) INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................................2
(C) SITE LOCATION AND ZONING............................................................................................................................2
(D) STUDY AREA BOUNDARIES ..............................................................................................................................2
(E) EXISTING AREA STREET SYSTEM DESCRIPTION ................................................................................................2
(F) EXISTING AND PROJECTED ROADWAY AND INTERSECTION TRAFFIC VOLUMES ................................................3
(G) EXISTING AND PROPOSED SITE USES ................................................................................................................3
(H) EXISTING AND PROPOSED LAND USES IN VICINITY OF THE SITE .......................................................................3
(I) TRANSPORTATION DEMAND MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES .................................................................................3
(J) TRIP GENERATION ............................................................................................................................................3
(K) TRIP DISTRIBUTION/ASSIGNMENT AND MODAL SPLIT ......................................................................................4
(L) EXISTING AND PROJECTED TRAFFIC VOLUMES .................................................................................................5
(M) TRANSPORTATION SERVICE STANDARDS ..........................................................................................................6
(N) LEVEL OF SERVICE ANALYSIS ...........................................................................................................................7
(O) TRAFFIC COUNTS AND ANALYSES WORKSHEETS .............................................................................................7
(P) TRAFFIC CONTROL AND SIGNALS .....................................................................................................................7
(Q) TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS ........................................................................................................................................8
(R) NOISE ATTENUATION .......................................................................................................................................8
(S) RECOMMENDATIONS ........................................................................................................................................8
(T) CONCLUSION ....................................................................................................................................................9
(U) REVISIONS TO TRAFFIC STUDY .........................................................................................................................9
LIST OF TABLES
Number Page
(A) Intent
The Transportation Design Standards are intended to provide for an integrated transportation
system for all transportation modes, including pedestrian, bicycle, transit, and motor vehicle.
(F) Submittal
A Traffic Study shall be prepared in conformance with, and including, the information required in
Section 2.03, “Traffic Study Format,” of these Standards.
(B) Introduction
The Traffic Study shall provide an introduction with an overview and discussion of the project or
development proposal.
(1) Site Design: Incorporate design features that facilitate walking, biking, and use of transit
services to access a proposed development, including features such as transit shelters and
benches, site amenities, site design layouts, orientations and connections to increase
convenience for alternate modes and reduce multiple trips to and from the site, and direct
connections to existing offsite pedestrian, bicycle, and transit systems.
(2) Programs and Education: Incorporate alternate modes programs, such as providing
transit passes to employees and residents, van pooling to the site by a major employer,
ride-sharing, parking pricing, and planned delivery services, and educational measures
such, as promoting telecommuting, distributing transit schedules and trails maps, signing
alternate travel routes, and providing an onsite transportation coordinator or plan to
educate and assist residents, employees, and customers in using alternate modes.
(2) Calculations: Calculation of projected trip generation for any land use, used to determine
study area impacts, shall be based on the following:
(a) Trip generation formulas (or rates, if formulas are not available) published in the
most recent version of the Trip Generation Manual. Trip generation reports from
other industry publications may be considered but are subject to the approval of
the Director.
(b) A local trip generation study, following procedures outlined in the most recent
version of the Trip Generation Manual, if no published rates are available and
similar land uses can be studied.
(c) Additional data or studies from other similar jurisdictions. Trip generation
obtained in this fashion is subject to the review and approval of the Director.
(3) Trip Generation Reductions: Credit for any trip reductions is subject to review and
approval in advance by the Director. Anticipated trip reduction assumptions should be
discussed and approved by the Director prior to the preparation of the Traffic Study. Trip
reductions typically fall into one of two categories: those that reassign some portion of the
trip generation from the surrounding roadway network (passerby and diverted trip
reductions), and those that remove trips generated from the land use trip generation
(internal and modal split reductions).
(a) Use of passerby and diverted trip reductions may be evaluated and considered in
reducing the additional estimated total trip generation of a new land use.
However, passerby and diverted trip reduction factors are not to be applied
directly to reduce trip generation and turning movement volumes at driveways
serving the studied land use. These factors are subject to the approval of the
Director.
(b) Internal trip reductions and modal split assumptions may reduce the total trip
generation of a land use. These factors considered in the Traffic Study shall
supply analytical support and detailed documentation to demonstrate how the
estimates were derived and incorporated, and are subject to the approval of the
Director.
(1) Traffic Volume Scenarios: Five traffic volume scenarios and three separate times of the
day may be required to be included in a Traffic Study analysis. The applicant shall meet
with the Director to determine the scenarios and time periods to be studied, prior to the
development of the Traffic Study. The number of scenarios and time periods to be studied
are subject to the approval of the Director. The potential scenarios and time periods
include the following:
(a) Scenario 1 - Existing Conditions: An analysis of existing traffic conditions will be
required in the Traffic Study. Existing Conditions analysis should attempt to
model traffic conditions at the time the traffic study is being prepared. Traffic
counts that are older than the year the study is being prepared shall be factored up
or adjusted to existing year volumes.
(b) Scenario 2 - Anticipated Project Completion Year Without Project Volumes:
Include an analysis of the anticipated traffic conditions during the year the project
is intended to be finished and traffic is generated. The analysis shall anticipate the
increase in background traffic volumes and the generation of other related projects
that are not present in the existing condition, but would likely be completed and
generating trips in this time period. The trip generation for the proposed project
shall not be included in this scenario. If the project is intended to be completed
the same year that the Traffic Study is being prepared, then this scenario is the
same as Scenario 1 - Existing Conditions.
(c) Scenario 3 - Anticipated Project Completion Year With Project Volumes: This
scenario is the same as Scenario 2, except that the project volumes are assigned to
the roadway network and included in the analyses.
(d) Scenario 4 - Future Buildout Conditions Without Project Volumes: An analysis of
the anticipated traffic conditions during buildout, using the projected buildout
year defined in the City’s TMP. The analysis shall anticipate the increase in
background traffic volumes and the generation of other related projects that are
not present in the existing condition, but would likely be completed and
generating trips in this time period. The trip generation for the proposed project
should not be included in this scenario.
Effective: November 6, 2009 DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS 2-5
(e) Scenario 5 - Future Buildout Conditions With Project Volumes: This scenario is
the same as Scenario 4, except that the project volumes are assigned to the
roadway network and included in the analyses.
(2) Traffic Volume Projections: The traffic volume projections shall identify existing and
projected daily traffic counts and peak hour turning movement counts for each access
point, intersection and street identified in the traffic study area for each of the
aforementioned scenarios required in the study.
(3) Time Periods: Each scenario may be required to look at three different time periods (the
a.m., noon and p.m. peak hour conditions). The Director will determine which time
periods and scenarios are required for each Traffic Study depending upon the project’s
size, location, types of land uses and other pertinent factors.
(4) Raw Traffic Count Data: Include all raw traffic-count data for average daily and peak
hour conditions and traffic analysis worksheets in the appendices of the Traffic Study for
reference. Computer techniques and associated printouts may be used for this part of the
report.
NOTE: All total daily traffic counts must be actual machine counts, not based on factored
peak hour sampling. Latest available machine counts from the City, and other agencies,
may be acceptable if not more than 2 years older than the year the Traffic Study is being
prepared. Data older than the year the Traffic Study is being prepared shall be factored up
to current year numbers, using growth rates approved by the Director.
(1) Transportation Master Plan Objectives: TMP service standards’ objectives include the
following:
(a) No long-term growth in auto traffic over current levels described as a 0 percent
increase in vehicle miles traveled.
(b) Reduction in single-occupant vehicle travel to 25 percent of total trips.
(c) Continuous reduction in mobile source emission of air pollutants, and no more
than 20 percent of roadways congested at LOS F.
(2) Level of Service Design Guide: LOS standards objectives include:
(a) Minimum LOS D design guide for peak hour conditions for all movements.
Project impacts that maintain LOS D or better for all intersections and street
segments may not be required to provide LOS-related traffic mitigation
improvements.
(b) LOS E and lower peak hour conditions require the implementation of one or more
transportation management strategies consistent with the goals and objectives of
the TMP. A transportation management strategy plan required to address and
mitigate these conditions may include travel demand management, land use
2-6 DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS Effective: November 6, 2009
intensity reduction, site design, layout and access modifications, parking reduction
measures, or transportation infrastructure improvements.
(S) Recommendations
(1) The Traffic Study shall include a section in the report that provides any recommendations
of the Engineer. These recommendations shall include the Engineer’s recommended
location, nature and extent of proposed transportation improvements associated with the
2-8 DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS Effective: November 6, 2009
project or development to ensure safe and efficient roadway operations and capacity, and
compatibility with the City's transportation system and the goals of the TMP.
(2) These recommendations are to be supported with appropriate documentation and
discussion of the technical analyses, assumptions and evaluations used to make the
determinations and findings applied in the Traffic Study. In the event that any Traffic
Study analyses or recommendations indicate unsatisfactory levels of service on any study
area roadways, a further description of proposed improvements or mitigation measures to
remedy deficiencies shall be included.
(3) These proposed improvements or mitigation measures may include projects by the City or
The Colorado Department of Transportation for which funds have been appropriated and
obligated. These proposals may also include improvements to be funded and constructed
by the applicant as part of project or development construction. Assumptions regarding
future roads, widths and lane usages in any analyses are subject to the approval of the
Director.
(4) In general, the recommendation section shall include:
(a) Proposed and Recommended Improvements: Provide a detailed description and
sketch of all proposed and recommended improvements. Include basic design
details showing the length, width and other pertinent geometric features of any
proposed improvements. Discuss whether these improvements are necessary
because of development traffic or whether they would be necessary due to
background traffic. Specify the approximate timing necessary for each
improvement.
(b) Level of Service Analysis at Critical Points: Provide another iteration of the LOS
analyses that demonstrate the anticipated results of making recommended
improvements, such as movement LOS, operational and safety conditions and
conformance with the City's transportation system goals and TMP. In association
with LOS analyses for recommended improvements, include a comparison of
these results with the background LOS analyses without the proposed project or
development. Where appropriate, this step is to be provided for both near term
(year of project completion) and buildout scenarios.
(T) Conclusion
Include a conclusion in the report that provides a clear and concise description of the study
findings and recommendations, and serves as an executive summary.
(1) Spacing: Table 2-1, “Access Spacing Requirements,” shows the required spacing of
access points and curb cuts. Minimum spacing from corners shall be measured from point of
intersection of the street flowlines. Minimum spacing between accesses shall be measured at the
property line.
(1) Access With Barrier Island - Left-Turn Restrictions (“Pork Chop”): Where restricted
turning movements are required by the City, and where the abutting street does not have a
median, a barrier island will be required.
(a) Islands shall have a minimum area of 150 square feet, be bounded by vertical
curb, and have an appropriate concrete center surface treatment, approved by the
Director.
(b) Barrier island lanes shall be at least 12 feet wide, have a radius of at least 20 feet,
and be designed to accommodate the largest vehicle using the access on a daily
basis. The island shall provide congruent curb ramps or cut through for
sidewalks. The minimum width of the island along the abutting roadway frontage
shall be 30 feet for right-in, right-out only islands, and 15 feet for islands allowing
right-in, right-out and left-turning movements.
(2) Access With Median Divider Barriers – Left-Turn Restrictions: Median barriers may
be permitted where a median design can improve traffic circulation and safety, or overall
site access. Where permitted, medians shall be at least 4 feet wide, and shall extend at
least 25 feet beyond the right-of-way.
(M) Driveways
(1) Vehicle Storage: Adequate driveway storage capacity for both inbound and outbound
vehicles to facilitate safe, unobstructed, and efficient traffic circulation and movements
from the adjacent roadway and within the development shall be provided, except for
single-family or duplex residential driveways on local streets. Adequate driveway length
will be subject to approval by the Director and shall extend at least 20 feet beyond the
right-of-way before accessing the first off-street parking space or parking lot aisle.
(2) Internal Circulation: Developments requiring off-street parking facilities shall provide
onsite vehicular circulation allowing access to all portions of the site without using the
adjacent street system, unless a joint access or parking easement with one or more of the
adjacent property owners has been dedicated.
(3) Backing Into the Right-of-Way Prohibited: Driveways shall be designed to contain all
vehicle backing movements onsite, except for single family or duplex residential uses on
local streets.
(4) Minimum Back-Up Distance for Detached Single-Family Residential Driveways
Accessing Public Alleys: Driveways shall provide for a minimum distance of 24-feet
from the rear of the parking stall or face of garage to the far edge of the adjacent alley
right-of-way or turn around area as required by Chapter 9-9-6, “Parking Standards,”
B.R.C. 1981.
Effective: November 6, 2009 DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS 2-13
(5) Shared Driveways (Detached Single-Family Residential Only): Shared driveways to
access detached single-family residential lots may be permitted pursuant to an approved
site review or subdivision as set forth in Chapter 9-9-14, “Site Review,” B.R.C. 1981 or
Chapter 9-12, "Subdivision," B.R.C. 1981, if they meet the following criteria:
(a) A common parking court is provided at a ratio of 0.5 additional spaces per unit if
less than two onsite parking spaces, meeting City requirements, are provided on
each single-family lot served by the shared driveway.
(b) The shared driveway is no more than 100 feet long, except in districts zoned RL-1
(Residential-Low 1), RE (Residential-Estate), and RR1 ( Residential-Rural 1) and
RR 2 (Residential-Rural 2), where the shared driveway may extend up to 300 feet
long if each lot accessing the shared driveway exceeds 10,000 square feet.
(c) The number of units served shall be no more than three lots or houses that have
less than 30 feet of usable frontage on the accessing street.
(d) Adequate turnaround for vehicles is provided either on an individual lot or lots.
(e) The driveway is properly engineered and constructed to mitigate any adverse
drainage conditions and is appropriately surfaced for the type of development,
usage, and zoning district.
(f) The Driveway is at least 12 feet wide.
(g) For units not fronting on the accessing street, addressing shall be located near the
entrance to the shared driveway insuring visibility of the numbering from the
street.
(h) A public access easement, a minimum fifteen feet in width, for the benefit and use
of all properties and property owners accessing the shared driveway has been
dedicated and recorded to ensure legal access rights in perpetuity for each
property served.
(i) Driveway spacing conforms with the requirements in Table 2-1, “Access Spacing
Requirements,” of these Standards.
(B) Right-of-Way
The right-of-way width required for new streets shall comply with the requirements of Section 9-9-
8, “Reservations, Dedication, and Improvement of Rights-of-Way,” B.R.C. 1981, and shall include
without limitation the following elements:
(1) The paved roadway section including without limitation travel lanes, turning and speed
change lanes, transit lanes, bicycle lanes, and parking lanes;
Effective: November 6, 2009 DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS 2-15
(2) Curbs and gutters or drainage swales;
(3) Roadside and median landscaping areas;
(4) Sidewalks and multi-use paths; and
(5) Any necessary utility corridors.
(C) Lane Width
Street lanes shall meet the minimum width specifications shown in Table 2-5, “Minimum Street
Lane Widths,” of these Standards.
(4) Design Horizontal Curve: The design horizontal street curvature shall meet or exceed the
minimum horizontal curvature and be calculated using the following equation:
(6) Road Width Transition Tapers: Where two street sections or different widths are to be
connected, a transition taper is required between the outside traveled edge of the two
sections. The length of the transition taper shall be calculated using the following
equation:
L = WS
Where: S = Speed in MPH
L = Length in feet
W = Width of offset in feet
This transition is not to be used in the design of left turn storage lanes or speed change
lanes.
Effective: November 6, 2009 DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS 2-17
(7) Left Turn Lanes
(a) Storage Length: Left turn lane storage length shall be determined based on
traffic volumes using the Leisch nomographs provided in the ITE Guidelines for
Major Urban Street Design. The left turn lane storage length shall not be less
than 50 feet. Where dual left turn lanes are provided, the lane storage length shall
be based on at least 60 percent of the single lane storage length.
\(b) Lane Change Taper: Left turn lane change tapers shall be calculated using the
equation for bay tapers in Subsection (8).
(8) Speed Change Lanes: Speed change lanes required for transitional access to turning
lanes shall be designed according to the design standards provided in the ITE “Guidelines
for Major Urban Street Design,” as follows:
(a) Bay Tapers: Bay tapers are required for the lane transition from the travel lane
into a turn lane. The bay taper length shall be calculated using the following
equation:
L = WS / 3
Where: S = Speed in MPH
L = Length in feet
W = Width of offset in feet
(b) Approach Tapers: Approach tapers are required to transition the position of
travel lanes to accommodate turn lanes. The approach taper length shall be
calculated using the following equation:
L = WS2 / 60
Where: S = Speed in MPH
L = Length in feet
W = Width of offset in feet
(9) Cul-de-sacs: Where allowed, cul-de-sacs shall have a minimum pavement diameter of 90
feet, curb face to curb face, and a minimum right-of-way diameter of 115 feet, except for
residential streets approved pursuant to Chapter 9-12, “Subdivision,” B.R.C. 1981, and
Section 2.09, “Residential Streets.” Cul-de-sacs are prohibited on arterial and collector
streets, and are strongly discouraged on local and residential streets. The Director may
permit cul-de-sacs where there is no other possible street or driveway access to a property
from a public right-of-way, or if a cul-de-sac would avoid direct property access to a
collector or arterial.
(1) Minimum Street Grade: All street grades shall equal or exceed the minimum street
grade of 0.5 percent.
(2) Maximum Street Grade: Street grades shall not exceed the maximum street grades
shown in Table 2-9, “Maximum Street Grades,” of these Standards.
(3) Design Controls for Vertical Curves: Design control for sag and crest vertical curves,
(based on a design speed of 30 mph) shall meet the specifications shown in Table 2-10,
“Vertical Curve Design Control,” of these Standards. For design speeds in excess of 30
mph, design control shall be in accordance with the current edition of “A Policy on
Geometric Design of Highways and Streets,”, prepared by the American Association of
State Highway and Transportation Officials.
Table 2-10: Vertical Curve Design Control
Algebraic Difference in Sag Curve Crest Curve
Grades Minimum Vertical Curve Length Minimum Vertical Curve Length
0.5 - 1.0 % 50 feet 100 feet
1.0 - 3.0 % 100 feet 100 feet
3.0 - 5.0 % 200 feet 150 feet
5.0 - 7.0 % 300 feet 200 feet
7.0 - 8.0 % 300 feet 300 feet
Min. Vert. Sight Distance N/A 250 feet
(4) Vertical Sight Distance: Vertical curve sight distance shall equal or exceed 250 feet.
Greater vertical sight distance may be required by the Director to ensure safe travel and
street crossings for all transportation modes.
(F) Sight Distance
All streets and alleys shall provide adequate sight distance as set forth under Section9-9-7,
“SightTriangles,” B.R.C. 1981.
(G) Medians
The Director will require raised medians on new arterial streets. Raised medians may be permitted
on all streets subject to review and approval by the Director.
(1) Median Widths: Medians shall be at least 4 feet wide, curb face to curb face. If left turn
lanes are installed in the median, the median width adjacent to the left turn storage lanes
shall be 4 feet and the median width at the start of the left turn lane bay taper shall be at
least 14 feet wide, curb face to curb face. Median design widths shall conform to Table
2-11, “Median Width Design Standards,” of these Standards.
2.08 Sidewalks
(A) Required
Sidewalks are required on both sides of all new streets, except for residential streets that were
approved without required sidewalks pursuant to Chapter 9-12, “Subdivision,” B.R.C. 1981, and
Section 2.09, “Residential Streets.”
Local 12 5 4
Collector 12 5 5
Arterial 12 8 8
Note: All off-street multi-use/bike paths designated in the Transportation Master Plan shall be 12 feet wide.
2-20 DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS Effective: November 6, 2009
(E) Vertical Grades
The vertical grade of a sidewalk shall not exceed 8.33 percent, a ratio of 12 feet horizontal to 1
foot vertical (12:1).
At sidewalk locations adjacent to transit stops or transfer points, the Director may require wider
sidewalk sections to provide for adequate passenger storage areas.
(B) Scope
(iii) Where placed side-by-side, bike racks shall be placed at least 3.5 feet
apart to accommodate ease of access to the racks.
(b) Inverted “U” Racks on Rails: The inverted U racks on rails are designed to park
four to ten bicycles, with two bikes facing opposite directions parked on either
side and parallel to each inverted U rack. These racks allow locking of frame and
wheel with a U-lock and support bikes with two points of contact. For the rack to
meet its design specifications of parking bikes from both sides, it must be installed
according to the conditions of the inverted U rack listed above; otherwise it will
be considered to provide no more than half of its designed parking capacity.
(2) Onsite Bicycle Parking: Bicycle parking should generally be provided within 50 feet of
the main building entrance. Racks must be installed according to the guidelines in (1)
above to reach their designed parking capacity. Otherwise, they shall be credited with no
more than half their design capacity. Bicycle parking racks or lockers located on
development or project sites or in parking lots outside of public right-of-way shall
generally be selected from the following standards:
(a) Inverted “U” Rack: The inverted “U” rack is recommended for most bike rack
installations, and is one of the standards for bicycle parking in public
rights-of-way as required in Subsection (1) above. Each rack provides space for
(ii) Provides at least a 2 foot by 6 foot parking space for each bike without the
need to lift the handlebars of one bike over those of another to park;
(iii) Allows the frame and one wheel to be locked to the rack with a standard
high security, U-shaped shackle lock.
(iv) The rack is uncomplicated and intuitively simple for the bicyclist
to use.
(c) Lockers: Bicycle lockers provide secure weatherproof storage for bike parking.
Lockers are recommended for employee and longer-term parking and require
adequate space, since they require more area than bicycle racks.
(A) Scope
The provisions of this section shall apply to public streets, and are subject to the restrictions
outlined in the Section 9-9-16, “Lighting, Outdoor,” B.R.C. 1981.
(C) Easements
Adequate rights-of-way or utility easements shall be dedicated to the City to allow PSC of
Colorado to install street lights. Facilities with detached bike paths or sidewalks may use a
combined signage, utility, and pedestrian easement for placement of the street lights between the
curb and bikeway provided that the requirement for 2 feet of horizontal clearance from the
sidewalk or bike path is met. Where a bike path or sidewalk is attached to the street curb and
gutter, street lights shall be placed behind the sidewalk or path within a minimum 3-foot wide
utility easement. Utility easements for street lights are not exclusive, and may be landscaped or
used for parking subject to City approval. If there is an exclusive gas easement behind an attached
walk or path, the street lights shall be located beyond that easement in an additional three-foot
wide easement or the gas easement shall be relocated.
CHAPTER 3
STREETSCAPE DESIGN AND TREE PROTECTION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Page
Number Page
Table 3-1: Approved Street Tree List for Non-paved Medians and Landscape Planting Strips ....................................... 4
Table 3-2: Limitations on Individual Tree Species ..................................................................................................................... 5
Table 3-3: Tree Grates and Planting Pits Standards................................................................................................................... 6
Table 3-4: Approved Street Tree List for Paved Areas Using Tree Grates and Planting Pits……………………..….7
Table 3-5: Approved Median Shrub List..................................................................................................................................... 9
Table 3-6: Tree Characteristics………………………………………………………………………………….……15
(A) Intent
The Streetscape Design and Tree Standards are intended to improve public safety by preventing sight distance
and facility obstructions and sidewalk and street damage, to promote suitable landscape species selection for
streetscapes, to minimize tree and landscape maintenance costs, and to create an aesthetic community image
through continuity.
(B) Scope
These Standards apply to streetscapes and private construction sites where specified, and include the planting,
maintenance, pruning and spraying, and removal of trees and landscaping materials located, standing, or
growing within or upon any City of Boulder public right-of-way. The requirements of this chapter are in
addition to and compliment those set forth in Chapter 10, “Streetscaping Standards,” and applicable
streetscape drawings in Chapter 11, “Technical Drawings,” of these Standards and the B.R.C. 1981.
