To: Board of County Commissioners
Through: Bryan Weimer, Director, Public Works and Development
Prepared By:
prepared
Ceila Rethamel, PE, Engineering Service Division Manager; Joe Schiel, P.E. Engineering Program Manager, Engineering Services Division; Sue Liu, P.E. Engineer III, Engineering Services Division; Joseph Boateng, P.E. Engineer III, Engineering Services Division; Emily Gonzalez, P.E., Engineer II, Engineering Services Division
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presenter
Presenter: Ceila Rethamel, PE, Engineering Service Division Manager, Public Works and Development
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Subject:
title
1:15 PM *Infrastructure Design and Construction Standards 2025 Update
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Purpose and Request:
recommended action
Public Works and Development staff would like to present the 2025 Infrastructure Design and Construction Standards (IDCS) to the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC). The IDCS contains engineering design and technical criteria required for the design and construction of public improvements within Unincorporated Arapahoe County. The modifications are a continuation of feedback received with the prior update.
The purpose of this meeting is:
1. Present highlights of the changes made to the IDCS
2. Provide a summary of comments received on the draft IDCS
3. Request authorization to finalize the IDCS for BOCC adoption on January 13, 2026.
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Alignment with Strategic Plan: Good Governance - Plan for future service, infrastructure, and fiscal needs.
Background and Discussion: The Infrastructure Design and Construction Standards (IDCS) were updated in 2024 with major modifications that occurred. Additional suggestions were received throughout the process and some required research to determine if it was applicable and feasible to incorporate into the County’s standards. This update has modifications of the IDCS with the focus on the following:
• Inclusion of abbreviations
• Adjustments to engineer’s estimate of cost so that the costs are current at the time the Subdivision Improvement Agreement was approved.
• Adjustments to the pavement restoration standards for any street cut permit
• Removal or replacement outdated or incorrect information and reference
As the County’s primary design standard, this document is frequently used by developers, engineers, professional services providers, utility companies, County Staff, and other stakeholders to determine engineering and construction requirements that apply to these improvements.
A summary of the changes include:
• Adds abbreviations and acronyms
• Adds statement regarding the Design Professionals-Licensed Engineers/Surveyors
• Defines the relationship and administration between the County and Southeast Metro Stormwater Authority
• Adds signage example for Private Roads
• Modifies pavement design to composite sections
• Includes pipe abandonment statement
• Includes pavement restoration requirements for street cut permits
• Updates how collateral amounts are to be established
• Adds back in Survey Control requirements
• Updates to as built and digital file requirements
• Clarifies Subsurface Underground Engineering (SUE) Requirements for Utility Construction Plans
• Further defines Clear Sight Distances for intersections and horizontal curves
Internal stakeholder comments were requested but none received. External stakeholders were given the opportunity to comment. External stakeholder review which occurred between September 10, 2025, and October 10, 2025. Notices were emailed to external stakeholders, and a notice was posted on the County’s website. Comments from one individual was received and their comment was that the “…changes appear non-substantive and/or reflect best industry practices.”
Alternatives: The IDCS may be modified to reflect public, stakeholder or BOCC comments.
Fiscal Impact: The fiscal impact to adopt and follow the IDCS is minimal as current staff time and resources will be used
Alignment with Strategic Implementation Strategies: The attached framework helps Arapahoe County institutionalize values-based, transparent decision-making, documenting how we make decisions and carry out actions to achieve the county’s strategic plan.
Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends finalization of the IDCS for BOCC adoption on January 13, 2026, with an effective date of April 13, 2026.
Concurrence: Stakeholder input was requested from internal and external partners along with the County Attorney’s Office.