Euless City Zoning Code
ARTICLE X
URBAN DESIGN PRINCIPLES AND IMPROVEMENT STANDARDS
§ 84-440 Urban design principles.
In order to provide developers and designers with direction regarding the creation of quality and well coordinated subdivisions within the City of Euless, these design guidelines have been developed. The quality of design of the urban area is dependent on the design quality of the individual subdivision that compose it. Good community design requires the coordination of the efforts of each subdivider and developer of land within the urban area. Therefore, the design of each subdivision shall be prepared in accordance with the following provisions.
The neighborhood unit.
It is intended that the urban area shall be designed as a group of integrated residential neighborhoods with appropriate activity centers and corridors and industrial areas. The following design principles are central to the neighborhood unit concept.
Perimeter arterials.
Neighborhoods are well defined when arterial streets can be routed around the perimeter of the neighborhood.
Collector streets.
Collector streets should disperse local traffic to arterial streets without bisecting the neighborhood. Collector streets should be designed so as to discourage their use as crosstown, arterial streets.
Pedestrianoriented.
Children can walk to school and play areas through pedestrian ways or open space corridors separated from streets and the hazards of moving automobiles.
Residential or local streets.
Residential streets should provide good access to residential units but should be planned so that they will not be used as through-traffic routes. Culs-de-sac and curved street layouts should be used to promote low traffic volumes and preservation of residential character.
Schools and parks.
The elementary school and neighborhood park and playground should be located in the center of the residential area while major streets are routed along the perimeter. Each family should be within one-half mile of the neighborhood center.
Neighborhood retail.
The neighborhood shopping center is located on arterial streets. This gives good access both from within and outside of the neighborhood. Residents of other areas can reach the shopping center without traveling through the neighborhood.
Physical conditions.
The arrangement of lots and blocks and the street system should be designated to make the most advantageous use of topography and natural physical features. Tree masses and large individual trees should be preserved. The system of streets and sidewalks, and the layout and arrangement of blocks and lots should be deigned to take advantage of the natural and scenic qualities of the area. Land which the city council finds to be unsuitable for subdivision or development due to flooding, improper drainage, adverse earth formations, utility or pipeline easements or other features which will reasonably be harmful to the safety, health, and general welfare of the present or future inhabitants of the subdivision or its surroundings, shall not be subdivided or developed unless adequate methods are formulated by the developer and approved by the city that will solve the problems created by the unsuitable land conditions.
Coordination requirements.
The following design requirements ensure that the proposed subdivision is coordinated with its immediate neighbors with respect to land use, street connections, utilities, drainage facilities, and the possible dedication of parks and open spaces.
Larger than normal building lots.
When a tract is subdivided into larger than normal building lots, such lots shall be so arranged as to permit the logical location and opening of future streets and possible resubdivision of lots with provision for adequate utility easements and connections.
Plat of partial property.
When the plat to be submitted includes only part of the contiguous property owned or intended for development by the subdivider, a tentative plan of a proposed future street system for the unsubdivided portion shall be prepared and submitted by the subdivider.
Extension of utilities.
The subdivision plat shall provide for the logical extension of abutting and proposed utilities and drainage easements and improvements in order to provide for system continuity and to promote future development of adjacent areas.
(Ordinance 1133, § 1(10-100), 3-22-94)
§ 84-441 Subdivision lay-out standards.
The plan of a subdivision, which includes the lay-out of streets, lots, blocks, set-backs, and easements, and excluding the design of the infrastructure shall be governed by the regulations stated in this section.
Lots.
Subdivisions shall be divided into lots and blocks. Lots shall be the smallest unit of land parcels on which development may occur and shall maintain frontage on a public dedicated street unless otherwise approved by city council through the specific use permit (SUP) or planned development (PD) process. The following shall apply for lots:
Minimum dimensions.
Lots shall have a minimum width, depth and area of not less than that required for the zoning district in which the lots are located. Corner lots shall be increased in size whenever necessary to permit any structure placed thereupon to conform to the building line of each street in accordance with the zoning ordinance requirements.
Double frontage lots.
Double frontage lots are undesirable and will not be allowed where they can be avoided.
Side lot lines.
Side lot lines, insofar as practical, shall be at right angles or radial to street lines.
Lots abutting two streets.
Whenever a residential lot abuts two streets, one of which is an existing or proposed arterial street, the planning and zoning commission may require access on the nonarterial street and nonaccess reservation along the rear property line. Consequently, no driveway access shall access the arterial street. Lots at major street intersections and at all other points where traffic flow may be affected shall be rounded, or otherwise located, so as to permit the construction of curbs having a radius of not less than 25 feet without decreasing the normal width of the sidewalk area.
Blocks.
The lengths, widths, and shapes of blocks shall be determined with due regard for the following standards:
General characteristics.
Blocks used for residential purposes should be of sufficient width to allow for two tiers of lots of appropriate depth. Exceptions to this standard shall be permitted in blocks adjacent to major streets, railroads, or waterways.
Length.
Block lengths, generally, should not exceed 1,000 feet in length.
Building lines.
Building lines shall be shown on all lots intended for residential usage. Whenever required by the planning and zoning commission, building lines shall be shown on lots intended for business usage.
Easements:
Easements and fire lanes shall be provided by the lay-out design of the subdivisions to enable public access to utilities for the benefit and safety of the general public. The property owner shall be responsible for the maintenance of easements and fire lanes and shall keep the easement and fire lane areas free of all permanent improvements.
Utility.
