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HomeMy WebLinkAboutO-1254AZ x �sL` Lei = I ne�i F��_! AN ORDINANCE TO PROVIDE FOR THE PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY, AND WELFARE OF THE PEOPLE OF THE CITY OF FAIRHOPE, FAIRHOPE ALABAMA BY REQUIRING RIGHT-OF-WAY CONSTRUCTION AND ADMINISTRATION BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FAIRHOPE, ALABAMA, as follows: Section 1: Declaration of findings and purpose; scope. (a) Title. This body of regulations shall be known as the "City of Fairhope Right -of - Way Construction and Administration Ordinance." (b) Findings and purpose. (1) In order to provide for the health, safety and well being of its citizens, as well as to ensure the structural integrity of its streets, the City strives to keep its rights -of -way in a state of good repair and free from unnecessary encumbrances. (2) The City holds the rights -of -way within its geographical boundaries as an asset in trust for its citizens. The City and other public entities have invested millions of dollars in public funds to build and maintain the rights - of -way. (3) The City possesses the authority to manage and control its rights -of -way and to enact reasonable regulations in furtherance thereof. (4) The proliferation of entities that have been licensed by the states and the potential for additional entities having the need to occupy rights -of -way necessitates the modernization of the City's regulations used to control the placement, construction and maintenance of Facilities owned by existing and potential rights -of -way users. (5) In response to the foregoing facts, the city council of the City has adopted this Article relating to rights -of -way construction and administration. This Article imposes reasonable regulations on the placement and maintenance of Facilities currently within its rights -of -way or to be placed therein at some future time. (6) The regulations embodied herein have been made as broad as possible to serve as standards of quality and to maintain the necessary uniformity in the utilization of the public traffic corridors. (7) The Permit Fees imposed by Appendix A of this Article are adopted pursuant to the City's police power. The purpose of the Permit Fees is to enable the City to recover its costs of administration and enforcement of this ordinance. (c) Easements not impaired. Nothing in this Article is intended to impair the legal obligation of any contract, franchise, or easement previously granted by the City. Right of Way Ordinance 6-27-05.doc Ordinance No. 1254 Right -of -Way Ordinance Page 2 (d) Not in lieu of franchise. Compliance with the permitting requirements of this Article shall not excuse any Person from complying with all other requirements of law, including holding a valid franchise from the City. (e) Area of jurisdiction. This Article shall apply to all land within the corporate limits of the City as such corporate limits exist or may exist in the future. Section 2: Definitions The following definitions apply in this Article. References hereafter to "sections" are, unless otherwise specified, references to sections in this Article. Defined terms remain defined terms whether or not capitalized. Applicant means any Person requesting permission to Obstruct or Construct in a Right-of-way. Application means the process by which an Applicant submits a request for permission to Obstruct or Construct in a Right-of-way. Article means the City of Fairhope Right -of -Way Construction and Administration Ordinance, including all appendices hereto, as the same shall be amended from time to time. Block shall mean that part of the Right-of-way that includes the area from the property line to the parallel property line in width and extending from the centerline of an intersecting street to the centerline of the next intersecting street in length or six hundred sixty (660) feet, whichever is less. City means the City of Fairhope, Alabama, a municipal corporation organized under the laws of the State of Alabama. City Building Official means the Building Official of the City, or his or her designee. City Cost means the direct and indirect costs borne by the City for the, implementation, administration and enforcement of this Article. Code means the municipal code of the City, as the same shall be amended from time to time. Construct means to excavate, repair, rehabilitate, maintain, and install sanitary sewers, water mains, fire hydrants, valves, meters, manholes, service lines and connections, gas mains, telephone and electrical conduit and their miscellaneous service lines and connections, telecommunications facilities, cables, wires, lines, wave guides, antennas, and other equipment or facilities, pedestals, and service cabinets, poles, guy wires, storm drains, manholes, inlets, catch basins, irrigation systems, driveways, Sidewalks, pavement extensions, curbs, walks, steps, dumpsters, building canopies, balconies, overhead walkways, temporary detour pedestrian walkways or any other improvements on, above, or under any part of the Right-of-way; provided, however, that "construct' shall not mean installation, repair, rehabilitation or maintenance of Facilities that do not involve Excavation of any portion of the Right-of-way. Right of Way Ordinance 6-27-05.doc 2 Ordinance No. 1254 Right -of -Way Ordinance Page 3 Construction Bond means a bond posted to ensure proper and complete construction and/or repair of a Facility and Restoration of the Right-of-way performed pursuant to a Permit issued hereunder. Construction Standards means the compilation of provisions and requirements that provide the technical specifications and details for the construction of Facilities in the rights -of -way titled "Construction Standards for Miscellaneous Construction, Utility Excavation, and Right -of -Way and Pavement Restoration," and attached hereto as Appendix B. Department means the City Building Department. Emergency means a condition that poses a clear and immediate danger to life or health, or of a significant loss of property or Utility Service and also includes requests for service, which the Applicant deems urgent and can be classified as a Small Project (type A) or a Small Project (type B). Excavation shall mean any work in the surface or subsurface of the Right-of-way including, but not limited to, opening the Right-of-way, installing, servicing, repairing or modifying any Facilities in or under the surface or subsurface, and restoring the surface or subsurface of the public Right-of-way. Facilities means any tangible thing located in any Right-of-way; but shall not include boulevard plantings or gardens planted or maintained in the Right-of-way between a Person's property and the street edge of pavement. Geotechnical Engineer shall mean a professional engineer experienced in soils engineering and materials testing. Geotechnical Engineering Company shall mean a professional engineering company that provides soils engineering and testing services, laboratory and field testing services, construction material testing, and possesses a certificate of authorization from the state board of registration for professional engineers and land surveyors. In, when used in conjunction with "Right-of-way," means over, above, in, within, on or under a Right-of-way. Landscape or Landscaping means trees, shrubs and other plantings of materials that are or may grow to a height of eighteen (18) inches or more, and irrigation systems (in unpaved areas), in the Right-of-way. Landscaping Ordinance means the City's tree and landscaping ordinance, which is ordinance number 1193, as amended by ordinance number 1223, all as the same may be amended, altered or repealed from time to time. Major Project shall mean construction of water lines, sewer lines, gas