HomeMy WebLinkAboutbocc.ord.006.2023ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS ("BOCC") OF PITKIN COUNTY,
COLORADO AMENDING, TITLE 9, SECTION 9.12.340
OF THE PITKIN COUNTY CODE, REGARDING
DEFINITIONS AND REPEALING AND REENACTING
TITLE 9, SECTION 9.12, REGARDING THE ROAD
MAINTENANCE AND MANAGEMENT PLAN (THE
"RMMP")
ORDINANCE NO. 006-2023
RECITALS
WHEREAS, Pursuant to 30-35-301 C.R.S., the Board of County Commissioners ("BOCC")
of Pitkin County, Colorado a Home Rule County is authorized to make and publish
ordinances for carrying into effect or discharging the powers and duties conferred upon
such counties by law and as seems necessary, and;
WHEREAS, Pursuant to Section 2.8.1 of the Home Rule Charter ("HRC"), the BOCC is
authorized to take official action by Ordinance for certain matters where action is
prescribed pursuant to the Colorado Revised Statutes as amended, and;
WHEREAS, on May 23, 2018, the Board of County Commissioners adopted Ordinance No.
026-2018 Repealing Title 14 (Road Management and Maintenance Plan) of the Pitkin
County Code, and Reinstating Title 14 (Road Maintenance and Management Plan) into the
Pitkin County Code as Title 9 (Roads and Public Places) Section 9.12, and;
WHEREAS, On December 4, 2019, the Board of County Commissioners Adopted
Ordinance No. 014-2019 Repealing and Reenacting Title 9, Section 9.12 of the Pitkin
County Code (Road Management and Maintenance Plan, and;
WHEREAS, On May 22, 2022, the Board of County Commissioners adopted Ordinance
024-2022 Amending Title 9, Sections 9.12.340 Regarding Definitions and 9.12 Regarding
the Road Maintenance and Management Plan, and;
WHEREAS, Upper Castle Creek Road and Upper Maroon Creek Road were moved into the
Low Service Level category in order to represent current maintenance operations on those
segments.
WHEREAS, road permit fees were increased from $650.00 to $750.00 to better cover
actual cost of administering the program.
WHEREAS, Miscellaneous changes were made throughout the document to bring
operations up to date and clean up typographical errors.
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WHEREAS, The BOCC finds that adoption of this ordinance is in the best interest of the
citizens of Pitkin County.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Board of County Commissioners of
Pitkin County, Colorado that it hereby adopts an Ordinance Amending Title 9, Section
9.12.340 of the Pitkin County Code, Regarding Definitions and Repealing and Reenacting
Title 9, Section 9.12, Regarding the Road Maintenance and Management Plan ("The
RMMP") Management Plan and authorizes the Chair or the Chair's designee to sign the
Ordinance and upon the satisfaction of the County Attorney as to form, execute any other
associated documents necessary to complete this matter.
INTRODUCED AND FIRST READ ON THE 25TH DAY OF JANUARY, 2023 AND
SET FOR SECOND READING AND PUBLIC HEARING ON THE 8TH DAY OF
FEBRUARY 2023.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING AND TITLE AND SHORT SUMMARY OF THE
ORDINANCE PUBLISHED IN THE ASPEN DAILY NEWS ON THE 26TH DAY OF
JANUARY, 2023.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING AND THE FULL TEXT OF THE ORDINANCE
POSTED ON THE OFFICIAL PITKIN COUNTY WEBSITE (www.pitkincounty.com )
ON THE 26TH DAY OF JANUARY 2023.
ADOPTED AFTER FINAL READING AND PUBLIC HEARING ON THE 8TH DAY
OF FEBRUARY 2023.
POSTED BY TITLE AND SHORT SUMMARY ON THE OFFICIAL PITKIN COUNTY
WEBSITE (www.pitkincounty.com) ON THE 9TH DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2023.
PUBLISHED BY TITLE AND SHORT SUMMARY, AFTER ADOPTION, IN THE
ASPEN DAILY NEWS ON THE 16TH DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2023.
ATTEST: BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
By 3ut,ia fiti By: Frain.fit, iaC4lfu
Julia Ely
Deputy County Clerk
Francie Jacober, Chair
Date: Apr-04-2023
APPROVED AS TO FORM: MANAGER APPROVAL
(Aura C. Il& ar PLitis hafhct,
Laura Makar, Asst. County Attorney Phylis Mattice for Jon Peacock, County
Manager
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9.12 ROAD MAINTENANCE AND MANAGEMENT PLAN
Pitkin County believes that it is important to have a comprehensive plan for Capital Improvements and
General Maintenance. Planning, design, improvements and maintenance of roadways is an integrated
process, interactive with other economic, political and social community processes. Safety and efficiency
are concerns in the design, construction and improvement of roadways; however, the preservation or
conservation of sites, scenes, open space, and vistas of scientific, historic, aesthetic, or other public
interest, and the preservation of recreational opportunities for the use and enjoyment of local residents and
the public in general are also important concerns of the County road system.
9.12.010: One purpose of this RMMP is to relate increased operations and maintenance costs and
capital improvements to increases in growth and traffic volumes. When new roads are proposed or
existing roads are subjected to increased use resulting from new development, the RMMP shall act as
a guide to establish the magnitude and location of the improvements and additional maintenance
necessary to alleviate the impacts.
9.12.020: ROAD MANAGEMENT:
A: Road and Bridge Administration and Authority: The County manages the roadway network described
within this document by the authority of the State of Colorado, by statute, CRS 30-11-107 (1) (h) and
Section 2 of Title 43. The County road system including, but not limited to, maintenance, layout,
alterations, deletions, additions, property acquisition, and traffic regulation. County jurisdiction extends to
all public roads, whether currently identified or not, within unincorporated areas of Pitkin County other
than State or Federal Highways, US Forest Service Roads, and Bureau of Land Management Roads.
The Pitkin County Planning Commission acts as an advisory board to the Board of County
Commissioners in matters of route and circulation planning and development standards (C.R.S. 30-28-
110 (1) (a), (d)). It conducts public hearings related to proposed new road construction and changes.
County Staff is responsible for planning for future traffic circulation needs and establishing construction
standards. In order to maintain a uniform road development policy throughout the County, the Public
Works Department enforces road construction standards, reviews plans, prepares specifications and
contracts, and conducts surveys and inspections.
B: Capital Maintenance and Improvement Planning: The County will adopt a Capital Maintenance and
Improvement plan pertaining to the roads and bridges through the yearly budget process, or on an as
needed basis. The plan is based on recommendation using software, institutional knowledge, and public
process.
C: Shared Roadways: Most County roads are also intermittently used for bicycle travel. There are some
roads are more commonly used and should be signed designated as shared roadways. The following roads
have been identified as having characteristics that would make them desirable roads on which to bike.
These roads shall be designated by a sign being placed at either end of the road notifying travelers that the
road is to be shared between bicycles and vehicles alike: Castle Creek Road, Maroon Creek Road, McLain
Flats Road, Upper River Road, Lower River Road, Woody Creek Road, Snowmass Creek Road, Capitol
Creek Road, Frying Pan Road.
D: Work With Others: The County will work with adjacent and partner jurisdictions such as the City of
Aspen, Eagle County, and Garfield County, Town of Snowmass Village, Town of Basalt, Bureau of
Reclamation, Bureau of Land Management, The United States Forest Service (USFS), and private interests
to manage consistently and effectively.
Section 9.12.020 Amended (in part) Ord. 024-2022, 05-22-2022
9.12.030: ROAD MAINTENANCE
This RMMP is intended to provide policy guidance and performance standards for the maintenance of
the County road system based upon service levels. The County road system is subdivided into four
distinct levels of service representing the types of land use that are associated with the area: 1) High, 2)
Moderate, 3) Low and 4) Limited. Management and maintenance planning should take into account the
level of service designated for a particular section of road prior to initiating any work or improvements.
Many roads are broken into multiple segments, which are given different service levels.
Three primary objectives inform this RMMP's approach to road maintenance: 1) Maintaining the existing
integrity of the road system for the use and enjoyment of local residents and the public at large; 2)
Defining road user expectations concerning the maintenance and general upkeep of each road within the
County system; and 3) Protecting, through the comprehensive management of road usage, the unique
character and environmental integrity of the rural and backcountry regions of Pitkin County.
The lack of maintenance by the County on any road is not indicative of a road's status as a public road.
The County maintains the road system based upon the following guidelines:
A. Roads shall be defined into four Areas of Service: High, Moderate, Low andLimited.
B. The maintenance service level shall be the highest in the high service area, and will be reduced
accordingly for the moderate, low and limited service areas.
c. Highway Users Tax Fund (HUTF) revenues shall be allocated to roads within the County
system based on need, not road mileage.
D. System -wide road rights -of -way shall be adapted, where possible, to accommodate pedestrian,
bicycle and equestrian use. In the high service area, this accommodation may take the form of
separate paths, trails or ways. In the moderate and low service areas, provisions for equal or
mixed use of the road shall be placed and maintained. In the limited service area, the County the
County maintains these areas sparingly. This may necessitate the use of a high clearance vehicle
in many instances.
E. The County will take all necessary steps to pursue its rights should private activities, including
without limitation operation of private irrigation facilities in violation of § 45-3- 303, C.R.S.,
cause damage to its roads.
Section 9.12.030 Amended (in part) Ord. 024-2022, 05-22-2022
9.12.040: SERVICE LEVELS
Service Levels are generally determined by traffic volumes. The service level is set for the purpose of
resource allocation. The areas of service and the general expectations for service in each area can be
described as follows:
A. High service area: The high service includes roads within or adjacent to the more densely
developed population areas such as the Aspen Snowmass area and collector roads which are
used for commuting to and from these population centers. Roads within the high service area
will receive the greatest level of maintenance by the County. Ease of travel by vehicles will be
the primary goal of these maintenance efforts. Non -vehicular uses will be accommodated within
road rights -of -way in a safe and effective manner, based upon the policies stated above.
B. Moderate Service Area: The moderate service area includes roads that allow access to medium -
density residential developments and improved subdivisions and may be used as commuting
alternatives to Hwy. 82. Roads in this service area serve as the secondary road system. They
typically carry less traffic than the high service area roads. Maintenance of roads in the moderate
service area will attempt to provide comfortable safe travel. These roads will not receive the
priority maintenance of the high service area roads, but will be maintained for safe passage as
practicable.
c. Low Service Area: The low service area includes roads that allow access to low- density
residential, agricultural and public uses but are removed from high travel corridors and
population centers. These roads typically access low -density developments or popular
recreational destinations. Maintenance of the roads in the low service area will attempt to
provide access to specified areas, but not necessarily comfortable travel. These roads will not
receive maintenance levels as high as those seen in the moderate area of service. Road users can
expect the roads in this service area to be passable and adequately maintained at most times.
However, the user must accept a reduced ease of travel on these roads because of the policies
followed by the County. Snow plowing may not occur in as timely a fashion as seen in the
moderate and high service areas. This reduced level of plowing may temporarily limit ease of
passage. Motorized vehicles will share the driving surface with other modes of travel and must
accommodate these additional uses.
D. Limited Service Area: These roads provide access to outlying and backcountry areas of the
County and are usually located within the United States Forest or areas zoned Rural and Remote
Zoned. Very low design speeds are necessitated by harsh alpine or topographic conditions. These
roads can be a part of the Pitkin County/USFS Joint Road System. Roads with this designation
access several of the recreational opportunities in the County, and are often considered to be
recreational opportunities themselves. Roads within the limited service area will receive the least
amount of maintenance. Road users can expect a vigorous experience that requires an additional
amount of attention and awareness when traveling. Roads may be restricted to certain forms of
travel in some portions of the service area. No regular plowing of snow will be performed in the
limited service area without prior consent by the County, requiring the user to be prepared to
leave the vehicle at designated parking areas and continue travel with other means of transport
(other over-the-snowmodes of transportation are allowed,
however, no snow removal is allowed). Roads may become closed without warning due to acts
of nature such as high winds and landslides. All of these conditions will require the road user to
plan for additional trip time and be prepared for conditions that are not expected in the low,
moderate or high service areas.
E. Other Public Roads: Not all public roads in Pitkin County have been identified and may not be
reflected on the County Road List as a road designated with a service level. Thus, not all public
roads are included in the Pitkin County road List or Service Level List of Map. However,
inclusion of a road on the Pitkin County Road List and depiction on the maps below is indicative
of the public status or a road.
F. Road List: By adopting this document, The Pitkin County Board of Commissioners (BOCC)
adopts an official Pitkin County Road List showing all roads that have been incorporated into the
County road maintenance system. This list is updated to reflect additions, deletions, and
alterations. This list is completed in four parts based on service level. This list is also used to
develop other formal lists, such as the roads submitted for Highway User Tax Fund (HUTF).
Maps and lists of roads are as follows:
Section 9.12.040 Amended (in part) Ord. 024-2022, 05-22-202
County Road Service Levels
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Figure 1 - Map of Road Service Levels
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Figure 2 - Map of Traffic Counts Per Day
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Figure 3- Map of Road Service Levels
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9.12.050: HIGH SERVICE AREA ROADS
Table 1.03 indicates High Service Area Roads managed and maintained by Pitkin County:
Road Number
Road Name
Miles
2
Emma Road
1.50
3
Redstone Blvd
1.73
7A
Sopris Creek Road
1.13
10
Brush Creek Road
2.70
11
Snowmass Creek Rd (Lower)
1.76
12
Owl Creek Road
3.85
12B
Airport Frontage Road
.95
13 (FS 125.1
2)
Maroon Creek Road (Lower)
2.25
15 (FS 102)
Castle Creek Road
4.50
17
Upper River Road
3.50
17A
Smith Way
0.39
17B
Gerbaz Way
0.49
19
McLain Flats Road
4.61
20
Red Mountain Road
1.16
65
Willoughby Way
1.06
69
Magnifico Drive
0.21
100
Mountain Laurel Drive
0.87
101
Mountain Laurel Court
0.10
102
West Lupine Drive
0.22
103
East Lupine Drive
0.30
AABC1
100 Road
0.20
AABC2
200 Road
0.26
AABC3
300 Road
0.26
AABC4
400 Road
0.29
AABC5
Baltic Avenue
0.18
12C
Service Center Road
0.18
Total
34.65
Mileage
9.12.060: MAINTENANCE PRACTICES FOR HIGH SERVICE AREA ROADS
Road maintenance practices are based on the type of vehicles most appropriate for the service area. Road
maintenance in high service area roads endeavors to provide the greatest level of service for all vehicles
and includes the following operations:
A. Plowing: Snow plowing shall be provided by the County or others (such as Homeowners'
associations, contractors, or private individuals) by agreement with the County, to maintain
efficiency on public roads and to provide access to recreational attractions and private residences.
Higher traveled routes shall take precedence over lesser -traveled routes. The lack of plowing by the
County is not indicative of the public status of any road.
Under the Colorado Revised Statutes (CRS), § 42-4-1406(1), —No person shall throw or deposit
upon any highway any glass bottle, glass, stones, nails, tacks, wire, cans, or other substance likely to
injure any person, animal, or vehicle upon such highway. In furtherance of this section and the
County's other powers to regulate County Roads, it shall be unlawful for any person to deposit snow
plowed from a private driveway, road or any other source, onto any County road. Pitkin County
requires that snow removal contractors and private citizens not plow snow from their driveways,
sidewalks, etc. onto County roads.