Minimum utility easements of 20 feet shall be provided along rear and side lot lines when necessary for use by public and private utilities. Provided, however, that the planning and zoning commission may require easements of greater width for the extension of main storm sewers, water lines or sanitary sewers and other utilities when it is deemed necessary.
Drainage.
Minimum drainage easements shall be required when a subdivision is traversed by a watercourse, drainage channel, stream or underground conduits. Minimum easements shall be adequate to provide for the drainage requirements as determined by the city engineer and all access shall be provided to all easements detailed in this document.
Fire lanes.
Properties that have a number of buildings constructed, or properties that contain public facilities such as shopping centers, churches, office parks, etc., shall provide for access for emergency vehicles. Emergency access lanes will be indicated on the plats and shall be of a width and configurations as required by the fire marshal of the city.
Survey monuments and markers.
All subdivisions shall be measured in the field and documented by certified drawings by a licensed public land surveyor. Monuments and markers established by surveyors shall comply with the following regulations.
Concrete monuments.
Concrete monuments shall reference official city monuments. Concrete monuments at lease eight inches in diameter by 30 inches in depth, shall be placed at the four extreme corners of subdivision covering an area in excess of five acres. Where extreme corners would be closer than 500 feet, one monument will be repositioned to the next nearest corner at lease 500 feet away. Subdivisions less than five acres in area shall have monuments located at the northeast most and southwest most corners. The exact intersection point on the monument shall be marked by a copper pin or cap one-fourth of an inch in diameter embedded at least three inches into the monument. The top of the monument shall be placed flush with the finished grade. Horizontal and vertical control for each monument shall be placed on the plat consistent with the NGVP 1929 datum and the NAD 1983 datum. These monuments shall be tied to a minimum of two established city brass cap monuments by coordinate and elevation. Permanent Reference Monuments: STRIKE
Lot markers.
Lot markers shall be a one-half-inch by 24-inch metal, concrete or other reasonably permanent material and shall be placed flush with the ground, or countersunk, if necessary, in order to avoid being disturbed.
House and business numbers.
House and business addresses shall be allocated to lots. Addresses will be in general compliance with the city’s address grid map and follow the convention of even numbers on the right side of the street when going away from the city center (Main Street at Hwy 10 “Euless Blvd.”) and odd numbers on the left side of the street when going away from the city center. One address will be assigned per platted lot, with building designations assigned by the property owner and shall follow a logical sequence allowing for emergency services identification and future expansion of the site.
Parks, schools, and playgrounds.
Sites suitable for parks, schools, playgrounds or other public usage, as required by the city, should be carefully considered in collaboration with the city planning and zoning commission and so indicated upon the preliminary plat. This is done so that these sites can be checked for conformity with the recommended locations indicated upon the master plan and so that these sites can be duly placed upon the final plat for dedication. Such sites should be in conformity with the general requirements of the city planning and zoning commission in keeping with modern city planning principles. They shall be of adequate size as recommended by the city planning and zoning commission and as may be required by the city under its policies and specifications. The city planning and zoning commission may require the owner or subdivider to obtain a letter from the appropriate independent school district stating that provisions for the site of future schools, if such be required, are adequate. If a schoolsite is not required, the letter is to so state.
Floodprone land.
Land subject to flooding, land designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency as floodprone and land deemed by the planning and zoning commission to be uninhabitable may be platted; however, such land shall be encumbered by a drainage easement.
(Ordinance 1133, § 1(10-200), 3-22-94; Ordinance 1177, § II, 5-23-95)
§ 84-442 Street improvements standards.
Any owner of land, subdivider, his or their engineer, land planner or any other person making a street layout for any parcel of land or subdivision shall design the street layout in accordance with the following design standards.
General conformance.
In general, the proposed subdivision shall conform to the general projected future land use pattern as outlined by the master plans of the city that has been formulated and adopted by the city planning and zoning commission.
Variations and modifications.
Variations and modifications of the general requirements as outlined in this article will be made by the planning and zoning commission when, in its judgment, special or peculiar factors and conditions warrant such variations and do not affect the general application or spirit of the rules and regulations or the master plans of the city.
Street classifications.
The arrangement, classification, character, length, width, grade and location of all streets shall conform to the City of Euless master thoroughfare plan. The standard widths of streets shall be designed in accordance with the following:
Street Type | Minimum ROW Width (in feet) | Minimum Pavement Width (in feet) |
|---|---|---|
Major arterial | 80–160 | 48–100 |
Minor arterial | 80–100 | 36–86 |
Collector | 60–68 | 36–48 |
Local | 50 | 30 |
Cul-de-sac radii | 70 | 50 |
Major arterial.
The subdivider shall be required to dedicate appropriate right-of-way for major arterial streets required within or abutting said subdivision in accordance with the master thoroughfare plan. The right-of-way and pavement widths shall be in accordance with the adopted thoroughfare plans used by the city. The width of paving shall include channelization and storage lanes as may be appropriate, as determined by the city engineer.
Minor arterial.
The subdivider shall be required to dedicate appropriate right-of-way for major arterial streets required within or abutting said subdivision in accordance with the master thoroughfare plan. The right-of-way and pavement widths shall be in accordance with the adopted thoroughfare plans used by the city. The width of paving shall include channelization and storage lanes as may be appropriate, as determined by the city engineer.
Collector.
These streets shall be constructed in new subdivisions by the subdivider. The city will pay all increased costs associated to the extent said costs exceed that necessary to build a residential street as defined herein; subject to city council approval and the availability of funds.
Local.
These streets shall be constructed in new subdivisions by the subdivider.
Culs-de-sac.