lines, telephone lines, fiber optic lines, electric power conduit, cable and duct, storm drains, TV cable and related facilities; jacking, boring, pushing, and tunneling; retrofitting existing Facilities; and any other miscellaneous major facility construction projects that involve more than (i) one continuous Block or (ii) six hundred sixty (660) linear feet of Right-of-way. Right of Way Ordinance 6-27-05.doc 3 Ordinance No. 1254 Right -of -Way Ordinance Page 4 Minor Project shall mean construction of miscellaneous utility service lines, manhole installation not associated with Major Project construction, main line point repairs and installation, miscellaneous Utility Service line repair, storm drain and inlet repairs, vaults, irrigation systems and other miscellaneous construction and repair projects that involve less than (i) one Block or (ii) six hundred sixty (660) linear feet of Right-of-way. Municipal Court means the City's municipal court system designed to enforce laws and ordinances relating to the physical appearance of the City and the health and safety of the public. Municipal offense ticket (M.O.T.) means a citation issued for a violation of this Article. A M.O.T. may require payment of a fine as defined by the municipal offense ticket system fine schedule, as may be amended from time to time, appearance in Municipal Court, and if determined by a judge of said court, jail or community service. Notice of Violation means written warning issued by the Department or the City Building Official for any work performed in the rights -of -way that constitutes a violation or possible violation of this Article, the conditions and requirements of any Permit, or any other applicable law. Obstruct means to place any tangible object in a Right-of-way so as to hinder free and open passage over, under, or through that or any part of the Right-of- way. Permit Fee means money charged by the City to cover the City Costs as provided in Appendix A. Permittee means any Person to whom a Permit to Construct or Obstruct a Right- of-way has been granted by the City. Person means any natural or corporate person, business association or other business entity including, but not limited to, a partnership, limited liability company, a sole proprietorship, a political subdivision, a public or private agency of any kind, a utility, a successor or assign of any of the foregoing, or any other legal entity which has or seeks to have Facilities located in any Right-of-way. Restoration means the process by which a constructed or obstructed Right-of- way is restored as specified in the Construction Standards. Right-of-way means the surface and space above and below any real property in which the City has an interest in law or equity, whether held in fee or other estate or interest including easements, or as a trustee for the public, including, but not limited to any public street, boulevard, road, highway, freeway, lane, alley, court, Sidewalk, parkway, river, tunnel, viaduct, bridge, park, or any other place, area, or real property owned by or under the control of the City. Right-of-way Permit or Permit means the permit, which must be obtained before a Person may construct in or obstruct a Right-of-way as required by Section 4. Service or Utility Service means services provided by utilities. Sidewalk shall mean the paved pedestrian walkway between the edge of the road and the street Right-of-way line. Right of Way Ordinance 6-27-05.doc 4 Ordinance No. 1254 Right -of -Way Ordinance Page 5 Small Project (type A) shall mean the installation of equipment cabinets, junction boxes, terminal boxes, splice boxes, regulator stations, meters and valves in paved areas, utility poles, guy poles and appurtenances not associated with a major or Minor Project. Small Project (type B) shall mean the installation, repair and routine maintenance of miscellaneous Utility Service drop lines, overhead wires and cables, traffic signal poles, lightpoles, traffic signs, meters, valves and other miscellaneous construction, repair, routine maintenance and inspection, that requires minimal Excavation or Right-of-way disruption. Trenchless Technology means the use of directional boring, horizontal drilling and microtunneling and other techniques in the construction of underground portions of Facilities, which result in the least amount of disruption and damage to a Right-of-way as possible. Underground Facilities means all lines, cables, conduits, posts, tanks and any other Facilities owned or operated by Persons other than the City which are located wholly or partially underneath a Right-of-way. Utilities means any water, sewer, gas, drainage, sprinkler or culvert pipe and any electric power, telecommunication, signal, communication, or cable television conduit, fiber, wire, or cable. Utility Provider means the owner and/or operator of any utility located within the rights -of -way. Section 3: Right-of-way administration. (a) Administration. The City Building Official shall be the principal City official responsible for the management of the City's rights -of -way and the administration of this Article. The City Building Official shall adopt and may amend from time to time, construction standards and other rules reasonably required to carry out the purposes of this Article. Any requirement not specifically covered by this Article or the Construction Standards shall be determined by the City Building Official. The City Building Official may delegate any or all of the duties hereunder. (b) Appeal procedure. Should any Person aggrieved by a decision of the City Building Official with respect to any matter hereunder, the superintendent of the City and/or his designee may grant a special exception to the requirements of this Article if a Permittee demonstrates with written evidence that: (1) The exception will not create any threat to the public health, safety or welfare; (2) The Permittee demonstrates that the increased economic burden and the potential adverse impact on the Permittee's construction schedule resulting from the strict enforcement of the requirement actually or effectively prohibits the ability of the Permittee to provide Utility Services in the City; and (3) The Permittee demonstrates that the requirement unreasonably discriminates against the Permittee in favor of another Person. Right of Way Ordinance 6-27-05.doc 5 Ordinance No. 1254 Right -of -Way Ordinance Page 6 f Should any Person be aggrieved by the decision of the superintendent of the City and/or his designee, such Person may appeal by filing written notice with the Department within fifteen (15) days from the date of such decision. The Department shall send a copy of the appeal and all relevant documentation, within fifteen (15) days of its receipt thereof, to the City clerk's office to be considered by the city council at the next regularly scheduled public meeting of the city council. Section 4: Right-of-way Permits. (a) Permit requirement. (1) Except as otherwise provided in this Article, no Person may Construct or Obstruct any Right-of-way without first having obtained one of the following Right-of-way Permits from the Department: a. Major Project; b. Minor Project; C. Small Project (type A); d. Small Project (type B); and e. Landscape. (2) Right-of-way Permit. A Right-of-way Permit is a permit, which allows the holder to Construct, Obstruct, or Landscape in that part of the Right-of- way described in such Permit, and to hinder free and open passage over the specified portion of the Right-of-way by placing Facilities described therein, to the extent and for the duration specified therein. A Permit is valid only for the dates and the area(s) of Right-of-way specified in the Permit. No Person may Construct in or Obstruct the Right-of-way beyond the date or dates specified