B. Mowing: Mowing will be performed where necessary to provide a visible and defined shoulder
and to provide a safe line of sight and reduce encroaching vegetation's impact causing drivers to
veer into the oncoming lane.
c. Herbicides: Herbicides will be used to control weeds listed on the Pitkin County designated
noxious weed list in conjunction with mowing and revegetation as required by the Pitkin County
Noxious Weed Management Plan. All herbicide applications willbe performed by trained personnel
or qualified contractors following all label restrictions and guidelines.
D. Cross Drainage: Cross -drainage should be carried off the driving surface to prevent damage to the
road which may be detrimental to proper safety. Cross culverts shall be used to carry drainage
under the road. Culverts shall be sized to contain a significant natural drainage event, but the
County cannot size for mis-operation of private irrigation facilities that may result in damage to
County Roads. .
E. Side Drainage: Drainage channels or ditches should be placed and maintained on the uphill side of
roads. Aggressive revegetation of side ditches will allow the ground to stabilize and reduce the need
for future maintenance to ditches. Side drainage shall be channeled into defined ditches or curb and
gutters. The County cannot size for misoperation of private irrigation facilities that may result in
damage to County Roads. Cleaning of roadside ditches and road culverts will be completed as
needed to ensure proper drainage. Culverts under private drives and ditches outside of the Right of
Way shall be the responsibility of the property owners.
F. Irrigation Infrastructure: It shall be the responsibility of the owners of any irrigation infrastructure,
including but not limited to ditches, canals, flumes, headgates, culverts, and other similar
infrastructure, including ditches located adjacent to, within, or under County road right-of-ways, to
maintain said infrastructure in good repair and in a manner that does not cause damage to County
roads and County road right-of-ways. Pursuant to
§ C.R.S. 37-84-101, et seq., the owner of any irrigation infrastructure shall be liable for any
damage to County property or right-of-ways caused by the failure to maintain irrigation
infrastructure in good repair.
G. Signage: Pursuant to § 42-4-105, C.R.S., all County roads shall meet the signing requirements
of the "Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices" or other applicable guidelines as
determined by the County Engineer. Class 5 Primitive roads Unimproved Roads shall be
signed at the discretion of the County. Other information signage will be posted to define road
names, route numbers, and road service areas as necessary. Signage should be updated during
capital maintenance and improvement projects to the standard current at the time.
H. Tree/Shrub Trimming and Removal: Where necessary for safety or protection of the traveling
public and vehicles, tree branches and shrubs may be trimmed. Whole trees or shrubs may be
removed, but only when no other method will correct the problem. Tree and shrub trimming
should be done judiciously and with proper tools to prevent unsightly scars and damage.
T. Side Slopes: Where necessary for safety of travel, side slopes may need to be cut
back in the course of routine maintenance. Such sloping should be kept to a minimum, and
other techniques, such as embankment (rock walls) and revegetation, should first be pursued to
obtain adequate stabilization if physically and financially feasible.
J. Road Surfacing: The existing road surface normally should be continued. For high service
areas, the preferred surface type is chip seal or asphalt.
K. Parking Areas: is only allowed in designated areas. The County reserves the right to restrict
parking in areas based on operation needs and can alter parking administratively. Parking
along County Roads is generally prohibited. In an attempt to satisfy needs for the traveling
public, public parking areas may be allowed and/or improved on an as -needed basis, provided
that adequate right-of-way exists. Parking areas may also be provided within designated
nodes. Other parking within the right -of- way may be permitted on a case by case basis using
parking permits.
L. Sidewalks: There are several areas of the County that have sidewalks and delineated pedestrian
and bike ways adjacent to the traveled way. These areas will be maintained as needed once
road priorities have been met.
9.12.070: MODERATE SERVICE AREA ROADS
Table 1.04 indicates Moderate Service Area Roads managed and maintained by Pitkin County:
Roads identified with * indicate: maintained by HOA, Metro District, or other
Road Number
Road Name
Miles
1
Thompson Creek Road (Lower)
0.4
4 (FS 105)
Frying Pan Road
11.77
5
Prince Creek Road (Lower)
1.62
6
West Sopris Creek Road
5.18
7
East Sopris Creek Road
6.08
8
Watson Divide Road
1.95
8A
Jack Gredig Lane
0.5
9
Capitol Creek Road
5
11
Snowmass Creek Road
9.26
15 (FS 102)
Castle Creek Road
6.32
16
Lower River Road
4.93
18 (FS 18.1)
Woody Creek Road
8.81
20A
Hunter Creek Toll Road
1.81
37
South 7th Street
0.22
169
Glen Eagle Drive
0.56
188A
Twin Ridge Drive
0.14
AVRD
Aspen Village Road
0.16
* BCV1
Juniper Hill Road
2.42
*
BCV2
Sage Brush Lane
0.11
*
BCV3
Turtle Cove
0.09
*
BCV4
Daniel Drive
0.11
*
BCV5
Medicine Bow Road
2.35
*
BCV6
Upper Ranch Road
0.74
*
CRP1
Chair Mountain Drive
0.47
*
CRP2
Crystal Park Drive
0.52
*
CRP3
Ruby Mountain Drive
0.14
*
CRP4
Bear Creek Drive Lane
0.13
*
DKR1
Horseshoe Drive
0.56
*
GSM 1
Gateway Road
1.49
*
GSM2
Mule Deer Run
0.11
*
GSM3
Lighthill Road
0.69
*
GSM4
Elk Range Drive
0.1
*
LEC1
Capitol Drive Avenue
0.06
*
LEC2
Little Elk Creek Drive Avenue
0.47
*
LEC3
Haystack Lane
0.43
*
LEC4
Katydid Lane
0.21
*
LECS
Driskell Lane
0.15
*
LEC6
Davidson Lane
0.06
*
LEC7
Alexander Avenue
0.16
NF1
Sage Way
0.27
NF2
Front Way
0.12
OE 1
Apple Drive
0.4
0E2
Cherry Drive Lane
0.07
0E3
Plum Drive Street
0.07
12D
Animal Shelter Road
0.11
Total Mileage
77.32
9.12.080: MAINTENANCE PRACTICES FOR MODERATE SERVICE AREA ROADS
Road maintenance in moderate service area roads will be consistently maintained at a level lower than
the high service area roads, and will not allow improvements such as widened shoulders, straightened
alignments, or improved sight distance to occur simply to improve ease of travel. Improvements may
occur on road segments when warranted by safety reasons. Heavy transport vehicles may be restricted in
moderate service area roads. Heavy transport vehicles will be restricted on West Sopris Creek Road
during the spring thaw, (Late March through May).
Moderate service area road maintenance practices include the following operations:
A. Plowing: Snow plowing shall be the same as it is for High Service Area Roads except these
roads will generally be addressed after higher service level roads are completed, or as
sequencing of service dictate.
B. Grading: Road grading shall be conducted on a routine basis dependent upon traffic volumes
and the integrity of the road surface. Grading shall include the clearing of shoulder areas and
the definition of roadside ditches where required. Grading shall do minimal disturbance to
roadside vegetation.
c.
D. Mowing: Mowing shall be conducted only -when absolutely -necessary to provide adequate sight
distance and reduce encroaching vegetation's impact causing drivers to veer into the incoming
lane. Mowing shall be limited to one swath (maximum of five feet) on either side of the road.
E.
F. Herbicides: The herbicide policy for moderate service area roads is the same as for high service
area roads.
G. Dust Control: A minimal level of dust treatment may be used where dust control can be deemed
necessary based on the following factors: dust generation, traffic counts, development impacts,
residential proximity to the road way, recreational uses, aggregate loss, maintenance need and
available budget,
H. Cross Drainage: Cross -culverts shall be used to carry drainage under the road. Culverts shall be
sized to contain the significant drainage event, but the County cannot size for misoperation of
private irrigation facilities that may result in damage to County Roads. Cross road culverts are
to be cleaned annually to ensure proper drainage.
I. Side Drainage: Side drainage shall be the same as specified for high service area roads.
7. Signage: Signage shall be the same as specified for high service arearoads.
K. Tree/Shrub Trimming and Removal: Tree and shrub trimming and removal shall be the same
as specified for high service area roads.
L. Side Slopes: Side slope maintenance shall be the same as specified for high service area
roads.
M. Road Surfacing: For moderate service areas, the preferred surface type is gravel or chip seal.
N. Parking Areas: Roadside parking is prohibited along all County roads and policies shall be the
same as for High Service Area Roads.
9.12.090: LOW SERVICE AREA ROADS
Table 1.05 indicates Low Service Area roads managed and maintained by Pitkin County:
Road Number
Road Name
Miles
1
Thompson Creek Road
3.34
3B
Osgood Road
0.27
3D (FS 307.1)
Coal Creek Road
1.3
4A (FS 400.4)
Eagle -Thomasville Road
1.88
4B (FS 501)
Northfork Road (Lower)
3
5
Prince Creek Road (Upper)
3.36
13
(FS 125.1-2)
Maroon Creek Road (Upper
6.32
15
(FS 102)
Castle Creek Road (Upper)
1.77
6
West Sopris Creek
0.44
9
Capitol Creek Rd (Upper)
2.49
9A
Elk Creek Road
1.78
11A
Wildcat Way
0.45
11C (FS 119)
Snowmass Creek Road (Upper)
0.38
14
Summer Road/ Aspen Mt. Rd.
4.5
15A (FS 118)
Midnight Mine Road (Lower)
0.78
15B (FS 128)
Conundrum Creek (Lower)
.91
15C (FS 122)
Taylor Pass -Express Creek
0.2
15G (FS 140.1
Little Annie Road (Lower)
1.33
/ 1 (FS 131)
Smuggler Mt. Road (Lower)
0.5
Total
35.0026.91
Mileage
A: Maintenance Practices for Low Service Area Roads: Road maintenance in low service area roads will
be a low priority. Basic services will be similar to moderate service area roads, but will be a lower priority
than the moderate level of service. Capital road improvements will be made only when warranted by
safety reasons. Low service area road maintenance practices include the following operations:
1. Plowing: High and Moderate Service Area Roads shall take precedence over Low Service
Area Roads. Plowing shall not be permitted on the road simply to promote vehicular travel
into a more remote area. When there is not an approved residence, recreational area, or
agricultural purpose to plow the road, plowing shall end at the end of the moderate service
area road or at the last approved access on the low service level road.
2. Closures/Openings: Selected low service level roads may be closed during the winter
season. Prince Creek Road will close on or around December 1st and will open on or
around April 15th. Locking or closing of gates will occur on Castle Creek Road and Maroon
Creek Road on or around November 15' and will be reopened no later on or aroundthan
May 15t' — This section was continued to March 8, 2023
3. Grading: Road grading shall be the same as for Moderate Service Area Roads.
4. Mowing: Mowing shall be the same as for High and Moderate Service Area Roads.
5. Herbicides: Only noxious weeds will be controlled with herbicides.
6. Dust Control: A minimal level of dust treatment may be used where dust control can be
deemed necessary based on the following factors: dust generation, traffic counts,
development impacts, residential proximity to the road way, recreational uses, aggregate
loss, maintenance need and available budget.
7. Cross Drainage: Culverts should be installed when necessary, however, water bars may be
cut into the road to assist with drainage problems. Culverts are to be cleaned annually to
ensure proper drainage.
8. Side Drainage: Side drainage shall be maintained the same as specified for
moderate and high service area roads.
9. Signage: Signage shall be the same as specified for the moderate and high service area roads.
10. Tree/Shrub Trimming and Removal: Tree and shrub trimming and removal shall be the same
as specified for the moderate and high service area roads.
11. Side Slopes: Side Slopes shall be the same as specified in the moderate and high service
area roads.
12. Road Surfacing: The preferred road surface is native soils or gravel.
13. Parking Areas: Roadside parking is generally prohibited along all County roads except
as delineated by signage, at nodes, or other areas where applicable.
14. Closures/Openings: Selected low service level roads may be closed during the winter
season. Prince Creek Road will close on or around December 1st and will open on or
around April 15th.
9.12.100: LIMITED SERVICE AREA ROADS
Table 1.15 indicates limited service area roads managed and maintained by Pitkin County: Also included
in the limited service areas are roads of the USFS, which are summer maintained by Pitkin County in
agreement with the United States Forest Service.
Road Number
Road Name
Miles
1
Thompson Creek Rd.
2.36
1A
No. Thompson Creek Rd.
1.35
1C (FS 305.1)
So. Thompson Creek Rd.
7.38
1D (FS 305.1
Lake Ridge Road
1.84
1E
Assignation Road
0.50
3A
East Creek Road
1.39
3C
Yellow Creek Road
0.32
4 (FS 105)
Frying Pan Road
(after
10.59
4B (FS 501)
Northforra0 (Opper)
5.29
4I (FS 527)
Ivanhoe Lake Road
2.48
4L
Powerline Road
10.07
4M
Diemer Lake Road
2.09
4N
Seller Lake Road
2.0
6A (FS 311)
Dinkle Lake Road
2.80
9D
Nicholson Creek
0.19
13 (FS 125.1 2)
Maroon Creek R oad
67-32
15 (FS 102)
acireek Road (Upper)
1.77
15A (FS 118)
Midnight Mine Road
4.51
15B (FS 128)
drum Cr.
0.20
15C (FS 122)
41-1110*Ixpress Creek
4.54
15E (FS 123)
Richmond Hill Road
11.75
15G (FS 140.1-3)
Little Annie Road (Upper)
3.16
15I (FS 102.2)
Pearl Pass
6.10
18B
Larkspur Mt. (Woody
.5
3179.618D
etteOreek Road
2.89
18E
Vagneur Road
2.53
20A (FS 130.1-3)
Hunter Creek Toll Road
4.18
20B (FS 130.3A1)
Four Corners Road
1.00
21 (FS 131)
Smuggler Mt. Road
5.97
21A (FS
WIIPMer Cut Off
2.80
i430' 32)1-3)
Burnt Hole Road
1.89
23 (FS
Lincoln Creek Road
10.00
106,106.2,107)
Total
112.67 120.76
Total County Road Mileage: 263.41ies
9.12.110: MAINTENANCE PRACTICES FOR LIMITED SERVICE AREA ROADS:
Limited service area roads will be maintained primarily to accept non -vehicular traffic. Only vehicles
with higher clearances, and four-wheel or all -wheel drive, will travel easily on the limited service area
roads. Limited service area road maintenance practices include the following operations:
1. Plowing: The plowing of snow, by the County or others, shall not be undertakenwithin limited
service areas unless prior approval is granted from the County. Access to private properties
and approved recreational attractions shall be gained via other means, such as snow cat,
snowmobile, cross country skiing, snowshoe, or foot. Parking nodes shall typically be
provided at the border of the limited service area to facilitate this transfer of transportation
modes.
2. Closures/Openings: Selected limited service roads may be closed during the winter season. No
plowing of these selected roads will occur. Locking or closing of gates will occur on Castle
Crcck Road and Maroon Crcck Road on or around November 15th and will be reopened no Iatcr
on or around May 15t" Dinkle Lake Road will close on or around December 1st and will open on
or around May 15th. Hunter Creek Toll Road is closed except one week before first hunting
season until the week after the last hunting season. Summer Road, Lincoln Creek Road, Upper
Frying Pan Road are closed seasonally based on snow accumulation.
