To: Board of County Commissioners
Through: Bryan Weimer, PWLF, Public Works and Development
Prepared By:
prepared
Ceila Rethamel, PE, Engineering Service Division Manager
Eva Maines, PE, Engineering Program Manage
Sue Liu, P.E. Engineer III, Engineering Services Division
Joseph Boateng, P.E. Engineer III, Engineering Services Division
Emily Gonzalez, P.E., Engineer III, Engineering Services Division
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presenter
Presenter: Ceila Rethamel, PE, Engineering Service Division Manager
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Subject:
title
Infrastructure Design and Construction Standards 2025 Adoption
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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) for adoption. The draft IDCS was presented to the BOCC on October 28, 2025, in a study session.
The purpose of this presentation is:
1. Present a brief recap of the changes made to the IDCS and comments received
2. Recognize the support of the BOCC and others in the IDCS update effort
3. Request authorization to adopt the IDCS on February 3, 2026; effective on May 4, 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) was 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• Removal or replacement outdated or incorrect information and reference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.
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.”
Staff meet with the BOCC on October 28, 2025, in a Study Session to discuss the above changes and comments. Clarification was requested on the use of the Pavement Condition Index versus the Overall Condition Index; as well as, the frequency for modifications to the standards.
Engineering Services would like to thank members of the Transportation and Road & Bridge Divisions who reviewed and provided comments for this update. We would also like to thank any of the public that provided their comments and our communications liaison, Gary Salazar. I would like to thank ESD staff and our county attorney, Matt Hader. Some of our team is here today and devoted many hours to research and edit the version that is presented in the board packet. I also thank our director, Bryan Weimer and the Board of County Commissioners for your input and support as staff continues to make edits that will ensure the County’s minimum standards are keeping pace with industry practice.
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 adoption of the IDCS on February 3, 2026, with an effective date of May 4, 2026.
Concurrence: Stakeholder input was requested from internal and external partners along with the County Attorney’s Office.