Source: http://register.dls.virginia.gov/details.aspx?id=2953
Timestamp: 2019-04-19 12:44:14+00:00

Document:
REGISTRAR'S NOTICE: The Commonwealth Transportation Board is claiming an exemption from the Administrative Process Act in accordance with § 2.2-4006 A 4 a of the Code of Virginia, which excludes regulations that are necessary to conform to changes in Virginia statutory law where no agency discretion is involved. The Commonwealth Transportation Board will receive, consider, and respond to petitions from any interested person at any time with respect to reconsideration or revision.
Titles of Regulations: 24VAC30-11. Public Participation Guidelines (amending 24VAC30-11-10, 24VAC30-11-20).
24VAC30-21. General Rules and Regulations of the Commonwealth Transportation Board (amending 24VAC30-21-10).
24VAC30-41. Rules and Regulations Governing Relocation Assistance (amending 24VAC30-41-90).
24VAC30-61. Rules and Regulations Governing the Transportation of Hazardous Materials Through Bridge-Tunnel Facilities (amending 24VAC30-61-30).
24VAC30-72. Access Management Regulations: Principal Arterials (amending 24VAC30-72-10).
24VAC30-73. Access Management Regulations: Minor Arterials, Collectors, and Local Streets (amending 24VAC30-73-10).
24VAC30-120. Rules and Regulations Controlling Outdoor Advertising and Directional and other Signs and Notices (amending 24VAC30-120-140).
24VAC30-151. Land Use Permit Regulations (amending 24VAC30-151-10, 24VAC30-151-30, 24VAC30-151-40, 24VAC30-151-100, 24VAC30-151-110, 24VAC30-151-220, 24VAC30-151-230, 24VAC30-151-280, 24VAC30-151-310, 24VAC30-151-340, 24VAC30-151-350, 24VAC30-151-550, 24VAC30-151-600, 24VAC30-151-660, 24VAC30-151-700, 24VAC30-151-730).
24VAC30-155. Traffic Impact Analysis Regulations (amending 24VAC30-155-10).
24VAC30-200. Vegetation Control Regulations on State Rights-Of-Way (amending 24VAC30-200-10, 24VAC30-200-20, 24VAC30-200-30, 24VAC30-200-35).
24VAC30-271. Economic Development Access Fund Policy (amending 24VAC30-271-20).
24VAC30-325. Urban Maintenance and Construction Policy (amending 24VAC30-325-10).
24VAC30-340. Debarment or Suspension of Contractors (amending 24VAC30-340-10).
24VAC30-380. Public Hearings for Location and Design of Highway Construction Projects (amending 24VAC30-380-10).
24VAC30-520. Classifying and Marking State Highways (amending 24VAC30-520-10).
24VAC30-540. Conveyance of Land and Disposal of Improvements (amending 24VAC30-540-30, 24VAC30-540-40).
24VAC30-551. Integrated Directional Signing Program (IDSP) Participation Criteria (amending 24VAC30-551-40).
24VAC30-561. Adoption of the Federal Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (amending 24VAC30-561-10).
24VAC30-610. List of Differentiated Speed Limits (amending 24VAC30-610-10).
24VAC30-620. Rules, Regulations, and Rates Concerning Toll and Bridge Facilities (amending 24VAC30-620-20, 24VAC30-620-30).
Statutory Authority: § 33.1-12 of the Code of Virginia.
Effective Date: November 23, 2011.
Agency Contact: David Roberts, Program Manager, Department of Transportation, 1401 E. Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23219, telephone (804) 786-3620, FAX (804) 225-4700, or email david.roberts@vdot.virginia.gov.
Chapters 36 and 152 of the 2011 Acts of Assembly amended the Code of Virginia by replacing the formal title used for VDOT's chief executive officer from Commonwealth Transportation Commissioner to the new title of Commissioner of Highways. Reference to the commissioner's title is amended in these regulations.
The purpose of this chapter is to promote public involvement in the development, amendment or repeal of the regulations of the Commonwealth Transportation Board, the Commonwealth Transportation Commissioner of Highways, or the Virginia Department of Transportation. This chapter does not apply to regulations, guidelines, or other documents exempted or excluded from the provisions of the Administrative Process Act (§ 2.2-4000 et seq. of the Code of Virginia).
"Administrative Process Act" means Chapter 40 (§ 2.2-4000 et seq.) of Title 2.2 of the Code of Virginia.
"Agency" means the entity of state government empowered by the agency's basic law to make regulations or decide cases. This term includes the Commonwealth Transportation Board, the Commonwealth Transportation Commissioner of Highways, or the Virginia Department of Transportation. Actions specified in this chapter may be fulfilled by state employees as delegated by the agency.
"Basic law" means provisions in the Code of Virginia that delineate the basic authority and responsibilities of an agency.
"Commonwealth Calendar" means the electronic calendar for official government meetings open to the public as required by § 2.2-3707 C of the Freedom of Information Act.
''Negotiated rulemaking panel'' or ''NRP'' means an ad hoc advisory panel of interested parties established by an agency to consider issues that are controversial with the assistance of a facilitator or mediator, for the purpose of reaching a consensus in the development of a proposed regulatory action.
"Notification list" means a list used to notify persons pursuant to this chapter. Such a list may include an electronic list maintained through the Virginia Regulatory Town Hall or other list maintained by the agency.
"Open meeting" means any scheduled gathering of a unit of state government empowered by an agency's basic law to make regulations or decide cases, which is related to promulgating, amending or repealing a regulation.
"Person" means any individual, corporation, partnership, association, cooperative, limited liability company, trust, joint venture, government, political subdivision, or any other legal or commercial entity and any successor, representative, agent, agency, or instrumentality thereof.
"Public hearing" means a scheduled time at which members or staff of the agency will meet for the purpose of receiving public comment on a regulatory action.
"Regulation" means any statement of general application having the force of law, affecting the rights or conduct of any person, adopted by the agency in accordance with the authority conferred on it by applicable laws.
"Regulatory action" means the promulgation, amendment, or repeal of a regulation by the agency.
"Regulatory advisory panel" or "RAP" means a standing or ad hoc advisory panel of interested parties established by the agency for the purpose of assisting in regulatory actions.
"Town Hall" means the Virginia Regulatory Town Hall, the website operated by the Virginia Department of Planning and Budget at www.townhall.virginia.gov, which has online public comment forums and displays information about regulatory meetings and regulatory actions under consideration in Virginia and sends this information to registered public users.
"Virginia Register" means the Virginia Register of Regulations, the publication that provides official legal notice of new, amended and repealed regulations of state agencies, which is published under the provisions of Article 6 (§ 2.2-4031 et seq.) of the Administrative Process Act.
"Board" means the Commonwealth Transportation Board.
"Commissioner" means the Commonwealth Transportation Commissioner of Highways, the individual who serves as the chief executive officer of the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) or his designee.
"Commonwealth" means the Commonwealth of Virginia.
"Right of way" means that property within the entire area of every way or place of whatever nature within the system of state highways under the ownership, control, or jurisdiction of the board or VDOT that is open or is to be opened within the future for the use of the public for purposes of travel in the Commonwealth. The area set out above includes not only the traveled portion but the entire area within and without the traveled portion, from boundary line to boundary line, and also all parking and recreation areas that are under the ownership, control, or jurisdiction of the board or VDOT.
"System of state highways" means all highways and roads under the ownership, control, or jurisdiction of the board including, but not limited to, the primary, secondary, and interstate systems.
"VDOT" means the Virginia Department of Transportation, the Commonwealth Transportation Commissioner of Highways, or a designee.
A. It is anticipated that from time to time persons affected by VDOT's relocation program will be dissatisfied with VDOT's determination as to their eligibility or with the amount of payments or services offered. It is the policy of VDOT to provide an opportunity to all persons to have their dissatisfactions heard and considered on an administrative level, without the expense, delay or inconvenience of court adjudication. VDOT's appeal procedure is promulgated to all potentially interested persons through the right of way brochure distributed at public hearings and provided to all displacees.
Persons making the appeal may be represented by legal counsel or any other representative at their expense. However, professional representation is not necessary for an appeal to be heard. The appellant will be permitted to inspect and copy all materials relevant to the matter appealed, except materials which are classified as confidential by VDOT or where disclosure is prohibited by law.
The appeal process consists of two levels. An interim appeal is heard in the district office. If the appellant is not satisfied on completion of the interim appeal, a final appeal may be addressed to the Commonwealth Transportation Commissioner of Highways.
B. Interim appeal. When displacees are dissatisfied with VDOT's determination of eligibility, or the amount offered under the relocation assistance and payments statutes, they may appeal in writing. The appeal must be submitted to the district manager within 90 days after receipt of VDOT's written determination. The district manager will schedule an informal hearing. A decision will be made following the hearing. A written copy of the decision, also stating the basis for the decision, will be provided to the appellant. A copy of such decision, along with all pertinent information involving the case, is to be submitted to the director of the right of way and utilities division. The central office relocation manager, or a designated representative, will be present at all interim appeals to provide technical program advice.
C. Final appeal. Upon notification of the district manager's decision, if the displacee is still dissatisfied, an appeal in writing may be submitted to the Commonwealth Transportation Commissioner of Highways within 10 days. Upon receipt by the commissioner, the appeal will be referred to a review board consisting of the director of the right of way and utilities division or a designated representative as chairman, a district manager selected by the chairman and not functioning in the area where the displacee resides, and a district administrator or a designated representative. The district administrator serving on this board will be the one functioning in the area where the appellant resides. Legal counsel for VDOT may also be present. The review board will schedule a hearing at a time and place reasonably convenient to the appellant. At the hearing all parties will be afforded an opportunity to express their respective positions and submit any supporting information or documents. A Court Reporter will be present to record and provide a transcript of all information presented at the hearing. Upon conclusion of the hearing, the review board will furnish the commissioner a written report of its findings. The commissioner or a designated representative will review the report and render a decision, which shall be final. The appellant and his attorney, if applicable, will be advised of the decision in writing, by certified mail, and will be provided a summary of the basis for the board's decision. If the full relief requested is not granted, the displacee shall be advised of the right to seek judicial review, which must be filed with the court within 30 days after receipt of the final appeal determination.
24VAC30-61-30. Restrictions on hazardous material transportation across rural and distanced-from-water facilities.
The two rural and distanced-from-water tunnel facilities are: the Big Walker Mountain Tunnel and the East River Mountain Tunnel. For these two tunnels, and these two only, no restrictions apply on the transport of hazardous materials, so long as transporters and shippers are in compliance with 49 CFR 100 through 180, and any present and future state regulations which may become in force to implement the federal regulations. In addition, the Commonwealth Transportation Commissioner of Highways may, at any time, impose emergency or temporary restrictions on the transport of hazardous materials through these facilities, so long as sufficient advanced signage is positioned to allow for a reasonable detour.
"Access management" means the systematic control of the location, spacing, design, and operation of entrances, median openings, traffic signals, and interchanges for the purpose of providing vehicular access to land development in a manner that preserves the safety and efficiency of the transportation system.
"Commissioner" means the individual who serves as the chief executive officer of the Department of Transportation or his designee.
"Crossover" or "median opening" means an opening in a nontraversable median (such as a concrete barrier or raised island) that provides for crossing and turning traffic.