3. Grading: Grading shall be conducted only when absolutely necessary to keep the road open to
safe passage for four wheel drive and/or high clearance vehicles, and to maintain adequate
drainage. Grading shall not be conducted solely for the convenience of travel. When conducted,
grading should be kept within the width of the driving surface, ten to fifteen feet on a one -lane
road and twenty to twenty five feet on a two- lane road. Roads will be inspected at least once a
year to determine what maintenance, if any, is needed. Grading or drainage work will only be
done by the approval of the Public Works designee.
4. Mowing: Mowing shall be discouraged as a method of improving sight distance.
5. Herbicides: The herbicide policy for limited service area roads is the same as for low service
area roads.
6. Dust Control: Dust abatement should be performed through the reduction of traffic.
Conventional means of dust abatement, such as salt application, shall not be conducted.
7. Cross Drainage: When absolutely necessary, drainage swales cut across the road surface
shall be used to promote cross drainage. However, cross culverts or lateral drainage
improvements may be required for some stream crossings and in areas of extreme water
saturation.
8. Side Drainage: Every attempt shall be made to refrain from placing drainage channels or
ditches on roads within limited service areas. However, when a roadside ditch must be placed
as the only means of correcting a significant drainage or water saturation problem, the ditch
shall be incorporated into the existing roadway rather than placing the ditch on previously
undisturbed ground. Roadside obstructions, such as windrows from grading, should be cleared
to promote the movement of water off the driving surface.
9. Signage: Signage shall conform to applicable standards in the latest edition of the MUTCD,
and/or applicable USFS standard. Generally signage is to be minimal on this type of roadway.
10. Tree/Shrub Trimming and Removal: Tree and shrub trimming and removal shall be the same
as specified for low, moderate and high service area roads.
11. Side Slopes: Side slope maintenance shall be the same as specified for low, moderate and high
service area roads.
12. Road Surfacing: For limited service areas, the preferred surface type is dirt or natural surface.
The importing of materials for road surfacing shall not occur except in the extreme —case when
the road is rendered impassable and no other materials exist locally.
13. Parking Areas: Roadside parking is prohibited along all County roads and policies shall be the
same as for High Service Area Roads.
9.12.120: ROAD MAINTENANCE AGREEMENTS AND SETTLEMENTS
Special circumstances may exist for additional road maintenance agreements and settlements, which are
listed below as follows:
A. Intergovernmental Agreements: The County may find it cost effective or necessary to
contract with other Governmental entities to provide appropriate level of service during the
winter months for snowplowing and grading services on County roads. Intergovernmental
agreements (IGA`s) are contracts signed between two governmental agencies and adopted by
Ordinance. An IGA between Pitkin County and Eagle County is in place for efficiency and
cost savings reasons to maintain the Eagle and Pitkin County portions of the Frying Pan Road.
This IGA is reviewed every two years by Ordinance. Copies of IGA`s and Ordinances may be
obtained from the Clerk to the Board's office or by calling Public Works Staff to request a
copy.
B. Contracts with private individuals/companies: The County may find it cost effective or
necessary to require property owners in remote areas of the County to provide their own
snowplow services on County roads. This agreement/contract is between Pitkin County and
the property owner and the services are at the property owners `expense. Pitkin County
contracts with property owners on the upper portion of Capitol Creek Road for road
maintenance and snow removal at the property owners `expense. Resolution 99-107 and
Contract 99-83 were approved by the
Board of County Commissioners. Copies of contracts with private individuals/companies for
snowplow services on County roads are available through the Clerk and Recorder's office, or
by calling Public Works Staff to request a copy.
C. Special Road Maintenance Agreements: The Hunter Creek Toll Road is governed in certain
respects by the Hunter Creek Settlement Agreement, recorded along with Pitkin County
Resolution 142-2004. This resolution specifies certain road maintenance responsibilities and
rights held by both the County and private property owners living along certain areas of the
road. Copies of settlements regarding County Roads with private individuals/companies are
available through the Clerk and Recorder's office, or by calling Public Works Staff to request
a copy.
D. Pitkin County Open Space Road Management: To best manage the significant use of
Smuggler Mountain Road as a Recreational trail, all non -motorized recreational uses
including hiking, bicycling, walking, equestrian, and Nordic skiing uses are subject to the
provisions of Title 12 of the Pitkin County Code, including but not limited to open space
parking restrictions and specialized management plans. These requirements may be enforced
by the Pitkin County Open Space Ranger and her/his designees, or as otherwise provided by
Article 6 of Title 12.
9.12.130: AMENDMENT AND MODIFICATION OF SERVICE LEVEL
A. Request for Modification: The service and maintenance levels established in this RMMP may be
amended if recommended by Staff and approved through ordinance by the Board of County
Commissioners (BOCC) in connection with either a specific development application under the
Pitkin County Land Use Code or written proposal. If any person or persons owning property
accessed, directly or indirectly, by a County road desires a change in the maintenance level and
classification of such County road, such person or persons shall submit a written proposal to the
Public Works designee, with a copy to Community Development if submitted in connection with
a land use application, outlining the current maintenance level, detailing the changes which need
to occur, and explaining why the modification needs to take place. County Public Works Staff
and the requesting applicant shall present said request to the appropriate caucus for review.
B. Evaluation: Public Works Staff will then evaluate and make a recommendation to the Board
of County Commissioners based on the following criteria:
1. Appropriateness of current service level designation.
2. Operational and budgetary impacts.
3. Public safety.
4. Compatibility with character of surrounding area and zoning.
5. Current traffic volumes.
6. Impact on traffic volumes and related consequences.
7. Environmental impacts.
Staff will present caucus and Staff recommendation to the Board of County
Commissioners for a service level change decision.
C. Cost of Increased Maintenance: If the reason for an increase in maintenance is specifically and
uniquely attributable to new development by the proponent, the Board of County Commissioners
may determine by specific findings what proportion of the costs of the requested change in
maintenance shall be borne by the proponent rather that by the public at large. Determination
shall be based upon a proportionate share of the maintenance costs which are incurred in serving
the new development and may require the proponent to contract with the County to pay for such
increased maintenance as a condition of the County's provision of such maintenance. The costs
charged to the proponent must not exceed the proponents roughly proportionate share of the
actual costs incurred in serving the development, but actual costs may include administration and
overhead expenses. In the written proposal, the proponent shall identify other property owners
who may benefit from the change in maintenance and a recitation of the extent to which other
owners are willing to participate in the costs of increased maintenance.
9.12.140: ACCEPTANCE OF ROADS FOR MANIENANCE
Dedicated roads within Pitkin County's jurisdiction are accepted for maintenance by ordinance passed
by the Board of County Commissioners only after certain requirements have been met. When
acceptance has been requested in writing and the minimum requirements have been satisfactorily met,
the County Public Works Department will submit a recommendation for acceptance or non -acceptance
to the Board of County Commissioners for final action. The requirements are as follows:
A. Minimum Acceptance Requirements:
1. Roads will not be accepted before the County Public Works Department
approves said roads and recommends acceptance.
2. Roads within subdivisions or similar type of development will not be accepted in
portions shorter than block lengths, which shall end at intersections or cul- de -
sacs.
3. Roads will not be accepted unless they meet minimum or modified standards.
• Gravel roads shall have a minimum of 4" of ABC CI6 or more.
• Other requirements may be added by Staff depending on the
context of the roadway.
4. Roads will not be accepted unless they connect to another County -accepted road.
5. Roads will not be accepted until all combustible or objectionable material is
cleared from the roadside and until all required signs are installed in accordance
with County standards.
6. All required subsurface utilities shall be installed prior to finishing subgrade. The
longitudinal mains shall be located outside the roadway limits. All laterals
crossing the roadway shall be installed prior to road acceptance.
B. Subdivision Roads: Acceptance of platted subdivisions by the County, or of a right of way for
purposes of public access, does not constitute acceptance of the roads and rights -of -way for
maintenance. Until each road is specifically accepted for maintenance by an ordinance
passed by the Board of County Commissioners, maintenance and construction is the
responsibility of the owners of the land within the subdivision.
c. Change in Service Level: Once a service level and associated maintenance practice has been
established for any County road, the service level may be changed only in accordance with
the procedures established in Section 1.08.
D. Requests for Changes to Roadway
Residents that desire a change in service or wish to complete a capital improvement (ie.
Speed bumps, road surface change, significant sign changes) to a County Road will need to
complete the following steps:
(1) Obtain approval from appropriate neighborhood group, ie. Caucus, HOA, etc...
(2) Obtain approval from Staff
(3) Obtain approval from BOCC (if needed)
Approval criteria to be considered by the County are as follows: public support, conformance to
appropriate area master plan, potential environmental impact, conformance to area character, additional
maintenance requirements, capital replacement costs, as well as, other considerations.
9.12.150: ROAD AND EASEMENT VACATIONS
On occasion, vacation of County roads or various easements may become warranted due to particular
circumstances or changes in the overall development pattern. The Board of County Commissioners may
vacate any County road or any portion of a County road. No road or portion thereof shall be vacated if
it will leave a parcel of land without access to a public road as set forth in C.R.S. 43-2-303(2).
The procedure and submission requirements for a road or easement vacation are outlined in the Pitkin
County Land Use Code (available from the Pitkin County Community Development Department) and
shall be in compliance with and subject to C.R.S. 43-2-301 et seq. together with any amendments
thereto.
9.12.160: PROCEDURES TO CONTROL TRAFFIC AND ROAD USE
In addition to those set forth in the Colorado Revised Statutes and elsewhere in this RMMP, the
following procedures and operations may be used to control traffic and road use on the County road
system:
A. Nodes: Nodes are designed to be used in areas where a change of activity may take place.
These areas are generally located at the end of winter maintenance areas for winter and
at a place that a change of activity takes place in the summer. The node signage will
inform the users of change in the level of service, will serve as a parking area and allow
users to leave their cars for other forms of transportation, and will signify the end of
winter maintenance on the road. The nodes will be established and maintained by the
County wherever deemed necessary.
B. Weight/Size Restrictions: Several roads within the limited, low and moderate service areas
are not adequate to carry heavy or oversized vehicles (i.e., dump trucks, tractor trailers
and fully loaded concrete trucks). Restrictions of oversized vehicles on certain County
roads will be posted, and permits must be obtained (Section 1.39) for
overweight/oversized transport vehicles.
c. Restriction of Road Use: When necessary, a County road may be temporarily closed for
hazardous conditions, special events, maintenance and repairs, and use of a County road
may also be temporarily restricted due to road surface condition and/or other needs, as
determined by County Staff. The Public Works designee will issue appropriate public
notices when such a closure or restrictions occur. Closures or restrictions of a more
permanent nature, such as permanent restrictions to motorized vehicle use, shall occur by
ordinance, with proper notice to all property owners who access their property by the
road proposed to be closed. When a request for closure is made in connection with a land
use application, it shall be referred to the Public Works/Transportation Department for
processing in accordance with this section.
D. Temporary Construction Access: Temporary construction access shall only be granted
for an access previously approved in land use review (refer to Access Permitting
section of this RMMP).
E. Prohibition of Construction and Maintenance on Major County Roads: In order to
prevent conflicts with increasing commuter traffic on major County roads,
construction and major maintenance will be prohibited during certain times.
F. Road and Easement Vacations: On occasion, vacation of County roads or various
easements may become warranted and approved by the Board of County
Commissioners (Section 1.10).
G. Amendment: When necessary, the Pitkin County Road Maintenance and
Management Plan may be amended as recommended by Staff and approved
through formal ordinance by the Board of County Commissioners.
9.12.170: PITKIN COUNTY BRIDGE MAINTENANCE
Pitkin County uses the State mandated Bridge Inspection and Maintenance Report that is completed
biannually. Inspections are performed on each bridge, and capital repair and maintenance
recommendations are made. The work is categorized and ranked for items most critical to the safety and
the preservation of the integrity of each structure. The work is completed based on the inspection,
prioritization and as budget allows. Table 1.13 lists bridges that are maintained by Pitkin County, and
are part of the County's infrastructure.
TABLE 1.13 PITKIN COUNTY BRIDGES
Thomasville Bridge
Frying Pan River
PIT-004-24.8A
Snowmass Creek Bridge
(Campground Bridge, Upper)
Snowmass Creek PIT-011-10.8
Old Snowmass Bridge
Roaring Fork River
PIT-016-00.1 A
Snowmass Creek Bridge
Snowmass Creek PIT-
011- 01.2A (Lower)
Maroon Creek Bridge
Maroon Creek PIT-013-
01.8A
Gerbaz Bridge Roaring
Fork River PIT-017-00.2A
North Fork Bridge North
Fork/Frying Pan River
PIT- 004-26.3A
Castle Creek Bridge (1st)
Castle Creek PIT-015-03.5A
Smith Bridge (arch)
Roaring Fork River PIT-
019-00.3A
Lime Creek Bridge
Lime Creek
PIT-04A-1.0
Castle Creek Bridge (2nd)
Castle Creek
PIT-015-09.0
(Restrictions Posted)
Slaughterhouse Bridge
Roaring Fork River
PIT-019-01.1 A
Redstone Bridge (Upper)
Crystal River PIT-003-
00.1
Midnight Mine Bridge
Castle Creek PIT-15A-00.2
Red Mountain Road Bridge
Hunter Creek PIT-020-
00.2A
Redstone Bridge (Lower)
Crystal River PIT-003-
01.8A
Conundrum Creek Bridge
(1st) Castle Creek PIT-015B-
002A
Redstone Ranch Acres
Bridge Crystal River
PIT- 133-05.0A
Meredith Bridge Frying
Pan River PIT-004-22.0
Conundrum Creek Bridge
(2nd) Conundrum Creek PIT-
015B- 00.5A (Restrictions
Posted)
Watson Divide Bridge
Snowmass Creek PIT-
008- 00.1A
Lenado Bridge Woody
Creek PIT-18-8.83
Lincoln Creek Bridge
Lincoln Creek PIT-23-00.1
9.12.180: ROAD DESIGN STANDARDS
The purpose of these standards is to establish standard for the planning, design, and construction of
new roads and for road improvements within Pitkin County. In general these standards are driven by
state and national standards as delineated by the Colorado Department of Transportation and the
American Association of State Highway Officials.
Variance to these standards may be made by the County Engineer with consultation with local
emergency service provider.
A: Design Traffic Volumes
When requested by Community Development or the County Engineer, developers, landowners, etc shall
supply a full traffic analysis analyzing current and future traffic generated by such a development.
Manuals such as the Highway Capacity Manual, International Traffic Engineers (ITE) Trip Generation
Handbook, and ITE Traffic Engineering Manual may be necessary. Large and commercial developments
or ones generating amounts of traffic to create greater parking needs, which will create significant traffic
volumes, or that may affect traffic patterns shall perform a traffic analysis.
Trip Reductions: When applicable, the applicant can use trip reduction factors as defined in the ITE Trip
Generation Handbook.
Traffic and Parking Management: When a traffic analysis is required, traffic volumes shall be addressed in
both terms of average daily traffic and peak hour volumes. In places where there a large seasonal swings in
volume, the peak season shall be used in analysis. Future year analysis and specifics regarding how traffic
will be managed shall be included in analysis. Parking management shall be addressed in this plan with
total parking needs and capacity clearly defined. For all construction projects within Pitkin County that
meet certain thresholds, as outlined in the Construction Management Plan (CMP), shall conform to the
CMP.
