(A) 
Lawful use of right-of-way.
(1) 
The use of the right-of-way in any manner which violates federal, state, or local laws, or City codes, ordinances and regulations, including, without limitation, those relating to health, safety, noise, environmental protection, waste disposal and water and air quality, is prohibited. All permittees shall provide satisfactory evidence of compliance with the foregoing upon request of the City.
(2) 
The permittee shall dispose of all material removed from the right-of-way and any waste created by permittee in compliance with all state, federal and local laws and requirements. Temporary storage of material may be placed in a pile no higher than 30 inches.
(3) 
If a permittee excavates any contaminated, regulated or hazardous materials in the right-of-way, such permittee shall be responsible for environmental assessment, excavation, testing, transportation and disposal of that material in accordance with applicable law. The permittee shall promptly notify the City, orally, of the condition within two hours of discovery of any contaminated, regulated or hazardous materials in the right-of-way, and within eight hours provide the aforementioned information to the City in writing. The permittee must consult with and receive written authorization from the City before undertaking any of the steps/actions set forth in this subsection.
(B) 
Compliance with safety regulations.
The permittee and right-of-way user shall comply with all applicable federal, state and local safety regulations and requirements, including, by example and not limitation, the occupational safety and health standards for the construction industry.
(Ordinance 1446-0-07-14, passed 7-14-20)
A right-of-way user should consult the City’s Master Transportation Plan (MTP) prior to the acquisition of any interest in real property in the City for the installation or relocation of service lines or other equipment or facilities along or adjacent to any street, right-of-way, thoroughfare, highway, or any proposed street, right-of-way, highway or thoroughfare to attempt to minimize any future conflict regarding the location of such facilities. All right-of-way users are charged at all times with constructive notice of the MTP. The City shall, at a minimum, have no liability for the value of or loss by a right-of-way user of any improvements constructed in the area shown on the MTP, except as provided herein. Typical locations of City facilities are depicted in the City standard details.
(Ordinance 1446-0-07-14, passed 7-14-20)
(A) 
Tree trimming.
The right-of-way user shall identify on the permit application any anticipated tree trimming resulting from the permit requested. Permission may be granted to a right-of-way user, subject to the requirements of this code, as it exists or may be amended from time to time, to trim trees upon and overhanging the right-of-way, so as to prevent the branches of such trees from coming in contact with a right-of-way user’s facilities. When so directed by the City, the tree trimming shall be done under the supervision and direction of the City.
A person may trim trees in or over the public rights-of-way for the safe and reliable operation, use and maintenance of its facilities. All tree trimming shall be performed in accordance with standards promulgated by the National Arborist Association and International Society of Arboriculture, and should be done in such a manner to preserve as much vegetation and natural shape of trees as reasonably possible, and still accomplish a safe and effective tree trimming program. Reasonable efforts shall be made to contact affected property owners prior to necessary tree trimming operations. Should the person, its contractor or agent, fail to remove such trimmings within 24 hours (unless a longer period is required for extraordinary conditions and conditions beyond the control of the person), the City may remove the trimmings or have them removed, and upon receipt of a bill from the City, the person shall promptly reimburse the City for all costs incurred within 30 working days.
(B) 
Graffiti abatement.
The right-of-way user shall make the necessary repairs or restoration, including, but not limited to, cleaning of graffiti, as soon as practicable but not to exceed seven days after the right-of-way user discovers or learns of any misuse, destruction, damage or vandalism to its facilities.
(Ordinance 1446-0-07-14, passed 7-14-20)
The City reserves the right, in the permit or otherwise, to restrict or determine the route (pathway) and/or spatial location, whether horizontal, vertical or depth, of any facility and/or structure or improvement in the right-of-way. The City reserves the right to reserve space for future utilities.
(Ordinance 1446-0-07-14, passed 7-14-20)
After obtaining the permit and prior to commencing the work, the permittee shall notify the City Engineer, and shall commence and complete all work within the time specified in the permit, unless an extension of time is granted by the City Engineer. No work shall commence until erosion control measures (e.g. silt fence) and advance warning signs, markers, cones and barricades are in place.
(Ordinance 1446-0-07-14, passed 7-14-20)
Notification to affected property owners. Except in the case of an emergency, whenever excavation is required in the right-of-way adjacent to an occupied property, the right-of-way user shall notify the property owner of the activity through use of a door hanger, at its sole cost and expense, which shall include the following information:
(1) 
Permit number;
(2) 
Identity of the contractor and the right-of-way user, including a contact name and phone number by which more information regarding the project could be obtained and a 24-hour a day emergency phone number; and
(3) 
The anticipated duration of the construction work.