"Design speed" means the selected speed used to determine the geometric design features of the highway.
"District" means each of the nine areas in which VDOT is divided to oversee the maintenance and construction on the state-maintained highways, bridges and tunnels within the boundaries of the area.
"District administrator" means the VDOT employee assigned to supervise the district.
"District administrator's designee" means the VDOT employee or employees designated by the district administrator.
"Entrance" means any driveway, street, or other means of providing for movement of vehicles to or from the highway.
"Frontage road" means a road that generally runs parallel to a highway between the highway right-of-way and the front building setback line of the abutting properties and provides access to the abutting properties for the purpose of reducing the number of entrances to the highway and separating the abutting property traffic from through traffic on the highway.
"Functional area" means the area of the physical highway feature, such as an intersection, roundabout, railroad grade crossing, or interchange, plus that portion of the highway that comprises the decision and maneuver distance and required vehicle storage length to serve that highway feature.
"Functional area of an intersection" means the physical area of an at-grade intersection plus all required storage lengths for separate turn lanes and for through traffic including any maneuvering distance for separate turn lanes.
"Functional classification" means the federal system of classifying groups of highways according to the character of service they are intended to provide and classifications made by the commissioner based on the operational characteristics of a highway. Each highway is assigned a functional classification based on the highway's intended purpose of providing priority to through traffic movement or adjoining property access. The functional classification system groups highways into three basic categories identified as (i) arterial, with the function to provide through movement of traffic; (ii) collector, with the function of supplying a combination of through movement and access to property; and (iii) local, with the function of providing access to property.
"Highway," "street," or "road" means a public way for purposes of vehicular travel, including the entire area within the right-of-way.
"Intersection" means any at-grade connection with a highway including two highways or an entrance and a highway.
"Legal speed limit" means the speed limit set forth on signs lawfully posted on a highway or in the absence of such signs the speed limit established by Article 8 (§ 46.2-870 et seq.) of Chapter 8 of Title 46.2 of the Code of Virginia.
"Level of service" means a qualitative measure describing the operational conditions within a vehicular traffic stream, generally in terms of such service measures as speed, travel time, freedom to maneuver, traffic interruptions, and comfort and convenience. "Level-of-service" is defined and procedures are presented for determining the level of service in the Highway Capacity Manual (see 24VAC30-72-170 I).
"Limited access highway" means a highway especially designed for through traffic over which abutting properties have no easement or right of light, air, or access by reason of the fact that their property abuts upon the limited access highway.
"Median" means the portion of a divided highway that separates opposing traffic flows.
"Operating speed" means the speed at which drivers are observed operating their vehicles during free-flow conditions with the 85th percentile of the distribution of observed speeds being the most frequently used measure of the operating speed of a particular location or geometric feature.
"Permit" or "entrance permit" means a document that sets the conditions under which VDOT allows a connection to a highway.
"Permit applicant" means the person or persons, firm, corporation, government, or other entity that has applied for a permit.
"Permittee" means the person or persons, firm, corporation, government, or other entity that has been issued a permit.
"Preliminary subdivision plat" means a plan of development as set forth in § 15.2-2260 of the Code of Virginia.
"Principal arterial" means the functional classification for a major highway intended to serve through traffic where access is carefully controlled, generally highways of regional importance, with moderate to high volumes of traffic traveling relatively long distances and at higher speeds.
"Private entrance" means an entrance that serves up to two private residences and is used for the exclusive benefit of the occupants or an entrance that allows agricultural operations to obtain access to fields or an entrance to civil and communication infrastructure facilities that generate 10 or fewer trips per day such as cell towers, pump stations, and stormwater management basins.
"Professional engineer" means a person who is qualified to practice engineering by reason of his special knowledge and use of mathematical, physical and engineering sciences and the principles and methods of engineering analysis and design acquired by engineering education and experience, and whose competence has been attested by the Virginia Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, Certified Interior Designers and Landscape Architects through licensure as a professional engineer.
"Reverse frontage road" means a road that is located to the rear of the properties fronting a highway and provides access to the abutting properties for the purpose of reducing the number of entrances to the highway and removing the abutting property traffic from through traffic on the highway.
"Right-of-way" means that property within the systems of state highways that is open or may be opened for public travel or use or both in the Commonwealth. This definition includes those public rights-of-way in which the Commonwealth has a prescriptive easement for maintenance and public travel.
"Roadside" means the area adjoining the outer edge of the roadway. The median of a divided highway may also be considered a "roadside."
"Roadway" means the portion of a highway, including shoulders, for vehicular use. A divided highway has two or more roadways.
"Shared entrance" means a single entrance serving two or more adjoining parcels.
"Sight distance" means the distance visible to the driver of a vehicle when the view is unobstructed by traffic.
"Site plan" and "subdivision plat" mean a plan of development approved in accordance with §§ 15.2-2286 and 15.2-2241 through 15.2-2245 of the Code of Virginia.
"Stopping sight distance" means the distance required by a driver of a vehicle, traveling at a given speed, to bring the vehicle to a stop after an object on the highway becomes visible, including the distance traveled during the driver's perception and reaction times and the vehicle braking distance.
"Systems of state highways" means all highways and roads under the ownership, the control, or the jurisdiction of VDOT, including but not limited to, the primary, secondary and interstate highway.
"Traveled way" means the portion of the roadway for the movement of vehicles, exclusive of shoulders and turn lanes.
"Trip" means a single or one-directional vehicle movement either entering or exiting a property; a vehicle leaving the property is one trip and a vehicle returning to the property is one trip.
"Turn lane" means a separate lane for the purpose of enabling a vehicle that is entering or leaving a highway to increase or decrease its speed to a rate at which it can more safely merge or diverge with through traffic; acceleration and deceleration lanes.
"Urban area" means an urbanized area with a population of 50,000 or more, or an urban place (small urban area) as designated by the Bureau of the Census having a population of 5,000 or more and not within any urbanized area. The Federal Highway Administration defines "urban area" in more detail based on the federal-aid highway law (23 USC § 101).
"VDOT" means the Virginia Department of Transportation, its successor, the Commonwealth Transportation Commissioner of Highways, or his designees.
"Access management" means the systematic control of the location, spacing, design, and operation of entrances, median openings/crossovers, traffic signals, and interchanges for the purpose of providing vehicular access to land development in a manner that preserves the safety and efficiency of the transportation system.
"Collectors" means the functional classification of highways that provide land access service and traffic circulation within residential, commercial, and industrial areas. The collector system distributes trips from principal and minor arterials through the area to the ultimate destination. Conversely, collectors also collect traffic and channel it into the arterial system.
"Crossover" means an opening in a nontraversable median (such as a concrete barrier or raised island) that provides for crossing movements and left and right turning movements.
"Functional area of an intersection" means the physical area of an at-grade intersection plus all required storage lengths for separate turn lanes and for through traffic, including any maneuvering distance for separate turn lanes.
"Functional classification" means the federal system of classifying groups of highways according to the character of service they are intended to provide and classifications made by the commissioner based on the operational characteristics of a highway. Each highway is assigned a functional classification based on the highway's intended purpose of providing priority to through traffic movement or adjoining property access. The functional classification system groups highways into three basic categories identified as (i) arterial, with the function to provide through movement of traffic; (ii) collector, with the function of supplying a combination of through movement and access to property; and (iii) local, with the function of providing access to property and to other streets.
"Intersection" means (i) a crossing of two or more highways at grade, (ii) a crossover, or (iii) any at-grade connection with a highway such as a commercial entrance.
"Intersection sight distance" means the sight distance required at an intersection to allow the driver of a stopped vehicle a sufficient view of the intersecting highway to decide when to enter, or cross, the intersecting highway.
"Legal speed limit" means the speed limit set forth on signs lawfully posted on a highway or, in the absence of such signs, the speed limit established by Article 8 (§ 46.2-870 et seq.) of Chapter 8 of Title 46.2 of the Code of Virginia.
"Level of service" means a qualitative measure describing the operational conditions within a vehicular traffic stream, generally in terms of such service measures as speed, travel time, freedom to maneuver, traffic interruptions, and comfort and convenience. "Level-of-service" is defined and procedures are presented for determining the level of service in the Highway Capacity Manual (see 24VAC30-73-170 I).
"Limited access highway" means a highway especially designed for through traffic over which abutting properties have no easement or right of light, air, or access by reason of the fact that those properties abut upon the limited access highway.
"Local streets" means the functional classification for highways that comprise all facilities that are not collectors or arterials. Local streets serve primarily to provide direct access to abutting land and to other streets.
"Median opening" means a crossover or a directional opening in a nontraversable median (such as a concrete barrier or raised island) that physically restricts movements to specific turns such as left turns and U-turns.
"Minor arterials" means the functional classification for highways that interconnect with and augment the principal arterial system. Minor arterials distribute traffic to smaller geographic areas providing service between and within communities.
"Principal arterials" means the functional classification for major highways intended to serve through traffic where access is carefully controlled, generally highways of regional importance, with moderate to high volumes of traffic traveling relatively long distances and at higher speeds.
"Roundabout" means a circular intersection with yield control of all entering traffic, right-of-way assigned to traffic within the circular roadway, and channelized approaches and a central island that deflect entering traffic to the right.
"Systems of state highways" means all highways and roads under the ownership, the control, or the jurisdiction of VDOT, including but not limited to, the primary, secondary and interstate highways.
"Turn lane" means a separate lane for the purpose of enabling a vehicle that is entering or leaving a highway to increase or decrease its speed to a rate at which it can more safely merge or diverge with through traffic; an acceleration or deceleration lane.
The recommendations must be based upon criteria presently utilized or hereinafter adopted by one of these agencies.
After the recommendation is received the commissioner must employ the following standards in addition to those which appear elsewhere to ascertain whether a site, area, agency, or phenomena is eligible for directional signs.
1. That publicly or privately owned activities or attractions eligible for directional signing are limited to the following: natural phenomena; scenic attractions; historic, educational, cultural, scientific, and religious sites; and areas naturally suited for outdoor recreation.
2. Any of the above must be nationally or regionally known as determined by the commissioner.
3. Any of the above must be of outstanding interest to the traveling public as determined by the Commonwealth Transportation Commissioner of Highways.
The area, site, agency, or phenomena seeking to qualify for "directional signs" shall be the principal area, site, agency, or phenomena which would appear on proposed sign and not ancillary to the message which would appear on the sign.
"Backfill" means replacement of suitable material compacted as specified around and over a pipe, conduit, casing, or gallery.
"Boring" means a method of installation that is done underground and by which a carrier or casing is jacked through an oversize bore. The bore is carved progressively ahead of the leading edge of the advancing pipe as soil is forced back through the pipe. Directional drilling, coring, jacking, etc., are also considered boring.
"Carrier" means a pipe directly enclosing a transmitted liquid or gas.
"Casing" means a larger pipe enclosing a carrier.
"Central Office Permit Manager" means the VDOT employee assigned to provide management, oversight, and technical support for the state-wide land use permit program.
"Clear zone" means the total border area of a roadway, including, if any, parking lanes or planting strips, that is sufficiently wide for an errant vehicle to avoid a serious accident. Details on the clear zone are in VDOT's Road Design Manual (see 24VAC30-151-760).
