HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 06/15/2021 - FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 084, 2021, AMENDING Agenda Item 9
Item # 9 Page 1
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY June 15, 2021
City Council
STAFF
Brad Buckman, Manager, Civil Engineering
Marc Virata, Civil Engineer
Claire Havelda, Legal
SUBJECT
First Reading of Ordinance No. 084, 2021, Amending Chapter 24 of the Code of the City of Fort Collins to
Adopt the Updated 2021 Larimer County Urban Area Street Standards by Reference.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The purpose of this item is to adopt an updated 2021 version of the Larimer County Urban Area Street
Standards (2021 LCUASS). These updates occur on a periodic basis. LCUASS guides the design of both
private developments and public engineering capital projects within the City and in the growth management
areas of the Cities of Fort Collins and Loveland. The LCUASS are also referenced and used as part of other
local jurisdictions road standards. LCUASS was originally adopted on January 2, 2001, by Ordinance No. 186,
2000.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends adoption of the Ordinance on First Reading.
BACKGROUND / DISCUSSION
Background
LCUASS is a comprehensive, urban-level, set of engineering design and construction standards used within
the city limits and growth management areas of the Cities of Fort Collins and Loveland. The standards
represent a collaborative effort between Larimer County, Fort Collins, and Loveland and allow the application
of a consistent set of engineering design standards in the region. They are implemented through
intergovernmental agreements between the County and Fort Collins and Loveland.
LCUASS is intended to be a living document that requires periodic amendments and revisions to keep it
current with jurisdictional policy changes, latest technology, and industry standards. The 2021 LCUASS
revisions proposed for adoption pursuant to this Ordinance will replace the existing Standards in their entirety
effective August 1, 2021.
Revision Need and Process
It has been over 5 years since the last technical revisions to the Standards in 2016 and 14 years since the last
major revision in 2007 that also included policy revisions. With the changes in industry standards, design tools,
software, and jurisdictional policies since the last major update, the partnering jurisdictions collaborated for a
more comprehensive update to reflect these changes and to resolve additional housekeeping and clean up
items.
The current revision process began in 2019 and has included a representative from each jurisdiction who have
met in monthly coordination meetings to review in detail all 24 chapters and associated appendices. All three
entities have been gathering public input and have been working with their organizations and technical
Agenda Item 9
Item # 9 Page 2
advisory groups (subject matter experts) on the changes to ensure accuracy and general support.
Summary of Revisions
Most of the document applies consistently to all three entities. There are, however, some sections and
appendices that only apply to one or more of the entities due to differing policies, requirements, interests
and/or viewpoints.
A summary of the modifications is attached. (Attachment 1). The redlined versions of the changes to each
chapter, appendices, figures, and drawings can also be found on the LCUASS website at
http://www.larimer.org/lcuass-adoption and with the Fort Collins City Clerk’s office. The final versions (no
redlines) can be found at https://www.larimer.org/engineering/standards-and-guides/urban-area-street-
standards and at the City Clerk’s office.
BOARD / COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
The proposed LCUASS revisions were and are scheduled to be presented to the following Boards and
Commissions as part of the formal approval process:
• 04/05/21 - City of Loveland Transportation Advisory Board
• 04/14/21 - Larimer County Planning Commission & Board of County Commissioners
• 04/21/21 - City of Fort Collins Transportation Board
• 04/26/21 - City of Loveland Planning Commission
• 04/26/21 - City of Fort Collins Bicycle Advisory Committee
• 04/28/21 - City of Loveland Construction Advisory Board
• 05/14/21 - City of Fort Collins Planning & Zoning Work Session
• 05/18/21 - City of Loveland City Council (Resolution)
• 05/19/21 - Larimer County Planning Commission
• 06/15/21 - City of Fort Collins City Council (Ordinance 1st Reading)
• 06/28/21 - Larimer County Board of County Commissioners
• 07/06/21 - City of Fort Collins City Council (Ordinance 2nd Reading)
The Transportation Board and Bicycle Advisory Committee and Planning & Zoning Commission have reviewed
the 2021 LCUASS, but provided no recommendations.
The effective date of the revisions is August 1, 2021, to allow time for completion of the scheduled hearings.
PUBLIC OUTREACH
Extensive efforts were made to provide key stakeholders and the public information on the proposed changes
to gather input and comments.
The public outreach effort on the proposed changes included:
• Information on the proposed changes was kept up to date on the County Engineering website under the
LCUASS web page. The “Spot Lights” and “Hot Topics” Sections were used to highlight the effort.
