A. 
This chapter provides the minimum technical requirements for the design and construction of streets, bridges, shared accesses, alleys, driveway approaches, vehicular access gates, and their associated appurtenances, applying to all public and private proposals, whether they are wholly or partially within the City of Edgewood, for:
1. 
Any development activity that may impact public streets, traffic and access;
2. 
Construction and reconstruction of driveway approaches, vehicular access gates, streets, shared access facilities, alleys, and driving surfaces within ingress/egress easements; and
3. 
Any other construction and reconstruction within ingress and egress easements, access easements, street easements, and city right-of-way.
B. 
Where the requirements of this chapter conflict with any other law, ordinance, resolution, rule, or regulation, the more restrictive provision shall govern.
(Ord. 26-0708, 5/12/2026)
The following activities are exempt from the requirements of this chapter:
A. 
Placement or replacement of mobile/manufactured homes within approved mobile home parks.
B. 
Maintenance and repair activities on privately owned and maintained streets, shared access facilities, alleys, drivable surfaces within ingress/egress easements (or tracts), sidewalks, and pathways, as long as the repair and maintenance conforms to the original design and/or construction.
C. 
Maintenance and repair activities performed by the City of Edgewood.
D. 
Temporary construction activities that do not impact, change, or otherwise alter public streets, access thereto, or traffic thereon.
(Ord. 26-0708, 5/12/2026)
A. 
Street Design and Construction Standards. The latest adopted edition of the "Public Works Standards," as published by the City Engineer, is adopted for all streets, shared access facilities, vehicular access gates, bridges, and other new construction, widening or expansion of public and private roads in the City of Edgewood and, to the extent practicable and feasible, for reconstruction, resurfacing, restoration, and rehabilitation of existing public or private roads in the City. Projects that propose any construction of hard surfaces must also comply with the stormwater manual adopted under Chapter 13.05.
B. 
Utility Design and Construction Standards. The "Manual on Accommodating Utilities in Pierce County Right-of-Way," 7th Edition, as published by the Pierce County Engineer and adopted by the Pierce County Council on August 26, 2025, under Ordinance 2025-521, is the policy for accommodation of utilities for street and bridge construction of public and private roads in the City of Edgewood.
C. 
Manuals Available. Pursuant to RCW 35A.12.140 and 35A.13.180, the latest edition of the adopted manuals shall be available for inspection at Edgewood City Hall during normal business hours.
D. 
Changes to Standards. Local modifications to outside agency standards referenced above are contained herein under EMC § 12.02.100. The Director may substitute more stringent standards and specifications where special conditions warrant, as approval conditions for applicable permit(s). Any further changes to the adopted outside agency standards shall be submitted and recommended by the City Engineer to the City Council for their review and adoption by ordinance.
(Ord. 26-0708, 5/12/2026)
This chapter relies on definitions contained in the following references, in order:
A. 
The standards and manuals adopted by reference under EMC § 12.02.030;
B. 
Chapter 18.20 EMC Definitions;
C. 
WAC 197-11-700 through 197-11-799, as now or hereafter amended; and
D. 
The latest edition of Webster's Dictionary.
The Director has the final authority to determine the interpretation or usage of terms used in this chapter.
(Ord. 26-0708, 5/12/2026)
A. 
Development Review. To ensure the preservation and implementation of needed transportation infrastructure as identified in the City's transportation plans and programs, all proposed developments shall be reviewed by the City Engineer. Access roads, internal site roads, and overall site plan layout for proposed development shall be designed to be consistent with planned and/or programmed transportation facilities within the City. Transportation facilities shall include arterial roads, local road connectivity, road right-of-way, sidewalks, and/or easements for slopes and utilities. All proposed buildings and constructed site features shall be set back and/or designed to not be in conflict with the City's plans for road alignments and widths as identified in the most recently adopted official controls, including but not limited to:
1. 
The Edgewood Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program;
2. 
The Edgewood Comprehensive Plan; and/or
3. 
Any approved City road project and/or right-of-way plans.
B. 
Public Frontage Road. Except for new detached residential dwellings and middle housing structures on existing lots, or expansions of existing structures of less than 60% of the total building value as calculated in the IBC, all proposed developments must improve the nearest half of all abutting public frontage road rights-of-way to currently adopted Public Works Standards. This requirement may be waived by the Department when a project providing this infrastructure is included within the City's adopted Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program and is fully funded.
C. 