in the Permit unless such Person: a. Makes a supplementary Application for another Right-of-way Permit before the expiration of the initial Permit; and b. A new Permit or Permit extension is granted. However, if no work is initiated within six (6) months of obtaining a Permit, the Permit is rendered invalid. (3) Emergencies. When the work must commence immediately because of an Emergency, the Permittee shall comply with the provisions in subsection 6(b)(1). (4) Exemptions. No Permit shall be required for the following activities: a. Installation of landscaping materials, which are or may grow no more than eighteen (18) inches in height. (5) Permit authorizing routine work. Applicants may be allowed, if approved by the City Building Official in his sole discretion, to obtain in advance, an annual, quarterly, or semi-annual Permit for Minor Projects outside Right of Way Ordinance 6-27-05.doc 6 Ordinance No. 1254 Right -of -Way Ordinance Page 7 roadway limits and some Small Projects that involve minimal Excavation. Permit Fees shall be calculated as an estimate of similar work conducted over the past twelve (12) months. In the event the actual work performed by any such Permit holder during the time period covered by such Permit exceeds the amount estimated, such Permit holder shall pay to the City the balance due for such Permit Fees incurred within thirty (30) days of the expiration of the applicable Permit. (b) Permit Applications. Application for a Permit is made to the City Building Official. (1) All Permit Applications shall contain and will be considered complete only upon compliance with the requirements of the Construction Standards, as appropriate. (2) Tree and landscaping requirements of this Article shall be administered and enforced by the City's horticulturalist and/or his or her designee in cooperation with the City Building Official and/or his or her designee. (c) Issuance of Permit, conditions. (1) If the City Building Official determines that the Applicant has satisfied the requirements of this Article, the City Building Official shall issue a Permit. If the City Building Official determines that the Applicant has not satisfied the requirements of this Article, the City Building Official shall issue notification of and reason for denial. (2) The City Building Official may impose reasonable conditions upon the issuance of the Permit and the performance of the Applicant thereunder in order to protect the public health, safety and welfare, to insure the structural integrity of the Right-of-way, to protect the property and safety of other users of the Right-of-way, and to minimize the disruption and inconvenience to the traveling public, including notification to owners of property along the affected portion of the Right-of-way. (d) Permit Fees. (1) Permit Fee. Permit Fees shall be established by the city council upon recommendation of the City Building Official. Said fees shall be in an amount sufficient to recover the following costs: a. The City Cost; and b. The cost for Obstructing the Right-of-way, including lost parking meter revenue, costs associated with traffic management that result from street obstruction, lost tax revenues resulting from streets blocked and as an encouragement to minimize costs and to encourage timely, efficient use of the Right-of-way. The current schedule of Permit Fees is set forth in Appendix A to this Article. All changes in the fee schedule shall be approved by the city council. (2) Payment of Permit Fees. No Permit shall be issued without payment of the applicable Permit Fees. Right of Way Ordinance 6-27-05.doc 7 Ordinance No. 1254 Right -of -Way Ordinance Page 8 (3) Nonrefundable fees. All Permit Fees are nonrefundable. (4) Joint Applications. Applicants are encouraged to make joint Application for Permits to Construct or Obstruct the Right-of-way at the same place and time. (5) Exemptions. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Article to the contrary, the City and its departments shall be exempt from and shall not have to pay any Permit Fees required by this Article. Section 5: Construction; Restoration. (a) Compliance with Construction Standards. All construction or maintenance of Facilities shall be in accordance with this Article, including the Construction Standards, such other conditions imposed in connection with the issuance of the Permit by the City Building Official under Section 4(c), and other applicable law. (b) Location of Facilities. The City Building Official shall have the power to prohibit or limit the placement of new or additional Facilities within the Right-of-way if there is insufficient space to accommodate all of the requests of Permittees to occupy and use the Right-of-way. In making such decisions, the City Building Official shall strive to the extent possible to accommodate all existing and potential users of the Right-of-way, but shall be guided primarily by considerations of the public interest, the public's needs for the particular Utility Service, the condition of the Right-of-way, the protection of existing Facilities in the Right-of-way, and future City plans for public improvements and development projects which have been determined to be in the public interest. (c) Least disruptive technology. Applicants are encouraged to perform construction and maintenance of Facilities in a manner resulting in the least amount of damage and disruption of the Right-of-way. Applicants will be required to use Trenchless Technology for major and minor construction projects within roadway limits, in arterial and other high volume streets and in streets constructed or resurfaced within the last five (5) years, unless otherwise approved by the City Building Official and such approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. The City Building Official may require Trenchless Technology in other locations, where extreme circumstances prevent or make open cut methods impractical. Applicants may use either the open cut method or Trenchless Technology for Major and Minor Projects outside roadway limits. (d) Right-of-way Restoration. (1) The work to be done under the Permit, and the Restoration of the Right- of-way as required herein, must be completed within the dates specified in the Permit. In addition to its own work, the Permittee must restore the general area of the work, including all disturbed Landscaping materials and the areas that are the subject of the applicable Permit, including the paving and its foundations, per the Construction Standards. (2) The Permittee shall perform all work in the Right-of-way according to the Construction Standards and with the materials specified by the City Building Official. Right of Way Ordinance 6-27-05.doc 8 Ordinance No. 1254 Right -of -Way Ordinance Page 9 (3) The Permittee shall guarantee its Restoration work for twenty-four (24) months following its completion. During this twenty-four month period, the Permittee shall, upon notification from the City Building Official, correct all Restoration work to the extent necessary using the method required by the City Building Official. Said work shall be completed within the time specified by the City Building Official. (e) Other obligations. (1) Obtaining a Permit does not relieve Permittee of its duty to obtain all other necessary permits, licenses, and authority and to pay all fees required by any other city, county, state, or federal rules, laws or regulations. (2) A Permittee shall comply with all requirements of local, state and federal laws, including a franchise duly adopted by the city council. (3) Contact shall be made to the Alabama one call excavation notice system in accordance with Chapter 15 of Title 37 of the Alabama Code (1975), as the same may be amended or replaced from time to time. (4) A Permittee shall