(Ordinance 1446-0-07-14, passed 7-14-20)
Every permittee and right-of-way user shall prosecute its work diligently and in a good, safe, and workmanlike manner, and shall safeguard and protect the public, using the street or right-of-way where the work is being performed, from accidents or damage by placing barriers, lights and other sufficient safeguards around all cuts, openings and excavation, in accordance with TMUTCD. All material, implements and tools stored upon the premises and used in connection with the excavation shall be stored in a safe and nonhazardous manner.
(Ordinance 1446-0-07-14, passed 7-14-20)
(A) 
Revocation or suspension of permit.
The City reserves its right, as provided herein, to revoke or suspend any permit, without refund of the permit fee, in the event of a breach by the permittee of the terms and/or conditions of the permit, this chapter and/or any other City ordinance. A breach of the terms of the permit shall include, but not be limited to any of the following:
(1) 
The violation of any provision of the permit.
(2) 
An evasion or attempt to evade any provision of the permit, or the perpetration or attempt to perpetrate any fraud or deceit upon the City or its citizens.
(3) 
Any material misrepresentation of any fact in the permit application.
(4) 
The failure to meet insurance, surety bond or indemnification requirements.
(5) 
The failure to correct a condition indicated on an order issued pursuant to this chapter.
(6) 
Repeated traffic-control violation(s).
(7) 
Failure to protect facilities or repair facilities damaged in the right-of-way.
(8) 
Violation of any part of this chapter.
(9) 
Recognition by the City Engineer that a permit was issued in error.
(10) 
Failing to comply with an order of the City Engineer on the permit and any other valid permit held by the right-of-way user.
(11) 
Any safety violation or other action that threatens the health, welfare and/or safety of the public as solely determined by the City Engineer.
If the City Engineer determines that the permittee has committed a breach of any law or condition of the right-of-way permit, the City Engineer shall make a written demand upon the permittee to remedy such violation. Continued violation may be cause for revocation of the permit or legal action, or both. The City Engineer may, in his/her discretion, revoke the permit, provide specifications to cure the breach, or both. Within three business days of receiving notification of the breach, permittee shall contact the City Engineer with a plan, acceptable to the City Engineer, for correction of the breach. Permittee’s failure to do so or permittee’s failure to timely implement the approved plan shall be cause for revocation of the permit.
(B) 
Work not in accordance with permit declared unlawful.
It shall be unlawful for any person to make, cause or allow to be made, any excavation, or to install, cause or allow to be installed any tank, pipe, conduit, duct, tunnel, utility pole or other utility or appliance in or under the surface of any street, alley, sidewalk, right-of-way or other public place, at any location, other than that described in the application for the permit and as shown on the plans filed with the City Engineer, and in accordance with the requirements of the permit. If the circumstances appearing after the excavation is commenced make it impossible to comply with the permit, the City Engineer may, in his/her sole discretion, grant a waiver to take the circumstances into account. Failure to comply with requirements set forth in this chapter or on any permit shall be cause for revocation of the subject permit and of any other permits held by the same permittee until the violations have been corrected or the City Engineer has approved alternative requirements.
(C) 
Work done without a permit.
No cut, excavation, grading or disturbing of the right-of-way or wires on poles, in any way, shall be made, other than excavations necessary for emergency work, without first securing a permit. No person or right-of-way user shall, at any time, open or encumber more of the right-of-way than shall be reasonably necessary to complete a project in the most expeditious manner.
(Ordinance 1446-0-07-14, passed 7-14-20)
At any time, the City Engineer may order the immediate cessation or revocation of any work that poses a threat to the health, safety or well-being of the public.
(A) 
If repairs to the public rights-of-way are deemed necessary by the city in order to correct an unsatisfactory or hazardous condition and the need for such repairs is caused by work (including defective repairs or failure to repair or maintain) by a utility company or person, the city shall notify the responsible party. If the responsible party does not provide an acceptable schedule for commencing the repairs within twenty-four (24) hours after receipt of such notice, or immediately if an emergency hazard exists, the city may have such repairs completed at the responsible party’s sole expense.
(B) 
Pending repair of a hazardous condition as set out above, the city may take any necessary action to mitigate the hazard.
(C) 
The city may bill the costs of repair or mitigation, as set out above, to the responsible party who shall be liable for all such costs.