• There is a subscription to the LCUASS where interested parties can receive emails on any updates or
notices regarding the Standards. There are currently 174 registered users that include public and private
planners and engineers, consultants, developers, and contractors.
• Regular notifications regarding the revisions were emailed to the registered users of the LCUASS with
links to the changes and requests for review and comments through email messages or by phone.
• Information was sent out in the Development Center Newsletter.
• Two Open Houses (In a virtual format due to COVID19 protocols) were conducted.
• Social Media postings were provided.
Agenda Item 9
Item # 9 Page 3
ATTACHMENTS
1. Summary of Revisions (PDF)
2021 LCUASS Revisions Summary:
Chapter 1 - General Provisions
Technical corrections and text revisions. Allow technical corrections to be made administratively as long as
they are not policy related or adding cost. Text revised in Section 1.9.2 to clarify off - site, adjacent, and on-
site improvements for the Street Construction Policy. Section 1.9.3.B was re -written to clarify street
oversizing and third-party reimbursements for the City of Loveland. Section 1.9.4 was updated for changes
that was approved by City of Fort Collins regarding variances to LOS standards th at the City of Loveland -
staff will recommend their City Council also adopt.
Chapter 2 - Submittal and Review Procedures
Technical corrections and text revisions. Text revised in Section 2.2.2 to change the title from Public
Improvement Construction Plans to Civil Construction Plans.
Chapter 3 - Information Requirements for Construction Plans
Technical corrections and text revisions. Text revised in Section 3.2.6 to allow electronic PE stamps per
Colorado Board of Registration Requirements.
Chapter 4 - Transportation Impact Studies
Removed link volume levels of service (LOS) requirements to be consistent with CDOT, other jurisdictions,
and standard practices for traffic impact studies (Loveland only). Section 4.6 revised to allow mitigation that
is reasonably related and proportional to impact to address the specific LOS issue. Added Section 4.6.8
Alternative Mitigation Strategies for intersections that do not meet overall level of service standards, and
reasonably related and proportional mitigation to address the level of service is not possible or not desired
by the Local Entity, an Alternative Mitigation Strategy may be requested and considered. Section 4.6 and
4.6.8 were already adopted by the City of Fort Collins that the City of Loveland will als o recommend their
City Council adopt.
Chapter 5 - Soil Investigations and Report
Technical corrections and text revisions. Fill requirements text modified in Section 5.2.1.C to be consistent
with industry standard practices.
Chapter 6 – Permits
Technical corrections and text revisions. Text in Section 6.17.A.11 modified to change notification from 24
hours to 48 hours for erosion control inspection. Additionally, text change to specify that the Public
Improvements Opinion of Cost are to be signed and stamped by a professional engineer (PE).
Chapter 7 - Street Design and Technical Criteria
Sight distance requirements changed to be consistent with the CDOT State Highway Access Code criteria.
Raised bike lane and protected bike lane options on arterial roadways added to the street cross -section
figures for Fort Collins. 5’ (min.) sidewalk and 8’ (min.) parkway width added to the Fort Collins cross section
figures for local and collector streets.
Chapter 8 - Intersections
Technical corrections and text revisions. Text in Section 8.2.17 revised to clarify that roundabouts shall be
designed in accordance with LCUASS Appendix I.
ATTACHMENT 1
Chapter 9 - Access Requirements and Design Criteria
Technical corrections and text revisions. Section 9.4.10, change in use updated to be consistent with CDOT
criteria (20% or 100 total daily trips).
Chapter 10 - Pavement Design and Report
Technical corrections and text revisions to be consistent with current practices.
Chapter 11 - Structures
Technical corrections and text revisions to be consistent with current practices.
Chapter 12 - Utility Installations
Technical corrections and text revisions to be consistent with current practices. Section 12.2.3 access
covers shall be ¼ inch below the finished roadway surface.
Chapter 13 - Street Naming and Addressing
Technical corrections and text revisions to be consistent with current practices. Website addresses
updated. Road Naming Criteria title changed in Table 13-1.
Chapter 14 - Traffic Control Devices
Technical corrections and text revisions to be consistent with current practices.
Chapter 15 - Street Lighting
Technical corrections and text revisions to be consistent with current practices. Section 15.1.2 Replaced
“$300 design electrical deposit” text with “required electrical design deposit.”
Chapter 16 - Pedestrian Facilities
Technical corrections and text revisions to be consistent with current practices. Loveland is removing
Industrial areas exception for sidewalk facilities unless otherwise approved by the Loc al Entity Engineer
Section 16.2.1.D.