perform all work in conformance with all applicable codes and established rules and regulations, and is responsible for all work done in the Right-of-way pursuant to its Permit, regardless of who performs the work. (5) A Permittee as well as any Person Constructing in or Excavating a Right- of-way shall be responsible for all Facilities placed in the Right-of-way and any damage to the Right-of-way that results from such Facilities, regardless of whether such damage occurs during the Construction or Excavation or at any time thereafter. (5) Except in the case of an Emergency, and with the approval of the City Building Official, no Right-of-way Obstruction or Excavation may be performed when seasonally prohibited or when conditions are unreasonable for such work. (6) A Permittee shall not so obstruct a Right-of-way that the natural, free and clear passage of water through the gutters or other waterways shall be interfered with. (7) Private vehicles not owned by or under contract to Permittee may not be parked within or adjacent to an area that is the subject of the applicable Permit. Section 6: Enforcement of Permit obligation. (a) Denial of Permit. (1) Mandatory denial. Except in the case of an Emergency, no Permit will be granted: a. To any Person who has failed to comply with the requirements of this Article; Right of Way Ordinance 6-27-05.doc 9 Ordinance No. 1254 Right -of -Way Ordinance Page 10 b. To any Person who is delinquent in paying a debt owed to the City; C. If, in the discretion of the City Building Official, the issuance of a Permit for the particular date and/or time would cause a conflict or interfere with an exhibition, celebration, festival, or any other event. The City Building Official, in exercising this discretion, shall be guided by the safety and convenience of ordinary travel of the public over the Right-of-way, and by considerations relating to the public health, safety and welfare; or d. To any Person who does not hold a business license issued by the City for the business he intends to or is conducting in the City. (2) Permissive denial. The City Building Official may deny an Application for a Permit in order to protect the public health, safety and welfare, to prevent interference with the safety and convenience of ordinary travel over the Right-of-way, or when necessary to protect the Right-of-way and its users. In denying an Application for a Permit, the City Building Official may consider one (1) or more of the following factors: a. The extent to which Right-of-way space where the Permit is sought is available; b. The competing demands for the particular space in the Right-of- way; C. The availability of other locations in the Right-of-way or in other Rights -of -way for the Facilities of the particular Person; d. The applicability of ordinances or other regulations to the Right-of- way that affect the location of Facilities in the Right-of-way; e. The degree of compliance of the Applicant with the terms and conditions of its franchise, if any, this Article, and other applicable ordinances and regulations; The degree of disruption to surrounding neighborhoods and businesses that will result from the use of that part of the Right-of- way; g. The condition and age of the Right-of-way and whether and when it is scheduled for total or partial construction; The failure to properly perform Restoration of the Right-of-way in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Article; and h. The balancing of the costs of disruption to the public and damage to the Right-of-way against the benefits to that part of the public served by the expansion into additional parts of the Right-of-way. (b) Work done without a Permit. Right of Way Ordinance 6-27-05.doc 10 Ordinance No. 1254 Right -of -Way Ordinance Page 11 (1) Emergency situations. Each Permittee shall notify the City Building Official in writing of any event regarding its Facilities, which it considers to be an Emergency by the next business day following such Emergency. The Applicant may proceed to take whatever actions are reasonably necessary in order to respond to the Emergency. Within two (2) business days after the occurrence of the Emergency, the Applicant shall apply for the necessary permits, pay the fees associated therewith and fulfill the rest of the requirements necessary to bring itself into compliance with this Article for the actions it took in response to the Emergency. (2) In the event that the City Building Official becomes aware of an Emergency regarding a Utility Provider's Facilities, the City Building Official may, but shall not be obligated to, attempt to contact the local representative of each Utility Provider affected or potentially affected by the Emergency, who must comply with subsection (b)(1) of this section. In any event, the City Building Official may take whatever action deemed necessary by the City Building Official in order to respond to the Emergency. (3) Non -Emergency situations. Except in the case of an Emergency, any Person who Obstructs or Excavates a Right-of-way without a Permit (i) must subsequently obtain a Permit, (ii) pay double the normal fee for said Permit, (iii) pay double all the other fees required by the Code, if any, (iv) is subject to the issuance of a Notice of Violation and/or a Municipal Offense Ticket, (v) deposit with the City Building Official the fees necessary to correct any damage to the Right-of-way and (vi) comply with all of the requirements of this Article. (c) Enforcement. (1) Permittees hold Permits issued pursuant to this Article as a privilege and not as a right. (2) If the City Building Official determines that the Permittee has violated a material term or condition of the Permit, this Article, the Code, or any other applicable statute, ordinance, rule or regulation, the City Building Official shall issue a Notice of Violation to the Permittee to remedy such violation. The demand shall state that continued violations may be cause for the issuance of a stop work order and/or issuance of a Municipal Offense Ticket. Further, any such violation will allow the City Building Official, at his or her discretion, to place additional or revised conditions on the Permit. (3) A material violation by a Permittee shall include, but shall not be limited to, the following: a. The violation of any material provision of the Permit; b. An evasion or attempt to evade any material provision of the Permit; C. The perpetration or attempt to perpetrate any fraud or deceit upon the City or its citizens; d. Any material misrepresentation of fact in the Application for a Permit; Right of Way Ordinance 6-27-05.doc 11 Ordinance No. 1254 Right -of -Way Ordinance Page 12 e. The failure to maintain the required bonds and/or insurance; f. The failure to complete the work in a timely manner; or g. The failure to correct any condition described on a Notice of Violation issued pursuant hereto. Section 7: Indemnification and liability (a) City does not accept liability. By reason of the grant of a Permit, the City does not assume any liability: (1) For injuries to persons, damage to property, or loss of service claims by any third party relating to or otherwise arising out of any work performed pursuant to a Permit; or (2) For claims or penalties of any sort resulting from the installation, presence, maintenance, or operation of Facilities by any Permittee or Utility Providers or activities of any Permittee or Utility Providers. (b) Indemnification. By accepting a Permit, a Permittee shall defend, indemnify and hold the City harmless from all costs (including reasonable attorney's fees), liabilities, and claims for damages of any kind arising out of the construction, presence, installation, maintenance, repair or operation of the Permittee's Facilities, or out of any activity undertaken in or near a Right-of-way, whether any act or omission complained of is authorized, allowed, or prohibited by the applicable Permit. By acceptance of a Permit, a Permittee further agrees that it will neither bring nor cause to be brought any action, suit or other proceeding claiming damages or seeking any other relief against the City for any claim nor for any award arising out of the presence, installation, maintenance or operation of its Facilities or any activity undertaken in or near a Right-of-way, whether the act or omission complained of is authorized, allowed or prohibited by a Permit. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the City shall not be entitled to indemnification for its gross negligence of willful misconduct. This section is not, as to third parties, a waiver of any defense or immunity otherwise available to the Permittee or to the City; and the Permittee, in defending any action on behalf of the City, shall be entitled to assert in any action every defense or immunity that the City could assert in its own behalf. (c) Exceptions. The provisions of subsection (b) of this section shall not apply to a Permittee that has, as of the effective date of this Article, a valid franchise duly granted by the City, and said franchise requires the Permittee to hold harmless the City for damages occasioned by the presence, operations or maintenance of the Permittee's Facilities. This exemption shall not apply where said franchise does not afford the City at least the level of protection stated in subsection (b) of this section unless the Permittee agrees to provide the same or greater level of protection to the City. Section 8: Enforcement. Penalties. Any Person who violates any of the provisions of this Article shall, upon conviction, be punished in accordance with chapter 10 of the Code. Right of Way Ordinance 6-27-05.doc 12 Ordinance No. 1254 Right -of -Way Ordinance Page 13 Section 9: General provisions. (a) Non-exclusive remedy. The remedies provided in this Article are not exclusive or in lieu of other rights and remedies that the City may have at law or in equity. The City is hereby authorized to seek legal and equitable relief for actual or threatened injury to the Right-of-way, including damages to the Right-of-way, whether caused by a violation of any of the provisions of this Article or any other applicable law. (b) Severability. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion of this Article is for any reason held invalid or unconstitutional by any court or administrative agency of competent jurisdiction, such portion shall be deemed a separate, distinct, and independent provision and such holding shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions thereof. If a regulatory body or a court of competent jurisdiction should determine by a final, non -appealable order that any Permit or right or any portion of this Article is illegal or unenforceable, then any such Permit or right granted or deemed to exist hereunder shall be considered as a Permit with a mutual right in either party to terminate without cause upon giving sixty (60) days written notice to the other. The requirements and conditions of such a revocable Permit shall be the same requirements and conditions as set forth in the Permit or right, respectively, except for conditions relating to the term of the Permit and the right of termination. If a Permit or right shall be considered a revocable Permit as provided herein, the Permittee must acknowledge the authority of the city council to issue such revocable Permit and the power to revoke it. (c) Reservation of regulatory and police powers. The City by the granting of a Permit, does not surrender or to any extent lose, waive, impair, or lessen the lawful powers and rights, which it has now or may be hereafter vested in the City under the Constitution and statutes of the State of Alabama to regulate the use of the Right-of-way by the Permittee or to charge reasonable compensation for such use; and the Permittee by its acceptance of a Permit must agree that all lawful powers and rights, regulatory power, or police power, or otherwise, as the same may be amended from time to time and as are vested in or reserved to the City, shall be in full force and effect and subject to the exercise thereof by the City at any time. A Permittee or Applicant is deemed to acknowledge that its rights are subject to the ability of the City to adopt and enforce, pursuant to its regulatory and police powers, general ordinances necessary to the safety and welfare of the public and is deemed to agree to comply with all applicable general laws and ordinances enacted by the City pursuant to such powers. (c) Conflict. Any conflict between the provisions of a Permit and any other present or future lawful exercise of the City's regulatory or police powers shall be resolved in favor of the latter. (d) Severability Clause. If any section or provision of this ordinance, be declared invalid or unconstitutional by judgment or decree shall not affect any other section or provision. Right of Way Ordinance 6-27-05.doc 13 C CC Y W MU .UN O W a O zL W O 1-- o Ordinance No. 1254 Right -of -Way Ordinance Page 14 (e) Effective Date. This Article shall not become effective October 1, 2005, and after its publication of notice of the adoption as required by Alabama State law. Approved and Adopted this the 27th Day of June , 2005. Attest: Geniece W. Johnson, City glerZ reasurer Right of Way Ordinance 6-27-05.doc 14 APPENDIX A SCHEDULE OF FEES RIGHTS OF WAY AND EXCAVATION PERMIT FEES Description Fee Longitudinal and transverse Excavation for Major Projects (paved $0.50 per L.F. (minimum fee areas) $100.00 Longitudinal and transverse Excavation for Major Projects (unpaved 0.10 per L.F. (minimum fee areas) $25.00 Longitudinal and transverse Excavation for point repairs, service lines, $15.00 per S.Y. storm drains, manholes, etc.(paved areas Excavation for utility construction, point repairs (unpaved areas $6.00 per S.Y. Boring and jacking operations, tunneling, retrofitting of existing utility 0.10 per L.F. (minimum fee lines, pipe lining, etc. $50.00 per Block Irrigation systems (paved areas) 0.40 per L.F. (minimum fee $25.00 Utility poles new installation including u and anchor $2.00 perpole* Communication towers new installation $25.00 per tower Terminal boxes, junction boxes, equipment cabinets, splice boxes, $5.00 each regulator stations, meters and valves in paved areas, vaults Sidewalk, driveway, curb, gutter (new construction, replacement and repair): $10.00 0 sq. yds. to 2 sq. yds. $30.00 2 sq. yds. to 25 sq. yds. $40.00 25 sq. yds. to 100 sq. yds. $50.00 100 sq. yds. to 500 sq. yds. $60.00 500 sq. yds. or greater Steps $50.00 per location Monitoring wells $50.00 each Temporary edestrian walkway $50.00 per location Balconies, canopies $10.00 per location Landscaping $5.00 per location * No fee will be required for replacing existing poles of similar size or routine inspection. ***ALL FEES ARE NONREFUNDABLE*** Right of Way Ordinance 6-27-05.doc 15 APPENDIX B CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS FOR MISCELLANEOUS CONSTRUCTION, UTILITY EXCAVATION, AND RIGHT -OF WAY AND PAVEMENT RESTORATION Section 1. Construction plans submittal requirements within public rights - of -way and easements. 1.1. Major Projects. A) Major Projects within roadway limits: Applicants for Right-of-way Permits for Major Projects, any portion of which is to be constructed within a roadway, shall submit three (3) sets of construction plans and specifications, including the following information, for review and approval: 1) The location of all visible topographic features affected by the project within the Right-of-way. 2) Complete plan and profile sheets indicating the horizontal and vertical location of all components of the proposed project and other related information including, but not limited to, pipe and manhole flow line elevations, type and size pipe to be used, if any, and other related structures, profile and other elevations necessary for roadway and Right-of-way Restoration. 