Chapter 17.152
STREET AND UTILITY IMPROVEMENT STANDARDS
Sections:
17.152.020 General provisions.
17.152.060 Sidewalks and other frontage improvements.
17.152.110 Bikeways and off-street trails.
17.152.130 Cash or bond required.
17.152.150 Installation – Prerequisite/permit fee.
17.152.160 Installation – Conformation required.
17.152.170 Plan checking required.
17.152.180 Notice to city required.
17.152.190 City inspection required.
17.152.200 Engineer’s certification required.
17.152.210 Temporary parklets.
17.152.010 Purpose.
The purpose of this chapter is to provide construction standards for the implementation of public and private facilities and utilities such as streets, sewers, and drainage and to indicate when and where they are required. (Ord. 2875 § 1.184.010, 2003)
17.152.020 General provisions.
(1) Unless otherwise provided, the standard specifications for construction, reconstruction or repair of streets, sidewalks, curbs and other public improvements within the city shall occur in accordance with the standards of this code.
(2) The city engineer may recommend changes or supplements to the standard specifications consistent with the application of engineering principles.
(3) The appropriate provision of the St. Helens Municipal Code shall apply to this chapter.
(4) The city has adopted “City of St. Helens Engineering Department Public Facilities Construction Standards Manual.” (Ord. 2875 § 1.184.020, 2003)
17.152.030 Streets.
(1) Improvements. No development shall occur unless the development has frontage or approved access to a public street:
(a) Streets within a development and streets adjacent shall be improved in accordance with this code;
(b) Development on site adjacent to nonstandard street shall require improvement of street to applicable city standards;
(c) Any new street or additional street width planned as a portion of an existing dedicated/public street shall be dedicated and improved in accordance with this code; and
(d) The director may accept a future improvement guarantee in lieu of street improvements if one or more of the following conditions exist:
(i) A partial improvement is not feasible due to the inability to achieve proper design standards;
(ii) A partial improvement may create a potential safety hazard to motorists or pedestrians;
(iii) Due to the nature of existing development on adjacent properties it is unlikely that street improvements would be extended in the foreseeable future and the improvement associated with the project under review does not, by itself, provide a significant improvement to street safety or capacity;
(iv) The improvement would be in conflict with an adopted capital improvement plan;
(v) The improvement is associated with an approved land partition on property zoned residential and the proposed land partition does not create any new streets; or
(vi) Additional planning work is required to define the appropriate design standards for the street and the application is for a project which would contribute only a minor portion of the anticipated future traffic on the street.
(2) Creation of Rights-of-Way for Streets and Related Purposes. Rights-of-way shall be created through the approval of a final land division plat; however, the council may approve the creation of a street by acceptance of a deed; provided, that such street is deemed essential by the council for the purpose of general traffic circulation:
(a) The council may approve the creation of a street by deed of dedication without full compliance with the regulations applicable to land divisions if any one or more of the following conditions are found by the council to be present:
(i) Establishment of a street is initiated by the council and is found to be essential for the purpose of general traffic circulation, and partitioning or subdivision of land has an incidental effect rather than being the primary objective in establishing the road or street for public use; or
(ii) The tract in which the road or street is to be dedicated is an isolated ownership of one acre or less and such dedication is recommended by the commission to the council based on a finding that the proposal is not an attempt to evade the provisions of this code governing the control of land divisions;
(b) With each application for approval of a road or street right-of-way not in full compliance with the regulations applicable to the standards, the proposed dedication shall be made a condition of land division:
(i) The applicant shall submit such additional information and justification as may be necessary to enable the commission in its review to determine whether or not a recommendation for approval by the council shall be made;
(ii) The recommendation, if any, shall be based upon a finding that the proposal is not in conflict with the purpose of this code;
(iii) The commission in submitting the proposal with a recommendation to the council may attach conditions which are necessary to preserve the standards of this code; and
(c) All deeds of dedication shall be in a form prescribed by the city and shall name “the public” as grantee.
(3) Creation of Access Easements. The approval authority may approve an access easement established by deed without full compliance with this code provided such an easement is the only reasonable method by which a lot, large enough to develop, can be created:
(a) Access easements which exceed 150 feet shall be improved in accordance with the Uniform Fire Code;
(b) Access shall be in accordance with Chapter 17.84 SHMC and Figures 15, 16, and 17.
(4) Street Location, Width and Grade. The location, width and grade of all streets shall conform to an approved street plan and shall be considered in their relation to existing and planned streets, to topographic conditions, to public convenience and safety, and in their appropriate relation to the proposed use of the land to be served by such streets:
(a) Street grades shall be approved by the city engineer in accordance with subsection (13) of this section; and
(b) Where the location of a street is not shown in an approved street plan, the arrangement of streets in a development shall either:
(i) Provide for the continuation or appropriate projection of existing streets in the surrounding areas; or
(ii) Conform to a plan adopted by the commission, if it is impractical to conform to existing street patterns because of particular topographical or other existing conditions of the land. Such a plan shall be based on the type of land use to be served, the volume of traffic, the capacity of adjoining streets and the need for public convenience and safety.