When the planning and zoning commission determines that the most desirable residential plan requires laying out a dead-end street, the street shall terminate in a cul-de-sac; said dead-end street shall be no more than 600 feet long, unless topography, density, adequate circulation, or other unusual conditions necessitate a greater length.
Dead-end streets.
Except in unusual cases, dead-end streets will not be approved unless such dead-end streets are provided for in such a manner that will permit connection with future streets in adjacent platted land. Courts, culs-de-sac or “places” may be provided where the shape of a portion of the proposed subdivision or the terrain of the land would make it difficult, uneconomical or unreasonable to plat with connecting streets. A turnaround must be provided at the closed end having an outside radius of not less than 50 feet. In general, no reserve strips controlling access to land dedicated or to be dedicated to public use shall be permitted.
Access to arterial streets.
Where a residential subdivision borders on or contains an existing or proposed arterial street, the planning and zoning commission shall require that access to such streets be limited by the following:
Nonaccess reservation strip.
The subdivision of lots so as to back into the primary arterial and front onto a parallel local street with a nonaccess reservation strip along the rear property line to prevent access from the arterial;
No through street.
Providing a series of culs-de-sac, U-shaped local streets, or short loops entered from and designed generally at right angles to a parallel street, with the rear lot lines of their terminal lots backing into the arterial street.
Access to subdivision.
Single access points for subdivisions are not desired, but if they are necessary the entry must be a parkway design type with a minimum of four, 12-foot lanes and a minimum of a four-foot median.
Offsets in streets alignment.
Offsets in street alignment shall be avoided. When a subdivision street is intersected by two other subdivision streets, the intersecting streets should form a cross-intersection or two tee intersections offset at their centers by at least 150 feet. In the case of two collector or arterial street intersections. A larger street offset may be required to allow for left turn storage between intersections. Intersections of five or more approaches shall not be permitted. The preferred angle of intersection of intersecting streets is 90 degrees. Acute angles between streets in subdivisions at their intersection shall be avoided: provided, that when intersecting angles sharper than 80 degrees are deemed necessary by the city, the property line in the small angle of the intersection shall be rounded, or otherwise located, so as to permit the construction of curbs having a radius of not less than 25 feet without decreasing the normal width of the sidewalk area. When the intersecting angle of property lines is 80 degrees or less, a line of sight triangle easement prohibiting sight obstruction shall be deeded.
Curbs and gutters.
All streets shall be designed with concrete curb and gutters as per city’s standard detail sheets.
Curve requirements.
Curvilinear streets will be permitted. Major thoroughfares may have a minimum radius at the center line of the street of 1,920 feet. Collector streets may have a minimum radius at the center line of the street of 1,000 feet. Minor residential streets may have a minimum radius of 600 feet. In special circumstances, the city planning and zoning commission may approve of shorter radii where the circumstances justify such action upon recommendation of the city engineer.
Street grades.
Major thoroughfares shall be limited to a maximum grade of five percent unless the natural topography is such that steeper grades are essential. In this case, grades up to seven and one-half per cent may be used for a distance not to exceed 200 feet maximum in any one continuous distance. Collector streets shall be limited to a maximum grade of seven and one-half percent. Minor residential streets shall be limited to a maximum grade of ten percent. The minimum grade of any street shall be not less than six-tenths of one percent. Grade changes in the center line of streets with an algebraic difference in grades of more than two percent shall be connected with vertical curves. The street grading, grades and vertical curves shall be such that the sight distance is not less than 600 feet on main thoroughfares, and not less than 400 feet on all other streets. Where cross slopes are desirable or necessary from one curb to an opposite curb, the cross slope shall not be more than 12 inches in 30 feet.
Street connections with adjacent subdivisions.
In order that proper relationship of new subdivision streets may be maintained with adjoining streets and land, the system of streets in a new subdivision, except in unusual cases, must connect with streets already dedicated in adjacent subdivisions that have been platted. There must, in general, be a reason able projection of streets into the nearest subdivided tracts, and the same must be continued to the boundaries of the tract subdivided, so that other subdivisions may be connected therewith.
Provisions for future streets.
Where a tract of land is subdivided into parcels that are larger than normal building lots, such parcels shall be arranged to permit the opening of future streets and a logical ultimate resubdivision.
Alleys, commercial property.
Alleys, or adequate loading areas, shall be provided for commercial property. Alleys shall be a minimum of 20 feet in width and shall consist of a concrete paving as approved by the city engineer.
Alleys, residential property.
Alleys shall not be required in residential districts, with exception to instances where the extension of an alley would be consistent and appropriate relative to existing and adjacent subdivisions. Permitted alleys shall be a minimum of 20 feet in width and shall consist of a paved surface as approved by the city engineer.
Obstructions of view or sight.
On any lot on the street side, or sides if it is a corner lot, no wall, fence or other structure shall be erected, and no hedge, tree, shrub or other growth or structure of any kind shall be maintained in such location as to obstruct the view.
The definition of “obstruction” is any fence, wall, hedge, shrubbery, etc., higher than 36 inches above adjacent top of curb at property line to a point 52 inches above adjacent top of curb at the building line on a lot is hereby declared to be an obstruction to view, except single trees having single trunks, which are pruned to a height of seven feet above ground level. No solid fence shall be constructed in front of the building line on any lot including corner lots, except as defined above.
Sight visibility triangles will be required to dedicated and maintained at these intersections. The legs of the triangles will be determined by the angle of the intersection.
Sidewalks.