(Ordinance 1446-0-07-14, passed 7-14-20)
The City Engineer may issue a written notice to the permittee indicating work that does not conform to the terms of the permit, applicable standards, conditions, codes or other applicable regulation. Within five days after issuance of written notice, the permittee shall present proof to the City Engineer that the violation has been corrected. If such proof has not been presented within the required time, the City Engineer may revoke the permit.
(Ordinance 1446-0-07-14, passed 7-14-20)
(A) 
Location and relocation of facilities.
Subject to applicable federal, state, and local laws, the right-of-way user shall, upon the request of the City, which shall be in writing, locate and/or relocate its facilities situated within any right-of-way, at no expense to the City, where reasonable and necessary to accommodate any City project. The written request provided by the City shall state the date by which the relocation by the right-of-way user shall be completed and a reasonable amount of time shall be provided by the City. When relocation is necessitated by federal government requirements, which includes reimbursements of costs, the City will reimburse applicant for its proportionate share from funds provided to the City in such reimbursements.
(1) 
If the utility company fails to relocate facilities in the time required by the City in this Chapter, the utility company shall be subject to liability to the City for such delay. In addition, the City (an approved contractor to remove said facilities) may relocate the utility company’s facilities after providing reasonable notice to the affected utility company. Upon receipt of an invoice from the City, the utility company shall reimburse the City for all costs incurred by the City for such relocation within thirty (30) calendar days from the date of the City invoice.
(2) 
Notwithstanding anything in subsection (1) of this subsection, the City and the utility company may agree in writing to different time frames than those provided above if circumstances reasonably warrant such a change.
(B) 
Relocation of facilities for the City.
In the event the City finds it necessary to move a right-of-way user’s facilities to protect the right-of-way, any City utilities and/or street, the City shall notify the local representative of the right-of-way user. Right-of-way user shall promptly move or facilitate the relocation of the subject facilities at right-of-way user’s sole expense.
(Ordinance 1446-0-07-14, passed 7-14-20)
A right-of-way user owning abandoned facilities in the right-of-way shall:
(1) 
Remove its facilities and repair, at its sole expense, any damage caused by the removal. The City Engineer may allow some or all facilities to remain if the City Engineer determines same is in the best interest of the public to do so; or
(2) 
Provide information satisfactory to the City that the right-of-way user’s obligations for its facilities in the right-of-way have been lawfully assumed by another authorized right-of-way user.
The facilities of the right-of-way user who fails to comply with this section, and those facilities which remain unused for two years, shall be deemed to be abandoned unless, within the aforesaid two-year period, the City receives written confirmation and reasonable evidence, as solely determined by City, that the right-of-way user intends to use the facilities. The City may exercise any remedies and/or rights it has at law or in equity, including, but not limited to, taking possession of the abandoned facilities or requiring the removal of the facilities by the right-of-way user at the right-of-way user’s sole expense.
(Ordinance 1446-0-07-14, passed 7-14-20)
(A) 
Undergrounding.
It is the intent of the City to require the undergrounding of utilities in certain areas to achieve more reliable service, improve aesthetics, reduce visual clutter in the built environment and provide for pedestrian amenities and landscaping. These requirements are in accordance with the franchise agreements set forth in the Code of Ordinance, the provisions of this Chapter or otherwise agreed to in writing between the City and a utility. If a location is designated by the City to be an underground requirement area or Underground District, then a utility or right-of-way user shall place their facilities underground.
(B) 
Undergrounding service requirements.
(1) 
Placement of new utility support structures (poles) shall be prohibited for electrical distribution lines with 60,000 volts and less and all communication utilities, unless otherwise allowed by other law or an existing franchise agreement between the right-of-way user and the City or a PUCT tariff.
(2) 
No new pole mounted infrastructure will be allowed in designated Underground Districts.
(Ordinance 1446-0-07-14, passed 7-14-20)
In conjunction with the other provisions of this Chapter, all poles in the right-of-way shall be metal, and shall not interfere with the flow of water in any gutter or drain, and shall be placed so as not to interfere with vehicular and pedestrian travel. The location and route of all conduits, fiber, cables, utilities and facilities placed and constructed by a right-of-way user in the construction and maintenance of its system in the City shall be subject to the reasonable and proper control, direction and approval of the City. Placement of poles and anchor guys along curvilinear streets shall comply with the applicable provisions of all City ordinances and regulations.
