A. 
Road construction or road reconstruction shall be permitted only in the public right-of-way of any existing or proposed road when the road grade has been officially established in accordance with a road construction plan approved by the Director and a public works agreement has been obtained, if applicable.
B. 
Utility work shall be permitted only in the public right-of-way of any existing or proposed road when the road grade has been officially established in accordance with a utility plan approved by Project Management and Inspections pursuant to § 104-77, or when approved under a public works agreement.
C. 
No road, with the exception of a County-maintained road or a road maintained by any other public agency, shall be accepted by the Board unless the connecting road to the existing road is brought to County standards.
D. 
Inspection services shall be provided by Public Works and Planning and Zoning to assure compliance with the permit and public works agreement.
E. 
The grading permit for the construction shall be posted on site in a highly visible area at all times during construction.
F. 
All conduit placements shall be visibly marked during the course of construction.
G. 
The construction site shall remain open during the County's normal hours of operation.
H. 
A complete set of the most current, approved plans and specifications shall be maintained on the job site at all times and shall be available to duly authorized officials upon request.
I. 
All land within the prescribed right-of-way and all construction easements (slope, drainage, etc.,) shall be graded and stabilized using methods and materials which shall ensure stabilization and practicality of maintenance. Methods and materials shall be specified.
J. 
A written or an oral notice of itemized deficiencies shall be given to the permittee and contractors if, at any time during construction, the work is not satisfactory to the Department.
K. 
Erosion and sediment control inspections for subdivisions are the responsibility of the MDE and shall be arranged with it directly. Erosion and sediment control inspections for individual single-family detached dwellings are the responsibility of the Department.
L. 
State highway entrance inspections for subdivision are the responsibility of the MSHA and shall be arranged with it directly.
M. 
In the event that the permittee or contractors discover any discrepancies in the approved plans, they shall immediately notify the Engineering Division Chief. The engineering professional representative shall then make such corrections as deemed necessary for fulfilling the intent of the approved construction drawings and obtain approval from the Engineering Division Chief.
N. 
The County shall not be a party, nor made a party, to any contract administration, negotiation or enforcement of any bids, contracts, or disputes between the permittee and their contractors.
O. 
The permittee shall indemnify the County and hold it harmless from all claims arising from contractors who have performed work on the road and appurtenances being accepted, and their workmanship. If the permittee is a corporation, the person signing the public works agreement on behalf of the corporation shall be personally liable for the indemnification extended by this subsection.
A. 
Required notifications; roadway signage; roadway markings.
(1) 
For road construction under a public works agreement (public and private), the permittee or contractor shall notify the Engineering Division and the Water and Sewerage Division, when applicable, by phone, facsimile, electronic mail, or in person at least two working days in advance of the following:
(a) 
Preconstruction meeting.
[1] 
This is a required on-site meeting scheduled by the permittee that shall take place prior to commencement of construction.
[2] 
This meeting shall be scheduled through the Engineering Division prior to the release of the grading permit application for payment.
[3] 
The County inspector, the permittee, the contractor, and a Maryland certified traffic manager representing the contractor shall attend this meeting. When applicable, a representative from the Water and Sewerage, MDE, MSHA, and any other representative deemed necessary shall also be requested to attend.
(b) 
Installation of traffic maintenance and protection.
(c) 
Traffic maintenance and protection inspection, which is a required on-site inspection that shall take place prior to commencement of construction.
(d) 
Commencement of construction, clearing and grubbing. It is the responsibility of the permittee and contractor to contact MDE for the required erosion and sediment control inspections.
(e) 
Commencement of the cut and fill operations.
(f) 
Installation of storm drainage facilities, water, sewer, and all other utilities.
(g) 
Inspection of stormwater management facilities.
(h) 
Inspection of subgrade.
(i) 
Placement of subbase upon approval of subgrade.
(j) 
Inspection of subbase, including subbase material for sidewalks (if applicable).
(k) 
Construction of curb and gutter, when applicable.
(l) 
Inspection of curb and gutter.
(m) 
Placement of base course upon approval of subbase, and curb and gutter.
(n) 
Inspection request for base road approval, including, but not limited to, stabilization of shoulders, and MSHA entrance approval when applicable.
(o) 
Placement of surface course upon base road reinspection approval, after the required minimum ten-month weathering period for the base course.
