Commission recommends technical edits to engineering standards to speed plat processing and allow limited steeper intersection grades

City engineering staff presented proposed revisions to the City Standard Technical Specifications and Drawings and the Planning Commission on Oct. 30 recommended the changes to the City Council.

Engineer Dan McCray said staff proposes removing utility signature blocks from final plats because state law does not require them and eliminating the blocks should streamline the plat recording process. He said public utility easements and standard utility coordination remain unchanged.

McCray also proposed a limited engineering adjustment for steep hillside projects: allowing an intersection grade up to 6% where necessary to avoid large cuts or fills, subject to conditions including that the location be in a hillside area, significant cut or fill (10 feet or more) would otherwise be required, and the posted speed at the intersection be reduced (a proposed 20 mph posted speed). He said AASHTO vertical‑curve standards and design checks would still apply to prevent abrupt vertical geometry.

Commissioners asked about traffic calming and winter safety; staff reiterated the change applies only to local roads in hillside areas and that vertical curve/sight‑distance standards would limit abrupt transitions. The commission voted to forward a positive recommendation to the Council.

Next steps: the City Council will consider the engineering standard revisions; if adopted they will be incorporated into subsequent plat and public works reviews.