(Ordinance 1446-0-07-14, passed 7-14-20)
(A) 
Size and location of aboveground facilities.
The maximum dimensions for ground mounted utility structures above the ground in the right-of-way adjacent to streets are seven feet long (parallel to the road), two feet wide (perpendicular to the road) and six feet in height. For structures three feet or less in height, the width may be 44 inches. This does not include poles. The height of utility structures shall be measured from the lowest grade at any point 18 inches or less from the side of the structure that faces the street to the highest point of the structure. Utility structures exceeding those dimensions shall not be located in the right-of-way adjacent to streets, unless otherwise approved in writing by the City Engineer. All aboveground facilities shall be located outside of the corner visibility triangle at all intersections, future intersections and all driveways. No aboveground facilities may be placed in a parkway that is across from a median opening. Aboveground facilities cannot conflict with the existing or future pedestrian path of travel as identified on the Master Transportation Plan, including any ADA accessible path.
(B) 
Height of overhead line.
The user shall ensure all overhead lines are constructed and maintained so that the minimum clearances are in compliance with the National Electrical Code, as it exists or may be amended.
(Ordinance 1446-0-07-14, passed 7-14-20)
Except as otherwise required by this Chapter, nothing shall obligate or restrict a right-of-way user from exercising its rights to enter into pole attachment, pole usage, joint ownership or other wire space or facilities agreements with light and/or power companies or with other wire-using companies authorized to operate within the City:
(1) 
A right-of-way user shall utilize existing pole space, conduit, and other facilities whenever reasonably and/or economically possible.
(2) 
Antennas must be mounted to the top of the pole, or flush to the pole near the top, in a screen that is coated or painted an approved color to match the pole to camouflage the installation, unless the antenna is requested as part of a network node and subject to Chapter 284.
(3) 
If the existing pole already has two or more existing risers/drops, the pole must be replaced with a metal pole and all wires and cables must be run in conduit inside the pole. The existing drops will also be relocated inside the new pole and underground entry into the pole through the foundation is required. When installation will result in two or fewer risers/drops on the pole, the wires and cable may be installed as a riser/drop in conduit painted an approved color.
(Ordinance 1446-0-07-14, passed 7-14-20)
(A) 
Street closures.
(1) 
All lane closures on any thoroughfare shall comply with TMUTCD, and shall include a lane closure exhibit to be submitted with the permit to the City Engineer. The City Engineer may require a traffic-control plan. Arrow boards and message boards may be required for lane closures on thoroughfares. In addition, the following steps shall be taken before any street or part thereof may be closed or restricted to traffic:
(a) 
The permittee must receive the approval of the City Engineer and the police department;
(b) 
The permittee must notify the chief of the fire department (ESD No.2) of any street closed;
(c) 
Upon completion of construction work, the permittee shall notify the City Engineer, fire department (Emergency District No. 2 known as “ESD No.2”) and the police department before traffic is moved back to its normal flow so that any necessary adjustments may be made; and
(d) 
Where flagmen are deemed necessary by the City Engineer, they shall be furnished by the permittee at its own expense. Through traffic shall be maintained without the aid of detours, if possible. In instances in which this would not be feasible, the City Engineer will designate detours. The City shall maintain roadway surfaces of existing highways designated as detours without expense to the permittee, but in case there are no existing highways, the permittee shall construct all detours at its expense and in conformity with the specifications of the City Engineer. The permittee will be responsible for any unnecessary damage as may be determined in the City Engineer’s sole discretion caused to any highways by the operation of its equipment.
(2) 
Except in an emergency, no street shall be closed on weekdays during the hours of 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. or outside normal working hours of the City.
(3) 
All lane closures require 24-hour notification of the police and fire departments prior to closing.
(4) 
Emergency closures may be permitted with the approval of the City Engineer. The permittee shall route and control traffic including its own vehicles as directed by the police department.
(B) 
Temporary rearrangement of aerial wires.
The right-of-way user shall rearrange its transmission media temporarily as necessary to permit the moving of houses or other bulky structures. The requesting parties shall pay the reasonable and necessary expense of such temporary rearrangements. The right-of-way user shall in a reasonable time frame and reasonable cost, remove its transmission media in connection with the demolition of unsafe structures, including emergency or ordered demolitions at no cost to the City. The right-of-way user may invoice the requesting parties for the cost of this work, where applicable.
(Ordinance 1446-0-07-14, passed 7-14-20)
(A) 
Erosion control and stormwater management.