Sidewalks on both sides of all public rights-of-way shall be installed by the subdivider at time of public improvement. The minimum paving width in single-family residential areas shall be four feet and in all other areas five feet along the right-of-way line. The sidewalks shall be located one foot from property line between the curb and property line. Sidewalks shall be located along major thoroughfares where lots do not adjoin the streets, along power line easements and in other areas where pedestrian walkways are necessary. Hike and bike sidewalks shall be built by the developer along streets designated for hike and bike trails or as required by the planning and zoning commission. All sidewalks shall be at-grade at driveways in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
Handicap ramps.
Handicap ramps shall be installed at all intersections in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
(Ordinance 1133, § 1(10-300), 3-22-94)
§ 84-443 Water and wastewater improvement standards.
The developer shall install a complete water distribution system and complete wastewater collection system to serve proposed subdivisions. Individual water taps, including approved meter boxes set to grade, shall be installed with proposed systems. Individual water service and wastewater service locations shall be permanently marked with a stamp (“W” for water, and “S” for sanitary sewer) on the face of the curb; or if no curb is constructed, on the top of the pavement. The markings shall be a minimum of four inches in height. All new water and wastewater lines crossing under existing paved streets shall be bored or jacked, casing pipe installed, and pressure grouted immediately upon completion of bore. All approved meters, valves, pipe material, acceptable products and construction details are contained in the city’s standard detail sheets as provided by the city engineer’s office.
Water.
The developer shall install a complete water distribution system to serve his subdivision. the size of lines to be installed shall be determined by the city master water plan and the type of development to be served.
Size of feeder mains.
Feeder mains shall not be smaller than eight inches in diameter and if possible the system shall be looped. Dead end lines shall be avoided where possible and in no instance shall any dead end line exceed 600 feet in length. All dead end lines shall have an approved blow-off/sample station.
Location.
Water mains shall be located between the back-of-curb and right-of-way line on the north and east sides of public streets.
Valves.
Approved gate valves shall be installed on water lines as required for control of the system, to properly isolate mains for maintenance and where needed as determined by the city engineer. A two and one-half foot square concrete pad with appropriate openings, shall be constructed at ground level around the valve.
Fire hydrants.
Approved fire hydrants shall be installed on water systems at intervals of 500 feet minimum radius when serving residential areas of nine units per acre or less; and at intervals of 350 feet minimum radius in all other land uses and residential densities. Fire hydrant spacing along a water main shall not, in any case, exceed 600 feet in single-family residential areas and 300 feet in commercial, industrial and heavily congested residential areas. All water lines must be looped unless specifically approved by the city engineer. All lines must be pressure tested and meet all federal and state testing requirements. No more than one fire hydrant will be allowed on six-inch lines unless approved by the city engineer. All fire hydrants shall be valved. A blue traffic button shall be located in the street one traffic lane width in front of the curb directly in front of the fire hydrant. All fire hydrants shall be primed with a metal primer and painted with an industrial grade aluminum silver paint that is approved by the public works department.
Material.
Water mains shall have a minimum cover of 48 inches to finish grade and shall be constructed of materials as permitted by the city’s specifications or approved by the city engineer.
Backfill.
All lines must be backfilled with the appropriate material and compacted as determined by the design specifications as adopted by the city.
Installation.
All water main pipes shall be bedded with a minimum of six inches of cushion sand (or approved material) under the pipe and a minimum of 12 inches of cushion sand (or approved material) over the pipe. The rest of the trench shall be filled with density controlled compacted crushed limestone base material placed in lifts not to exceed eight inches in depth.
Blocking.
In order to protect installed pipelines from the deteriorating force of a pressurized system, fire hydrants, valves, pipe ends, and pipe angles or any alignment change shall be blocked with concrete.
Water meter location.
Wastewater.
The developer shall install a complete sewerage collection system to serve the subdivision.
Size of wastewater collection line.
The size of line shall be determined by the city master sewer plan and the type of development to be served; however, collection lines shall not be less than eight inches in diameter except when serving less than 200 feet and no more than two manholes are required upstream.
Location.
Wastewater collection lines shall be located between the back-of-curb and right-of-way line on the south and west sides of public streets.
Material.
Wastewater collection lines shall be constructed of materials as permitted by the city’s specifications or approved by the city engineer.
Installation.
Wastewater collection lines shall be installed a minimum of four and one-half feet below the finished grade of adjacent top-of-curb or pavement or adjacent property to be served (whichever is lower in elevation) and shall if possible maintain a minimum of four and one-half feet of cover. Wastewater collection lines shall be bedded with a minimum of six inches of cushion sand (or approved material) under the pipe and a minimum of 12 inches of cushion sand (or approved material) over the pipe. PVC joints shall be rubber locked ring-type.
Backfill.
All lines must be backfilled with the appropriate material and compacted as determined by the design specifications as adopted by the city.
Grades.
Wastewater collection lines shall be designed to have a minimum mean velocity flowing full of two and one-half per second (fps). The minimum slope of the line shall conform to the minimums recommended by the Texas Department of Health (TDH) and/or the Texas Water Commission and maximum velocity shall not exceed ten fps.
Manholes.
Manholes shall be located at all intersections of wastewater collection lines, changes in grade, changes in alignment, and at distances not to exceed 500 feet. Manholes shall be constructed of precast reinforced concrete pipe or cast in place concrete and fiberglass will be allowed in certain situations only. Brick manholes will not be allowed. Where PVC pipe enters manholes, an approved coupling with rubber ring joint shall be used to provide a watertight connection. A concrete pad measuring four square feet shall be poured at ground level around the lid of the manhole.
Drop manholes.
