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CAC hears limits on using local volunteers for engineered work; contractors, design, insurance required for bigger projects
Summary
Tom Hanson and participants clarified that larger roadway or shoulder projects require licensed professional design and that county small‑works rosters and contracting rules apply; local volunteer or homeowner fixes may be allowed for some minor tasks but paid work triggers public‑works law.
Speakers asked whether local volunteers and small contractors could carry out design and construction for TBD projects. Tom Hanson said engineering work must be performed by licensed professionals and sealed plans when the work triggers public‑works requirements.
"You basically, you have to be a professional to do anything that is engineering in this thing. You have to have a professional civil engineer... and seal those plans," Hanson said. He cautioned that while volunteer labor and donated materials can be part of projects, projects that require contracting will need to follow Washington public‑works contracting law and county procurement rules. Participants noted Whatcom County maintains small‑works rosters and that projects under specified thresholds (e.g., under $10,000) have a reduced process; speakers recommended the county manage design and construction for larger efforts to ensure compliance.