"Code of Federal Regulations" or "CFR" means the regulations promulgated by the administrative and regulatory agencies of the federal government.
"Commissioner of Highways" means the individual serving as the chief executive officer of the Virginia Department of Transportation or a designee.
"Commonwealth Transportation Commissioner" means the individual serving as the chief executive officer of the Virginia Department of Transportation or a designee.
"Conduit" means an enclosed tubular runway for carrying wires, cable or fiber optics.
"Cover" means the depth of the top of a pipe, conduit, or casing below the grade of the roadway, ditch, or natural ground.
"Crossing" means any utility facility that is installed across the roadway, either perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the roadways or at a skew of no less than 60 degrees to the roadway centerline.
"District administrator" means the VDOT employee assigned the overall supervision of the departmental operations in one of the Commonwealth's nine construction districts.
"District administrator's designee" means the VDOT employee assigned to supervise land use permit activities by the district administrator.
"District roadside manager" means the VDOT employee assigned to provide management, oversight and technical support for district-wide vegetation program activities.
"Drain" means an appurtenance to discharge liquid contaminants from casings.
"Encasement" means a structural element surrounding a pipe.
"Erosion and sediment control" means the control of soil erosion or the transport of sediments caused by the natural forces of wind or water.
"Grounded" means connected to earth or to some extended conducting body that serves instead of the earth, whether the connection is intentional or accidental.
"Limited access highway" means a highway especially designed for through traffic over which abutters have no easement or right of light, air, or access by reason of the fact that their property abuts upon such limited access highway.
"Longitudinal installations" means any utility facility that is installed parallel to the centerline of the roadway or at a skew of less than 60 degrees to the roadway centerline.
"Manhole" means an opening in an underground system that workers or others may enter for the purpose of making installations, inspections, repairs, connections and tests.
"Nonbetterment cost" means the cost to relocate an existing facility as is with no improvements.
"Permit" means a document that sets the conditions under which VDOT allows its right-of-way to be used or changed.
"Permittee" means the person or persons, firm, corporation or government entity that has been issued a land use permit.
"Pipe" means a tubular product or hollow cylinder made for conveying materials.
"Pole line" means poles or a series or line of supporting structures such as towers, cross arms, guys, racks (conductors), ground wires, insulators and other materials assembled and in place for the purpose of transmitting or distributing electric power or communication, signaling and control. It includes appurtenances such as transformers, fuses, switches, grounds, regulators, instrument transformers, meters, equipment platforms and other devices supported by poles.
"Power line" means a line for electric power or communication services.
"Pressure" means relative internal pressure in pounds per square inch gauge (psig).
"Professional engineer" means a person who is qualified to practice engineering by reason of his special knowledge and use of mathematical, physical, and engineering sciences and the principles and methods of engineering analysis and design acquired by engineering education and experience, and whose competence has been attested by the Virginia Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, Certified Interior Designers and Landscape Architects through licensure as a professional engineer.
"Relocate" means to move or reestablish existing facilities.
"Right-of-way" means that property within the system of state highways that is open or may be opened for public travel or use or both in the Commonwealth. This definition includes those public rights-of-way in which the Commonwealth has a prescriptive easement for maintenance and public travel. The property includes the travel way and associated boundary lines, parking and recreation areas and other permanent easements for a specific purpose.
"Service connections" means any utility facility installed overhead or underground between a distribution main, pipelines, or other sources of supply and the premises of the individual customer.
"Site plan" means the engineered or surveyed drawings depicting proposed development of land.
"Storm sewer" means the system containing and conveying roadway drainage.
"Stormwater management" means the engineering practices and principles used to intercept stormwater runoff, remove pollutants and slowly release the runoff into natural channels to prevent downstream flooding.
"Structure" means that portion of the transportation facility that spans space, supports the roadway, or retains soil. This definition includes, but is not limited to, bridges, tunnels, drainage structures, retaining walls, sound walls, signs, traffic signals, etc.
"System of state highways" means all highways and roads under the ownership, control, or jurisdiction of VDOT, including but not limited to, the primary, secondary and interstate systems.
"Telecommunication service" means the offering of telecommunications for a fee directly to the public or to privately, investor- or cooperatively owned entities.
"Transportation project" means a public project in development or under construction to provide a new transportation facility or to improve or maintain the existing system of state highways.
"Traveled way" means the portion of the roadway for the movement of vehicles, exclusive of shoulders and auxiliary lanes.
"Trenched" means installed in a narrow, open excavation.
"Underground utility facilities" means any item of public or private property placed below ground or submerged for use by the utility.
"Utility" means a privately, publicly or cooperatively owned line, facility, or system for producing, transmitting, or distributing telecommunications, cable television, electricity, gas, oil, petroleum products, water, steam, storm water not connected with highway drainage, or any other similar commodity, including any fire or police signal system.
"VDOT" means the Virginia Department of Transportation or the Commonwealth Transportation Commissioner of Highways.
"Vent" means an appurtenance to discharge gaseous contaminants from a casing or carrier pipe.
"Wetlands" means those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or ground water at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. Wetlands generally include swamps, marshes, bogs and similar areas.
1. A permit is required for any type of utility activity occurring within the right-of-way.
2. A permit is required to install any entrance onto a state highway.
3. A permit is required to perform surveying operations within the right-of-way.
4. A permit is required for any agricultural and commercial use and occupancy of the right-of-way.
5. A permit is required for any miscellaneous activity or use of the right-of-way except for mailboxes and newspaper boxes (see 24VAC30-151-560) and public service signs (see 24VAC30-151-570).
B. Single use permits. A single use permit allows the permittee to perform any approved activities not covered by a districtwide permit held by the permittee within limited access and nonlimited access rights-of-way at a specific location.
1. Stopping or impeding highway travel in excess of 15 minutes or implementing traffic control that varies from the standard, or any combination of these, as outlined in the Virginia Work Area Protection Manual (see 24VAC30-151-760).
2. Performing work within limited access right-of-way.
3. Trimming or cutting any trees located within the right-of-way.
4. Applying any pesticide or landscaping within the right-of-way.
5. Construction of a permanent entrance to a state highway.
C. Districtwide permits. A districtwide permit allows the permittee to perform multiple occurrences of certain activities on nonlimited access right-of-way without obtaining a single use permit for each occurrence. The central office permit manager shall be responsible for the issuance of all districtwide permits. VDOT may authorize districtwide permits covering multiple districts (see 24VAC30-151-710).
a. Districtwide permits may be issued granting cities, towns, counties, public agencies, or utility companies the authority to install and maintain service connections to their existing main line facilities. Work under a districtwide permit will allow the permittee to install a service connection across a nonlimited access primary or secondary highway above or below ground, provided the installation can be made from the side of the roadway without impeding travel for more than 15 minutes to pull or drop a service line across a highway, and provided no part of the roadway pavement, shoulders and ditch lines will be disturbed. The installation of parallel utility service connections, not to exceed 500 feet in length, shall be placed along the outer edge of the right-of-way with a minimum of 36 inches of cover. Telecommunications and cable television service connections may be placed with a minimum of 18 inches of cover; however the permittee assumes full responsibility for any and all damages caused by VDOT or VDOT contractors resulting from a service connection buried with less than 30 inches of cover within the right-of-way.
A districtwide permit allows for the overlashing of telecommunication lines onto existing lines or strand.
(1) Cutting highway pavement or shoulders, or both, to locate underground utilities.
(2) Working within the highway travel lane on a nonemergency basis.
(3) Constructing a permanent entrance.
(4) Installing electrical lines that exceed 34.5 KV.
(5) Installing telecommunication services that exceed 100 pair copper cable or the fiber optic cable diameter equivalent.
(6) Installing new pole, anchors, parallel lines, or casing pipe extensions to existing utilities where such installation necessitates disturbance to the pavement, shoulder, or ditch line.
(7) Installing underground telephone, power, cable television, water, sewer, gas, or other service connections or laterals where the roadway or ditch lines are to be disturbed.
c. The installation of parallel utility service connections, not to exceed 500 feet in length, shall be placed along the outer edge of the right-of-way with a minimum of 36 inches of cover. Telecommunications and cable television service connections may be placed with a minimum of 18 inches of cover; however the permittee assumes full responsibility for any and all damages caused by VDOT or VDOT contractors resulting from a service connection buried with less than 30 inches of cover within the right-of-way.
(1) The permittee shall implement all necessary traffic control in accordance with the Virginia Work Area Protection Manual (see 24VAC30-151-760). When warranted, the appropriate Regional Traffic Engineer should be consulted to select or tailor the proper traffic control devices. Each flag-person must be certified by VDOT and carry a certification card when flagging traffic and have it readily available for inspection when requested by authorized personnel.
(2) The permittee shall not perform any activity under the jurisdiction of a districtwide permit that requires the issuance of a single use permit.
e. The permittee must obtain single use permits from the district administrator's designee to continue the installation and maintenance of utility service connections during this revocation period.
a. Districtwide permits may be issued for the installation, maintenance, and removal of temporary entrances onto nonlimited access primary and secondary highways for the purpose of harvesting timber.
(1) Installing a permanent entrance.
(2) Making permanent upgrades to an existing entrance. Improvements to existing entrances that are not permanent upgrades will not require a separate single use permit.
(4) Grading within the right-of-way beyond the immediate area of the temporary entrance.
(1) The permittee shall implement all necessary traffic control in accordance with the Virginia Work Area Protection Manual (see 24VAC30-151-760). When warranted, the appropriate district traffic engineer should be consulted to select or tailor the proper traffic control measures. Each flag-person must be certified by VDOT and carry a certification card and have it available for inspection upon request by authorized VDOT personnel.
(2) The permittee shall contact the appropriate district administrator's designee prior to installing a new logging entrance or initiating the use of an existing entrance for logging access.
(3) The permittee shall contact the appropriate district administrator's designee for final inspection upon completion of logging activities and closure of the temporary entrance.
(4) The permittee shall restore all disturbed right-of-way at the temporary entrance, including but not limited to ditches, shoulders, and pavement, to pre-activity condition subject to acceptance by the appropriate district administrator's designee.
(5) The permittee shall remove excessive mud and any debris that constitutes a hazardous condition from the highway pursuant to a request from the appropriate district administrator's designee. Noncompliance may also result in the issuance of a separate citation from the Virginia State Police or a local law-enforcement authority.
(6) The permittee shall not perform any activity under the jurisdiction of a districtwide permit that requires the issuance of a single use permit.
d. The permittee must obtain single use permits from the appropriate district administrator's designee to continue accessing state maintained highways for the purpose of harvesting timber during this revocation period.
(1) No trees are to be trimmed or cut within the right-of-way.
(2) No pins, stakes, or other survey markers that may interfere with mowing operations or other maintenance activities are to be placed within the right-of-way.
(3) No vehicles shall be parked so as to create a traffic hazard. Parking on through lanes is strictly prohibited.
(1) Entering onto limited access right-of-way. Consideration for the issuance of such permits will be granted only when the necessary data cannot be obtained from highway plans, monuments, triangulation, or any combination of these, and the applicant provides justification for entry onto the limited access right-of-way.
(2) Stopping or impeding highway travel in excess of 15 minutes or varying the implementation of standard traffic control, or any combination of these, as outlined in the Virginia Work Area Protection Manual (see 24VAC30-151-760).