(p) 
Inspection request for surface road approval, including but not limited to, stabilization of shoulders. The surface course of asphalt shall have final surface approval prior to November 1 to be eligible by approval from the Director for County snow removal that winter season. The permittee shall remain responsible for snow removal throughout that winter season without this approval.
(q) 
Reinspection of the surface road, after the approved maintenance period.
(2) 
All roadway signage shall be installed and inspected prior to the Director recommending the granting of use and occupancy permits.
(3) 
The permittee shall install markings after placement of the surface asphalt prior to final road approval. Once the final road approval has been granted, the County shall maintain all road markings installed on public roads.
(4) 
All traffic maintenance and protection signage associated with the project shall be removed from all County roadways within 30 days of completion of any roadway work. No final surface approvals will be issued unless this has been completed. Furthermore, the permittee is responsible for all signage maintenance throughout the duration of the public works agreement. Upon completion of the final warranty inspection, the County shall take over signage maintenance.
B. 
Within two working days of completion of each of the above stages, Project Management and Inspections shall present an approval or denial, in writing, to the permittee or contractor, or an authorized agent. If approved, the construction may proceed. If denied, the contractor shall make the appropriate corrections and give proper reinspection notification when complete.
C. 
The Water and Sewerage Division shall determine water and sewer inspections and procedures. When road work also necessitates water and sewer infrastructure to be installed, the permittee, at his or her expense, shall employ an independent inspection firm to certify that all water and sewer work has been installed pursuant to all requirements as stated or implied in the plans and specifications. Additionally, all work shall be certified by the inspection firm. Upon the satisfactory completion of the water and sewer work, three copies of certified as-built plans shall be submitted to the Water and Sewerage Division for acceptance.
A. 
The permittee or contractor shall submit certificates of compliance, certified tests, and reports of inspection for all construction to the Engineering Division for approval.
B. 
The following certificates, tests, and reports shall be submitted in the required form as described in this section and shall be received by the Engineering Division via mail, facsimile, or in person at each appropriate stage of construction to be approved and verified.
C. 
Within two working days after the receipt of each of the following required certifications, the Director shall provide a written approval or denial, in writing, to the permittee or authorized agent. If approved, the construction may proceed. If denied, the contractor shall make the appropriate corrections and provide additional certification to the inspector when complete.
(1) 
Certification of material.
(a) 
Manufacturers and suppliers/vendors, certificates of compliance, certified tests, and reports of inspection shall be submitted for all construction site materials used.
(b) 
This documentation shall certify that the materials supplied meet the design requirements and applicable specifications.
(c) 
Construction site materials shall not be incorporated into the work until the appropriate certification has been submitted and approved.
(d) 
Material incorporated into the work without submission of certification and approval shall be deemed inadequate until required certification is submitted and approved.
(2) 
Compaction reports.
(a) 
Compaction reports for embankment, subgrade, and subbase within the public right-of-way shall be submitted to Project Management and Inspections.
(b) 
Compaction reports shall be certified and sealed by a geotechnical representative.
(c) 
The in-place density of compacted embankments shall be determined by the MSHA Maryland Standard Method of Tests. Other test methods may be used when approved by the Director.
[1] 
Embankment tests shall be in accordance with MSHA Construction Inspection Sampling and Testing Guide and a minimum of two tests shall be performed for each 2,000 cubic yards of fill.
[a] 
The embankment material shall be compacted to not less than 92% of the maximum density, and within two percentage points of optimum moisture. See Figure 8-1.
[b] 
The number of tests required and quantity of fills shall be shown on the road construction plans. The location of the tests shall be determined by the inspector.
[c] 
Embankment test reports shall be submitted and approved prior to placement of subbase material.
[2] 
Subgrade tests shall be in accordance with the current MSHA Construction Inspection Sampling and Testing Guide and a minimum of two tests per lane shall be performed for every 500 feet of road, with a minimum of four tests per road in cut or fill.
[a] 
The top one foot of subgrade material shall be compacted to not less than 97% of the maximum density, and within two percentage points of optimum moisture. See Figure 8-1.
[b] 
The number of tests required shall be shown on the road construction plans. The location of the tests shall be determined by the inspector.