(5) Minimum Rights-of-Way and Street Widths. Unless otherwise indicated on an approved street plan or adopted corridor plan, or as needed to continue an existing improved street, street right-of-way and roadway widths shall not be less than the minimum width described in Figure 19. Where a range is indicated, the width shall be determined by the approval authority based upon anticipated average daily traffic (ADT) on the new street segment. (The city council may adopt, by resolution, design standards for street construction and other public improvements. The design standards will provide guidance for determining improvement requirements within the specified ranges.) (See “City of St. Helens Engineering Department Public Facilities Construction Standards Manual.”)
(a) The planning director shall recommend, to the decision-making body, desired right-of-way width and pavement width of the various street types within the subdivision or development after consideration of the following:
(i) The type of road as set forth in Figure 19, Road Standards;
|
Type of Street |
Right-of-Way Width |
Roadway Width |
Moving Lanes |
Bicycle Lanes* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Major Arterial |
101' minimum |
74' |
4 |
2 @ 6' |
|
Minor Arterial (Typical) |
60' |
36' |
2 |
2 @ 6' |
|
Minor Arterial (One-Way, Uptown) |
80' |
46' |
2 |
1 @ 6' |
|
Minor Arterial (Two-Way, Downtown) |
80' |
52' |
2 |
2 @ 6' |
|
Collector |
60' |
36' |
2 |
2 @ 6' |
|
Local |
50' |
34' |
1 – 2 |
None |
|
Local “Skinny” Street |
40' |
28'** |
1 – 2 |
None |
* Applies to bicycle lanes required in Transportation Systems Plan (TSP) or Public Facilities Plan (PFP)
** This differs from TSP Figure 7-3.
(ii) Anticipated traffic generation;
(iii) On-street parking needs;
(iv) Sidewalk and bikeway requirements;
(v) Requirements for placement of utilities;
(vi) Street lighting;
(vii) Drainage and slope impacts;
(viii) Street tree location;
(ix) Planting and landscape areas;
(x) Safety for motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians; and
(xi) Access needs for emergency vehicles;
(b) Improvements to streets shall be made according to adopted city standards, unless the approval authority determines that the standards will result in an unacceptable adverse impact on existing development or on the proposed development or on natural features such as wetlands, steep slopes or existing mature trees. In approving an exception to the standards, the approval authority shall determine that the potential adverse impacts exceed the public benefits of the standards. In evaluating the public benefits, the approval authority shall consider the criteria listed in subsection (5)(a) of this section.
(6) Future Street Plan and Extension of Streets.
(a) A future street plan shall:
(i) Be filed by the applicant in conjunction with an application for a land division. The plan shall show the pattern of existing and proposed future streets from the boundaries of the proposed land division and shall include other parcels within 200 feet surrounding and adjacent to the proposed land division. At the applicant’s request and expense, the city shall prepare a future streets proposal. A street proposal may be modified when subsequent land division proposals are submitted; and
(ii) Identify existing or proposed bus routes, pullouts or other transit facilities, bicycle routes and pedestrian facilities on or within 500 feet of the site;
(b) Where necessary to give access or permit a satisfactory future division of adjoining land, streets shall be extended to the boundary lines of the tract to be developed, and:
(i) These extended streets or street stubs to adjoining properties are not considered to be cul-de-sacs since they are intended to continue as through streets at such time as the adjoining property is developed;
(ii) A barricade shall be constructed at the end of the street by the property owners which shall not be removed until authorized by the city engineer, the cost of which shall be included in the street construction cost; and
(iii) Temporary hammerhead turnouts or temporary cul-de-sac bulbs shall be constructed for stub street in excess of 150 feet in length.
(7) Street Alignment and Connections.
(a) Staggering of streets making “T” intersections at collectors and arterials shall not be designed so that jogs of less than 300 feet on such streets are created, as measured from the centerline of such street. Minimum separation of 125 feet between local street intersections is recommended;
(b) All local and collector streets which abut a development site shall be extended within the site to provide through circulation when not precluded by environmental or topographical constraints, existing development patterns or strict adherence to other standards in this code. A street connection or extension is considered precluded when it is not possible to redesign or reconfigure the street pattern to provide required extensions. In the case of environmental or topographical constraints, the mere presence of a constraint is not sufficient to show that a street connection is not possible. The applicant must show why the constraint precludes some reasonable street connection;
(c) Proposed street or street extensions shall be located to provide direct access to existing or planned transit stops and other neighborhood activity centers, such as schools, shopping areas and parks; and
(d) All developments should provide an internal network of connecting streets that minimizes travel distances within the development.