On-Site Improvements. All land divisions must provide on-site roadway improvements in conformance with EMC Title 16 and the Public Works Standards. When the length of full height traffic curbing is reduced to short segments due to driveway spacing, rolled curbing may be used with prior approval by the City Engineer.
(Ord. 26-0708, 5/12/2026)
A. 
Lot Access Requirements. The requirements of this section must be met prior to issuance of a building permit for any habitable structure:
1. 
The subject permit's lot shall adjoin or have legal access to an open public right-of-way.
2. 
If the lot was created by subdivision, all road and access improvements required through the subdivision process must be completed.
3. 
If the lot was not created by subdivision, or for lots created by a subdivision where no road or access improvements were required, all private roads, shared access facilities, easements or tracts that provide a legal vehicular access between the lot and the open public right-of-way shall have a minimum all-weather vehicle driving surface that is not less than 15 feet in width. All portions of the driving surface that equal or exceed a longitudinal grade of 12% shall be paved with a minimum of two inches compacted depth hot mix asphalt class one-half-inch. The maximum longitudinal gradient is 15%. If the proposed access length is a dead-end 300 feet or longer without an approved turnaround, an approved turnaround is required on the subject property or approved alternative location. See the Public Works Standards for details.
4. 
For situations where it is not physically or economically feasible to construct the access between the lot and an open public right-of-way to the standards listed under Subsection (A)(3) of this section the following shall be required:
a. 
Habitable structures shall have an approved fire sprinkler system meeting the requirements of NFPA;
b. 
Title notification shall be recorded to provide notice to future purchasers that the access to the lot does not meet minimum standards, and additional fire protection features have been required; and
c. 
Other improvements to the lot access and/or other fire protection related features may be required on a case by case basis as determined by the Fire Code Official.
B. 
Access to Public Facilities. To ensure public facilities remain open and accessible to all members of the public, they shall be accessed by a public roadway or private road designed and constructed per the adopted Public Works Standards. If said access is provided by a private road, the easement establishing the private road shall not be gated and the easement shall not prohibit or otherwise limit access to the public facility. For the purposes of this subsection, public facilities include public schools, fire stations, police stations, public libraries, public parks, and public recreational facilities, and exclude the following:
1. 
Facilities owned and operated by a public school district that are not public schools. Examples include administration buildings, maintenance facilities, and other support facilities.
2. 
Existing public facilities, including additions, remodels, and reconstruction of such facilities.
3. 
Educational skill centers located within commercial shopping centers or similar commercial complexes.
C. 
Minimum Existing Offsite Private Road Requirements. Except for new detached residential structures on existing lots, all proposed developments must improve offsite existing private roads to the following minimum standards:
1. 
Width. Private roads serving up to 100 ADT (or 10 dwelling units) shall be paved with a 20-foot traveled surface width. Roads serving more than 100 ADT (or greater than 10 dwelling units) shall be paved with a 24-foot traveled surface width.
2. 
Paved Surface. The paved surface shall be in accordance with the Public Works Standards.
3. 
Vertical Clearance. The road must have an unobstructed vertical clearance of not less than 13 feet six inches. The City, after conferring with East Pierce Fire and Rescue, may allow a reduction in the vertical clearance, provided such reduction does not impair access by emergency vehicles, and approved signs are installed and maintained indicating the established vertical clearance.
4. 
Bridges and Structures. All bridges and structures, including drainage structures, must be capable of carrying a minimum design load of HS-25 per "Standard Specifications for Highway Bridges," as published by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. The City may require that the capacity of bridges and structures be certified by a licensed structural engineer.
5. 
Easements or Tracts. Private road easements or tracts must be of sufficient width so as to completely contain the minimum required traveled way and any associated drainage features. The City may require survey information to verify that the traveled way and associated drainage features are located within the documented easement or tract.
6. 
Obstructions. Any obstructions, including but not limited to street lighting, poles, power poles, utility boxes, telephone boxes, street trees, retaining walls, fire hydrants and/or landscaping material, shall not be located within two feet of the required minimum traveled way. Sight obscuring objects must be removed or relocated to provide adequate sight distances as required in the Public Works Standards.
7. 
Turnarounds. Roads exceeding 1,500 feet in length, measured along the road centerline from intersection to intersection, must have an approved turnaround per the Public Works Standards.
8. 
Road Signs and Names. All private roads must have private road name signs that meet the requirements outlined in the Public Works Standards. All private road names shall be assigned by the City.
9. 