(3) Trimming or cutting any trees located within the right-of-way.
(4) Cutting highway pavement or shoulders to locate underground utilities.
d. The permittee must obtain single use permits from the district administrator's designee to continue surveying activities during this revocation period.
D. In-place permits. In-place permits allow utilities to remain within the right-of-way of newly constructed secondary streets. These utilities shall be installed according to VDOT approved street plans and shall be in place prior to VDOT street acceptance.
E. Prior-rights permits. Prior-rights permits allow existing utilities to remain in place that are not in conflict with transportation improvements authorized under the auspices of a land use permit.
F. As-built permits. Agreements for the relocation of utilities found to be in conflict with a transportation project may stipulate that an as-built permit will be issued upon completion of the project.
G. Agreements. In addition to obtaining a single use permit, a utility may be required to enter an agreement with VDOT allowing the utility to use the limited access right-of-way in exchange for monetary compensation, the mutually agreeable exchange of goods or services, or both.
a. Any new longitudinal occupancy of the limited access right-of-way where none have existed before, as allowed for in 24VAC30-151-300 and 24VAC30-151-310.
b. Any new communication tower or small site facilities installed within the right-of-way, as allowed for in 24VAC30-151-350.
c. Any perpendicular crossing of limited access right-of-way, as allowed for in 24VAC30-151-310.
All permit agreements shall specify the terms and conditions required in conjunction with work performed within the right-of-way. If appropriate, all agreements shall provide for the payment of monetary compensation as may be deemed proper by the Commonwealth Transportation Commissioner of Highways for the privilege of utilizing the right-of-way.
2. Shared resource agreement. A shared resource agreement allows the utility to occupy the limited access right-of-way in exchange for the utility providing the needed VDOT facility or services. VDOT and the utility will agree upon the appropriate facilities or services to be provided and will establish the length of the term that will be compensated through the infrastructure needs or monetary compensation, or both. Any shared resource agreement shall also provide for compensation as may be deemed proper by the Commonwealth Transportation Commissioner of Highways in any renewal term. The shared resource agreement shall specify the initial and renewal terms of the lease.
24VAC30-151-40. General rules, regulations and requirements.
A. A land use permit is valid only on highways and rights-of-way under VDOT's jurisdiction. This permit neither implies nor grants otherwise. County and city permits must be secured for work on roads and streets under their jurisdictions. A land use permit covers the actual performance of work within highway rights-of-way and the subsequent maintenance, adjustments or removal of the work as approved by the central office permit manager or the district administrator's designee. Permits for communications facility towers may only be issued by the Commonwealth Transportation Commissioner of Highways. The Commonwealth Transportation Commissioner of Highways shall approve all activities within limited access right-of-way prior to permit issuance. All permits shall be issued to the owner of the facility within highway rights-of-way or adjacent property owner in the case of entrance permits. Permits may be issued jointly to the owner and his contractor as agent. The applicant shall comply with all applicable federal, state, county and municipal requirements.
B. Application shall be made for a district-wide permit through the central office permit manager and for single use permits from the district administrator's designee responsible for the county where the work is to be performed. The applicant shall submit site plans or sketches for proposed installations within the right-of-way to VDOT for review, with studies necessary for approval. VDOT may require electronic submission of these documents. Where work is of a continuous nature along one route, or on several routes within one jurisdiction, it may be consolidated into one permit application. For single use permits, such consolidation shall not be for a length greater than two miles. The applicant shall also submit any required certifications for staff performing or supervising the work, and certification that applicable stormwater management requirements are being met. The plans shall include the ultimate development and also any applicable engineering design requirements. VDOT retains the authority to deny an application for or revoke a land use permit to ensure the safety, use, or maintenance of the highway right-of-way, or in cases where a law has been violated relative to the permitted activity.
C. The proposed installation granted by this permit shall be constructed exactly as shown on the permit or accompanying sketch. Distances from edge of pavement, existing and proposed right-of-way line, depths below existing and proposed grades, depths below ditch line or underground drainage structures, or other features shall be shown. Any existing utilities within close proximity of the permittee's work shall be shown. Location of poles, guys, pedestals, relief valves, vent pipes, etc. shall be shown. Height of wires or cables above the crown of the roadway shall be shown.
D. In the event of an emergency situation that requires immediate action to protect persons or property, work may proceed within the right-of-way without authorization from the district administrator's designee; however, the permittee must contact the VDOT Emergency Operations Center as soon as reasonably possible but no later than 48 hours after the end of the emergency situation.
E. The land use permit is not valid unless signed by the central office permit manager or the district administrator's designee.
F. The permittee shall secure and carry sufficient insurance to protect against liability for personal injury and property damage that may arise from the work performed under the authority of a land use permit and from the operation of the permitted activity. Insurance must be obtained prior to start of permitted work and shall remain valid through the permit completion date. The central office permit manager or the district administrator's designee may require a valid certificate or letter of insurance from the issuing insurance agent or agency prior to issuing the land use permit.
G. VDOT and the Commonwealth shall be absolved from all responsibilities, damages and liabilities associated with granting the permit. All facilities shall be placed and maintained in a manner to preclude the possibility of damage to VDOT owned facilities or other facilities placed within the highway right-of-way by permit.
H. A copy of the land use permit and approved site plans or sketches shall be maintained at every job site and such items made readily available for inspection when requested by authorized personnel. Strict adherence to the permit is required at all times. Any activity other than that described in the permit shall render the permit null and void. Any changes to the permit shall be coordinated and approved by the district administrator's designee prior to construction.
I. For permit work within the limits of a VDOT construction project, the permittee must obtain the contractor's consent in writing before the permit will be issued. The permittee shall coordinate and schedule all permitted work within the limits of a VDOT construction project to avoid conflicts with contracted work.
J. Disturbances within the right-of-way shall be kept to a minimum during permitted activities. Permit applications for proposed disturbances within the right-of-way that include disturbance on property directly adjacent to the right-of-way, in which the combined area of disturbance constitutes a land-disturbing activity as defined in § 10.1-560 of the Code of Virginia and the Virginia Stormwater Management Program (VSMP) Permit Regulations (see 24VAC30-151-760), must be accompanied by documented approval of erosion and sediment control plans and stormwater management plans, if applicable, from the corresponding jurisdictional local or state government plan approving authority.
K. Restoration shall be made in accordance with VDOT Road and Bridge Specifications; VDOT Road and Bridge Standards; Virginia Erosion and Sediment Control Handbook, 3rd Edition, a technical guide to the Erosion and Sediment Control Regulations; and the Virginia Stormwater Management Handbook, 1st edition, Volumes 1 and 2, a technical guide to the Virginia Stormwater Management Program (VSMP) Permit Regulations (see 24VAC30-151-760).
1. Ensure compliance with the Erosion and Sediment Control Regulations and the Virginia Stormwater Management Program (VSMP) Permit Regulations (see 24VAC30-151-760).
2. Ensure copies of approved erosion and sediment control plans, stormwater management plans, if applicable, and all related non-VDOT issued permits are available for review and posted at every job site at all times.
3. Take all necessary precautions to ensure against siltation of adjacent properties, streams, etc. in accordance with VDOT's policies and standards and the Virginia Erosion and Sediment Control Handbook, 3rd edition, and the Virginia Stormwater Management Manual (see 24VAC30-151-760).
4. Keep dusty conditions to a minimum by using VDOT-approved methods.
5. Cut pavement only as approved by the district administrator's designee. Pavement cuts, restoration and compaction efforts, to include all materials, shall be accomplished in accordance with VDOT Road and Bridge Specifications (see 24VAC30-151-760).
6. Ensure that an individual certified by VDOT in erosion and sediment control is present whenever any land-disturbing activity governed by the permit is performed. All land disturbance activities performed under a VDOT land use permit shall be in accordance with all local, state, and federal regulations. The installation of underground facilities by a boring method shall only be deemed as a land-disturbing activity at the entrance and exit of the bore hole and not the entire length of the installation.
7. Stabilize all disturbed areas immediately upon the end of each day's work and reseed in accordance with VDOT Road and Bridge Specifications (see 24VAC30-151-760). Temporary erosion and sediment control measures shall be installed in areas not ready for permanent stabilization.
8. Ensure that no debris, mud, water, or other material is allowed on the highways. Permission, documented in writing or electronic communication, must be obtained from VDOT prior to placing excavated materials on the pavement. When so permitted, the pavement shall be cleaned only by approved VDOT methods.
L. Accurate "as built" plans and profiles of work completed under permit shall be furnished to VDOT upon request, unless waived by the district administrator's designee. For utility permits, the owner shall maintain records for the life of the facility that describe the utility usage, size, configuration, material, location, height or depth and special features such as encasement.
M. All work shall be performed in accordance with the Underground Utility Damage Prevention Act (Chapter 10.3 (§ 56-265.14 et seq.) of Title 56 of the Code of Virginia) and the Rules for Enforcement of the Underground Utility Damage Prevention Act (see 24VAC30-151-760). For work within 1,000 feet of traffic signals or adjacent to other VDOT utilities, the permittee shall contact the district administrator's designee prior to excavation. The permittee shall notify VDOT on the business day preceding 48 hours before excavation.
1. Employ safety measures including, but not limited to, certified flaggers, adequate lights and signs.
2. Conduct all permitted activities in accordance with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways (MUTCD) and related special provisions (see 24VAC30-151-760) and the typical traffic control figures from the Virginia Work Area Protection Manual (see 24VAC30-151-760).
3. Plan construction and maintenance operations with regard to safety and minimum traffic interference.
4. Coordinate notification with all county or municipal officials.
5. Ensure that permitted work does not interfere with traffic during periods of peak flow on heavily traveled highways.
6. Plan work so that closure of intersecting streets, road approaches and other access points is held to a minimum and as noted and approved in the permit documents.
7. Maintain safe access to all entrances and normal shoulder slope of the roadway across the entire width of the entrance.
O. All construction activities shall conform to Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) requirements.
1. The permittee retains the services of a professional engineer (or certified technician under the direction of the professional engineer) to observe the placement of all fill embankments, pavement, and storm sewer and utility trench backfill.
2. The professional engineer (or certified technician under the direction of the professional engineer) performs any required inspection and testing in accordance with all applicable sections of VDOT's Road and Bridge Specifications (see 24VAC30-151-760).
3. The professional engineer submits all testing reports for review and approval, and provides written certification that all restoration procedures have been completed in accordance with all applicable sections of VDOT's Road and Bridge Specifications (see 24VAC30-151-760) prior to completion of the work authorized by the permit.
Q. The permittee shall immediately notify the nearest VDOT official who approved the land use permit of involvement in any personal or vehicular accident at the work site.
R. Stormwater management facilities or wetland mitigation sites shall not be located within VDOT rights-of-way unless the Commonwealth Transportation Board has agreed to participate in the use of a regional facility authorized by the local government. Stormwater management facilities or wetlands mitigation sites shall be designed and constructed to minimize impact within VDOT right-of-way. VDOT's share of participation in a regional facility will be the use of the right-of-way where the stormwater management facility or wetland mitigation site is located.
S. The permittee shall notify, by telephone, voice mail message, or email, the VDOT office where the land use permit was obtained prior to commencement of the permitted activity or any nonemergency excavation within the right-of-way.