(8) Intersection Angles. Streets shall be laid out so as to intersect at an angle as near to a right angle as practicable, except where topography requires a lesser angle, but in no case shall the angle be less than 60 unless there is special intersection design, and:
(a) Streets shall have at least 25 feet of tangent adjacent to the right-of-way intersection unless topography requires a lesser distance;
(b) Intersections which are not at right angles shall have a minimum corner radius of 20 feet along the right-of-way lines of the acute angle; and
(c) Right-of-way lines at intersection with arterial streets shall have a corner radius of not less than 20 feet.
(9) Existing Rights-of-Way. Whenever existing rights-of-way adjacent to or within a tract are of less than standard width, additional rights-of-way shall be provided at the time of land division or development.
(10) Partial Street Improvements. Partial street improvements resulting in a pavement width of less than 20 feet, while generally not acceptable, may be approved where essential to reasonable development when in conformity with the other requirements of these regulations, and when it will be practical to require the improvement of the other half when the adjoining property is developed.
(11) Cul-de-Sacs. A cul-de-sac street shall only be used when environmental or topographical constraints, existing development patterns, or compliance with other standards in this code preclude street extension and through circulation. When cul-de-sacs are provided, all of the following shall be met:
(a) A cul-de-sac shall be no more than 400 feet long nor provide access to greater than 20 dwelling units (residential lots eligible for two detached single-family dwellings or a duplex as allowed by the zoning district shall be considered one dwelling unit for the purpose of determining the number of dwelling units):
(i) All cul-de-sacs shall terminate with a turnaround in accordance with the engineering standards manual. Use of turnaround configurations other than circular shall be approved by the city engineer;
(ii) The length of the cul-de-sac shall be measured along the centerline of the roadway from the near side of the intersecting street to the farthest point of the cul-de-sac; and
(iii) An intersecting street must lead to another street or be a future street with the practical ability to be extended someday;
(b) If a cul-de-sac is more than 300 feet long, a lighted direct pathway to an adjacent street may be required to be provided and dedicated to the city.
(12) Street Names. No street name shall be used which will duplicate or be confused with the names of existing streets in Columbia County emergency communications district, except for extensions of existing streets. Street names and numbers shall conform to the established pattern in the surrounding area or as agreed with Columbia County.
(13) Grades and Curves. Grades shall not exceed 10 percent on arterials, 12 percent on collector streets, or 12 percent on any other street (except that local or residential access streets may have segments with grades up to 15 percent for distances of no greater than 250 feet), and:
(a) Centerline radii of curves shall not be less than 700 feet on arterials, 500 feet on collectors, or 100 feet on other streets; and
(b) Streets intersecting with a collector functional classification street, or streets intended to be posted with a stop sign or signalization, shall provide a landing averaging five percent or less. Landings are that portion of the street within 20 feet of the edge of the intersecting street at full improvement.
(14) Curbs, Curb Cuts, Ramps, and Driveway Approaches. Concrete curbs, curb cuts, wheelchair/bicycle ramps and driveway approaches shall be constructed in accordance with standards specified in the “City of St. Helens Engineering Department Public Facilities Construction Standards Manual,” and:
(a) Concrete curbs and driveway approaches are required; except where no sidewalk is planned, an asphalt approach may be constructed with city engineer approval;
(b) Asphalt and concrete driveway approaches to the property line shall be built to city configuration standards; and
(c) All driveways shall be at right angle to public or private street for at least 20 feet.
(15) Streets Adjacent to Railroad Right-of-Way. Wherever the proposed development contains or is adjacent to a railroad right-of-way, provision shall be made for a street approximately parallel to and on each side of such right-of-way at a distance suitable for the appropriate use of the land, and:
(a) The distance shall be determined with due consideration at cross streets or the minimum distance required for approach grades and to provide sufficient depth to allow screen planting along the railroad right-of-way in nonindustrial areas.
(16) Access to Arterials and Collectors.
(a) Where a development abuts or is traversed by an existing or proposed arterial or collector street, the development design shall provide adequate protection for residential properties and shall separate residential access and through traffic, or if separation is not feasible, the design shall minimize the traffic conflicts. The design shall include any of the following:
(i) A parallel access street along the arterial or collector;
(ii) Lots of suitable depth abutting the arterial or collector to provide adequate buffering with frontage along another street;
(iii) Screen planting at the rear or side property line to be contained in a nonaccess reservation along the arterial or collector; or
(iv) Other treatment suitable to meet the objectives of this subsection;
(b) See “City of St. Helens Engineering Department Public Facilities Construction Standards Manual.”