3) The design details of the proposed construction and pavement and Right-of-way Restoration will be required for gravity flow systems including sanitary sewer, storm drain and related projects. 4) A plan indicating the location of the proposed project with respect to the centerline, edge of road, and Right-of-way, tie-in to nearest street intersection, components and type material used, and dimensions and depth of the proposed installation will be required for nongravity flow systems including water distribution systems, gas systems, communication, cable TV and electric power distribution systems, unless otherwise authorized by the City Building Official. 5) An erosion control plans and best management practices complying with provisions of the City's stormwater management ordinance. 6) A safety plan to indicate methods to be used to protect the general public from injury, including the proposed use of barricades, signs, lights, fencing and other barriers. 7) A traffic control plan complying with all the provisions of the Federal Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, current edition, shall be submitted. 8) A Landscape plan complying with the Landscaping Ordinance. 9) Complete as -built construction plans of the construction project shall be submitted to the City Building Official, after final inspection of the project. The as -built plans shall be submitted in Right of Way Ordinance 6-27-05.doc 16 hard copy medium and CAD files in DXF format, projected in State Plane Coordinate System Alabama West NAD 83 (North American Datum 1983). B) Major Projects outside roadway limits: Applicants for Permits for Major Projects, all of which is to be constructed outside of a roadway, shall submit three (3) sets of construction plans and specifications, including the following information for review and approval: 1) The location of all visible topographic features within the Right-of- way that will be impacted by the proposed project. 2) Complete plan and profile sheets indicating the horizontal and vertical location of all components of the proposed project and other related information including, but not limited to, pipe and manhole flow line elevations, type and size pipe to be used, if any, and other related structures, profile and other elevations necessary for Right-of-way Restoration. 3) The design details of the proposed construction, including the Right-of-way Restoration will be required for gravity flow systems including sanitary sewer, storm drain and related projects. 4) A plan indicating the location of the proposed project with respect to the centerline, edge of road, and Right-of-way, tie-in to nearest street intersection, components and type material used, and dimensions and depth of the proposed installation will be required for nongravity flow systems including water distribution systems, gas systems, communication, cable TV and electric power distribution systems, unless otherwise authorized by the City Building Official. 5) An erosion control plan with best management practices complying with provisions of the City's stormwater management ordinance. 6) A safety plan to indicate methods to be used to protect the general public from injury, including the proposed use of barricades, signs, lights, fencing and other barriers. 7) A traffic control plan complying with all the provisions of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, current edition, shall be submitted, if any roadway traffic is affected. 8) A Landscape plan complying with the Landscaping Ordinance. 9) Complete as -built construction plans of the construction project shall be submitted to the City Building Official, after final inspection of the project. The as -built plans shall be submitted in hard copy medium and CAD files in DXF format, projected in State Plane Coordinate System Alabama West NAD 83 (North American Datum 1983). 1.2. Minor Projects. A) Minor Projects within roadway limits. Applicants for Permits for Minor Projects, any portion of which is to be constructed within a roadway, shall submit a plat of the proposed project including the following information: Right of Way Ordinance 6-27-05.doc 17 1) A plat prepared at a scale acceptable to the City Building Official detailing, at a minimum, the location of the Project with respect to the centerline, edge of roadway, and Right-of-way, tie-in to nearest subdivision lot corner or street intersection, components and type material used for the project, and dimensions and depth of proposed installation. 2) An erosion control plan with best management practices complying with the provisions of the City's stormwater management ordinance. 3) A safety plan indicating the methods to be used to protect the general public from injury, and including the proposed use of barricades, signs, lights, fencing and other barriers. 4) A traffic control plan complying with all the provisions of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, current edition, shall be submitted, if any roadway traffic is affected; 5) A Landscape plan complying with the Landscaping Ordinance. 6) Complete as -built construction plans of the construction project shall be submitted to the City Building Official, after final inspection of the project. As built plans shall be submitted in hard copy medium and CAD files in DXF format, projected in State Plane Coordinate System Alabama West NAD 83 (North American Datum 1983). B) Minor Projects outside roadway limits. Applicants for Right-of-way Permits for Minor Projects, all of which is to be constructed outside of a roadway, shall submit a plat of the proposed project including the following information: 1) A plat prepared at a scale acceptable to the City Building Official detailing, at a minimum, the location of the Project with respect to the centerline, edge of the roadway, and Right-of-way, tie-in to nearest subdivision lot corner or street intersection, components and type material used, dimensions and depth of proposed Excavation. 2) An erosion control plan with best management practices complying with the provisions of the City's stormwater management ordinance. 3) A safety plan indicating the methods to be used to protect the general public from injury, including the proposed use of barricades, signs, lights, fencing and other barriers. 4) A traffic control plan complying with all the provisions of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, current edition, shall be submitted, if any impact on traffic movement is involved. 5) A Landscape plan complying with the Landscaping Ordinance. 6) Complete as -built construction plans of the construction project shall be submitted to the City Building Official, after final inspection of the project. The as -built plans shall be submitted in hard copy medium and CAD files in DXF format, projected in State Right of Way Ordinance 6-27-05.doc 18 Plane Coordinate System Alabama West NAD 83 (North American Datum 1983). 1.3. Small Projects. The Applicant will not be required to submit a construction plan or plat for Small Projects. However, a location sketch will be required for approval of Small Projects (type A). Any pavement or areas in the Right-of-way that are disturbed shall be restored in conformance with sections 6 and 7 of these Construction Standards. Section 2. Bond and Guaranty requirements. 