The right-of-way user shall be responsible for stormwater management, erosion control and excavation safety measures that comply with City, state and federal guidelines. Requirements shall include, but not be limited to, construction fencing around any excavation that will be left overnight, silt fencing in erosion areas until reasonable vegetation is established, barricade fencing around open holes, and high erosion areas will require wire backed silt fencing. Sediment leaving the work site and entering the public stormwater system must be cleaned prior to completion of the job. Upon request of City Engineer, the right-of-way user may be required to furnish documentation submitted or received from the federal or state government.
(B) 
Maintain the accessible path.
The right-of-way user shall be responsible for maintaining an approved accessible path of travel throughout the project. If maintaining an accessible path through the construction area is not feasible a suitable temporary path shall be created. Accessible path’s shall be approved by the City Engineer and maintained for the duration of the project.
(C) 
Dust control.
The right-of-way user shall ensure that the work is conducted and site maintained to minimize blowing dust. At any time dust leaves the job site so that it is a nuisance, the work will stop until measures can be taken to eliminate the dust.
(D) 
Traffic-control safety.
In the event of noncompliance with the TMUTCD, the right-of-way user shall be notified of the violation. In the event of continued noncompliance, the City Engineer may revoke the permit, in addition to any other remedies available to the City. At any time the City Engineer determines the work threatens public safety, he may take immediate action as necessary including but not limited to, stopping all work, or have a third party make the repairs at the expense of the applicant.
(E) 
Responsibility for signs, barricades and warning devices.
The right-of-way user working in any right-of-way is responsible for the safe movement of traffic, both pedestrian and vehicular, through the construction area. The right-of-way user shall meet all requirements for barricading and traffic control as specified in the TMUTCD:
(1) 
Only those individuals who are qualified by means of adequate training in safe traffic-control practices and have a basic understanding of the principles established by applicable standards and regulations, including without limitation, those in TMUTCD, may place and maintain the traffic-control devices in a construction area.
(2) 
The right-of-way user must either: (a) subcontract the barricading to a firm specializing in traffic control; or (b) submit the qualifications and name of employees to the right-of-way user manager for approval prior to the work commencing. The right-of-way user must also submit a traffic-control plan for review when required by this chapter. All signs and barricades must conform to the requirements of the TMUTCD.
(3) 
All barricades, plates, and other traffic-control equipment must conform to TMUTCD specifications and must be inspected and maintained by the traffic-control representative.
(4) 
All barricades, plates and other traffic-control equipment must display accurate and sufficient information including without limitation, the name of the right-of-way user.
(5) 
Noncompliance with the TMUTCD shall be cited in writing.
(6) 
All traffic-control devices must be removed immediately upon completion of work.
(F) 
Duty to barricade.
At all times during construction activity, the contractor and/or right-of-way user, as applicable, shall place and maintain all necessary and proper barriers and other safeguards, including without limitation, watchmen certified in accordance with the safety training described in this chapter, if necessary, upon and around the work and for the prevention of accidents, and after daylight hours, shall place, maintain and keep suitable sufficient lights, in accordance with the TMUTCD.
(Ordinance 1446-0-07-14, passed 7-14-20)
(A) 
Inspection.
The permittee shall make the work site accessible to the City, and others as authorized by law, for inspection at all reasonable times during performance of the work.
(B) 
Materials Testing.
The City will require testing of materials used in construction in or near the right-of-way to determine conformance with City construction specifications, including, but not limited to, compaction tests on backfill materials, subgrade, aggregate base course, Portland concrete (rigid pavement), asphaltic concrete (flexible pavement) and other construction materials as deemed necessary by the City. The right-of-way user shall, at his expense, hire a testing laboratory with current accreditation by the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation, American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) or another nationally recognized accreditation agency that verifies compliance with ASTM E 329 and that demonstrates the laboratory’s capabilities to perform applicable ASTM or AASHTO test procedures, as may be required.
(C) 
Backfill Material.
Whenever any excavation for the laying of pipe is made through rock, the pipe shall be laid six inches above the rock bottom of the trench and the space under, around and six inches above the pipe shall be backfilled with clean river sand, noncorrosive soil or one-quarter inch minus gravel or in accordance with manufacturer’s specification if approved in writing by the public works City Engineer. Broken pavement, large stones, and debris shall not be used in the backfill.
(Ordinance 1446-0-07-14, passed 7-14-20)
(A) 
Duties of persons making excavations or creating obstructions.
