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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAGENDA REPORT 2000 1004 CC REG ITEM 10BITEM 6. 801 CITY OF 1,400 tPARX, CALaFOR7NIA City Council lVeet"ing of aoa0 ACTION: CDA1T/ / a & 7a C.0°- MEe- -rflVG OF 10-12-0&00 CITY OF MOORPARK AGENDA REPORT To: The Honorable City Council From: Kenneth Gilbert, Director of Public Works Date: September 22, 2000 (Council Meeting of 10 -4 -00) SUBJECT: Consider Resolution No. 2000- Rescinding Resolution No. 96 -1229 and Adopting New and /or Revised Policies and Standards Pertaining to Engineering Matters DISCUSSION A. Background On January 19, 2000, the City Council reviewed, revised and approved a new set of policies and standards pertaining to grading. The City Council then directed staff to bring a Resolution back to the City Council formalizing those changes in the form of a comprehensive set of Engineering Policies and Standards. On September 20, 2000, this matter was considered by the City Council and then continued to October 4 to allow staff to revise the recommended language pertaining to the administration of stockpile sites. [See Section F below] B. Prior Resolution 96 -1229 The Engineering Polices and Standards in effect prior to the January 19, 2000, City Council action, are set forth in Section 4 of Resolution No. 96 -1229. The subject Resolution (Exhibit 2) rescinds Resolution No. 96 -1229 and adopt new and /or revised Engineering Policies and Standards. The subject Resolution also restates the rescinding of certain Engineering Policies in existence prior to 1996. Eng ^std_00_01_c ^ C 0 ®0 8 Engineering Standards September 22, 2000 Page 2 C. Proposed Changes in Legislative Format (see Exhibiti) Attached as Exhibit 1 is a copy of Exhibit 'A' of the subject Resolution with all of the proposed revisions to the Engineering Policies and Standards shown in legislative format. D. Additional Changes to Grading Policies and Standards The changes identified in Exhibit 1 include certain recommended changes to the Grading Policies and Standards approved last January. E. Import / Export The recommended changes to the Grading Policies and Standards approved last January include a change to the threshold "triggering" City Council review and approval of Import / Export activities. It is recommended that staff be allowed to review and approval grading operations below the "higher" threshold in order to provide more flexibility with and responsiveness to the development community. The recommended changes (see Exhibit 1) to the threshold requiring City Council review are re- capped as follows: • Was: one hundred (100) trucks or one thousand cubic yards (1,000 cu. yds.) • Changed to: one thousand (1,000) trucks or ten thousand cubic yards (10,000 cu. yds.). F. Stockpile Sites As mentioned above, on September 20, 2000, there was discussion of proposed additional changes to the language pertaining to stockpile sites [Section C -4]. Those changes have been made. The recommended revised language delegates to staff the administration of stockpile sites for any project with an approved development plan (Tentative Parcel or Tract Map and accompanying planned development permit) . Any proposed stockpile site for property which has no approved development plan, must receive approval from the City Council. Applications for such approval must be accompanied by appropriate analysis of any environmental impacts of the proposed stock pile operation. Eng_std_00_01_b ef"1 0 0 0 V Engineering Standards September 22, 2000 Page 3 G. Contour Grading The changes identified in Exhibit 1 also include the addition of language pertaining to Contour Grading requested by the City Council last January. Per direction given by the City Council on September 20, that language was revised to clearly indicate that all contour grading shall be in conformance with Chapter 17.38 Hillside Management of the Moorpark Municipal Code. H. Other Changes In addition, the changes identified in Exhibit 1 also include the addition of certain language pertaining to the following matters: • Rear Yard Access Through Block Walls • U -Turns • Second Driveways. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Adopt Resolution No 2000- Attachments: Exhibit 1: Exhibit 'A' of Resolution Showing Proposed Changes from Prior Approved Policies and Standards Exhibit 2: Final Draft Resolution Eng_std_00_01_b C000:10 Exhibit 1 (1 of 12) Changes to Policies and Standards Engineering Policies and Standards Added A. PLACEMENT OF ABOVE GROUND STRUCTURES IN THE SIDEWALK: The following guidelines shall be followed in determining the location of above ground structures in the sidewalk. Such structures include, but are not limited to, facilities owned by the City, any utility company or district, and the U.S. Postal Service. The location of such structures should be consistent with these guidelines unless unique circumstances require other action. In any case, the placement of such structures shall be consistent with minimum requirements for handicap access. 1. Whenever possible, traffic control signs should be placed on street light poles instead of separate sign poles. 2. Sidewalks having widths greater than five feet (5') and sidewalks with parkways: a. All signs, poles, mailboxes, etc. should be placed behind the curb with the minimum setback. b. Fire hydrants shall be placed five feet (6) from the curb face. 3. Sidewalks having a width of five feet (6) or less: a. All stop signs, yield signs, turn prohibition signs, large guide signs, traffic signal poles and similar traffic signs shall be placed behind the curb with the minimum setback. b. Except as noted in Item #1 above, all other traffic control and traffic warning signs shall be placed behind the sidewalk, provided adequate visibility is maintained. Parking restriction signs placed behind the sidewalk may require placement at shorter intervals. c. Mailboxes may be placed behind the curb with the minimum setback, provided additional sidewalk width is constructed sufficient to provide a sidewalk width consistent with the width of the sidewalk adjacent to the mailbox. d. All other facilities shall be placed behind the sidewalk. B. PUBLIC NOTIFICATION OF STREET PROJECTS: When deemed necessary and appropriate, City staff shall provide those affected with written notice of the City's intent to construct a street improvement project. Such notice shall only be given when and if the City Engineer and /or Public Works Director determine that a given project could adversely impact certain properties. When given, such notice shall be mailed to the owners and /or residents of properties which could be adversely affected by the project. Any such notice shall be mailed at least ten (10) days prior to the date the City Council is scheduled to consider the approval of the plans and specifications for such project and/or authorization to advertise for receipt of bids for the construction of such project. Exhibit 1 (2 of 12) Changes to Policies and Standards Added C. GRADING: The following guidelines shall be followed by the City Engineering Department in the review and approval of grading plans and the administration of grading operations: 1. Conceptual Grading Plans: On all tentative tract maps, parcel maps, and applications for land development where grading quantities will be equal to or greater than fifty cubic yards (50 cu. yds.), obstruct a drainage course or impact another property owner's property, a conceptual grading plan shall be a part of the submittal to the City. The conceptual grading plan shall show pad elevations, tops and toes of slopes and walls, borrow and fill quantities, and the general drainage pattern. The location of any anticipated siltation, retention or debris basins shall be shown. As a condition of approval, surety shall be provided for the full cost of the grading operations. On projects where the grading quantities do not exceed twenty thousand cubic yards (20,000 cu. yds.) and where all grading is in an isolated self contained area (such as agricultural land) and where the actual limits of proposed grading will have a significant buffer from and have no drainage impact to adjacent properties, and the grading creates no adverse aesthetic impacts to views or hillsides, the City Engineer in consultation with the Director of Community Development after review of a plot plan and supporting information concerning drainage and buffer areas, may determine that a grading plan is unnecessary. 2. Contour Grading: a. Findings: The Council hereby finds that the terrain of certain areas of the City provides a unique and substantial character to the area and forms an integral part of the City's total environment. Due to their physical dominance on the City's landscape, development of the hillside areas will definitely affect the visual and environmental character of the community. The City's primary objective regarding hillside development is to preserve the natural terrain and aesthetic character of the City while encouraging creative, innovative, and safe residential development with a variety of housing types. Such characteristics will only be achieved when special consideration is given to those developments, subdivisions, and lot splits within hillside areas on an individual basis and proper consideration of the variations in conditions, design criteria, and other factors. All contour grading shall be in conformance with the requirements of Chapter 17.38 Hillside Management of the Moorpark Municipal Code. b. Slope Design Standards: Where the creation of cut and fill slopes is approved, they shall be rounded at the edges and contoured as necessary to blend with existing topography. All cut and fill slopes shall Exhibit 1 (3 of 12 ) Changes to Policies and Standards Added n conform to the following standards: 1) All cut and fill slopes in excess of five feet (5') vertical height shall be rounded with vertical curves from the crest of the slope and from any surface drains constructed on the face or top of the slope and must keep concentrated water from roofs, drives or pads from going over slopes or onto adjacent properties; 2) Where cut or fill slopes intersect the ends of each graded slope, the slope shall be horizontally rounded and blended with a minimum radius of twenty -five feet (25'). A smaller radius may be permissible for short slope lengths; 3) Where a cut or fill slope intersects a natural slope, the horizontal contours of the slope shall be curved so as to blend with the natural slope; 4) Where any cut or fill slope exceeds seventy feet (27') in horizontal length, the horizontal contours of the slope shall be curved in a continuous undulating fashion with radii no greater than three hundred feet (300') nor less than twenty feet (20'); 5) Slope rounding shall be designed in proportion to the total'height of the slope. The top and toe of each slope in excess of ten feet (10') height, excepting the toe of any slope within twenty- five feet (25') of a dwelling, shall be vertically rounded with radii equal to one -fifth of the height of the slope and no less than 'five feet (6). This shall not apply to the toe of any cut slope that is supported by a retaining wall; 6) All engineered slopes shall be contour graded to achieve a natural appearance. Borders of cut slopes and fills are to be rounded to blend with the existing terrain; 7) Road and utility construction will not be approved until improvement plans have been approved for the area in accordance with discretionary approvals and City standards; and 8) Slope height shall be measured to the intersection of the slant of the slope with existing ground before rounding. c. Architectural Treatment: Architectural innovation shall,be utilized rather than extensive grading so that the natural landform is disturbed to the least extent possible. d. Development` Area Interfaces: Where approved. by the Planning Commission or City Council, the slope grading requirements may be applied to limited portions of an adjacent zone to permit the extension or transition of a logical design concept. These requirements. do not preclude satisfying requirements for slope benching, drainage facilities, and maintenance access or fire apparatus access roads. Exhibit 1 (4 of 12) Changes to Policies and Standards Added T . e. Development Guidelines for Natural Slopes: Areas within the following ranges of natural (pre - development) slope percentages shall be developed in accordance with the following criteria: 1) The "Percent Natural Slope" on a site will be calculated as the average gradient of the entire site as determined by the elevation differentials measured orthographically between each node of a north -south and east -west one hundred foot interval grid extending over the entire developed portion of the project site. 2) Areas having an average slope of less than ten percent (10 %) [10' horizontal to 1' vertical) are not a hillside condition. Mass grading with conventional fully padded lots and terracing are acceptable. 3) Areas having an average slope of between ten percent (10 %) [10' horizontal to 1' vertical] and nineteen and nine -tenth percent (19.9 %) [5' horizontal to 1' vertical]: Mass grading may occur in this slope zone. Existing landforms must retain their natural character. Padded building sites are permitted on these slopes, but split - level architectural structures with stacking and clustering are preferred. A cut and fill map is required to verify maximum heights of cut and fill 4) Areas having an average slope of between twenty percent (20 %) [5' horizontal to 1' vertical] and thirty -three percent (33 %) [3' horizontal to 1' vertical]: Special hillside architectural and design techniques are required within this slope zone. Architectural designs are to conform to the natural _landform. Mass grading is discouraged except on a case -by -case basis as permitted by the Planning Commission. Mass grading is particularly discouraged where development is proposed within a high -risk landslide area. This does not preclude grading necessary to mitigate slide hazards. A cut and fill map is required to verify maximum heights of cut and fill. 5) A Conditional Use permit is required for grading on areas having an average slope of thirty -four percent (34 %) or more [greater than 3' horizontal to 1' vertical). Approval of any Conditional Use permit for development within this slope zone is contingent that the Planning Commission make findings that such grading and development: a) Has been clearly demonstrated to minimize safety, environmental and aesthetic impacts. b) Includes the minimum amount of grading. c) Includes the grading necessary to mitigate slope instability or slide hazards that may exist on the site. d) Has had thorough