Westminster City Council
SUBJECT
Title
Adoption of Revised Public Works Design Requirements and Standard Plans.
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From: Jake Q. Ngo, Public Works Director
Requested by: Administration
Prepared by: Vinny T. Hoang, City Engineer
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RECOMMENDED ACTION
Recommendation
Adopt the revised Public Works Design Requirements and Standard Plans.
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BACKGROUND
Cities throughout California adopt and use design requirements and standard plans, commonly referred to as City Standards, to ensure consistency, safety, and long-term sustainability of public infrastructure. City Standards include design requirements and plans, establishing and outlining the technical requirements for the design and construction of public infrastructure. Public infrastructure includes streets, sidewalks, drainage systems, utilities, traffic-related items, and other improvements. City Standards are used by City staff, developers, engineers, and contractors to guide the planning, design, and construction of both public and private development projects.
Westminster’s City Standards incorporate widely recognized industry standards, from both State and Federal agencies, including, but not limited to, American Water Works Association (AWWA), Public Works Standards, Inc. (PWSI), California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), and California Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CA MUTCD). Incorporation of the latest editions is required to maintain compliance and promote best practices.
The adoption and consistent application of City Standards are critical to maintaining a safe, reliable, and efficient public infrastructure system. Key reasons for their importance include:
• Consistency and Uniformity - Standards ensure that all infrastructure improvements, whether constructed by the City or private developers, meet consistent design and construction criteria. This uniformity simplifies maintenance, reduces confusion, and ensures compatibility across the City’s infrastructure network.
• Public Safety - Standards incorporate best practices in engineering and design, helping to protect the health and safety of residents. This includes proper roadway design, drainage capacity, traffic control features, and accessibility requirements.
• Regulatory Compliance - Standards ensure that all projects comply with applicable local, state, and federal regulations, including environmental requirements, accessibility laws, and safety codes.
• Cost Efficiency and Lifecycle Management - By requiring durable materials and proven construction methods, standards help reduce long-term maintenance and repair costs. Infrastructure built to consistent specifications is easier and more cost-effective to maintain over its lifecycle.
• Clarity for Development Community - Clear and codified standards provide guidance to developers, engineers, and contractors, reducing delays in project review and approval. This leads to a more efficient development process and minimizes disputes.
• Adaptability and Modernization - Standards can be periodically revised to reflect evolving technologies, sustainability practices, and community needs, ensuring that infrastructure keeps pace with growth and innovation.
Westminster’s City Standards were comprehensively revised in 2008 and later partially revised in 2016 and 2021. Industry practices, materials, and regulatory requirements continue to evolve, necessitating a periodic review and revision of the City Standards. Several factors have necessitated revisions to the City Standards listed, such as:
• Advancements in Materials and Construction Methods - New materials and improved construction techniques have become available, offering enhanced durability, efficiency, and reduced long-term maintenance costs. Updating the standards allows the City to take advantage of these innovations.
• Revised Standards and Regulatory Compliance - Revisions to State and Federal regulations, as well as revisions to industry standards, require the City to align its practices accordingly. These revisions help ensure compliance, reduce liability, and protect public health and safety.
• Outdated or Discontinued Materials - Some materials and specifications previously included in the standards are no longer available or have been superseded. Revising these items ensures clarity and prevents the use of obsolete materials.
• Improved Clarity and Consistency - Minor revisions have been made throughout the standards to enhance clarity, improve organization, and better define the City’s requirements. These changes help reduce misinterpretation and streamline project design, review, and construction.
Westminster’s City Standards are comprised of 18 design requirements and 79 standard plans. The 79 standard plans are categorized into the following sections:
• 24 Street Standards
• 5 Drainage Standards
• 29 Water Standards
• 8 Traffic Standards
• 10 Miscellaneous
• 3 Sewer Standards
The revised City Standards include one new section of references, abbreviations, and definitions, four revised design requirements, five (5) new standard plans, and eight (8) revised standard plans, as follows:
New and Revised Design Requirements
• References, Abbreviations, and Definitions (New)
• Traffic Control General Notes
• Traffic Sign & Striping Notes
• Water Notes
• Standard Requirements for Disinfection of Water Mains
New Standard Plans
• Water Standard Plan 401-B - 1” Service Line w/ Fire Connection Detail (Residential Application)
• Water Standard Plan 403-B - Valve Stem Extension
• Water Standard Plan 403-C - 4”, 6”, 8” or 12” Cut-In Valve
• Water Standard Plan 403-D - Waterline Cut-Out (Valves, Tees, & Crosses)
• Miscellaneous Standard Plan 610 - Micro-Trench Detail
Revised Standard Plans
• Street Standard Plan 208 - Residential Driveway Approach
• Water Standard Plan 401-A - Meter, Water Main Connection Detail (1” Service)
• Water Standard Plan 403-A - Gate Valve Installation
• Water Standard Plan 408 - 3” and Larger Metered Water Service
• Water Standard Plan 413 - 2” Service Installation
• Water Standard Plan 420 - Abandon 2” Service Line
• Water Standard Plan 421 - Abandon ¾” or 1” Service Line
• Miscellaneous Standard Plan 609 - Utility Excavation & Potholing Detail
All other public works design requirements and standard plans remain unchanged.
FISCAL IMPACT
None
LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney’s Office has reviewed as to form.
CONCLUSION
The revised Public Works Design Requirements and Standard Plans incorporate current code requirements, materials, methods, and address compliance and obsolete or discontinued products. This will ensure Westminster’s City Standards remain current, comprehensive, and clearly defined, while promoting safe, durable, and high-quality infrastructure improvements.
ATTACHMENTS
1. New and Revised Public Works Design Requirements and Standard Plans with Redlines
REVIEWED BY
Erin Backs, Finance Director
City Attorney’s Office
Christine Cordon, City Manager