(17) Alleys, Public or Private. Alleys, 20 feet in width, shall be provided in commercial and industrial districts, unless other permanent provisions for access to off-street parking and loading facilities are made, and:
(a) While alley intersections and sharp changes in alignment shall be avoided, the corners of necessary alley intersections shall have a radius of not less than 12 feet.
(18) Survey Monuments. Upon completion of a street improvement and prior to acceptance by the city, it shall be the responsibility of the developer’s registered professional land surveyor to provide certification to the city that all boundary and interior monuments shall be reestablished and protected.
(19) Private Streets.
(a) Design standards for private streets shall be established by the city engineer;
(b) The city shall require legal assurances for the continued maintenance of private streets, such as:
(i) A bonded maintenance agreement; and
(ii) The creation of a homeowners association.
(20) Railroad Crossings. Where an adjacent development results in a need to install or improve a railroad crossing, the cost for such improvements may be a condition of development approval, or another equitable means of cost distribution shall be determined by the public works director and approved by the commission.
(21) Street Signs. The city shall install all street signs, relative to traffic control and street names, as specified by the city engineer for any development. The cost of signs shall be the responsibility of the developer.
(22) Mailboxes. Joint mailbox facilities shall be provided in all residential developments, with each joint mailbox serving at least two dwelling units or as required by the Postmaster.
(a) Joint mailbox structures shall be placed adjacent to roadway curbs;
(b) Proposed locations of joint mailboxes shall be designated on a copy of the preliminary plat or development plan, and shall be approved by the city engineer/U.S. Post Office prior to final plan approval;
(c) Plans for the joint mailbox structures to be used shall be submitted for approval by the city engineer/U.S. Post Office prior to final approval; and
(d) There shall be at least one accessible route from the principal use(s) to the respective joint mailbox which:
(i) As located on private property, shall comply with SHMC 17.84.050 and the applicable building code as administered by the building official; and
(ii) As located within a public right-of-way or public street, shall comply with SHMC 18.12.110 or as required by the city engineer.
(23) Traffic Signals. The location of traffic signals shall be noted on approved street plans, and:
(a) Where a proposed street intersection will result in an immediate need for a traffic signal, a signal meeting approved specifications shall be installed. The cost shall be included as a condition of development.
(24) Street Light Standards. Street lights shall be installed in accordance with regulations adopted by the city’s direction. At the very least, there shall be a street light at each street intersection. In addition, lighting within the Columbia Boulevard/St. Helens Street corridor master plan area shall be installed in accordance with the US 30 and Columbia Boulevard/St. Helens Street corridor master plan (Ordinance No. 3181, Attachment A) and shall be:
(a) Pedestrian-scale lighting between 12 to 18 feet in height;
(b) Uniform in design;
(c) Placed in the planter/landscape strip or curb extension (e.g., at street corners) when possible; and
(d) Spaced no more than 100 feet apart along the block face.
(25) Street Name Signs. Street name signs shall be installed at all street intersections. Stop signs and other signs may be required.
(26) Street Cross-Sections. The cross-section of streets in inches shall not be less than the minimum shown in the “City of St. Helens Engineering Department Public Facilities Construction Standards Manual”:
|
Type of Street |
Subbase |
Leveling Course |
Surface |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Minor Arterial |
12" |
4" |
4" |
|
Commercial and Collectors |
12" |
3" |
4" |
|
Local |
8" |
2" |
3" |
|
Residential Access |
8" |
2" |
3" |
(27) Local “Skinny” Streets. Such streets, as set forth in Figure 19, Road Standards, of this chapter, may be allowed, provided:
(a) The street will provide access to land uses whose combined average daily trip rate (ADT) is 200 ADT or less (residential lots eligible for two detached single-family dwellings or a duplex as allowed by the zoning district shall be considered one detached single-family dwelling for the purposes of determining ADT); and
(b) Roadway width less than 28 feet is prohibited. This includes 20 feet for travel lanes and eight feet on one side for on-street parking. (Ord. 3264 § 2 (Att. A), 2021; Ord. 3241 § 3 (Att. B), 2019; Ord. 3181 § 4 (Att. C), 2015; Ord. 3164 § 3 (Att. B), 2012; Ord. 3150 § 3 (Att. B), 2011; Ord. 2875 § 1.184.030, 2003)
17.152.040 Blocks.
(1) Block Design. The length, width and shape of blocks shall be designed with due regard to providing adequate building sites for the use contemplated, consideration of needs for convenient access, circulation, control and safety of street traffic and recognition of limitations and opportunities of topography.
(2) Sizes.