2.1. Construction Bond for Major Projects. For all Major Projects, the Applicant shall be required to provide an irrevocable, unconditional letter of credit or Construction Bond to guarantee the proper construction to be performed under the Permit and completion of Right-of-way Restoration as well as guaranteeing the warranty obligations of the Applicant required hereunder. The issuer of any such letter of credit or bond must be reasonably acceptable to the City Building Official. The amount of the bond shall be two and one-half times the estimated cost of the required Right-of-way Restoration, which estimated cost shall be provided by the Permittee and approved by the City Building Official. 2.2. Construction Bond for Minor and Small Projects. Except as provided in Section 2.3 hereof, for all minor and Small Projects, the Applicant shall be required to provide an irrevocable, unconditional letter of credit or Construction Bond to guarantee the proper construction to be performed under the Permit and completion of Right-of-way Restoration. The issuer of any such letter of credit or bond must be reasonably acceptable to the City Building Official. The amount of the bond shall be two and one-half times the estimated cost of the required Right-of-way Restoration, which estimated cost shall be provided by the Permittee and approved by the City Building Official. 2.3 Blanket Bonds. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Section 2 to the contrary, any Permittee may, at its option, obtain a blanket Construction Bond guaranteeing the proper construction to be performed under the one or more Permits and completion of Right-of-way Restoration for all Right-of-way work performed by such Permittee on an ongoing basis if such bond is issued by an entity reasonably acceptable to the City Building Official and in an amount to be determined by the City Building Official in his or her sole discretion. 2.4. No disturbance of paved area. A Construction Bond will not be required for Small Projects if no portion of the paved Right-of-way is disturbed by the project. 2.5. Guaranty. If any Applicant for a Permit is not the Utility Provider with respect to the Facilities to be constructed pursuant to the Permit sought, such Utility Provider shall guarantee all work performed by such Applicant and such Applicant's performance of all requirements and obligations as a Permittee hereunder. No Permit shall be issued by the City Building Official until such Utility Provider shall have provided a guaranty acceptable in form and substance to the City Building Official. 2.6. Exemption. The City and its departments shall be exempt from the requirements of this Section 2. Section 3. Notification procedures for Major and Minor Projects. 3.1. Except for emergencies, the following notification procedures will be followed for major and Minor Projects, prior to the commencement of any construction activities: Right of Way Ordinance 6-27-05.doc 19 A) The one call line location center will be notified in accordance with Chapter 15 of Title 37 of the Alabama Code (1975), as the same may be amended from time to time. The location of all utilities shall be verified before commencing construction. B) The City Building Official shall be notified forty-eight (48) hours prior to commencing any construction activity involving Major and Minor Projects within roadway limits. C) The City police department shall be notified forty-eight (48) hours prior to the closure of any roadway or interruption in traffic flow. D) A written notice shall be distributed to each occupant of premises located adjacent to the project site five (5) days prior to commencing construction activity relating to Major and Minor Projects, which notice shall contain, at a minimum, the dates during which the Permittee anticipates that work will be performed and the name, address and phone number of a representative of the Permittee who said occupants can contact in the case of questions or complaints concerning such construction activity. Section 4. Inspection. 4.1. When the work under any Permit for Major and Minor Projects hereunder is completed, the Permittee shall notify the City Building Official. 4.2. Permittee shall make the work site available to the City Building Official or his authorized representative and to all others as authorized by law for inspection at all reasonable times during the execution and upon completion of the work. 4.3. At the time of inspection, the City Building Official or his authorized representative may order the immediate cessation of any work, which poses a serious threat to the life, health, safety, or well being of the public. 4.4. The City Building Official or his authorized representative may, at any time, issue a Notice of Violation to the Permittee. The Notice of Violation shall state that failure to correct the violation will be cause for issuance of a Municipal Offense Ticket and/or stop work order. 4.5. Within forty-eight (48) hours of receiving a Notice of Violation, a Permittee shall contact the City Building Official with a plan, acceptable to the City Building Official, for the correction of the violation referenced in the Notice of Violation. Permittee's failure to so contact the City Building Official, or the Permittee's failure to submit an acceptable plan, or the Permittee's failure to reasonably implement the approved plan, shall be cause for immediate issuance of a stop work order and issuance of a Municipal Offense Ticket. Section 5. Trench excavation and general underground construction requirements for Major and Minor Projects. 5.1. Excavation. A) Trench excavation methods shall be used to keep the width of the trench to a minimum. Extra wide excavation to accommodate equipment will not be permitted. Sheeting, bracing and other trench restraint system will be used to keep trench width to a minimum and to comply with OSHA regulations. B) Hazardous materials. The Applicant will comply with all federal, state, and local laws, regarding hazardous materials. For purposes of this section, Right of Way Ordinance 6-27-05.doc 20 hazardous materials shall mean any material, substance or waste which is defined as a "hazardous material' by any federal or state law and/or which, because of its quantity, concentration, or physical or chemical characteristics, is deemed to pose a present or potential hazard to human health, safety or the environment. C) Utility construction. The construction of utilities will be in conformance with the plans, which constitute a part of the Permit. D) Depth requirements for underground installation. 1) Within roadway limits, the minimum clear depth for open cut installation, and jacking, boring, and pushing operations shall be thirty-six (36) inches, unless otherwise authorized or directed by the City Building Official. 2) Outside roadway limits and driveways, the minimum clear depth for open cut installation and jacking, boring, and pushing operations shall be twenty-four (24) inches, unless otherwise authorized or directed by the City Building Official. E) Housekeeping and removal of excavated material. The Applicant shall keep the area surrounding the Excavation clean (including the prompt removal of trash, loose materials or other debris). 5.2. Backfill material. A) Backfill material for Major Projects will be select granular soil material approved by the City Building Official. Excavated material from the trench will not be used unless approved by the City Building Official. Material excavated from utility poles, guy wire installation, replacing existing poles and routine pole inspections may be used for backfill. B) Backfill material for Minor Projects within the roadway shall be comprised of crushed stone material up to subgrade elevation, unless otherwise approved by the City Building Official. Backfill material for other areas will be select granular soil material approved by the City Building Official. C) Installation of backfill material: 1) Backfilling of the excavated area shall, in a prompt manner, follow closely behind the installation project. 