[c] 
Subgrade test reports shall be submitted and approved prior to placement of subbase material.
[3] 
Subbase tests shall be in accordance with the current MSHA Construction Inspection Sampling and Testing Guide and performed at an interval of two tests per lane, per 500 feet of road with a minimum of four tests per road, and two tests per 500 feet of sidewalk.
[a] 
The subbase material shall be compacted to not less than 97% of the maximum density, and within two percentage points of optimum moisture.
[b] 
The number of tests required shall be shown on the road construction plans. The location of the tests shall be determined by the inspector.
[c] 
Subbase test reports shall be submitted and approved prior to placement of the base course. See Figure 8-1.
Figure 8-1
(3) 
Certification of proof roll:
(a) 
The subgrade and subbase shall be proof rolled in the presence of the inspector prior to the next stage progression. Approval shall be given when there appears to be no vertical deflection in the subgrade.
(b) 
The Director may accept a signed and sealed certification from a geotechnical representative.
[1] 
The subgrade shall be proof rolled with a fully loaded, tandem-axle vehicle a minimum of 65,000 GVW, or other acceptable measure as approved by Project Management and Inspections, prior to placement of the subbase.
[2] 
The subbase shall be proof rolled with a fully loaded, tandem-axle vehicle a minimum of 65,000 GVW, or other acceptable measure as approved by Project Management and Inspections, prior to placement of the base course.
(c) 
The contractor may not proceed with proof rolls until the following requirements are met:
[1] 
Appropriate compaction reports submitted to, and approved by the inspector.
[2] 
Installation and certification of utilities to include water and sewer,
(4) 
Sieve analysis.
(a) 
A sieve analysis for the subbase material shall be submitted. Standards shall meet MSHA specifications for materials specified.
(b) 
The sieve analysis shall be submitted and approved prior to placement of the subbase material.
(5) 
Concrete certification.
(a) 
Concrete certification reports for all structures within the County right-of-way shall be submitted. The number of tests required shall be shown on the road construction plans. The location of the tests shall be determined by the inspector.
(b) 
All tests of aggregates, cement, and concrete shall be performed by a certified independent testing laboratory.
(c) 
Samples of concrete for test cylinders shall be taken at the mixer, or in the case of ready-mixed concrete, from the transportation vehicle during discharge in accordance with ASTM C172. Test cylinders shall be made and cured in accordance with ASTM C31. The test cylinders shall be molded immediately after the sample is taken and then placed in a protected spot and kept under curing conditions similar to the conditions under which the concrete they represent is being cured. The testing of cylinders shall be in accordance with ASTM C39.
(d) 
A sample shall consist of a minimum of four test cylinders. All four test cylinders shall be taken at the same time; one cylinder to be used for a seven-day test, two for a twenty-eight-day test following standard lab curing, and one sample cylinder shall be field cured before lab testing at seven days to determine if the structure can be placed into service. If the seven-day sample break does not meet specification, the contractor shall break both twenty-eight-day samples for acceptance. The remaining cylinder shall be kept for reference or additional testing if required by the Director. The Director may require additional random samples.
(e) 
The permittee and/or contractor shall collect one sample of concrete for compressive strength testing for each daily placement of less than or equal to 50 cubic yards per class of concrete placed, or fraction thereof. Any daily quantity greater 50 cubic yards shall be sampled in accordance with MSHA's Materials Manual - Field Procedures - Volume 1.
(f) 
Concrete that does not meet minimum strength requirements shall be removed, replaced, and retested at the expense of the permittee or contractor.
(6) 
Bituminous mix designs for base and surface shall be submitted for every construction project under a public works agreement. Mix designs shall conform to MSHA Sec 904.
(a) 
The base mix design shall be submitted and approved prior to placement of the bituminous base course.
(b) 
The surface mix design shall be submitted and approved prior to placement of the bituminous surface course.
(7) 
Asphalt tickets.
(a) 
Asphalt tickets for the base course asphalt and the surface course asphalt shall be submitted.
(b) 
The asphalt tickets shall specify, at a minimum, subdivision name, road name(s), load number, total daily quantity, material, date and time of load, and points of supply.
[1] 
Base asphalt tickets shall be submitted after the base course has been completed and shall be a requirement of the final base inspection.