(a) The perimeter of blocks formed by streets shall not exceed 1,800 feet measured along the right-of-way line except:
(i) Where street location is precluded by natural topography, wetlands or other bodies of water, or preexisting development;
(ii) For blocks adjacent to arterial streets, limited access highways, collectors or railroads; or
(iii) For nonresidential blocks in which internal public circulation provides equivalent access;
(b) When block lengths greater than 600 feet are permitted, pedestrian/bikeways shall be provided through the block. (Ord. 2875 § 1.184.040, 2003)
17.152.050 Easements.
(1) Easements. Easements for sewers, drainage, water mains, electric lines or other public utilities shall be either dedicated or provided for in the deed restrictions, and:
(a) Where a development is traversed by a watercourse, or drainageway, there shall be provided a storm water easement or drainage right-of-way conforming substantially with the lines of the watercourse.
(2) Utility Easements. A property owner proposing a development shall make arrangements with the city, the applicable district and each utility franchise for the provision and dedication of utility easements necessary to provide full services to the development. (Ord. 2875 § 1.184.050, 2003)
17.152.060 Sidewalks and other frontage improvements.
(1) Sidewalks and frontage improvements shall be constructed, replaced or repaired to city design standards as set forth in the standard specifications manual and located as follows:
(a) On both sides of arterial and collector streets to be built at the time of street construction;
(b) On both sides of all other streets and in pedestrian easements and rights-of-way, except as provided further in this section or per SHMC 17.152.030(1)(d), to be constructed along all portions of the property designated for pedestrian ways in conjunction with development of the property.
(2) A planter/landscape strip separation of at least five feet between the curb and the sidewalk shall be required in the design of any arterial or collector street, except where the following conditions exist: there is inadequate right-of-way; the curbside sidewalks already exist on predominant portions of the street; it would conflict with the utilities; or as indicated otherwise by the transportation systems plan (TSP) (see TSP Figures 7-2 and 7-3) or an adopted street plan.
(3) Maintenance. Maintenance of sidewalks, curbs, and planter/landscape strips is the continuing obligation of the adjacent property owner.
(4) Application for Permit and Inspection. If the construction of a sidewalk and frontage improvements is not included in a performance bond of an approved subdivision or the performance bond has lapsed, then every person, firm or corporation desiring to construct sidewalks and frontage improvements as provided by this chapter shall, before entering upon the work or improvement, apply for a street opening permit to the engineering department to so build or construct:
(a) An occupancy permit shall not be issued for a development until the provisions of this section are satisfied or a fee in lieu has been paid to the city pursuant to subsection (6) of this section;
(b) The city engineer may issue a permit and certificate allowing temporary noncompliance with the provisions of this section to the owner, builder or contractor when, in his or her opinion, the construction of the sidewalk or frontage improvements is impractical for one or more of the following reasons:
(i) Sidewalk grades have not and cannot be established for the property in question within a reasonable length of time;
(ii) Forthcoming installation of public utilities or street paving would be likely to cause severe damage to the new sidewalk and frontage improvements;
(iii) Street right-of-way is insufficient to accommodate a sidewalk on one or both sides of the street; or
(iv) Topography or elevation of the sidewalk base area makes construction of a sidewalk impractical or economically infeasible;
(c) The city engineer shall inspect the construction of sidewalks and frontage improvements for compliance with the provision set forth in the standard specifications manual.
(5) Council Initiation of Construction. In the event one or more of the following situations are found by the council to exist, the council may adopt a resolution to initiate construction of a sidewalk and other frontage improvements in accordance with city ordinances:
(a) A safety hazard exists for children walking to or from school and sidewalks are necessary to eliminate the hazard;
(b) A safety hazard exists for pedestrians walking to or from a public building, commercial area, place of assembly or other general pedestrian traffic, and sidewalks are necessary to eliminate the hazard;
(c) Fifty percent or more of the area in a given block has been improved by the construction of dwellings, multiple dwellings, commercial buildings or public buildings and/or parks; and
(d) A criterion which allowed noncompliance under subsection (4)(b) of this section no longer exists and a sidewalk could be constructed in conformance with city standards.
(6) Fee in Lieu Option. An applicant may request or the city may require the applicant to pay a fee in lieu of constructing sidewalks and frontage improvements to be approved by the city engineer.
(a) A fee in lieu may be approved given conditions including but not limited to the following:
(i) There is no existing or planned sidewalk network in the area.
(ii) There is a planned sidewalk or multi-use pathway in the vicinity of the site, or an existing multi-use pathway stubbing into the site, that would provide better pedestrian connectivity.
(iii) When physical improvements are present along an existing or proposed street that would prevent a reasonable installation within the right-of-way.
(iv) When sidewalks and other frontage improvements would be located on land with cross slopes greater than nine percent, or other conditions that would create a potential hazard.