T. Upon completion of the work under permit, the permittee shall provide notification, documented in writing or electronic communication, to the district administrator's designee requesting final inspection. This request shall include the permit number, county name, route number, and name of the party or parties to whom the permit was issued. The district administrator's designee shall promptly schedule an inspection of the work covered under the permit and advise the permittee of any necessary corrections.
The district administrator is authorized to consider and rule on unresolved differences of opinion between the applicant or permittee and the district administrator's designee that pertain to the interpretation and application of the requirements of this chapter as they relate to single use permits within nonlimited access highways.
To initiate an appeal with the district administrator, the applicant or permittee must provide the district administrator and the district administrator's designee with a written request for such action within 30 calendar days of receipt of written notification of denial or revocation and must set forth the grounds for the appeal. The written request shall describe any unresolved issue or issues. After reviewing all pertinent information, the district administrator will advise the applicant or permittee in writing within 60 calendar days upon receipt of the appeal regarding the decision of the appeal, with a copy to the district administrator's designee. The applicant or permittee may further appeal the district administrator's decision to the Commonwealth Transportation Commissioner of Highways. All correspondence requesting an appeal should include copies of all prior correspondence regarding the issue or issues with VDOT representatives.
The central office division administrator responsible for overseeing the statewide land use permit program is authorized to consider and rule on unresolved differences of opinion that pertain to the interpretation and application of the requirements of this chapter as they relate to districtwide permits. To initiate an appeal, the applicant or permittee must provide the division administrator with a written request for such action within 30 calendar days of receipt of written notification of denial or revocation and must set forth the grounds for the appeal. The written request shall describe any unresolved issue or issues. After reviewing all pertinent information, the division administrator will advise the applicant or permittee in writing within 60 calendar days upon receipt of the appeal regarding the decision of the appeal. The applicant or permittee may further appeal the division administrator's decision to the Commonwealth Transportation Commissioner of Highways. All correspondence requesting an appeal should include copies of all prior correspondence regarding the issue or issues with VDOT representatives.
Appeals involving permit requests within limited access rights-of-way and appeals of decisions of the district administrator and the division administrator shall be made to the Commonwealth Transportation Commissioner of Highways for resolution. To initiate an appeal, the applicant or permittee must provide the Commonwealth Transportation Commissioner of Highways with a written request for such action within 30 calendar days of receipt of written notification of denial or revocation and must set forth the grounds for the appeal. The written request shall describe any unresolved issue or issues. After reviewing all pertinent information, the Commonwealth Transportation Commissioner of Highways will advise the applicant or permittee in writing within 60 calendar days upon receipt of the appeal regarding the decision of the appeal.
24VAC30-151-110. Denial; revocation; refusal to renew.
A. A land use permit may be revoked upon written finding that the permittee violated the terms of the permit, which shall incorporate by reference these rules, as well as state and local laws and ordinances regulating activities within the right-of-way. Repeated violations may result in a permanent denial of the right to work within the right-of-way. A permit may also be revoked for misrepresentation of information on the application, fraud in obtaining a permit, alteration of a permit, unauthorized use of a permit, or violation of a water quality permit. Upon revocation, the permit shall be surrendered without consideration for refund of fees. Upon restoration of permit privileges a new land use permit shall be obtained prior to performing any work within the right-of-way.
B. Land use permits may be denied to any applicant or company, or both, for a period not to exceed six months when the applicant or company, or both, has been notified in writing by the Commonwealth Transportation Commissioner of Highways, the central office permit manager, district administrator, or district administrator's designee that violations have occurred under the jurisdiction of a districtwide or previously issued single use permit. Any person, firm, or corporation violating a water quality permit shall permanently be denied a land use permit. Furthermore, these violators may be subject to criminal prosecution as provided for by § 33.1-19 of the Code of Virginia.
A. Where wider rights-of-way are acquired by VDOT for the ultimate development of a highway at such time as adequate funds are available for the construction of the highway, including such preliminary features as tree planting, the correction of existing drainage conditions, etc., the Commonwealth Transportation Commissioner of Highways does not consider it advisable to lease, rent, or otherwise grant permission for the use of any of the land so acquired except in extreme or emergency cases, and then only for a limited period.
1. Until such time as the Commonwealth Transportation Commissioner of Highways deems it necessary to use right-of-way acquired for future construction on a project for road purposes, agreements may be made with adjoining property owners for the temporary use of sections thereof. The use of this land shall be limited to provisions as set forth in the agreement, which shall cover commercial pursuits consistent with similar operations common to the highway. These operations and special conditions may include gasoline pumps, but not gasoline tanks.
2. The area of right-of-way designated for use of the landowner must not be used for the storing of vehicles, except while the vehicles are being serviced at the gasoline pumps. The area must be kept in a clean and orderly condition at all times.
5. For other purposes as may be deemed necessary by the Commonwealth Transportation Commissioner of Highways.
C. Applications for agreements for commercial uses shall be made to the district administrator's designee. Agreements must be accompanied by a sketch showing the location of the roadway, shoulders, ditches and conditions existing within the right-of-way, together with description and plat of the area to be covered by it. The text of the application should describe the specific use for the site.
D. Agreements shall be issued only to owners of property adjoining the area to be used. Agreements may be made for terms not to exceed one year, subject to the cancellation terms in subsection C of this section. VDOT shall not be responsible in any way for the policing of areas subject to commercial agreements. No structures are to be erected on areas subject to commercial agreements without written approval of the Commonwealth Transportation Commissioner of Highways.
A. In cases where wider rights-of-way are acquired by VDOT for the ultimate development of a highway at such time as adequate funds are available for the construction of the same, including such preliminary features as tree planting, the correction of existing drainage conditions, etc., the Commonwealth Transportation Commissioner of Highways does not consider it advisable to lease, rent, or otherwise grant permission for the use of any of the land so acquired except in extreme or emergency cases, and then only for a limited period.
When this land is being used for agricultural purposes, which would necessitate the owner preparing other areas for the same use, agreements for agricultural uses may be entered into for use of portions of the right-of-way for temporary or limited periods.
1. Grazing of cattle and other livestock is permitted provided the area is securely enclosed by appropriate fence to eliminate any possibility of animals getting outside of the enclosure.
2. Forage crops such as hay, cereals, etc. are permitted provided that their growth will not interfere with the safe and orderly movement of traffic on the highway, and that, after crops are harvested, the land is cleared, graded and seeded with cover crop in such a manner as to prevent erosion and present a neat and pleasing appearance.
3. Vegetable crops are permitted provided that its growth will not interfere with the safe and orderly movement of traffic on the highway, and that all plants will be removed promptly after crops are harvested and the land cleared, graded and seeded with cover crop in such a manner as to prevent erosion and present a neat and pleasing appearance.
4. Fruit trees are permitted to maintain existing fruit trees, provided that they are sprayed to control insects and diseases; fertilized and the area is kept generally clear of weeds, etc., but no guarantee of longevity may be expected.
5. Small fruits are permitted, but no guarantee of longevity may be expected.
6. Other uses as may be specifically approved.
D. Applications for agreements for agricultural uses shall be made to the district administrator's designee. Agreements must be accompanied by a sketch showing the location of the roadway, shoulders, ditches and conditions existing within the right-of-way, together with a description and plat of the area to be covered by it. The text of the application should describe in detail the specific use for which the area is to be utilized.
Agreements shall be issued only to owners of property adjoining the area to be used. Agreements may be made for terms not to exceed one year, subject to the cancellation terms in subsection C of this section. VDOT shall not be held responsible in any way for the policing of areas subject to agricultural use agreements. No structures are to be erected on areas subject to agricultural use agreements without written approval of the Commonwealth Transportation Commissioner of Highways.
In the acquiring of right-of-way, it is often necessary for VDOT to acquire lands where springs, wells and their facilities are located. It is the policy of VDOT to acquire these springs, wells and their facilities along with the land on which they are located. When so acquired, the landowner having previous use of these springs, wells and their facilities may be granted a permit to use these springs, wells and their facilities until the Commonwealth Transportation Commissioner of Highways shall, by written notice, advise that the permit is terminated. The issuing of the permit shall in no way obligate VDOT to maintain the springs, wells or facilities.
24VAC30-151-310. Utility installations within limited access highways.
1. Requests for all utility installations within limited access right-of-way shall be reviewed and, if appropriate, be approved by the Commonwealth Transportation Commissioner of Highways prior to permit issuance.
a. That the installation will not adversely affect the safety, design, construction, operation, maintenance or stability of the highway.
b. That the accommodation will not interfere with or impair the present use or future expansion of the highway.
c. That any alternative location would be contrary to the public interest. This determination would include an evaluation of the direct and indirect environmental and economic effects that would result from the disapproval of the use of such right-of-way for the accommodation of such utility.
d. In no case will parallel installations within limited access right-of-way be permitted that involve tree removal or severe tree trimming.
3. Overhead and underground utilities may be installed within limited access right-of-way by a utility company under an agreement that provides for a shared resource arrangement subject to VDOT's need for the shared resource.
4. All authorized longitudinal utility installations within limited access right-of-way, excluding communication tower facilities, shall be located in a utility area established along the outer edge of the right-of-way. Special exceptions must be approved by the Commonwealth Transportation Commissioner of Highways.
5. Authorized overhead utility installations within limited access right-of-way shall maintain a minimum of 21 feet of vertical clearance.
6. Authorized underground utility installations within limited access right-of-way shall have a minimum of 36 inches of cover.
7. Service connections to adjacent properties shall not be permitted from authorized utility installations within limited access right-of-way.
8. Overhead crossings shall be located on a line that is perpendicular to the highway alignment.
9. A utility access control line will be established between the proposed utility installation, the through lanes, and ramps.
24VAC30-151-340. Underground utility installations within nonlimited access highways.
1. Underground utilities may be installed within nonlimited access right-of-way by a utility company under permit, including a districtwide permit as allowed under 24VAC30-151-30 C 1.
2. All underground utilities within VDOT rights-of-way will require a minimum of 36 inches of cover, except underground cables that provide cable or telecommunications services shall be at a minimum of 30 inches of cover. The district administrator's designee has the discretion to grant an exception to depth of cover requirements if the permittee encounters obstacles preventing the installation of main line facilities at the minimum depth of cover, as long as installation at the minimum depth of cover is resumed when the installation passes by the obstacle.
3. An underground utility shall not be attached to a bridge or other structure unless the utility owner can demonstrate that the installation and maintenance methods will not interfere with VDOT's ability to maintain the bridge or other structure, will not impact the durability and operational characteristics of the bridge or other structure, and will not require access from the roadway or interfere with roadway traffic. The attachment method must be approved by VDOT (see 24VAC30-151-430).
4. The proposed method for placing an underground facility requires approval from the district administrator's designee. All underground facilities shall be designed to support the load of the highway and any superimposed loads. All pipelines and encasements shall be installed in accordance with 24VAC30-151-360 and 24VAC30-151-370.
5. Underground utilities shall not be installed within the median area except, in special cases or under shared resource agreements, with approval from the Commonwealth Transportation Commissioner of Highways.
6. Underground utilities may be installed under sidewalk areas with approval from the district administrator's designee.
24VAC30-151-350. Nonlimited access highways: communication towers and site installations.