Required Planting Strip Width Required Planting Strip Width Required Planting Strip Width
4'-5' Minimum 6'-7' Minimum 8' Minimum
Crabapple- Malus spp. (Fireblight resistant varieties, Cherry - Prunus sargentii (Sargent) Ash, Green1,2 - Fraxinus pennsylvanica
inc. ‘Centurion,’ ‘Red Barron’) (‘Marshall’s Seedless,’ ‘Newport,’ ‘Patmore,’)
Goldenraintree1 - Koelreuteria paniculata Crabapple- Malus spp. (Fireblight resistant Ash, White2 - Fraxinus americana (‘Autumn
varieties, inc. ‘Indian Magic’, ‘Indian Summer’, Applause,’ ‘Autumn Purple,’ ‘Rosehill’)
‘Radiant’, ‘Spring Snow’)
Hawthorn - Crataegus spp. (thornless cockspur, Hackberry, Common1 - Celtis occidentalis (‘Prairie
‘Ohio Pioneer’) Tree Form Pride’) Baldcypress - Taxodium distichum
Lilac, Japanese tree- Syringa reticulata Tree Form Honeylocust1 - Gleditsia triacanthos var. inermis Catalpa, Western1 - Catalpa speciosa
(‘Imperial,’ ‘Sunburst’)
Maple, Amur1 - Acer ginnala Tree Hop Hornbeam - Ostrya virginiana Coffeetree, Kentucky1 - Gymnocladus dioicus
Form
Maple, Norway - Acer platanoides (‘Crimson Hornbeam, European - Carpinus betulus Elm, American - Ulmus americana (‘Brandon,’
Sentry’) ‘Valley Forge’)
Maple, Tatarian - Acer tataricum Tree Linden, Littleleaf - Tilia cordata (‘Corinthian’) Hackberry, Common1 - Celtis occidentalis
Form
Oak, Gambel - Quercus gambelii Tree Maple, Norway - Acer platanoides (‘Cavalier,’ Honeylocust1 - Gleditsia triacanthos var. inermis
Form ‘Drummondi’) (‘Shademaster,’ ‘Majestic’)
Pear - Pyrus calleryana ‘Chanticleer’ Maple, Hedge - Acer campestre Horsechestnut, Common - Aesculus
hippocastanum
Prunus - Prunus spp. (Cherries, Plums, Almonds, Maple, Wasatch1 - Acer grandidentatum Tree Linden, American - Tilia americana (‘Legend’,
Apricot1) Tree Form Form ‘Redmond’)
Redbud - Cercis canadensis Tree Ohio Buckeye1 - Aesculus glabra Linden, Littleleaf - Tilia cordata (‘Chancellor,’
Form ‘Greenspire’)
Serviceberry - Amelanchier spp. Tree Pear - Pyrus spp. (Ussurian, Callery - avoid Maple, Norway - Acer platanoides (‘Deborah,’
Form ‘Bradford’ variety) ‘Emerald Queen’)
Turkish Filbert - Corylus colurna Maple, Red - Acer rubrum (‘Northwood’, ‘Red
Sunset’)
(The following table applies to trees in both Table 3-1 and Table 3-4.)
Number of Trees in the Site or Corridor Maximum Percentage of Any One Species
10-19 50%
20-39 33%
(C) Tree Placement in Paved Areas Using Tree Grates and Planting Pits
(1) Trees using tree grates and planting pits shall be placed in compliance with the design
standards for tree spacing, tree grate areas, and planting pit sizes as listed in Table 3-3, “Tree
Grates and Planting Pits Standards” and Table 3-4, “Approved Street Tree List for Paved
Areas Using Tree Grates and Planting Pits.”
Tree Species Size Tree Spacing Minimum Tree Grate Minimum Tree Pit
Area Volume
(Width x Length) (Width x Length x Depth)
Small Tree 10 Ft. minimum, 20 Sq. Ft. minimum, 60 Cu. Ft. minimum,
15 Ft. recommended 4 Ft. min. width 3 Ft. min. depth
(Ex. 4 ft. x 5 ft.) (Ex. 4 ft. x 5 ft. x 3 ft.)
Medium Tree 15 Ft. minimum, 32 Sq. Ft. minimum, 96 Cu. Ft. minimum,
20 Ft. recommended 4 Ft. min. width 3 Ft. min. depth
(Ex. 4 ft. x 8 ft.) (Ex. 4 ft. x 8 ft. x 3 ft.)
Large Tree 20 Ft. minimum, 40 Sq. Ft. minimum, 120 Cu. Ft. minimum,
25 Ft. recommended 4 Ft. min. width 3 Ft. min. depth
(Ex. 4 ft. x 10 ft.) (Ex. 4 ft. x 10 ft. x 3 ft.)
Crabapple – Malus spp. (Fireblight resistant Crabapple – Malus spp. Fireblight resistant Ash, Green, 1,2 – Fraxinus pennsylvanica
varieties inc. ‘Centurion, ‘Red Barron’) varieties inc. ‘Indian Summer, Indian Magic’, (‘Marshall’s seedless,’ ‘Newport,’ Patmore,’)
‘Radiant’, ‘Spring Snow’)
Goldenrain1 - Koelreuteria paniculata Hackberry1 - Celtis occidentalis (‘Prairie Coffeetree, Kentucky1 - Gymnocladus dioicus
Pride’)
Hawthorn - Crataegus spp. (thornless Honeylocust1 - Gleditsia triacanthos var. Hackberry, Common1 - Celtis occidentalis
cockspur, ‘Cruzam,’ ‘Ohio Pioneer’) inermis (‘Imperial’ ‘Sunburst’)
Tree Form
Lilac - Syringa reticulata (Japanese tree) Hop Hornbeam - Ostrya virginiana Honeylocust1 -Gleditsia triacanthos var.
Tree Form inermis (‘Shademaster,’ ‘Majestic’)
Maple, Amur1 - Acer ginnala Hornbeam, European - Carpinus betulus Linden, American - Tilia americana
Tree Form (‘Legend’, ‘Redmond’)
Maple, Tatarian - Acer tataricum Linden, Littleleaf - Tilia cordata Linden, Littleleaf - Tilia cordata
Tree Form (‘Corinthian’) (‘Chancellor,’ ‘Greenspire’)
Oak, Gambel - Quercus gambelii Ohio Buckeye1- Aesculus glabra Maple, Red - Acer rubrum (‘Northwood’,
Tree Form ‘Red Sunset’)
Pear - Pyrus calleryana ‘Chanticleer’ Pear - Pyrus spp. (Ussurian, Callery - avoid Oak - Quercus spp. (Bur1, English, Red,
‘Bradford’ variety) Shumard, Swamp White1)
(2) Tree grates and planting pits shall be provided in locations where a hard surface or paved
area is required to adequately accommodate pedestrians, including without limitation
downtown or commercial sidewalks, malls, and plazas. The tree grate allows air and
moisture to reach tree roots and limits compaction of the soil around the tree to maintain
healthy growth.
(3) Trees using tree grates shall not be placed where the expected mature height and canopy
spread could obstruct sight distance of any public sign, driveway, alley, or intersection, as
set forth in Section 9-3.3-5, “Sight Distance,” B.R.C. 1981, or where the physical
obstruction of any sidewalk, trail, alley, or street lane could occur.
(4) Trees using tree grates shall not be placed within 10 feet of any existing underground utility
line or within 20 feet of any utility poles or pedestal. When tree placement is allowed under
overhead power lines, only those tree species listed as “Small Maturing Trees” on Table 3-4,
“Approved Street Tree List for Paved Areas Using Tree Grates and Planting Pits,” shall be
planted.
20-25' ht., 15-20' spread, broadly Drought tolerant once established, tolerates
Goldenraintree (Koelreuteria
globe-shaped wide range of soil types, attractive yellow
paniculata)
flowers in mid-summer, yellow fall color,
grows in full sun or partial shade
15-20' ht., 15-20' spread, broadly Drought tolerant once established, can
Maple, Amur (Acer ginnala)
globe-shaped to irregular, plant become chlorotic in alkaline soils, brilliant red
tree form only to orange or yellow fall color, requires full
sun
25' ht., 15' spread, dense and Adaptable water requirements once
Maple, Norway (Acer platanoides
columnar established, dark purple foliage in spring and
‘Crimson Sentry’)
summer, susceptible to sunscald, requires full
sun
10-25' ht., 10-15' spread, broadly Tolerant of dry and alkaline soils, Colorado
Oak, Gambel (Quercus gambelii)
globe-shaped, plant tree form native, yellow to red fall color, requires full
only sun
CHAPTER 4
GENERAL UTILITIES DESIGN
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Page
4.01 GENERAL........................................................................................................................................................1
(A) INTENT ...........................................................................................................................................................1
(B) UTILITIES MASTER PLANS ...............................................................................................................................1
(C) REFERENCE STANDARDS.................................................................................................................................1
4.02 UTILITY CONNECTION PLAN .................................................................................................................1
(A) REQUIRED .......................................................................................................................................................1
(B) PLAN REQUIREMENTS .....................................................................................................................................1
4.03 UTILITY PLAN ..............................................................................................................................................2
(A) REQUIRED .......................................................................................................................................................2
(B) PLAN REQUIREMENTS .....................................................................................................................................2
(C) UTILITY PLAN APPROVALS .............................................................................................................................3
4.04 UTILITIES EASEMENTS..............................................................................................................................4
(A) GENERAL ........................................................................................................................................................4
(B) EASEMENTS CROSSING SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL LOTS ...........................................................................4
4.05 PIPE STRENGTH ...........................................................................................................................................5
4.08 ABANDONMENT, REPAIR AND UPGRADE OF SERVICE LINES AND TAPS .................................8
(A) GENERAL ........................................................................................................................................................8
(B) ABANDONMENT ..............................................................................................................................................8
(C) WITNESSING ...................................................................................................................................................8
(D) TAP UPGRADE ................................................................................................................................................8
(E) WATER SERVICES ...........................................................................................................................................8
(F) SEWER SERVICES ............................................................................................................................................9
LIST OF TABLES
Table Number Page
(A) Intent
The General Utilities Design Standards are intended to provide for an integrated public utilities
system for all public utilities, including water, wastewater, storm drainage, gas, electric and
telecommunications systems.
(A) Required
The Director of Public Works may require the preparation of a Utility Connection Plan in order to
assess the feasibility of providing utility service to any project or development and identify impacts
of any development application on the existing and planned public utility systems. A Utility
Connection Plan may be prepared in lieu of a Utility Plan for projects or developments that meet
all of the standards below:
(1) City utilities required to serve the site are located directly adjacent to the subject property.
(2) No extension, enlargement, or improvement of public mains is required to serve the site.
(3) No change in use is proposed which may alter the utility needs of the site.
(A) Required
The Director may require an applicant to submit a Utility Plan as a condition of any development
application in order to adequately assess the availability of utility service and impacts of any
development application on the existing and planned public utility systems. The Utility Plan shall
provide an overview of the proposed project or development application and identify whether the
proposal is:
(1) Eligible for utility service and has access to available public utility systems.
(2) Consistent with current Utilities Master Plans, meets the minimum design standards for
system layout, and is compatible with and allows for the perpetuation of the existing utility
systems.
(3) Located within any mapped 100-year floodplain.
(A) General
(1) All City-operated public utilities, including without limitation, water, wastewater and
storm drainage systems, shall be located within public rights-of-way or public utility
easements.
(2) Public utility easements shall be at least 25 feet wide. Wider easements may be required
where the depth of a utility, or number of utilities occupying the easement, requires
additional width to satisfy standards for utility separations, trenching excavations, or
adequate maintenance access.
(3) Public utility easements shall provide a minimum parallel separation of 6 feet between the
edge of any utility line and the easement boundary.
(4) Public utility easements are to be placed longitudinally along one side of any property line
in a manner that no portion of any easement falls on both sides of a parallel property line.
(5) Structures and landscaping proposed in public utility easements shall comply with the
standards as set forth in Chapter 8-5, “Work in the Public Right-of-Way and Public
Easements,” and Chapter 8-6, “Public Right-of-Way and Easement Encroachments,
Revocable Permits, Leases, and Vacations,” B.R.C. 1981.
(6) The Director may allow water service taps from water mains in easements only if free and
unobstructed vehicle access is permanently guaranteed for all-weather water meter
reading, valve access, and maintenance. Where the Director allowed a service tap from a
water main in an easement, the property owners shall ensure all city owned and
maintained utilities are accessible and surface features such as valve covers, manholes,
and meter pits are visible and not covered by landscape materials, concrete or asphalt.
Proposals will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and are subject to prior approval by the
Director.
(A) General
Inactivity, damage, age of materials, redevelopment, or changes in service requirements for the
premises may require repair, removal or abandonment of a utilities service line or stub-in. Repair,
removal and abandonment of a utilities service line or stub-in shall comply with the standards of
this section.
(B) Abandonment
An abandoned service line shall be disconnected at the corporation with the main.
(C) Witnessing
Service line abandonments and repairs shall be witnessed by City inspection staff.
CHAPTER 5
WATER DESIGN
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Page
5.01 GENERAL .....................................................................................................................................................1
(A) INTENT ........................................................................................................................................................1
(B) WATER UTILITY MASTER PLAN ..................................................................................................................1
(C) REFERENCE STANDARDS .............................................................................................................................1
5.02 UTILITY REPORT.......................................................................................................................................1
(A) REQUIREMENT ............................................................................................................................................1
(B) REPORT .......................................................................................................................................................1
(C) PRELIMINARY PLAN ....................................................................................................................................2
(D) CONNECTION AND ISOLATION PLAN ............................................................................................................2
5.03 WATER MAIN EXTENSIONS ...................................................................................................................3
(A) WATER UTILITY MASTER PLAN ..................................................................................................................3
(B) MAIN EXTENSION AGREEMENTS .................................................................................................................3
5.04 DESIGN FLOW ............................................................................................................................................3
(A) WATER DISTRIBUTION MAINS .....................................................................................................................3
(B) WATER SERVICES .......................................................................................................................................4
5.05 MATERIALS AND INSTALLATION ........................................................................................................4
LIST OF TABLES
Table Number Page
Table 5-1: Peak Day Water Demands ............................................................................................ 4
Table 5-2: Peak Hour Factors ......................................................................................................... 4
(A) Intent
The Water Design Standards establish minimum design standards for providing and maintaining
the public water utility distribution system.
(A) Requirement
The Director of Public Works may require the preparation of a utility report in order to assess the
impacts and service demands of any project or development proposal connecting to the public
water distribution system. The utility report shall be prepared by the Engineer and include a
technical report, preliminary plan, and connection and isolation plan as outlined in the following
subsections.
(B) Report
The utility report shall provide an overview of the proposed project or development, proposed
water utility improvements, water service demands, system impact and feasibility, and basic design
requirements, and include the following information:
(1) Water Demands: Include estimated water demands based on occupancy and building
type for the following conditions:
(a) Peak Hour (gallons-per-minute),
(b) Peak Day (gallons-per-minute),
(c) Insurance Service Office (ISO) Fire Flows (gallons-per-minute), and
(d) Irrigation (gallons-per-minute).
(2) Conformance with Water Utility Master Plan: Describe how the proposed water utility
improvements conform with the adopted Water Utility Master Plan.
(3) System Layout: Describe the proposed distribution system layout, including locations for
connections with the existing water utility system.
(4) Network Analysis: Include a distribution network analysis as required by the Director,
performed through an EPANet or MWH InfoWater computer simulation, identifying any
(6) Table 5-2 indicates water demand peaking factors for forecasting demands.
Table 5-2: Peak Hour Factors
(7) Water design flows that reduce the water system pressures below the acceptable levels or
increase water system flow velocities above the acceptable levels specified in this section or
elsewhere in these Standards are considered detrimental to the overall system. In these
situations, the Director will deny project approval, or require the developer to provide
additional water system improvements, both onsite and offsite, to ensure no reduction in
levels of service.
(A) Specifications
(1) Size: All water mains 16 inches or larger in diameter shall be classified as “transmission
mains.”
(2) Location: All transmission mains shall be installed in public rights-of-way or easements,
as prescribed in Section 4.04, “Utilities Easements,” of these Standards.
(3) Depth: All transmission mains shall have no less than 4.5 feet and no more than 10 feet
of cover, measured from the top of pipe to the final surface grade.
(4) Separations and Crossings: All transmission main separations and crossings of other
City utilities shall be designed in compliance with Section 4.06, “Separation of Utilities,”
of these Standards.
(B) Taps
(1) Minimum Tap Size: No main extension or fire hydrant taps smaller than 6 inches in
diameter shall be installed in any transmission main.
(2) Service Line Taps Prohibited: Service line taps shall not be installed in any
transmission main.
(3) Pressure Taps: Unless approved by the Director, all taps installed onto a transmission
main shall be made under “wet tap” conditions, using a tapping tee and valve, to allow the
transmission main to remain in service.
(C) Valves
(1) Separation: Valve separation along transmission mains shall be no greater than 1,200
feet, measured along the alignment of the transmission main.
(2) Valve Locations: Valves shall be installed at the following locations:
(a) At all connections with transmission mains. Where a distribution main connects
with a transmission main, a valve shall be installed on the distribution main at the
transmission main.
(b) Where necessary to ensure that no more than three valves must be closed to isolate
any section of a transmission main. Two valves shall be installed at all tee-type
connections, and three valves shall be installed at all cross-type connections.
(c) Where possible, valves shall be aligned with extensions of property lines or right-
(A) Specifications
(1) Size: Distribution mains shall be at least 8 inches in diameter.
(2) Locations
(a) All water mains shall be installed in public rights-of-way or easements, as
prescribed under Section 4.04, “Utilities Easements,” of these Standards.
(b) All platted lots, whether existing or proposed as part of a subdivision, shall front
on a distribution main.
(3) Depth: All distribution mains shall have no less than 4.5 feet and no more than 10 feet of
cover, measured from the top of pipe to the final surface grade. Where final grades have
not been established, mains shall be installed deep enough to ensure acceptable cover
below the future grade based on the best available information. Under no condition shall a
main be installed with less than 4.5 feet of cover.
(4) Separations and Crossings: All distribution main separations and crossings of other City
utilities shall be designed in compliance with Section 4.06, “Separation of Utilities,” of
these Standards.
(B) Taps
(1) Pressure Taps: All taps approved onto a distribution main shall be installed under “wet
tap” conditions, using a tapping tee and valve, which allows the distribution main to
(C) Valves
(1) Where Required: Valves shall be installed as necessary on distribution mains to ensure
that:
(a) No more than 600 feet of water main will be located between isolation valve
zones (i.e., sections of main that may be taken out of service for maintenance
activities).
(b) No more than two fire hydrants will be located between isolation valve zones.
(c) No more than three valves will require closure to isolate any section of a
distribution main. Two valves shall be installed at all tee-type connections, and
three valves shall be installed at all cross-type connections.
(d) Valves are to be aligned with extensions of property lines or right-of-way lines
where possible. Valves shall not be placed within public sidewalks, multi-use
paths, or on-street bike lanes.
(2) Emergency Access: Valves shall be located to provide maximum accessibility for
emergency access. Valves shall not be placed in locations that may be subject to routine
parking or storage operations.
(E) Extensions
(1) Standards: Water distribution main extensions are subject to the requirements in Section
11-1-41, “Extensions of Water Mains,” B.R.C. 1981, and these Standards.
(2) System Perpetuation: Water mains shall extend to the far edge of the property being
served or to the edge of the platted subdivision, whichever is greater, to ensure
perpetuation of the water distribution system. The location, size, and configuration of the
proposed development or subdivision, with respect to the existing water distribution
system, may dictate that water mains be extended to the far edge of more than one
(A) General
(1) Standards: Water services are water system extensions that are tapped onto the
distribution system to provide water to consumers. Water services are subject to the
requirements of these Standards and Section 11-1-20, “Taps or Connections to Water
Mains,” and Section 11-1-21, “Water Service Lines,” B.R.C., 1981.
(2) Water Meters: Water services shall include the installation of a meter and shall be
subject to the requirements of these Standards and the conditions of Sections 11-1-34,
(A) Purpose
The purpose of these standards is to protect the City water system from contamination or pollution by
backflow due to cross connections from owner water systems, and to a continuing program of cross
connection control to prevent the contamination or pollution of the City water system. For the purpose
of this section, "Contamination" means any impairment of the quality of the potable water by pollution
from sewage, industrial fluids or waste liquids, compounds or other materials to a degree which may
create a hazard to the public health through poisoning or through the spread of disease.
(F) Specifications
(1) After written notification by the Director of Public Works, any property with a backflow
incident shall be responsible for installation, inspection and testing, or repair of a backflow
prevention assembly within 10-days. Backflow prevention devices shall be air-gap (“AG”) or
(3) Prior to final inspection of any new structure or alteration requiring a building permit, the
owners and operators of the following types of facilities shall be responsible for
installation, inspection, testing, or repair of a backflow prevention assembly. Backflow
prevention devices shall be air-gap (“AG”), or reduced pressure principle assembly (“RP”)
unless otherwise noted. Double Check Valve Assembly (“DC”) devices shall only be
permitted where specifically approved below.
(4) Any building or facility not listed in the foregoing table may be required by the Director of
(2) Certified Cross Connection Control and Backflow Prevention Device Testers shall also be
required to provide the following information in order to be listed on the Backflow Prevention
Program’s list of certified testers in the area. Such information shall be sent or faxed directly
from the laboratory to the Backflow Prevention Program office at 5605 N. 63rd St., Boulder,
Colorado 80301; FAX: 303-530-1137.
CHAPTER 6
WASTEWATER DESIGN
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Page
6.01 GENERAL........................................................................................................................................................1
(A) INTENT ...........................................................................................................................................................1
(B) WASTEWATER UTILITY MASTER PLANS..........................................................................................................1
(C) REFERENCE STANDARDS.................................................................................................................................1
6.02 UTILITY REPORT .........................................................................................................................................1
(A) REQUIREMENT ................................................................................................................................................1
(B) REPORT...........................................................................................................................................................1
(C) PRELIMINARY PLAN ........................................................................................................................................2
6.03 WASTEWATER MAIN EXTENSIONS .......................................................................................................3
(A) WASTEWATER UTILITY MASTER PLAN ...........................................................................................................3
(B) MAIN EXTENSION AGREEMENTS .....................................................................................................................3
6.04 DESIGN FLOW ...............................................................................................................................................4
(A) WASTEWATER COLLECTION MAINS ................................................................................................................4
(B) WASTEWATER SERVICES ................................................................................................................................5
6.05 MATERIALS AND INSTALLATION ..........................................................................................................5
LIST OF TABLES
(A) Intent
The Wastewater Design Standards establish minimum design standards for providing and
maintaining the public wastewater utility collection system.
(A) Requirement
The Director of Public Works may require the preparation of a utility report in order to assess the
impacts and service demands of any project or development proposal connecting to the public
wastewater collection system. The utility report shall be prepared by the Engineer and include a
technical report and preliminary plan as outlined in the following subsections.
(B) Report
The utility report shall provide an overview of the proposed project or development, proposed
wastewater utility improvements, wastewater service demands, system impact and feasibility, and
basic design requirements, and include the following information:
(1) Wastewater Demands: Include estimated wastewater demands based on projected land
use, occupancy and building type for the following conditions:
(a) Average-Day (gallons-per-minute),
(b) Peak Flow or Maximum-Day (gallons-per-minute),
(c) Minimum-Day (gallons-per-minute), and
(d) Infiltration/Inflow (gallons-per-minute).
(2) Compatibility with Wastewater Utility Master Plan: Describe how the proposed
wastewater utility improvements conform with the adopted Wastewater Utility Master
Plan.
(3) Service Area: Describe the initial and ultimate area, measured in acres, that could be
served by the new wastewater facilities.
(4) Population Density: Define the initial and ultimate population densities that could be
served by the new wastewater facilities.
(12) Final design flow determinations shall include any documentation and calculation of
population densities, building areas, pumped discharge flow rates, existing wastewater
flow rates, existing or anticipated industrial discharges, peak flow, minimum flow, and
infiltration/inflow flow rates.
(B) Size
(1) Minimum Diameter: Collection mains shall be a minimum eight (8) inches in diameter.
(2) Size Changes: All changes in pipe size shall require a manhole at the size change.
(C) Locations
(1) Easements: All wastewater mains shall be installed in public rights-of-way or easements,
as prescribed under Section 4.04 of these Standards.
(2) Lot Frontage: All platted lots, whether existing or proposed as part of a subdivision, shall
front on a collection main.
(D) Depth
(1) Minimum and Maximum Cover: All collection mains shall have a minimum depth of
(E) Slope
(1) Minimum and Maximum Slopes: Table 6-3 indicates minimum and maximum
allowable collection main slopes:
Table 6-3: Minimum and Maximum Allowable Collection Main Slopes
(2) Velocities: Collection mains shall be designed with an adequate slope to provide flow
velocities of two (2) feet per second during peak flow conditions. Minimum allowable
slope shall provide half-full pipe flow velocities of two (2) feet per second. Maximum
allowable slope shall provide half-full pipe flow velocities of 10 feet per second. The
design slope will usually be greater than the minimum allowable slope, where less than
half-full or full pipe peak flow conditions occur.
(3) Slope Between Manholes: All collection mains shall be laid at a constant slope between
manholes.
(4) Slope Changes: All changes in slope shall require a manhole at the slope change
connection.
(F) Alignment
(1) Straight Alignment Required: All collection mains shall be laid in a straight alignment
between manholes.
(2) Alignment Changes: All changes in alignment require a manhole at the alignment change
connection.
(3) Curvilinear Mains Prohibited: Curvilinear collection mains will not be allowed.
(J) Extensions
(1) Standards: Wastewater collection mains are subject to the requirements of Section 11-2-
25, “Extensions for Sanitary Sewer Mains,” B.R.C. 1981, and these Standards.