(v) Other situations unique to the site.
(b) The fee shall be not less than 125 percent of the cost to perform the work, as determined by the city engineer, based on the applicable city standards in effect at the time of application. Or the city engineer may require the applicant’s engineer to provide a cost estimate, subject to review and approval by the city, to determine the cost to perform the work. The fee shall be paid prior to plat recording or issuance of a building or development permit.
(c) All fees paid shall be used for construction of a sidewalk and/or other related frontage improvements or multi-use pathway, or repair and maintenance of an existing sidewalk and/or related frontage improvements or pathway within the city of St. Helens. (Ord. 3241 § 3 (Att. B), 2019; Ord. 3150 § 3 (Att. B), 2011; Ord. 2875 § 1.184.060, 2003)
17.152.070 Public use areas.
(1) Indicated in Development Plan – Dedication Requirements. Where a proposed park, playground, transit stop or other public use shown in a development plan adopted by the city is located in whole or in part in a subdivision, the commission may require the dedication or reservation of such area within the subdivision.
(2) Not Indicated in Development Plan – Dedication Requirements. Where considered desirable by the commission in accordance with adopted comprehensive plan policies, and where a development plan of the city does not indicate proposed public use areas, the commission may require the offer of a dedication or reservation of areas within the subdivision or sites of a character, extent and location suitable for the development of parks and other public use.
(3) Acquisition by Public Agency. If the subdivider is required to reserve land area for a park, playground, or other public use, such land shall be acquired by the appropriate public agency within 18 months following plat approval, at a price agreed upon prior to approval of the plat, or such reservation shall be released to the subdivider.
(4) Transit Improvements. Development proposals for sites that include existing or planned transit facilities, as shown in the adopted St. Helens transportation systems plan or adopted county transit plan, shall be required to provide any of the following, as applicable, if the approval authority determines such is necessary for public health, safety, and welfare:
(a) A reasonably direct pedestrian connection between the transit facility and building entrances of the site. For the purpose of this section “reasonably direct” means a route that does not deviate unnecessarily from a straight line or a route that does not involve a significant amount of out-of-direction travel for likely users.
(b) A transit passenger landing pad accessible to disabled persons.
(c) An easement or dedication for a passenger shelter or bench if such facility is identified in the St. Helens transportation systems plan or adopted county transit plan.
(d) Lighting at the transit facility. (Ord. 3144 § 2 (Att. A), 2011; Ord. 2875 § 1.184.070, 2003)
17.152.080 Water services.
(1) Water Supply (Required). Municipal water system shall be installed to serve each new development and to connect development to existing mains in accordance with the provisions set forth in the standard specification manual and the adopted policies of the St. Helens comprehensive plan.
(2) Water Supply Plan Approval. The city engineer shall approve all water supply plans and proposed systems prior to issuance of development permits involving water service. Such plans and systems shall be designed by a registered professional engineer.
(3) Oversizing. Proposed water systems shall include consideration of additional development within the area as projected by the St. Helens comprehensive plan.
(4) Permits Denied. Development permits may be restricted by the commission or council (i.e., the applicable approval authority) where a deficiency exists in the existing water system or portion thereof which cannot be rectified within the development and which if not rectified will result in a threat to public health or safety, surcharging of existing mains, or violations of state or federal standards pertaining to operation of the water system.
(5) In some cases, a municipal water system may not be required, such as for nonconsumption purposes like landscape irrigation or industrial processing. The city engineer and building official shall decide when this exception is to be allowed.
(6) Extension of water mains shall be public (i.e., under control of a public authority) except where a variance is approved per Chapter 17.108 SHMC. (Ord. 3150 § 3 (Att. B), 2011; Ord. 2875 § 1.184.080, 2003)
17.152.090 Sanitary sewers.
(1) Sewers (Required).
(a) Public sanitary sewers shall be installed to serve all properties being developed and having to comply with plumbing codes adopted by the city of St. Helens except where a variance is approved per Chapter 17.108 SHMC.
(b) Any proposed installation of sanitary sewers shall comply with this section.
(2) Sewer Plan Approval. The city engineer shall approve all sanitary sewer plans and proposed systems prior to issuance of development permits involving sewer service. Such plans and systems shall be designed by a registered professional engineer.
(3) Oversizing. Proposed sewer systems shall include consideration of additional development within the area as projected by the St. Helens comprehensive plan.
(4) Permits Denied. Development permits may be restricted by the commission or council (i.e., the applicable approval authority) where a deficiency exists in the existing sewer system or portion thereof which cannot be rectified within the development and which if not rectified will result in a threat to public health or safety, surcharging of existing mains, or violations of state or federal standards pertaining to operation of the sewage treatment system.