geotechnical investigation. e) Has had a detailed grading plan prepared as well as a cut and fill exhibit that shows maximum heights of cut and fill. f) Will require no import or export of soils. Exhibit 1 (5 of 12 ) Changes to Policies and Standards Added T 3. Import/Export: On all required conceptual grading plans where the total on -site borrow and fill yardages differ by one thousand cubic yards (1,000 cu. yds.) or more, plans for handling the import/export shall be part of the conceptual grading plan. a. The import/export plan shall show quantity of import/export, location of borrow /stockpile sites, temporary and final grading of the site, height of fill /depth of cut, visibility of the site from public roads and lands, vegetation and screening for sites located within the City of Moorpark. b. Unanticipated off -site import/export operations requiring an excess of one thousand e (1,000) total truck loads or ten ong thousand cubic yards (10,000 cu. yds.), whichever is less, shall require Council approval prior to the commencement of hauling or staged grading operations. A haul route shall be submitted to the City Council for review and approval. c. If the borrow /fill site(s) are within the City limits, a grading plan for such sites, showing the before and after condition, shall also be shown. may not (91 fe t 4. Stockpiles: The temporary placement of soil on any property prior to its placement as imported certified fill (herein "Stockpile "), shall comply with the following requirements: a. Desi n; All Stockpile shall: 1 not exceed five feet (5') in height; 2. have side slopes which do not exceed 3 :1 b. Approval: 1. Development Entitlement: For any property having an approved development entitlement (CPD, IPD, RPD), requests for placement of a Stockpile are to be reviewed and conditionally approved, or denied, by the City Engineer and the Director; of Community Development as a discretionary action. The conditions and requirements for any approval of a_ Stockpile .shall be consistent with an approved grading plan for the property and the conditions of approval for the development entitlement. Such approval shall also require the deposit of adequate and appropriate bonds to guarantee the removal of the Stockpile within the prescribed time limits of subsection 4c. In addition, the City 'Engineer and the Director of Community Development shall require appropriate conditions relative to the placement and maintenance of the Exhibit 1 (6 of 12) Changes to Policies and Standards W B 5. Haul Routes: On all required conceptual grading plans that require import/export of more than one hundred (100) truckloads or one thousand cubic yards (1,000 cu. yds.), whichever is less, the following information shall be made a part of the conceptual grading plan: haul routes, hours of Exhibit 1 (7 of 12 ) Changes to Policies and Standards Added 6. Director of Community Development Review: On all grading plans, the Director of Community Development shall provide comment to the City Engineer concerning contour grading, aesthetics, viewshed and consistency with the Hillside Management Ordinance where applicable and Moorpark General Plan. With said comments, the City Engineer shall develop and provide to the Director of Community Development, appropriate recommendations relative to those matters plus slope stability, drainage, erosion protection and related issues, before approval of any conceptual or final grading plan. 7. Final Grading Plan: The final grading plan shall be in substantial compliance with the approved conceptual grading plan. The City Engineer and the Director of Community Development shall make the determination as to substantial compliance with the approved conceptual grading plan. The City Engineer may administratively approve minor changes from the conceptual grading plan. Minor changes are defined as: a. changes in elevation of three (3) feet or less from the conceptual plan; b. changes in total borrow /fill quantities which do not exceed one thousand cubic yards (1,000 yd3); c. additional import/export quantities not exceeding one thousand cubic yards (1,000 yd3); d. changes which cause no adverse impacts to slope stability, drainage, and erosion control; and, e. changes which, in the view of the Director of Community Development, do not result in any adverse impact on aesthetics or viewshed. If the City Engineer finds that the final grading plan is not in substantial conformance with the approved conceptual grading plan, the City Engineer shall submit a report with recommendations to the City Council. The City Engineer shall not issue a grading permit for those final grading plans that are not in substantial conformance with the conceptual grading plan without approval of the City Council. 8. Erosion Control: Concurrent with submittal of the final grading plan, an erosion control plan shall be submitted for review and approval by the City Engineer. The design shall include measures for erosion control to be implemented on all graded areas. These measures shall apply to temporary grading activity that remains or is anticipated to remain unfinished or undisturbed in its altered condition for a period of time greater than thirty (30) days or for a period of time which extends into the wet season defined as that period between October 15th of a given year and April 15th of the following year. Exhibit 1 (8 of 12 ) Changes to Policies and Standards Added 9. National Pollution Discharge Elimination System ( NPDES): As part of each final grading plan, NPDES regulations shall be addressed to the satisfaction of the City Engineer. As a minimum the following shall be included: a. A Stormwater Pollution Control Plan (SWPCP) shall be developed and implemented in accordance with requirements of the Ventura Countywide Stormwater Quality Management Program, NPDES Permit No. CAS063339. b. The project construction plans shall incorporate Best Management Practices (BMPs) applicable to the development for the review and approval of the City Engineer. If the site is 5 acres or more in size, the following items shall also be included: c. A permit shall be obtained from the State Water Resources Control Board. A Notice of Intent (NOI) shall be submitted to the City Engineer and to the California State Water Resources Control Board, Storm Water Permit Unit in accordance with the NPDES Construction General Permit No. CASQ00002. d. A Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) shall be prepared and approved by the City Engineer consistent with the requirements of the City's Stormwater Quality standards and regulations. 10. Dust Control: Dust control measures shall be identified to the satisfaction of the City Engineer. These measures shall include, but not be limited to, minimization of ground disturbance, application of water /chemicals, temporary/permanent ground cover /seeding, street sweeping, and covering loads of dirt. All clearing, grading, earth moving, or excavation operations shall cease during periods of high winds (greater than 15 mph averaged over one hour). 