Stop Signs. All private road approaches to City arterial and collector roads shall have a stop sign installed and maintained by the property owners, in accordance with the requirements of the Public Works Standards.
10. 
Speed Limit Signs. On private roads exceeding 300 feet in length, speed limit signs are required and must be maintained by the property owners. Speed limit signs must meet and must be installed according to the engineer's recommendation. The posted speed limit must be consistent with the available entering sight distance and stopping sight distance, but in no case shall exceed 25 miles per hour.
D. 
Minimum Existing Offsite Public Road Requirements. All proposed developments that propose an increase of 25 ADT or more must improve offsite existing public roads to the following minimum standards:
1. 
Width. Public roads serving up to 800 ADT (or 80 dwelling units) shall be paved with a 20-foot traveled surface width. Roads serving more than 800 ADT (or greater than 80 dwelling units) shall be paved with a 24-foot traveled surface width.
2. 
Paved Surface. The paved surface shall be in accordance with the Public Works Standards.
3. 
Bridges and Structures. All bridges and structures, including drainage structures, must be certified by a licensed structural engineer as being capable of carrying a minimum design load of HS-25 per "Standard Specifications for Highway Bridges," as published by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.
4. 
Other Standards. All other design criteria stated in the Public Works Standards for public roads must be met.
E. 
Unopened Right-of-Way. Public right-of-way that exists by dedication or deed, but within which no street has been constructed for the purpose of public use, or within which any constructed road or street is not maintained by the City, is also known as unopened right-of-way. No development, except for new residential detached dwellings on existing lots, shall be allowed to use unopened right-of-way, subject to the following:
1. 
If right-of-way exists and/or right-of-way can be deeded to provide right-of-way widths in accordance with the Public Works Standards, the development will be required to construct new public road(s) within the unopened right-of-way adjacent to the development boundaries and for distances necessary to provide required access to the development. Proposed new public roads must be connected directly to existing public roads.
2. 
Access for new detached residential structures on existing lots using unopened right-of-way may be allowed, for up to six dwelling units, under the following conditions and standards:
a. 
A street use permit application (Chapter EMC 12.16) seeking permission to use the unopened ROW must be submitted to the City Engineer for review and approval.
b. 
Required driveway traveled widths shall be as follows: 15 feet for up to two dwelling units, 20 feet for three to four dwelling units, and 24 feet for five to six dwelling units.
c. 
If the proposed driveway length is a dead-end 300 feet or longer without an approved turnaround, an approved turnaround shall be required on the subject property or approved alternative location. See the Public Works Standards for details.
d. 
Required driveway surfacing shall be as required by the Public Works Standards, suitable to support imposed loads of fire apparatus.
e. 
Construction plans prepared by a licensed professional engineer in the State of Washington shall be required. Said plans shall also include a survey to locate at a minimum true centerline of the unopened City right-of-way.
f. 
All required permits, including but not limited to right-of-way, critical area review, site development, etc., must be obtained prior to construction.
g. 
All maintenance and operation of the new access shall be the responsibility of the benefited party(s) as per the street use permit.
(Ord. 26-0708, 5/12/2026)
A. 
Purpose and Vision. The purpose of this complete streets policy is to establish guidelines and principles that guide the planning, design, and implementation of street and transportation projects to achieve a balanced and inclusive transportation system. The city envisions an interconnected system of on-road and off-road facilities that prioritizes the safety, accessibility, and convenience of all users, including sidewalks, shared-use pathways, trails, and key connections.
B. 
General Policy. The city shall, to the maximum extent practical, design, construct, operate, and maintain an integrated transportation system that will meet the needs of motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists, wheelchair users, transit vehicles and riders, freight haulers, emergency responders, and residents of all ages and abilities. Transportation facilities that support the concept of complete streets include but are not limited to pavement markings and signs; street and sidewalk lighting; pedestrian safety improvements; Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Title VI compliance efforts; transit and bicycle accommodations; and as appropriate streetscapes that appeal to and promote pedestrian use. The system's design will be consistent with and supportive of local neighborhoods, recognizing that transportation needs vary and must be balanced in a flexible, safe, and cost-effective manner.
C. 
Projects. Those involved in the planning and design of projects within the public right-of-way will consider all users and modes of travel from the start of planning and design work. Transportation improvements shall be viewed as opportunities to create safer, more accessible streets for all users. This shall apply to new construction, reconstruction, and rehabilitation.
D. 
Exceptions, Exemptions, and Considerations. As the city evaluates projects, the Public Works Director may authorize the following exceptions and exemptions to this chapter:
1. 