[2] 
Surface asphalt tickets shall be submitted after the surface course has been completed and shall be a requirement of the final surface inspection.
(8) 
Asphalt depth.
(a) 
Asphalt cores for the base course of asphalt and the surface course of asphalt shall be submitted. Cores are to be cut full depth and shall meet the required depth with an average of all cores meeting the required depth. Cores for the base course shall be within 1/2 inch of the required depth.
(b) 
Cores shall be cut by the contractor in the presence of the inspector.
(c) 
The Director may accept a signed and sealed certification from a geotechnical representative. In this case a transmittal showing location of the roadway(s), corresponding core locations by station labeled A-Z, and its depth shall accompany the certification.
(d) 
With inspector approval, the contractor shall send said cores to a certified facility for asphalt density testing.
(e) 
All holes shall be filled, full depth, with hot mix asphalt.
[1] 
The base course of asphalt shall require one minimum four inches in diameter core per 200 tons of material placed with three cores minimum per road. Submission and approval of the cores shall be a requirement of the final base road approval.
[2] 
Required cores for surface course shall be one, minimum four inches in diameter, core per 100 tons of material placed with three cores minimum per road. Submission and approval of the cores shall be a requirement of the final surface road approval. Cores for the surface course shall be within 1/4 inch of the required depth.
(f) 
If a deficiency is identified in any core as a result of testing, supplementary cores shall be required to define the area. Corrective action to address the deficiency shall be proposed by the contractor and submitted to the Director for review and approval. These shall include but not be limited to pavement section structural equivalency certifications by geotechnical representatives or financial penalties.
(9) 
Asphalt density certification.
(a) 
Asphalt density certification for the base course of asphalt and the surface course shall be submitted.
(b) 
Unless otherwise directed by the inspector, cores taken for asphalt depth certification shall be used for asphalt density certification.
(c) 
Core samples shall be submitted to a certified laboratory for testing. Core samples shall be tested in conformance with MSMT 452. The specific gravity of the samples shall be expressed as a percentage of the maximum specific gravity determined for each lot of material. The in-place density of each mixture shall be within the range of 92% to 97% of the maximum density.
(d) 
Nuclear density testing for in-place density determination can be used in lieu of the core testing.
[1] 
Base course core certification shall be submitted and approved prior to traffic or construction equipment on the in-place base material and before placement of the surface course of asphalt. This certification shall be a requirement of the final base road inspection.
[2] 
Surface course core certification shall be a requirement of the final surface road inspection.
A. 
As-built plans for all public and private roads constructed under public works agreements shall be submitted to the Director for review and approval.
(1) 
As-built plans.
(a) 
One paper set of field verified as-built plans shall be submitted after placement of the base course of asphalt.
(b) 
The as-built plans shall include horizontal road plans and vertical profiles including elevations at every 50 feet for center line and linear profile of culs-de-sac, edge of pavement or top of curb, hinge and toe of slope, shoulder and ditch; storm drain structures, pipes and ditches plans and profile; stormwater management plans and profile, and water and sewer locations and crossings. All modifications shall be identified in red ink. This as-built plan shall identify proposed surface pavement elevation, and shall be a requirement of the subbase final approval. The Engineering Division may require additional information and detail, determined on a case-by-case basis.
(2) 
As-built certification statements shall include the following verbiage:
(a) 
Roads: "I certify that the referenced road has been completed, and that the construction is substantially in conformance with the approved design plans and specifications with respect to line and grade or as noted in red ink. This certification is based on a field run survey conducted by __________ with (or without) benefit of on-site inspections and materials testing during construction."
(b) 
Stormwater management: "I certify this as-built plan of the stormwater management system is correct, and that to the best of my knowledge and belief, the stormwater management system as constructed is substantially in conformance with the approved design plans and specifications, and meets or exceeds the stormwater management and hydraulic performance of the original approved design. This certification is based on a field run survey conducted by __________ with (or without) benefit of on-site inspections and materials testing during construction."
(c) 
Engineering professional representative certifications shall be submitted as an inclusion on the as-built plans in the form of a note with a seal and signature for all roads constructed under a public works agreement.
(d) 
Within 30 days from the date of submission, the inspector and the Director shall approve, approve with modification, deny, or provide written comments requesting revisions.