Communication tower structures and other types of surface mounted or underground utility facilities may be installed by a utility company under an agreement providing for a shared resource arrangement or the payment of appropriate compensation, or both. The Commonwealth Transportation Commissioner of Highways may grant an exception for a nonshared resource arrangement, under strictly controlled conditions. The utility owner must show that any alternative location would be contrary to the public interest. This determination would include an evaluation of the direct and indirect environmental and economic effects that would result from the disapproval of the use of such right-of-way for the accommodation of such utility. Communication pedestals, nodes, and amplifiers may be installed in the right-of-way pursuant to permit unless the district administrator's designee reasonably concludes that safety concerns at a specific location require placement of communication pedestals, nodes, or amplifiers elsewhere in the right-of-way. The placement of communication pedestals, nodes, or amplifiers between the edge of pavement or back of curb and the sidewalk shall not be permitted.
1. Applications for a memorial shall be submitted to the district administrator's designee. The district administrator's designee will review, and if necessary, amend or reject any application.
2. If construction or major maintenance work is scheduled in the vicinity of the proposed memorial's location, the district administrator's designee may identify an acceptable location for the memorial beyond the limits of work, or the applicant may agree to postpone installation.
3. If the applicant requests an appeal to the district administrator's designee's decision regarding amendment or rejection of an application, this appeal will be forwarded to the district administrator.
c. Circumstances surrounding the accident or incident.
5. Approval of a memorial does not give the applicant, family, or friends of the victim permission to park, stand, or loiter at the memorial site. It is illegal to park along the interstate system, and because of safety reasons and concerns for the public and friends and family of the deceased, parking, stopping, and standing of persons along any highway is not encouraged.
1. Any human fatality that occurs on the state highway system is eligible for a memorial. Deaths of animals or pets are not eligible.
2. The applicant must provide a copy of the accident report or other form of information to the district administrator's designee so that the victim's name, date of fatality, and location of the accident can be verified. This information may be obtained by contacting the local or state police. The district administrator's designee may also require that the applicant supply a copy of the death certificate.
3. Only family members of the victim may apply for a memorial.
4. The applicant will confirm on the application that approval has been obtained from the immediate family of the victim and the adjacent property owner or owners to locate the memorial in the designated location. If any member of the immediate family objects in writing to the memorial, the application will be denied or the memorial will be removed if it has already been installed.
5. If the adjacent property owner objects in writing, the memorial will be relocated and the applicant will be notified.
6. Memorials will remain in place for two years from the date of installation, at which time the permit shall expire. The Commonwealth Transportation Commissioner of Highways may, upon receipt of a written request, grant an extension of the permit. An extension may be granted for a period of one year, and requests for further extensions must be submitted for each subsequent year. The applicant or the family of the victim may request that the memorial be removed less than two years after installation.
7. The applicant shall be responsible for the fabrication of the memorial. VDOT will install, maintain, and remove the memorial, but the cost of these activities shall be paid by the applicant to VDOT.
C. Roadside memorial physical requirements.
1. The memorial shall be designed in accordance with Chapter 7 (§ 33.1-351 et seq.) of Title 33.1 and § 46.2-831 of the Code of Virginia and the Rules and Regulations Controlling Outdoor Advertising and Directional and Other Signs and Notices and Vegetation Control Regulations on State Rights-Of-Way (see 24VAC30-151-760). The use of symbols, photographs, drawings, logos, advertising, or similar forms of medium is prohibited on or near the memorial.
2. Only one memorial per fatality shall be allowed.
3. VDOT reserves the right to install a group memorial in lieu of individual memorials to commemorate a major incident where multiple deaths have occurred.
4. The memorial shall be located as close as possible to the crash site, but location of the memorial may vary depending on the site and safety conditions.
a. Memorials shall be installed outside of the mowing limits and ditch line and as close to the right-of-way line as reasonably possible.
b. Memorials shall be located in such a manner as to avoid distractions to motorists or pose safety hazards to the traveling public.
c. Memorials shall not be installed in the median of any highway, on a bridge, or within 500 feet of any bridge approach.
d. Memorials shall not be permitted in a construction or maintenance work zone. VDOT reserves the right to temporarily remove or relocate a memorial at any time for highway maintenance or construction operations or activities.
e. If VDOT's right-of-way is insufficient for a memorial to be installed at the crash site, the district administrator's designee will locate a suitable location as close as possible to the incident vicinity to locate the memorial where sufficient right-of-way exists.
D. Removal. After the two-year term or any extension of the term approved in accordance with this section, the memorial shall be removed by VDOT personnel. The memorial nameplate will be returned to the applicant or the designated family member, if specified on the application. If the applicant does not wish to retain the nameplate, the nameplate will be reused, recycled, or disposed at VDOT's discretion.
24VAC30-151-600. Pedestrian and bicycle facilities.
The installation of sidewalks, steps, curb ramps, shared use paths, pedestrian underpasses and overpasses within right-of-way may be authorized under the auspices of a single use permit. VDOT shall maintain those facilities that meet the requirements of the Commonwealth Transportation Board's Policy for Integrating Bicycle and Pedestrian Accommodations (see 24VAC30-151-760). The maintenance of sidewalks, steps, curb ramps, shared use paths, pedestrian underpasses and overpasses not meeting these requirements shall be subject to permit requirements, and the permittee shall be responsible for maintenance of these facilities.
The installation of pedestrian or bicycle facilities within limited access right-of-way shall be considered a change in limited access control and requires approval of the Commonwealth Transportation Board prior to permit issuance (see Change of Limited Access Control, 24VAC30-151-760). The installation of pedestrian or bicycle facilities parallel to and within the right-of-way of nonlimited access highways crossing limited access highways by way of an existing bridge or underpass shall not be considered a change in limited access but shall require the approval of the Commonwealth Transportation Commissioner of Highways prior to issuance of a permit for such activity.
24VAC30-151-660. Special requests and other installations.
Any special requests may be permitted upon review and approval by the Commonwealth Transportation Commissioner of Highways.
24VAC30-151-700. General provisions for fees, surety, and other compensation.
Except as otherwise provided in this part, the applicant shall pay an application fee to cover the cost of permit processing, pay additive fees to offset the cost of plan review and inspection, and provide surety to guarantee the satisfactory performance of the work under permit. For locally administered VDOT projects, the permit fees are waived and in lieu of a surety, the locality may (i) provide a letter that commits to using the surety in place or (ii) have the contractor execute a dual obligation rider that adds VDOT as an additional obligee to the surety bond provided to the locality, with either of these options guaranteeing the work performed within state maintained right-of-way under the terms of the land use permit for that purpose. A copy of the original surety and letter or rider shall be attached to the land use permit. Except as provided in 24VAC30-151-740, utilities within the right-of-way shall pay an annual accommodation fee as described in 24VAC30-151-730. In the event of extenuating circumstances, the Commonwealth Transportation Commissioner of Highways may waive all or a portion of any of the fees or surety.
1. Limited Access Crossings - $50 per crossing.
2. Limited Access Longitudinal Installation - $250 per mile annual use payment.
b. $14,000 annual use payment for colocation on a tower site. This payment does not include equipment mounted to an existing wooden utility pole.
"Connectivity index" means the number of street segments divided by the number of intersections. Only street segments and intersections within a network addition as well as any street segment or intersection outside of the network addition that is connected to street segments within the network addition or that has been connected or will be connected pursuant to 24VAC30-92-60 C 7 to the network addition through the extension of an existing stub out shall be used to calculate a network addition's connectivity index.
"Floor area ratio" means the ratio of the total floor area of a building or buildings on a parcel to the size of the parcel where the building or buildings are located.
"Intersection" means, only for the purposes of calculating connectivity index, a juncture of three or more street segments or the terminus of a street segment such as a cul-de-sac or other dead end. The terminus of a stub out shall not constitute an intersection for the purposes of this chapter. The juncture of a street with only a stub out, and the juncture of a street with only a connection to the end of an existing stub out, shall not constitute an intersection for the purposes of this chapter, unless such stub out is the only facility providing service to one or more lots within the development.
"Locality" means any local government, pursuant to § 15.2-2223 of the Code of Virginia, that must prepare and recommend a comprehensive plan for the physical development of the territory within its jurisdiction.
"Network addition" means a group of interconnected street segments and intersections shown in a plan of development that is connected to the state highway system and meets the requirements of the Secondary Street Acceptance Requirements (24VAC30-92).
"Pedestrian facility coverage" means the ratio of: (length of pedestrian facilities, such as sidewalks, foot paths, and multiuse trails, along both sides of a roadway) divided by (length of roadway multiplied by two).
"Redevelopment site" means any existing use that generates traffic and is intended to be developed as a different or more dense land use.
"Service level" means a measure of the quality, level or comfort of a service calculated using methodologies approved by VDOT.
"Small area plan" means a plan of development for multiple contiguous properties that guides land use, zoning, transportation, urban design, open space, and capital improvements at a high level of detail within an urban development area or for a transit-oriented development that is at least 1/2 square mile in size unless otherwise approved by VDOT due to proximity to existing moderate to high density developments. A small area plan shall include the following: (i) densities of at least four residential units per acre and at least a floor area ratio of 0.4 or some proportional combination thereof; (ii) mixed-use neighborhoods, including mixed housing types and integration of residential, office, and retail development; (iii) reduction of front and side yard building setbacks; and (iv) pedestrian-friendly road design and connectivity of road and pedestrian networks.
"State-controlled highway" means a highway in Virginia that is part of the interstate, primary, or secondary systems of state highways and that is maintained by the state under the direction and supervision of the Commonwealth Transportation Commissioner of Highways. Highways for which localities receive maintenance payments pursuant to §§ 33.1-23.5:1 and 33.1-41.1 of the Code of Virginia and highways maintained by VDOT in accordance with §§ 33.1-31, 33.1-32, 33.1-33, and 33.1-68 of the Code of Virginia are not considered state-controlled highways for the purposes of determining whether a specific land development proposal package must be submitted to meet the requirements of this regulation.
"Street segment" means (i) a section of roadway or alley that is between two intersections or (ii) a stub out or connection to the end of an existing stub out.
"Stub out" means a transportation facility (i) whose right-of-way terminates at a parcel abutting the development, (ii) that consists of a short segment that is intended to serve current and future development by providing continuity and connectivity of the public street network, (iii) that based on the spacing between the stub out and other streets or stub outs, and the current terrain there is a reasonable expectation that connection with a future street is possible, and (iv) that is constructed to the property line.
"Traffic impact statement" means the document showing how a proposed development will relate to existing and future transportation facilities.
"Transit-oriented development" means an area of commercial and residential development at moderate to high densities within 1/2 mile of a station for heavy rail, light rail, commuter rail, or bus rapid transit transportation and includes the following: (i) densities of at least four residential units per acre and at least a floor area ratio of 0.4 or some proportional combination thereof; (ii) mixed-use neighborhoods, including mixed housing types and integration of residential, office, and retail development; (iii) reduction of front and side yard building setbacks; and (iv) pedestrian-friendly road design and connectivity of road and pedestrian networks.
"Transportation demand management" means a combination of measures that reduce vehicle trip generation and improve transportation system efficiency by altering demand, including but not limited to the following: expanded transit service, employer-provided transit benefits, bicycle and pedestrian investments, ridesharing, staggered work hours, telecommuting, and parking management including parking pricing.