(2) System Perpetuation: Wastewater mains shall extend to the far edge of the property
being served or to the edge of the platted subdivision, whichever is greater, to ensure
perpetuation of the wastewater collection system. The location, size, and configuration of
the proposed development or subdivision, with respect to the existing wastewater
collection system, may dictate that wastewater mains be extended to the far edge of more
than one property or subdivision boundary to accommodate system perpetuation.
(3) Exceptions: Exceptions to this subsection may be granted only if development of the
adjacent property is not contemplated within 5 years or is classified as Area III under the
Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan. In these cases, an easement for extending the system
shall be granted by the property owner.
6.07 Manholes
(A) Location
(1) Where Required: Manholes shall be required at the upper end of each collection main
line, and at all changes in grade, slope and alignment. Where feasible, manholes are to be
installed at street intersections, or aligned with an extension of property lines in midblock
and easement locations and should be located outside of bike lanes, sidewalks, multi-use
paths and wheel lines of streets.
(2) Maximum Separation: Manholes shall be required along collection mains at distances
not greater than 400 feet.
(3) Service Connections: Manholes shall be required at all service connections for
wastewater service lines six (6) inches in diameter and larger.
(4) Monitoring Facilities: Manholes for monitoring facilities shall be required on service
lines for industrial users or non-residential users, as prescribed under Section 11-3-16,
“Monitoring Facilities,” B.R.C. 1981. Where monitoring facilities are required, service
lines shall be a minimum of 6 inches in diameter to facilitate sampling.
(E) Covers
(1) Where Required: Manholes that are not located within a public street, alley or driveway
section shall be installed with a bolting-type cover to ensure safety and prevent vandalism.
(2) Submerged Conditions: Where manholes must be located within the 100-year floodplain
or in a location where runoff may accumulate and pond, they shall be installed with a
hinged, gasketed, and locking frame and cover assembly. The assembly shall be an “East
Jordan Iron Works” ERGO or ERGO XL assembly. The manhole ring shall be bolted to
the manhole cone to prevent possible damage due to surcharge.
(A) General
(1) Standards: Wastewater services are private wastewater system extensions that are
connected or tapped onto the wastewater collection main to provide wastewater service to
the consumer, and are subject to the requirements of Section 11-2-13, “Taps or
Connections to Sanitary Sewer Mains,” and 11-2-14, “Sanitary Sewer Service Lines,”
B.R.C. 1981, and these Standards.
(2) Industrial and Prohibited Discharges: Wastewater services and discharges are subject
to the requirements of Chapter 11-3, “Industrial and Prohibited Wastewater Discharges,”
B.R.C. 1981.
(3) Separate Services to Lots: All platted lots, whether existing or proposed as part of a
subdivision, shall front on and have a separate wastewater service connection to a
collection main without crossing adjacent lots.
(4) Service Alignment: Wastewater services shall be installed perpendicular to the collection
main, for that portion of the service line that is located in the public right-of-way or
easement. Where this is not possible, the wastewater service alignment shall be subject to
the determination of the Director.
(5) Separation from Water Service: Wastewater services shall maintain a minimum
separation of ten (10) feet from water services, for that portion of the service line that is
located in the public right-of-way or easement.
(6) Prohibited Connections: No storm water, surface water, or ground water may be
discharged into the wastewater service. Prohibited connections include roof drains, storm
inlets, foundation perimeter drains, area drains for open patios or driveway entrances to
parking structures, and ground water sump systems.
(7) Floor Drains in Parking Garages: Floor drains internal to covered parking structures,
that collect drainage from rain and ice drippings from parked cars or water used to wash-
down internal floors, shall be connected to the wastewater service using appropriate grease
and sediment traps.
(8) Maintenance Access: Wastewater services shall be provided with a two-way cleanout
outside and adjacent to the building being served and where there is a change in alignment
of the service. Cleanouts shall be constructed as follows:
(a) No cleanouts shall be installed within the public right-of-way.
(b) Cleanouts shall be constructed of the same diameter pipe as the wastewater
service.
(c) Cleanouts shall not be located in detention ponds, ditches, swales, or other areas
of stormwater runoff or ponding.
(d) Cleanouts shall be fitted with a threaded watertight cap that prevents the inflow of
stormwater or irrigation water.
(e) The cleanout shall allow maintenance access for cleaning and inspection in both
the upstream and downstream direction.
CHAPTER 7
STORMWATER DESIGN
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Page
Number Page
LIST OF FIGURES
Number Page
(A) Intent
The Stormwater Design Standards are intended to provide for a comprehensive and integrated
stormwater utility system to convey and manage stormwaters in order to mitigate safety hazards
and minimize property losses and disruption due to heavy storm runoff and flooding, maintain
travel on public streets during storm events, enhance water quality of storm runoff by mitigating
erosion, sediment and pollutant transport, control and manage increased runoff due to local
development, establish effective long-term management of natural drainageways, and provide for
ongoing and emergency maintenance of public stormwater systems. These standards are intended
to prevent pollution and degradation of state waters.
The City is an operator of a Phase II Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) and is
required by the State of Colorado to hold a permit to discharge stormwater from its municipal
separate storm sewer system to the waters of the State. The Stormwater Design Standards
establish standards implementing the requirements of the MS4 Permit and Chapter 11-5,
“Stormwater and Flood Management Utility,” B.R.C. 1981.
(D) Floodplains
Where improvements are proposed within a designated 100-year floodplain, as defined on the
current FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) or floodplain mapping adopted by the City, an
applicant for construction approval shall satisfy and comply with all applicable regulations and
requirements as set forth in Chapter 9-3, “Overlay Districts,” B.R.C. 1981.
(G) Streets
The primary function of streets is for safe traffic movement; therefore, streets shall be designed
and constructed to accommodate runoff and convey it to downstream drainage facilities in order to
minimize its interference with traffic. When the stormwater runoff accumulation in the street
exceeds allowable limits, storm sewers or other drainage facilities are required to collect and
convey the excess runoff.
(J) Definitions
The words defined in this subsection and used in this Chapter have the meanings established in
Construction activity means an activity that disturbs the ground surface and associated activities that
include, without limitation clearing, grading, excavation, demolition, installation of new or improved haul
roads and access roads, staging areas, stockpiling of fill materials, and borrow areas. Activities from initial
ground breaking through final stabilization are construction activities regardless of ownership. Construction
activities do not include routine maintenance to maintain the original line and grade, hydraulic capacity, or
original purpose of a facility. Activities to conduct repairs that are not part of routine maintenance, activities
for replacement, and activities for repaving where underlying or surrounding soil is exposed, cleared, graded,
or excavated are all construction activities for the purposes of this chapter.
Control measure means an activity, practice, or structural control used to prevent or reduce the
discharge of pollutants to waters of the State. The two categories of control measures are:
Control measure for post-construction stormwater quality, also referred to as a
stormwater control measure (SCM), means a permanent device, practice, or method for
removing, reducing, retarding, or preventing targeted stormwater runoff constituents,
pollutants, and contaminants from reaching receiving waters.
Control measures for erosion and sediment control means a device, practice, or
method implemented on a construction site to remove, reduce, retard, or prevent pollutants
or pollutant-laden water from discharging off the site. These control measures may be
structural (e.g., wattles/sediment control logs, silt fences, earthen dikes, drainage swales,
sediment traps, subsurface drains, pipe slope drains, inlet protection, outlet protection,
gabions, sediment basins, temporary vegetation, permanent vegetation, mulching,
geotextiles, sod stabilization, slope roughening, maintaining existing vegetation,
protection of trees, and preservation of mature vegetation) or non-structural (e.g.,
schedules of activities, prohibitions of practices, pollution prevention and educational
practices, and maintenance procedures).
Detention pond means a structural control intended to store increased runoff from developed
property and release this runoff at the historic rate that existed prior to development or redevelopment.
LID technique means low impact development technique.
Low Impact Development (LID) technique means a non-structural land development planning and
site layout strategy intended to reduce stormwater volume, peak discharge, and pollutant load.
MS4 Permit means the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System Phase II discharge permit issued
by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment pursuant to Regulation 61, Colorado
Permit Discharge System, 5 CCR 1002-61, and the Colorado Water Quality Control Act, C.R.S.§ 25-8-
101, et seq., as that permit may be amended in the future.
New development means a vegetative or non-vegetative change in the existing land surface, including
without limitation construction activities, compaction associated with stabilization of structures, road
Receiving Pervious Area (RPA) means a vegetated pervious area that receives stormwater from an
impervious area, thus un-connecting the impervious area from directly discharging stormwater to a local
stream, lake, or to the public stormwater utility system.
Redevelopment means the creation or addition of impervious area or paved surface on a site that is
already substantially developed with 35% or more existing imperviousness, including without limitation
expansion of a building footprint, addition or replacement of a structure, structural development, and
construction or replacement of paved surface area.
Stormwater utility system means the municipal storm sewer system that includes without limitation
the conveyance or system of conveyances (including roads with drainage systems, municipal streets, catch
basins, curbs, gutters, ditches, human-made channels, or storm drains) that discharge to state waters and is
owned or operated by the City and designed or used for collecting or conveying stormwater, and is not a
combined sewer or part of a publicly owned treatment works.
Stormwater Quality Design Standard means a performance metric from the MS4 Permit that must
be demonstrated to be achieved to document compliance with City of Boulder stormwater requirements for
applicable development sites. Stormwater Quality Design Standards are volume reduction, Water Quality
Capture Volume (WQCV), pollutant removal, and constrained redevelopment site standards, as defined in
Subsection 7.16(D).
Treatment area means a single drainage basin or group of drainage basins for which a proposed
design completely satisfies a single Stormwater Quality Design Standard.
Unconnected Impervious Area (UIA) means an impervious area that discharges to a RPA and,
therefore, does not discharge directly to a local stream, lake, or the stormwater utility system.
Water Quality Capture Volume (WQCV) means the volume equivalent to the runoff from an 80th
percentile storm, meaning that 80 percent of the most frequently occurring storms are fully captured and
treated and larger events are partially treated.
(A) General
(1) If a project is determined to be of sufficient size or complexity, the Director may require
the preparation of a Conceptual Drainage Report and Stormwater Plan by the Engineer to
assess feasibility of stormwater utility system improvements. The purpose of the
Conceptual Drainage Report and Stormwater Plan shall be to demonstrate that required
stormwater utility system facilities can be accommodated on the development site and to
identify and plan for impacts to neighboring properties and stormwater utility systems.
(2) The Director reviews Conceptual Drainage Reports and Stormwater Plans for local-level
purposes, including conformance with these Standards pertaining to stormwater utility
systems.
(3) Measured or calculated parameters provided in all submitted Conceptual Drainage Reports
and Stormwater Plans shall be reported using the English System of Measurement unless
Metric System units are the standard expression for the parameter.
(a) Land or surface area shall be reported in square feet (ft2, sf, or sq.ft.) for projects
(A) General
(1) The Director may require the preparation of a Preliminary Drainage Report and
Stormwater Plan by the Engineer. The Preliminary Drainage Report and Stormwater Plan
will be used to assess the impacts and public improvement needs of any proposed project
or development site. Approval of the Preliminary Drainage Report and Stormwater Plan
shall not be construed as approval of specific design details.
(2) The Director reviews Preliminary Drainage Reports and Stormwater Plans for local-level
purposes, including conformance with these Standards pertaining to stormwater utility
systems.
(3) Measured or calculated parameters provided with the Preliminary Drainage Report and
Stormwater Plan shall be consistent with Subsection 7.02(A)(3) of these Standards.
(A) General
(1) The Director may require the preparation of a Final Drainage Report and Stormwater Plan
by the Engineer. The report and plan will be used to assess the impacts and public
improvements needs of any proposed project or development site.
(2) The Director reviews Final Drainage Reports and Stormwater Plans for local-level
purposes, including conformance with these Standards pertaining to stormwater utility
systems.
(3) Measured or calculated parameters provided with the Final Drainage Report and
Stormwater Plan shall be consistent with Subsection 7.02(A)(3) of these Standards.
(A) General
The methodologies and design standards for determining rainfall and runoff conditions for any
development project are based on the standards prescribed in the USDCM, with local revisions as
prescribed in these Standards.
(C) Rainfall
The rainfall intensities to be used in computing runoff shall be determined using the USDCM,
Volume 1 and the Boulder station of the NOAA Atlas 14 Point Precipitation Frequency Estimates.
(D) Runoff
(1) CUHP Method: For basins larger than 160 acres, the Colorado Urban Hydrograph
Procedure (CUHP) method shall be applied in conformance with the USDCM using local
rainfall conditions.
(2) Rational Method: For all basins smaller than 160 acres, the rational method, as described
in the USDCM, shall be used to calculate runoff for both the initial and major storms.
(3) Runoff Coefficient: The runoff coefficient to be used with the rational method may be
determined based on either zoning/land use classifications or types of surface
classifications prescribed in the USDCM. A composite runoff coefficient may be
calculated using land areas impacted by specific classifications.
(4) Intensity: The rainfall intensity used in the rational method shall be calculated per the
USDCM using the NOAA Atlas 14 rainfall depth-duration-frequency data.
(A) General
(1) Designated Major Drainageways: The following list identifies designated major
drainageways in the City for primary stormwater conveyance:
(2) Design Approach: Design of public improvements for local drainageways shall ensure
opportunities to provide for open conveyance corridors that may serve multiple functions,
including without limitation, stormwater drainage and flood conveyance, wetlands and water
quality enhancement, environmental protection and preservation, open space and wildlife
areas, and recreational activities and trail corridors. Stormwater improvements impacting
local drainageways shall be designed and constructed to respect, restore and enhance these
functions in order to maintain a natural ecology, environment and aesthetic value of such
drainageways.
(3) Flow Depth: Storm sewers are to be designed to carry peak flows at full pipe depth.
(4) Pressure Flow Prohibited: Pressurized surcharged or depressed (inverted siphon)
stormwater mains are prohibited in the City’s stormwater system.
(5) Continuous Drainage System: All stormwater drainage facilities shall be a component of a
connected and continuous drainage system that does not end in a sump condition and does not
discharge to irrigation ditches.
(B) Location
All storm sewer mains shall be installed in public rights-of-way or easements, in conformance with
Section 4.04, “Utilities Easements,” of these Standards.
(D) Size
Storm sewer mains shall be at least 18 inches in diameter, and storm sewer laterals shall be at least 15
inches in diameter.
(E) Slope
(1) Minimum and Maximum: Minimum allowable slope shall provide flow velocities of at
least 2-feet per second and maximum allowable slope shall provide flow velocities no greater
than 10feet per second during peak flow conditions.
(2) Constant Slope: All storm sewer mains shall be laid at a constant slope between manholes.
(F) Alignment
(1) Straight Alignment: All storm sewer mains shall be laid in a straight alignment between
manholes.
(2) Curvilinear Mains Prohibited: Curvilinear storm sewer mains shall not be allowed.
(H) Taps
All taps approved onto an existing storm sewer main shall be made by the City of Boulder Utilities
Division and shall be paid for by the applicant. A manhole shall be provided at all taps 6 inches in
diameter or larger. Where taps are made to inlet boxes a manhole is not required.
(J) Extensions
Where required as part of any adopted City master plan or to satisfy stormwater design requirements
as part of any proposed project or development, storm sewer mains shall be extended downstream to
the major drainageway, and upstream to the far edge of the property being served, to ensure
perpetuation of the stormwater collection system.
(b) Special Provisions: Larger manhole diameters or a junction structure may be required
when sewer alignments are not straight through or more than one sewer line passes
through a manhole.
(3) Maintenance Access: Direct access by maintenance vehicles shall be provided to each
manhole. The access drive shall be an all-weather surface, such as asphalt or concrete paving,
adequate gravel base or turf block, minimum 12 feet in width, and shall be capable of
supporting maintenance vehicles weighing up to 14 tons.
(4) Covers
(a) Manholes that are not located within a public street, alley or driveway section shall be
installed with a hinged, gasketed, and locking frame and cover assembly. The
assembly shall be an “East Jordan Iron Works” ERGO or ERGO XL assembly.
(b) Manholes located within the 100-year floodplain, or in a location where runoff may
accumulate and pond, shall be installed with a hinged, gasketed, and locking frame
and cover assembly. The assembly shall be an “East Jordan Iron Works” ERGO or
ERGO XL assembly.
7.09 Inlets
(A) Specifications
(1) Design: Except as modified in these Standards, storm sewer inlet design shall conform with
the standards in the USDCM.
Effective: June 20, 2019 DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS 7-21
(2) Required: Storm inlets shall be provided at:
(a) Areas where street capacity (e.g., allowable design flow spread) would be exceeded
without them,
(b) At sumps or areas prone to ponding,
(c) At median breaks (e.g., where traffic turns across the median),
(d) Upstream of speed mitigation and pedestrian structures that would otherwise cause a
damming of stormwater runoff,
(e) Where nuisance flows would otherwise cross a driving lane, and
(f) Where curb and gutter ends.
(3) Inlet Classification: Inlets are classified as a sump or continuous grade condition. Sump
inlets are inlets located in a low spot or submerged condition. Continuous grade inlets are
inlets located along a continuous grade curb and gutter section where bypass flows may
occur, and not in a low point.
(4) Standard Inlets: Table 7-4, “Standard Inlets,” indicates the standard inlets permitted for use
in the City.
(5) Reduction Factors: In order to account for inlet capacity reductions caused by debris
plugging, pavement overlaying, parked vehicles, and other blockage factors, inlet design shall
be based on the “percentage of theoretical capacity allowed” as outlined in Table 7-4,
“Standard Inlets,” in these Standards.
(6) Inlet Spacing
(a) Spacing of storm inlets is dependent upon traffic requirements, contributing land use,
street slope and distance to the nearest outfall system. The recommended sizing and
spacing of the inlets is based upon the interception rate of 70 percent to 80 percent,
which has been found to be more efficient than spacing using 100 percent
interception rate.
(b) Using recommended inlet spacing, only the most downstream inlet is designed to
intercept 100 percent of the flow. In addition to recommended interception rates,
considerable improvements in overall inlet system efficiency can be achieved if the
inlets are located in the sumps created by street intersections.
(7) Inlet Grates: All inlet grates located in a street, alley, parking lot travel lane, bike path, or
sidewalk shall utilize a vaned grate on the inlet such as the Denver Type 16 inlet.
7.11 Culverts
(D) Specifications
(1) Size
(a) Culvert design size shall be based upon the following:
(i) Runoff volumes for the appropriate design storm.
(ii) Required capacity based on roadway classification and allowable street
overtopping, as prescribed in Section 7.10, “Street Drainage,” of these
Standards
7-24 DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS Effective: June 20, 2019
(b) Culverts shall be at least 18 inches in diameter or height.
(2) Inlet and Outlet Sections
(a) All culverts shall be designed with headwalls and wingwalls, or flared end sections at
the inlet and outlet. Flared end sections are allowed only on pipe culverts with
diameters of 42 inches (or equivalent) or less.
(b) Erosion protection such as rip-rap, boulder energy dissipators, or adequate vegetation,
shall be provided at the inlet or outlet where required to mitigate potential scouring or
erosive flow conditions. The Engineer shall propose the erosion protection to be
used, subject to approval by the Director.
(3) Slope and Velocity
(a) Culvert slopes shall be designed so that neither silting nor excessive velocities
resulting in scour can occur. The minimum design velocity for minor storm
conditions shall be 2 feet per second, to provide for self-cleansing of the culvert.
(b) The maximum culvert velocity is dictated by the channel conditions at the outlet, and
the amount of erosion protection or energy dissipation that can be provided to prevent
scour or damage.
(4) Allowable Headwater
(a) The maximum headwater / diameter (HW/D) ratio for the 100-year design flows shall
be 1.5, and 1.0 for the 10-year design flow. These HW/D ratios are to be applied to
culverts at street crossings and should not be applied to outlets from detention ponds
or private driveways.
(b) Ponding above the top of a culvert is not permitted if such ponding could potentially
cause property or roadway damage, culvert clogging, saturation of critical
embankments, detrimental debris deposition, erosion, or inundation of existing or
future utilities, structures, or buildings.
(5) Trash Racks
(a) The installation of a trash rack over a culvert entrance shall be provided as required
by the Director where there exists the potential for debris clogging of the culvert or
where there is a safety hazard concern for the possibility of people (especially
children) being carried into the culvert.
(b) Trash racks shall be designed to maintain adequate culvert hydraulics, considering
the potential for debris buildup and blockage which may render the culvert
ineffective. Careful design considerations are to be applied, including without
limitation application of the following standards:
(i) Materials: All trash racks shall be constructed with smooth steep pipe,
having an outside diameter of at least 1 ¼ inches. Trash rack ends and
bracing shall be constructed with steel angle sections. All trash rack
components shall have a corrosion protective finish.
(ii) Design: Trash racks shall be designed without cross-braces, to minimize
debris clogging, and be able to withstand the full hydraulic load of a
completely plugged trichroic based on the highest anticipated depth of
ponding. The trash rack shall be hinged and removable for maintenance
purposes.
(iii) Bar Spacing: Bar spacing shall provide a maximum clear opening of 6
7.12 Detention
(A) Intent
This section implements requirements of Section 11-5-6, “Stormwater Quality Management for Land
Effective: June 20, 2019 DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS 7-27
Development,” B.R.C. 1981, for construction activities and sets standards for stormwater
management plans (SWMP) and erosion control plans, their implementation, and the inspection and
maintenance of control measures for erosion and sediment control.
(A) Intent
All new development and redevelopment shall reduce pollutant impacts of the development site on
receiving waters and reduce or control stormwater volumes by mimicking natural hydraulic conditions
using LID techniques. LID techniques seek to minimize impervious areas and protect and create well-
draining vegetated areas that promote infiltration and natural hydrologic processes thereby reducing
stormwater runoff and pollutant quantities.
(A) Intent
All new development and redevelopment shall reduce the pollutant impacts of the development site
A. UIA to RPA
UIA:RPA pairs have been identified and meet run- Underlying soil, groundwater, and geological
1. Full Infiltration
- Volume Reduction on ratio guidelines of USDCM, Volume 3, T-0 conditions have sufficient hydrologic capacity to
Runoff Volume Reduction. infiltrate 60% of the WQCV.
A. UIA to RPA Reduction
B. Infiltration SCM AND
B. Infiltration SCM
HSG A or B No other limitations to full infiltration are present
Subsection 7.16(D)(1) in the treatment area.
OR
Field tests indicates infiltration rate is greater than
one inch per hour.
3. No Infiltration -
Underlying soil, groundwater, and geological
WQCV
WQCV N/A conditions prevent infiltration and require a lined
Subsection 7.16(D)(3) system.
Pollutant
Physical site constraints or risk factors prevent the
Removal
4. Alternative use of Treatment Approaches 1, 2, and 3
Design OR
N/A AND
Subsection 7.16(D)(4) Constrained
Alternative approach must be approved by the
Redevelopment
Director.
Site
(A) General
(1) Applicable development sites shall receive post-construction approval of the stormwater
utility system by the Director prior to the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy
pursuant to a building permit or a Certificate of Completion for a use established
pursuant to a development agreement under Chapter 9-2, “Review Processes,” B.R.C.
1981. The Director will base approval on the system’s conformance with the approved
Final Drainage Report, the requirements of this section, and its readiness for post-
construction operation.
(2) Post-construction approval of the stormwater utility system shall be granted if the
following criteria are met:
(a) The stormwater as-built drawing provided for the applicable development site
demonstrates conformance of the constructed stormwater utility system with the
approved Final Drainage Report and readiness for full post-construction
operation, and
(b) The site’s stormwater utility system and all associated SCMs are determined,
based on visual inspection by the Director, to be clean; free of sediment, debris,
and other obstructions; undamaged; and ready for full post-construction
operation.
If these criteria are not met, the Director may require the preparation, submittal,
and approval of a revised Final Drainage Report and/or corrective actions at the
applicable development site before granting post-construction approval.
Corrective actions may include cleaning or repair of the stormwater utility
system, SCMs, or detention ponds, including, but not limited to, the removal of
sediment, debris, or other obstructions; the removal of construction-related
(A) Applicability
The owner of SCMs of an applicable development site shall protect, inspect, maintain, repair,
and reconstruct SCMs and associated drainage infrastructure on the property to ensure full,
functional operation in accordance with the requirements in this section and pursuant to Chapter
11-5, “Stormwater and Flood Management Utility,” B.R.C. 1981.
Documented Inspection
SCM Type
Frequency
Bioretention (Rain Garden)
Grass Buffer
Permeable Pavement
Retention Pond
Sand Filter
CHAPTER 8
TRANSPORTATION STANDARDS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Page
LIST OF TABLES
Table Number Page
Table 8-1: Marshall Method by Street Classification ................................................................................... 2
Table 8-2: Hot Bituminous Pavement Design Mix ....................................................................................... 3
Table 8-3: Minimum Voids in the Mineral Aggregate (VMA) ..................................................................... 3
(b) The design mix for hot bituminous pavement shall conform to Table 8-2, “Hot
Bituminous Pavement Design Mix,” and Table 8-3, “Minimum Voids in the
Mineral Aggregate (VMA).”