Drop manholes shall be used at locations where the elevation of the incoming wastewater collection line is two feet or greater from the elevation of the outgoing line. Construction shall be the same as the standard manhole.
Cleanouts.
Cleanouts shall be constructed at the upper end of all wastewater collection mains. Cleanouts shall be constructed of the same material and same size as the wastewater collection main. The top shall have a cast iron boot with cover. A two and one-half foot square by six-inch thick concrete pad shall be placed around this boot. Cleanout locations shall be stamped in the nearest street/curb.
Lift stations.
Lift stations shall be designed in accordance with the criteria of the state regulatory agency. Design data will be submitted and approved by the city engineer or public works director on a case-by-case basis. Lift stations will be allowed only when no other feasible alternative will work.
(Ordinance 1133, § 1(10-400), 3-22-94; Ordinance 2077, § 1, 8-11-15)
§ 84-444 Stormwater improvement standards.
Developers shall be required to design and construct stormwater improvements to protect the general health, safety and welfare of the public by reducing flooding potential, controlling excessive runoff, minimizing erosion and siltation problems, and eliminating damage to public facilities resulting from uncontrolled stormwater runoff. Increased stormwater runoff attributable to new development must not exceed the capacity of the downstream drainage system or adversely affect adjoining property. Where the proposed runoff would exceed capacity, the city may accept the phasing of development, the use of control methods such as retention or detention, and/or the construction of off-site drainage improvements as means of mitigation.
Method of measuring.
The determination of design discharge of storm drainage water shall be accomplished in accordance with the following criteria:
Development assumption.
All calculations shall be performed assuming 100 percent urbanization of the affected drainage area. Land uses for ultimate development will be determined by existing zoning unless otherwise approved by the city. Land use for drainage areas or portions of drainage areas laying outside of the corporate limits of Euless shall be determined by the zoning maps of the respective cities.
Rational method.
The rational method (Q = CIA) shall be used on small watersheds of 750 acres or less.
Unit hydrograph.
Unit hydrograph techniques shall be used for areas greater than 750 acres. The technique and data to be used for the determination of the design discharge shall be approved by the city engineer prior to the completion of calculations. A complete set of all detailed calculations must be submitted to the city engineer for approval prior to the completion of the plans for the drainage system.
Design flow.
The design flow shall be based on a 25-year return frequency except for bridges, culverts, underpasses, and open ditches. For the latter, storm drainage design flow shall be based on a 100-year return frequency storm. The 25-year flow must be contained within an enclosed system. The 100-year flood must be conveyed within the dedicated right-of-way or drainage easements.
Intensity and duration.
The intensity and duration of the rainfall shall be based on Technical Paper No. 40 of the Weather Bureau of the United States Department of Commerce (City of Fort Worth Intensity Curves) for the various frequencies.
Runoff coefficients.
The coefficient of runoff to be used in the calculations shall be as follows:
Description of Area | Coefficient |
|---|---|
Business areas | 0.95 |
Industrial areas | 0.95 |
Multifamily residential | 0.70 |
Other residential areas | 0.65 |
Park and permanent open spaces | 0.35 |
The time coefficient of runoff for undeveloped land shall be the appropriate coefficient for the ultimate land development as shown on the future land use map of the latest city master plan.
Time of concentration.
The time of concentration is defined as the longest time that will be required for a drop of water to flow from the upper limit of the drainage area to the point of concentration. Time of concentration is a combination of the inlet time and the time of flow in the storm drainage facility. Inlet time is composed of overland flow time plus the time of flow in the gutter required to reach the inlet.
In calculating gutter time the following are to be assumed to be gutter velocities:
Slope of Gutter (percent) | Assumed Velocity (in feet per second) |
|---|---|
0.4 | 1.4 |
1.0 | 2.2 |
2.0 | 3.1 |
3.0 | 3.8 |
4.0 | 4.3 |
5.0 | 4.9 |
6.0 | 5.3 |
8.0 | 6.1 |
10.0 | 6.9 |
The minimum inlet times of concentration are show below:
Description | Time in Minutes* |
|---|---|
Parks and permanent open areas | 20 |
Residential areas | 15 |
Multifamily, business and industrial | 10 |
* In cases where it is evident that the actual time of concentration is less than that indicated above, a shorter time of concentration should be used. |
Curb height.
Curb height on all streets shall be not more than eight inches and at least equal to the depth of water at design flow.
Maximum water depth.
Maximum depth of water to be allowed in streets at design flow shall be determined by the classification of the street on the major street plan of the city and as set forth in section 84-444(5)b., but not more than eight inches, as determined from street width and slope.
Finish floor elevations.
Finish floor elevations shall be required to be shown on all lots that either lay within or are adjacent to a designated 100-year flood plain. Finish floor elevation shall be two feet above any 100-year flood elevation as determined by FEMA or in the absence of FEMA information as determined by an engineering hydraulics study approved by the city engineer.
Drainage features and policies.
In order to define drainage conditions and the policies associated with those conditions the following criteria and regulations are provided:
Spread of water.
During the design storm, the quantity of stormwater that is allowed to collect in the streets before being intercepted by a storm drainage system is referred to as the “spread of water.” In determining the limitations for carrying stormwater in the street, the ultimate development of the street shall be considered. The use of the street for carrying stormwater shall be limited as follows:
Thoroughfares = Two traffic lanes to remain clear
Collectors = One traffic lane to remain clear
Residential streets = Six-inch depth of flow at the curb or no lane completely clear
Closed drainage systems.
