These documents, Engineering Design Criteria and Standard Specifications and Construction Drawings, were adopted by the City of Norman City Council on September 24, 1996, and adopted revisions on April 28, 1998; March 28, 2000; May 8, 2001; July 24, 2001; February 26, 2002; September 9, 2003; January 11, 2005; June 13, 2006; July 11, 2006; and Februaruy 28, 2023.

 

The Engineering Design Criteria, together with the City of Norman's Standard Specification and Construction Drawings regulate both public improvements and private work which will either be dedicated to or accepted by the City. In addition, all work within the public right-of-way is governed by these regulations. They are intended to provide for coordinated development with adequate facilities to serve and protect the users.

 

These documents are meant to provide minimum criteria and to apply rigidly to new developments which are not constrained by already existing improvements. Designers are encouraged to exceed these criteria whenever possible to provide better engineered facilities. Infill development in an urban area is often constrained when matching existing improvements. To the extent deemed possible by the City Engineer, infill developments shall be completed in accordance with this Engineering Design Criteria document. The City Engineer however, may allow modifications of these requirements when necessary to allow private and public construction which is compatible with surrounding in-place improvements.

 

These design criteria, standards specifications and construction standards shall also be used in conjunction with the City's zoning regulations and subdivision ordinances for site development work on private property.

Almost all new roads, water lines, sewer lines and various other land improvements are created by development of private land by companies that already own or have recently purchased property. These companies or “land developers” follow a process to improve the property to eventually sell their investment to new owners. This process dedicates the roads or Right-of-Way to the public for their use as access to their property by owners, friends, and customers. This process also provides for utility services ease of use, protection and repair with dedicated easements.

Since the City of Norman accepts responsibly to maintain roads, safe drinking water, sanitary sewer, and other important services; the developers plan and subsequent construction must meet certain standards to be accepted by the City as a new service area in a development.

 

Right-of-Way Construction Permit

Construction for new improvement, repair or blocks passage in the public right of way requires a permit to provide for an inspection to ensure public saftey and compliance with set standards of quality. Permits are available at 225 North Webster at the planning permit desk.