(c) The addition of any recycled material is subject to approval by the Director prior
to use in any asphalt mix. All mixes including recycled material shall meet all
standard specifications and contain no more than 10% recycled material.
(d) Hot bituminous pavement for patching shall be Grading C with AC-10 asphalt
cement.
(e) A minimum of one percent hydrated lime by weight of the combined aggregate
shall be added to all aggregate for hot bituminous pavement.
All jointing of bikepath, bikeway, and bike trail concrete pavement shall be saw cut at the
nearest contraction joint and shall be removed and replaced full width. No partial removal
and replacement will be allowed. No longitudinal joints will be allowed in either sidewalk
Effective: November 6, 2009 DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS 8-3
or bikepath concrete pavements.
(c) The “TELESPAR” sign base shall be 2 ¼ x 36 inches in length and shall be
driven into the ground 33 to 34 inches with 2 to 3 inches exposed above final
grade.
(d) Sign Bolts: Sign shall be affixed to post with a minimum of two (each) 5/16 x 2-
¾ inch bolts with locking nut and vandal proof (Gator Lock or approved equal)
hardware on each side (front/back) with nylon washer or equivalent behind the
Gator lock on the sheeting side.
(e) Banded Sign Mount: All banding material shall be ¾ inch wide stainless Steel
banding. Hardware for installation of signs less than 30” attached to a signal/light
pole shall consist of a buckle bracket. For 30”or greater signs, Sign Fix is
required to be mounted on the sign and a slider bracket to affix sign to the
banding.
(f) Other Sign Mounts: Utility wood poles can be used when the location is
appropriate for signs with prior approval from the Director. The mounting
hardware shall be lag bolts with washers, with nylon washer or equivalent against
the sheeting side.
(g) Cantilever Mount: Cantilever mounts shall be approved by the Director prior to
being used.
(h) CDOT Breakaway Post System: Signs placed in rights-of-way under the
(b) All sign blanks shall be constructed using 0.100 gauge aluminum material.
(c) All public street name signs shall be constructed using extruded aluminum alloy
6063-T6, or approved equal, with 0.091 inch thick web, 0.250 inch thick edges,
and square corners. All non-extruded signs shall be mounted on 0.100 gage
aluminum with rounded radius corners. All public street name signs shall be
constructed using reflective sheeting stated above and have a blue background
with white lettering.
(b) All crosswalk lines installed on asphalt surfaces shall be provided using pre-
formed plastic pavement markings 3M A270 E/S series tape. On concrete
surfaces, an equivalent pre-form thermoplastic marking can be used if approved
by the Director.
(b) All lane use arrows on concrete surfaces shall be Premark Brand Elongated Series
Contrast Arrows.
(c) All lane use arrows on Asphalt Surfaces shall be pre-formed plastic pavement
markings, 3M Elongated L270 ES Series.
(d) All lane use arrows on concrete surfaces shall be Premark Brand Elongated Series
Contrast Arrows.
(e) All lane use arrows on Asphalt Surfaces shall be pre-formed plastic pavement
markings, 3M Elongated L270 ES Series.
(a) Preformed Plastic: material shall be 3M Stamark Series A270 ES for all
transverse & longitudinal lines. All lane use symbols shall be 3M Stamark Series
L270 ES.
(b) Preformed Plastic: (New Concrete Application) “white only” material shall be 3M
Stamark Series A380I-5 ES (contrast) for all longitudinal skip lines or
channelizing lines.
(a) Preformed Thermoplastic; Materials shall be alkyd based materials for transverse
& longitudinal lines, or approved equivalent.
(b) All materials shall be 90 mm thick with beads. Only preformed thermoplastic
marking material listed on CDOT’s approved products list may be used.
(A) Required
The applicant shall be responsible for the installation of all traffic control devices, street name
signs, and pavement markings prior to opening or reopening any public transportation facility.
(D) Materials
The quality of material used in traffic signs, type and quality of all vandal-proof sign hardware,
and quality of all metal square sign posts shall be in conformance with these Standards, subject to
approval by the Director.
(A) Required
The Director of Public Works may require a Temporary Traffic Control (TTC) Plan for any work
that impacts a public right-of-way or easement.
(B) Intent
The purpose of this section is to establish standards and methods for handling traffic to be applied
when work or work activity in the public right-of-way or public easements impedes or obstructs
any mode of transportation, including but not limited to pedestrian, bicycle, transit, or vehicular
traffic. These standards are intended to ensure safe and effective work areas, and warn, control,
protect, and accommodate all modes of transportation.
(D) Objectives
Primary objectives of a TTC plan are as follows:
(1) Prevent accidents and injury for both the public and for workers, by providing a safe work
area;
(2) Prevent damage to public and private property, including damage to vehicles and
construction equipment;
(3) Ensure well defined and safe traffic movements through work areas and temporary traffic
control zones;
(4) Efficiently and equitably accommodate pedestrian, bicycle, transit, and vehicular traffic;
(5) Support mode prioritization goals established in the TMP;
(6) Provide effective communication with the public; and
(7) Ensure conformity with these standards for work zone temporary traffic control.
(1) Work Hours: Plans which propose to close a vehicular travel lane on any weekday prior
to 9 a.m. or later than 4 p.m., or on any weekend shall demonstrate that such impacts
cannot be reasonably avoided or that the proposed schedule reduces impacts to the public
compared to closure during normal work hours.
(2) Multiple Vehicle Lanes: Plans which propose to close all or multiple vehicle lanes in a
single direction of travel shall demonstrate that such impacts cannot be reasonably avoided
through alternative scheduling or phasing of work.
(3) Vehicular Detours: Plans which propose to detour traffic to another roadway shall
demonstrate that such impacts cannot be reasonably avoided and that impacts to the detour
route have been mitigated to the extent practicable. Impacts to the detour route shall be
evaluated including, without limitation, intersection level of service, traffic speed and
volume in residential neighborhoods and school zones, and impacts to all modes of
transportation.
(4) Flagging: Plans which propose use of flaggers shall demonstrate that the duration or
scope of work is such that more permanent control measures are not practical.
(5) Transit Facilities: Plans which propose impacts to a transit facility or transit stop must
demonstrate that such impacts cannot be avoided and provide for appropriate detours and
alternative stop locations.
(6) Sidewalks: The following special considerations shall be given to proposed closures of
sidewalks:
a) Adjacent to streets not classified as “Local” in the Transportation Master Plan;
b) Located in the CAGID or UHGID boundary areas;
c) Impacted for more than seven days;
d) Where no other sidewalk exists adjacent to the roadway;
e) Serving a school zone or transit stop, or
f) Requiring pedestrians to detour to a facility on a separate parallel roadway. Such
proposed closures must demonstrate that impacts cannot be avoided through
8-10 DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS Effective: November 6, 2009
alternative construction methods, that the duration and extent of impacts has been
minimized, and that an adequate detour has been provided.
(7) Bicycle Lanes: Special consideration shall be given to proposed closures of on street
bike lanes along roadways with a posted speed limit of 40 mph or greater; or bike lanes
that involve contra-flow lanes. Such proposed closures shall demonstrate that impacts
cannot be avoided through alternative construction methods, that the facility cannot be
reasonably relocated through reassignment of vehicle lanes or other existing facilities, that
the duration and extent of impacts has been minimized, and that an adequate detour has
been provided.
(8) Multi-Use Paths: Special consideration shall be given to proposed closures of sidewalk
facilities which have been designated as multi-use paths. Such proposals shall
demonstrate that impacts cannot be avoided through alternative construction methods, that
the facility cannot be reasonably relocated through reassignment of vehicle lanes or other
existing facilities, that the duration and extent of impacts has been minimized, and that an
adequate detour has been provided. Detours routes must be of similar width and surface
type to the permanent facility.
(9) Signage: Where detours or closures impact pedestrian, bicycle, or multi-use path
facilities, additional signage as required by Director shall be utilized to supplement the
requirements of the MUTCD.
(A) Size
Fire lane signs shall be 12 inches by 18 inches.
(B) Material
Fire lane sign material shall be 0.100-inch thick aluminum alloy 6061-T6 with 3M Diamond
Grade Cubed (DG3) sheeting Type XI.
(C) Colors
Fire lane sign colors shall be red letters on a white background. The letter on the symbol shall be
black.
(D) Wording
Fire lane signs shall including the wording “FIRE LANE” with an appropriate arrow and a no
parking symbol (“P” with a slash).
(A) Materials
Sign materials shall conform to the standards set forth in the MUTCD and these Standards.
(A) Size
Parking restriction signs shall be 12” x 18”.
(B) Material
Sign material shall be 0.100-inch thick aluminum alloy 6061-T6 with 3M DG3 (Diamond Grade
Cubed) sheeting Type XI.
CHAPTER 9
UTILITIES STANDARDS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Page
9.01 GENERAL .....................................................................................................................................................1
(A) INTENT .........................................................................................................................................................1
(B) SCOPE ...........................................................................................................................................................1
(C) REFERENCE STANDARDS ..............................................................................................................................1
(D) CITY APPROVAL REQUIRED ..........................................................................................................................1
9.02 EXCAVATION AND TRENCHING...........................................................................................................1
(A) GENERAL ......................................................................................................................................................1
(B) MATERIALS ..................................................................................................................................................2
(C) EXECUTION ..................................................................................................................................................4
9.03 DUCTILE IRON PIPE (DIP) ..................................................................................................................... 10
(A) GENERAL .................................................................................................................................................... 10
(B) MATERIALS ................................................................................................................................................ 10
(C) THRUST RESTRAINT ................................................................................................................................... 11
(D) CONNECTIONS TO THE EXISTING SYSTEM................................................................................................... 12
(E) EXECUTION ................................................................................................................................................ 12
9.04 POLYVINYL CHLORIDE (PVC) PRESSURE PIPE ............................................................................. 14
(A) GENERAL .................................................................................................................................................... 14
(B) MATERIALS ................................................................................................................................................ 14
(C) THRUST RESTRAINT ................................................................................................................................... 15
(D) CONNECTIONS TO THE EXISTING SYSTEM................................................................................................... 17
(E) EXECUTION ................................................................................................................................................ 17
9.05 WATER SERVICES ................................................................................................................................... 19
(A) GENERAL .................................................................................................................................................... 19
(B) MATERIALS ................................................................................................................................................ 19
(C) EXECUTION ................................................................................................................................................ 23
9.06 GATE VALVES .......................................................................................................................................... 24
(A) GENERAL .................................................................................................................................................... 24
(B) MATERIALS ................................................................................................................................................ 24
(C) EXECUTION ................................................................................................................................................ 25
9.07 BUTTERFLY VALVES ............................................................................................................................. 26
(A) GENERAL .................................................................................................................................................... 26
(B) MATERIALS ................................................................................................................................................ 26
(C) EXECUTION ................................................................................................................................................ 27
9.08 TAPPING SLEEVES AND VALVES ....................................................................................................... 27
(A) GENERAL .................................................................................................................................................... 27
LIST OF TABLES
Number Page
(A) Intent
The Utilities Standards are intended to complement the design standards specified in Chapter 4,
“General Utilities Design,” Chapter 5, “Water Design,” Chapter 6, “Wastewater Design,” Chapter
7, “Storm Water Design,” and Chapter 11, “Technical Drawings,” of these Standards, and provide
minimum standards for the construction of public utilities improvements in public rights-of-way
and public easements.
(B) Scope
These Standards apply to all city-operated public utility improvements within the City of Boulder
service area. This chapter describes the construction of public utilities and other work within the
public right-of-way and public easements including, but not limited to, work activities involved,
materials used, installation methods, and required testing. The utilities construction requirements
of this chapter are in addition to those set forth in Chapter 4, “General Utilities Design,” Chapter
5, “Water Design,” Chapter 6, “Wastewater Design,” Chapter 7, “Storm Water Design,” and
Chapter 11, “Technical Drawings,” of these Standards and the B.R.C. 1981.
(A) General
(1) Scope: This section describes excavation and trenching, which includes the following:
(a) Necessary clearing, grubbing, and preparation of the site;
(b) Removal and disposal of debris;
(c) Excavation and trenching as required;
(d) The handling, storage, transportation, and disposal of all excavated material;
(e) Necessary sheeting, shoring, and protection work;
(f) Preparation of subgrades;
(g) Pumping and dewatering as necessary or required;
(B) Materials
(1) General: All bedding and backfill material shall be free of frozen material, organic
material, and debris.
(2) Pipe Bedding: Bedding materials shall conform to the following requirements:
(a) Bedding Materials: Bedding materials shall not contain cinders or other material
that may cause pipe corrosion.
(b) Concrete Arch Encasement: A concrete arch encasement is not required unless
improper trenching or unexpected trench conditions require its use, as determined
by the Director.
(c) Granular Bedding Material: Granular bedding material shall consist of well
graded sand or squeegee meeting a fine aggregate standard shown in Table 9-1,
“Granular Bedding Material.” Instead of a material meeting the requirements in
Table 9-1, the Director may approve 3/8-inch chips conforming to the grading
and composition requirements of Course Aggregate No. 8 in Table 703-1,
“Concrete Aggregate Gradation Table,” of the CDOT Standard Specifications for
Road and Bridge Construction, 2017, due to lack of availability of the materials
meeting Table 9-1 requirements.
(c) The contractor may make the following substitutions in the flowable fill mix:
(i) Thirty pounds per cubic yard (18 kilograms per cubic meter) of cement
and 30 pounds per cubic yard (18 kilograms per cubic meter) of fly ash
for 50 pounds per cubic yard (30 kilograms per cubic meter) of cement,
or
(ii) Sixty pounds per cubic yard (36 kilograms per cubic meter) of cement
and 60 pounds per cubic yard (36 kilograms per cubic meter) of fly ash
for 100 pounds per cubic yard (60 kilograms per cubic meter) of cement.
(C) Execution
(1) Site Preparation
(a) All sites to be occupied by permanent construction shall be cleared of all logs,
trees, roots, brush, tree trimmings, and other objectionable materials and debris.
All stumps shall be grubbed. All waste materials shall be removed from the site
and properly disposed.
(b) In natural areas where excavation will occur all topsoil shall be stripped or, in the
absence of topsoil, the top 6 inches of surface material shall be stripped and
stored separately from other excavated materials.
(c) For concrete walks, roadways, parking areas, and road crossings existing
pavement shall be cut full depth to a true line before excavation. For Portland
Cement pavements, cuts shall be made at existing joints.
(2) Classification of Excavated Materials: Excavated materials shall not be classified.
Excavation and trenching work shall include the removal and subsequent handling of all
materials excavated or otherwise removed in performance of the work, regardless of the
type, character, composition, or condition thereof.
(3) Unauthorized Excavation: Undermining or tunneling under walls, footings, slabs on
grade, foundations, sidewalks, concrete or bituminous asphalt pavements, or any other
surface or subsurface facilities or structures shall not be permitted unless authorized by
the Director. If unauthorized tunneling or undermining occurs, the contractor shall pay
for all repairs and restorations the Director deems necessary. The repairs and restorations
may include removing and replacing part or all of the affected facility or structure.
(4) Stabilization of Subgrades
(a) Subgrades for concrete structures and trench bottoms shall be firm, dense,
thoroughly compacted and consolidated, and free from mud and muck.
(b) Subgrades for concrete structures or trench bottoms that are otherwise solid, but
become mucky on top due to construction operations, shall be reinforced with
crushed rock or gravel meeting the requirements for stabilization material,
described in Subsection 9.02(B)(3) of these Standards and approved by the
Director.
(c) Stabilization material shall be spread and compacted to a depth of not more than
4 inches. However, if the required depth exceeds 4 inches, the subgrade for
(ii) If the stated maximum trench widths are exceeded, and if the Director
determines that the combined dead- and live-loads will exceed the design
loadings on the pipe, the Director may require the contractor to either
cradle the pipe in concrete or use a pipe of a stronger class. Remedial
measures shall be entirely at the contractor’s expense.
(iii) As illustrated on Drawing No. 4.03 in Chapter 11, “Technical
Drawings,” of these Standards, the pipe trench shall be excavated to a
depth below the bottom of the pipe, backfilled with the specified granular
bedding material, and compacted to the requirements of these Standards.
(d) Trench Walls
(i) The contractor may slope or bench trench sidewalls in areas where an
increased trench width will not interfere with surface features or other
utilities. Such sloping or benching shall terminate at least 1 foot above
the top of the pipe barrel; from that point down, the trench wall shall be
vertical.
(A) General
(1) Scope: This section describes the furnishing and installation of ductile iron pipe and
appurtenances for potable water mains, water services and fire lines in the pipe diameter
size range of 4 inches to 30 inches.
(2) Quality Assurance: Manufacturer’s certificates of compliance and installation
recommendations shall be provided to the City inspector prior to construction.
Installation recommendations shall be followed during construction.
(B) Materials
(1) Ductile Iron Pipe
(a) Unless revised on the approved drawings, the ductile-iron pipe shall conform to
ANSI A21.51, AWWA C151, Class 52 thickness. The interior of each length of
pipe shall have a cement-mortar lining, conforming to the requirements set forth
in ANSI A21.4, AWWA C104, of standard thickness. The exterior of the pipe
shall be coated with standard coating approximately 1 mil thick.
(b) Unless otherwise specified, the pipe joint shall be the “push-on” type, made in
accordance with ANSI A21.11, AWWA C111, and the gaskets shall be standard
for buried water service and as provided by the pipe manufacturer.
(2) Polyethylene Wrap
(a) All ductile iron pipeline and fittings shall be wrapped in polyethylene film in
accordance with the requirements of ANSI A21.5, AWWA C105 and in
accordance with all recommendations and practices of the AWWA M4 l, Manual
of Water Supply Practices - Ductile Iron Pipe and Fittings.
(b) The polyethylene wrap shall be overlapped 1 foot in each direction at all
connections.
(c) The polyethylene wrap shall consist of three layers of co-extruded linear low-
density polyethylene (LLD PE), fused into a single thickness of not less than 8
mils.
(d) The inside surface of the polyethylene wrap to be in contact with the pipe
exterior can be infused with a blend of anti-microbial biocide to mitigate
microbiologically influenced corrosion and a volatile corrosion inhibitor to
control galvanic corrosion.
(e) Tube Size or Sheet Width: Table 9-3, “Tube Size and Sheet Width for Pipe
Diameter,” shows the tube size or sheet width for each pipe diameter.
Table 9-3: Tube Size and Sheet Width for Pipe Diameter
Nominal Pipe Diameter (Inches) Flat Tube (Inches) Minimum Sheet Width (Inches)
(E) Execution
(1) Installation of Ductile Iron Pipe: Except as specified herein or unless specifically
authorized by the Director, all installation of pipe shall conform to the recommendations
contained in “Installation Guide for Ductile Iron Pipe,” published by the Ductile Iron
Pipe Research Association. The contractor shall assure that a copy is available at the job
site.
(a) Pipe Laying
(i) Pipe shall be laid with bell ends facing in the direction of laying, unless
directed otherwise by the Director. Pipe shall be laid on the bedding
with support over the full length of the pipe barrel.
(ii) Table 9-4, “Ductile Iron Pipe Deflection,” shows the maximum
allowable pipe joint deflections.
(iii) The information in the columns referring to the deflection and the
approximate radii shall be adjusted for pipe lengths different than 18-foot
lengths. Shorter pipe lengths will be required if a shorter radius is called
for on the approved construction plans. Double hubs may be used to lay
pipelines on curved alignment.
(iv) Vertical deflections shall not exceed any of the above values.
(A) General
(1) Scope: This section describes the furnishing and installation of polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
pressure pipe and appurtenances for potable water mains, water services and fire lines in
the pipe diameter size range of 4 to 12 inches.
(2) Quality Assurance: Manufacturer’s certificates of compliance and installation
recommendations shall be provided to the City inspector prior to construction.
Installation recommendations shall be followed during construction.
(B) Materials
(1) PVC Pressure Pipe
(a) All PVC pipe shall meet the requirements of AWWA C-900-16, Polyvinyl
Chloride Pressure Pipe and Fabricated Fittings (4 – 12 inches) and shall be
Pressure Class 305 psi (DR 14), or shall meet the requirements of AWWA C-
905-08, Polyvinyl Chloride Pressure Pipe and Fabricated Fittings (14 – 48
inches) and shall be Pressure Class 235 psi (DR 18).
(b) All pipe shall be suitable for use as a pressure conduit. Provisions must be made
for expansion and contraction at each joint with a rubber ring. The bell shall
consist of an integral wall section with a solid cross-section rubber ring which
meets the requirements of AWWA C-900-07.
(c) Laying length of pipe shall be 20 feet for all sizes of pipe.
(d) Each length of pipe shall bear the date manufactured, type, grade, length,
manufacturer's name, and NSF seal of approval.
(e) Pipe joints shall be made using an integral bell with an elastomeric gasket push-
on type joint.
(f) Solvent cement joints are prohibited.
(g) The manufacturer shall furnish a certified statement that all specified tests and
inspections have been made and the results thereof comply with the AWWA
(E) Execution
(1) Installation of PVC Pressure Pipe: Unless specifically authorized by the Director, all
pipe shall be installed as follows:
(a) Pipe Laying
(i) Pipe shall be laid with bell ends facing in the direction of laying. No
deflection in the joints shall be allowed. Whenever it is necessary to
deflect pipe from a straight line, either in the vertical or horizontal plane,
to avoid obstructions or to plumb valve operators, the pipe itself may be
uniformly curved as shown in Table 9-5, “Pipe Laying.”
(ii) Pipe deflection for curvature shall not be permitted at temperatures less
than 32o F ambient temperature.
(iii) When pipe laying is not in progress, the open ends of pipe shall be closed
by a watertight plug or other means approved by the Director.
(iv) The cutting of pipe for inserting valves, fittings, or closure pieces shall
be done in a neat and workmanlike manner without damage to the pipe
so as to leave a smooth end at right angles to the axis of the pipe. Bevel
the end of the pipe with a beveling tool after the pipe is field cut. Place a
(A) General
(1) Scope: This section describes the furnishing and installation of water services and fire
lines in the pipe diameter size range of 3/4 to 2 inches. For water services and fire lines
greater than 2 inches in diameter refer to Section 9.03, “Ductile Iron Pipe,” Section 9.04,
“Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Pressure Pipe,” Section 9.06, “Gate Valves,” and Section
9.08, “Tapping Sleeves and Valves,” of these Standards.
(2) Quality Assurance: Manufacturer’s certificates of compliance and installation
recommendations shall be provided to the City inspector prior to construction.
Installation recommendations shall be followed during construction.
(B) Materials
(1) Pipe: Pipe shall be Type K copper, soft drawn, in accordance with ASTM B88.
(2) Curb Stops: All curb stops shall be manufactured in accordance with AWWA C800-05,
Underground Service Line Valves and Fittings, and shall be constructed of brass in
accordance with ASTM-B62 (common trade name 85-5-5-5). Curb stop valves shall be
ball type with a maximum working pressure of 300 psi and shall have compression
fittings.
(3) Corporation Stops
(a) All corporation stops and threaded brass fittings shall be manufactured in
accordance with AWWA C800-05, Underground Service Line Valves and
Fittings, and shall be constructed of brass in accordance with ASTM-B62
(common trade name 85-5-5-5). All corporation stops shall be tested at the
factory and shall meet the following minimum physical requirements:
(i) Tensile strength 30,000 PSI minimum.
(ii) Yield Strength 14,000 PSI minimum.
(iii) Elongation in 2 inches 20 percent minimum.
(b) Corporation stops shall be ball valve type designed for a maximum working
pressure of 300 psi. The inlet side shall have AWWA taper thread (CC thread)
and the outlet side shall have a compression fitting.
(c) Corporation stops shall be the following type or a corporation stop approved by
the Director as equivalent in design and composition to the following types:
(i) Ford – FB1000-3-NLG.
(C) Execution
(1) General
(a) Size as shown, lay to grades and lines in accordance with pipe manufacturer’s
specifications. Thoroughly clean pipe interiors of foreign matter before placing
into trench. Replace with new pipe any laid section of pipe found damaged or
defective. All pipe fittings, valves, and appurtenances shall be installed
according to manufacturer’s instructions. Corporation stops shall be installed
with the appropriate tapping machine in the presence of the Director after the
waterline has been pressure tested.
(b) All bedding, pipe zone backfill, compaction, polyethylene sheathing and other
details of the water pipeline construction shall be returned to original condition
after service connections are completed.
(c) Service connections to all ferrous mains shall be electrically insulated by means
of a City approved insulating fitting.
(2) Pipe Cutting: Cutting shall be done neatly by methods that will not damage pipe.
(A) General
(1) Scope: This section describes the furnishing and installation of gate valves and
appurtenances for potable water service in the pipe diameter size range of 4 to 12 inches.