Street uses prohibited by law.
2. 
Improvements for which there is no identified long-term need (i.e., temporary).
3. 
Improvements that would result in significant adverse environmental impacts to historical sites or critical areas, over and above the impacts of the existing infrastructure.
4. 
Improvements that would result in significant adverse impacts on neighboring land uses, including impacts from right-of-way acquisition.
5. 
Repairs made pursuant to pavement opening and restoration.
6. 
Ordinary maintenance activities designed to keep assets in serviceable condition (e.g., mowing, cleaning, sweeping, spot repair and surface treatments such as chip seal, or interim measures on detour or haul routes).
7. 
Small, isolated improvements that would create problematic transitions on either end or that are in an isolated area unlikely to be followed by similar improvements at either end, resulting in little progress on implementing complete streets networks.
8. 
Street reconstruction projects and maintenance paving projects that involve pavement widening, if the accommodation of a specific use is expected to:
a. 
Require more space than is physically available;
b. 
Be located where both current and future demand is documented to be absent, including a lack of current or planned transit routes in City plans and future travel demand models;
c. 
Increase project costs more than 15% of total project cost for new construction and equivalent alternatives are available within close proximity; or
d. 
Result in cost that is disproportionate to the current need or probable future use.
E. 
Intergovernmental Cooperation. The city shall collaborate with other transportation agencies, including WSDOT, Pierce County, neighboring jurisdictions, regional transportation authorities, and other relevant agencies to coordinate efforts, share resources, and implement consistent complete streets policies and practices to ensure transportation network flows seamlessly across jurisdictional boundaries in accordance with local and regional road, transit, bicycle and pedestrian plans.
F. 
Design Criteria. The city, through its public works department, shall maintain design criteria, standards and guidelines based upon recognized best practices in street design, construction and operation as identified in state statutes and EMC § 12.02.030. As part of the city's Comprehensive Plan, the City shall encourage the development and use of multi-purpose/shared used paths. Resources to be referenced in developing these standards shall include, but shall not necessarily be limited to, the latest editions of: American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets, Washington State Department of Transportation Design Manual, Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE), National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) and the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.
G. 
Community Context. Community input and engagement shall be integral to the planning and design process of Complete Streets projects. The city shall actively seek input from residents, stakeholders, and community organizations to ensure that transportation improvements align with local priorities and reflect community values.
H. 
Network. Appropriate attention should be given to projects which enhance the overall transportation system and its connectivity for access to parks or recreation areas, schools, shopping/commercial areas, public transportation, employment centers, existing pedestrian or bicycle networks, or regional bicycle pedestrian plans prepared by other associated groups, such as Pierce County.
I. 
Performance Measures. The Public Works Director or designee shall report to the city council on an annual basis the transportation projects undertaken within the prior year and planned within the coming six-year period TIP (Transportation Improvement Plan) report and the extent to which each of these projects has met the objectives of this section including:
A. 
Identifying the projects, public and private, which have expanded the city's network and documenting the linear footage increase of pedestrian and bicycle facilities, and the comfort level of those facilities, added in the previous year.
B. 
Identifying the number of documented exceptions to the policy in the previous year.
J. 
Implementation. This section will be primarily implemented through developing bike and pedestrian network plans on a regional basis within the city and in conjunction with WSDOT and Pierce County's regional plans. These plans shall specify the type and location of improvements and shall be implemented as funding becomes available. Special emphasis shall be placed on those elements of these plans that can be accomplished with little or no additional expense.
(Ord. 26-0708, 5/12/2026)
To promote and assist in the timely and orderly review of potential traffic impacts, all proposed developments are subject to Transportation Concurrency Management pursuant to Chapter 18.105 EMC. Upon concurrency determination, the applicant may be required to prepare a traffic impact analysis (TIA) as part of the SEPA Review process, following the currently adopted traffic impact analysis guidelines (EMC § 18.105.240).
(Ord. 26-0708, 5/12/2026)
No deviation from the adopted standards on public and private roads contained in this title and the Public Works Standards shall be made without first obtaining the approval of the City Engineer in accordance with this section.
A. 
Request. The applicant making a request to gain approval for alternative designs which deviate from the adopted standards shall submit a written request directly to the City Engineer for evaluation. The request shall be prepared and stamped by a professional engineer licensed in the State of Washington and possess the level of knowledge and experience to prepare such request.
B. 
