Commission approves ordinance amendment to permit plastic culverts and headwalls on low-speed residential streets

The Newcastle Planning and Zoning Commission voted to approve an ordinance amendment to subdivision regulations (section 153.081, subparagraphs C1, C7 and C8) that would (1) allow corrugated plastic culvert pipe (HDPE/CPP) as an approved material for certain residential driveway culverts, (2) permit vertical headwalls in lieu of sloped headwall treatments on local residential streets with posted speeds of 25 mph or less, and (3) revise driveway profile and permitting requirements including a required acknowledgment to be attached to building permits.

Keith, Development Services Coordinator, presented staff's evaluation. Staff said the city's review, including an engineering memo, concluded corrugated plastic pipe (sometimes marketed as ADS or HDPE/CPP) is acceptable for residential driveway culverts with…