(e) 
Upon approval of the as-built Mylar set, the engineering professional representative shall submit a digital copy of the as-built plan in a format required by the County accompanied by a signed and sealed transmittal letter referencing all County approvals. This submittal shall be a requirement of the surface road final approval.
B. 
The Water and Sewerage Division shall determine water and sewer certifications and procedures. When road work includes the installation of water and sewer infrastructure, the permittee, at his expense, shall employ an independent inspection firm to certify that all water and sewer work has been installed pursuant to all requirements as stated or implied in the plans and specifications. Additionally, all work shall be certified by the inspection firm. Upon the satisfactory completion of the water and sewer work, three copies of certified as-built plans shall be submitted to the Water and Sewerage Division for acceptance.
In the event that the construction is interrupted for a period of more than 30 days, the permittee or contractor shall notify the Director at the end of each interruption, and two working days in advance of his intent to actively resume operations.
A. 
The permittee and contractor shall comply with all requirements of this chapter to avoid unnecessary conflicts to the public during road construction. The permittee or contractor shall be responsible for:
(1) 
Maintenance of vehicular and pedestrian traffic on the roadway and connections with any existing travel way per the approved traffic maintenance and protection plan included in the road construction plans, and providing materials, labor, and equipment as necessary to properly maintain traffic in accordance with acceptable federal and state standards.
(2) 
Maintenance of the existing roadway surface and shoulders, including crossroads, ramps, approaches, crossovers, medians, detour roads, entrances, signing, and pavement markings within the limit of the project throughout the duration of the project. Any road damaged by vehicular loads may require total reconstruction at the permittee's expense. Equipment with metallic treads is prohibited from being driven or towed on any road surface or surfaced shoulder.
(3) 
Maintenance of all hazards.
(4) 
Construction and maintenance of proper connections to all driveways and walks at all residences.
(5) 
Keeping the roadway in good condition. Poor or unsuitable subgrade areas shall be repaired with material to meet a standard acceptable by the Director.
(6) 
Erecting barricades with MUTCD and MSHA standards.
(7) 
The prompt removal of mud and debris tracked onto the existing road.
B. 
Until such time that the Director approves the final surface and the maintenance period is complete, the permittee or contractor shall provide the following:
(1) 
Maintenance of roads, shoulders and entrances within the limit of the project. Roads found to have damage shall be repaired to the satisfaction of the Director at the permittee's expense.
(2) 
Maintenance of vehicular traffic.
(3) 
Removal of accumulated snow of two inches or greater or accumulated ice of 1/4 inch or greater from the roads covered by the public works agreement within 12 hours after snow or ice stops falling (County forces assume snow removal operations after the final surface inspection, approval, and acceptance if the maintenance period is completed prior to November 1 of that winter season.)
(4) 
Repair of any defects in the road within 24 hours of notification by the Director.
(5) 
Immediate removal of obstructions from the road upon notification by the Director.
C. 
Until such time that the Director approves the surface maintenance and the County assumes maintenance, the permittee or contractor shall provide the following:
(1) 
Maintenance of roads, shoulders and entrances within the limit of the project. Roads found to have damage shall be repaired to the satisfaction of the Director at the permittee's expense.
(2) 
Maintenance of vehicular traffic.
(3) 
Repair of any defects in the road within 24 hours of notification by the Director.
(4) 
Immediate removal of obstructions from the road upon notification by the Director.
D. 
Should the permittee fail to maintain the roads as stated above, the Director shall authorize a contractor to perform the required maintenance and charge the permittee twice the cost of the service provided. The permittee shall pay this cost within 30 days of receiving a statement from the County. If payment is not received, the surety shall be forfeited to the County.
All discrepancies between the approved plans and field modifications shall be brought to the attention of the Director and the engineering professional representative and resolved as follows.
A. 
Major modifications.
(1) 
Major modifications, as determined by the Director, shall be requested in writing. Modified plans shall be submitted to the Engineering Division for re-review by all appropriate County agencies. These modified plans shall be signed and sealed by the engineering professional representative.
(2) 
Within 30 calendar days from the date of receipt of the modified plans, the Director shall approve, deny, approve with modification, or provide written comments requesting revisions to the plans. The Director may modify any time limit established in this section for review if the Director makes a finding: that the modification is necessary to ensure compliance with the provisions of this chapter; unusual or extenuating circumstances make compliance within the time limits impossible; or the time limit imposed is less than what is necessary to ensure that the proposed construction shall comply with the provisions of this chapter.