Evaluation Criteria. Deviations shall meet the following criteria for approval, and shall not deviate from State adopted standards (RCW 35.78.040):
1. 
The deviation will produce compensating or comparable results, adequate for the road users and the general public;
2. 
The deviation will not violate any development conditions imposed upon the project;
3. 
The deviation will not be materially detrimental to the public welfare or injurious to the property or improvement in such vicinity in which the subject property is located; and
4. 
The deviation is based on sound engineering judgment, and requirements for safety, function, appearance, environmental protection, and maintainability are fully met.
C. 
Review and Approval. The City Engineer may only grant a deviation from the minimum technical requirements based upon the information, plans and/or design data provided by the applicant's engineer. The City Engineer shall review the deviation request, together with all supportive material and any staff review and recommendations, to determine whether the proposal meets the criteria for approval outlined in subsection (B) of this section. The City Engineer shall prepare written findings of fact and conclusions, and shall grant, grant with conditions, or deny a deviation request in full or in part based on these findings and conclusions. Deviations must receive the approval of the City Engineer before road construction plans can be approved.
D. 
Appeal Procedure. If a deviation request has been denied, the applicant may seek a re-examination of the original deviation request by transmitting a letter to the Director outlining exceptions taken to the City Engineer's findings. The applicant shall provide additional details specifically addressing the exceptions being taken in order to enable the Director to conduct additional evaluation of the request. The Director will be the final authority in resolving disputes concerning questions of fact in connection with the adopted standards contained in EMC Title 12, as set forth in RCW 35.22.280 and other applicable sections of Chapter 35A RCW. The decision of the Director is final and may not be appealed.
(Ord. 26-0708, 5/12/2026)
A. 
Utility Design and Construction Standards. The city hereby amends the standards adopted under EMC 12.02.030(B) as follows:
1. 
Replace any reference to "County" or "Pierce County" with "City" or "City of Edgewood", unless it pertains to document recording or other services only provided by Pierce County. Replace any reference to "Planning and Public Works" with "Public Works". Replace any reference to "PCC 11.05" with Chapter 13.25 EMC". Any other references to "Pierce County Code" shall remain unchanged, unless otherwise noted herein.
2. 
The Information Sheet on page 5 is not applicable within the City of Edgewood.
3. 
The Pierce County ROW Utility Inspector's Areas map on page 7 is not applicable within the City of Edgewood.
4. 
Schedule A on page 9 is not applicable within the City of Edgewood.
5. 
Under Section 1-2 on page 13:
a. 
Replace "36.55" with "35A.47.040"; and
b. 
Replace "the Manual on Design Guidelines and Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction in Pierce County; and Pierce County Standard Drawings" with "the Public Works Standards".
6. 
On page 14:
a. 
Replace "36.55" with "35A.47.040";
b. 
Replace "Franchises on Roads and Bridges" with "Franchises and permits—Streets and public ways";
c. 
Delete the row starting with "PCC 11.05"; and
d. 
Replace "PCC 12.32" with "Chapter 12.06 EMC."
7. 
On page 15:
a. 
Replace "PCC 12.34" with "Chapter 12.08 EMC;"
b. 
Replace "PCC 17A.10.070" with "Chapter 13.05 EMC;" and
c. 
Replace "PCC 17B.10.060-.080" with "EMC § 12.02.030".
8. 
On page 16, delete Sections 2-1.1.1, 2-1.1.2, and 2-1.1.3, then replace Section 2-1.1 with the following:
• Goal U.1
○ Policy U.1d
Promote the gradual relocation underground of utilities in developed areas, where physically and financially feasible, for instance when streets are improved or areas are redeveloped.
○ Policy U.1e
Encourage the joint use of utility corridors and facilities; such as transportation rights-of-way, trenches, conduits and poles; by utility service providers in order to promote cost-effective operations and to minimize disruptions to the public during expansion, maintenance, undergrounding and upgrading of facilities.
Policy U1.f
Work with providers to communicate information to the public about utility system improvements that may impact their properties.
The following goals are addressed in the Utilities Element of the City of Edgewood Comprehensive Plan, dated January 2025:
•
Goal U.1
Ensure the location and design of utility facilities meets the community's needs.
○
Policy U.1d – Promote the gradual relocation underground of utilities in developed areas, where physically and financially feasible, for instance when streets are improved or areas are redeveloped.
○
Policy U.1e – Encourage the joint use of utility corridors and facilities; such as transportation rights-of-way, trenches, conduits and poles; by utility service providers in order to promote cost-effective operations and to minimize disruptions to the public during expansion, maintenance, undergrounding and upgrading of facilities.