"Urban development area" means an area designated on a local comprehensive plan pursuant to § 15.2-2223.1 of the Code of Virginia that includes the following: (i) densities of at least four residential units per acre and at least a floor area ratio of 0.4 or some proportional combination thereof; (ii) mixed-use neighborhoods, including mixed housing types and integration of residential, office, and retail development; (iii) reduction of front and side yard building setbacks; and (iv) pedestrian-friendly road design and connectivity of road and pedestrian networks.
"Agent" means the person, firm, or corporation representing the permittee.
"Board" means the Commonwealth Transportation Board as defined in § 33.1-1 of the Code of Virginia.
"Certified arborist" means an individual who has taken and passed the certification examination sponsored by the International Society of Arboriculture and who maintains a valid certification status.
"Cutting" means to completely remove at ground level.
"Daylighting" means to prune or remove vegetation to improve the motorists' view of an outdoor advertising structure or business.
"Department" means the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and its employees.
"Federal-aid primary highway" means any highway as defined in § 33.1-351 of the Code of Virginia.
"Inspector" means any employee designated by the Commonwealth Transportation Commissioner of Highways or local government official, to review and approve or deny the permit application and landscape plan, inspect the work performed under authority of this chapter, and make a final approval concerning the work performed.
"Interstate system" means any highway as defined in § 33.1-48 of the Code of Virginia.
"Land Use Permit Regulations" means the regulations (24VAC30-151) promulgated by the board for the purpose of authorizing activities within the limits of state rights-of-way.
"Limited access highway" means any highway as defined in § 33.1-57 of the Code of Virginia.
"Local beautification project" means any project in a locality that includes installation of plant materials, using public or other funds, in any public right-of-way within a city or town, or on a highway or street in a county with the county manager form of government.
"Local government official" means an employee of a local government delegated authority by the city or town council or county board of supervisors where the public right-of-way is within the jurisdictional limits of a city or town on a highway or street not within the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth Transportation Commissioner of Highways under § 33.1-353 of the Code of Virginia, or on a highway or street in a county with the county manager form of government.
"Permittee" means the person, firm, or corporation owning the outdoor advertising sign, advertisement, or advertising structure or the business for whom the vegetation control work is being performed.
"Pruning" means to remove branches from healthy vegetation in a manner that is acceptable using the natural method under the standards and guidelines listed in 24VAC30-200-40 published by the American National Standards Institute, the American Association of Nurserymen, and the International Society of Arboriculture.
"Specifications" means the current Virginia Department of Transportation's Road and Bridge Specifications (effective January 2002).
"Unsightly" means vegetation to be selectively removed at VDOT's or the local government official's discretion.
A. Permits will be issued by the department to control vegetation in front of a sign/structure that is not exempt from the provisions of § 33.1-355 of the Code of Virginia or business that is visible from any highway as defined in § 33.1-351 of the Code of Virginia and regulated by the territorial limitations as defined in § 33.1-353 of the Code of Virginia provided the vegetation control work meets the criteria set forth in § 33.1-371.1 and this chapter. An application may be filed with the Commonwealth Transportation Commissioner of Highways by an agent, including but not limited to companies that trim trees. In all other areas the local government official shall issue the permits.
B. All cutting to make an outdoor advertising structure more visible from the roadway shall be limited to vegetation with trunk base diameters of less than six inches. All cutting to make a business more visible from the roadway shall be limited to vegetation with trunk base diameters of less than two inches. All stumps shall be treated with a cut-stump pesticide applied by a licensed pesticide applicator with a license issued by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services in Category 6. All pesticides shall be approved by the department or local government official prior to use. Selective thinning in accordance with specifications or removal of unsightly vegetation will be allowed on an individual basis to enhance the health and growth of the best trees or to eliminate roadway hazards if recommended by the certified arborist supervising the work and agreed to by the department or local government official. Trees that are diseased, damaged by insects, unsightly, or that pose a safety hazard may be removed when recommended by the certified arborist supervising the work and approved by the department or local government official. When tree removal is recommended by the certified arborist and approved by this permit, the permittee shall provide a list of suitable trees and shrubs and a landscape plan to replace vegetation removed to the inspector or local government official for review and approval prior to issuance of the permit. The certified arborist and the department or local government official shall agree on size and species of replacement vegetation. The permittee shall plant, at his expense, all replacement vegetation at the locations shown on the landscape plan in accordance with the specifications. The establishment period for replacement vegetation shall be in accordance with § 605.05 of the specifications. No pruning of vegetation to make an outdoor advertising sign more visible from the roadway will be permitted if the cut at the point of pruning will exceed four inches in diameter. No pruning of vegetation to make a business more visible from the roadway will be permitted if the cut at the point of pruning will exceed two inches in diameter. No leader branches shall be cut off in such a manner as to retard the normal upright growth of the tree unless recommended by the certified arborist and approved by the department or local government official. All trees and brush removed shall be cut at ground level. Dogwood or other small flowering trees on the site shall not be removed. The use of climbing irons or spurs is positively forbidden in any tree.
C. When daylighting signs, every effort shall be made to form a picture frame around the sign with remaining vegetation so as to accent the beauty of the surrounding roadside. A picture frame effect shall be achieved by leaving vegetation in place that will cover the sign structure supports below the face as seen from the main-traveled way.
D. A permit must be obtained from the department or local government official prior to any vegetation control work on the state's rights-of-way. All work shall be performed by the permittee at his expense, including permit and inspection fees.
E. A violation of this chapter shall, in addition to penalties provided in § 33.1-377 of the Code of Virginia, result in a permittee or its agent or both losing its vegetation control permit privilege for five years. Additionally, the bond amount used to secure the permit will be used for any reparations to the site. Inadvertent violations of this permit will require replacement on a four-to-one basis with other suitable small trees approved by the department or local government official to enhance the roadside beauty. The department or local government official shall have full authority to determine specie and size of all replacement vegetation if inadvertent cutting occurs.
A. The permittee shall attach two each 8" x 10" color glossy photographs (a closeup and a distant view) with the permit application showing the vegetation to be controlled, the highway, and the sign or business.
The permit for selective pruning or tree cutting, or both, will be inspected by the department or local government official and approval or denial given.
A permit may be denied any applicant, and all permits issued by the board or local government official may be revoked whenever, in the opinion of the inspector, the safety, use, or maintenance of the highway so requires or the integrity of the permit system so dictates.
If, during or before work begins, it is deemed necessary by the department or local government official to assign inspectors to the work, the permittee shall pay the department or local government issuing the permit an additional inspection fee in an amount that will cover the salary, expense and mileage allowance, equipment rental, etc., of the inspector or inspectors assigned by the department or local government for handling work covered by this chapter. Said inspection fee to be paid promptly each month on bills rendered by the department or local government.
The absence of a state or local government inspector does not in any way relieve the permittee of his responsibility to perform the work in accordance with provisions of § 33.1-371.1 of the Code of Virginia, this chapter, or permit.
B. The inspector or local government official shall be notified at least seven days in advance of the date any work is to be performed and when completed, in order than an inspection may be made.
C. No trees, shrubs, vines, or plant material, except as covered by this chapter, shall be cut or disturbed. Stubs and dead wood in trees covered by this chapter must be removed, whether occasioned by present requirements or not.
Pruning of trees shall only be performed by qualified tree workers who, through related training or experience or both, are familiar with the techniques and hazards of arboricultural work including trimming, maintaining, repairing or removing trees, and the equipment used in such operations. The supervisor, a certified arborist, and tree workers shall be approved by the inspector or local government official, prior to issuance of a permit to perform work under this chapter. The certified arborist supervising the work shall remain on-site whenever work is underway.
All brush, wood, etc., shall be chipped and beneficially used or removed immediately and disposed of in accordance with the Solid Waste Management Regulations (9VAC20-81) of the Virginia Waste Management Board.
D. All access and work shall be accomplished from the abutting property side of rights-of-way on interstate and other limited access highways, except where a local beautification project has allowed landscape plant material to be planted within a median area. Plant material in median areas may be relocated to other areas within the local beautification project limits in accordance with an approved landscape plan. All work performed on VDOT rights-of-way shall comply with the Virginia Work Area Protection Manual (part of 24VAC30-310-10 et seq.). Any damage caused to property owned by the Commonwealth shall be repaired or replaced in kind when work is complete.
All work done under this chapter on the right-of-way shall in all respects be subject to department or local government official directions and shall be completed to the satisfaction of the inspector or local government official, or his representative.
E. The department or local government official reserves the right to stop the work at any time the terms of this chapter are not satisfactorily complied with, and the department or local government official may, at its discretion, complete any of the work covered in the permit at the expense of the permittee. If it is in the best interest of traffic safety, the department or local government official may complete or have completed at the expense of the permittee any of the work that must be done to properly protect the traveling public.
F. The permittee shall immediately have corrected any condition that may arise as a result of this work that the department or local government official deems hazardous to the traveling public or state maintenance forces even though such conditions may not be specifically covered in this chapter or in the Land Use Permit Regulations (24VAC30-151).
G. Permittees and their agents to whom permits are issued shall at all times indemnify and save harmless the Commonwealth Transportation Board, local city or town councils, local boards of supervisors, and the Commonwealth of Virginia and its employees, agents, and officers from responsibility, damage, or liability arising from the exercise of the privilege granted in such permit except if political subdivisions are the applicants. Then special arrangements will be made whereby the agent of the political subdivision performing the work will indemnify and save harmless the board and others. All work shall be performed by the permittee at his expense. All permit and inspection fees shall be paid to the department or local government official by the permittee.
H. The permittee agrees that if the work authorized by this chapter including any work necessary to restore shoulders, ditches, and drainage structures to their original condition, is not completed by the permittee to the satisfaction of the department or local government official, the department or local government official will do whatever is required to restore the area within the right-of-way to department standards, and the permittee will pay to the Commonwealth or local government official the actual cost of completing the work. When the permittee is a political subdivision, this requirement will be satisfied by a sum certain that will appear in the permit.
I. Road and street connections and private and commercial entrances are to be kept in a satisfactory condition. Entrances shall not be blocked. Ample provisions must be made for safe ingress and egress to adjacent property at all times. Where entrances are disturbed, they shall be restored to the satisfaction of the department or local government official.
J. Road drainage shall not be blocked. The pavement, shoulders, ditches, roadside and drainage facilities, shall be kept in an operable condition satisfactory to the department or local government official. Necessary precautions shall be taken by the permittee to ensure against siltation of adjacent properties, streams, etc., in accordance with the Virginia Erosion and Sediment Control Law (§ 10.1-560 et seq. of the Code of Virginia) and Virginia Erosion and Sediment Regulations (4VAC50-30).
K. Any conflicts with existing utility facilities shall be resolved between the permittee and the utility owners involved. The permittee shall notify and receive clearance from the utility owner or owners and comply with the Overhead High Voltage Line Safety Act (§ 59.1-406 et seq. of the Code of Virginia) before proceeding with work in the vicinity of utilities.
L. Where landscape is disturbed on state rights-of-way or local street and roads not under the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth Transportation Commissioner of Highways in accordance with § 33.1-353 of the Code of Virginia, it shall be replaced with a minimum of two inches of topsoil and reseeded according to department specifications.