Chapter 17 - Bicycle Facilities
Technical corrections and text revisions to be consistent with current practices. Bicycle detection text added
to Section 17.2.4.
Chapter 18 - Neighborhood Traffic Safety
Technical corrections and text revisions to be consistent with current practices.
Chapter 19 - Parking
Technical corrections and text revisions. Figure 19-6 revised where Local Entity Engineer can vary parking
setback distance requirements on a case-by-case basis.
Chapter 20 - Public Improvements Cost Estimate
Section 20.2 Remove Option of Cost and reference form.
Chapter 21 – Reserved
Chapter 22 -Materials & Construction Specifications
Technical corrections and text revisions to be consistent with current practices.
Chapter 23 - Inspection and Testing Procedures
Technical corrections and text revisions.
Chapter 24 - Acceptance/Warranty Procedures and Record Drawings
Technical corrections and text revisions. Section 24.3.4 Failure to Comp lete Repair section modified to
require a 15% fee for the value of the work or a $500 administrative fee whichever is greater.
Chapter 25 - Reconstruction and Repair
Technical corrections and text revisions to be consistent with current practices. Sectio n 25.2.4 Flow fill will
be required on soft surface potholing per the discretion of the Local Entity Engineer.
Appendix A - Standard Drawings
The updates to Appendix A include technical revisions and corrections to meet the current industry
standards and practices and to be consistent with the changes being made to the various chapters listed
within this document.
Appendix B - Forms: Reimbursement, Permits, Licensing
The updates to Appendix B include updated forms to be consistent with current practices.
Appendix C - Fort Collins Streetscape Design Standards
The updates to Appendix C include technical revisions and corrections to meet the current industry
standards and practices.
Appendix E - Standard Notes, Approval Blocks, Checklists
The updates to Appendix E include updates to notes, signature blocks, and checklists be consistent with
current practices.
Appendix I - Roundabout Design Manual
Technical revisions and corrections to meet the current practices.
Appendix M - ADA Curb Ramps (Loveland Only)
New ADA curb ramp details for Loveland to be compliant with the latest “Public Right-of-Way Accessibility
Guidelines” (PROWAG).
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ORDINANCE NO. 084, 2021
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
AMENDING CHAPTER 24 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS TO
ADOPT THE UPDATED 2021 LARIMER COUNTY
URBAN AREA STREET STANDARDS BY REFERENCE
WHEREAS, the Larimer County Urban Area Street Standards (the “LCUASS”) is a
comprehensive, urban level, set of engineering design and construction standards resulting from
a cooperative effort of Fort Collins, Loveland, and Larimer County for development and
construction of streets and related improvements within Fort Collins city limits and the growth
management areas of the Cities of Fort Collins and Loveland; and
WHEREAS, on January 2, 2001, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 186, 2000
initially adopting the LCUASS; and
WHEREAS, on January 5, 2016, the current version of the LCUASS was adopted by
City Council through Ordinance No. 166, 2016, with more limited updates on July 17, 2018
(Ordinance No. 092, 2018) and September 4, 2018 (Ordinance No. 110, 2018); and
WHEREAS, the LCUASS and policy level amendments thereto applicable in both
jurisdictions were concurrently adopted by the City of Loveland and Larimer County; and
WHEREAS, City staff, in collaboration with staff from the City of Loveland and Larimer
County, has prepared proposed amendments to the LCUASS resulting in a new set of standards
dated August 1, 2021, on file with the City Clerk (the “2021 LCUASS”), which will replace the
previous versions of LCUASS in their entirety; and
WHEREAS, certain additional changes to City Code are required so that the 2021
LCUASS and City Code correspond; and
WHEREAS, final approval of the 2021 LCUASS requires formal adoption by the City of
Loveland and Larimer County in addition to the City; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to City Charter, Article II, Section 7, City Council may enact any
ordinance which adopts any code by reference in whole or in part provided that before adoption
of such ordinance the Council shall hold a public hearing thereon and notice of the hearing shall
be published twice in the newspaper of general circulation, published in the city, one (1) of such
publications to be at least eight (8) days preceding the hearing and the other at least fifteen ( 15)
days preceding the hearing; and
WHEREAS, in compliance with City Charter, Article II, Section 7, the City Clerk
published in the Fort Collins Coloradoan such notice of hearing on June 20, 2021, and June 27,
2021, prior to the hearing held on the second reading of this Ordinance on July 6, 2021; and
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WHEREAS, the attached Exhibit "A" is a copy of the text of the Notice of Public
Hearing that was so published and which the Council hereby finds meets the requirements of
City Charter, Article II, Section 7; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to City Code Section 1-14, at least one copy of the 2021 LCUASS