Stormwater in excess of the stated quantities allowed to be carried in the streets shall be handled in storm sewer pipe, or shall be handled in open ditches not in the street right-of-way. Capacity of storm sewers and ditches shall be calculated by Kutter’s or Manning’s formula or other approved methods. Stormwater runoff shall be carried in a storm sewer pipe when either of the following apply (headwalls shall be constructed at the outfall of all storm systems.):
Reinforced concrete lined open channels.
Reinforced concrete lined open channels should be used when the criteria outlined in section 84-444(5) is exceeded. Reinforced concrete lined channels shall conform to the following:
“CA” factors less than 250. Channels draining an area with a “CA” factor of 250 or less shall be lined with reinforced concrete in a manner which will contain the design frequency storm plus one foot of freeboard within the concrete lining.
“CA” factors between 250 and 500. Channels draining an area with a “CA” factor of more than 250 but less than 500 shall be concrete lined to contain the runoff from a 25-year return frequency storm with the balance of required design frequency storm contained within grassed slopes no steeper than three horizontal to one vertical and with a minimum of one foot freeboard.
“CA” factors greater than 500. Channels draining a area with a “CA” factor of more than 500 shall be governed by criteria designed for the individual situation.
Natural channels.
Channels may be preserved when criteria in section 84-444(7) is met or when the developer desires to preserve the natural channels within his addition for the purpose of aesthetics and/or open space and when approved by the city engineer according to the procedures prescribed for plat approval. The following criteria shall apply when it is desirable to preserve natural channels:
Application for preservation of natural channel.
An application for preservation of a natural channel shall be submitted through the director of planning and development for review by the City of Euless a minimum of 21 days prior to the approval of the preliminary plat. This application shall contain the following information furnished by the developer:
Topographic, hydrologic and hydraulic information sufficient to properly evaluate the proposal.
When the natural channel to be preserved is one which has had a floodplain information report prepared by the Corps of Engineers or other governmental agencies, the identified 100-year return frequency storm shall be shown to the extent that it affects the property in the application. In addition, it shall be demonstrated and stated on the plans that the proposed improvements will comply in all respects with the criteria outlined in Section 1910 of the national flood insurance regulations as amended promulgated by the Federal Insurance Administration. A hydrologic report also shall be provided to determine and identify the 100-year flood plain after the proposed improvements are in place.
When a governmental report does not exist, a civil engineering and hydrologic survey and report must be provided to determine the existing and proposed 100-year flood plains.
Criteria for channels measuring less than a “CA” of 500.
When the drainage feature measures less than a “CA” of 500, the proposed improvement shall be constructed with a reinforced concrete pilot channel not less than six feet in width and having at least eight-inch vertical curbs and a depressed invert with a minimum of transverse slope of two-thirds-inch per foot. The remainder of the channel shall consist of earthen side slopes with proper vegetative cover on slopes no steeper than two horizontal to one vertical below the elevation required for the design frequency storm and three horizontal to one vertical above. In the special cases approved according to the procedure prescribed for plat approval, large single tract developments may be governed by criteria designed for the individual situation.
Cases of this nature shall be considered only where the applicant demonstrates substantial preservation of aesthetics and/or open space. The mere reduction of development costs will not be considered as justification for this variance. A perpetual maintenance agreement shall be provided in accordance with the requirements of this document to include all maintenance responsibility for the facility.
Criteria for channels measuring a “CA” greater than 500.
When the drainage feature measures greater than a “CA” of 500, the following criteria shall also be met:
All land having an elevation below the 25-year return frequency flood elevation shall be contained within an easement dedicated to the public for the purpose of providing drainage. The 25-year return frequency storm shall be determined on the basis of a fully-developed watershed according to the latest available master plan.
All channel improvements such as reshaping, realignment, etc., shall be protected with sodding, back sloping, cribbing, and other bank protection designed and constructed to control erosion from the 25-year return frequency storm.
An analysis shall also be made to determine the limits of the 100-year return frequency flood. The 100-year flood must be maintained between the top of banks of the channel unless approved by the city engineer. A flowage easement shall be dedicated to limit the construction of any structures in the area bounded between the 100-year and 25-year return frequency storms as indicated above. The term structure shall be construed to include any and all types of fences, portable buildings or any man-made device which could be construed to be an obstacle to the flow of water.
The following velocity controls shall be applied to channels with earthen banks:
Description | Velocity (in feet per second) |
|---|---|
Unlined banks in clay soil with grass cover | 8.5 fps |
Unlined banks in sand or silty soil with grass cover | 5.0 fps |
A perpetual maintenance agreement in form prescribed by the city shall be executed by all parties owning any interest in the property abutting upon, adjacent to, or included within such channel and flowage easement provided for in the document. Such perpetual maintenance agreement shall be filed of record and shall establish an affirmative burden, charge and duty on the part of all existing and future parties owning any interest in the property abutting upon, adjacent to, or included within such channel and flowage easement for the maintenance of the channel and flowage easement with regard to vegetation, erosion control and the control of trash and debris. The right, without a duty to do so, shall be given the city to enforce such perpetual maintenance agreement, and, if it so elects, to perform necessary maintenance, the pro-rata cost of which may be charged as a priority lien and assessment against the property and the owners thereof abutting upon, adjacent to, or included within such channel and flowage easement.
Catchbasins.
Sufficient and adequate catchbasins shall be installed to allow entry of required quantity of water into storm sewers. Catchbasin inlet openings shall be seven inches high and there shall be at least one linear foot of catchbasin inlet opening for each cubic foot per second of water to be discharged into the catchbasin.
Street grades.