○
Policy U1.f – Work with providers to communicate information to the public about utility system improvements that may impact their properties.
9. 
On page 17 under Section 2-1.2.3, second paragraph, replace "This period may be extended by the Engineer when" with "The time period for movement by the utility may be extended by the City Engineer upon mutual agreement in writing."
10. 
On page 18, under Section 2-2.3, replace "The County's public GIS system provides new pavement locations, as does the Pierce County website." with "Please contact the Public Works Department for more information on new pavement locations."
11. 
On page 19 under Section 2-2.4, replace "Pierce County Code 17A.10.070" with "Chapter 13.05 EMC."
12. 
On page 19 under Section 2-2.5:
a. 
Replace "Pierce County Standard Plan, PC.H1, (see Appendix C—Standard Drawings)" with "the Public Works Standards"; and
b. 
Delete the fourth paragraph, which starts with "The Pierce County Planning".
13. 
On pages 19 and 20 under Section 2-3, replace the last paragraph with "If a road closure is required to perform the work, that request will be reviewed under the Right-of-Way Permit and become a condition of approval."
14. 
On pages 21 and 22, replace Section 2-6 with the following:
Except for those maintenance activities by a franchised utility that do not impede traffic or require ground disturbance, a Right-of-Way Permit is required for any party to perform work in City Rights-of-Way. All permits for the operation, maintenance, repair, or construction of any facility within public Rights-of-Way shall be applied for and given in the name of the party responsible and must be acquired by the authorized representative. All non-franchised applicants are required to submit bonding and insurance information.
The permittee shall be responsible for all work done under the permit, including, but not limited to, paving, patching, grading, and any other reasonably necessary repair or restoration to the road Rights-of-Way. The permittee remains responsible whether the work is done by the permittee, its contractors, or by third parties.
In cases where a substantial revision to a previously approved application is made, an additional fee will apply, up to the full amount of the original application fee.
15. 
On pages 23 through 25, delete Section 2-8.
16. 
On page 26, replace Section 2-9 with the following:
Fees are charged for each Right-of-Way Permit and franchise pursuant to the City's Fee Schedule. Any utility performing work as a result of a City construction or maintenance project shall be exempt from any applicable permit fee on City construction or maintenance projects. Other than on City construction or maintenance projects, the City reserves the right to require reimbursement from utilities for regular and overtime hours of inspection time spent on utility work.
17. 
On page 27 under Section 3-1:
a. 
Replace "contact the department (see the information sheet in the front of this manual for the address and telephone numbers and Appendix B for the form)" with "contact the Public Works Department"; and
b. 
Replace "PCC Chapter 12.32" with "Chapter 12.06 EMC."
18. 
On pages 27 through 33, replace Section 3-2 with the following:
3-2 Right-of-Way Permit Procedure
3-2.1 General
As discussed in Section 2-6, a Right-of-Way Permit is required for any party to perform work in City Rights-of-Way, except for those maintenance activities by a franchised utility that do not impede traffic or require ground disturbance. All Right-of-Way Permit applications shall be submitted though the city's online Permit Portal, https://ci-edgewood-wa.smartgovcommunity.com/Public/Home. A fee is charged for this permit pursuant to the City's Fee Schedule. If a road closure is required to perform the work, that request will be reviewed under the Right-of-Way Permit application and become a condition of approval. Other specific requirements for franchised utilities are covered under EMC § 1. Chapter 12.06.
3-2.2 Standard Procedures
Plans or drawings must be attached to the permit application, including the following information:
1.
All information requested on the permit application form, including a general description of the work to be performed and estimated working days to complete the work.
2.
A plan of suitable scale showing the proposed work and its location relative to existing and proposed facilities and rights-of-way.
3.
Where work is proposed within the roadway, traffic control plans stamped and signed by a Professional Engineer or Traffic Control Supervisor, and
4.
Fee payment.
The Engineer will review the plans with respect to location, the manner in which the facility is to be installed, and the measures to be taken to preserve safe and free flow of traffic, the structural integrity of the roadway, the ease of future road maintenance, and the appearance of the roadway. The Engineer may apply additional conditions to the permit to ensure the aforementioned measures are taken. In applying the conditions, the Engineer may take into account an applicant's history in complying with the policies and provisions of this document. Trenched construction involving pavement cutting and restoration, a history of failures to restore the trench with permanent surfacing as required, or a history of permanent patch failures within one year of installation may be cause for requiring untrenched construction.
