Saco approves update to Technical Design and Construction Standards Manual

The Saco City Council approved final updates to the Technical Design and Construction Standards Manual (TDCSM) by a 7-0 roll call vote Monday.

City staff told the council the manual — first adopted in March 2021 — sets standards for streets, drainage and sewer systems and that the update adds pump station details, municipal street lighting requirements, traffic-signal standards, and standard conditions of approval and updated compliance forms.

Councilor Hatch moved the order and called the added deconfliction and design guidance “a very important effort.” Councilor Berman thanked staff for the clarity the manual provides and said it will make the development process easier to understand for both developers and the public.

Planning Board recommended edits were incorporated into the draft included in the meeting packet; councilors noted that several sections are reserved for future standards. The manual takes effect as approved and staff will follow the new standards for relevant permitting and plan review.