11. Field Changes: During grading operations, changes to the approved final grading plan may be authorized by the City Engineer, when such changes are in conformance with the approved Final Grading Plan and result in an "equal to" or "improved" final graded condition, provided the Director of Community Development concurs that the changes do not result in any adverse impact to aesthetics or viewshed within or adjacent to the graded area. Exhibit 1 (9 of 12) Added Changes to Policies and Standards D. UTILITY TRENCH BACKFILL REQUIREMENTS: The following guidelines shall be followed by the City Engineering Department in the review and approval of plans and the inspection of work related to the backfill and compaction of utility trenches: Except as noted below, all utility trenches within any street right -of -way or easement shall be backfilled from the top of the pipe zone to the bottom of the pavement structural section with a one sack cement and sand slurry mix. A maximum of one percent (1%) of calcium chloride may be added when a faster cure is required. 2. All utility trenches within a parkway, median or sidewalk area shall be backfilled from the top of the pipe zone to a point one foot (1') below the finished grade. 3. Upon written request to the City Engineer this requirement may be waived for specific special conditions such as excessively wide or deep (in excess of eight feet) trenches. E. SIZE OF SPEED LIMIT SIGNS: The following guidelines shall be followed in determining the size of Speed Limit signs: Less than 45 MPH: 24" x 36 "; 45 MPH or more: 36" x 45 ". The City Engineer or Director of Public Works may determine that a different size of speed limit sign may be warranted or may be more suitable at certain locations. F. TRAFFIC CONTROL PLAN: Where streets are to be dedicated to the City in conjunction with the recordation of a final map, a regulatory traffic signing and striping plan shall be submitted to, and approved by the City Council, along with City Council review and approval of the final map. The traffic signing and striping plan shall show, as a minimum, all proposed regulatory signing and striping, such as stop signs, speed limit signs and parking restriction signs. G. STREET IMPROVEMENTS ON A STATE HIGHWAY: The construction of street improvements on a State Highway by a private developer, may require the City to act in the role of facilitator. To that end the City Engineer and /or the Public Works Director are authorized to take certain actions as follows: Sign Caltrans Encroachment Permit Applications, if required, provided the developer provides the City with appropriate hold harmless indemnification. Exhibit 1 (10 of 12) Changes to Policies and Standards 2. Take all steps necessary and appropriate to provide for City acceptance of additional street right -of -way and/or easements within and /or adjacent to a State Highway. 3. Take all steps necessary and appropriate to convey such additional street right -of -way, easements and improvements to Caltrans upon completion and acceptance of said improvements. H. REPAIR OF DAMAGED SIDEWALKS, CURBS AND GUTTERS: The responsibility for undertaking the repair of damaged sidewalks, curbs and gutters, shall be as follows: Damage Caused by: Responsible Party 1 Street trees or other landscaping located within City a parkway maintained by the City. 2 Street trees or other landscaping located within HOA a parkway maintained by a Home Owners' Association. 3 Street trees or other landscaping within a City Parkway located within the street right -of -way or a City -owned landscape easement adjacent thereto. 4 Trees or other landscaping located on private property: First Repair: City Subsequent Repairs: Owner of the property fronting the damage 5 Any activity of the owner of the property fronting Owner of the the damage, including an agent of the owner property fronting (e.g. renter, contractor, etc.) the damage REAR YARD ACCESS THROUGH BLOCK WALLS:- In order to maintain and preserve the structural integrity and the aesthetic quality of Perimeter Walls throughout the City, such walls shall not be altered or removed and reconstructed to provide temporary access to a work site, unless a Wall Access Permit is issued in accordance with the requirements set forth herein. 1. Building Permits: Identification of Work Access: The plot plan attached to any building permit issued for the construction of improvements or modifications to any property, shall identify, on .0 Exhibit 1 (11 of 12) Changes to Policies and Standards •••_. the plot plan, the method or location of the access to the work site. 2. Prohibited Access: Any requested access which requires the removal and reconstruction of a wall located along a rear of side property line shared with any street, SHALL NOT BE APPROVED. 3. Exceptions: Wall Access Permit: A Perimeter Wall Access Permit may be issued by the City Engineer, when and if the contractor or property owner can adequately demonstrate that it is not possible to construct the desired improvements or modifications without the removal and reconstruction of the Perimeter Wall in order to gain rear access to the property. Exemptions (Wall Access Permit) shall not be granted for the purpose of facilitating the work (i.e. avoid damage to existing landscaping, make the project easier, reduce the cost of the project, etc.). Exemptions may only be granted when there is no way to construct the project without access through the walla Prior to the approval of any Wall Access Permit, a representative of the City Engineer shall visit the site to confirm that access to the work site is- not possible without the removal and reconstruction of a perimeter wall. 4. Conditions of Approval:. Any Wall Access Permit issued by the City Engineer shall include Conditions of Approval designed to assure that the wall is restored to its "pre- project" condition. Such Conditions may include any of the following: a) a block wall restoration plan shall be provided; b) block samples shall be provided to the City prior to the approval of the Permit, to assure that the "match" between the existing block wall and the new block is adequate; c) all approved block shall be procured and delivered to the site prior to the issuance of the final permit and the commencement of construction, in order to assure that the final block material "matches" the approved sample [Note: a conditional permit may be issued setting forth all requirements and advising of the City's intent to issue a Wall Access Permit upon delivery and approval of' the block material]. d) [if new block does not adequately match the existing wall] the _ restoration plan shall. provide for the removal and reconstruction of the block wall for an entire wall section (pilaster to pilaster). J. STREET IMPROVEMENT PLANS: U- TURNS: During the review and approval of the Tentative Tract Map and /or the review and plan checking of street improvements plans for the development of proposed new arterial streets, consideration shall be given to the geometirc design for proposed new intersections; and, unless conditions preclude such installation, the final design shall adequately provide for "U- Turn" r�, /­� n Exhibit 1 (12 of 12) Changes to Policies and Standards Added B l b a traffic movements at such intersections. In the event the City Engineer finds that conditions exist which preclude the need or necessity to provide for "U-Turn" traffic movements, the City Engineer shall prepare a report to the City Manager setting forth the reasons why such provisions should not be included in the final design, prior to making a final determination. K. SECOND DRIVEWAYS: Street Encroachment Permits for the construction of a second driveway on a