(3) 
Once reapproval is given, five paper copies of the revised approved plans shall be submitted to the Engineering Division, and the construction may proceed with coordination of the inspector.
(4) 
All major modifications shall be shown on the as-built plans.
B. 
Minor modifications.
(1) 
Minor modifications, as determined by the Director, shall be brought to the attention of Project Management and Inspections prior to the work proceeding.
(2) 
Within two working days, the Director shall approve or deny the minor modifications in the field through a meeting of understanding.
(3) 
The approved modifications shall be documented on a field inspection report, and the construction may proceed.
(4) 
All minor modifications shall be shown on the as-built plan.
A. 
Applicability. This section applies to all persons, private utilities, and publicly owned utilities, including governmental agencies.
B. 
Authority.
(1) 
The Director exercises control over the utility occupancy of County-owned rights-of-way.
(2) 
Utilities shall not be constructed, maintained, or located within County rights-of-way without a utility permit for each location, including new rights-of-way to be constructed under a public works agreement, except in emergency situations.
(3) 
Except as permitted, a utility company/contractor may not:
(a) 
Make an opening within the publicly maintained County road;
(b) 
Place a structure on any publicly maintained County road;
(c) 
Change or renew any structure placed on any publicly maintained County road;
(d) 
Dig up any publicly maintained County road for any purposes, including the placement of pipes, sewers, poles, wires, or rails;
(e) 
Place any obstruction on any publicly maintained County road, including vehicles and equipment; or
(f) 
Use a trenchless boring device, such as a missile, except as specifically permitted by Project Management and Inspections.
C. 
General provisions. The County shall not be a party in any negotiations between the utility and abutting property owners.
D. 
Permit applications.
(1) 
Applications for permits shall be on forms provided by Project Management and Inspections and signed by a duly authorized representative of the utility making the request. All applications shall include construction details, a location map, and a copy of the temporary traffic control plan in accordance with the MUTCD and shall be submitted to Project Management and Inspections for review and approval.
(a) 
Applications for utility construction and maintenance within existing rights-of-way shall be submitted and approved prior to the beginning of work.
(b) 
Applications for utility construction and maintenance within proposed rights-of-way to be constructed under a public works agreement shall be submitted and approved prior to commencement of the development project.
(2) 
It shall be the duty of the utility to obtain any additional permits required by other agencies or by the adjacent property owners.
(3) 
Surety may be required as determined by the Director. When surety is required, the surety amount shall be 125% of the cost estimate provided by the utility and approved by Project Management and Inspections.
(a) 
The work shall be secured by a surety in the form of cash, cashiers check, personal check, letter of credit, or corporate bond using a bond form approved by the County Attorney, or as approved by the Board. Letters of credit and corporate bonds shall be from an institution with the authority to transact business in Maryland.
(b) 
If cash, a cashier's check, or personal check is offered as surety, it shall be deposited with the Treasurer, who shall give his/her official receipt thereof stipulating that said cash has been deposited in compliance with and subject to the provisions of this section. No interest shall be paid on cash bonds.
(c) 
The surety shall accompany the permit application and be held by Project Management and Inspections.
(d) 
Surety reductions shall be approved on a case-by-case basis and approved by the Director.
(e) 
The surety shall expire the same day as the utility permit, as required by this chapter.
(f) 
In cases where the utility permit is near expiration, and the job is not complete, it shall be the responsibility of the permittee to request an extension of the permit stating the reasons an extension should be granted. An extension request and a confirmation from the bank or bonding institution shall be included in the extension request submittal. Extensions shall be requested in one-year intervals. The County shall conduct a site inspection to assure the project status is suitable for extension. Project Management and Inspections has the right to approve or deny any extension request. The permittee shall be notified in writing of the status of the request. If an extension is denied, a new utility permit shall be required, thereby potentially increasing the amount of bonding, if applicable, and inspection fees, if applicable, as set forth herein due to escalation of prices and construction standard changes.
(g) 
No surety covering the construction under a permit or agreement shall be released until the construction has been completed, inspected and approved by Project Management and Inspections.