B: Route Corridor and Terrain Factors: The entire route corridor of a road shall be considered when
establishing the terrain factor. The Colorado Department of Transportation considers most County roads in
Pitkin County as being in the "Mountainous Terrain" category, however, some roads, such as subdivision
roads, may fall entirely in the "Level Terrain" category.
Level Terrain is that condition where road sight distances are generally longer and could be made without
construction difficulty or major expense.
Rolling Terrain is that condition where the natural slopes consistently rise above and fall below the road
grade line and where occasional steep slopes offer restriction to normal highway horizontal and vertical
alignment.
Mountainous Terrain is a condition where longitudinal and transverse changes in the elevation of the
ground with respect to the road are abrupt and where the roadbed is obtained by frequent benching or side
hill excavation. Route Corridor should take into account local landforms and vegetation. Where applicable
such as in urban settings, landscaping shall be completed complying with guidance from applicable
sections of American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO) A Policy on
Geometric Design of Highways and Streets and Roadside Design Guide and conform with Pitkin County's
Revegetation Guidelines.
C: Design Speed: Geometric design features shall be consistent with a design speed selected as
appropriate for traffic volumes and conditions.
Low design speeds are generally acceptable for roads with winding alignments in rolling or mountainous
terrain or where environmental conditions dictate.
High design speeds are generally acceptable for roads in level terrain or where other environmental
conditions are favorable.
It is necessary for designers to recognize conditions where actual operating speeds typically may exceed
the design speed; for example, terrain conditions may limit the overall design speed of a roadway section
to a select speed but several long tangents may encourage higher speeds. An older facility, like most in
Pitkin County may have a highway curve that has a design speed below the general operating speed of the
highway. When this occurs, the common practice is to use an advisory speed sign to warn drivers of the
lower safe operating speed on the curve. On new and reconstructed facilities, the curve should be designed
to appropriate standards as dictated by the AASHTO's A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and
Streets (most recent version), the Colorado Department of Transportation's Design Guide, or as
determined to be prudent by the County Engineer given local topography and other environmental
considerations
D: Grades: The length and steepness of grades directly affect the operational characteristics of any road.
Recommended maximum grades will be dictated by associated road type (local, arterial, etc) and figures as
dictated by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials A Policy on
Geometric Design of Highways and Streets (most recent version) and the Colorado Department of
Transportation's Design Guide. These values are not to generally exceed 12% grade. In exceptional
circumstances where local topography or other environmental considerations render compliance with the
foregoing standards impractical, the County Engineer may approve a variance from said standards when a
professional engineer registered in the State of Colorado stamps plans incorporating the variance and
warrants that the roadway constructed out of compliance with said standards is nonetheless safe and
suitable for its intended purpose and use by the public.
E: Sight Distance: Sight distances, including but not limited to stopping sight distance, passing sight
distance, and decision sight distance shall be determined by equations as dictated by the American
Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways
and Streets (most recent version), the Colorado Department of Transportation's Design Guide. In
exceptional circumstances where local topography or other environmental considerations render
compliance with the foregoing standards impractical, the County Engineer may approve a variance from
said standards when a professional engineer
registered in the State of Colorado stamps plans incorporating the variance and warrants that the roadway
constructed out of compliance with said standards is nonetheless safe and suitable for ins intended purpose
and use by the public. Type of curvature (vertical sag, vertical crest, horizontal, etc.) shall be considered
along with distance of any sight obstruction from the roadway.
F: Horizontal Alignment: Horizontal alignment should provide for safe and continuous operation of
vehicles at a uniform design speed for substantial lengths of roadway. Design considerations should be
addressed as outlined in the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials A Policy
on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets (most recent version), the Colorado Department of
Transportation's Design Guide, or as figured prudent by the County Engineer given local topography and
other environmental considerations.
G: Road Surface Classification: Road surfaces are classified as follows:
Low: Low type surfaces are those with surface treated earth and those with loose surfaces such as gravel.
Intermediate: Intermediate type pavements are those designed to retain smooth riding qualities and good
non-skid properties in all weather under light loads and low traffic volumes.
High: High type pavements are those that retain smooth riding qualities and good non- skid properties in
all weather under heavy traffic volumes and loading with little maintenance.
H: Traveled Way Crown: Design of the pavement crown is often a compromise between the need for
reasonably steep cross slopes for drainage and relatively flat cross slopes for driver comfort. Pavement
super- elevations shall be determined by Section 1.22. Generally, a minimum cross slope of 1.5% should
be used. However, further guidance can be found in CDOT Standard Plans — M & S Standards, A Policy
on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets (most recent version), and the Colorado Department of
Transportation's Design Guide. Additionally, a maximum cross slope should generally not exceed 4%.
I: Super -Elevation: CDOT Standard Plans — M & S Standards, A Policy on Geometric Design of
Highways and Streets (most recent version), and the Colorado Department of Transportation's Design
Guide should be used in determining rates of super -elevation (both maximum and for any specific curve).
J: Number of Lanes: The number of lanes should be sufficient to accommodate the design volume. The
majority of roads in Pitkin County will be two lanes. Where more than two lanes are warranted to
accommodate design volumes, determinations of design are to be made as indicated in CDOT
Standard Plans — M & S Standards, A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets (most recent
version), and the Colorado Depailiuent of Transportation's Design Guide. Under special conditions as
approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Board of County Commissioners, sections of
one lane road may be approved if the entire road falls under the "Country Access" standard. Roads with
one -lane sections will not be accepted by the County for right-of-way or maintenance and must meet the
following:
1. That section which is one lane must have its entire length visible from both ends of the two-lane
portion.
2. All "Country Access" standards for surface sight distance, curve radii, shoulder, ditch, etc., must be
met. Minimum width of a one -lane road shall be 10.0 feet.
3. The driving surface will be at least 10 feet wide with turnouts at 500+ foot intervals. Turnouts will
be 10 feet wide and 50 feet long.
4. Guardrail will be installed along the entire substandard section, except in areas of flat, open terrain
where no roadside obstacles or steep hillsides exist. Areas to be without guardrail must be proposed
by the applicant, designed by a registered professional engineer, and approved by the County
Engineer or his representative.
These standards (along with section 1.35) shall only be used with prior approval from the County Engineer
and Community Development Designee.
K: Traffic Calming: Traffic Calming may be considered for area in residential neighborhoods, near
schools, or a otherwise determined by Public Works Staff. Public requests for traffic calming shall be
reviewed on a case -by -case basis. Individual requests shall come from an HOA, Caucus or other
neighborhood body.
L. Width of Surfacing, Shoulder and Roadway: The dimensions of a typical cross section depend upon a
number of features that vary with the type of roadway. Default geometric design standards should be
identified with reference to A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets (most recent version),
the Colorado Department of Transportation's Design Guide and any other applicable standards as
determined by the County. Class of roadway, local topography and environment shall all be included in
design decisions. Roads should generally not be less than 20 feet in width, unless local topography or
other constraints dictate otherwise.
M: Bicycle Lanes: Bicycle lanes should be constructed in accordance with the Standards and
Specifications contained in the Open Space and Trails Management and Design Guidelines (available at
the Open Space & Trails Department) or the American Association of State Highway and Transportation
Officials Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities (available at the Open Space & Trails
Department), as determined most appropriate by the Open Space or Public Works designee whenever
reasonable. Because of the extremes of topography in Pitkin County, there are cases where these standards
may not be met.
N: Guardrail: Guardrail should be used on roads with steep side hills and cuts, on bridge approaches and
along switchbacks. In mountainous terrain with a minimum 2-foot shoulder, the graded width of the
shoulder in cuts may be decreased 2 feet if guardrail is installed. Guardrail shall not be closer than 2 feet to
the driving surface. Guardrails shall be of a non -shiny material and shall meet the standards in the latest
edition of the Colorado Department of Transportation M- Standards. Further design standards can be
found in the AASHTO Roadside Design Guide and other applicable standard setting publications.
0: Switchbacks: Switchbacks are not considered a good roadway design solution for gaining elevation.
When used, no switchback shall have a tangent less than 1/4 mile from the last switchback. This is
especially important on hillsides steeper than 20% where visually switchbacks create a heavy impact. On
horizontal curves less than 150 feet, grades on switchbacks shall be reduced to zero percent at the apex of
the vertical curve. (Note: The horizontal curve shall not begin prior to the end of the vertical curve for
these purposes).
P: Right -Of -Way Width: The procurement of right-of-way to widths that will accommodate construction,
utilities, adequate drainage and proper maintenance of the road is the most important aspect of the overall
design. Wide rights -of -way permit the construction of gentle slopes, resulting in more safety and easier
maintenance. The procurement of sufficient rights -of -way at the time of initial construction or
improvement permits the widening of the roadway at reasonable costs as traffic increases.
The minimum right-of-way for all new roads shall be thirty feet (30'), however sixty feet (60') is preferred.
P: Vertical Clearance: Vertical clearance at underpasses, power lines, streetlights, etc., shall be at least
twenty feet (20') over the entire roadway width, including shoulders.
Q: Horizontal Clearances to Obstructions: Horizontal clear zones shall be dictated by all applicable
standards as set forth in the AASHTO Roadside Design Guide, A Policy on Geometric Design of
Highways and Streets (most recent version), and the Colorado Department of Transportation's Design
Guide and any other applicable standards. Because of the extreme topography in Pitkin County, there may
be instances where these standards are not able to be met.
R: Intersection Design: The location of intersections should be carefully selected to avoid steep approach
grades and to ensure that there is adequate approach sight distance to the intersection. An intersection
should not be located on a short crest vertical curve, just beyond a short crest vertical curve, or on a sharp
horizontal curve. Where there is no practical alternate to such a location, the approach sight distance on
each leg should be flattened and horizontal or vertical curves lengthened to provide additional sight
distance. There should be sufficient sight distance to permit a passenger vehicle on the minor leg of the
intersection to cross the traveled way without requiring the through approaching traffic to slow down. As a
general rule, there should be a minimum of 6 to 7 seconds available to the driver crossing the through
lanes. On this basis, the suggested corner sight distance for each design speed would be as calculated using
the site triangle method. Minimum sight distances shall be calculated using applicable standards from A
Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets (most recent version), and the Colorado Department
of Transportation's Design Guide.
Intersections should be designed with a corner radius of the pavement or surfacing that is
adequate for the larger vehicles anticipated; usually, a minimum edge radius of 50 feet is applicable.
Where turning volumes are significant, consideration should be given to speed- change lanes and
channelization. Intersection legs that will operate under STOP control preferably should be at right
angles.
9.12.190: MODIFICATION OF ROAD CLASSIFICATIONS AND DESIGN STANDARDS
A. In certain circumstances it may make sense to allow for modifications to the design standards to
allow for reasonable variances which provide significant benefits without decreasing safety and
causing greater environmental impacts.
B. An applicant other than the County who wishes to modify the design standards shall submit in
writing, by a registered professional engineer, a proposal outlining what standards are wished to
be waived, including an explanation why those modifications must take place. The proposal shall
also include an analysis of the cost and benefits of compliance with the standards as well as the
cost and benefits of the proposed modifications to the standards. Any such request shall be
reviewed based on the following criteria:
t. Shall be in harmony and compatible with the character of the surrounding areas,
neighborhood and zoning;
2. Shall be consistent with the RMMP;
3. Shall not result in an over -intensive use of land;
4. Shall not have adverse effect on community capital improvementprograms;
5. Shall not require a level of community facilities and services greater than that which is
available;
6. Shall not result in undue traffic congestion or traffic hazards;
7. Shall not cause significant air, water, or noise pollution;
8. Shall be adequately landscaped, buffered, and screened;
9. Shall not otherwise be detrimental to the health, safety, or welfare of the present or
future residents or the public;
10. Shall not have significant environmental and visual impacts;
11. Shall not compromise emergency response.
The County Engineer and the Community Development Director shall have the authority to approve
modifications to driveway standards unless such a modification is in association with other Land Use
Review applications which require Planning Commission or Board of County Commissioner approval.
All other requests for modifications shall be submitted to the County Engineer. The County Engineer
and the Community Development Director shall review the request and make recommendations to the
Board of County Commissioners, and modifications shall be authorized by resolution of the Board of
County Commissioners.
9.12.200: ROAD DEVELOPMENT IN THE FLOODPLAIN
A. A Floodplain Development Permit and an Access Development Permit shall be required
submittals for all retaining structures, driveways or roads in the 100-year Floodplain.
B. All roads shall be constructed above the base flood elevation. The constructed fill in the floodplain
will have sufficient drainage devices so as to pass the 100-year flood with minimal impoundment.
The development within the floodplain shall be consistent with the Pitkin County Land Use Code, 7-
20-40.
C. Driveways may be overtopped by a ten-year flood or greater if all floodwaters have a velocity of 3
f.p.s. or less (3 f.p.s. or less is considered standing water with little ability to erode).
9.12.210: ACCESS DESIGN STANDARDS
Accesses are roads that generally serve fewer than 5 residential units and have a low volume of traffic.
Roads built to the access standards will not be eligible for inclusion or acceptance into the County
Road System. New accesses or ones with major modifications shall be designed by a registered,
professional Engineer as outlined in the ACCESS PERMIT section of this RMMP.
Table 1.34
Minimum Access Standards
1
+2
30 foot Easement width
16 foot minimum Drive width
30'
SLOPE TO MATCH
CROWN OF EXISTING PAVEMENT
EXISTING ROAD
-2%
30'
Maximum grade: 12%+/- for any Driveway
DRIVEWAY APPROACH DETAIL
Width
16'
Unless one -lane as per applicable standards
No. of Lanes
2
Same as above
Max. % of Grade
12%
Variances may be approved due to
conditions and with consultation of local
emergency response
Approach Grade
2%
Grade required for 30' approach to
intersection (See typical section)
Minimum curve radius
50' @ C/L
Radius at centerline of drive
Pullouts (10`x50` minimum)
500' +/-
Recommended distance, may be greater
with approval from Fire Marshall
Surface Treatment
Minimum
graded
dirt
All weather gravel surface
9.12.220: DESIGN IN THE FLOODPLAIN
The design of all roads, culverts, and bridges shall accommodate a 100-year flood event.
A. Applicant shall submit a Floodplain Development Permit and an Access Driveway
Development Permit for all retaining structures, driveways, or roads in the 100- year
Floodplain.
B. All roads shall be constructed above the base flood elevation. The constructed fill in the
floodplain will have sufficient drainage devices so as to pass the 100-year flood with minimal
impoundment. The development within the floodplain shall be consistent with the Pitkin
County Land Use Code, Article 3, Section 3-80-40.
C. Driveways may be overtopped by a ten-year flood or greater if all floodwaters have a velocity
of 3 f.p.s. or less (3 f.p.s. or less is considered standing water with little ability to erode).
9.12.230: CULVERT DESIGN
Culverts shall be designed in context to the flows they are expected to carry, and where they are
conveying water.
Traffic Volume (vpd)
Recurrence Interval for Design
>3000
50
3000> traffic
>500
10
500>
10
9.12.240: BRIDGES
A: Existing Bridges: Since highway geometric and roadway improvements encourage higher speeds and
attract larger vehicles to the highway, it is important that existing substandard structures also be improved
correspondingly. Because of their high cost, reasonably adequate bridges and culverts that meet tolerable
criteria should be retained.
Where an existing highway is to be reconstructed, an existing bridge which fits the proposed alignment
and profile may remain in place when its structural capacity in terms of design loading and clear
roadway width are at least equal to the values shown for the applicable traffic volumes under clear
roadway widths for new and reconstructed bridges.