(2) Quality Assurance
(a) Manufacturer’s certificates of compliance and installation recommendations shall
be provided to the City inspector prior to construction. Installation
recommendations shall be followed during construction.
(b) All valves shall be tested in accordance with AWWA C500 or C509. Certified
copies of the results of all tests, together with an affidavit of compliance shall be
provided to the City inspector prior to construction.
(B) Materials
(1) Gate Valves
(a) Gate valves are required for 4-inch through 12-inch valve sizes. The Director
may approve a different valve type where practical installation of a gate valve is
not feasible.
(b) Gate valves shall be iron body, resilient-seated gate valves with non-rising
bronze stems with design, construction, and pressure ratings conforming to
AWWA Specifications C-509-01, Resilient Seated Gate Valves, or C515-01,
Reduced Wall Resilient Seated Gate Valves, and with modifications specified
herein.
(c) Stem seals shall be triple "O" ring seals designed so that the seals above the stem
collar can be replaced with the valve under pressure and in full open position.
(d) Gate valves shall be one of the following types:
(i) American Flow Control, Series 2500 (C515 only).
(ii) Mueller, Series 2360 (C509 only).
(iii) American AVK.
(iv) Series 45 CLOW Valves, Models 2639 and 2640.
(e) With the exception of tapping valves and valves in vaults, gate valves shall have
mechanical joint ends.
(f) All ferrous internal and external surfaces of the valves shall be epoxy coated in
conformance with AWWA C116-03, Protective Fusion Bonded Epoxy Coatings
(C) Execution
(1) Handling: All valves and actuators shall be transported and stored in a manner that will
protect them from damage.
(2) Installation: Install valves as indicated in Chapter 11, “Technical Drawings,” of these
Standards, and set plumb on a firm base. All foreign matter shall be removed from the
valve interior prior to installation.
(3) Valve Boxes: Install a valve box over the gate valve with the base section centered over
the operating nut and resting on well-compacted backfill. The top section shall be so set
as to allow equal movement above and below finished grade, with the final elevation to
be 1/4 inch below finished grade in roadways and 1 to 2 inches above grade outside of
(A) General
(1) Scope: This section describes the furnishing and installation of butterfly valves and
appurtenances for potable water service in the pipe diameter size range of 12 inches to 24
inches.
(2) Quality Assurance: Manufacturer’s installation recommendations and certificates of
compliance shall be provided to the City inspector prior to construction. Installation
recommendations shall be followed during construction.
(3) Testing: All valves shall be tested in accordance with Section 3.8 of AWWA C504.
Certified copies of the results of all tests, together with an affidavit of compliance shall
be provided to the City inspector prior to construction.
(B) Materials
(1) Butterfly Valves
(a) Butterfly valves shall be rubber-seated conforming to the AWWA C504 and
designed for buried service. The valves shall be designed to operate as open or
closed with a design velocity of 8 feet per second. The valves shall have a cast-
iron body with mechanical joint ends conforming to ANSI 21.11, AWWA C111
and shall be rated for a design working pressure of 150 psi. Butterfly valves shall
be one of the following types: Mueller, Lineseal III and XPII (sizes up to 48
inches), Pratt, Triton XR-70 (sizes 24 inches to 72 inches), or K-Flo 500 Series
(sizes up to 20 inches); unless a butterfly valve equivalent in design and
composition to these types has been approved by the Director.
(b) Discs shall be cast or ductile iron with stainless steel, type 304, either stub or one
piece shafts. Discs shall be secured to shafts by means of solid, smooth sided,
stainless steel or monel pins or dowel pins. Each taper pin or dowel pin shall
extend through or shall wedge against the side of the shaft and shall be
mechanically secured in place. The use of bolts, setscrews, knurled or fluted
dowel pins, expansion pins, roll pins spring pins, or other devices in lieu of the
pins specified herein will not be acceptable.
(c) Shaft bearings shall be the bushing type of nylon or Teflon. Thrust bearings that
are directly exposed to line liquid and that consist of a metal bearing surface in
rubbing contact with an opposing metal bearing surface will not be acceptable.
Shaft seals may be rubber ring or chevron packing.
(d) Seats shall be rubber vulcanized to the body and designed to provide bubble tight
shutoff with mating surface of Type 304 or 316 stainless steel or monel mounted
(C) Execution
(1) Handling: All valves and actuators shall be transported and stored in a manner that will
protect them from damage.
(2) Installation: Install valves with the shaft horizontal according to the manufacturer’s
recommended installation procedures. Operate all valves from full open to full close
before installation. Check all seats, seat rings, shaft sleeves, disc connections, etc. prior
to installation.
(3) Valve Boxes: Install valve boxes over the valve operator with the base section centered
over the operator nut and resting on well-compacted backfill. The top section shall be set
to allow equal movement above and below finished grade, with final elevations to be 1/4
inch below finished grade in roadways and 1 inch to 2 inches above grade outside of
roadways. The top of base sections shall be placed approximately on line with the
operator nut at the top of the valve stem, and the entire assembly shall be plumb.
(4) Tests: Butterfly valve tests shall be done with and as a part of the general tests on the
companion water lines.
(5) Disinfection: Butterfly valve disinfection shall be done with and as a part of the general
disinfection to the companion water line.
(A) General
(1) Scope: This section describes the furnishing and installation of tapping sleeves and
valves for potable water service in the pipe diameter size range of 4 inches to 12 inches.
(2) Quality Assurance
(a) Manufacturer’s certificates of compliance and installation recommendations shall
be provided to the City inspector prior to construction. Installation
recommendations shall be followed during construction.
(b) The manufacturer of tapping sleeves and valves shall be experienced in their
design and construction, shall be regularly engaged in their manufacture, and
shall have produced tapping sleeves and valves of the sizes specified herein that
have given successful service for a period of at least 5 years.
(C) Execution
(1) Tapping Valves: Install tapping valves in the lines as indicated on the drawings, and set
plumb on a firm base. All foreign matter shall be removed from the valve interior prior
to installation. Valves shall be securely bolted to the tapping sleeve in accordance with
(A) General
(1) Scope: This section describes the furnishing and installation of fire hydrants for potable
water service.
(2) Quality Assurance
(a) Manufacturer’s certificates of compliance and installation recommendations shall
be provided to the City inspector prior to construction. Installation
recommendations shall be followed during construction.
(b) All valves shall be tested in accordance with Section 5.1 of AWWA C502.
Certified copies of the results of all tests, together with an affidavit of compliance
shall be provided to the City inspector prior to construction.
(B) Materials
Fire hydrants shall be “Mueller” Super Centurion 250 A-423 or “CLOW” Medallion 395" (the
“CLOW” Medallion shall be a higher-pressure rating with chain tagged "heavy duty"), with
mechanical joint bottom connection and meet the following requirements:
(1) Inlet Pipe: 6-inch, mechanical joint inlet shoe and accessories.
(2) Trench Depth: 4-1/2 feet cover (Note: standard shipping depth is 5.0”).
(3) Operating Nut: 1-1/2-inch Pentagon National Standard Threads.
(4) Open: Left (CCW).
(5) Connection: Two 2-1/2-inch hose nozzles and one 5-1/4-inch pumper nozzle.
(6) Threads: National Standard Hose Threads.
(7) Pressure: 150 psi working pressure, 300 psi pressure.
(8) Break-Off Flange: Hydrants shall be provided with traffic break-off flange.
(9) Mechanical Joint Bolts and Nuts: The mechanical joint bolts and nuts shall be anti-
galling coated stainless steel, “NSS” Cor-Blue, or an equivalent in design, material, and
specifications.
(10) Shoe Nuts and Bolts: Shoe nuts and bolts shall be corrosion resistant stainless steel,
Grade 304.
(11) Color: Color shall be Rustoleum No. 831 “restful green” or KWAL “hydrant green”
except for bonnet, weather caps and nozzle caps, which must be Rustoleum No. 2766
“reflectorized white.”
(12) Spares: A set of spare break-off parts shall be furnished.
(A) General
(1) Scope: This section describes the furnishing and installation of combination air valves
for potable water service.
(2) Quality Assurance: Manufacturer’s certificates of compliance and installation
recommendations shall be provided to the City inspector prior to construction.
Installation recommendations shall be followed during construction.
(B) Materials
(1) Manholes: Refer to Section 9.16, “Manholes and Inlets,” of these Standards.
(2) Combination Air Valve: The valve shall be a 2-inch combination air release vacuum
valve, “Vent-O-Mat” Series 050 RB X 25 2 1, or approved equivalent in design, material,
and specifications. The combination air valve shall be provided with a 2-inch diameter
hand wheel operated gate valve.
(3) Hose Gate Valve: A 3/4-inch hose gate valve is to be installed in the air release valve
manhole. The valve shall have a bronze body, threaded end, solid wedge, union bonnet,
inside screw rising stem gate valve. These valves shall be “Powell” 375 HS. Each hose
gate valve shall be equipped with a brass cap and chain.
(4) Ball Valve: Ball valves shall be of bronze or brass construction with two-piece end entry
body, bronze or brass ball, Teflon or Viton stem seal, reinforced Teflon seats and thrust
washer, a removable operating lever, and threaded ends. Valves shall be rated not less
than 500 psi non-shock cold WOG and shall be drip-tight in both directions. Valves shall
(C) Execution
(1) Installation: Install valve, manhole, and appurtenances as indicated on Drawing No.
5.22, in Chapter 11, “Technical Drawings,” of these Standards, and in accordance with
applicable provisions of the related sections.
(2) Tests: Valve tests shall done be with and as a part of the general tests on the companion
waterlines.
(3) Disinfection: Valve disinfection shall be done with and as a part of the general
disinfection to the companion waterlines.
(A) General
(1) Scope: This section describes the furnishing and installation of pipeline fittings for
potable water service.
(2) Quality Assurance: Manufacturer’s certificates of compliance and installation
recommendations shall be provided to the City inspector prior to construction.
Installation recommendations shall be followed during construction.
(B) Materials
(1) Gray or Ductile Iron: Fittings shall be made from gray iron or ductile iron and
manufactured in accordance with AWWA C110-08, Ductile Iron and Gray Iron Fittings,
or AWWA C153-06, Ductile Iron Compact Fittings.
(2) Rubber Gasket Joints: Fittings shall be furnished with rubber gasket joints in
accordance with AWWA C111-07, Rubber Gasket Joints for Ductile Iron Pressure Pipe
and Fittings.
(3) Design: Fittings shall be rated for a design working pressure of 350 psi pressure rating
and shall conform to the dimensions and weights shown in the tables of the AWWA
standards referenced in this Section 9.11(B) of these Standards.
(4) Certification: The manufacturer shall prepare a certified statement that the inspection
and all specified tests have been performed and the results thereof comply with the
requirements of the applicable AWWA standard(s) specified in Section 9.11(B) of these
Standards. The contractor shall cause a copy of the certification to be sent to the City
upon request.
(5) Ductile Iron Flanged Fittings: Ductile iron flanged fittings shall be manufactured in
accordance with the following:
(a) Integrally cast flange fittings: AWWA C110-08, Ductile Iron and Gray Iron
(A) Scope
This section describes the disinfecting of all portions of the potable water system, including
buried piping, valves, hydrants, and any portion of the existing connecting system that might have
become contaminated during construction activities, and also any temporary water service piping
used during construction.
(B) Materials
(1) Chlorinating Material: The chlorinating material shall either be a hypochlorite solution,
tablets or granules.
(2) Tablet Attachment: The hypochlorite tablets shall be fastened to the top of the pipe
using Permatex No. 1.
(C) Execution
(1) Disinfection
(a) Care shall be taken to prevent contaminating materials from entering the water
mains during construction or repair. Such materials that may accidentally enter
the main shall be removed by flushing. This flushing shall be done prior to
disinfection unless the tablet method of disinfection is used. If, in the opinion of
the Director, the contaminated material that has entered cannot be removed by
flushing, the interior of the pipe shall be cleaned by mechanical means and then
swabbed with a 1 percent hypochlorite solution.
(b) Upon completion of the water pipelines, all new pipe, valves, hydrants, etc. shall
be thoroughly flushed and disinfected, using a continuous-feed method of
(A) General
This section describes the testing of all water pipe including water mains, fire lines and services.
(B) Materials
The contractor shall provide all necessary test equipment including test pumps, pipe, connectors,
meters, gauges, instruments, and other equipment required. Pressure gauges used shall be
graduated in increments no more than 5 psi and shall have a range of approximately twice the test
pressure. Gauges meters and other instruments shall be calibrated prior to testing.
(A) General
(1) Scope: This section describes the furnishing and installation of polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
non-pressure pipe and appurtenances for storm sewer mains, sanitary sewer mains and
sewer services in the pipe diameter size range of 4inches to 15inches.
(2) Quality Assurance: Manufacturer’s certificates of compliance and installation
recommendations shall be provided to the City inspector prior to construction.
Installation recommendations shall be followed during construction.
(B) Materials
(1) PVC Non-pressure Pipe
(a) PVC non-pressure pipe shall be type PSM polyvinyl chloride (PVC) having a cell
classification of 12454 or 12454 or 13364 (with a minimum tensile modules of
500,000 psi) as defined in ASTM D1784. All PVC pipe and fittings shall meet
or exceed all of the material requirements of ASTM D3034 and thickness
requirements of SDR 35.
(b) Provisions must be made for contraction and expansion at each joint with a
rubber ring and integral thickened bell as part of each joint. Gaskets shall
conform to ASTM F477. Pipe shall be supplied in laying lengths of 19-1/2 to 20
feet. All pipe and fittings shall be assembled with a non-toxic lubricant. Each
length of pipe and all fittings shall have marked on the exterior the following:
(i) Manufacturer’s Name or Trademark;
(ii) Nominal Pipe Size;
(iii) PVC Cell Classification (e.g. 12454-B);
(iv) Legend - Type PSM SDR-35 Sewer Pipe; and
(v) ASTM - D3034.
(c) All fittings and plugs to be used with the PVC pipe shall be those manufactured
by the manufacturer of the pipe. Each special fitting shall be a completely
manufactured unit with either bells or spigots on each connection that are an
exact duplication of the bells and spigots on the pipeline. Fittings with any other
type of connections will not be accepted.
(2) Plugs: Plugs shall be specifically manufactured for the pipelines where they are to be
installed. The plug shall be constructed of a material approved by the Director and shall
provide a permanent watertight installation.
(C) Execution
(1) General
(a) Each pipe length and fitting interior, interior surface of bells, and exterior surface
of spigots shall be cleaned of all foreign material before placement in the trench
and shall be kept clean at all times thereafter. Each item shall also be examined
for cracks and other defects before installation.
(b) Pipe shall be cut, only whenever necessary, to conform to location of manholes
or connections. All cuts shall be straight, true, and at right angles to the axis of
the pipe. The cutting process shall leave a smooth end without damaging the
pipe. All burrs shall be removed from the ends of cut pipe, and the end lightly
rasped or filed. All tools used in cutting pipe will be subject to the Director’s
approval.
(c) Pipe laying shall proceed with the spigot ends of pipe pointing in the direction of
the flow, unless otherwise approved by the Director. Each pipe length shall be
laid true to line and grade in such manner as to form a close concentric joint with
the adjoining pipe and to prevent sudden offsets to the flow line. Pipe shall be
laid in a dewatered trench and shall not be used for draining water from the
trench. Do not lay pipe when trenches or weather conditions are unsuitable for
such work.
(d) Whenever the pipe is left unattended or pipe laying is not in progress, temporary
plugs shall be installed at all openings. Temporary plugs shall be watertight and
of such design as to prevent debris and animals from entering the pipe. All
temporary plugs will be subject to approval by the Director.
(e) The contractor shall install the materials in accordance with the manufacturer’s
recommendations. If there is a conflict between the methods prescribed in the
(A) General
(1) Scope: This section describes the furnishing and installation of reinforced concrete pipe
and appurtenances for culverts and storm drains in the pipe diameter size range of 12
inches to 144 inches. Reinforced concrete pipe shall not be used for sanitary sewer mains.
(2) Quality Assurance:
(a) Manufacturer’s certificates of compliance and installation recommendations shall
be provided to the City inspector prior to construction. Installation
recommendations shall be followed during construction.
(b) The pipe will be tested by the manufacturer based on the three-edge bearing test
for both the 0.01 inch crack and the ultimate strength as set forth in ASTM C-
497. The pipe shall be tested at the manufacturer’s plant. Not more than 1
(B) Materials
(1) Reinforced Concrete Pipe
(a) The reinforced concrete pipe shall comply with the requirements of ASTM C76.
The pipe shall be Class III unless noted otherwise on the approved construction
plans. The cement for the pipe shall conform to the requirements set forth in
ASTM 150 and shall be type II and shall have a minimum compressive strength
of 4,000 psi. All wall thicknesses shall be those established in “Wall B” in table
3, of said C76 specification, and the reinforcement shall be shown in the same
“Wall B.” Each section, or “stick”, of pipe shall be 7 feet-6 inches or greater in
length.
(b) No elliptical reinforcement will be permitted except for any elliptical reinforced
concrete pipe designated on the construction plans.
(c) Lifting holes will not be permitted in any of the pipe. The following shall be
clearly marked on the exterior surface of the pipe:
(i) ASTM Specification;
(ii) Date of manufacture;
(iii) Class and size; and
(iv) Name or trademark of manufacturer.
(d) The joint design shall be tongue and groove, or bell and spigot. Joints for the
circular reinforced concrete pipe shall be all rubber gasket conforming to ASTM
C-443, latest revision. The gasket shall be attached to the spigot of the pipe and
shall make the joint flexible and watertight. The contractor may use butyl mastic
joint sealant in rope or trowel applied form in lieu of rubber gaskets for circular
pipe if approved in writing by the Director. For all non-circular pipe and
culverts, butyl mastic joint sealant may be used. The contractor shall submit test
results and material specifications on the sealant to the Director before the
Director gives written approval of its use. This sealant shall be made specifically
for permanently sealing joints in tongue and groove concrete sewer pipe, must
adhere tightly to the pipe surface, and form a tight flexible joint. The gaskets or
sealants shall be installed as directed by the manufacturer of the pipe.
(e) Flared end sections, bends and tees shall comply with the requirements of ASTM
C76 and shall be the same class and shall have the same joint design as the pipe
described above.
(f) Visual inspections of all materials shall be made at the job site, and pipe will be
rejected on account of any deficiencies covered by ASTM Specification
Designation C76 or on account of the following:
(i) Porous spots, inside or outside, having a greater area than 10 square
inches and a depth of more than 1/4 inch;
(ii) Patched or repair of porous spots or other defects that are not approved
by the Director; or
(C) Execution
(1) Laying Pipe
(a) All materials shall be carefully lowered into the trench piece-by-piece by means
of a derrick, ropes or other suitable tools or equipment, in such a manner as to
prevent damage. Under no circumstances shall materials be dropped or dumped
into the trench. All pipe shall be inspected for defects prior to installation. Any
defective, damaged or unsound pipe shall be rejected.
(b) All foreign matter or dirt shall be removed from the inside of the pipe and fittings
before the pipe is lowered into its position in the trench. Every precaution shall
be taken to prevent foreign material from entering the pipe while it is being
placed in the trench. If the pipe-laying crew is unable to place the pipe into the
trench without getting foreign matter or dirt into it, the Director may require that,
before lowering the pipe into the trench, a heavy, tightly woven canvas bag of
suitable size be placed over each end and left there until the connection is to be
made to the adjacent pipes.
(c) An approved snug-fitting stopper or plug shall be installed in each pipe
immediately after it is laid and prior to any further excavating, or backfilling. All
openings along the line of the main shall be securely closed as directed and, in
the suspension of work at any time, stoppers shall be placed to prevent dirt or
other substances from entering the main. During laying operations, no debris,
tools, clothing or other materials shall be placed in the pipe.
(d) Pipes shall be laid to a true line and at uniform rates of grade between manholes
as shown on the approved construction plans. Fine grading to the bottom of the
barrel shall proceed ahead of the pipe laying. The grade shall be accurately
established for each joint by laser beam, or other means approved in writing by
the Director. The laser beam shall be checked with a level each time it is moved
and each day before construction proceeds, and thereafter as required to assure
that it is set at the correct alignment. If any errors of grade are observed, pipe
laying shall stop until the grade is corrected.
(e) Pipe laying shall proceed upgrade with the spigot ends pointed in the direction of
flow. No pipe shall be laid in water or when the trench conditions are unsuitable
for such work. The contractor shall make all connections of pipe to the manholes
that have previously been constructed. When connecting to existing sewers, the
contractor shall take every precaution necessary to prevent dirt or debris from
entering the existing lines.
(f) Bedding shall be placed under and on both sides of the pipe as each length of
sewer pipe is installed.
(2) Joining Pipe
(a) Use a method of joining pipe sections that ensures that ends are fully entered and
inner surfaces are flush and even. The equipment used to force the joints
together must be adequate enough to overcome the gasket pressure involved.
(b) Just prior to joining the pipes, the ends of the pipe shall be thoroughly cleaned to
remove all foreign substances that may have adhered to the pipe surface. All
(A) General
(1) Scope: This section describes the furnishing and installation of precast concrete
manholes, storm sewer inlets and appurtenances.
(2) Quality Assurance: Manufacturer’s certificates of compliance and installation
recommendations shall be provided to the City inspector prior to construction.
Installation recommendations shall be followed during construction.
(B) Materials
(1) General
(a) Manholes shall be constructed of precast concrete riser sections, in accordance
with Drawing No. 6.01, “Standard Sewer Manhole,” in Chapter 11, “Technical
Drawings,” of these Standards. The concrete sections shall conform to ASTM
C478. The top section required for change of diameter shall be concentric cone
or flat slab. Invert channel shall be smooth and semicircular in shape conforming
to the inside of the adjacent sewer section. The minimum internal diameter of
the manhole barrel shall be in Table 9-6, “Required Manhole Diameters,” for all
manhole installations:
(b) The minimum internal diameter of the manhole barrel may also be determined by
the number and size of pipes junctioning at a manhole. In such cases, the
Director may modify the minimum internal diameter of the manhole barrel as
required.
(c) To bring the manhole cover to the correct elevation, the adjustment section of
each manhole shall be constructed of brick that is sound and true in shape and
size and shall be Grade S-W from clay or shale. Precast concrete grade
adjustment rings may be substituted for the brick. These rings shall be not less
than 6 inches wide and furnished in heights to allow for 1-inch adjustment. Total
adjustment height, with grade rings or bricks, shall not exceed 12 inches.
(2) Joints: Precast manhole and inlet joints shall be made watertight with RUB’R-NEK,
Kent Seal No. 2, or LO-MOD GEL material, or approved equivalent. The diameter of
gasket shall be as recommended by the manufacturer.
(3) Frame and Cover: Manhole frames and covers shall be of heavy duty traffic lids,
Colorado Springs pattern, round base, 22-1/8 inch opening lids 1 inch thick, non-locking
type with frame and cover weighing approximately 327 pounds. The cover and frame
seat shall be machine finished to prevent any rocking of the cover in its associated frame.
(C) Execution
(1) Construction of Manholes
(a) Concrete bases shall be poured on undisturbed ground. Pipe sections shall be
flush on the inside of the structural wall (except as noted below) and project
outside sufficiently for proper connection to the next pipe section. All pipelines
into a manhole shall have a joint located no more than 12 inches from the
exterior wall. Where incoming pipes enter a storm drain manhole at an elevation
3 feet or greater above the base, the incoming pipe shall project 2 inches inside
the manhole. All annular spaces around the pipe opening shall be grouted.
(b) For all precast manhole bases, the ground surface below precast concrete bases
shall be excavated 6 inches below the elevation of the bottom of the base and
backfilled with bedding material, meeting the requirements of Subsection
9.02(B) of these Standards. The bedding material shall be carefully leveled and
smoothed as to give uniform support to the precast base over its entire area.
(c) The invert channels of manholes shall be constructed in accordance with the
Drawing No. 6.03, “Manhole Invert,” in Chapter 11, “Technical Drawings,” of
these Standards. They shall be smooth and semicircular in shape, conforming to
the inside of the incoming and outgoing sewer pipelines. Changes in direction of
flow shall be made with a smooth curve of as large a radius as the size of the
manhole will permit. Where differences of 24 inches or less in invert elevations
are called for, sloped flow channels shall be formed so the water does not
undergo a vertical drop. A drop manhole shall be installed where the specified
distance in the manhole inverts exceeds 24 inches. The inlet channels may be
formed directly in the concrete of the manhole base. The floor of the manhole
(A) General
This section describes the testing of gravity sewer pipelines and manholes including sanitary
sewers and storm drains.
(B) Materials
The contractor shall provide all equipment and material specifically designed for the testing
specified in this section.
(C) Execution
(1) Notification and Witness: The contractor shall notify the Director of all tests at least 48
hours prior to testing so that the Director can witness the tests.
(2) When to Test: The pipe shall be tested for leakage after the pipe has been installed and
the trench has been partially backfilled, except at the joints, or backfilled as permitted by
the Director.