residential lot, shall not be approved unless and until the applicant has obtained a Zone Clearance approved by the Director of Community Development. Such approval shall be consistent with the requirements of the Moorpark Municipal Code [Section 17.32.011]. Exhibit 2 RESOLUTION NO. 2000 - A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MOORPARK, CALIFORNIA, RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO. 96 -1229 AND ADOPTING NEW AND /OR REVISED POLICIES AND STANDARDS PERTAINING TO ENGINEERING MATTERS WHEREAS, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 96 -1229, rescinding certain prior City Council policies pertaining to Engineering matters and establishing a then new set of Engineering policies and standards set forth as Section 4 of said Resolution; and WHEREAS, the City Council now wishes to amend the Engineering Polices and Standards of the City. NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MOORPARK DOES HEREBY RESOLVE, DETERMINE AND ORDER AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. Resolution No. 96 -1229 is hereby rescinded. SECTION 2. The Engineering Policies and Standards rescinded by Sections 1, 2 and 3 of Resolution No. 96 -1229 shall remain rescinded and deleted. SECTION 3. A new set of Engineering Policies and Standards are hereby approved and adopted, said Policies and Standards being set forth in Exhibit 'A' attached hereto and made a part hereof. SECTION 4. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this resolution and shall cause a certified resolution to be filed in the book of original resolutions. PASSED AND ADOPTED this day of , 2000. ATTEST: Patrick Hunter, Mayor Deborah S. Traffenstedt, City Clerk Attachments: Exhibit 'A': Engineering Policies and Standards e--, r' 1• ' !1 '! A Resolution No. 2000 - Exhibit 'A' [Page 1] October 4, 2000 Engineering Policies and Standards A. PLACEMENT OF ABOVE GROUND STRUCTURES IN THE SIDEWALK: The following guidelines shall be followed in determining the location of above ground structures in the sidewalk. Such structures include, but are not limited to, facilities owned by the City, any utility company or district, and the U.S. Postal Service. The location of such structures should be consistent with these guidelines unless unique circumstances require other action. In any case, the placement of such structures shall be consistent with minimum requirements for handicap access. Whenever possible, traffic control signs should be placed on street light poles instead of separate sign poles. 2. Sidewalks having widths greater than five feet (5') and sidewalks with parkways: a. All signs, poles, mailboxes, etc. should be placed behind the curb with the minimum setback. b. Fire hydrants shall be placed five feet (6) from the curb face. 3. Sidewalks having a width of five feet (5) or less: a. All stop signs, yield signs, turn prohibition signs, large guide signs, traffic signal poles and similar traffic signs shall be placed behind the curb with the minimum setback. b. Except as noted in Item #1 above, all other traffic control and traffic warning signs shall be placed behind the sidewalk, provided adequate visibility is maintained. Parking restriction signs placed behind the sidewalk may require placement at shorter intervals. c. Mailboxes may be placed behind the curb with the minimum setback, provided additional sidewalk width is constructed sufficient to provide a sidewalk width consistent with the width of the sidewalk adjacent to the mailbox. d. All other facilities shall be placed behind the sidewalk. B. PUBLIC NOTIFICATION OF STREET PROJECTS: When deemed necessary and appropriate, City staff shall provide those affected with written notice of the City's intent to construct a street improvement project. Such notice shall only be given when and if the City Engineer and /or Public Works Director determine that a given project could adversely impact certain properties. When given, such notice shall be mailed to the owners and /or residents of properties which could be adversely affected by the project. Any 00024 Resolution No. 2000 - Exhibit 'A' [Page 2] October 4, 2000 such notice shall be mailed at least ten (10) days prior to the date the City Council is scheduled to consider the approval of the plans and specifications for such project and /or authorization to advertise for receipt of bids for the construction of such project. C. GRADING: The following guidelines shall be followed by the City Engineering Department in the review and approval of grading plans and the administration of grading operations: 1. Conceptual Grading Plans: On all tentative tract maps, parcel maps, and applications for land development where grading quantities will be equal to or greater than fifty cubic yards (50 cu. yds.), obstruct a drainage course or impact another property owner's property, a conceptual grading plan shall be a part of the submittal to the City. The conceptual grading plan shall show pad elevations, tops and toes of slopes and walls, borrow and fill quantities, and the general drainage pattern. The location of any anticipated siltation, retention or debris basins shall be shown. As a condition of approval, surety shall be provided for the full cost of the grading operations. On projects where the grading quantities do not exceed twenty thousand cubic yards (20,000 cu. yds.) and where all grading is in an isolated self contained area (such as agricultural land) and where the actual limits of proposed grading will have a significant buffer from and have no drainage impact to adjacent properties, and the grading creates no adverse aesthetic impacts to views or hillsides, the City Engineer in consultation with the Director of Community Development after review of a plot plan and supporting information concerning drainage and buffer areas, may determine that a grading plan is unnecessary. 2. Contour Grading: a. Findings: The Council hereby finds that the terrain of certain areas of the City provides a unique and substantial character to the area and forms an integral part of the City's total environment. Due to their physical dominance on the City's landscape, development of the hillside areas will definitely affect the visual and environmental character of the community. The City's primary objective regarding hillside development is to preserve the natural terrain and aesthetic character of the City while encouraging creative, innovative, and safe residential development with a variety of housing types. Such characteristics will only be achieved when special consideration is given to those developments, subdivisions, and lot splits within hillside C 4%Elo 00 2 5 Resolution No. 2000 - Exhibit 'A' [Page 3] October 4, 2000 areas, on an individual basis and proper consideration of the variations in conditions, design criteria, and other factors. All contour grading shall be in conformance with the requirements of Chapter 17.38 Hillside Management of the Moorpark Municipal Code. b. Slope Design Standards: Where the creation of cut and fill slopes is approved, they shall be rounded at the edges and contoured as necessary to blend with existing topography. All cut and fill slopes shall conform to the following standards: 1) All cut and fill slopes in excess of five feet (5') vertical height shall be rounded with vertical curves from the crest of the slope and from any surface drains