B: New or Rebuilt Bridge Design: New or rebuild bridges shall be sized to pass the 100-year flood. In
determining bridge design the following formula should be considered:
P (Q) =Probability of the flow being equaled or exceeded from wither snowmelt or rainfall
flooding
P (QS) = Probability of that flow being equaled or exceeded due to snow melt or
rainfall flooding.
P (QR) = Probability of that flow being equaled or exceeded due to rainfall flooding.
A minimum of 18" of freeboard shall be allowed. It is recommended that the design engineer consider
an additional 12" to 18" for freeboard to pass debris of the 100-year flood. The minimum design loading
for all new and rebuild bridges shall be HL93. A registered professional engineer shall design all
bridges. A Floodplain Development Permit or an Access Driveway Development Permit is required for
all bridge construction or rebuilding done outside the County Right of Way. AASHTO and CDOT
standards shall be used for all bridge design within Pitkin County. All design criteria is subject to
review by the County Engineer and possibly the Pitkin County Community Development department.
Persons wishing to install a bridge within Pitkin County on a private road or driveway shall submit an
Access Control Permit. All bridge plans shall be stamped by a Professional Engineer registered in the
State of Colorado.
Notes:
(1) Where the approach roadway is surfaced for the full crown width, that surfaced
width should be carried across structures.
(2) On highways with a current ADT over 1,000, bridges with a total length over 100
feet may be constructed with a minimum clear roadway width of the surfacing
width plus six feet.
9.12.250: ROAD STANDARDS FOR ROADS AND ACCESSES LOCATED IN AREAS ZONED
RURAL AND REMOTE
The following road standards have been developed for access to County approved development in areas
zoned rural and remote. The goal of the standards is to allow roads to be constructed in remote areas
with the least amount of environmental impact. The standards have been developed in conjunction with
the United States Forest Service (USFS) and their road standards developed for private roads
constructed on National Forest System Lands.
These standards shall be as follows:
A: General: Plans for construction of the road shall be signed and/or stamped by a Colorado registered
professional engineer. The plans should include: topographical site plan, road cross-section, drainage
structures, retainage walls and bridge structures.
B: Design Criteria: These standards (along with section 1.23) shall only be used with prior approval from
the Community Development Designee.
C. Design Speed: 10 miles per hour
D. Drainage: Roads with grades 8% and less should maintain an out -slope of 2%and utilize rolling dips
and/or culverts. Roads with grades exceeding 8% should maintain an out -slope of 2% and utilize culverts
or other drainage structures. An energy dissipater must be used in most soil conditions with grades
exceeding 8%. Approach to an existing County road shall be constructed to slope away from the existing
County road at a 2 % grade for at least 5 feet.
9.12.260: PERMITTING REQUIREMENTS
Appropriate Permits as identified in this RMMP are required for any and all work done within County
rights -of -way or other property by persons or entities other than Pitkin County. Permits must be made
available to County personnel at the work site on demand. Permits are also required for certain actions
addressed within this RMMP that may affect County roads or rights of way. The permitting requirements
contained in this RMMP do not apply to work done by Pitkin County, including without limitation its
departments, agents, consultants, and contractors.
In general, new utilities, irrigation features, or structures in the right of way shall be covered by the
revocable right of way permit. This permit will be a license agreement between the owner and the
County.
Right of Way Work Permit shall be used to allow traffic control operations in the right of way in order to
perform work not associated with any new roadway/roadside appurtenance.
Referral to the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC):
(1) In lieu of making an administrative decision, the Public Works Designee may refer any
application authorized for administrative approval to the BOCC as determined by the Public
Works Designee for decision pursuant to the following criteria if the County Engineer or Public
Works Designee determined that:
• Work zones may present significant impact to traffic; or
• Work zones may be present for a long period of time; or
• Multiple alternatives may be needed to be publicly vetted; or
• The application raises a significant public controversy on which numerous parties
beyond the owners of adjacent properties may want to offer testimony; or
• The applicant has a disagreement with the Engineering Department regarding a
condition of approval.
Once an application is referred to the BOCC, a work session will be set. Staff will present a synopsis of
the project then the applicant will have an opportunity to present its proposal to the BOCC. The BOCC
will then direct Staff in how to finish the processing of the permit application. In the case of multiple
alignments or options exist, Staff may present a preferred alternative
Permit application fees will double in cost for any work that requires more than six (6) site visits during
the duration of the project and will double in cost for any application referred to the BOCC.
9.12.270: ACCESS PERMIT
A: Purpose: The purpose of these requirements is to establish engineering, inspection and permitting
policies by which an approved access may be allowed.
B: Permit Required: No person shall begin work on a proposed access, or make substantial improvements
to an existing access or private road, except as specifically exempt in subsections A-C, below, without first
obtaining an approved Access Permit from the County. A separate permit will be required for each access
point proposed. An Access Permit shall be required even in cases where the access does not directly enter
a County road. This is to assure compliance with County standards.
The following activities are exempt and do not require an Access Permit:
1. Minor or insubstantial maintenance to an existing legal access. Such work may include: grading,
oiling or otherwise maintaining the existing driving surface, cleaning road side ditches or cross
culverts, and placing or repairing fencing or gates that are required as a part of the access. What
constitutes minor or insubstantial maintenance shall be determined on a case -by -case basis and
will depend on the proposed work's impact (including both physical impacts and impacts on
traffic volume, safety, and other matters affecting the proper functioning of a County asset) on
County rights -of -way or other affected assets.
2. Any work required within an existing access to place underground utilities. (Note that an
Earthmoving Permit may be required if threshold volumes of excavated materials are exceeded).
3. Any work required within an existing access to repair or maintain irrigation ditches or
impoundments.
The following activities may obtain approval through a Temporary Access Permit:
1. Any access needed temporarily for non-residential purposes (e.g., drill for water,
access to show property, construction activities) may qualify for a temporary access
permit. TEMPORARY ACCESS PERMITS SHALL ONLY BE GRANTED FOR AN
ACCESS PREVIOUSLY APPROVED IN SUBDIVISION OR SITE PLAN
REVIEW. Temporary Access Permit applications shall be submitted to the County
Community Development Department for review and approval prior to execution by
Public Works. An access permitted through a Temporary Access Permit may only be
in place for a limited time
not to exceed 6 months from issuance of permit and the access site must be reclaimed
and returned to its original condition when the Temporary Access Permit expires. If
the applicant desires to convert a temporary access into a permanent access, a normal
Access Development Permit must be obtained before a Building Permit will issue.
All permanent access regulations also apply to Temporary Access Permits. Under no
circumstances shall a Temporary Access Permit be issued for an access providing
service to a residential property; such use requires prior issuance of a normal Access
Permit.
C: Access Permit Application Process: The Pitkin County Access Permit application is available at the
Community Development Office, the Public Works Office or online at www.pitkincounty. Completed
applications, along with relevant attachments, shall be submitted first to the Community Development
Department for review for compliance with the Pitkin County Land Use Code and conditions of prior
approvals. The application will then be forwarded to the Public Works Department for approval.
D: Plans and Specifications: All accesses must conform to the design standards set forth in this RMMP
(see sections 1.14 through 1.35).
Applicants are advised to meet with County Staff prior to submittal to assure the site is compatible with
all applicable land use and development standards. Two (2) sets of complete plans and specifications
demonstrating compliance with the County's design standards shall be submitted with the Access Permit
Application. These plans and specifications shall be prepared by a Registered Professional Engineer and
shall show the following:
1. All applicable land use approvals and plats
2. Site vicinity map
3. Site plan showing the location of the access on the property and the road to be
accessed. The site plan shall show all existing and proposed 2 foot contours.
4. Access plan and profile
5. Drainage and erosion control plan addressing proposed access and county orprivate road
6. Construction Management Plan
7. Revegetation Plan
8. Approval from the Fire Marshall
9. Map or letters from utility companies detailing utility placement in the area proposed for access
10. Parcel and/or ownership maps and applicable easements (and, if necessary,
authorization pursuant to § 1.39.06)
11. Signing and striping plans (if applicable)
12. Traffic Control Plan and applicable methods of handling traffic (ifapplicable)
E: Supplemental Reports: Supplemental reports and data (geology, soils, traffic impacts, existing traffic
counts, etc.) may be required depending on the nature of the site and the scope of the proposed access.
Supplemental reports must be prepared by qualified professionals in the relevant field.
Recommendations included in such reports approved by the County Engineer and CommunCommunity
Development may be incorporated into the access plan and made a condition of approval.\\\
F: Authorization: The applicant shall submit proof that it has authority or permission to conduct work
required to place the proposed access on the site(s) proposed. This documentation shall be submitted with
the application for permit. The approval of an access development permit does not imply or grant any
further development rights.
G: Hazardous or Harmful Conditions: Whenever the County determines that an existing access has
become a hazard to public health, safety or welfare, the owner of the property utilizing the access, upon
receipt of written notice from the County shall, within the period specified therein, repair or eliminate
such access so as to eliminate the hazard and be in conformance with the requirements contained herein.
This shall be a condition of all permits and shall constitute a continuing obligation that runs with the land.
The developer of any new or improved access point shall provide acceleration and/or deceleration lanes
or left turn lanes when the volume of traffic entering or leaving the access causes significant impacts to
the capacity or safety of traffic on the main line roadway or may cause increases in traffic delays and
congestion. All improvements shall be constructed to applicable design standards identified in this
RMMP.
H: Compliance with Plans and Requirements: All permits issued hereunder shall be deemed as a matter
of law to require the applicant (including without limitation all of his or her agents, contractors or
employees of any kind) to carry out the proposed work in compliance with all applicable statutory and
regulatory requirements, and in full accordance with the plans and specifications approved in connection
with the Access Permit. If the County Engineer determines that actual conditions present on- site do not
conform to those stated in the permit or the approved plans or specifications, the County may issue a
stop -work order until the applicant obtains approval for a revised access plan that conforms to the
existing conditions and satisfies all applicable requirements.
Modifications of previously -approved Access Permits or plans shall not be valid until approved in
writing by the County Engineer. Bonds or letters of credit may be required to secure these obligations
before an Access Permit or modification thereto will be issued.
Approvals which affect basic tract design or land use may require approval by the County
Community Development Department in addition to approvals required by Public Works.
I: Protection of Utilities: During work on the access, the applicant shall be responsible for the prevention
of damage to public or private utilities or services. This responsibility is not confined to the limits of the
work.
J: Protection of Adjacent Property: The applicant is responsible for the prevention of damage to adjacent
property, and no person shall excavate or fill on land sufficiently close to the property line to endanger
any adjoining public street or any adjacent property.
K: Revegetation: The applicant shall be responsible for complete revegetation of the access site. Said
revegetation shall conform to the adopted Pitkin County Revegetation Guidelines. Unless otherwise
approved by a Public Works designee, revegetation of the site shall be accomplished by reseeding with a
native grass mix comparable to those described within the Pitkin County Revegetation Guidelines. The
applicant may be required to submit to the Public Works designee a signed statement certifying that the
seed furnished is from a lot that has been tested by a recognized laboratory for seed testing within six (6)
months prior to the date of delivery. Seed which has become wet, moldy, or otherwise damaged in transit
or in storage will not be acceptable. Seed types and amount of pure live seed required per acre shall be in
conformance with the surrounding native grasses. The Public Works designee may review the proposed
seed mix or its compatibility with the surrounding vegetation and approve it before use.
The applicant shall also be responsible for assuring that the areas to be revegetated will grow and take
root to the soils on the disturbed areas. This will include any watering and noxious weed control needed
to insure or otherwise promote this growth. To guarantee the revegetation, the developer will be required
to provide a bond, letter of credit, or other financial assurance, which will be held for a minimum of two
(2) years, as more fully described in Section 1.39.14. The assurance monies will be equal to the costs of
revegetation, and will be returned to the applicant when it is determined by the Pitkin County designee
that the revegetation of the disturbed areas at the access site has been successfully completed.
If within a two-year period from the revegetation effort a successful stand of native grasses at the access
site has not been accomplished, the County may, at its discretion, retain any or all of the assurance
monies necessary in order to attempt revegetation of the grounds. A successful stand of native grasses is
defined as being at a 75% germination rate and/orhaving vegetation cover equal to or greater than the
surrounding vegetation cover. The success of the revegetation at the access site will be measured at the
end of the summer growing season by the Public Works designee who will approve or reject it between
that time and the end of the two-year assurance period.
L: Access Permit Limitations and Conditions:
1. General. The issuance of an Access Permit shall constitute an authorization for only that
work (no more and no less) which is described or illustrated on the approved plan or
application for the permit. The issuance of other required permits to the applicant shall not
relieve it of the responsibility for securing an Access Permit.
2. Jurisdiction of Other Agencies. Permits issued shall not relieve the applicant of the
responsibility for securing required permits for work to be done under regulation of any
other code, department, or governing agency.
3. Time Limits. All of the work authorized by the permit shall be fully performed and
completed within the time limit specified. If no time limit is specified, the work shall be
completed within 1 year after the date the permit is issued. If the work cannot be
completed within the specified time, a request for an extension of time setting forth the
reasons for the requested extension shall be presented in writing for review and approval
by Community Development and the County Engineer.
4. Storm Drainage. All persons performing any work under an Access Development
Permit shall put into effect all necessary precautions and conform to all applicable
standards to prevent storm drainage.
5. Traffic Control Plan. In the case of any work that may affect the traveling public, the
applicant shall submit a traffic control plan that complies with the standards set forth by this
RMMP, the most recent applicable Colorado Department of Transportation standards, and
the latest edition of the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices.
M: Denial of Access Permit: A permit will not be issued in any case where the work proposed by the
applicant will not comply with the requirements contained herein, or if the proposed work is not consistent
with land use or development policies currently adopted by the County. If it can be shown to the
satisfaction of the County that compliance with requirements and conditions can be obtained by the
construction of retaining structures, drainage devices, or by other means, the permit may be issued with the
condition that such work be performed. As a general policy, the County does not allow more than one
access per property.
N: Financial Security and Bonding: Letters of credit or other financial assurances may be required by the
County for work conducted under an approved Access Permit. This financial assurance will be required
where, in the discretion of the County Engineer or designee, it would be necessary to guarantee
enforcement of applicable requirements, including landscaping or earthmoving on steep slopes. Payment
and Performance Bond, letter of credit or cash payment for an amount set by the County Engineer or
designee representative shall be provided and secured unto the County, and, if the work authorized by the
permit is not completed as specified, any security shall be in default and the County shall recover on the
security, provided notice of non- compliance is given in writing to the developer by the County Engineer
or designee. The surety executing any bond or deposit shall continue to be firmly bound under a
continuing obligation for the payment of all necessary costs and expenses that may be incurred or
expended by Pitkin County in causing any unsatisfactory work to be corrected or any unfinished work to
be completed. In the event of default, the County shall have the right to go onto the premises to perform
the required work. In the case of a cash deposit, said deposit or any unused portion thereof shall be
refunded. Other securities other than a bond, such as cash payment or letters of credit, must obtain
approval by the County Attorneys Office prior to permit issuance.
0: Access Construction Standards and Specifications: Unless another section of this RMMP provides
otherwise, the most recent edition of the Colorado Department of Transportation's Standard Specifications
for Road and Bridge Construction shall govern all Access construction practices. Variations from the
CDOT Standard Specifications may be granted by the County Engineer and Community Development
when site -specific conditions make application of the Standard Specifications impractical or unnecessary.