shall be kept on file in the office of the City Clerk available for public inspection, and one copy
shall be kept in the office of the chief enforcement officer thereof; and
WHEREAS, the Transportation Board and Bicycle Advisory Committee have both been
briefed and input was invited on the 2021 LCUASS at their meetings on April 21, 2001 and
April 26, 2021, respectively, although no formal action was taken since updating the LCUASS
does not require a recommendation; and
WHEREAS, the Planning & Zoning Commission was briefed, and input was invited on
the 2021 LCUASS at its Work Session on May 14, 2021, although no formal action was taken
since updating the LCUASS does not require modification of the City’s Land Use Code (LUC);
and
WHEREAS, public outreach on the LCUASS modifications throughout the process,
included regularly updating information on a dedicated LCUASS website
(https://www.larimer.org/engineering/standards-and-guides/urban-area-street-standards), a
subscription update service via email to 174 registered users, two open houses (virtual format),
social media and newsletter outreach; and
WHERAS, the Council has determined that the 2021 LCUASS comport with the
principles and policies contained in City Plan, the Transportation Master Plan, and the Bicycle
Master Plan and are in the best interests of the City and should be adopted.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
FORT COLLINS as follows:
Section 1. That the City Council hereby makes any and all determinations and
findings contained in the recitals set forth above.
Section 2. That the 2021 LCUASS on file with the City Clerk is hereby approved and
adopted by reference, to be effective August 1, 2021.
Section 3. That all current and previous versions of the LCUASS, except for the
2021 LCUASS adopted herein by reference, are repealed in their entirety.
Section 4. That Chapter 24 of the Code of the City of Fort Collins is hereby amended
by the addition of a new Section 24-4, to read as follows:
Sec. 24-4. Adoption of Standards.
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(a) Pursuant to the power and authority conferred by C.R.S. Section 31-16-202
and Article II, Section 7 of the Charter, there is hereby adopted by reference the
2021 Larimer County Urban Area Street Standards on file with the City Clerk as
the comprehensive, urban level, set of engineering design and construction
standards resulting from a cooperative effort of Fort Collins, Loveland, and
Larimer County for development and construction of streets and related
improvements within the Fort Collins’ city limits and growth management areas
of the Cites of Fort Collins and Loveland.
(b) One copy of the 2021 Larimer County Urban Area Street Standards
(LCUASS) shall be kept on file in the office of the City Clerk and available for
public inspection during regular business hours.
(c) LCUASS may be amended as set forth therein, with technical revisions or
policy revisions or both. Upon adoption of any revisions, the City Engineer shall
provide to the City Clerk documentation of such revisions specifying the date
upon which they become effective.
Section 5. That effective August 1, 2021, all references in the City Code and the
Land Use Code to the Larimer County Urban Area Street Standards or LCUASS shall be deemed
to refer to the 2021 LCUASS.
Introduced, considered favorably on first reading, and ordered published this 15th day of
June, A.D. 2021, and to be presented for final passage on the 6th day of July, A.D. 2021.
__________________________________
Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
City Clerk
Passed and adopted on final reading on the 6th day of July, A.D. 2021.
__________________________________
Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
City Clerk
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE is hereby given of a public hearing to be held before the City Council of the City
of Fort Collins, Colorado, on the 6th day of July, A.D., 2021 at 6:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as
the matter may come on for hearing, in the Council Chambers at the City Hall, 300 LaPorte
Avenue, Fort Collins, Colorado for the purpose of considering an ordinance adopting by reference
the 2021 Larimer County Urban Area Street Standards (LCUASS), prepared by City of Fort
Collins, City of Loveland, and Larimer County staff.
Not less than one (1) copy of said Manual has been, and now is on file in the Office of the
City Clerk of the City of Fort Collins and is available for public inspection.
The purpose of the 2021 Larimer County Urban Area Street Standards adopted by said
ordinance is to serve as the governing comprehensive, urban level, set of engineering design and
construction standards for development and construction of streets and related improvements
within Fort Collins’ city limits and the growth management areas of the Cities of Fort Collins and
Loveland.
The City of Fort Collins will make reasonable accommodations for access to City services,
programs and activities and will make special communication arrangements for persons with
disabilities. Please call 221-6515 (V/TDD: Dial 711 for Relay Colorado) for assistance.
This notice is given and published by order of the City of Fort Collins,
Colorado. Dated at Fort Collins, Colorado this 20th day of June, A.D. 2021.
Rita Knoll
Chief Deputy City Clerk