XENIA — Xenia recently amended the streets and sidewalk areas of the city’s streets, utilities, and public services code and section 660.05 of the general offenses code. This was the second of three parts of the proposed rewrite to the city’s streets, utilities, and public services code.
“The changes to these three chapters are quite broad and cover a wide ranging set of topics,” said Ryan Duke, city finance director. “We are talking about some sections of code that had not been amended for more than 60 years. I am supportive of the amendments and believe they will serve the community well.”
The first was presented Nov. 9, the second Dec. 14. and the third Dec. 28. All three ordinances have been recommended by city staff to take effect March 1.
The latest amendments are to what is known as Title Two — Streets and Sidewalk Areas (which updates existing regulations on street excavations such as sidewalks, driveway aprons, curbs, gutters, and right-of-way administration). Chapter 1026 “Street Banner Programs” is being relocated from Title Two to Title Six.
The proposed amendments to Title Two include:
Chapter 1000 — Street Excavations and Openings (currently Chapter 1020). The proposed amendments (in part) to this chapter keep the requirement for a permit before cutting into any city streets, add requirements for restoration and repair of city streets, and a required inspection fee, and expand safety requirements.
Chapter 1001 —Sidewalks, Driveway Aprons, Curbs, and Gutters (currently Chapter 1022). The proposed amendments (in part) to this chapter keep the required construction and material specifications for sidewalks, curbs, gutters, and adds driveway aprons as well. The amendments also establish a permit requirement for curb cuts and authorize the city engineer to establish a Driveway Access Policy.
Chapter 1002 — Right-of-Way Administration (Chapter 1028). The proposed amendments to this chapter are minimal, consisting mostly of renumbering. There is one significant change to 1002 to allow the already required annual registration maintenance fee to be set by the city engineer without requiring a separate, annual action by city council.
Chapter 1000 — Permit Required. No person, except in emergency situations, shall make or cause to be made any test boring, opening or excavation of any kind upon, through, or under any portion of a street, road, sidewalk, tree lawn, or other public property within the city without first properly registering with and obtaining a permit from the city engineer. When an emergency situation exists, the person for whom the work is to be performed or the person performing the work shall submit the required application during the next normal business day of the city.
Reach Karen Rase at 937-502-4534.