The determination of whether or not a variance is justified shall rest in the sound discretion of the County
Engineer and Community Development based on all factors present at the site. Such a variance shall only
be granted through a signed writing executed by the County Engineer.
P: Supervised Inspection Required: All Access work other than routine maintenance shall be performed
under the supervision of a qualified and registered professional civil engineer at the Applicant's expense
and shall be designated as "supervised work". For supervised work, it shall be the responsibility of the
Applicant's engineer to supervise and coordinate all site inspection and testing during working
operations. If the engineer finds that the work is not being done in accordance with either the applicable
Access Permit or accepted construction practices, he/she shall immediately send a written notice of the
nonconformity and of the recommended corrective measures to the person in charge of the work and to
the County Engineer or designee.
Q: Regular Access Work Inspection: The County Engineer or designee shall have the right to enter the
premises to inspect work undertaken pursuant to an Access Permit at any time. Inspection may include but
need not be limited to preparation of surface for fills, retaining walls, drainage devices, and any and all
other matters set forth in the Access Permit or the applicable plans and specifications for the work
(including, without limitation, the CDOT Standard Specifications).
The County Engineer or designee may require soil borings, compaction or other tests at the applicant's
expense if an inspection discloses that such tests may be necessary to ensure public health, safety or
welfare. Tests shall be taken at locations designated by the County Engineer or designee and shall be
performed by an independent testing firm approved by the County. Certified copies of the test data are to
be furnished upon request to the County Engineer or designee. The applicant shall inform the County
Engineer or designee at least one (1) day in advance of each pre -scheduled inspection regarding the status
of the work and its compliance with the applicable Access Permit and all applicable plans and
specifications. Final approval of work conducted pursuant to an Access Permit shall not be given until all
work, including installation of all drainage structures and their protective devices, has been satisfactorily
completed in accordance with all Permit requirements and all applicable plans and specifications, and all
required data or reports have been submitted.
R: Final Reports: Upon completion of the work, the following reports or data may be required:
1. A report from the applicant's engineer certifying that all work has been completed in
conformance with the approved plans and applicable requirements, accompanied by "as -
built" plans of the completed work
2. Soils and/or geology reports
3. Cross -sections
4. Other reports as required depending on applicable site conditions
The release of any bond or security posted by the applicant may be conditioned upon the submittal
of the final report or reports.
S: Liability: Neither the issuance of a permit nor compliance with the provisions hereof or with any
conditions imposed in the permit issued hereunder shall relieve the applicant from the full responsibility
for any damage whatsoever to other persons or property, nor impose any liability upon any official,
appointee, or employee of Pitkin County for damage to persons or property.
T: Fee Schedule: (See Appendix A)
9.12.280: RIGHT-OF-WAY WORK PERMITS
A: Purpose: The purpose of these requirements is to establish engineering, inspection and permitting
policies governing Right -of -Way Work Permits. A Right -of -Way Work Permit confers a limited license to
conduct activities within a County -owned asset.
B: Permit Required: Any person, business, utility, or agency, including without limitation contractors,
developers, owners, and governmental agencies (other than Pitkin County itself and all of its departments,
agents, and instrumentalities), who proposes to perform work within any County property or right-of-way
(hereinafter, "Applicant"), must first obtain a Right -of -Way Work Permit from the Public Works
Department in accordance with the requirements of this section 1.40. "County property or right-of-way" as
used herein includes, without limitation, roads and their surrounding rights -of -way, bridges, trails and their
surrounding rights -of -way, and any other County -owned land or open space of any kind.
A Right -of -Way Work Permit application must be submitted to Public Works at least 7 business days
prior to the planned commencement of construction; Applicants are advised, however, to submit
applications well in advance of scheduled work as County workload or the necessity for certain studies
may preclude issuance of permits within a 7-day time frame. The County reserves the right to issue
timelines on permits if work is not completed.
Right -of -Way Work Permit applications are available at Public Works or online at
www.pitkincounty.com. Completed applications shall be submitted to the Public Works Department, 76
Service Center Road, Aspen, CO, 81611.
C: Application Contents: An application for a Right -of Way Work Permit shall include, at a minimum,
documentation addressing the following:
1. All required land -use approvals (if applicable), including copies of relevant approval
documents.
2. Site vicinity map and site plan accurately detailing the location of the work.
3. Construction plans and specifications. All plans shall conform to the design standards set forth
in this RMMP.
4. Schedule of proposed work.
5. Drainage and erosion control plan addressing proposed work.
6. Construction Management Plan (if work is in conjunction with a development permit issued
by Community Development).
7. Revegetation Plan.
8. Map or letters from utility companies detailing utility placement (if applicable).
9. Signing and striping plans (if applicable).
10. Traffic Control Plan and applicable methods of handling traffic (if applicable).
11. Confirmation that asphalt patches shall conform to standards as per drawings in the
Appendix A.
D: General Policies: Right -of -Way work shall not create safety hazards or maintenance
problems; render portions of rights -of -way infeasible for future road improvement; obstruct
major floodways; or otherwise impair in any long-term way the affected County Asset. Lateral
installations shall be placed outside the roadbed within the "borrow pit" area and transverse
installations shall be "jacked" or bored under the road in lieu of trenching whenever possible.
1. Utility Plans. All utilities shall be installed in accordance with plans and
specifications previously approved by the utility owner. Plans for main
installations must bear the name, seal, and signature of a registered engineer
responsible for their preparation where applicable. The alignment of all utilities
within a County right-of-way is subject to approval by the Public Works designee.
No permit shall be issued for installations partially on private property without
proof of an established easement available for such purposes.
2. Underground Utilities. All road level accesses (e.g., manholes, vaults) to utilities,
where permitted, shall be of heavy-duty construction, capable of safely supporting
anticipated maintenance equipment and vehicular traffic, and shall conform to the
finished grade of the road. All underground utilities within public right -of way
shall be placed at least 24 inches below ground or culvert and suitably marked with
a durable marker post showing the depth and offset at least every 1000 feet and at
points, where the installation first enters and leaves the right-of-way.
3. Water Table. Where the possibility exists of lowering the surrounding water table
and thereby adversely affecting wells and vegetation dependent on the water table
elevation in the area, suitable seep plugs shall be installed in the trench at a
minimum of 500-foot intervals or as necessary to ensure that the water table will
not be harmed. Appropriate engineering reports may be required to demonstrate
that the water table will not be harmed by relevant work.
4. Above -Ground Utilities All above ground utilities shall be located and installed so
as not to cause unnecessary obstruction to pedestrian and vehicular traffic or
damage to the utility itself that could be harmful to the public. The minimum
overhead clearance shall be 20 feet. Poles and/or other aboveground structures shall
be placed to neither be in conflict with a pedestrian walkway nor be set less than 10
feet from the shoulder of any County road (or such greater distance as provided for
by the current Roadside Design Guide). In no case will a pole be permitted within
11 feet of the traveled way.
5. Utilities in Major Floodways All utilities within or adjacent to major
floodways must be located and installed in a manner that will prevent future
scenic, environmental, or property damage, including without limitation land
erosion, water pollution, or flood diversions. Work within any floodway requires
a Floodplain Development Permit along with a Right -Of -Way Work Permit.
E: Road Closure: In general, road closures are not permitted unless justified on the basis of
overall benefit to the general public. When road closures are permitted, the applicant must adhere
to the following procedures.
1. Closure must be explicitly specified on the approved permit.
2. Roads may be closed only between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00p.m.
3. The roadway must be capable of being re -opened for emergency equipment at all
times during construction. Verify the road closures specified on the permit with the
Public Works designee at least one week in advance of closure.
4. Notify the appropriate fire protection district, hospital and ambulance district,
school district, and sheriffs office of the exact location, date, and time traffic
will be impeded one week in advance of road closure.
5. Place a "Public Safety Announcement" in the local newspapers to inform the
public of the road closure: and/or by means deemed appropriate by the County.
6. Supply and maintain all necessary traffic control devices andpersonnel.
7. Where closures of more than one day are approved, a suitable detour must be
provided and be adequately marked and signed to accommodate night traffic.
F: Supplemental Reports: Public Works may require the Applicant to provide supplemental
reports or data (e.g., geology, soils, traffic impacts, existing traffic counts) to determine whether
or not a Right -of -Way Work Permit may properly be issued. Supplemental reports must be
prepared by qualified professionals approved by Public Works. Recommendations included in
such reports that are approved by the County Engineer shall be incorporated into the plans and
considered a condition and requirement of the Permit.
G: Safety and Public Convenience: The applicant shall at all times conduct his/her work to
assure the least possible obstruction and hazard to the traveling public. The safety and
convenience of the general public and the residents along the road and the protection of persons
and property shall be provided for at all times. Approved traffic control shall be utilized, as
outlined by the Applicant's submittals or otherwise required in the Permit, to assure the safety
and convenience of the public.
Depending on the nature of the work, traffic control methods may include traffic control
supervisors, flaggers, and approved traffic control devices. The applicant's operations are to
conform to the applicable requirements established by the Industrial Commission of Colorado
and the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA).
H: Protection of Utilities: During work on the project, the Applicant shall be responsible for the
prevention of damage to all public or private utilities or services. This responsibility is not
confined to the limits of the work.
I: Protection of Adjacent Property: The applicant is responsible for the prevention of damage to
adjacent property, and no person shall excavate or fill on land sufficiently close to the property
line to endanger any adjoining public street or any adjacent property.
J: Revegetation: The applicant shall be responsible for complete revegetation of the affected
site. Said revegetation shall conform to the adopted Pitkin County Revegetation Guidelines.
Unless otherwise approved by a Public Works designee, revegetation of the site shall be
accomplished by reseeding with a native grass mix comparable to those described within the
Pitkin County Revegetation Guidelines. The applicant may be required to submit to the Public
Works designee a signed statement certifying that the seed furnished is from a lot that has been
tested by a recognized laboratory for seed testing within six (6) months prior to the date of
delivery. Seed, which has become wet, moldy, or otherwise damaged in transit or in storage will
not be acceptable. Seed types and amount of pure live seed required per acre shall be in
conformance with the surrounding native grasses. The Public Works designee may review the
proposed seed mix or its compatibility with the surrounding vegetation and approve it before use.
The applicant shall also be responsible for assuring that the areas to be revegetated will grow
and take root to the soils on the disturbed areas. This will include any watering and noxious
weed control needed to insure or otherwise promote this growth. To guarantee the revegetation,
the developer will be required to provide a bond, letter of credit, or other financial assurance,
which will be held for a minimum of two (2) years, as more fully described in Section 1.40.18.
The assurance monies will be equal to the costs of revegetation, and will be returned to the
applicant when it is determined by the Pitkin County designee that the revegetation of the
disturbed areas at the site has been successfully completed.
If within a two-year period from the revegetation effort a successful stand of native grasses at
the site has not been accomplished, the County may, at its discretion, retain any or all of the
assurance monies necessary in order to attempt revegetation of the grounds. A successful stand
of native grasses is defined as being at a 75% germination rate and/or having vegetation cover
equal to or greater than the surrounding vegetation cover. The success of the revegetation at the
access site will be measured at the end of the summer growing season by the Public Works
designee who will approve or reject it between that time and the end of the two-year assurance
period.
K: Compliance with Plans and Requirements: All permits issued hereunder shall be deemed as a
matter of law to require the applicant (including without limitation all of his or her agents,
contractors or employees of any kind) to carry out the proposed work in compliance with all
applicable statutory and regulatory requirements, and in full accordance with the plans and
specifications approved in connection with the Permit. If the County Engineer determines that
actual conditions present on -site do not conform to those stated in the permit or the approved
plans or specifications, the County may issue a stop -work order until the applicant obtains
approval for a revised plan that conforms to the existing conditions and satisfies all applicable
requirements. Modifications of previously -approved Right of Way Work Permits or plans shall
not be valid until approved in writing by the County Engineer or designee. Bonds or letters of
credit may be required to secure these obligations before a Permit or modification thereto will
issue.
L: Warranty Period: Any repaving, restoration, or improvement shall be warranted by the
applicant against any and all defects for a period of two (2) years from the completion of such
work unless the Permit specifies a longer warranty period.
M: Road Changes: In the event that any change is made to a County road that necessitates the
removal or relocation of an installation made by a permit applicant, the relocation or removal of
that installation shall be at the Applicant's expense upon written request of the Public Works
designee. The relocation or removal shall be completed within 30 days of notification for minor
projects or infrastructure. For major utility relocation projects that do require extensive design,
securing of contracts, or material orders, the relocation or removal period shall be within 90 days
of notification. To avoid the necessity of such changes, the Applicant is encouraged to locate his
facility consistent with any existing future plans for the roadway.
N: Inspections: The County Engineer or designee shall have the right to enter the premises to
inspect work undertaken pursuant to a Right -of -Way Work Permit at any time. Inspection may
include but need not be limited to preparation of surface for fills, retaining walls, drainage
devices, and any and all other matters set forth in the Permit or the applicable plans and
specifications for the work (including, without limitation, the CDOT Standard Specifications)
The County Engineer or designee may require soil borings, compaction or other tests at the
applicant's expense if an inspection discloses that such tests may be necessary to ensure public
health, safety or welfare. Tests shall be taken at locations designated by the County Engineer or
designee and shall be performed by an independent testing firm approved by the County.
Certified copies of the test data are to be furnished upon request to the County Engineer or
designee. The applicant shall inform the County Engineer or designee at least one (1) day in
advance of each pre -scheduled inspection regarding the status of the work and its compliance
with the applicable Access Permit and all applicable plans and specifications. Final approval of
work conducted pursuant to a Right -of -Way Work Permit shall not be given until all work,
including installation of all drainage structures and their protective devices, has been
satisfactorily completed in accordance with all Permit requirements and all applicable plans and
specifications, and all required data or reports have been submitted.
Any work or material that does not conform to County standards will be brought to the attention
of the applicant and, if immediate corrections are not made, construction may be stopped.
Failure of the County to notify the applicant of noncompliance with requirements shall not
relieve the applicant of its responsibility to comply. Before a bonding commitment is released,
certification of satisfactory completion of work from the Public Works designee must be filed.
Certification shall be effective only upon the Public Works designee's signature.
0: Construction Standards and Specifications: Unless another section of this RMMP provides
otherwise, the most recent edition of the Colorado Department of Transportation's Standard
Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction shall govern all Right -of -Way Work Permit
construction practices. Variations from the CDOT Standard Specifications may be granted by
the County Engineer when site- specific conditions make application of the Standard
Specifications impractical or unnecessary. The determination of whether or not a variance is
justified shall rest in the sound discretion of the County Engineer. Such a variance shall only be
granted through a signed writing executed by the County Engineer.
P: Supervised Inspection Required: All Right -of -Way Work Permit work other than routine
maintenance shall be performed under the supervision of a qualified and registered professional
civil engineer at the Applicant's expense and shall be designated as "supervised work". For
supervised work, it shall be the responsibility of the Applicant's engineer to supervise and
coordinate all site inspection and testing during working operations. If the engineer finds that the
work is not being done in accordance with either the applicable Permit or accepted construction
practices, he/she shall immediately send a written notice of the nonconformity and of the
recommended corrective measures to the person in charge of the work and to the County
Engineer or designee.