constructed on the face or top of the slope and must keep concentrated water from roofs, drives or pads from going over slopes or onto adjacent properties; 2) Where cut or fill slopes intersect the ends of each graded slope, the slope shall be horizontally rounded and blended with a minimum radius of twenty -five feet (25'). A smaller radius may be permissible for short slope lengths; 3) Where a cut or fill slope intersects a natural slope, the horizontal contours of the slope shall be curved so as to blend with the natural slope; 4) Where any cut or fill slope exceeds seventy feet (27') in horizontal length, the horizontal contours of the slope shall be curved in a continuous undulating fashion with radii no greater than three hundred feet (300') nor less than twenty feet (20'); 5) Slope rounding shall be designed in proportion to the total height of the slope. The top and toe of each slope in excess of ten feet (10') height, excepting the toe of any slope within twenty -five feet (25') of a dwelling, shall be vertically rounded with radii equal to one -fifth of the height of the slope and no less than five feet (6). This shall not apply to the toe of any cut slope that is supported by a retaining wall; 6) All engineered slopes shall be contour graded to achieve a natural appearance. Borders of cut slopes and fills are to be rounded to blend with the existing terrain; 7) Road and utility construction will not be approved until improvement plans have been approved for the area in accordance with discretionary approvals and City standards; and 8) Slope height shall be measured to the intersection of the slant of the slope with existing ground before rounding. c. Architectural Treatment: Architectural innovation shall be utilized rather than extensive grading so that the natural landform is disturbed to the least extent possible. C�002G Resolution No. 2000 - Exhibit 'A' [Page 41 October 4, 2000 d. Development Area Interfaces: Where approved by the Planning Commission or City Council, the slope grading requirements may be applied to limited portions of an adjacent zone to permit the extension or transition of a logical design concept. These requirements do not preclude satisfying requirements for slope benching, drainage facilities, and maintenance access or fire apparatus access roads. e. Development Guidelines for Natural Slopes: Areas within the following ranges of natural (pre - development) slope percentages shall be developed in accordance with the following criteria: 1) The "Percent Natural Slope" on a site will be calculated as the average gradient of the entire site as determined by the elevation differentials measured orthographically between each node of a north -south and east -west one hundred foot interval grid extending over the entire developed portion of the project site. 2) Areas having an average slope of less than ten percent (10 %) [10' horizontal to 1' vertical) are not a hillside condition. Mass grading with conventional fully padded lots and terracing are acceptable. 3) Areas having an average slope of between ten percent (10 %) [10' horizontal to 1' vertical] and nineteen and nine -tenth percent (19.9 %) [5' horizontal to 1' vertical]: Mass grading may occur in this slope zone. Existing landforms must retain their natural character. Padded building sites are permitted on these slopes, but split -level architectural structures with stacking and clustering are preferred. A cut and fill map is required to verify maximum heights of cut and fill. 4) Areas having an average slope of between twenty percent (20 %) [5' horizontal to 1' vertical] and thirty-three percent (33 %) [3' horizontal to 1' vertical]: Special hillside architectural and design techniques are required within this slope zone. Architectural designs are to conform to the natural landform. Mass grading is discouraged except on a case -by -case basis as permitted by the Planning Commission. Mass grading is particularly discouraged where development is proposed within a high -risk landslide area. This does not preclude grading necessary to mitigate slide hazards. A cut and fill map is required to verify maximum heights of cut and fill. 5) A Conditional Use permit is required for grading on areas having an average slope of thirty -four percent (34 %) or more [greater than 3' horizontal to 1' vertical). Approval of any Conditional Use permit for development within this slope zone is contingent that the Planning Commission make findings that such grading and development: a) Has been clearly demonstrated to minimize safety, 0 40027 Resolution No. 2000 - Exhibit 'A' [Page 51 October 4, 2000 environmental and aesthetic impacts. b) Includes the minimum amount of grading. c) Includes the grading necessary to mitigate slope instability or slide hazards that may exist on the site. d) Has had thorough geotechnical investigation. e) Has had a detailed grading plan prepared as well as a cut and fill exhibit that shows maximum heights of cut and fill. f) Will require no import or export of soils. 3. Import/Export: On all required conceptual grading plans where the total on -site borrow and fill yardages differ by one thousand cubic yards (1,000 cu. yds.) or more, plans for handling the import/export shall be part of the conceptual grading plan. a. The import/export plan shall show quantity of import/export, location of borrow /stockpile sites, temporary and final grading of the site, height of fill /depth of cut, visibility of the site from public roads and lands, vegetation and screening for sites located within the City of Moorpark. b. Unanticipated off -site import/export operations requiring an excess of one thousand (1,000) total truck loads or ten thousand cubic yards (10,000 cu. yds.), whichever is less, shall require Council approval prior to the commencement of hauling or staged grading operations. A haul route shall be submitted to the City Council for review and approval. c. If the borrow /fill site(s) are within the City limits, a grading plan for such sites, showing the before and after condition, shall also be shown. 4. Stockpiles: The temporary placement of soil on any property prior to its placement as imported certified fill (herein "Stockpile "), shall comply with the following requirements: a. Design: All Stockpile shall: 1. not exceed five feet (5) in height; 2. have side slopes which do not exceed 3:1 b. Approval: 1. Development Entitlement: For any property having an approved development entitlement (CPD, IPD, RPD), requests for placement of a Stockpile are to be reviewed and conditionally approved, or denied, by the City Engineer and the Director of Community Development as a discretionary action. The conditions and requirements for any approval of a Stockpile shall be consistent with an approved grading plan for the property and the conditions of approval for the development entitlement. Such approval shall also require the deposit of adequate and appropriate bonds to guarantee the removal of the Stockpile within the prescribed time C X100 0028 Resolution No. 2000 - Exhibit 'A' [Page 61 October 4, 2000 limits of subsection 4c. In addition, the City Engineer and the Director of Community Development shall require appropriate conditions relative to the placement and maintenance of the Stockpile, including but not limited to: a) distance and screening from public rights -of -way and adjacent properties, with fencing or landscaping as determined necessary; b) erosion control; c) weed abatement; d) construction of public improvements as required by the conditions of approval of the development entitlement, if said public improvements are determined to be needed at the time the Stockpile approval is requested; and, e) payment of applicable fees for processing of the request for the placement of the Stockpile(s). The quantity of soil for any approved Stockpile(s) being placed upon any such approved property or project, shall not exceed 5,000 cubic yards per acre, unless prior approval of a greater amount is granted by the City Council. 