(5) For the purpose of this section “public sanitary sewer” means a sewer in which all owners of abutting properties have equal rights, and is controlled by the city. (Ord. 3150 § 3 (Att. B), 2011; Ord. 2875 § 1.184.090, 2003)
17.152.100 Storm drainage.
(1) Storm Drainage – General Provisions. The director and city engineer shall issue a development permit only where adequate provisions for storm water and floodwater runoff have been made, which may require storm water facilities, and:
(a) The storm water drainage system or storm water facilities shall be separate and independent of any sanitary sewerage system;
(b) Where possible, inlets shall be provided so surface water is not carried across any intersection or allowed to flood any street; and
(c) Surface water drainage patterns shall be shown on every development proposal plan.
(2) Easements. Where a subdivision is traversed by a watercourse, drainageway, channel or stream, there shall be provided a storm water easement or drainage right-of-way conforming substantially with the lines of such watercourse and such further width as will be adequate for conveyance and maintenance.
(3) Accommodation of Upstream Drainage (Must Comply with State and Federal Requirements). A culvert or other drainage or storm water facility shall be large enough to accommodate potential runoff from its entire upstream drainage area, whether inside or outside the development, and:
(a) The city engineer shall approve the necessary size of the storm water facility, based on the provisions of the city’s adopted master drainage plan.
(4) Effect on Downstream Drainage. Where it is anticipated by the city engineer that the additional runoff resulting from the development will overload an existing drainage or storm water facility, the director and engineer shall withhold approval of the development until provisions have been made for improvement of the potential condition or until provisions have been made for storage of additional runoff caused by the development in accordance with the city’s current master drainage plan.
(5) Any storm water facility shall be designed by a registered professional engineer.
(6) Any storm water facility shall be public (i.e., under control of a public authority) and located on city owned property, city right-of-way or city easement except where a variance is approved per Chapter 17.108 SHMC or where such facility is determined to be private by the city engineer (e.g., private detention ponds for commercial or industrial development).
(7) For the purpose of this section, “storm water facility” means any structure(s) or configuration of the ground that is used or by its location becomes a place where storm water flows or is accumulated including, but not limited to, pipes, sewers, street gutters, manholes, catch basins, ponds, open drainageways and their appurtenances. Milton Creek, McNulty Creek, and the Columbia River are not storm drain facilities. (Ord. 3150 § 3 (Att. B), 2011; Ord. 2875 § 1.184.100, 2003)
17.152.110 Bikeways and off-street trails.
(1) Developments adjoining or containing proposed bikeways and off-street trails identified within adopted city plans, including but not limited to the Transportation Systems Plan (2011) and the Parks and Trails Master Plan (2015), shall include provisions for the future extension of such bikeways and off-street trails through the dedication of easements or rights-of-way (subject to constitutional limitations).
(2) Development permits issued for planned unit developments, conditional use permits, subdivisions, and other developments which will principally benefit from such bikeways and/or off-street trails shall be conditioned to include the cost of construction of bikeway and/or off-street trail improvements (subject to constitutional limitations).
(3) Minimum width for bikeways within the roadway is six feet per bicycle travel lane. Minimum width for two-way bikeways separated from the road is eight feet.
(4) Minimum off-street trail width is determined by the trail function and classification from Chapter 6 of the Parks and Trails Master Plan attached to Ordinance No. 3191 as Attachment A. (Ord. 3203 § 2 (Att. A), 2016; Ord. 3150 § 3 (Att. B), 2011; Ord. 2875 § 1.184.110, 2003)
17.152.120 Utilities.
(1) Underground Utilities. All utility lines including, but not limited to, those required for electric, communication, lighting and cable television services and related facilities shall be placed underground, except for surface-mounted transformers, surface-mounted connection boxes and meter cabinets which may be placed above ground, temporary utility service facilities during construction, high capacity electric lines operating at 50,000 volts or above, and:
(a) The subdivider shall make all necessary arrangements with the serving utility to provide the underground services;
(b) The city reserves the right to approve location of all surface-mounted facilities;
(c) All underground utilities, including sanitary sewers and storm drains installed in streets by the subdivider, shall be constructed prior to the surfacing of the streets; and
(d) Stubs for service connections shall be long enough to avoid disturbing the street improvements when service connections are made.
(2) Information on Development Plans. The applicant for a subdivision shall show on the development plan, or in the explanatory information, easements for all underground utility facilities, and:
(a) Plans showing the location of all underground facilities as described herein shall be submitted to the city engineer for review and approval; and
(b) Care shall be taken in all cases to ensure that above ground equipment does not obstruct vision clearance areas for vehicular traffic.
(3) Exception to Undergrounding Requirement.