2) The backfill material shall be compacted at near optimum moisture content in layers not exceeding six (6) inches compacted thickness to a density of not less than ninety-five (95) percent, unless otherwise approved by the City Building Official. Mechanical tampers shall be used unless another method of compaction is approved by the City Building Official. Jetting will not be permitted. The backfill material shall be installed uniformly and brought up evenly in layers for the full length of the trench. D) Geotechnical testing and compaction for Major and Minor Projects: 1) Major Projects. The Permittee shall cause, at its sole cost and expense, a Geotechnical Engineering Company to perform compaction tests at intervals of no more than 200 feet along the main trench line. Tests will be conducted at the installation of service lines within these limits where directed by the City Building Right of Way Ordinance 6-27-05.doc 21 Official. The Geotechnical Engineering Company will perform tests at as many levels of backfill installation and at such lateral locations as are necessary to enable the Geotechnical Engineering Company to certify that compaction requirements have been achieved. Documented test reports will be prepared and submitted to the City Building Official before any Right-of-way Restoration proceeds. 2) Minor Projects. Compaction tests may be requested for Minor Projects at specific locations. In-house Geotechnical Engineers may be employed by the Permittee for performing compaction tests for Minor Projects. 5.3 Protection of Health, Safety, Etc. Every effort will be taken by the Permittee to protect the safety, health and welfare of the general public and to insure compliance with the safety and traffic plans submitted with the Permit Application. 5.4 Patching. Steel plates may be required by the City Building Official in congested or heavily traveled areas to cover open trenches. Temporary patching will be required for any trench excavation in the roadway prior to opening the area to traffic. 5.5 Construction Signs. For Major and Minor Projects a construction sign will be placed adjacent to the utility construction area where traffic flow is to be obstructed. The signs will be placed in accordance with the rules, regulations and requirements of the Alabama Department of Transportation with respect to highway construction signage. Section 6. Right-of-way Restoration within roadways. All construction procedures and materials utilized will be in compliance with Alabama Department of Transportation Standard Specifications for Highway Construction current edition. A Geotechnical Engineering Company will be retained by the Utility Provider or Permittee to conduct field testing to document and certify that all materials and compaction efforts are in compliance with Alabama Department of Transportation Standard Specifications for Highway Construction, current edition, and the procedures specified in the City Building Official's design details for Right-of-way Restoration. 6.1. Major Projects. 6.1.1. Asphalt road surface. A) Base construction. 1) In the case of a granular soil or sand clay base, the base course of the affected lanes shall be reconstructed full width. 2) In the case of a bituminous base or stone base, the base course of the affected lanes may be patched with equivalent base material if the structural integrity of the roadway has not been affected by the project, as determined by the Geotechnical Engineering Company. Otherwise, the base of the affected lanes shall be reconstructed full width. Right of Way Ordinance 6-27-05.doc 22 B) Wearing surface. The full width of the roadway surface shall be resurfaced within the limits of the project. Existing traffic stripping and markings will be replaced. 6.1.2. Asphalt roadway surface overlay on existing concrete pavement. A) Base construction. The existing concrete street may be patched with concrete, if the structural integrity of the roadway has not been affected by the project, as determined by the Geotechnical Engineering Company. Otherwise, the affected panels of the existing concrete street shall be reconstructed. B) Wearing surface. The full width of the roadway surface shall be resurfaced within the limits of the project. Existing traffic stripping and markings will be replaced. 6.1.3. Concrete roadway surface. A) Base construction. The base course of the affected lanes shall be reconstructed full width as determined by the Geotechnical Engineering Company. B) Concrete pavement. The entire roadway panel sections of the affected lanes shall be reconstructed. If the structural integrity of the roadway has been significantly affected by the project, the City Building Official may require the entire concrete surface, within the project limits, to be reconstructed full width. Existing traffic stripping and markings will be replaced. 6.1.4. Unpaved roadway surface. The entire roadway shall be surfaced with six (6) inches of stone within project limits. 6.2. Minor Projects. 6.2.1. Asphalt roadway surface (sixteen (16) square feet or greater). For transverse service lines and miscellaneous installation and repair projects within excavated areas sixteen (16) square feet or greater, the entire width of the lane disturbed will be resurfaced from a point measured five (5) feet from the edge of the Excavation each way longitudinally along the centerline of the roadway. If more than one (1) lane is disturbed, the entire width of the disturbed lanes will be resurfaced. If the replacement pavement is more than seventy (70) feet long or more than ten (10) percent of the roadway area within a Block is affected, the entire roadway will be resurfaced within the Block. Existing traffic stripping and markings will be replaced. 6.2.2. Asphalt roadway surface (less than sixteen (16) square feet). For miscellaneous construction involving excavated areas less than sixteen (16) square feet, the area from the edge of the Excavation extending one (1) foot outside the perimeter of the cut area will be resurfaced. If more than one (1) lane is disturbed, the entire width of the disturbed lanes will be resurfaced. If the replacement pavement is more than seventy (70) feet long or more than ten (10) percent of the roadway area within a Block is affected, the entire roadway will be resurfaced within the Block. Existing traffic stripping and markings will be replaced. 6.2.3. Concrete roadway surface. The entire affected roadway panel sections, including base course, will be reconstructed joint to joint. Existing traffic stripping and markings will be replaced. Right of Way Ordinance 6-27-05.doc 23 6.2.4. Unpaved roadway surface. The entire roadway width will be surfaced with six (6) inches of stone throughout the excavated area. 6.3. Any pavement damage caused by any jacking, boring, pushing, tunneling, retrofitting and/or pipe lining projects will be restored in conformance with provisions of sections 5, 6 and 7 of these Construction Standards. Any existing pavement damage relating to the replacement, retrofitting, or pipe lining of damaged utilities will be restored in conformance with sections 5, 6 and 7 of these Construction Standards. Section 7. Right-of-way and easement Restoration outside roadway areas. 7.1. All Restoration work to be performed in the rights -of -way but outside of any roadway area, including, but not limited to, all Restoration work to be performed on driveways, Sidewalks, curbs, gutters, drainage systems, and Landscaped areas, shall be performed in accordance with the terms and conditions of the City's subdivisions regulations, as the same shall be amended from time to time, and applicable law. Right of Way Ordinance 6-27-05.doc 24