2. All Other Properties: For any property which has not been granted a development entitlement (including any property located within any One Hundred (100) Year Flood Boundary as shown on the current Flood Insurance Rate Map [FIRM]), requests for a Stockpile shall require approval by the City Council. Any application for such approval shall be accompanied by an adequate and appropriate Environmental Document assessing and addressing any potential environmental impacts associated with the placement and removal of the Stockpile. Such application shall be accompanied by appropriate conditions of approval as recommended by the City Engineer, including a requirement for the deposit of bonds to guarantee the removal of the Stockpile site(s) if deemed necessary. c. Duration: The duration of the placement of a Stockpile shall not exceed the following time limits: 1. Development Entitlements: For any property having an approved development entitlement, the duration of the placement of any Stockpile shall not exceed the time limits specified in said entitlement or two years whichever is less. 2. All Other Properties: For any other Stockpile approved by the City Council [see subsection 4.b.2], the duration of the placement of any Stockpile shall not exceed the time limits set forth in the conditions of approval as determined by the City Council. C10®29 Resolution No. 2000 - Exhibit 'A' [Page 71 October 4, 2000 5. Haul Routes: On all required conceptual grading plans that require import/export of more than one hundred (100) truckloads or one thousand cubic yards (1,000 cu. yds.), whichever is less, the following information shall be made a part of the conceptual grading plan: haul routes, hours of hauling, numbers and frequency of trucks and other information necessary to define hauling impacts. Additional surety for the cleaning and/or repair of streets used as haul routes may be required as determined by the City Engineer. 6. Director of Community Development Review: On all grading plans, the Director of Community Development shall provide comment to the City Engineer concerning: contour grading, aesthetics, viewshed and consistency with the Hillside Management Ordinance where applicable and Moorpark General Plan. With said comments, the City Engineer shall develop and provide to the Director of Community Development, appropriate recommendations relative to those matters plus slope stability, drainage, erosion protection and related issues, before approval of any conceptual or final grading plan. 7. Final Grading Plan: The final grading plan shall be in substantial compliance with the approved conceptual grading plan. The City Engineer and the Director of Community Development shall make the determination as to substantial compliance with the approved conceptual grading plan. The City Engineer may administratively approve minor changes from the conceptual grading plan. Minor changes are defined as: a. changes in elevation of three (3) feet or less from the conceptual plan; b. changes in total borrow /fill quantities which do not exceed one thousand cubic yards (1,000 yd3); c. additional import/export quantities not exceeding one thousand cubic yards (1,000 yd3); d. changes which cause no adverse impacts to slope stability, drainage, and erosion control; and, e. changes which, in the view of the Director of Community Development, do not result in any adverse impact on aesthetics or viewshed. If the City Engineer finds that the final grading plan is not in substantial conformance with the approved conceptual grading plan, the City Engineer shall submit a report with recommendations to the City Council. The City Engineer shall not issue a grading permit for those final grading plans that are not in substantial conformance with the conceptual grading plan without approval of the City Council. 8. Erosion Control: Concurrent with submittal of the final grading plan, an erosion control plan shall be submitted for review and approval by the City 000:x® Resolution No. 2000 - Exhibit 'A' [Page 8] October 4, 2000 Engineer. The design shall include measures for erosion control to be implemented on all graded areas. These measures shall apply to temporary grading activity that remains or is anticipated to remain unfinished or undisturbed in its altered condition for a period of time greater than thirty (30) days or for a period of time which extends into the wet season defined as that period between October 15th of a given year and April 15th of the following year. 9. National Pollution Discharge Elimination System ( NPDES): As part of each final grading plan, NPDES regulations shall be addressed to the satisfaction of the City Engineer. As a minimum the following shall be included: a. A Stormwater Pollution Control Plan (SWPCP) shall be developed and implemented in accordance with requirements of the Ventura Countywide Stormwater Quality Management Program, NPDES Permit No. CAS063339. b. The project construction plans shall incorporate Best Management Practices (BMPs) applicable to the development for the review and approval of the City Engineer. If the site is 5 acres or more in size, the following items shall also be included: c. A permit shall be obtained from the State Water Resources Control Board. A Notice of Intent (NOI) shall be submitted to the City Engineer and to the California State Water Resources Control Board, Storm Water Permit Unit in accordance with the NPDES Construction General Permit No. CASQ00002. d. A Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) shall be prepared and approved by the City Engineer consistent with the requirements of the City's Stormwater Quality standards and regulations. 10. Dust Control: Dust control measures shall be identified to the satisfaction of the City Engineer. These measures shall include, but not be limited to, minimization of ground disturbance, application of water /chemicals, temporary/permanent ground cover /seeding, street sweeping, and covering loads of dirt. All clearing, grading, earth moving, or excavation operations shall cease during periods of high winds (greater than 15 mph averaged over one hour). 11. Field Changes: During grading operations, changes to the approved final grading plan may be authorized by the City Engineer, when such changes are in conformance with the approved Final Grading Plan and result in an C 3 0 S V 1 Resolution No. 2000 - Exhibit 'A' [Page 91 October 4, 2000 "equal to" or "improved" final graded condition, provided the Director of Community Development concurs that the changes do not result in any adverse impact to aesthetics or viewshed within or adjacent to the graded area. D. UTILITY TRENCH BACKFILL REQUIREMENTS: The following guidelines shall be followed by the City Engineering Department in the review and approval of plans and the inspection of work related to the backfill and compaction of utility trenches: Except as noted below, all utility trenches within any street right -of -way or easement shall be backfilled from the top of the pipe zone to the bottom of the pavement structural section with a one sack cement and sand slurry mix. A maximum of one percent (1%) of calcium chloride may be added when a faster cure is required. 