(3) Testing Procedures
(6) Television
(a) Following completion of sewer line work, the contractor shall perform and
supply the City with a PACP TV inspection report and digital video of the sewer.
TV inspections shall be performed by a PACP certified inspector. Prior to
performing the TV inspection, the sewer improvements must be complete,
accessible, and cleaned using pressurized water sufficient to allow for a detailed
inspection. The City will not accept inspections for lines that have not been
cleaned.
(b) Following TV inspections and any necessary repairs that the contractor may have
identified, the City will review the inspection data. If the condition of the pipe is
determined to be free of structural defects, deflections, debris, defects in pipe
material, and other installation errors, the work will be eligible for acceptance.
(A) General
(1) Scope: This section describes the furnishing and installation of corrugated metal pipe
and appurtenances for drainage culverts in the pipe diameter size range of 12 to 54
inches.
(2) Quality Assurance: Manufacturer’s certificates of compliance and installation
recommendations shall be provided to the City inspector prior to construction.
Installation recommendations shall be followed during construction.
(B) Materials
(1) Corrugated Metal Pipe
(a) Pipe shall be fabricated from zinc-coated (galvanized) iron or steel sheets
conforming to AASHTO M-218 except as modified herein. The diameter or
span by rise dimensions indicated on the drawings shall mean the nominal inside
dimensions of the conduit. The widths of the laps and depths or corrugations
shall be as specified in AASHTO M-36. The pipe shall have the following
minimum gauge (specified thickness) for the sizes shown in Table 9-8,
“Corrugated Base Metal Specifications,” of these Standards:
(2) Dimpled Coupling Bands: The dimpled coupling bands shall be the same thickness as
that used for the pipe and shall be at least 12 inches wide. The dimples shall conform
substantially to the shape and depth of pipe corrugations and shall be in circumferential
rows. Each row shall contain dimples so spaced as to effectively engage all corrugations
of the pipe ends. All bands shall have at least two zinc coated bolts per connection,
conforming to ASTM A 307, grade A, electroplated in accordance with ASTM A 164,
Type RS, not less than ½ inch in diameter. The bands shall have end connection angles,
conforming to ASTM A 36, zinc-coated in accordance to ASTM A 153, not less than 2
inches by 2 inches by 3/16 inch by 11 inches, adequately fastened to the band.
(3) Fittings (Including Flared End Sections) and Specials: Fittings and specials shall be
of the same material, coating, and wall thickness, including the same structural qualities,
as the adjoining pipe. Steel flared end sections shall be furnished complete with field-
bolted toe plates.
(C) Execution
Installation of corrugated steel pipe is considered to be a flexible conduit and, therefore, special
care must be taken during the bedding and backfilling operations. Installation and backfilling
operations shall be in accordance with the recommended practices set forth in the “Handbook of
Steel Drainage and Highway Construction Projects,” published by the American Iron and Steel
Institute.
(1) Bedding
(a) All pipe shall be bedded with an approved granular bedding material. The pipe
shall be bedded true to line and grade with uniform and continuous support from
a firm base. Blocking shall not be used to bring the pipe to grade.
(b) The bedding material shall be placed evenly on both sides of the pipe to a point
12 inches above the top of the pipe. Special care shall be taken to insure that all
voids are filled beneath the pipe haunch and that the bedding material is properly
placed and compacted to provide lateral restraint. The trench sidewall shall be
adequately braced, shored or sheeted as necessary to stabilize the trench walls.
The trench shall not be any wider than necessary for proper installation, and pipe
jointing. The bedding material shall be placed under haunches and around the
pipe alternately in 6-inch layers on both sides of the pipe to permit thorough
consolidation of the bedding material. This material is placed alternately to keep
it at the same elevation on both sides of the pipe at all times.
(2) Backfilling: After the pipe has been properly installed and bedded, the remaining trench
excavation shall be restored as set forth in Section 8-5-12, “Standards for Repairs and
Restoration of Pavement or Sidewalks,” B.R.C. 1981. Pipe installed outside of public
rights-of-way where no pavement is impacted may be backfilled in the following manner.
The backfill shall be placed in 8 inch loose lifts and compacted to 90 percent Standard
Proctor density (AASHTO T-180) with mechanical hand tampers, for the first 2 feet. At
least 4 feet of cover over the top of pipe shall be provided before the use of wheel-
mounted mechanical tampers (free drop hammer), hydraulic tampers, (Hydraulic ram
hammers) or other heavy tamping equipment will be permitted. Puddling or jetting will
not be allowed.
(3) Removal of Trench Protection: Extreme care shall be taken in the removal of cribbing,
shoring, sheeting, etc., so as not to disturb previously constructed foundation, bedding
and initial backfill. If it was necessary to place or drive sheeting or other trench
protection below the top of the pipe, the sheeting, shoring, etc., shall be cut off at a point
1 foot above the pipe and the remaining material shall be left in place. Removal of this
portion could seriously jeopardize the side support necessary for “flexible conduits” and
create excessive lateral soils pressures and pipe deflections.
(A) General
(1) Scope: This section describes the reconstruction of pipelines and conduits by the
installation of a resin-impregnated flexible tube that is inserted into the original non-
pressure conduit.
(2) Quality Assurance: Manufacturer’s certificates of compliance and installation
recommendations shall be provided to the City inspector prior to construction.
Installation recommendations shall be followed during construction.
(B) Materials
(1) Resin-Impregnated Tube
(a) The tube shall meet the requirements of ASTM F1216 and shall have a uniform
thickness that, when compressed at installation pressures, will equal the specified
nominal tube thickness, with a -5 percent manufacturing tolerance. The tube
shall be fabricated to a size that when installed will tightly fit the internal
circumference and length of the original pipe. Allowance should be made for
circumferential stretching during insertion. The minimum length shall be that
deemed necessary by the contractor to effectively span the distance between
respective access points unless otherwise specified. The contractor shall verify
the lengths and diameters in the field before fabricating the tube. Individual
insertion runs can be made over one or more manhole sections as determined in
the field by the contractor. The maximum allowed insertion run is 1,200 feet.
Intermediate manholes will be reopened as directed by the Director.
(b) The outside layer of the tube (before insertion) shall be translucent plastic coated
with a flexible material that clearly allows inspection of the resin impregnation
(wet-out) procedure. The translucent plastic coating on the tube will allow visual
proof that the resin has wet-out the entire tube and that there are no dry areas. A
vacuum shall be used to ensure the resin fills all dry areas. The plastic coating
shall not be subject to delamination after curing of the CIPP.
(c) The tube shall be homogenous across the entire wall thickness containing no
intermediate or encapsulated elastomeric layers. No materials will be allowed in
the tube that is subject to delamination of the cured CIPP.
(2) Resin: The resin system shall meet the requirements of ASTM F1216.
(3) Structural Requirements
(a) The CIPP wall thickness will be measured in accordance with the applicable
sections of ASTM Test Method D2122. Sufficient readings, at least eight, will
be made to ensure that the minimum thickness has been determined. A
cylindrical anvil tubing micrometer accurate to +0.02mm (+0.001 in) will be
used. The minimum wall thickness at any cross section shall meet or exceed
those shown on the proposal forms and the approved plans, with the allowable
(C) Execution
(1) Cleaning
(a) The contractor shall be required to remove all internal debris from the line by use
of water jet equipment prior to inserting the CIPP tube. The cleaning operation
shall remove any and all debris so that each joint of pipe can be thoroughly
inspected and successfully reconstructed.
(b) All sludge, dirt, sand, rocks, grease and other solid or semi-solid material
resulting from the cleaning operation shall be removed at the downstream
manhole of the section being cleaned. Passing material from one manhole to
another will not be permitted.
(c) All such debris resulting from the cleaning operations shall be removed from the
site and disposed of in the proper manner. The contractor shall bear all costs
associated with testing of debris and proper dumping. Dumping of the debris
shall be in accordance with all local, state, and federal regulations.
(d) All debris shall be removed from the downstream manhole and the site no less
often than at the end of each workday. The contractor shall leave no debris
unattended at the site. Under no circumstances will the contractor be allowed to
accumulate debris beyond the stated time. In the event the contractor has not
removed the debris generated by the cleaning operation, the contractor will not
be allowed to proceed with the work until the debris is properly removed.
(e) During all sewer cleaning operations, satisfactory precautions shall be taken to
protect the sewer lines from damage that might occur by improper use of
cleaning equipment. Precautions shall be taken to ensure that the cleaning
operation will not cause any damage or flooding to public or private property
being served by the section of sewer line being cleaned. The contractor shall
bear all costs associated with any flooding or damage to basements or structures.
(2) Bypassing Flows: The contractor shall provide for flows around the section(s) of pipe
designated for rehabilitation. The bypass shall be made by plugging the line at an
existing upstream manhole or adjacent system. The pump and bypass lines shall be of
adequate capacity and size to handle the flow. Bypassing includes any main lines and
(A) General
(1) Scope: This section describes the reconstruction of pipelines and conduits by which a
bursting unit splits the existing pipe while simultaneously installing a new polyethylene
pipe of the same size or larger where the old pipe existed.
(B) Materials
(1) Polyethylene Plastic Pipe: The pipe shall be high density polyethylene pipe and meet
the applicable requirements of ASTM F714 Polyethylene (PE) Plastic Pipe (SDR-PR).
Sizes of the insertions to be used shall be such to renew the pipe to its original or greater
flow capacity. The pipe shall be homogenous throughout and shall be free of visible
cracks, holes, foreign material, blisters, or other deleterious faults.
(2) Dimension Ratios: The polyethylene pipe shall meet or exceed the thickness
requirement of SDR 17.
(C) Execution
(1) Bypassing Flows: The contractor shall provide for flow around the section(s) of pipe
designated for reconstruction. The bypass shall be made by plugging the line at an
existing upstream manhole or adjacent system. The pump and bypass lines shall be of
adequate capacity and size to handle the flow. Bypassing includes any main lines and
service lines, street gutters or open excavations. Any spills that occur must be
immediately cleaned and the affected area disinfected.
(2) Inspection: Inspection of work shall be in accordance with Section 9.17, “Testing of
Gravity Sewer Pipelines and Manholes,” of these Standards.
(3) Equipment: The pipe bursting tool shall be designed and manufactured to force its way
through existing pipe material by fragmenting the pipe and compressing the old pipe
sections into the surrounding soil as it progresses. The bursting unit shall be pneumatic
and shall generate sufficient force to burst and compact the existing pipeline. The
bursting tool shall be selected in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations to
meet the project specific requirements for the type and size of pipe being burst and
upsized if specified. The pipe bursting tool shall be pulled through the sewer by a winch
located at the receiver pit. The bursting unit shall pull the polyethylene pipe with it as it
moves forward.
(A) General
(1) Applicable National Standards: All telecommunications and cable system construction
shall conform to the requirements of the following standards:
(a) American National Standards Institute, Inc. (ANSI), Electronic Industries
Association (EIA), and Telecommunications Institute of America (TIA)
Standards: EIA/TIA Standards Proposal No. 2840-A, Proposed Revision of
EIA/TIA-568 (if approved to be published as EIA/TIA-568-A), EIA/TIA-569
Commercial Building Standard for Telecommunications Pathways and Spaces,
(A) General
(1) Undergrounding Required: All electric power facilities constructed in the City’s public
rights-of-way or easements shall be underground unless otherwise permitted by franchise
or the Director.
(2) National Standards: All electric power facility construction shall conform to the
requirements of the following standards:
(a) 1993 National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) C2-1993, published by the
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), Inc.
(b) National Electrical Code (NEC), published by the National Fire Protection
Association (NFPA).
(c) Colorado Public Utilities Commission.
(d) Williams-Steiger Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA).
(3) Construction Plans Required: Detailed construction plans, as outlined in Chapter 1,
“General Requirements,” of these Standards, showing the specific underground and/or
aerial cable routing and associated conduit, manhole and/or pole locations and
specifications, shall be submitted to the Director for review and approval.
(4) Protection of Facilities: All facilities must be protected from washouts, floods, unstable
soil, landslides, or other hazards that may cause the facility to move or fail.
(A) General
(1) Undergrounding Required: All gas distribution facilities constructed in the City’s
public rights-of-way or easements shall be underground unless otherwise permitted by
franchise or the Director.
(2) National Standards: All gas distribution facility construction shall conform to the
requirements of the following standards:
(a) Minimum Federal Safety Standards for Natural Gas Pipelines in the Code of
Federal regulations 49 Part 192.
(b) Colorado Public Utilities Commission.
(c) Williams-Steiger Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA).
(3) Construction Plans Required: Detailed construction plans, as outlined in Chapter 1,
“General Requirements,” of these Standards, showing the specific gas distribution line
and appurtenances locations and specifications, shall be submitted to the Director for
review and approval.
(4) Protection of Facilities: All facilities must be protected from washouts, floods, unstable
soil, landslides, or other hazards that may cause the facility to move or fail.
CHAPTER 10
STREETSCAPING STANDARDS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Page
10.01 GENERAL..............................................................................................................................................................................1
(A) INTENT .................................................................................................................................................................................1
(B) SCOPE...................................................................................................................................................................................1
(C) REFERENCE STANDARDS ....................................................................................................................................................1
(D) CITY A PPROVAL REQUIRED................................................................................................................................................1
(E) W ATER CONSERVATION .....................................................................................................................................................1
(F) PUBLIC LANDS OTHER THAN PUBLIC RIGHTS-OF -W AY ..................................................................................................1
10.02 SITE PREPARATION .........................................................................................................................................................1
(A) DESCRIPTION .......................................................................................................................................................................1
(B) M ATERIALS .........................................................................................................................................................................1
(C) CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS........................................................................................................................................2
10.03 PLANTING............................................................................................................................................................................5
(A) DESCRIPTION .......................................................................................................................................................................5
(B) M ATERIALS .........................................................................................................................................................................5
(C) CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS........................................................................................................................................7
10.04 SEEDING/SODDING........................................................................................................................................................11
(A) DESCRIPTION .....................................................................................................................................................................11
(B) M ATERIALS .......................................................................................................................................................................11
(C) CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS......................................................................................................................................16
10.05 UNDERGROUND IRRIGATION SYSTEM...................................................................................................................19
(A) DESCRIPTION .....................................................................................................................................................................19
(B) M ATERIALS .......................................................................................................................................................................19
(C) CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS......................................................................................................................................24
LIST OF TABLES
Number Page
(A) Intent
The Streetscaping Standards are intended to compliment the design standards specified in Chapter 3,
“Streetscape Design and Tree Protection,” of these Standards, and provide minimum standards for
the construction and planting of streetscapes in public rights-of-way.
(B) Scope
These Standards apply to streetscapes located, standing, or growing within or upon any City of
Boulder public right-of-way. The streetscape requirements of this chapter are in addition to those set
forth in Chapter 3, “Streetscape Design and Tree Protection,” and applicable streetscape drawings in
Chapter 11, “Technical Drawings,” of these Standards and the B.R.C. 1981
(A) Description
Site preparation includes, without limitation, layout, tree protection, demolition, clearing, excavation,
fill and backfill, topsoiling, and finish-grading.
(B) Materials
(1) Imported Fill: Imported fill for landscaping shall be clean, fertile, sandy loam soil that is
(2) Topsoil
(a) Topsoil shall be fertile, friable, sandy loam topsoil. Topsoil shall be of any admixture
of subsoil or slag and shall be free of stones over 1 ½ inches in diameter, lumps,
refuse, plants or their roots, sticks, noxious weeds, salts, soil sterilants or other
material that is detrimental to plant growth. If topsoil is delivered, it shall be
obtained from a well-drained site that is free of flooding. Topsoil shall not be
delivered or used while in a frozen or muddy condition.
(b) Topsoil shall have an acidity range of pH 6.0 to 7.5 and contain not less than 5
percent organic matter as determined by loss on ignition of moisture-free samples
dried at 100 degrees Centigrade. Topsoil shall have salt of less than 2 mmhos/cm
and a sodium absorption ratio of less than eight.
(c) Topsoil shall meet the mechanical analysis outlined in Table 10-1, “Topsoil
Mechanical Analysis,” of these Standards:
(d) Topsoil shall have at least an 85 percent germination rate for narrow and broadleaf
plants.
(1) Layout
(i) Establishing and recording all necessary boundary points, lines, elevations,
grades, access points, and benchmarks onsite for proper control, landscape
protection, coordination with subcontractors, and execution of the work.
(ii) Verifying all furnished survey and topographic data, all points, lines, and
elevations.
(iv) Staking all cuts and fills on the sites as shown on the grading plan.
(b) Shoulders and toes of slopes shall be smoothly blended to the flat areas.
(c) No cut or fill is allowed within the dripline of existing trees without the prior
approval of the City.
(a) Removing from the site all trees and shrubs, brush and weed growth, stumps, and
root systems designated on the approved construction plans for removal.
(i) All trees to be removed shall be marked with an “X” in blue permanent
marking and approved by the City prior to removal.
(ii) All other plant material not designated for removal shall be protected and
maintained.
(iii) Stripped-off brush and weed growth shall be hauled offsite. No burning or
nesting of materials shall be permitted onsite.
(b) Maintaining adequate fire protection while clearing operations are underway.
(c) Replacing any existing sod damaged by construction operations. Replacement sod
shall meet the standards of Section 10.04, “Seeding/Sodding,” of these Standards.
(d) If specifically required on the approved construction plans, scalping the top of soil,
including grasses and roots, to a depth specified in the plans and stockpile onsite or
remove as indicated.
(a) Stripping, stockpiling, and replacing existing topsoil in areas of fill on the finished
grade to at least 4 inches deep.
(4) Fill and Backfill Operations: The contractor is responsible for the following:
(a) Obtaining the Director’s approval of the subgrade before commencing soil
preparation, topsoiling, finish grading or planting, and obtaining the Director’s
approval of the finish grade before commencing planting, mulching or other
subsequent operations. The following grading tolerances shall be applied:
(i) Tolerances shall not exceed 0.1 feet above or below desired subgrade
elevations in planted areas, and no tolerance will be allowed on subgrades
(c) If sufficient suitable fill or backfill material is not available on the project site,
furnishing additional materials according to standards for hauled-in fill or topsoil, as
required in these Standards.
(d) Placing fill and backfill in layers not to exceed 6 inches in compacted depth with the
following compaction standards:
(i) Each layer shall be compacted to the specified density. Landscaping fill and
backfill shall be compacted to no less than 80 percent and no more than 85
percent density in areas to be planted.
(e) Ensuring that filling and backfilling shall provide adequate site drainage at all times.
Fill or backfill shall not be placed on wet ground.
(a) Work in this section shall consist of cutting, filling, shaping, and grading according
to the lines, grades, elevations and cross sections on the approved landscaping plans.
(i) Completing all finish grading onsite. The top of the subgrade shall be the
depth below the finished grade as required for pavements, sod, walks,
mulches and other site improvements.
(ii) Protecting the finish grade areas and regrading to correct any irregularities
caused by hauling materials or by other operations over the finished grade.
(iii) Repairing any erosion or other damage resulting from weathering action
before final acceptance.
(c) Excavated and filled sections and adjacent transition areas shall be smooth, properly
compacted and free from irregular surface changes. The degree of finish grading
shall be that ordinarily obtained from either blade, grader, or scraper operations.
Where finishing cannot be satisfactorily completed with power equipment, hand
methods shall be used.
(d) Unless otherwise indicated, the subgrade shall be evenly sloped to provide drainage
away from site improvements or the centerline of medians. Swales shall be cut as
shown on the plans, but shall not reduce the thickness of the topsoil specified.
10.03 Planting
(A) Description
Planting includes, without limitation, the placement of live trees and shrubs, the placement of
materials to protect and enhance plant growth, and the methods applied in planting and maintaining
landscape plants.
(B) Materials
(1) Edger: Ryerson or approved equivalent steel edger, 1/8-inch by 4- inch steel with steel
stakes, painted with rust-inhibiting black paint. The edger shall have a rolled or folded edge
or be capped with plastic safety-edged material.
(3) Pesticides: Comply with the specifications of Section 6-10, “Pesticide Use,” B.R.C. 1981.
(4) Tree Wrapping Material: New, 4-inch wide, bituminous impregnated tape, corrugated or
crepe paper, brown in color, specifically manufactured for tree wrapping. Tree wrapping
shall be fixed with pliable or nonbinding tape. No wire shall be used.
(5) Compost: Well-weathered and weed-free cow or sheep manure or other composted
materials. No mountain peat shall be used.
(a) Trees shall be secured to stakes using minimum 2 inch wide nylon and cotton blend
webbing with heat sealed ends, a tensile strength of 1000 pounds and brass
grommets for attachment of wire between strap and stake.
(b) Grommets shall be 1 ¼ - inch in diameter with a ½-inch diameter e ye that is set at
least ½-inch from end of strap.
(c) Wire shall be 12-gauge galvanized steel covered with a PVC sleeve.
(d) Straps shall be of sufficient length in relation to tree caliper so that grommets do not
touch trunk.
(7) Mulch:
(b) Rock mulch shall not be used in planting beds, except as a temporary mulch until
full plant coverage is achieved, or as permanent mulch under shrubs. Rocks used in
the public right-of-way or adjacent to sidewalks must be 1 ½to 3 inches in diameter.
Gravel or cobblestone shall not be used as mulch.
(c) For medians and bikeways, landscape fabric shall not be used as a weed barrier.
(a) All plants shall be “Colorado Grown,” “Colorado Fielded,” or “Northern Grown” as
described below, unless otherwise specified in these Standards, except for plants of
the genus Juniperus.
(i) Colorado Grown: plants grown in Colorado nursery fields for the major
portion of their lives.
(ii) Colorado Fielded: plants shipped in or collected that have grown in Colorado
nursery fields for at least two full growing seasons prior to delivery.
(iii) Northern Grown: plants grown in nurseries for at least two full growing
seasons located in hardiness Zones 1 through 5, as shown on a United
States Department of Agriculture map.
(b) All plants shall be of species identified under and allowed by these Standards and
shall conform to the following:
(i) Selected to meet the goal of maximum water efficiency and zoned or
grouped according to their water requirements.
(iii) Labels shall include the correct genus, species, variety name and accepted
common name of the plant as well as the size or grade of stock.
(iv) Labels shall remain until after City inspection and then shall be removed by
the contractor.
(c) Tree selection and placement shall be in accordance with Section 3.03, “Tree
Selection and Placement,” of the these Standards.
(ii) Healthy buds, stems, and bark that are without mechanical, insect, or
disease injury.
(iii) Healthy, vigorous, and free from visual defects, mechanical injuries, plant
diseases, and all forms of insect infestation until final acceptance.
(iv) A well-branched and vigorous root system typical of size and species and
free from bent or kinked roots, roots girdling the trunk, and other defects.
(v) Root balls shall have a sufficient diameter for the fiberous and feeding root
system necessary to provide for full recovery of the tree following planting.
Minimum root ball sizes shall meet the following specifications outlined in
Table 10-2,
(vi)
Caliper Minimum Root Ball Diameter Caliper Minimum Root Ball Diameter
1 ”½ 20” 3” 32”
1 ¾” 22” 3 ”½ 38”
2” 24” 4” 42”
2 ”½ 28” 4 ”½ 48”
(e) All trees and shrubs shall be freshly dug at time of delivery, unless they are
container-grown. Plants other than bare root stock that have been heeled-in for
more than 1 month or that exhibit roots outside the original ball shall not be
accepted. Bare root stock placed in cold storage for more than 2 months or that
exhibits new top growth will not be accepted.
(f) Moss rock shall be sandstone boulders with 75 percent or more exposed surface
covered with lichens. Boulders shall have rounded natural edges and a character and
shape consistent with native landscape rock settings. No split, bruised face, slab-
type, layered, or slide rocks shall be used without prior approval and acceptance by
the .
(1) Layout and Identification: The contractor shall use stakes, flags, or containerized plants
to locate all trees and shrubs according to an approved landscape plan.
(2) Schedule
(b) Nothing shall be planted during freezing or excessively windy, hot, or wet weather
or when the ground conditions cannot be properly worked for digging, mixing,
raking, or grading.
(c) Nothing shall be planted until the adjacent site improvements, pavements, irrigation
installation and finish grading is completed. The contractor shall test the irrigation
system in the presence of the Director. The irrigation system shall be in approved,
operating condition prior to any planting.
(a) The contractor shall protect all installed plant material from injury, excessive drying
or winds, improper ventilation, over watering, freezing, high temperatures, or any
other condition damaging to the plant until final acceptance. Any plants showing
evidence of poor care or that are molded, mildewed, wilted, or dried-out shall be
rejected. Colored waxes or other materials that coat the aerial parts of plants, or the
removal of primary buds and/or shoots, including terminal buds and first order
leaders, of plants are not acceptable.