The Engineer will also check the plans to see that they are consistent with the applicant's franchise (when applicable), applicable city construction plans, the Public Works Standards, and this document. The Engineer may require that the applicant make changes to the plans or supply additional information before issuing the Right-of-Way Permit.
No work may commence prior to permit approval by the Engineer. Although it is the department's goal to process most permit applications within 24 hours after their submittal, to assure adequate permit processing time, utilities are encouraged to submit Right-of-Way Permit applications at least one week before the proposed work is scheduled to start.
The permittee is required to notify the City at least one business day before any utility work begins. Notification may be made by telephone or email identifying the start date and the permit number. A copy of the permit and approved plan shall be available at the work site at all times.
The permittee shall keep the Engineer informed about the progress of the work and any major work items. If a Right-of-Way Permit project involves any trenching, the permittee shall notify the Engineer when the trench will be open so that the Engineer can observe the utility installation.
As soon as the permittee has completed the work, the permittee shall notify the Engineer, who will inspect the work location. The Rights-of-Way restoration shall conform to City standards, department policies and applicable state and federal laws, or the work will be rejected.
Section 3-2.3 Emergency Procedures
Occasionally, emergency work occurs when there is a sudden, unplanned interruption in service, and it is necessary to immediately restore service to ensure the health, welfare, or safety of the public.
Examples, without limitation, include a sudden discovery that a pipe is leaking, or an important utility has failed necessitating a road closure. While a permit is still required for all emergency work, a franchised utility can work in the Rights-of-Way without first obtaining a Right-of-Way Permit in cases of emergencies.
For all emergency work, upon learning of an emergency, the utility shall immediately notify the Engineer of the need for such repairs. After business hours and if conditions warrant, emergency work can be called in to the after-hours number for the Pierce County (253-798-6000), with a request to be contacted by the "Supervisor on call."
The utility shall coordinate work activities and restoration with the Engineer. The utility shall initiate emergency work as soon as possible and within the time specified by the Engineer and apply for appropriate permits within 48 hours after discovery of the emergency. While a Right-of-Way Permit is still required, no Right-of-Way permit fee will be charged for emergency work completed within one week of the incident.
The Utility shall confine its operations as much as possible to the non-traveled portion of the Rights-of-Way and shall exercise caution to protect the traveling public during such repairs. All provisions of section 2-3 must be complied with while performing emergency work.
Upon completion of the utility work, the permittee shall notify the Engineer, who will inspect the work location. The Rights-of-Way restoration shall conform to City standards, department policies and applicable state and federal laws, or the work will be rejected.
If a utility fails to complete the emergency work within the time prescribed above and to the Engineer's satisfaction, the Engineer may cause such work to be done and bill the cost of the work to the utility, including all costs and expenses incurred by the Engineer due to the utility's delay. In such event, the Engineer shall not be liable for any damage to any portion of the utility's system or appurtenances. Within 60 calendar days of receipt of an itemized list of those costs, the utility shall pay the City. In any event, if the utility fails to timely relocate, remove, replace, modify or disconnect their facilities and equipment, and that delay results in any delay damage accrued by or against the City, the utility will be liable for all documented costs of construction delays attributable to the utility's failure to timely act. The utility reserves the right to challenge any determination by the Engineer of costs for construction delays related to an alleged failure to act in accordance with this subsection.
3-2.4 Inspection After Hours.
An applicant may request inspections outside of normal department working hours through special permission from the Engineer. The applicant must agree in advance to reimburse the City for labor and expenses necessary to accommodate the request. All requests for working outside of normal department working hours must be submitted to the Engineer by email at permit@cityofedgewood.org at least one week before the anticipated start of work. The request must be made by an authorized representative of the permittee who can guarantee overtime payment for the inspection team and include the following information:
•
Permittee's representative(s) name and title
•
Permittee's name and mailing address
•
Right-of-Way Permit number
•
After-Hours Work description, location, and timing
•
Contact information for contractor performing work.
19. 
On page 34, replace Section 4-1 with the following:
The City has several documents available to assist utilities with coordination and planning of their facilities with roadway projects. Utilities should make use of these documents to take actions that will reduce or eliminate the need to cut new pavement during future utility projects.
The City maintains a 20-year Capital Facilities Plan (CFP) in its Comprehensive Plan, and annually updates a 6-Year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). These plans incorporate many types projects including transportation, parks, sanitary sewer, and stormwater. Questions concerning these documents may be directed to the Community Development Department. Questions concerning specific projects may be directed to the Public Works Department.