[1] 
If cash, a cashier's check, or personal check is offered as surety, it shall be approved for release by Project Management and Inspections directly through Finance and Budget and the Treasurer.
[2] 
If a letter of credit or corporate bond is offered as surety, the original document shall be hand collected from Project Management and Inspections, and signed for by the permittee or an authorized agent of said permittee.
(h) 
If construction is not completed per the approved plans in the time frame allotted by the permit, and the permittee has not taken any action to correct the issues, the surety shall be forfeited to the County at the discretion of Project Management and Inspections. The bonding institution may choose to complete all of the construction according to such plans, specifications and design standards as approved for the utility permit.
E. 
Issuance of permit.
(1) 
The Director shall approve or deny the permit application at which time a letter shall be sent to the permittee.
(2) 
Permitted work shall be performed to the satisfaction of the Director.
(3) 
A copy of the permit approval letter shall be made available on site at all times during construction.
(4) 
The permittee is wholly responsible for all work.
(5) 
In emergencies that threaten public safety, a permit shall not be required prior to work; however, traffic shall be maintained at all times. In the case of an emergency, Project Management and Inspections shall be notified within 24 hours or on the first working day after the occurrence. A permit application shall be submitted within three days.
(6) 
All existing utilities shall be located at least 48 hours prior to commencement.
(7) 
The permit shall be valid for one year after the date of issuance. If the work continues for more than one year, the permittee shall be required to submit a request to extend the permit to Project Management and Inspections.
F. 
Notification.
(1) 
The permittee shall notify Project Management and Inspections 48 hours prior to commencement of work.
(2) 
The permittee shall contact Project Management and Inspections upon completion of the job for a final inspection approval.
G. 
Inspection.
(1) 
Project Management and Inspection is assigned the responsibility and the authority to conduct inspection of the utility work sites, and to obtain and record appropriate data.
(2) 
The utility company/contractor shall provide the inspectors with an intended work schedule, and shall inform the inspector of any subsequent changes to the schedule.
H. 
Safety.
(1) 
Utilities shall take precautions to protect the traveling public. Mud and debris tracked or spilled on the roadway shall be removed promptly; and precautions shall be taken, especially in freezing temperatures, to keep water off of the traveled lanes.
(2) 
Appropriate protective measures, including warning signs and barricades, shall be placed at all excavations. Temporary traffic control (TTC) shall be provided in accordance with the MUTCD at all times.
(3) 
Excavations in the roadway, shoulders or sidewalk shall not be left open overnight, or at any time when work is not in progress in the immediate area. Steel plates, anchored and ramped, may be used over excavations at locations approved by the Director and shall be signed as to warn for the presence of the plates.
(4) 
Work performed in the County right-of-way is subject to all safety requirements as stated in the OSHA regulations.
(5) 
All utility structures within the County right-of-way, subject to vehicular traffic, shall be traffic-bearing as approved by the Director.
I. 
Depth of cover and distance from roadway.
(1) 
The minimum depth of cover for any utility within the right-of-way shall be measured from the finished grade to the top of the utility as identified in Table 8-1, unless a greater burial depth is required by federal or state regulations or industry codes.
(2) 
The minimum distance for any trenched line shall be measured from the edge of pavement as identified in Table 8-1, unless approved by the Director.
Minimum Depth of Cover
Electric
(feet)
Telephone
(feet)
Cable TV
(feet)
Water
(feet)
Gas
(feet)
Lateral Distance
Poles
6
6
Transformers
6
Pedestals or cabinets
6
6
6
Pipes
3
3
Pipes - depth
3.5
3
Hydrants
6
Depth
Underground wires
3
3
3
Gas
Water
Sewer
J. 
Clearance, in-ground. Clearance shall be measured between the outside edges of pipes. Storm drains crossing water main and sanitary sewers shall be constructed with a minimum clearance of 12 inches (horizontal and vertical). Forty-eight inches of clearance (horizontal and vertical) shall be maintained between storm drains and gas lines and between storm drains and electric lines or as approved by Project Management and Inspections.
K. 
Crossings.
(1) 
Road crossings in County rights-of-way shall be accomplished by directional bore or jack and bore under the roadway without disturbing the existing pavement, shoulder or drainage. Where unusual conditions require the use of another construction method, such method is subject to the Director's approval. Permit requests to cut within the County right-of-way may not be approved if other less obstructive methods for utility installation are warranted.
