TITLE
Recommendation to request City Attorney to prepare amendments to Chapter 14.08 of the Long Beach Municipal Code, relating to excavations within and adjacent to public rights-of-way, as recommended by the City Engineer. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
Under the existing Municipal Code, Chapter 14.08, related to excavations within and adjacent to public rights-of-way, an excavation could occur without a determination by the City Engineer that the surrounding walls of the excavation site have been properly supported, or shored. When an excavation occurs, particularly for high-rise buildings and basements, the surrounding walls of the excavation site must be properly supported. Improper shoring, or lateral support, of the surrounding embankments could lead to a collapse, causing damage to the street, sewer, water, and utility lines underground if the excavation occurs adjacent to the public right-of-way. Further, even if an excavator uses the appropriate lateral support, the shoring system could have detrimental and costly effects on the right-of-way. For example, if the shoring system uses steel tieback rods, these rods could interfere with any future work in the right-of-way and/or potentially damaging City equipment and exposing the City to costly repairs.
With the economic changes that are beginning to occur, and the potential for more private development, in particular high-rise development, staff recommends that the City Attorney be requested to prepare an ordinance that would require a permit for excavations within or adjacent to the public right-of-way, so that the City Engineer can ensure appropriate shoring plans by the excavator. The proposed permit fee in the ordinance would be $1,130 per sheet to cover the cost associated with the review by the City Engineer.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Linda Vu on December 5, 2014 and by Revenue Management Officer Julissa José-Murray on December 5, 2014.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council a...
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