Q: Utility Bridge, Ditch or Culvert Crossing: In general, utilities are not permitted to be
attached to bridges and must be placed at least 2 feet below the ditch (roadside or irrigation) or
creek flow line and as close to the right-of-way line as conditions permit. The utility must be at
least 4 feet below the flow line elevation for a minimum distance of at least 10 feet on either side
of the ditch bank or 20 feet beyond the 100- year floodway section as determined by the County.
This would generally permit future bridge and channel improvements without the necessity of
relocating utilities.
Where utilities are permitted to be attached to bridges due to overriding conditions encountered
in the field as determined by the County, such utilities shall be placed so as not to obstruct the
waterway of the bridge and/or any attachments such as brackets, hangers, connectors, conducts
shall be designed by and signed by a registered professional engineer in the State of Colorado.
In such cases, the utility must indemnify the County against any and all liability of any kind
arising, or that may arise, out of the placement of the utilities. The utility must also list the
County as an additional insured on appropriate policies providing coverages acceptable to the
County's Risk Management Department.
R: Financial Security and Bonding: A surety bond in favor of the County in the amount of at
least two thousand dollars ($2000.00), or other amount to be determined by the Public Works
designee if deemed necessary, shall be filed before any right -of way work permit is issued. All
financial securities will be held for a 2- year period unless otherwise specified by approving
Staff. The bond will be conditioned upon:
1. Faithful performance of such work in strict compliance with specifications,
rules, regulations, and ordinances of Pitkin County.
2. The restoration and cleanup of any site affected by the construction activities.
3. The maintenance of the site during the warranty period herein provided. For projects
over five thousand dollars ($5000.00), the contractor shall take out a performance
bond with the owner, naming Pitkin County as additionally insured for the amount of
the project. This may be in lieu of the surety bond. The bond may be waived by the
Public Works designee upon applicant's showing of good cause.
S: Liability: Neither the issuance of a permit nor compliance with the provisions hereof or with
any conditions imposed in the permit issued hereunder shall relieve the applicant from the full
responsibility for any damage whatsoever to other persons or property, nor impose any liability
upon any official, appointee, or employee of Pitkin County for damage to persons or property.
T: Final Reports: Upon completion of the permitted work, the following reports or data may be
required:
1. A report from the applicant's engineer certifying that all work has
been completed in conformance with the approved plans and
applicable requirements, accompanied by "as- built" plans of the
completed work shall be required
2. Soils and/or geology reports
3. Cross -sections
4. Other reports as required
The release of any bond or security posted by the applicant may be conditioned upon the
submittal of the final report.
U: Fee Schedule: (See Appendix A)
9.12.290: OVERSIZED TRANSPORT PERMITS
A: Purpose: In order to ensure the longevity of and reduce overall impacts to County roads,
posted vehicle weight and load limits must be strictly obeyed. Permits may be issued on an
individual basis to allow certain vehicles to exceed posted load limits based on the criteria in this
section 1.41.
Before vehicles or other types of equipment which do not conform to the limitations set by the
Colorado Revised Statutes are used upon any County road, or before any vehicle or any type of
equipment which exceeds the posted load limit of a County Bridge are permitted to cross the
bridge, the operator must obtain a permit from the County Public Works Department. The
County Public Works Department will require such provisions as it may deem necessary to
protect the road and/or bridge affected by the use of said non -conforming equipment depending
on the nature of the vehicle or equipment and the affected infrastructure.
B: Procedure: An Overweight /Oversized Transport Permit must be obtained at least forty eight
(48) hours prior to the planned use of any road on the Pitkin County system where the gross
weight of the vehicle including load exceeds the posted limitations. The posting may be limited
to certain times during the year, such as April - June during the spring thaw. The applicant shall
complete a permit application issued by the County Public Works Department, which shall be
signed by the Public Works designee, the applicant, and in some instances an affected
homeowners association or other property owner, before use of the road or other infrastructure is
allowed.
C: General Policy: The Pitkin County Road and Bridge Department shall, pursuant to § 42-4-
106, C.R.S., as amended, post a load limit upon County roads and bridges within Pitkin County,
Colorado, which will protect said roads and bridges from all overweight/oversized vehicular
traffic. Weight limits shall be pursuant to § 42-4-507 and 42-5-508, C.R.S., as amended. These
weight limits are generally considered to be (unless revised) 36,000 lbs GVW for two axle
vehicles, 54,000 lbs. GVW for three or more axle/single unit vehicles, and 85,000 GVW for any
non -interstate haulers.
No person, corporation, association, or other entity of any nature shall operate or cause to be
operated any vehicle upon or along any County Right -of -Way within Pitkin County with a
total gross weight in excess of the posted weight limits upon said roads or bridges, unless prior
permission is granted specifically by the Pitkin County Public Works Department, or other
officials designated by the Pitkin County Board of County Commissioners for routes and loads
within Pitkin County, Colorado. Permission to exceed applicable limits may be conditioned on
compliance with restrictions or requirements which may be imposed by said Pitkin County
Public Works Department.
1. Authorization The County Engineer or designee is hereby authorized and empowered,
pursuant to C.R.S. § 43-2-111, as amended, and § 42-4-510, as amended, to issue
special permits, in writing, authorizing an applicant to operate or move a vehicle or
combination of vehicles of a size or weight of vehicle or load exceeding the maximum
specified in this code, upon any County road or highway, as specified in the special
permit granted to the applicant. Permits for movement of manufactured homes shall be
issued as provided in C.R.S. § 42-4-510.
2. Vehicles Requiring Permits All motor vehicles or combinations of vehicles which
exceed the height and/or weight specifications contained in C.R.S. § 42-4-508, 42-4-
507 or or other applicable law, as amended, which are to be operated or moved on
County roads or highways shall be required to apply for and receive a special road
permit from the Public Works designee prior to using any County road or bridge.
3. Application Procedure the Public Works designated representative shall have the
responsibility for accepting, processing, and granting any and all special road
permits.
4. Criteria for Granting Special Road Permits The Public Works designee may grant
applications for special road permits provided that the route to be traveled upon by
the applicant's vehicle or combinations of vehicles is specified and the time and dates
during which said vehicle or combination of vehicles is transiting the County roads
are designated in the permit.
5. Proof of Financial Security All applicants for special road permits under this section
shall be required, as a condition of being granted a special road permit, to submit proof
of liability insurance or a bond running to Pitkin County. Said liability insurance or
bond shall be set in an amount deemed adequate to compensate the County for any
possible damage to County roads, bridges or structures, upon which said special
permitted vehicle or combination of vehicles shall be transiting. In no event shall the
applicant be required to provide liability insurance coverage or bond in excess of $1
million dollars.
6. Bond Requirement As a condition of any Pitkin County road use permit, the Public
Works designee may require posting of a bond as security for possible damage to a
County road. Currently, the cost of a chip and seal surface is approximately $50,000
per mile and that of asphalt mat, $150,000 per mile, and that of gravel road is $15,000
per mile. However, actual prevailing market costs shall be the basis for determining the
amount of the bond and may change due to fluctuation in the market
D: Overweight/Oversized Transport Permits for County Bridges: In order to accommodate
commercial activities within Pitkin County, permits may be issued on an individual basis
allowing certain vehicles to exceed the posted load limits on certain bridges.
An Overweight/Oversized Transport Permit must be obtained at least forty-eight hours prior to
the planned crossing of any bridge on the Pitkin County system where the gross weight of the
vehicle including load exceeds the posted limitations of the bridge. The applicant must
complete a crossing permit application issued by the County Public Works Department, which
must be signed by the Public Works designee and the applicant before the crossing is made.
Approved permit must be kept with the transporting vehicle at all times.
E: Liability: Neither the issuance of the permit, nor compliance with the provisions and
conditions of the permit, will relieve the applicant from liability to the County for damage caused
by the applicant's use of the bridge by overweight/oversized vehicles. Any permit granted
pursuant to this section shall require that the applicant indemnify and save harmless Pitkin
County, and its officers, agents, appointees, and employees against any claims for damage or loss
resulting from the applicant's use of a bridge by overweight vehicles. The applicant shall post
security in an amount adequate to protect against potential damage to the bridge or bridges the
applicant proposes to cross.
F: Overweight/Oversized Transport Permit: The Pitkin County "Overweight/Oversized
Transport Permit" applications are available at the Public Works Depar lauent. Completed
applications shall be submitted to the Public Works Department, 76 Service Center Road, Aspen,
CO, 81611.
G: Fee Schedule: (See Appendix A)
9.12.300: REVOCABLE RIGHT-OF-WAY PERMIT
A: Purpose: The purpose of these requirements is to establish engineering, inspection and
permitting policies by which any structure(s) or temporary construction can be placed by a public
or private property owner within a County right of way, road easement, or public roadway.
Under no circumstances shall a Revocable Right -of -Way Permit be construed to grant any
permanent or irrevocable rights in County property. Such permits grant only a fully -revocable
license in a County asset. A Revocable Right -of -Way Permit is not a substitute for a Right -of -
Way Work Permit, which will also be required in most cases.
B: Permit Requirements: Any person, business, utility, or agency, including contractors,
developers, owners, and governmental agencies (excluding Pitkin County itself and all of its
departments, agents, and instrumentalities), who proposes to construct a structure, or to make a
substantial renovation to an existing structure within any County Right -of -Way shall first obtain
a Revocable Right -of- Way Permit to erect or maintain such structure unless specifically
exempted herein. A separate permit will be required for each structure proposed, unless a group
or series of structures are proposed at one time.
A permit will not be required, and the applicant will be considered exempt, for the following:
1. Minor or insubstantial maintenance to an existing specific structure. Such work
includes, but may not be limited to, cleaning, painting or other resurfacing to
an existing structure or structures; repairing or mending an existing structure or
structures.
2. Any work within the right-of-way to repair or maintain existing
irrigation ditches or impoundments.
C: Plans and Specifications: Site plan and specifications shall be submitted for review by the
County Engineer or his/her designee. Upon request by the County, these plans and specifications
shall be prepared by a registered professional engineer duly licensed by the State of Colorado.
The plans and specifications shall, at a minimum, show the following:
1. Site vicinity map and site plan accurately detailing the location of the work
2. Construction plans and specifications showing structure(s) plan andprofile
3. Schedule of proposed work
4. Drainage and erosion control plan addressing proposed work
5. Construction Management Plan (if work is in conjunction with a developmentpermit)
6. Revegetation Plan
7. Map or letters from utility companies detailing utility placement (if applicable)
8. Signing and striping plans (if applicable)
9. Traffic Control Plan and applicable methods of handling traffic (if applicable)
10. Asphalt patches shall conform to standards set forth in the Appendix A
11. Subdivision, zoning, or development plan
12. Property and easement map
13. Parcel and/or ownership maps
D: Hazardous or Harmful Conditions: Whenever Pitkin County determines that an existing
structure or structures, whether previously -permitted or not, becomes a hazard to public safety or
interferes with the County's maintenance or structure plans for the right-of-way on which it is
placed, the owner of the structure or of the property which the structure benefits, upon receipt of
written notice from the County Engineer or his designee shall, within the period specified
therein, repair or eliminate said structure(s) so as to eliminate the hazard or impedance posed by
the structure and be in conformance with the requirements contained herein.
E: Enforcement: Revocable Right -of -Way Permits grant only a fully -revocable right in County
property. Should the applicant, the owner of a structure, or the owner of a property benefited by
the structure fail to adhere to all Permit requirements, the County shall revoke the Permit and the
responsible person or entity shall remove the structure at issue immediately. The County may
also require removal of a structure for the County's convenience, and in its sole discretion, at any
time.
Every Revocable Right -of -Way Permit shall include a provision that the applicant shall
indemnify the County and pay any and all of the County's costs and attorney's fees should
judicial action be necessary to obtain removal of a structure which the County directs be
removed or altered.
F: Supplemental Reports: Supplemental reports and data (i.e., geology, soils, water, drainage,
wildlife, etc.) may be required to support an application for a Revocable Right -of -Way Permit in
the discretion of the Public Works Department. Supplemental reports shall be prepared by
qualified professionals in the field. Recommendations included within such reports shall be
incorporated into and made a condition of the Permit at the discretion of the County Engineer or
designee.
G: Liability: Neither the issuance of a permit nor compliance with the provisions hereof or with
any conditions imposed in the permit issued hereunder shall relieve the applicant from the full
responsibility for any damage whatsoever to other persons or property, nor impose any liability
upon any official, appointee, or employee of Pitkin County for damage to persons or property.
H: Revocable Right -Of -Way Permit: The Pitkin County "Revocable Right -of -Way Permit"
applications are available at the Public Works Department and online at www.pitkincounty.com.
Completed applications shall be submitted to the Public Works Department, 76 Service Center
Road, Aspen, CO, 81611.
I.: Fee Schedule: (See Appendix A)
9.12.310: REVOCABLE RIGHT-OF-WAY PARKING PERMIT
A: Purpose: Roadside parking is PROHIBITED along all County roads and within any County
road right -of- way except as may be authorized by a Revocable Right -of -Way Parking Permit,
unless a parking area has been established and designated by the County Engineer. Only a
Revocable Right -of -Way Parking Permit may authorize temporary parking. In an attempt to
satisfy needs for the traveling public, public parking areas may be determined and improved on
an as- needed basis, provided that adequate right-of-way exists. Parking areas may also be
provided within designated "nodes". The County is under no obligation to approve parking
within the right of way.
B: Permit Requirements: Any person, business, utility, or agency, including contractors,
developers, owners, and governmental agencies (excluding the County itself and all of its
departments, agents, and instrumentalities), who proposes to park within the County Right -of -
Way shall obtain a permit.
C: Residential Construction Parking Permits; Residential construction managers may apply for a
Right -of -Way Parking Permit for spots in a County ROW. Such parking spots may not exceed
the limits of the property boundaries of the construction site adjacent to a county road. The
Pitkin County Public Works Staff shall approve parking spots based on safety, the Road and
Bridge Department's operation needs and emergency vehicle response as needed for
emergencies and as follows:
1. The number of vehicles approved by the public works staff will determine the number
of parking permits. The public works staff will issue parking tags and the construction
manager may use the tags according to the day-to-day construction activities at the site.
Parking tags shall be hung from the construction vehicle's rearview mirror such that they
are easily identifiable by county staff and other county officials.
2. Red Tags (construction work stoppages) shall be issued for any construction site that
fails to comply with obtaining a County ROW permit and which violates this section by
parking vehice ;vehicles in a County ROW without a current parking tag.
3. County ROW parking permits may be issued beginning no earlier than April 1st of
each calendrcalendar year and shall expire on or around November 15th of the same year;
depending upon current weather conditions. The public works staff will determine the
specific beginning and expiration dates and notify the construction manager of such
determination.
D: Plans and Specifications: Plans and specifications shall be submitted for review by the
County Engineer or his/her designee. If determined by the County to be necessary, these plans
and specifications shall be prepared by a qualified professional. In all cases that they are
requested, the plans and specifications shall show the following:
1. Site vicinity map and site plan accurately detailing the location ofparking
2. Schedule of proposed work
3. Construction Management Plan (if work is in conjunction with a developmentpermit)
4. Traffic Control Plan and applicable methods of handling traffic (if applicable)
E: Enforcement: Enforcement requirements contained herein may be enforced by an authorized
designee of the County, or by injunctions resulting in work stoppage by the District Court in and
for the County of Pitkin, State of Colorado, pursuant to law, or suit may be commenced by the
County Attorney on behalf of the Board of County Commissioners for damages or hazardous or
harmful conditions due to non-compliance.