Any person who shall cause to be made any excavation or obstruction in any street or right-of-way shall not allow the same to remain there beyond a time reasonably sufficient for the completion of the work and/or removal of the obstruction, and shall repair the subject portion of such street and/or right-of-way so as to restore the same to its condition previous to the making of such excavation or obstruction. It shall be the duty of such excavators to protect the area while such condition exists and promptly to repair the same so as to leave the street or right-of-way in as good condition as before the excavation.
(B) 
Emergency excavations.
Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prevent any person maintaining any pipe, conduit or duct in or under any street, or right-of-way by virtue of any law, chapter or permit, from making such excavation as may be necessary for compliance with law or for the preservation of life or property when the necessity arises, provided that the person making the excavation shall notify the City Engineer within 24 hours. Except as specifically provided otherwise in this chapter for excavations authorized by this section, permittee shall be subject to all fees and requirements of this chapter.
(C) 
Urgent Work.
If in his/her judgment, traffic conditions, the safety or convenience of the traveling public or the public interest require that the excavation work be performed as emergency work, the City Engineer with the consent of the city manager, if the excavation is within 300 feet of a residence, shall have full power to order, at the time the permit is granted, that a crew of men and adequate facilities be employed by the permittee 24 hours a day to the end that such excavation work may be completed as soon as possible.
(Ordinance 1446-0-07-14, passed 7-14-20)
(A) 
Excavation in streets.
Except in case of an emergency there shall be no excavation in any street without the prior written approval of the City Engineer. Any request for a permit to excavate a street shall include a description of the proposed work and proposed restoration of the area, as well as a statement of clear and convincing evidence provided to the City Engineer as to why alternate procedures cannot or should not be used in lieu of excavating a street. All pavement cuts and repairs shall be performed by a contractor with experience in street repair work and restored to an as good or better condition. Any damage to pavement outside the removal area shall also be repaired at the discretion of the City Engineer and subject to the City Engineer’s approval.
(1) 
Excavation in Portland cement concrete (PCC) pavement surface.
If the existing pavement is PCC, the concrete shall be cut first with a saw to a depth of the full thickness of the concrete or 6", whichever is greater, and the full width of the trench, which shall also cut any reinforcing steel. A second cut shall be 12 inches parallel to the first cut to full thickness of the concrete and excavated to undisturbed soil. Further criteria is set forth in the City’s standard details.
(2) 
Excavation in hot mix asphalt concrete (HMAC) pavement surface.
If the existing pavement is HMAC, the HMAC shall be cut first with a saw to a depth of the full thickness of the pavement or 6", whichever is greater, and the full width of the trench, which shall also cut any reinforcing steel. A second cut shall be 12 inches parallel to the first cut to full thickness of the pavement and excavated to undisturbed soil. Further criteria is set forth in the City’s standard details.
(3) 
Jacking and boring.
A permittee or right-of-way user shall perform all work in conformance with methods approved by the City and in such a manner as to not interfere or disturb existing or planned infrastructure.
(4) 
Responsibility of excavated area maintenance.
A permittee or right-of-way user shall warrant and be responsible for its repairs in the right-of-way for two years from the completion date of any repair.
(5) 
Clearance for fire suppression equipment.
The excavation work shall be performed and conducted so as not to interfere with access to fire stations and fire hydrants. Materials or obstructions shall not be placed within 15 feet of fire hydrants. Passageways leading to fire escapes or firefighting equipment shall be kept free of excavated material or other obstructions.
(6) 
Access to public infrastructure.
The excavation work shall be performed and conducted so as not to interfere with access to the City’s public infrastructure such as water valves, water meters and backflow devices, sanitary sewer manholes, sanitary sewer cleanouts, stormwater manholes, stormwater drains and inlets, etc.
(B) 
Backfill of excavated area.
(1) 
Open trenches may be temporarily backfilled for the convenience of the permittee or the public safety. Traffic bearing plates can be used temporarily in conformance with City requirements. At least one hour prior to beginning permanent backfill operations, the permittee shall notify the City Engineer of the time the backfill will begin.
(2) 
All excess water and mud shall be removed from the trench prior to backfilling. Any backfill placed during a rainy period or at other times, where excess water cannot be prevented from entering the trench, will be considered temporary and shall be removed as soon as weather permits. All disturbed base material or any base that has been undermined shall be removed and discarded. Compaction of all backfill shall be 95 percent of maximum density with a moisture content of minus three percent to plus four percent of optimum moisture content as determined by ASTM D698 under or near paved surfaces, future paved surfaces or otherwise as determined by City Engineer. Outside of pavement surfaces, compaction of all backfill shall be 95 percent of maximum density with a moisture content of minus three percent to of optimum moisture content as determined by ASTM D698, and be smoothed, raked, and topsoil and grass or other landscaping installed to match the surrounding conditions.