Street grades shall be such that excessive sand deposition from too low a water velocity or pavement scouring from too high a velocity is to be avoided as far as practical. Street grades are normally to be not less than six feet nor more than 75 feet fall per 1,000 linear feet and shall never be less than six feet per 1,000. Storm sewers shall be provided and all water is to be diverted from the streets into the storm sewers, regardless of the quantity. Use of asphalt pavement will not be allowed when the water velocity exceeds eight feet per second at design flow.
Valley gutters.
Valley gutters shall be provided to carry the water flow across all intersections. Valley gutters shall be of concrete construction and shall be six inches thick and eight feet wide.
Water dumped from street into watercourse.
Where water is dumped from a street directly into an open watercourse, it shall be dumped through an approved type of catchbasin, or through a retard lined with concrete.
Height of curb where water directed.
Where a flow of water is directed towards a curb and is required to turn in direction, the height of the curb against which the water is directed shall be not less than the depth of water flow plus the velocity head of the water plus two inches.
Open ditches and channels.
All open ditches in subdivisions that are used to carry surface runoff shall be lined in accordance with the criteria outlined in this document. The required improvement shall extend across the entire areas of each subdivision being developed and off-site improvements shall be as required by the document or city engineer. Lining of drainage ditch floors shall be done with six inches thick or thicker concrete. Walls shall be a minimum of five inch thick concrete sloped not steeper than one foot vertically to one and one-half feet horizontally.
All open channels shall have a minimum bottom width of four feet. The height of the lining shall be adequate for the calculated depth necessary to meet the requirements of this document. Side slopes of the channel above the lining shall not be steeper than one foot vertical to three feet horizontal. Ramp access must be provided for maintenance purposes.
Easements, etc., for drainage structures in new subdivisions.
In new subdivisions, the developer shall provide all the necessary easement and right-of-way required for drainage structures, including storm sewers and open lined channels. Easement width for storm sewer pipe shall be not less than 20 feet, and easement width for open channels shall be at least 20 feet wider than the top of the channel, 15 feet of which shall be on one side to serve as access way for maintenance purposes. Access for maintenance must be provided also.
Off-sitedrainage.
Where drainage is impacted or impacts the proposed subdivision, the following criteria shall be observed:
Responsibility of owner/developer.
The owner or developer of the property to be developed shall be responsible for all storm drainage flowing on his property. This responsibility includes the drainage directed to that property by prior development as well as drainage naturally flowing through the property by reason of topography.
Consideration of discharge.
Adequate consideration shall be given by the owner in the development of property to determine how the discharge leaving the proposed development will affect downstream property.
Control of runoff.
In all new developments where stormwater runoff has been collected or concentrated, it shall not be permitted to drain onto adjacent property except in existing creeks, channels or storm sewer unless proper drainage improvements are made, drainage easements are provided, and the water is released in a nonerosive manner that meets all federal, state and local rules and regulations.
Financial responsibility.
The subdivider shall pay for the cost of all drainage improvements required for the development of his subdivision, including any necessary off-site channels or storm sewers and acquisition of the required easements with the following exception: if the owner is unable to acquire the necessary off-site easements, he shall provide the city with documentation of his efforts, including evidence of a reasonable offer made to the affected property owner. Upon such a written request for assistance, the city shall attempt to acquire these easements through negotiations. In certain situations the city may consider condemnation. In any case, all costs associated with the acquisition of these easements shall be paid by the owner.
Overloading downstream facility.
Where it is anticipated that additional runoff incident to the development for the subdivision will overload an existing downstream drainage facility, whether natural or man made, and result in hazardous conditions, the planning and zoning commission may withhold approval of the subdivision until appropriate provision has been made to accommodate the problem. Where it is determined that existing capacity is not available immediately downstream, the owner’s engineer shall design a drainage system, detention facility or parallel system to mitigate the deficiency. Plans shall be provided which include all necessary off-site improvements including storm sewer systems, channel grading, driveway adjustments, culvert improvements, retention and detention basins, etc.
Bridges.
Bridges are to be constructed at all street crossings over the major streams in the city and shall have the proper dimensions to fit the proposed channel sections given in the drainage section of the city master plan.
Alternate facilities.
Other innovative drainage concepts will be considered if approved by the city engineer.
(Ordinance 1133, § 1(10-500), 3-22-94)
§ 84-445 Streetlight improvements.
Streetlights on rust resistant metal standards are required in all subdivisions developed after the effective date of this document, consistent with the following criteria:
Minimum capacity of luminaries.
The minimum capacity of luminaries abutting local and collector streets shall be 100 watt high pressure sodium (8,500 lumens initial rating) or an approved equal. The minimum capacity of luminaries abutting minor and major arterials shall be 250 watt high pressure sodium (8,500 lumens) or an approved equal approved by the city engineer.
Locations.
Streetlights shall be installed at all intersections, at the end of culs-de-sac, and at additional locations not less than 200 feet apart. Locations shall be designated so as to provide an average separation of approximately 500 feet. Variations shall occur only where lot widths and/or other conditions necessitate.
Shown on preliminary plat.
The subdivider, in cooperation with TU Electric, shall designate proposed streetlight locations on the preliminary plat.
Approval by the city engineer.
The city engineer shall approve streetlight locations and may require relocation of designated streetlights and/or addition or deletion of streetlights.
Associated costs.
All costs associated with the construction and installation of streetlights in subdivisions developed after the effective date of this document shall be paid by the subdivider. Payment of said costs shall be a prerequisite to approval of the final plat of the subdivision and acceptance of the improvement.