(b) Plant materials shall be planted on the day of delivery if possible. All plants not
planted on day of delivery shall be placed in a temporary nursery, kept moist, shaded
and protected from sun and wind. If balled and burlapped plants are not planted on
the day of delivery, they shall be heeled-in immediately in the temporary nursery,
kept moist and protected with damp soil, moss, or other acceptable material. All
plants shall be planted within 48 hours after delivery. Plants shall not be bound with
wire or rope that may damage the bark or break branches. Plants shall be lifted and
handled from bottom of ball or container, and shall not be dropped or lifted by the
trunk, stem or foliage. Plants with balls that are loose, cracked, broken, man-made
or completely dry or plants with trunks loose in the ball before or during planting
operations shall not be accepted and shall be removed from the site at contractor's
expense. The root collar is not to be deeper than 4 inches below the top of the soil
ball.
(c) The contractor shall deliver all packaged landscape materials to the site in original
unopened containers bearing name, trade name, manufacturer, trademark, and
conformance to State Law.
(d) Existing trees shall be protected per Section 3.05, “Tree Protection for Construction
Sites,” of these Standards.
(a) All plant pits shall be centered on the plant location and excavated in a cylindrical
shape with vertical sides and flat bottom. The depth of the plant pit shall be
measured from the finished grade of the soil, not from the mulch. The base of all
(b) Trees: The diameter of all tree pits shall be at least two times the diameter of the ball
or spread of the roots. Tree pits shall be excavated so that the top of the ball will be
3 inches above finished grade when irrigated and 2 inches when not irrigated.
(c) Shrubs: The diameter of all shrub pits shall be at least two times diameter of the ball
or spread of roots. Shrub pits shall be excavated so that the top of the ball will be 1
inch above finish grade.
(d) Vines and Ground Covers: The diameter of all vine and ground cover pits shall be
two times the spread of roots. The planting pit shall be excavated so that the top of
the ball is 1 inch above finish grade.
(e) All holes and pits shall be protected as specified in the General Conditions at all times
when work is not being carried on at the site of excavation.
(a) Plants shall be set in the center of the pit on the undisturbed subgrade. Immediately
after setting in the pit, all materials shall be completely removed from the ball and
trunk, including but not limited to plastic, metal, wire, wood, cardboard, paper,
fiber, burlap, and twine. Container removal and plant handling shall minimize injury
to the plant, the root system, and the soil ball. If the root system of a container
grown plant has become container-bound, the roots shall be gently vertically cut on
two sides of the root ball prior to planting.
(b) All plants shall be placed and kept plumb and straight as the pit is filled with backfill.
Any plant that is not plumb prior to final acceptance shall be rejected.
(c) After placing plant in the pit, the hole around the plant root system shall be halfway
backfilled and any large air pockets removed by hand with the blunt, handle end of a
shovel or other such hand tool. If the ball is excessively dry, the contractor shall
then insert a deep watering device into the ball at a 45 degree angle every 12 inches
for 1 minute. The pit shall then be lightly filled with backfill mix and compacted
again with the shovel. No mechanical compaction shall be allowed. The pit shall
then be watered by thoroughly saturating the backfill with water to a minimum depth
of 3 feet. No watering shall be done prior to this time. Watering shall be repeated
once when all free water has disappeared; this second watering shall not be
completed if the subgrade around the pit is already moist. After watering, the
contractor shall add the necessary soil to establish the finish grade level before
adding specified mulch. The contractor shall remove all surplus soil and debris, and
stake and guy trees immediately after planting.
(d) Unless otherwise specified, all areas designated for mass planting such as for ground
covers or vines shall be amended with 6 cubic yards per 1,000 square feet of
manure compost. The contractor shall first prepare the subgrade by discing or
rototilling the subgrade to a depth of 8 inches. No ripping or chiseling shall be
allowed. After preparing the subgrade, the amendments shall be thoroughly
rototilled into the soil to a depth of 8 inches. The contractor shall remove any
(e) For all trees, the contractor shall drive stakes 3 feet vertically into firm soil outside
the plant pit with blade on tree side. The contractor shall run a double strand of
wire through one grommet in the strap, wrap the strap around trunk at no more than
one-third the height of tree, and run wire through other grommet and back to stake.
Strap and wire attachment between the stake and tree shall be adjusted so that
straps are under just enough tension to avoid visible sag in lines. Rigid guying shall
not be accepted. Straps and wires shall be placed so as to be perpendicular to the
trunk. Stakes shall be parallel or slightly angled away from the trunk.
(f) The contractor shall place stakes according to tree height or caliper as follows:
deciduous trees 2 inches and under - one stake oriented northwest; deciduous trees
larger than 2 inches but less than 3 inches and evergreen trees less than 5 feet in
height - two stakes oriented northwest and southeast; deciduous trees 3 inches and
larger and evergreen trees 5 feet and larger - three stakes with one oriented
northwest and the other two oriented 120 degrees in either direction form
northwest. All deciduous trees shall have a sod-free base at least 3 feet in diameter.
All evergreen trees shall have a sod free base extending to the dripline. This sod
free area shall be extended where necessary to include all stakes. The contractor
shall return to the site and remove stakes between May 21 and June 7 the following
spring.
(g) The contractor shall remove all stakes and guy wires no more than one year from
the date of tree installation.
(6) Spraying, Wrapping, Pruning, Watering and Mulching for Plant Installation
(a) All deciduous trees shall be wrapped by the contractor from November 1 - 15 of the
year in which they are planted. Specified tree wrap shall be cut in a continuous strip
of sufficient length to wrap the tree. This wrapping shall begin at the ground line
with overlapping wraps of 1½inches terminating above the lowest main branch of
the tree. Final wrap shall be secured with tape in at least three places. The
contractor shall return to the site and remove wrap from April 1 - 15 of the
following spring. The contractor shall notify the City at least 1 week prior to wrap
removal.
(b) After inspection, and with the approval of the City, the contractor shall prune plants
as necessary to remove only dead, injured, diseased, or crossing branches. All cuts
shall be made just outside of the flare (branch collar) of the branch base. All
pruning shall be executed so as to preserve the natural form and character of the
plant. The contractor shall return to the site between May 21 and June 7 the
following spring and prune all dead, diseased or injured branches from plants as
specified above. The contractor shall notify the City at least 1 week prior to
commencing pruning.
(c) After watering on the day of planting, and throughout the maintenance period, the
contractor shall ensure that plants are not over watered.
(d) Wood chip mulch shall be placed in all planting beds, shrub areas and the sod-free
(f) The contractor shall be responsible for damage to any underground utility, irrigation
line, paving, adjacent structures or other improvements. In the event a pipe, line,
rock formation, or other obstruction interferes with a plant location, the contractor
shall notify the Director to receive approval for a new plant location.
(a) The contractor shall notify the Director prior to moss rock placement work in order
to direct the contractor in a continuous operation of placing the rock with the
designated quantities. The contractor shall provide manpower and equipment to
place rock in 1 day and shall haul excess rock away from site.
(b) The contractor shall install rock boulders according to the layout and configuration
of the rock work as shown on the plans. Moss rock shall be set on a compacted
base (to 90 percent Proctor Density within 2 percent optimum moisture content).
Rockwork joints shall be made tight by butting natural faces together in place. Soil
grades shall be adjusted to stabilize rocks in position and regraded in place to
establish the placement of each rock so that they blend into adjacent terrain. Rocks
are to be placed by terracing or stepped layers to achieve a naturalized effect. Finish
grades shall be re-established as necessary.
10.04 Seeding/Sodding
(A) Description
(1) Seeding/sodding includes, without limitation, the planting and installation of grasses,
preparation of soils and grading, and the methods to be applied in planting and maintaining
grasses.
(2) Medians less than 12 feet wide shall be landscaped with materials other than irrigated
turfgrass.
(B) Materials
(1) Fertilizer: Specified fertilizer shall be supplied in the original supplier's containers with label
and order form showing composition and quantity. Fertilizer shall be intact, free-flowing,
dry and in quantity, as specified for sodded or seeded areas, as shown on the plans.
Fertilizer for sod and seeding soil preparation shall be a compound equivalent to 0-46-0
applied at the rate of 10 pounds per 1,000 square feet.
(2) Bluegrass: Bluegrass shall be Colorado-grown, 100 percent certified Kentucky Bluegrass,
(3) Turf-type Tall Fescue: Turf-type tall fescue seed or sod shall be purchased from a
reputable seed dealer, complying with requirements specified. Seed mixture shall be of at
least three varieties (a maximum of five) of dwarf type tall fescue (i.e., Monarch, El Dorado,
Rebel Jr., Crew Cut, SR 8200, or other approved varieties).
(4) Buffalo Grass: Buffalo grass shall be either seed, plugs, or sod.
(a) Buffalo grass seed shall be purchased from a reputable seed dealer, complying with
the requirements specified. Seed mixture shall be “Texoka” or “Sharp's Improved”
or approved equivalent.
(b) Buffalo grass plugs or sod shall be 100 percent certified turf-forming variety 609, or
approved equivalent. Buffalo grass imported from states south of Colorado may be
approved due to the difficulty in establishing sod in the front range climate.
(i) All sod shall be healthy, in vigorous condition, of natural green color, free of
disease and harmful insects. The sod shall be laid within 48 hours of
harvest.
(ii) Plugs shall be cut from sod as described in this Section. Nursery grown
plugs are acceptable with prior approval by the Director.
(c) If sod is to be used for medians larger than 12 feet wide, Buffalo grass is preferred.
(5) Native Seed: Native grasses and wildflowers for median plantings are listed in tables 10-3
and 10-4. Native grass seed shall be purchased from a reputable seed dealer, complying with
requirements specified. Seed mixture shall be “Foothills” mix as provided by Arkansas
Valley Seed Company (303.320.7500), or approved equivalent.
(a) PLS shall not be less than 80 percent (average for the seed mix).
lbs. PLS specified per 1000 square feet = Bulk lbs. required per
PLS percentage 1000 square feet
(4) Soil Amendment: Soil amendment for sod and seed areas, shall be manure compost, and
shall contain at least 50 percent organic matter. The mixture shall be free from clay subsoil,
sawdust, commercial wood products, stones, lumps, plants, roots, sticks, weed stolons and
seeds, high salt content, and other materials harmful to plant life. The materials shall be
coarsely ground and thoroughly mixed together to ensure an even composition. Cow
manure or mushroom compost shall be free from lumps, debris or chemicals harmful to
landscape plantings. The soil amendment mix shall have an acidity from pH 5.5 to 8.0, and
meet the mechanical analysis outlined in Table 10-3, “Soil Amendment Mix Mechanical
(5) Erosion Control Netting: Jute mesh erosion control netting or approved equivalent shall be
used.
(a) The contractor shall lay out and stake the boundary of all areas to be sodded,
seeded, or plugged prior to commencing any work. After Director approval of
finish grades, the contractor shall prepare the subgrade of all seeded or sodded areas
by discing or rototilling the soil to a depth of 6 inches. No ripping or chiseling shall
be allowed. No rototilling or discing is to be done within the protection area of
existing trees. After the subgrade has been completed, soil preparation shall begin
by spreading the soil amendment evenly within the seeding or sodding limits at the
rate of 3 cubic yards per 1,000 square feet. If topsoil is used as the subgrade for
sod or seed, soil amendment will not be required. Soil amendment is not required in
areas to be seeded with native grasses.
(b) For sod, 0-46-0 fertilizer shall then be spread uniformly over the entire area at the
rates as specified for soil preparation. The area shall again be disced or rototilled at
right angles to the first tillage, then formed by rolling to provide a proper seed bed or
sodding surface. The sod or seed bed shall be totally free from rock, debris,
vegetable matter, noxious weeds or clay clods over ½inch diameter, prior to any
sodding or seeding operations.
(a) Positive Surface Drainage: The contractor shall finish and fine-grade the project
area to establish an even and well-matched grade over the entire surface. Positive
surface drainage shall be assured, and there shall be no depressions, subsequent
settling or irregularities in the finished grade.
(b) Transitional Areas: At any transitional point or line where one plane intersects
another, such as from a sloping area or berm to a level area, a smooth and gentle
transition shall be made. There shall be no abrupt changes in grade. There shall also
be a smooth transition between existing turf and the new sod. The grade elevations
of the two areas shall be matching.
(3) Schedule: All seeding shall be scheduled between March 1 and October 15 unless prior
written approval from the Director has been obtained.
(a) No sodding and seeding shall take place during inclement weather.
(b) No sodding and seeding work shall commence until the adjacent site improvements,
pavements, irrigation installation and finish grading is completed. The irrigation
system shall have been tested and be in operating order prior to any seeding or
sodding.
(i) Standard construction lath at 5 foot intervals connected with three tiers of
colored plastic flagging.
(ii) “KEEP OFF THE SOD” signs attached to the barricading every 25 feet.
(4) Seeding
(a) Following approval of the seed bed by the Director, seeding shall be done with a
Brillion drill or approved mechanical seeder. Seed shall be evenly distributed on a
still day into a slightly moist seed bed. Seed shall be drilled 1/8 inch into the
prepared seed bed. If the slope is too steep to drill, seed shall be broadcast at double
the application rate and covered with 1/8 inch of soil with a harrow or hand rake for
small areas. The seeding shall be done in two separate applications crossing the area
at right angles to guarantee proper coverage. Drill seed across slopes rather than up
and down, following the contour to reduce erosion.
(i) Native grasses shall be seeded at a rate of 20 pounds PLS/acre when drilled
and 35 pounds PLS/acre when broadcast.
(ii) Buffalo grass shall be seeded at a rate of 3 pounds PLS/1000 square feet
when drilled and 5 pounds PLS/1000 square feet. when broadcast.
(iii) Turf type tall fescue shall be seeded at a rate of 6 pounds/1000 square feet
when drilled and 9 pounds/1000 square feet when broadcast.
(b) After seeding operations have been completed, the entire seeded area shall be
hydromulched with “Conwed 2000" or approved equal hydro mulch material. The
hydro mulch shall be applied by using mechanical hydromulcher, evenly distributed
on a still day. The hydro mulch material shall be applied at the rates recommended
by the manufacturer. Within 12 hours after seeding, the sprinkler system shall be
activated to moisten seeded areas to a depth of 1 inch. All seeded areas shall be kept
so moistened by frequent light watering until final acceptance of the project or as
required by City Land Use Regulations, and such watering shall be the responsibility
of the contractor.
(c) Protect seeded slopes (greater than 2.5 horizontal to one vertical) with erosion
control netting or other methods acceptable to the Director. Cover netting with
straw or other acceptable mulch.
(a) Sod shall be laid on a firm, premoistened bed with tight joints so that no voids occur
under or between strips. All end joints shall be staggered and the sod roll length
shall run perpendicular to all slope fall lines. Sod shall be tamped, rolled, and
(b) No sod shall be installed within a radius of 3 feet around any tree within the project
limits. Shredded wood chips shall be installed to a 3 inch depth in this 3 foot area.
All rolls terminating at the project limits shall be cut in a straight line unless
otherwise specified and the exposed edge covered with topsoil. All sod installed
around planting beds shall be cut to conform to the shape of the bed as shown on
plan or laid out onsite. Sod shall be laid flush with paving, curbs and irrigation heads
and 1 inch below the top edge of steel edging.
(c) In the event that sod dries or shrinks, a mixture of screened topsoil and specified
bluegrass seed shall be brushed into the cracks and tamped flush. Excessively
shrunk sod (over 3/4 inch shrinkage) shall be replaced with new sod. Any sod laid
on slopes steeper than 3:1 (33 percent) shall be laid at a 90 degree angle to the slope
and held in place with two wooden dowels per sod piece.
(d) The contractor shall activate the sprinkler system to water sod immediately after
each section of sod is laid. The contractor shall operate the sprinkler to soak all sod
and the underlying soil to a depth of 2 inches and maintain this moisture level until
final acceptance. The contractor shall water the sod in the early morning and late
afternoon for the duration of this period.
(6) Buffalo Grass Sod
(a) Prior to sodding, the site should be lightly irrigated to alleviate “sod-wicking” and
desiccation. The sod shall be laid by staggering joints with all edges touching.
Installation shall be performed between April 1 to August 31. Immediately following
the laying of the sod, the sod should be rolled with a roller, weighing at least 150
pounds, heavy enough to imprint the sod into the soil.
(b) The contractor shall irrigate immediately after any sod installation, so that the sod
and underlying soil is completely wetted to a depth of 4 to 6 inches (saturated).
Subsequent irrigation shall be applied as necessary as determined by daily inspection
of the sod panels. Daily inspection should consist of manually raising several sod
panels and testing the level of moistness in the soil by pinching the soil together. If
the soil remains 'pinched' together, and is moist, and the panel's sod pad is also
moist, then the sod does not require watering that day. If the soil, after being
pinched, falls apart, the sod shall be irrigated to retain the required moisture level.
The sod soil pad and underlying soil should be moist at all times.
(c) Rainfall received during the establishment period may reduce the irrigation required.
If temperatures exceed 95 degrees for periods of several days, the sod may have to
be inspected more frequently and additional daily irrigation cycles may be required.
If the soil that has been sodded is extremely hard, or compacted, and not easily
saturated, or dries out quickly, the sod and soil shall be kept consistently moist the
first ten days.
(d) Normal establishment should display the following characteristics. Within 48 hours
of installation the sod should turn a straw color, which is called a dormant stage,
although the roots would continue to grow while the top growth is dormant. Within
5 to 7 days feeder roots should begin appearing. Within 14 to 21 days new green
(e) The contractor is to thoroughly discuss required installation, establishment and post-
establishment methods, irrigation, and maintenance requirements with the sod
supplier (specifically for sod maintenance - weed control/removal, i.e., what
chemical can safely be used, etc.).
(a) Plugs shall be planted on 12 inch centers with a requirement of at least nine (9)
plugs per square yard of ground. Plugging machinery must convert 16 x 24 inch
sod panels into plugs and plant in one operation. Each 16 x 24 inch sod panel yields
24 4 inch square plugs, with a total of 81 plugs cut from a yard of sod. At least 80
percent of the plugs shall be a 4 inch square plug (4 x 4 inches); minimum
acceptable size for the remainder of the plugs is 2 x 4 inches, nor maximum size any
larger than 4 inch x 4 inch. Coordinate equipment passes to maintain parallel, evenly
spaced rows. Immediately following plugging, the plugs should be rolled with a
roller, weighing at least 150 pounds, heavy enough to imprint the plugs into the soil.
(b) All plugs shall be planted within 48 hours of harvest of the sod. All plugs shall be
healthy, in vigorous condition, of natural green color, free of disease and harmful
insects. Water after any portion of the plugging is complete, within 4 hours of
planting, so that the plugs are completely wetted and the underlying soil is wetted to
a depth of 4 to 6 inches.
(c) All buffalo grass sod establishment, irrigation, and maintenance requirements shall
apply to plugs. Plugs will require more frequent manual inspection and more
frequent watering. After the initial establishment period, plugs should be watered 1
inches per week until desired coverage is achieved.
(A) Description
Underground irrigation includes, without limitation, installing a complete underground irrigation
system consisting of irrigation pipelines, sprinklers, valves, and controllers as part of any landscaping
project.
(B) Materials
(1) Sprinkler System Components: All sprinkler system components shall be those of the
manufacturers specified in these Standards, or be an approved equivalent, and shall be
installed in accordance with these Standards.
(2) Sprinkler Heads: Pop-up rotary impact or stream spray sprinklers shall be used to water
sod and shrub areas, using full and part circle heads as specified on any approved landscape
plans. Requirements for the sprinklers include the following:
(i) Minimum pop-up height of 2-5/16 inches with heavy retract spring;
(ii) Part circle sprinklers shall be adjustable for any arc between 20 and 340
degrees;
(iii) Have built-in check valves in the head to control low head drainage and
reduce air compression in lines. The check valve shall be serviceable from
the top of the head without requiring excavation and removal of the head
from the riser.
(c) Sprinklers shall be vandal resistant, and shall have vandal-resistant cover screws or
no exposed screws in the cover.
(d) Sprinklers shall be tamper resistant to prevent changing the direction of throws by
means of locking friction collars, gear drives, and limited access features.
(e) Sprinklers shall have a drive mechanism that will ensure proper and even rotation
and coverage on 4:1 slopes.
(3) Bubblers: Requirements for bubbler heads shall include the following items.
(b) Heads shall have a molded plastic body with a ½inch female pipe thread;
(c) Heads shall have a nozzle flow adjusting screw, providing fully open to completely
closed positions;
(d) Heads shall have a plastic basket screen to protect nozzles from clogging.
(a) Automatic electric remote control valves shall be slow acting diaphragm-type
electric solenoid valves. Solenoids shall be two-watt running, current 24 volt AC,
50/60 cycle operation. The valve shall be slow opening and closing by means of a
“shunt” resistor to avoid damage from surge pressures. Valve flow range shall be 1
to 200 gallons per minute depending on size with a pressure range of 10 to 200 PSI.
(b) All valve bodies and bonnets shall be constructed of heavy case bronze with
accurately machined valve seat surfaces and internal parts. Inlet part of diaphragm
chamber shall have a removable screen for easy cleaning, accessible without
(5) Isolation Gate Valves: Isolation gate valves for installation on main lines shall be of brass
construction, designed for 200 psi working pressures, and have solid disc, non-rising stems
with a heel and screwed ends. Gate valves 3 inches or larger shall be brass or iron AWWA
gate valves with rubber gaskets or mechanical joints.
(6) Quick-Coupling Valves: Quick-coupling valves installed in main lines shall be of a cast
brass body construction, and have a self-closing and locking protective cover. The throat
shall incorporate a single keyway with positions for regulation of water flow, with a flow
range of 10 to 70 gallons per minute and a pressure range of 5 to 125 psi. Replaceable seals
shall be provided at the valve seat and throat, and the internal parts shall be removable for
service. Installation on a main line in shall include a 10-inch circular locking valve box over
the coupler body. Size shall be 1 inch. Quick-coupling valve keys shall have 1 inch male top
pipe threads. Swivel hose ells shall be 1 inch N.P.T. x 3/4 inch hose thread.
(7) Manual Drain Valves: The system shall be equipped with 3/4 inch manual globe drain
valves at all low points on main lines. Valves shall be of bronze construction with threaded
connections, cross handles, and operating keys. Install valves in a locking valve box. Angle
valves will not be accepted.
(8) Y-Strainers: Y-Strainers for installation on main line shall be bronze “Y” type strainers with
a screen mesh.
(9) Wire Connectors: All wire connections at electric control valves and all splices of wire in
the field shall be made using “snap-tits,” or an approved equivalent, wire connectors.
Significant requirements for connectors include the following items:
(a) Connectors shall be rated at 600 volts for PVC insulated copper wire, Underwriters
Laboratory listed, and water-resistant.
(b) Connectors shall consist of a PVC base socket, sealing plug, and wire crimping
sleeve and shall provide a permanent waterproof joint by using a sealer for joint
makeup.
(10) Controllers
(a) Automatic sprinkler controllers shall be completely automatic in operation, and shall
electrically start all sprinkler cycles and time the individual stations. Controllers shall
have standard 117 volt power inputs, 24.0 volt, 60 cycle outputs with separate
independent timing stations, 14 day programming, and be capable of automatically
starting a watering cycle at the beginning of any hour for 23 hours per day. Each
station shall have an “OFF” switch for “0" time and individual incremental timing
control for 0 to 60 minute station timing. Each station shall have an “ON-Repeat”
switch for eliminating one or more stations from initiating a repeat cycle on any or
all stations after the normal watering cycle has been completed. A 14 day clock
shall be provided for maximum programming versatility and any timer pins shall be
of the captive type to prevent loss. It shall be possible to operate controller manually
(b) Soil moisture sensing equipment shall have an adjustable control module with an
override function, and at least two in-ground sensors/tensiometers. Sensors must
buffer salinity, and have the ability to withstand winter conditions without removal.
(c) A reset circuit breaker shall protect each controller from damage due to excessive
current. A master “ON-OFF” switch shall provide for turning controller “OFF”
during rainy weather, while allowing day and hour clocks to continue in operation.
The controller shall have as standard built-in features an electrical circuit to operate a
master valve and moisture sensor circuit to allow operation of controllers in
conjunction with a moisture sensing device. Install valve output surge protection
arresters for control wiring and common.
(d) All wiring to and from controllers shall be through color-coded plugs and sockets.
Controller cabinets shall be locking, weatherproof type, constructed of heavy gauge
steel with corrosion resistant enamel finish inside and out.
(11) Valve Boxes: Valve boxes shall be sized to provide maintenance access to all valve and
controller component. The underside of all control valve boxes shall be clearly marked to
indicate controller numbers and valve numbers.
(12) Pipe
(i) Main pressure line pipe shall be NSF approved virgin polyvinyl chloride
pipe. Pipe shall be suitable for use at maximum hydrostatic working
pressures of 200 PSI. Pipe shall be made from clean, virgin, NSF
approved, type 1, grade 1 PVC, conforming to Astin Resin specification
D1784-60 and project standard D2241 for PVC 1120 SDR 26 or SDR 21.