2. All utility trenches within a parkway, median or sidewalk area shall be backfilled from the top of the pipe zone to a point one foot (1') below the finished grade. 3. Upon written request to the City Engineer this requirement may be waived for specific special conditions such as excessively wide or deep (in excess of eight feet) trenches. E. SIZE OF SPEED LIMIT SIGNS: The following guidelines shall be followed in determining the size of Speed Limit signs: Less than 45 MPH: 24" x 36 "; 45 MPH or more: 36" x 45 ". The City Engineer or Director of Public Works may determine that a different size of speed limit sign may be warranted or may be more suitable at certain locations. F. TRAFFIC CONTROL PLAN: Where streets are to be dedicated to the City in conjunction with the recordation of a final map, a regulatory traffic signing and striping plan shall be submitted to, and approved by the City Council, along with City Council review and approval of the final map. The traffic signing and striping plan shall show, as a minimum, all proposed regulatory signing and striping, such as stop signs, speed limit signs and parking restriction signs. 000132 Resolution No. 2000 - Exhibit ' A' [Page 10] October 4, 2000 G. STREET IMPROVEMENTS ON A STATE HIGHWAY: The construction of street improvements on a State Highway by a private developer, may require the City to act in the role of facilitator. To that end the City Engineer and /or the Public Works Director are authorized to take certain actions as follows: 1. Sign Caltrans Encroachment Permit Applications, if required, provided the developer provides the City with appropriate hold harmless indemnification. 2. Take all steps necessary and appropriate to provide for City acceptance of additional street right -of -way and /or easements within and /or adjacent to a State Highway. 3. Take all steps necessary and appropriate to convey such additional street right -of -way, easements and improvements to Caltrans upon completion and acceptance of said improvements. H. REPAIR OF DAMAGED SIDEWALKS, CURBS AND GUTTERS: The responsibility for undertaking the repair of damaged sidewalks, curbs and gutters, shall be as follows: Damage Caused by: 1 Street trees or other landscaping located within a parkway maintained by the City. 2 Street trees or other landscaping located within a parkway maintained by a Home Owners' Association. 3 Street trees or other landscaping within a Parkway located within the street right -of -way or a City -owned landscape easement adjacent thereto. 4 Trees or other landscaping located on private property: First Repair: Subsequent Repairs: 5 Any activity of the owner of the property fronting the damage, including an agent of the owner (e.g. renter, contractor, etc.) Responsible Partv City HOA City City Owner of the property fronting the damage Owner of the property fronting the damage X303.3 Resolution No. 2000 - Exhibit 'A' [Page 11] October 4, 2000 REAR YARD ACCESS THROUGH BLOCK WALLS: In order to maintain and preserve the structural integrity and the aesthetic quality of Perimeter Walls throughout the City, such walls shall not be altered or removed and reconstructed to provide temporary access to a work site, unless a Wall Access Permit is issued in accordance with the requirements set forth herein. 1. Buildinq Permits: Identification of Work Access: The plot plan attached to any building permit issued for the construction of improvements or modifications to any property, shall identify, on the plot plan, the method or location of the access to the work site. 2. Prohibited Access: Any requested access which requires the removal and reconstruction of a wall located along a rear of side property line shared with any street, SHALL NOT BE APPROVED. 3. Exceptions: Wall Access Permit: A Perimeter Wall Access Permit may be issued by the City Engineer, when and if the contractor or property owner can adequately demonstrate that it is not possible to construct the desired improvements or modifications without the removal and reconstruction of the Perimeter Wall in order to gain rear access to the property. Exemptions (Wall Access Permit) shall not be granted for the purpose of facilitating the work (i.e. avoid damage to existing landscaping, make the project easier, reduce the cost of the project, etc.). Exemptions may only be granted when there is no way to construct the project without access through the wall. Prior to the approval of any Wall Access Permit, a representative of the City Engineer shall visit the site to confirm that access to the work site is not possible without the removal and reconstruction of a perimeter wall. 4. Conditions of Approval: Any Wall Access Permit issued by the City Engineer shall include Conditions of Approval designed to assure that the wall is restored to its "pre- project" condition. Such Conditions may include any of the following: a) a block wall restoration plan shall be provided; b) block samples shall be provided to the City prior to the approval of the Permit, to assure that the "match" between the existing block wall and the new block is adequate; c) all approved block shall be procured and delivered to the site prior to the issuance of the final permit and the commencement of construction, in order to assure that the final block material "matches" the approved sample [Note: a conditional permit may be issued setting forth all requirements and advising of the City's intent to issue a Wall Access Permit upon delivery and approval of the block material]. d) [if new block does not adequately match the existing wall] COW .3 4 Resolution No. 2000 - Exhibit ' A' [Page 12] October 4, 2000 the restoration plan shall provide for the removal and reconstruction of the block wall for an entire wall section (pilaster to pilaster). J. STREET IMPROVEMENT PLANS: U- TURNS: During the review and approval of the Tentative Tract Map and /or the review and plan checking of street improvements plans for the development of proposed new arterial streets, consideration shall be given to the geometirc design for proposed new intersections; and, unless conditions preclude such installation, the final design shall adequately provide for "U- Turn" traffic movements at such intersections. In the event the City Engineer finds that conditions exist which preclude the need or necessity to provide for "U- Turn" traffic movements, the City Engineer shall prepare a report to the City Manager setting forth the reasons why such provisions should not be included in the final design, prior to making a final determination. K. SECOND DRIVEWAYS: Street Encroachment Permits for the construction of a second driveway on a residential lot, shall not be approved unless and until the applicant has obtained a Zone Clearance approved by the Director of Community Development. Such approval shall be consistent with the requirements of the Moorpark Municipal Code [Section 17.32.011 ]. 0010035