HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/02/2003, C4 - STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS AND ENGINEERING STANDARDS FOR CONSTRUCTION counat Dee 2, 2003
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C I T Y OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
FROM: Michael D. McCluskey, Director of Public Works
Prepared By- Barbara Lynch, Civil Engineer(
SUBJECT: STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS AND ENGINEERING STANDARDS
FOR CONSTRUCTION
CAO RECOMMENDATION
1. Adopt a resolution approving the revised City Standard Specifications and Engineering
Standards for Construction Projects and rescind the previous resolution.
DISCUSSION
For many years the City has maintained a set of Standard Specifications and Engineering Standards.
These two documents outline the "how-to"of the majority of construction both on City projects and
in private development. When City projects come to the City Council for approval to advertise for
construction, the City Council sees a document called the "Special Provisions" along with the plans.
The Special Provisions and plans identify the conditions which must be met for the specific project
which are either not covered in the Standard Specifications and Engineering Standards or differ
from the standard practice for some reason. The Standard Specifications and Engineering Standards
are referenced for all other information regarding the construction. The construction of new streets
and parks in developments also conform to these standards.
The City Standard Specifications are based on the State of California Department of Transportation
Standard Specifications. The City references the State book with modifications and changes written
in where appropriate to meet City needs and wants. The State book covers many standard contract
issues and legal requirements such as labor laws, payment, and liability. The City specifications
focus on constriction the State does not normally handle such as municipal water and wastewater
systems, and parks. The Engineering Division updates these documents annually to reflect changes
in construction law,practices, or materials, or to add clarifications.
Staff reviewed recent construction projects to determine areas where the existing specifications
could be improved. That review resulted in some additional wording on controlling discharge to
City sanitary sewers and storm drains and additional requirements for documenting proper
authorization for material storage and disposal. The standards now allow the City Engineer to
revoke an encroachment permit where a contractor has violated water pollution controls, such as
dumping or allowing construction debris to enter storm drain inlets. The only other significant
change to the Standard Specifications was the addition of detailed language for documents required
to be submitted by the Contractor. This became a considerable problem on a recent large
construction project.
This edition will also include thirteen landscaping and irrigation standards for the first time. Staff
has, to date, been reviewing the details for each project for conformance to current practices. The
adoption of these standard details will reduce project review time for staff.
04 - 1
2004 Standard Specifications and Engineering Standards
Page 2
There were several changes made to details for the Utility Department dealing with updating of
water fittings. Staff also updated sign installations to match current practice by the Public Works
Department, added a battery backup system for all new traffic signals and revised curb face
drainage inlets. The entrance of the inlets has been modified to reduce the risk of damage to
vehicle tires. An inlet type with a sump in the bottom to catch trash has also been added to the
standards. Public Works has been installing these on a trial basis and it appears they are effective at
collecting debris. Over the next year, staff will develop guidance as to where these sump inlets
should be installed to balance the need for reducing debris with the ability of the City to provide the
necessary cleaning.
Staff has completed the needed revisions to the City Standard Specifications and Engineering
Standards and the changes are now ready for formal Council adoption. The changes to the City
specifications are noted with a bar in the right or left margin to highlight the changes to contractors
already familiar with the document. The Engineering Standards list the revisions in the bottom left
of the drawing.
CONCURRENCES
Affected departments have submitted changes for inclusion in the Standard Specifications and
Engineering Standards.
FISCAL EMPACT
There is no fiscal impact anticipated.
Attachments
Attachment 1 - Resolution
A copy of the Standard Specifications and Engineering Standards are available in the Council
Office for review.
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Attachment 1
RESOLUTION NO. (2003 Series)
A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
APPROVING REVISED STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS AND
ENGINEERING STANDARDS FOR CONSTRUCTION
WHEREAS, the Public Works Department is responsible for maintaining Standard
Specifications and Engineering Standards establishing quality requirements and contract conditions
for construction; and
WHEREAS, the Standard Specifications and Engineering Standards must be periodically
updated to allow for changes in construction practices and contract law; and
WHEREAS, legally adopted Standard Specifications are necessary to provide "design and
plan immunity' thereby protecting the City from possible liability,
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of San Luis Obispo as
follows:
1. Approve the revised City Standard Specifications and Engineering Standards.
2. Rescind Resolution No. 9388 (2002 Series) approving the previous editions of the
Standard Specifications and Engineering Standards.
Upon motion of , seconded by
and on the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
the foregoing resolution was adopted this day of 12003.
Mayor Allen Settle
ATTEST:
Lee Price,C.M.C.
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Jona Lowell, City Attorney
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