20. 
On pages 34 through 38, replace Section 4-2 with the following:
4-2 City Projects
4-2.1 General
Utilities are encouraged to maintain communication with the Engineer and with other utilities throughout development of a City project. The department will make available plans and details upon request as they are needed by the utility for its plans throughout the development phases of the City project.
The City Clerk maintains a list of franchised utilities operating in Edgewood. This list is used to send notifications of City projects to the utilities. It is the utility company's responsibility to keep their contact's name and associated information current. For questions on current City project design and construction, or for Rights-of-Way issues, contact the Engineer.
4-2.2 Notifications
The City will reach out to all affected franchised utilities during the preliminary engineering phase of any capital project's development, utilizing the contact information maintained in the current franchise agreement(s). While the City will endeavor to notify all affected utilities when it updates the CFP, CIP, and TIP, it is each utility's responsibility to contact the Engineer whenever they are planning any projects within the City to ensure consistency with said plans and minimize potential conflicts.
21. 
On page 38, replace Section 4-3 with the following:
Utilities shall, within the limits of standard business practice, make available appropriate short- and long-range development plans to the City. Utilities should provide for any planned expansion of their facilities within City Rights-of-Way when installing a new or adjusting an existing facility, to help minimize the amount of future road cutting. Examples of this include providing additional empty conduit to trenches and increasing Pipe sizes.
It is the responsibility of the utilities as practical, prior to construction, to notify all other public and private Utility entities using the same Rights-of-Way as the applicant's proposed construction. The utilities shall coordinate their activities to minimize work within City Rights-of-Way. For instance, utilities should make every effort to install their facilities in the same trench at the same time at road crossings. Utilities shall also coordinate with City projects to minimize cutting of newly surfaced roads.
22. 
On page 38, replace Section 4-5 with the following:
Utility work on private roads, and utility service to private developments, should still be coordinated through the Public Works Department. Utility installation in private roads should conform whenever possible to the standards outlined in this document. Any private development utility work within the City Rights-of-Way shall be permitted through the City.
23. 
On page 38, replace Section 4-6 with the following:
Occasionally, the City vacates Rights-of-Way that contains utility franchises. These actions are taken in accordance with RCW 35.79 by the City Council. To be placed on the notification list for public hearings with the City Council (which may include more actions than Rights-of-Way vacations), contact the City Clerk.
24. 
On page 41, under Section 5-5.1.1, replace "Pierce County Standard Drawings" with "Public Works Standards".
25. 
On page 42, under Section 5-6.3.1, replace "Appendix C" with "Public Works Standards".
26. 
On page 43, under Section 5-6.3.4, replace all instances of "Appendix C" with "Public Works Standards".
27. 
On page 46, under Section 5-6.3.9, replace all instances of "Appendix C" with "Public Works Standards".
28. 
On page 51, replace Section 6-1.1 with the following:
The underground installation of utilities is strongly encouraged throughout the City, except for in areas where overhead utilities already exist and are not planned to be converted to underground within the next five years. In these limited instances where underground installation of utilities is not practical, single-pole construction and joint use of the pole are generally desirable and should be used wherever feasible.
The Utility shall permit the joint use and occupation of its poles or underground facilities placed in City Rights-of-Way to other utilities for just compensation. If the utilities are unable to agree to terms of joint use, they will be required by the Engineer to enter into binding arbitration. Additionally, the Utility will comply with all applicable federal, state, and local codes, rules, and regulations, including Buy America provisions when required.
29. 
On page 52, under Section 6-4, replace "Manual on Design Guidelines and Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction in Pierce County" with "Public Works Standards".
30. 
On pages 53 through 57, under Appendix A, delete the definitions for "Annual Road Program", "Bridge Engineering", "CFP", "County", "CRP", "Department", "Document", "Franchise", "Six-Year Road Program", "Transportation Element", and "UGS".
31. 
On page 58, delete Appendix B.
32. 
On page 59, delete Appendix C.
33. 
On pages 60 through 65, Appendix D provides general guidelines for utility accommodation on bridges and other structures. Please contact the Public Works Director with any questions or references to Pierce County staff or departments herein. As of the date of this regulation, there are no known bridges or structures owned, operated or maintained by the City of Edgewood.
34. 
On page 66, delete Appendix E.
(Ord. 26-0708, 5/12/2026)