(Ordinance 1446-0-07-14, passed 7-14-20)
(A) 
The work to be done pursuant to the permit and any repair and/or subsequent restoration of the right-of-way must be completed within the dates specified in the permit. In the event of circumstances beyond the control of the permittee or when work is prohibited by unseasonable or unreasonable conditions, the City Engineer may, in her sole discretion, extend the dates on receipt of a substantiated supplementary application for a permit extension.
(B) 
All earth, materials, sidewalk, pavement, utilities, conduits, crossing, irrigation, landscaping, monuments, manhole covers, valve covers, meter box lids or improvements of any kind, which are owned or possessed by the City, and damaged, disturbed, or removed by a right-of-way user shall be fully repaired promptly by the right-of-way user, at its sole expense, to the reasonable satisfaction of the City Engineer with material approved by the City.
(C) 
After any excavation, the right-of-way user shall, at its expense, restore the right-of-way, trench envelope, pavement structure and the surrounding area, to the same or better condition than it was prior to the excavation. The restoration shall be made in accordance with specifications set forth herein, and the repair shall be covered by a maintenance bond for two years from the completion date of any repair.
(D) 
In the event the right-of-way user fails to restore the right-of-way in the manner and to the condition required herein, or fails to satisfactorily and/or timely complete all restoration, the City may, at its option, serve written notice upon the right-of-way user that, unless within fourteen (14) days after serving of such notice a satisfactory arrangement can be made for the proper restoration of the right-of-way by the right-of-way user, the City may take over the work and prosecute same to completion, by contract or otherwise, at the sole expense of the right-of-way user, and right-of-way user, and its surety, shall be liable to the City for any and all cost incurred by the City by reason of such prosecution and completion including, without limitation, the applicable public inconvenience penalty. Nothing contained herein shall limit any other remedies available to the City.
(E) 
If any excavation cannot be backfilled immediately, the right-of-way user shall securely and adequately cover the excavation and maintain proper barricades, safety fencing and/or lights as required, from the time of the opening of the excavation until the excavation is surfaced and opened for travel.
(F) 
In all right-of-way restoration, the right-of-way user guarantees its work and shall maintain it two years from the date of completion of any restoration. During the period following completion, the right-of-way user shall, in the event of any failure of the restoration, and upon notification from the City Engineer, reimburse the City for pavement restoration costs as provided for in this chapter. Additionally, the right-of-way user, in the event of such failure, shall within 48 hours of notice from the City, repair the subject trench envelope.
(G) 
The two-year guarantee period shall be applicable to, among others, failure of the pavement surface as well as failure of the trench envelope. Notwithstanding remediation of the pavement structure by the City, the right-of-way user retains repair responsibility at all times during the guarantee period for the trench envelope. In locations where two or more right-of-way users have made repairs in the exact same location, the last right-of-way user to excavate shall be responsible for the two-year guarantee in that location, unless the City Engineer determines, in her sole discretion, that a failure was most likely a result of work performed by another right-of-way user. That right-of-way user shall be responsible for the two-year maintenance period.
(H) 
All street excavations shall be perpendicular excavations, if possible, unless otherwise approved by the City Engineer. Excavations in streets, which are not perpendicular excavations require block-to-block and curb-to-curb pavement reconstruction, or other method of repair approved by the City Engineer. All repairs shall be equal or better than that which existed prior to the commencement of any work.
(I) 
No trench shall be opened for the purpose of laying pipes, conduits or ducts for a distance greater than can be backfilled on the same workday before sunset. Any variance from this requirement must be granted in writing from the City Engineer prior to work beginning.
(J) 
The permittee shall not disturb any surface monuments or hubs found on the line of excavation work until approved to do so by the City Engineer.
(Ordinance 1446-0-07-14, passed 7-14-20)
(A) 
Restoration of pavement.
Unless otherwise specified in the permit, restoration of the pavement of any street, alley, right-of-way or other public place shall be performed by the permittee.
(1) 
No trench shall be opened in any street for the purpose of laying pipes, conduits or ducts more than 200 feet in advance of the pipe, conduit or ducts being placed in the trench, other than with the prior written consent of the City Engineer.