(a) The applicant shall pay a fee in lieu of undergrounding costs when the development is proposed to take place on a street where existing utilities which are not underground will serve the development and the approval authority determines that the cost and technical difficulty of undergrounding the utilities outweigh the benefit of undergrounding in conjunction with the development. The determination shall be on a case-by-case basis. The most common, but not the only, such situation is a short frontage development for which undergrounding would result in the placement of additional poles, rather than the removal of above ground utilities facilities;
(b) An applicant for a development which is served by utilities which are not underground and which are located across a public right-of-way from the applicant’s property shall pay the fee in lieu of undergrounding; and
(c) The exceptions in subsections (3)(a) and (b) of this section shall apply only to existing utility lines. All new utility lines shall be placed underground.
(4) Fee in Lieu of Undergrounding.
(a) The city engineer shall establish utility service areas in the city. All development which occurs within a utility service area shall pay a fee in lieu of undergrounding for utilities if the development does not provide underground utilities, unless exempted by this code;
(b) The city engineer shall establish the fee by utility service area which shall be determined based upon the estimated cost to underground utilities within each service area. The total estimated cost for undergrounding in a service area shall be allocated on a front-foot basis to each party within the service area. The fee due from any applicant shall be calculated based on a front-foot basis;
(c) An applicant shall receive a credit against the fee for costs incurred in the undergrounding of existing overhead utilities. The city engineer shall determine the amount of the credit, after review of cost information submitted by the applicant with the request for credit; and
(d) The funds collected in each service area shall be used for undergrounding utilities within the city at large. The city engineer shall prepare and maintain a list of proposed undergrounding projects which may be funded with the fees collected by the city. The list shall indicate the estimated timing and cost of each project. The list shall be submitted to the city council for their review and approval annually. (Ord. 2875 § 1.184.120, 2003)
17.152.130 Cash or bond required.
(1) All public improvements installed by the land divider shall be guaranteed as to workmanship and material for a period of one year following acceptance by the city council.
(2) Such guarantee shall be secured by cash deposit or bond in the amount of the value of the improvements as set by the city engineer.
(3) The cash or bond shall comply with the terms and conditions of SHMC 17.136.180. (Ord. 2875 § 1.184.130, 2003)
17.152.140 Monuments.
Any monuments that are disturbed before all improvements are completed by the land divider shall be replaced prior to final acceptance of the improvements. (Ord. 2875 § 1.184.140, 2003)
17.152.150 Installation – Prerequisite/permit fee.
(1) No land division public facility improvements, including sanitary sewers, storm sewers, streets, sidewalks, curbs, lighting or other requirements, shall be undertaken except after the plans have been approved by the city, permit fee paid (if any), and permit issued (if required).
(2) A permit fee may be required to defray the costs and expenses incurred by the city for construction and other services in connection with the public facility improvement. The permit fee shall be determined by the city engineer based upon estimates. (Ord. 2875 § 1.184.150, 2003)
17.152.160 Installation – Conformation required.
(1) In addition to other requirements, public facility improvements installed by the land divider, either as a requirement of these regulations or at his own option, shall conform to the requirements of this chapter and to improvement standards and specifications followed by the city.
(2) The Standard Specifications for Public Works Construction, Oregon Chapter APWA, shall be a part of the city’s adopted installation standard(s); other standards may also be required upon recommendation of the city engineer. (Ord. 2875 § 1.184.160, 2003)
17.152.170 Plan checking required.
(1) Work shall not begin until four (for city engineer, applicant, public works, and file) sets of construction and construction estimate plans have been submitted and checked for adequacy and approved by the city in writing.
(2) All such plans shall be prepared in accordance with requirements of the city. (Ord. 2875 § 1.184.170, 2003)
17.152.180 Notice to city required.
(1) Work shall not begin until the city has been notified in advance.
(2) If work is discontinued for any reason, it shall not be resumed until the city is notified. (Ord. 2875 § 1.184.180, 2003)
17.152.190 City inspection required.
Public facility improvements shall be constructed to the satisfaction of the city. The city may require changes in typical sections and details if unusual conditions arising during construction warrant such changes in the public interest. (Ord. 2875 § 1.184.190, 2003)
17.152.200 Engineer’s certification required.
The land divider’s engineer shall provide written certification on a form provided by the city that all public facility improvements, workmanship and materials are in accord with current and standard engineering and construction practices, and are of high grade, prior to city acceptance of the subdivision’s public improvements or any portion thereof for operation and maintenance. In most cases, “as-built” drawings are required prior to acceptance by the city of any public facilities. (Ord. 2875 § 1.184.200, 2003)
17.152.210 Temporary parklets.
Temporary parklets may be permitted in the right-of-way in on-street parking spaces pursuant to procedures in SHMC 18.12.190 and 8.12.080. (Ord. 3181 § 4 (Att. C), 2015)