Admin Order 58-22-12-F -- Final ROW Rule R-7.302 and Utility Manual

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Utility Construction and Use of the Right-of-Way Policies and Procedures Manual Page 19 front edge of the sidewalk. Protect existing in-situ topsoil or place a minimum depth of 2 feet of topsoil meeting the requirements of the Standard Specifications within the planting strips. Unless otherwise required by EC Chapter 9, fire hydrants and main-line shut-off valves may be placed in the planting strip as long as their location allows for street tree planting requirements as detailed in Administrative Rule R-7.280. All other surface and above-ground facilities shall be located in a PUE adjacent to the public way. In existing areas without the benefit of a PUE, facilities such as transformers, junction boxes, and water meters may be allowed in the planting strip. Utilities are required to avoid conflicts with stormwater-related conveyance and treatment facilities. This section does not apply to the street light or traffic control facilities owned by the City. Utilities placed in the planting strip area of new subdivisions and existing developed areas with no trees shall be laid a minimum of 36 inches below finish grade and require a minimum depth of 2 feet of Topsoil meeting the requirements of the Standard Specifications within the planting strips. No tree root over 2 inches in diameter of trees shall be cut without the approval of the Urban Forester or designee. Utility lines shall be installed and maintained by tunneling under roots within the critical root zone whenever possible. Alternatively, hand-digging around roots or using other non-destructive methods of excavation, such as an air spade or vacuum excavation, are acceptable methods of preventing damage while working within the critical root zone. Protective fencing shall be required around street trees and other designated trees to protect the area of the critical root zone outside of the immediate excavation area but within the work zone. See City of Eugene Standard Tree Protection Drawing LS120 and Standard Specifications. Temporary placement or storage of construction materials, equipment, tools, or soil shall not occur within the critical root zone of street trees. The soil within the critical root zone of street trees shall be protected from rutting or compaction damage from construction equipment, such as tires or outriggers. In areas where protective fencing cannot be placed, reasonable means should be taken to protect the tree’s root zones such as the use of wood chips, steel plates, or plywood. No construction debris or waste, solid or liquid (such as brick dust, mortar, concrete washing, etc.) shall be permitted within the critical root zone of street trees. Reasonable care shall be taken to avoid damage to tree foliage from exhaust stacks or construction equipment. Except for pruning necessary to protect EWEB lines or crews performing emergency work or line clearance maintenance work required by state regulations, no person shall prune a tree growing within the public right-of-way in a manner, not in compliance with ANSI A-300, American National Standard for Tree Care Operations, Tree, Shrub and Other Woody Plant Maintenance Standard Practices. All operations shall also comply with ANSI Z-133.1, American National Standard for Tree Care Operation Pruning, Trimming, Repairing, Maintaining, and Removing Trees, and Cutting Brush Safety Requirements. A permit shall be required when pruning limbs 2 inches or greater in diameter.