(2) 
Underground crossings are allowed but only through sleeves or conduits, except for gravity sewers. The sleeve or conduit shall extend from the ditch center line to the ditch center line on the other side.
(3) 
All crossings shall be made as close to a right angle to the center line of the roadway as possible. Crossings shall not be allowed through drainage pipes or culverts.
(4) 
Crossing locations shall be selected for minimum interference with existing utility crossings in the same area.
L. 
Methods.
(1) 
Directional bore.
(2) 
Jack and bore.
(a) 
Jacking is the pushing of a sleeve or casting pipe under a roadway. When the pipe crossing under the roadway is to be jacked, the hole is not to exceed the outside diameter of the pipe. The pipe shall be pushed simultaneously with the auger so as to prevent cave-ins.
(b) 
In case of a false start or damage to the over-burden, the void shall be filled by approved material.
(3) 
Other methods. The use of open cuts shall be permitted only when justified to the Director.
(a) 
The Director can require resurfacing of the roadway up to a maximum of 200 feet on each side of the trench crossing the roadway. This distance is the maximum; the Director may approve pavement restoration down to two feet, the minimum, on each side of the crossing.
(b) 
When open cut is permitted longitudinally in the roadway, resurfacing to the width of the travel lane disturbed can be required. Some roadways may have to be resurfaced the full width in order to restore the roadway to its original condition. The Director will designate the length and width of the resurfacing to take place taking into consideration the existing condition of the roadway prior to the installation of the utility.
M. 
Backfilling. Backfill shall be in accordance with Plate RD-24. Compaction tests may be required as determined by the Director.
N. 
Restoration and roadway protection.
(1) 
All disturbed areas, due to the work done by the utility, shall be restored to its original condition, including applying topsoil, seed, fertilizer, and mulch, as approved by the Director.
(2) 
All shoulder areas, curbs, sidewalks, driveway aprons, etc., shall be replaced with the same type of material that was present before the utility started work in that area. If the material is deemed unsuitable, the material shall be replaced at the direction of the Director.
(3) 
All drainage facilities shall function at all times. Storm drain facilities and concrete ditches damaged during construction shall be reconstructed in kind. Disturbed, unpaved drainage ditches shall be restored to their original condition by resodding or seeding and mulching as determined by the Director, and shall be left free of debris.
(4) 
The permittee shall take all necessary steps during construction to minimize erosion and siltation onto the County right-of-way. Disturbed areas shall be stabilized to the satisfaction of the Director. All trees, shrubs, and other plant materials shall be replaced in kind.
(5) 
Any signs, delineators, markers, and other structures that are disturbed during construction shall be replaced or restored to the satisfaction of the Director. Road signs, delineators, and guiderails shall not be removed until immediately prior to the excavation, and shall be replaced immediately after the backfill operation. If damaged, they shall be replaced in kind.
(6) 
No equipment with metallic treads shall be driven or towed on any paved road surface or surfaced shoulder.
(7) 
All signing shall conform to the specifications of the current MUTCD.
(8) 
If the use of steel plates has been approved by the Director, the permittee shall place warning signs in accordance with the current MUTCD.
O. 
Abandonment.
(1) 
Obsolete underground utility facilities or sections may be abandoned in place upon approval of the Director.
(2) 
Manholes, valve boxes, splice boxes, and meter boxes shall be removed.
(3) 
Any unused cast iron or concrete piping shall be sealed and blocked at both ends. Unused piping eight inches in diameter or greater made of other material shall be completely filled with an approved material.
(4) 
There shall be no abandonment of any aerial utility facilities within the right-of-way. Facilities no longer required shall be completely removed.
(5) 
Abandoned poles shall be removed within three months of removal of all utilities from the pole and within six months from the date of installation of the new or replacement pole(s).
P. 
Enforcement. The Director has the authority to suspend utility work, issue stop-work orders and/or citations pursuant to § 104-9 of this chapter on any project, wholly or in part, if:
(1) 
The utility fails to acquire a permit; or
(2) 
The work is performed in such a way that it endangers public safety; or
(3) 
The utility fails to comply with the terms of the permit.