Assumed costs.
Upon installation and acceptance of any public streetlight at a location established in accordance with the above guidelines and subject to maintenance bonds, the city shall assume the monthly power and maintenance cost charges set in the current rate schedule.
(Ordinance 1133, § 1(10-600), 3-22-94)
§ 84-446 Standard specifications.
The basic uniform specifications, as prepared by the North Central Texas Council of Governments and with local amendments, shall be utilized for all public works projects installed within the city’s jurisdiction. Use of these specifications will accomplish the following:
Complement other city project design standards and specifications.
Allow common interpretation of provisions for all disciplines involved in public works construction.
Simplify the bidding process for both the city and contractors.
Provide a continuing amendment process to meet the changing demands of new technology, new materials and improved methods.
Reduce city expenditures associated with staff or consultant development of specifications and training of construction inspectors.
Result in decreased construction costs for public works projects.
Copies of the “Standard Specifications for Public Works Constructions” are available for purchase from the administrator or from the North Central Texas Council of Governments, P.O. Drawer COG, Arlington, Texas 75006-5888. In the event these specifications are in conflict with the city’s standards, the city’s standards shall prevail. |
(Ordinance 1133, § 1(10-700), 3-22-94)
§ 84-447 Construction erosion and sediment control.
Purpose.
The purpose of this section is to minimize the contribution of pollutants to the municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) by stormwater discharges from construction activity.
Administration.
The director of public works or the director’s designated representatives are authorized to administer, implement and enforce the provisions of section 84-447.
Definitions.
Unless explicitly stated otherwise, the following terms and phrases, as used in this section, shall have the meanings hereinafter designated.
City of Euless, Texas.
The director of public works for the City of Euless.
Any addition or introduction of any pollutant, stormwater or any other substance into the municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4).
The city engineer for the City of Euless.
The system of conveyances (including sidewalks, streets, curbs, gutters, storm drain inlets, storm drain pipes, roadside swales, detention ponds, creeks, streams or channels) designed or used for collecting and/or conveying stormwater.
Any individual, partnership, corporation, firm, company or any other legal entity.
Any flow occurring during or following any form of natural precipitation.
Erosion and sediment control plan.
The removal of natural vegetation or excavation disturbing more than one-half-acre of land requires the preparation of a stormwater pollution prevention plan (SW3P).
Tracts of land less than one-half acre that are part of a larger project (such as an individual lot in a residential subdivision) require preparation of a SW3P.
A person desiring to commence construction activities involving subsections (d)(1) or (2) above shall prepare a SW3P.
The SW3P shall be prepared in the format as determined by the city engineer.
The SW3P shall utilize city standard details or details approved by the city engineer.
The SW3P shall be submitted to the city engineer for review.
Upon release of the SW3P by the city engineer, the SW3P shall be implemented prior to removal of natural vegetation or excavation.
Construction site waste.
An enclosure (with a top) for construction site waste (paper, wood scraps, building material scraps, wire, miscellaneous debris, etc.) shall be provided on the construction site.
Materials deposited in the enclosure for construction site waste shall be disposed of weekly or more often if necessary.
Public comment or information.
The public may submit comments or information regarding the maintenance or operation of a SW3P by contacting the city engineering division.
Inspection and enforcement.
For multifamily, single-family, retail or commercial projects the engineering division inspector shall inspect and enforce the installation and maintenance of the SW3P.
For individual residential lots, the building official shall inspect and enforce the installation and maintenance of the SW3P.
(Ordinance 1873, § I, 5-11-10)
§ 84-448 Post-construction stormwater management.
Purpose.
The purpose of this section is to reduce pollutants in stormwater discharges from developments by guiding, regulation and controlling the design and operation of storm drainage facilities of any development.
Administration.
The director of public works or the director’s designated representatives are authorized to administer, implement and enforce the provisions of section 84-448.
Definitions.
Unless explicitly stated otherwise, the following terms and phrases, as used in this section, shall have the meanings hereinafter designated.
Schedules of activities, prohibitions of practices, general good housekeeping practices, maintenance procedures, pollution prevention and educational practices and other maintenance practices to reduce the discharge of pollutants in to the MS4.
City of Euless, Texas.
The director of public works for the City of Euless.
Any addition or introduction of any pollutant, stormwater or any other substance into the municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4).
The city engineer for the City of Euless.
The system of conveyances (including sidewalks, streets, curbs, gutters, storm drain inlets, storm drain pipes, roadside swales, detention ponds, creeks, streams or channels) designed or used for collecting and/or conveying stormwater.
Any individual, partnership, corporation, firm, company or any other legal entity.
The general time period beginning at the completion of the construction phase of any construction activity.
Any flow occurring during or following any form of natural precipitation.
Applicability.
Post-construction stormwater BMPs are required on development or redevelopment construction projects that are expected to disturb at least one-half acre of land and fall in one or more of the following criteria:
Construction of any type of commercial car wash facility.
Construction of an automotive fueling facility including convenience stores.
Construction of an automotive maintenance or repair facility.
Restaurants (fast food or sit down) with grease collection and disposal.
Other land uses deemed to have a high potential of pollutant discharge into the MS4 as determined by the city engineer.
General requirements.
Post-construction stormwater BMPs are contained in the city’s standard details. Alternative BMPs may be used if approved by the city engineer.
Post-construction BMPs shall be clearly indicated and shown on a site plan for development that is required by this Code.
The maintenance schedule for post-construction stormwater BMPs shall be clearly indicated and shown on any site plan for development.
(Ordinance 1874, § 1, 5-11-10)