F: Liability: Neither the issuance of a permit nor compliance with the provisions hereof or with
any conditions imposed in the permit issued hereunder shall relieve the applicant from the full
responsibility for any damage whatsoever to other persons or property, nor impose any liability
upon any official, appointee, or employee of Pitkin County for damage to persons or property.
G: Revocable Right -Of -Way Parking Permit: The Pitkin County "Revocable Right -of -Way
Parking Permit" applications are available at the Public Works Department and online at
www.pitkincounty.com. Completed applications shall be submitted to the Public Works
Department, 76 Service Center Road, Aspen, CO, 81611.
H: Permit Fee Schedule:
Access Permit
$ 650.00750.00
Oversized Transport Permits
$ 15.00
Annual Oversized
$ 250.00
Right -of -Way Work Permit
$ 650.00750.00
Revocable Right -of -Way Permit
$ 650.00750.00
Revocable Right -of -Way Parking Permit
• From April 1 through November 15t'
$ 6000.00
• From April 1 thru August 15
• After August 15'
• 30 Days
$ 4000.00
$ 2000.00
$ 1000.00
9.12.320: APPEAL FROM DENIAL OF PERMIT
Whenever a permit is required by this Road Maintenance and Management Plan, and the
Public Works Department denies the permit, the applicant for the permit may, within
fifteen (15) days from the date of such denial, request in writing to the appropriate officer
who denied the permit, an appeal of the denial to the Board of County Commissioners. The
officer receiving the written request for an appeal shall, within fifteen (15) days of
receiving the request, submit to the Board of County Commissioners the written request for
the appeal, and any administrative record consisting of documents considered by the officer
in his denial, including the application for the permit and all supporting documents. The
Board of County Commissioners will then decide, based upon a review of the record,
whether to accept or reject the decision of the officer, within thirty (30) working days of
receiving the transcript/decision. The Board of County Commissioners may, in its
discretion, request additional or other information from the applicant, the County designee
who issued the denial, or other County designee. The decision rendered by the Board of
County Commissioners is the final decision of the County. Decisions made by the Board of
County Commissioners regarding rights to use County property (except for uses
specifically protected by a constitutional or statutory provision) are not subject to judicial
review.
9.12.330: ENFORCEMENT
The Pitkin County Road Maintenance and Management Plan shall be enforced in accordance
with the provisions of Colorado law and as provided in this section.
A: Violations:
1. Unlawful Activity
a. It shall be unlawful to engage in any activity for which a permit is
required under this RMMP without first obtaining such permit, or to
engage in activity in violation of the terms of any permit issued under
this RMMP. No landowner or lessee shall knowingly permit activity
upon his/her property in violation of this section.
b. It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in road maintenance of
any County road except by written agreement with Pitkin County.
c. It is unlawful to park on any County road or right-of-way without a
permit, as set forth in this RMMP.
d. It shall be unlawful for any person to deposit, plow, push or otherwise
place snow plowed or shoveled from a private driveway, road, sidewalk,
or any other source, onto any County road.
e. It shall be unlawful to violate any other provision of this Road
Maintenance and Management Plan that regulates private use of, or
impact on, any County Asset.
2. Violations, Penalty
a. Whenever in any section of this Road Maintenance and Management
Plan the doing of any act is required, prohibited, or declared to be
unlawful, each violation of any such provision shall be a Class 2 Petty
Offense with a maximum fine not to exceed $1,000 and/or imprisonment
for a period not to exceed 90 days or the maximum allowable by State
law, as amended. Provided, however, that traffic infractions shall be
addressed as provided in this section. The County Engineer or designee,
the Pitkin County Code Enforcement Officer, or any Law Enforcement
officer shall be authorized to serve either a Summons and Complaint or
Penalty Assessment, as specified in this Section on any person who
violates the provisions of this Road Maintenance and Management Plan.
b. The following acts shall be subject to Penalty Assessment:
i. Parking on any County Road or its related Right of Way
without a permit, as set forth in § § 1.03.01(J), 1.04.01(L),
1.05.01(L) and 1.06.01(M).
ii. Depositing, plowing, pushing or otherwise placing snow upon
or across any County Road or its related Right of Way.
iii. Violating Park and Ride Facility use regulations.
c. The Penalty Assessment schedule for violations other than traffic
infractions shall be:
- First Offense: $150.00
- Second Offense: $300.00
$1,250.00 or maximum then allowed by
- Third and additional offenses:
law.
i. The Penalty Assessment schedule for traffic infractions including but
not limited to parking, blocking or impeding maintenance in the County
Right of Way
And Park and Ride Facility violations shall be:
First and subsequent Offenses - $15
a. Violations of the Asset Plan not addressed by § 1.45.01(B)(2) shall be addressed
by Summons and Complaint to appear in Pitkin County Court, including but not
limited to:
- Engaging in road maintenance of any County road and its related Right
of Way except by prior written agreement with Pitkin County.
- Violation of permit requirements of this Plan.
i. Violations addressed by Summons and Complaint shall be subject to a
minimum penalty of $500 and maximum penalty of $1,000, or the
maximum then allowable by State law, as amended.
b. Summonses and Complaints shall be referred to the District Attorney for
prosecution in Pitkin County Court. Nonpayment of a Penalty Assessment shall
result in prosecution of the Penalty Assessment as a Summons and Complaint
pursuant to
§ 16-2-201, C.R.S., as amended. In such case the penalty schedule set forth in
§ 1.45.01(B) (2) (b) shall be followed.
c. Any Person who aids, assists or abets any other Person in committing a violation
of these regulations shall be subject to the penalties specified in § 1.45.01(B)
dependent upon on whether the person aided or assisted is subject to Penalty
Assessment or Summons and Complaint.
B: Violations, Civil Enforcement:
1. Notice of Violation In addition to utilizing the enforcement procedures authorized by
§ 1.45, the County Engineer or designee; the Pitkin County Code Enforcement
Officer; or the Director of Open Space and Trails or designee may deliver a Notice of
Violation (NOV) to any person who violates this Road Maintenance and
Management Plan. The NOV shall specify the violation, and may require that the
violator either cease and desist immediately from all acts or omissions relating to the
violation, or correct the violation within a specified time not to exceed 90 days.
Failure to comply with the terms of an NOV shall result in enforcement pursuant to §
1.45. Issuance of a Notice of Violation shall not be deemed a condition precedent to
enforcement pursuant to the procedures set forth in § 1.45, nor shall it preclude later
enforcement action pursuant to § 1.45.
2. Civil Enforcement In the event of any act or omission that violates any section of this
RMMP, the County Attorney, in addition to other remedies provided by law or
specified herein, may institute an injunction, mandamus, abatement, or other
appropriate civil
action or proceeding to prevent, enjoin, or abate any unlawful activity, or to remove
any improvements or construction resulting from such unlawful activity. In the event
that such unlawful activity has damaged any county property, the violator shall be
liable for any damage to county property resulting from any such unlawful activity,
including, but not limited to, compensation for Staff time and for use of county
equipment or contracted services to repair such damage. Any civil action or
proceeding may include a claim to recover all such money damages in addition to
any and all claims for injunctive or other equitable relief.
3. Withdrawing or Withholding Permits In the event that the Public Works Director or
designee, Code Enforcement Officer, or Open Space and Trails Director or designee has
personal knowledge of any violation of this RMMP, any Public -Works issued permit
may be withdrawn after the violator is provided notice and an opportunity for hearing
before the Board of County Commissioners. If the violation involves activity under a
Pitkin County Community Development building permit, the building permit may also
be withdrawn after consultation with Community Development Staff and after the
violator is provided notice and an opportunity for hearing before the Board of County
Commissioners. No further permits or approvals from the County shall be issued for any
property generating a violation until the violation is brought into compliance with the
standards of this RMMP.
4. Vehicle Removal Any vehicle blocking traffic or impeding road maintenance on a
County road or right of way may be moved pursuant to § 42-4-1803, C.R.S. The
procedure for removing such vehicles shall be as follows:
a. Public Works Staff shall provide the vehicle's description, license plate,
location and circumstance to the Pitkin County Sheriff's Office and request that
the Sheriff s Office have the vehicle removed.
b. If the Pitkin County Sheriff's Office informs Public Works that it is unavailable
to have a vehicle removed in a reasonable amount of time, Public Works Staff
may request approval from the Sheriff's Office for Public Works Staff to remove
the vehicle.
i. If a vehicle is to be removed by Public Works Staff with Sheriff's
Office approval, Public Works shall call dispatch and request a tow.
Public Works -initiated tows shall be taken to the Sheriff's impound lot
and Public Works Staff shall within a reasonable time notify the
Sheriff's Office of the details of the tow, including vehicle description,
location and license plate number.
ii. If a vehicle can be simply moved to a nearby location rather than to the
impound lot to resolve the problem posed by the vehicle, Public Works
Staff shall have discretion to make that decision after following the
same procedures set forth above. Nothing herein shall obligate Public
Works, the Sheriff, or any other entity to relocate a vehicle rather than
removing it.
c. When Public Works initiates a vehicle removal, Staff shall when practicable first
make a reasonable effort to inform the vehicle's owner of the impending vehicle
removal. The circumstances —including without limitation the location of the
vehicle, the level of service of the road or asset in question, the danger to the
public, and the disruption to maintenance and provision of other public
services —shall inform a sound exercise of discretion as to what a reasonable
effort is and how long Public Works must wait before initiating the removal of a
vehicle. In some circumstances it may be necessary to immediately remove a
vehicle without first contacting the owner.
d. In circumstances where a vehicle is approved by the Sheriff's Office to be towed
to the Sheriff's impound lot, the Sheriff's Office is responsible for
accomplishing the necessary logistics such as vehicle logs and vehicle release to
owners. Public Works Staff shall assist as requested by the Sheriff's Office.
9.12.340: DEFINITIONS
Access - A means of ingress and egress from a building site or parcel of land.
Address - The numerical portion of the street address, as assigned.
Addressable Structure - Any structure that has been deemed addressable by Pitkin County as described
in the Address Ordinance. Generally only buildings normally occupied by human beings will be
assigned addresses; provided, however, that other sites or structures, (barns, outbuildings, service
areas) may be addressed where it may be helpful in emergencies. Such sites may be assigned addresses
at the discretion of Pitkin County.
Apartment - Building that consist of three (3) units or more for rent.
Arterial Road - A high -capacity urban road.
Avenue - A road that runs generally east to west, normally allowed only in municipal (city)
jurisdictions (AV or AVE)
BOCC - Pitkin County Board of County Commissioners.
Building - A temporary or permanent structure having a roof supported by columns or walls and which
can be used for the shelter, housing, or enclosure of persons, animals, or goods.
Building Site - An area of land or property where development is undertaken.
Boulevard - An unusually wide street with a central dividing median
(BL or BLVD).
CAD - Computer Aided Dispatch. Computer software used by public safety dispatch centers.
Century System - A nationally recognized uniform system of measurement.
Circle - A short road that returns to itself (CR or CIR).
Collector Road - A low to moderate -capacity road, which serves to move traffic from
local streets to arterial roads.
Condominium - The ownership of single units in a structure with common areas and facilities.
Condominium Unit - An enclosed space consisting of one or more rooms occupying all or part of a
floor in a building or one or more floors or stories regardless of whether it is designed for residence,
office, the operation of any industry or business, or any other type of independent use and shall include
such accessory spaces and areas as may be described in the declaration, such as garage space, storage
space, balcony, terrace or patio.
Consolidated Road Data - A software based application that contains street information, previous
names, and alias street data that can be used to feed
GIS applications and other systems.
Court - A dead end right-of-way often ending as a cul-de-sac (CT).
Directional - As pertaining to North, South, East, and West, and will precede street name. The Planning
staff will control the use of compass directions.
Drive - A curving secondary road (DR).
Duplex - Two units, including modular homes, placed one on top of another or attached side by side
and sharing one or more common walls.
Fire Alarm System - A system or portion of a combination system that consists of components and
circuits arranged to monitor and annunciate the status of fire alarm or supervisory signal -initiating
devices and to initiate the appropriate response to those signals.
Fire Department Access Road - The road or other means developed to allow access and operational
setup for fire -fighting and rescue apparatus.
Fire Protection System - Any fire alarm device or system or fire -extinguishing device or system, or
combination thereof that is designed and installed for detecting, controlling, or extinguishing a fire or
otherwise alerting occupants, or the fire department, or both, that a fire has occurred.
Highway - A designated State or Federal roadway (HY or HWY).
Interstate - A Federal thoroughfare system designed for national defense and population evacuation (I-
#).
Lane - A short, low traffic, road that branches off another road and ends or connects to another
secondary road (LN).
Loop - A short road that starts and returns to the same road (LP).
Lot - A parcel of land or any combination of several parcels of land occupied or intended to be
occupied by a principle use or structure, together with any accessory structures or uses and such access
ways, parking areas, yards, and open space required in these standards.
Mailing Address - Used by the U S Postal Service for the purpose of delivery of the U S Mail. Mailing
address may or may not be identical to a site -specific address.
Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices - or MUTCD defines the standards used by road managers
nationwide to install and maintain traffic control devices on all public streets, highways, bikeways, and
private roads open to public traffic.
Mobile Home - A moveable or transportable structure, constructed to be transported on its own chassis
and including one or more components that can be retracted for transporting the unit.
Mobile Home Park - Any site or parcel of land under single ownership where land or units are rented,
and community utilitilities provide for the occupancy of mobile homes.
MSAG - Master Street Address Guide. A proprietary database of roads served by emergency services
of Pitkin County Communications.
Official Street Name - Street name approved and recognized by Pitkin County.
Parkway - Typically a four (4) lane or more roadway; allowed in municipal jurisdictions only, (PK or
PKWY).
PCREDC - Pitkin County Regional Emergency Dispatch Center
Place - A road name suffix, allowed in residential subdivisions only (PL).
Private Road — A road that is not otherwise a public road.
PSAP - Public Safety Answering Point. Public safety call receiving and emergency services dispatch
center.
Public Road - A roadway that constitutes a public right-of-way or is located on a public right-of-way.
Public Safety Personnel - Any person functioning on behalf of a Law Enforcement, Fire, EMS,
Mountain Rescue, Local Government, or Utility Agency.
Radio/Communications Service - Includes any radio communications, transmissions, dispatching or
future 911 communications that may involve police, emergency, fire, or rescue operations, but not
limited to these aforesaid operations.
Road - A suitable name suffix indicating a well -traveled secondary roadway often connecting with a U
S or Colorado primary highway (RD).
Street - A suitable suffix indicating a well -traveled roadway, allowed only in municipal jurisdictions
(ST).
Street Address - A unique identifier for each addressable structure within the County. The minimum
adequate address consists of a numeric indicator and approved street name and suffix.
Structure - Any building, whether residential, commercial, industrial, or institutional in nature and use.
Thoroughfare - A general all-inclusive term for; roads, public or private; street, drive, cart way,
easement, right-of-way, or any other word or words that means a way of access.
Townhome - One of a row of houses joined by common sidewalls.
Trail - An acceptable suffix for roadway names (TR).
Unit Designator - The portion of the Street Address used to distinguish individual units within the same
structure.
Waterfront Property - Parcels of land that are accessible by waterborne law enforcement.
Way - An acceptable suffix for roadway names (WY).
Vanity Names - Any thoroughfare name that contains the whole name or that designates a specific
person.