PVC pipe is to be belled end and solvent weld. Solvent cement and primer
shall be of the type prescribed by the manufacturer.
(ii) Gasket pipe and fittings shall be used for main lines 3 inches or larger.
Gasketed pipe shall be of the type prescribed by the manufacturer. No
insert gaskets or insert gasket fittings shall be accepted. Thrust blocks shall
be provided in accordance with pipe manufacturer's recommendations.
(b) Marking and Declaration of Compliance: Pipe marking shall show the size, series,
identification, and manufacturer's trade name at intervals of not more than 20 feet.
Pipe shall include the seal of approval of the National Sanitation Foundation spaced
at intervals required by NSF regulations.
(c) PVC Fittings: All pipe fittings shall be schedule 40 PVC (ASTM D2466 and D1784).
(i) Brass pipe shall be 85 percent red brass, (ANSI) Schedule 40.
(ii) Fittings shall be medium brass, 125 pound class, screwed type.
(iii) Dielectric unions shall be used wherever a copper based metal (copper,
brass, bronze) is connected to an iron based metal (iron, galvanized and
stainless steel).
(e) Copper Pipe: Copper pipe shall meet the requirements of Type K, ASTM B88.
Fittings shall be copper or cast bronze. Silver solder shall be used for joints.
(f) Lateral Line Pipes: Pipe for rotary sprinkler laterals shall be NSF approved
polyethylene, rated at 100 PSI, using nylon insert fittings and adjustable stainless
steel clamps with stainless steel screws. All piping shall be CS-256-63 ASTM
D2239, PE 2306-100. 3 inch or larger lateral piping shall meet the standards for
main line pipes.
(g) Static Pressure Reduction: Static pressure on the main line shall be relieved by the
installation of a “master” automatic control valve.
(13) Risers: Rotary pop-up sprinklers shall have an adjustable swing joint riser assembly
consisting of Schedule 80 PVC nipples, and marlex and Schedule 40 PVC ells.
(14) Irrigation Sleeves: All horizontal sleeves under paved areas and vertical sleeves shall be
PVC Class 200 pipe, 4 inch diameter for lines 2 inches and smaller, and 6 inch diameter for
lines 2 ½inches to 3 inches. A separate 2 inch diameter sleeve for control valve wires shall
be laid under any new pavements. This sleeve shall be placed next to the main line sleeve.
(15) Backflow Prevention Device: Backflow prevention devices shall be installed in accordance
with these Standards and B.R.C. 1981.
(16) Electrical Copper Wires: Electrical copper wires from valves to controller shall be 14
gauge or larger PVC-insulated copper and UNDERWRITERS LABORATORY approved for
direct burial. Use 10 inch valve boxes for all wire splice locations. Control wires shall be
red and common wires shall be white.
(17) Drip Valve Assemblies: Drip valve assemblies shall have strainers with a 120 mesh nylon
screen and ½inch blow-out. Pressure reducing valves shall have manual adjusting nuts.
(18) Drip Emitters and Tubing: Drip emitters shall use drip tubing conforming to ASTM D1248
and ASTM D3350. Capillary tubing shall have 1/8 inch i.d.
(19) Drip Line Blow Out Stubs: Drip line blow out stubs shall be installed at all ends of drip
tubing.
(a) All work involving standard plumbing systems shall be executed by a licensed and
bonded plumber. Electrical services to controllers shall be installed by a licensed
electrician. All work shall be executed according to the B.R.C. 1981, and these
Standards. The contractor shall schedule inspection of electrical services to
controllers with the City and allow at least 7 working days for subsequent approval
and connection to the power source by the Public Service Company. The
contractor shall furnish any additional material and labor when required to comply
with the B.R.C. 1981, and these Standards.
(b) The contractor shall perform a leakage test on all systems on the site at normal
working pressures.
(c) The contractor shall guarantee irrigation application in accordance with any
approved landscape plan; any unwatered areas due to poor layout, placement of or
insufficient sprinklers shall be corrected by the contractor at their expense.
(d) Work shall be in accordance with good practices prevailing in the piping trades.
(e) All work shall be protected from vandals or flooding during construction.
(2) Layout of Work: Before any installation operations are started, the contractor shall
completely stake out the irrigation system on the site. Any discrepancies in irrigation water
coverage shall be reported and corrected at this time.
(3) Schedule
(a) No sprinkler system construction shall take place during wet weather or when
temperatures are less than 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
(b) All required sleeving shall be performed prior to any paving operations. All
procedures necessary for the insertion and installation of irrigation pipe and wires
into sleeves shall be performed after paving operations have been completed.
(c) Installation of the system shall not take place until all earthwork has been
substantially completed and compacted and all other site improvements, pavements,
etc. have been completed.
(a) The contractor shall perform all necessary excavation for installation of their work.
Over-excavations shall be backfilled and hand tamped prior to installing pipe. Any
pumping, shoring, or bracing shall be provided by contractor.
(c) Where trenches and lines run adjacent to existing irrigation lines and properties,
damage to these shall be avoided and shall be restored to their original condition
(d) When pipe laying is not in progress, or at end of each day, pipe ends shall be closed
with tight plug or cap. All work shall be performed in accordance with good
practices prevailing in the piping trades.
(e) Tunneling will be permitted where the pipe must pass under any obstruction that
cannot be removed. In backfilling the tunnel, the final density of the backfill must
match that of the surrounding soil. It shall be acceptable to use a casing of suitable
diameter that shall be installed first by tunneling or jacking, and the pipe shall then be
laid through the casing, observing the same precautions as though it were installed in
open trench.
(f) Trenches shall be cut to true line and grade, and shall be excavated so that the pipe
shall be supported uniformly. The contractor shall be responsible for staking the
trench lines. Minimum grade of piping to drain shall be 3 inches/100 feet.
(g) If ground water is encountered during trench excavation above the elevation of the
bottom of the pipe grade, such water shall be drained until the pipe has been
installed. Pipe joints and open ends shall be plugged to prevent ground water from
entering the pipe.
(h) Thrust blocks shall be installed behind all gasketed fittings, in line valves, and caps.
Gasket pipe fittings shall be installed according to manufacturer's recommendations.
Concrete for thrust blocks shall cure for 72 hours before pressure is applied to the
system.
(a) Field-threading of plastic pipe or fittings shall not be permitted. Only factory-
formed threads shall be used.
(b) Factory-made nipples shall be used wherever possible. Field-cut threads in metallic
pipe will be permitted only where absolutely necessary. When field threading, cut
threads accurately on axis with sharp dies.
(c) All threaded joints shall be assembled with pipe joint compound consisting of liquid
Teflon. The compound is to be applied to male threads only.
(6) Sleeves
(a) The contractor shall furnish and install sleeves of appropriate size, depth, and
location to accommodate all irrigation pipe beneath any paved surfaces prior to pipe
installation as specified herein, unless they have been previously installed. Where
irrigation lines run under proposed paved surfaces, the contractor shall sleeve the
lines a distance 2 feet beyond the edge of the surface. Sleeves shall be PVC Class
200 pipe.
(b) Installation of sleeves shall precede construction paving. Sleeves shall be encased in
sand 4 inches on all sides, with backfill compacted to 95 percent of standard
Proctor density. Sleeves shall be buried at a depth of 18 inches. Separate sleeves
placed at the 18 -inch bury depth shall be provided for wires passing under paved
sections.
(c) All sleeves shall be marked by the placement of nylon rope, or an approved
equivalent marking material.
(7) Backfilling
(a) Trenches shall not be backfilled until all required tests on the system have been
completed and until the line has been inspected and approved by the Director.
Trenches shall be carefully backfilled with suitable materials, free from stones larger
than 2 inches in maximum dimension, by depositing the material in 6 inch layers and
thoroughly compacting the backfill to 95 percent of standard Proctor density.
(b) Ponding and/or jetting may be used only if prior approval is obtained and only when
the backfill material is sandy or gravelly. An excess of water shall be avoided in
order to prevent disturbance of the earth under and around the pipe. Likewise the
amount of water used shall be controlled so as not to risk “floating” the pipe out of
position. Adequate dikes shall be constructed along the trench to retain and guide
the water. When jetting is used, jets shall be of an approved design and of sufficient
length to reach the bottom of each layer and the water supply shall be continuous.
(c) Site excavation material will generally be considered satisfactory for backfill
purposes provided that backfill materials are free from rubbish, vegetable matter,
frozen materials, or stones larger than 2 inches in maximum dimension. Any
material not meeting these specifications for backfill shall be removed from site.
(d) Backfilling shall not be performed in freezing weather. All trenches shall be left
slightly mounded to allow for settlement after the backfilling is completed. If
sinking of the trenches occurs, it is the responsibility of the contractor to correct
such conditions.
(8) Manual Drain Valves: Manual drain valves shall be located, furnished, and installed by the
contractor at all low points on sprinkler lines. A drain sump of not less than 6 cubic feet of
(a) Electric control valves shall be automatic and purchased from the manufacturer
specified, or be an approved equivalent, matching size, model and quantity as listed
on an approved landscape plan. All control valves shall be installed at the locations
shown on the approved landscape plan.
(b) Electric control valves shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's
recommendations. All valves shall have sufficient clearance from adjacent
obstructions to provide accessibility for maintenance. All valves shall be installed at
sufficient depth to provide at least 6 inches cover to finished grade. Only one
control valve per valve box shall be installed.
(c) Control wire shall have an 18-inch expansion loop at each valve and elsewhere as
necessary to prevent possible wire breaks. Where more than one control wire is
located in the trench, the wires shall be taped together at 20 foot intervals to
maintain orderly and efficient installation. All control wires shall be placed carefully
alongside and slightly below the main line for protection. Control wires not
protected by the irrigation main shall be laid in a 2 inch PVC class 200 sleeve.
Electrical control wires shall be extended along the irrigation main and connected to
the controller.
(d) Electrical control wires shall be connected with snap-tits connectors. Splicing will
be permitted only on runs exceeding 500 feet in length, and shall be located at valve
locations. Wires shall be bundled and taped at 20 foot intervals. A minimum wire
loop of 24 inches shall be provided at each control valve, splice, and every 100 feet
of wiring. Two spare #14-1 wires, blue in color, shall be installed along the entire
length of the main line from the controller to farthest control valve on each and
every branch of the main line.
(10) Pressure Reducing Valves: Pressure reducing valves (PRV) shall be installed to ensure
proper operating pressures at sprinkler locations.
(11) Valve Boxes: All automatic control valves, pressure reducing valves, backflow prevention
devices, isolation gate valves, manual drain valves, and quick-coupling valves are to be
installed in valve boxes. The valve box and cover shall be flush with the final grade and
level. The valve box shall be installed with a 2 inch layer of washed gravel on the sides and
below the box. If the box encloses a double check valve assembly, the gravel layer below
the box shall be equal in volume to the volume of the box.
(13) Isolation Gate Valves: Isolation gate valves on the main line shall be plumb with finished
grade and installed in a valve box placed flush with the final grade and level. Extensions may
(14) Sprinklers
(a) Installation of sprinklers includes furnishing, installing, and testing, risers, fittings,
sprinkler heads, bubblers, and other sprinkler system components in accordance
with an approved landscape plan. Sprinkler piping shall be thoroughly flushed
before the installation of the sprinkler heads and bubblers.
(b) Sprinkler heads shall be set plumb and level with finished grade at locations shown
on an approved landscape plan. Sprinklers shall be set 3 inches behind concrete
improvements such as curb and gutter or sidewalks. Sprinklers installed where
grass has not been sodded shall be installed on temporary risers extending minimum
3 inches above grade. After finished grades are established and the ground has
settled, the contractor shall lower sprinklers to finished grade.
(c) Bubblers shall be set plumb and level before mulch is installed.
(d) Rotary pop-up sprinklers on swing joint risers shall be installed as shown in these
Standards and may be adjusted in the field as necessary.
(15) Drip Valve Assemblies: Installation of drip valve assemblies shall in conformance with
these Standards.
(16) Drip Emitters and Tubing: Installation of drip emitters and tubing shall be installed in
conformance with these Standards at a depth of 4 inches below top of grade. For this
purpose, top of grade does not include mulch or rock layers. Drip line blow-out stubs are to
be installed at all ends of drip tubing. Drip tubing may be installed in turf areas as lateral
piping.
(17) Controllers and Related Work: The controller shall be mounted on three wolmanized
CCA 6 inch x 6 inch ties, set at least 24 inches below grade and a maximum of 18 inches
above grade. The controller shall be located as shown on an approved landscape plan, and
be mounted inside a locking, weather-proof metal cabinet. The contractor shall provide and
install a 15-amp electrical circuit breaker in a locking, weatherproof box. The contractor
shall wire the circuit breaker and controller and run wire to the Public Service Company pull
box, leaving an 18-inch tail of wire in the pull box or sleeve. After connection, the
contractor shall notify the City’s Inspection Services to inspect controller and circuit breaker
wiring prior to notifying Public Service Company to connect power to the wiring. The
contractor shall be responsible for manual operation of the sprinkler system until power is
connected. All wiring shall be performed by a licensed electrician.
(a) All main lines having continuous pressure shall be tested at a minimum pressure of
100 psi. Visual inspection shall be performed and any leak shall be repaired.
Repaired lines shall be retested until no leakage is occurring.
(i) Zone lateral lines shall be tested at the design operating pressure of the zone.
Any leaks found shall be repaired and the zone retested. All sprinklers shall
(ii) The entire irrigation system shall be tested at normal working pressure for
leaks in the system and retested until no leakage is occurring. The pressure
test shall be performed under the observation of the Director for final
approval.
(iii) After testing, the entire irrigation system shall be thoroughly flushed with at
least 100 percent of operating flow passing through each pipe, beginning
with larger mains and continuing through smaller lines in sequence.
(b) The entire system shall be “fine-tuned” by regulating valves, adjusting patterns and
breakup arms, setting pressure reducing valves at proper pressure and similar, to
provide optimum and efficient coverage.
(c) Final inspection shall include observation and approval by the Director of the
performance, method of operation, and coverage of the irrigation system.
(d) The contractor shall furnish two sets of keys for all quick-couplers, manual drain
valves, gate valves, and controllers as well as padlocks and keys for controller
circuit breaker boxes, two sprinklers and nozzles of each type, hose ells for all quick
couplers, and all related loose parts necessary to operate the system, as part of the
final acceptance by the Director.
(19) Record Drawings (As-Builts): Upon completion of improvements and prior to final
acceptance, the contractor shall submit as-built drawings of the irrigation system to the
Director. The as-built drawings shall comply with the requirements of Subsection 1.03(G),
“As-Built Drawings,” of these Standards, and shall include the location of following items:
(b) Routing of sprinkler pressure lines (maximum 100 feet along routing).
(20) Operation Instruction: Prior to final acceptance of improvements, the contractor shall
submit three written sets of operating instructions, with cut sheets of all products, and a
(a) Controller charts shall be prepared for the Director once record (as-built) drawings
have been accepted.
(b) A controller chart shall be provided for each automatic controller installed.
(c) The controller chart may be a reproduction of the record drawing, if scale permits
fitting of the chart to the controller door. If photo reduction prints are required, the
reductions shall be sized to ensure full legibility.
(d) The controller chart shall represent the actual “as-built” system, showing the
specific area covered by that controller.
(e) The controller chart shall identify the area of coverage of each remote control valve,
using a distinctly different pastel color on drawing over the entire area of coverage.
CHAPTER 11
TECHNICAL DRAWINGS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
GENERAL DRAWINGS
TRANSPORTATION DRAWINGS
STREETSCAPE DRAWINGS
UTILITIES DRAWINGS
.........................................................................................................................................................................................
GLOSSARY
SECTION 1: ABBREVIATIONS
Wherever the following abbreviations are used in these Design and Construction Standards (Standards), or
in association with these Standards, the intent and meaning shall be as follows:
TC Top of Curb
TIA Telecommunications Institute of
America
TMDL Total Maximum Daily Load
TMP Transportation Master Plan, City
of Boulder
Words and phrases contained in these Standards shall be read in context and construed according to the
rules of grammar and common usage. Words and phrases that have acquired a technical or particular
meaning, whether by definition, adoption herein, or otherwise, are intended to be construed accordingly.
Wherever the phrases "as directed", "as required", "as permitted", or phrases of like meaning are
used, it shall be understood that the direction, requirements or permission of the Director of Public Works
(Director) is intended. Similarly, use of the words "approved", "acceptable", and "satisfactory" shall
refer to approval of the Director.
The definitions in this Glossary apply throughout these Standards. The words or phrases presented have
the following meaning unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
“Alteration” means a request to use a substitute or alternative material, method, or process which will
perform the same function as that provided in a particular standard.
“Approach” means the portion of an intersection leg which is used by traffic approaching the intersection.
"Approved plan" means the engineering design and construction drawings for public improvements,
prepared by an engineer, which has been granted final approval by the Director of Public Works in
accordance with these standards.
"As-built" means an engineering drawing of record, prepared under the direction of a licensed Colorado
registered professional engineer, reflecting the actual construction of public improvements in the service
area, including, but not limited to, final grading, alignments, dimensioning, elevations, locations and
materials sizing and type.
“Average Daily Trips (ADT)” means the volume of traffic passing through a given point during a given
time period, divided by the number of days in that time period.
"Backflow" means the reversal of the direction of flow of water or mixtures of water and other liquid,
gases, or other substances into the distribution pipes of a potable water supply from any source or sources
caused by backpressure and/or back-siphonage.
"Backflow prevention assembly" means any approved assembly, method, or type of construction
designed to prevent backflow or back-siphonage into a public water supply by isolating the owner's water
system from the public water system. In addition, see Section I. of these rules.
“Caliper” means a diameter measurement of a tree's trunk, and is measured around the trunk of the tree,
six inches above tree base grade for one to four inch caliper trees and 12 inches above tree base grade for
five to eight inch caliper trees. Trees measuring between four and five inch caliper shall be rounded off to
the nearest inch.
“Capacity” means the maximum number of vehicles that have a reasonable expectation of passing over a
given roadway or section of roadway in one direction during a given time period.
"City" means the City of Boulder, a Colorado home rule city in Boulder County, Colorado.
"City water system" means the source and distribution facilities of the water system to the point of
delivery to the owner water system. The source includes all components of the facilities utilized in the
production, treatment, storage, and delivery of water to the distribution system. The distribution system
includes the network of conduits used for the delivery of water from the source to the owner water system.
"Contractor" means a person, firm, partnership, subcontractor or corporation, licensed by the City that is
responsible for the construction of approved public improvements associated with a specific project, or
projects, within the City of Boulder service area. This term also includes the contractor’s superintendent
and on-site manager.
"Colorado Cross Connection Control Manual" means a manual published by the Colorado Department
of Public Health and the Environment addressing cross connection control practices, Fourth Edition -
Revised.
"Cross connection" means any physical arrangement whereby the city’s water supply system is
connected, directly or indirectly, with any other water supply system, sewer, drain, conduit, pool, storage
reservoir, plumbing fixture, or other device which contains, or may contain, contaminated water, sewage,
or other waste or liquid of unknown or unsafe quality which may be capable of imparting contamination to
the public water supply as a result of backflow. Bypass arrangements, jumper connections, removable
sections, swivel or changeover assemblies, and other temporary or permanent assemblies through which, or
because of which, backflow could occur are considered to be cross connections.
“Delay” means the stopped time per approach vehicle, in seconds per vehicle.
“Design Hour Volume” means the hourly traffic volume used for street design and capacity analysis,
usually one (1) or more peak hours during a 24 hour period.
“Design Speed” means five (5) to 10 miles per hour above the proposed or desired speed limit of the
facility under design.
“Design Vehicle” means that all public and private streets must be designed to accommodate an SU-30
vehicle. The definition of this vehicle type is found in AASHTO’s Geometric Highway Design Standards.
"Developer" means the person, owner, firm, or corporation responsible for the development and
completion of all public improvements associated with a proposed project in accordance with these
standards.
“Diameter” means the diameter size measurement of a tree's trunk, and is measured around the trunk at
4.5 feet above the tree base grade for trees greater than eight (8) inch caliper.
“Dripline” means the outermost edge of a tree's canopy, projected on the ground.
"Engineer" means the Colorado registered professional engineer responsible for the design of all public
improvements submitted to the City for a proposed project in accordance with these standards, including
all plans, calculations, specifications, and coordination of field surveys.
"Construction plan" means the engineering design and construction drawings for public improvements,
prepared by an Engineer which has been submitted for final approval by the Director of Public Works in
accordance with these standards.
“Hourly Volume” means the number of vehicles that pass over a given section of a lane or roadway
during one hour.
"Inspector" means the Director of Public Works, or his/her designee, responsible for the inspection of
public improvements construction.
“Level of Service (LOS)” refers to the definitions of LOS provided in the Highway Capacity Manual,
“Definitions and Concepts.”
"May" means is authorized to, or a permissive condition which indicates a choice between two (2) or
more alternatives.
“Modification” means a request to change or modify a standard or the parameters of a standard because
the particular application may not require the degree of rigor which the standard requires.
“Peak Hour” means the concept referring to the hour of a day when the highest volume of traffic occurs
on a transportation facility.
“Planting Strip” means the landscape area within a street median, the landscape planting strip between
the curb and detached sidewalk, or the landscape area between the back edge of a public sidewalk
(attached or detached) and the right-of-way/property line.
"Public improvements" means any public facility, system or infrastructure in the City of Boulder service
area including, but not limited to: earthwork or landscaping, streets, sidewalks, bike paths, trails, parking
and traffic control devices; water supply, treatment, storage and distribution systems; wastewater
collection and treatment systems; and stormwater and flood control collection and conveyance systems in
public easements or right-of-way.
“Public Sign” means any sign that is posted by a governmental entity within the right-of-way for the
purpose of directing traffic or parking.
“Root Protection Zone” means the ground area surrounding the entire tree that extends from trunk to
dripline, or a minimum of fifteen feet for column-shaped trees, whichever is greater.
"Shall" means a mandatory duty to conform to the specified standard. Where certain requirements in
these standards are described with the "shall" stipulation, it is mandatory that these requirements be met or
exceeded.
“Sidewalk, Attached” means a sidewalk and curb that are attached as one (1) continuous element.
“Sidewalk, Detached” means a sidewalk that is separated from the curb by a landscape planting strip.
“Sight Distance” means the length of roadway ahead visible to the driver. The minimum sight distance
available must be long enough to enable a vehicle traveling at or near the design speed to stop before
reaching a stationary object in its path.
“Speed Change Lane” means a separate lane for the purpose of enabling a vehicle entering or leaving a
roadway to increase (acceleration lane) or decrease (deceleration lane) its speed to a rate at which it can
more safely merge or diverge with through traffic. Includes tapered areas.
"Standards" means the "Design and Construction Standards" manual for the City of Boulder.
“Storage Lane” means additional length added to a deceleration lane, to store the maximum number of
vehicles likely to accumulate during a critical period without interfering with the through lanes.
“Streetscape” means landscaping design for any streetside area, generally including but not limited to
“Transportation Demand Management” means any action or set of actions aimed at reducing the
impact of traffic by influencing people’s travel behavior.
“Trips” means a vehicle moving from an origin point to a destination point. Trips are one-way.
"Work" means any activity involved in the performance of constructing, installing, repairing or
maintaining public improvements.
REFERENCES
Where not specified in these Standards or the Boulder Revised Code (B.R.C.) 1981, to protect the public
health, safety, and welfare, the Director of Public Works will specify the standards to be applied to the
design and construction of public improvements and may refer to one or more of the following
references:
GENERAL REFERENCES
TRANSPORTATION REFERENCES
Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) Guidelines for Major Urban Street Design
Species Ratings and Appraisal Factors Guide, Rocky Mountain Chapter, I.S.A.
Standard Practices for Trees, Shrubs, and Other Woody Plant Maintenance (ANSI. A300), American
National Standard Institute.
Valuation of Landscape Trees, Shrubs, and Other Plants, International Society of Arboriculture.
UTILITIES REFERENCES
American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Manuals and Reports on Engineering Practice -
Gravity Sanitary Sewer Design and Construction
Installation Guide for Ductile-Iron Pipe, Ductile Iron Pipe Research Association
Handbook of Steel Drainage and Highway Construction Projects, American Iron and
Steel Institute
STORM WATER REFERENCES
Urban Drainage and Flood Control District (UDFCD) Urban Storm Drainage Criteria Manual, Volumes 1,
2, and 3.
US Army Corps of Engineers Users and Programmers Manuals for HEC-1 (Flood Hydrograph
Package), HEC-2 (Water Surface Profiles), and HEC-RAS.
State of Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment §303(d) List of Water-Quality-
Limited Segments Requiring TMDLs or for which a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) (Note: with
this list, adopted in 5 CCR 1002-93, the State of Colorado implements the requirements of §303(d) of
the federal Clean Water Act.)