(2) 
All excavations shall comply with the City construction standards, as amended, and requirements of this chapter. Unless otherwise required by City standards, as amended, or if unusual conditions are encountered, the City Engineer may require new standards for compaction, backfill and pavement restoration.
(3) 
Any excavated pavement, debris and/or other rubble shall be removed, together with any surplus material, within one working day from the time such material is placed upon the street. After backfilling is completed, and prior to repaving the cut, the right-of-way user shall remove all loose paving material and trim the edges of the excavation at the street surface to the satisfaction of the City Engineer.
(4) 
Whenever any caving occurs in the sidewalks of any excavation, the pavements above such caving shall be cut away, trench backfilled, compacted and sidewalk pavement restored. In no case shall any side or lateral tamping fill any void under a pavement.
(B) 
Permanent pavement repairs.
The right-of-way user will maintain the excavated area until permanent pavement restoration of the excavated area is complete. The right-of-way user shall make the final repairs within seven days on thoroughfares that are classified as principal and within 14 days on residential, local and alley streets after the City Engineer makes final inspection. Backfill failures shall remain the responsibility of the right-of-way user.
(C) 
Substandard repair of pavement of right-of-way.
In case the pavement or the surface of the street, alley, or right-of-way in, over or near any excavation should become depressed, cracked or broken at any time or fails in any way at any time after the excavation has been made and during the two-year warranty, the right-of-way user shall comply with any applicable obligations of this chapter, including, without limitation, reimbursement to the City of the cost to restore the street and/or right-of-way.
(Ordinance 1446-0-07-14, passed 7-14-20)
In the event any work governed by this chapter is not completed by the right-of-way user within the time required or in accordance with the specifications required herein or by the City Engineer, the City Engineer may cause such work to be performed as is necessary to secure the work area to a safe and passable condition. The right-of-way user shall reimburse the City for the costs of securing the site.
(Ordinance 1446-0-07-14, passed 7-14-20)
All construction work in the streets, right-of-way, sidewalks and public places of the City is declared to be subject to the exclusive control of the City, and whenever, in the sole opinion of the City Engineer, any such work shall not have been duly completed within a reasonable time or shall have been executed in a defective manner, whether because of bad workmanship or materials or because not true to the lines or grades or specification therefor given to him by the City Engineer, then upon written demand or notice from the City Engineer, such right-of-way user or contractor shall promptly remedy, complete and/or remove and reconstruct such incomplete or defective work all as the City Engineer may require, and these provisions shall also apply to all repair and maintenance work. If the contractor or right-of-way user shall fail or refuse to do so within a reasonable time to be specified by the City Engineer, then, if required by the City Engineer, such work shall be completed or corrected or removed and wholly or partially reconstructed by the City, in such a manner as in the opinion of the City Engineer may be necessary to make such work as good as originally required, and such work may be done by contract or otherwise, under the direction of the City Engineer, and the contractor or right-of-way user shall reimburse City for any and all cost incurred by the City performing the work described in this subsection.
(Ordinance 1446-0-07-14, passed 7-14-20)
In every case, and at all times, the work of removing from the right-of-way all obstructions, surplus materials, debris and waste matter of every description caused by and/or accumulated from the excavation shall be the sole responsibility of the right-of-way user. The right-of-way user shall maintain the area on and around the excavation and related work in a clean, safe and orderly fashion at all times during conduct of the excavation and shall clean the same area upon completion of work. Streets shall be cleaned by use of a vacuum street sweeper. The right-of-way user shall clean the surrounding area, as outlined above, within one day upon completion and approval of all trench work and pavement restoration unless the City Engineer, sufficient reason therefore having been given to his satisfaction, grants a written extension of time.
(Ordinance 1446-0-07-14, passed 7-14-20)
(A) 
Reporting completion of work.
When the work under permit hereunder is completed, the permittee shall notify the City in accordance with the requirements placed on the permit. The City will schedule a final walk-through with the contractor to develop a final punch list of items to be remedied.
(B) 
Effect of chapter on persons engaged in construction.
Any permit issued prior to the adoption of this chapter will remain subject to the terms and conditions of City ordinances and requirements in effect at the time of issuance of the permit and is not affected by this chapter, except that, upon expiration or conclusion of the permit, a new or renewal permit must be obtained in accordance with this chapter.
(Ordinance 1446-0-07-14, passed 7-14-20)