24VAC30-200-35. Appeal to the Commonwealth Transportation Commissioner of Highways.
A. Appeals by the local government official.
1. The local government official appeal of a landscape plan shall be in writing within 60 days of the permittee submitting a permit application and accompanied by a $400 fee.
2. The appeal shall specify reasons why the local government official is dissatisfied with the landscape plan and why it does not meet the intent of § 33.1-371.1 of the Code of Virginia. It shall include any motorist or worker safety concerns, selection of plant material, placement of plant material, method or time-of-year for planting or relocating plant material, and any other pertinent information.
B. Appeals by the permittee.
1. The permittee appeal of a landscape plan shall be in writing within 10 days after final action of the local government official and shall be accompanied by a $400 fee.
2. The appeal shall specify reasons why the permittee is dissatisfied with the action or stipulations placed on the permittee by the local government official including all pertinent information to help the Commonwealth Transportation Commissioner of Highways make a final determination.
C. Commonwealth Transportation Commissioner's Commissioner of Highway's determination of appeal.
The Commonwealth Transportation Commissioner of Highways shall consult department personnel with expertise in horticulture and landscape architecture in making a final determination on the merits of the landscape plan presented by the permittee, weigh objections by both the local government official and the permittee, and shall provide a final determination within 30 days of receipt of the appeal request.
2. Improving existing roads that may not be adequate to serve the establishments as described in subdivision 1 of this subsection.
B. Economic development access funds shall not be used for the acquisition of rights of way or adjustment of utilities. These funds are to be used only for the actual construction and engineering of a road facility adequate to serve the traffic generated by the new or expanding eligible establishments.
D. No cost incurred prior to the board's approval of an allocation from the economic development access funds may be reimbursed by such funds. Economic development access funds shall be authorized only after certification that the economic development establishment as listed or meeting the criteria as described will be built under firm contract, or is already constructed, or upon presentation of acceptable surety in accordance with § 33.1-221 A of the Code of Virginia.
E. When an eligible establishment is not yet constructed or under firm contract and a local governing body guarantees by bond or other acceptable surety that such will occur, the maximum time limit for such bond shall be five years, beginning on the date of the allocation of the economic development access funds by the Commonwealth Transportation Board. At the end of the five-year period, the amount of economic development access funds expended on the project and not justified by eligible capital outlay of one or more establishments acceptable to the board shall be reimbursed to the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) voluntarily by the locality or by forfeiture of the surety. In the event that, after VDOT has been reimbursed, but still within 24 months immediately following the end of the five-year period, the access funds expended come to be justified by eligible capital outlay of one or more eligible establishments, then the locality may request a refund of one-half of the sum reimbursed to VDOT, which request may be granted if funds are available, on a first-come, first-served basis in competition with applications for access funds from other localities.
F. Economic development access funds shall not be used to construct or improve roads on a privately owned economic development site. Nor shall the construction of a new access road to serve any economic development site on a parcel of land that abuts a road constituting a part of the systems of state highways or the road system of the locality in which it is located be eligible for economic development access funds, unless the existing road is a limited access highway and no other access exists. Further, where the existing road is part of the road system of the locality in which it is located, or the secondary system of state highways, economic development access funds may be used to upgrade the existing road only to the extent required to meet the needs of traffic generated by the new or expanding eligible establishment.
In the event an economic development site has access according to the foregoing provisions of this chapter, but it can be determined that such access is not adequate in that it does not provide for safe and efficient movement of the traffic generated by the eligible establishment on the site or that the site's traffic conflicts with the surrounding road network to the extent that it poses a safety hazard to the general public, consideration will be given to funding additional improvements. Such projects shall be evaluated on a case-by-case basis upon request, by resolution, from the local governing body. Localities are encouraged to establish planning policies that will discourage incompatible mixes such as industrial and residential traffic.
G. Not more than $500,000 of unmatched economic development access funds may be allocated in any fiscal year for use in any county, city or town that receives highway maintenance payments under § 33.1-41.1 of the Code of Virginia. A town whose streets are maintained under either § 33.1-79 or § 33.1-82 of the Code of Virginia shall be considered as part of the county in which it is located. The maximum eligibility of unmatched funds shall be limited to 20% of the capital outlay of the designated eligible establishments. The unmatched eligibility may be supplemented with additional economic development access funds, in which case the supplemental access funds shall be not more than $150,000, to be matched dollar-for-dollar from funds other than those administered by the board. The supplemental economic development access funds over and above the unmatched eligibility shall be limited to 20% of the capital outlay of the designated eligible establishments as previously described. Such supplemental funds shall be considered only if the total estimated cost of eligible items for the economic development access improvement exceeds $500,000.
If an eligible site is owned by a regional industrial facility authority, as defined in § 15.2-6400 of the Code of Virginia, funds may be allocated for construction of an access road project to that site without penalty to the jurisdiction in which the site is located. This provision may be applied to one regional project per fiscal year in any jurisdiction with the same funding limitations as prescribed for other individual projects.
H. Eligible items of construction and engineering shall be limited to those that are essential to providing an adequate facility to serve the anticipated traffic while meeting all appropriate Commonwealth Transportation Board and state policies and standards. However, additional pavement width or other features may be eligible where necessary to qualify the road facility in a city or town for maintenance payments under § 33.1-41.1 of the Code of Virginia.
I. It is the intent of the board that economic development access funds not be anticipated from year to year. Unused eligibility cannot be allowed to accumulate and be carried forward from one fiscal year to another.
J. The Commonwealth Transportation Board will consult and work closely with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) and the Department of Business Assistance (DBA) in determining the use of economic development access funds and will rely on the recommendations of the VEDP and the DBA in making decisions as to the allocation of these funds. In making its recommendations to the board, the VEDP and DBA will take into consideration the impact of the proposed facility on the employment and tax base of both the area in which the facility is to be located and the Commonwealth of Virginia.
K. Prior to the formal request for the use of economic development access funds to provide access to new or expanding eligible establishments, the location of the access road shall be submitted for approval by VDOT. VDOT shall take into consideration the cost of the facility as it relates to the location and as it relates to the possibility of the future extension of the road to serve other possible eligible establishments, as well as the future development of the area traversed.
L. Prior to the board's allocation of funds for such construction or road improvements to an eligible economic development establishment proposing to locate or expand in a county, city or town, the governing body shall by resolution request the access funds and shall be responsible for the preliminary negotiations with the eligible establishment and others who may be interested. Engineers of VDOT will be available for consultation with the governing bodies and others, and may prepare surveys, plans, engineering studies, and cost estimates.
M. The Commonwealth Transportation Commissioner of Highways is directed to establish administrative procedures to assure adherence to and compliance with the provisions of this chapter and legislative directives.
24VAC30-325-10. Eligibility criteria and conditions governing receipt and use of urban maintenance and construction funds.
1. The basic right-of-way width for cul-de-sacs eligible for payment will be 40 feet, with consideration of requests for pavement widths less than 30 feet. For the purpose of making this assessment, a cul-de-sac will be defined as a dead-end street, open only at one end.
2. If a municipality has jurisdiction over and operates a toll facility, such facility is eligible for street payments.
3. Local one-way streets, loop roads, and school bus entrances will be eligible for payment provided that they are constructed to a width of 16 feet with a right-of-way width of not less than 40 feet. This includes service and frontage roads where contiguous to an interstate, primary, or urban system route.
4. VDOT can consider a waiver of standards on a site-specific basis with appropriate supporting information. Each case will be considered on its own merits.
1. Turning lanes and ramps will not be considered for street payments. This includes center turn lanes unless they serve as moving through lanes during peak hours.
2. Parking must be restricted and enforced by towing during peak traffic periods.
3. Each road or street with more than two moving lanes must have pavement markings in accordance with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways, 2003 Edition, including Revision 1 dated November 2004, published by the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration.
4. Pavement widths of less than 14 feet qualify for only one moving lane even if it carries traffic in two directions.
5. Nonhard surfaced streets do not qualify for street payments.
C. Mileage adjustments, including the results of annexations, mergers, or incorporations, will be made on an annual basis as part of the board's approval of the annual maintenance payments. All adjustments submitted to the department by February 1 will be eligible for payment effective July 1 of the following fiscal year.
D. For the purpose of calculating maintenance payments, streets will be functionally classified based on the Federal Functional Classification system, except where the federal system is not parallel with the state system.
E. Bridge safety and regular inspection is of utmost importance. The Federal Highway Administration and the department require strict compliance with the National Bridge Inspection Standards (23 CFR Part 650) regarding the frequency of inspection and load posting requirements. The Commonwealth Transportation Commissioner of Highways may elect to withhold street payments from a municipality for delinquent or inadequate bridge inspection reports.
F. Municipalities, by resolution of their governing body and agreement with the department, may elect to utilize up to one-third of their urban construction allocation for reimbursement of debt incurred for eligible project costs on approved projects. The payback is limited to a maximum 20-year timeframe.
G. Landscaping is important to enhance the safety and visual quality of roads and to maintain quality of life for communities. It is the intent of the board that a maximum of 3.0% of the construction budget for individual urban construction projects may be allocated for landscape improvements. Pavers and stamped asphalt for crosswalks are considered a pedestrian safety and traffic calming measure for project participation and are not subject to this limitation. Elements of streetscape can also be constructed at project expense if the project is an identified gateway project or located within a historic or cultural district.
H. The Commonwealth Transportation Commissioner of Highways is directed to establish administrative procedures to assure the provisions of this chapter and legislative directives are adhered to and complied with.
24VAC30-340-10. Debarment or Suspension of Contractors (filed by description with the Registrar of Regulations).
Description: This regulation sets forth the policy, criteria, and procedures the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) will use in making decisions to debar, suspend, or reinstate a contractor seeking to bid on public contracts it awards. The CTB, under authority granted it by § 33.1-12 (2) and (7) of the Code of Virginia, has established other rules concerning the establishment of proof of competency and responsibility of those wishing to submit bids pursuant to Title 11, Chapter 7 of the Code of Virginia, known as the Virginia Public Procurement Act, which public bodies must follow in awarding public contracts. Should these rules be violated, this regulation permits the CTB to take remedial action.
The regulation specifies the types of activities or omissions of actions which it will consider in making decisions to debar, suspend, or reinstate contractors, including limitations, where applicable, on the length of such sanctions. The regulation also includes a means whereby contractors may appeal a decision before the Commonwealth Transportation Commissioner of Highways.
A. In the development of highway construction projects, VDOT shall consider a wide range of factors and opportunity shall be allowed for consideration and participation by public and private interests before final approval of highway locations or designs, or both. A public hearing is a well-publicized opportunity for VDOT to present studies and projects while receiving and documenting comments from affected or interested citizens.
1. A notice to hold a public hearing or the willingness to hold a public hearing must be stated in public advertisement.
2. All public hearings should be scheduled approximately 60 days in advance. Advertisements must appear 30 days prior to the hearing.
3. The public involvement process must be held in accordance with applicable federal and state statutes and regulations, including §§ 33.1-18, 33.1-70.2 and 51.5-40 of the Code of Virginia, 23 USC § 128, 23 CFR Part 771, and 40 CFR Parts 1500-1508.
4. The publication of a notice of willingness to hold a public hearing, with no public request for such a hearing by the established expiration date in the notice, or conducting a public hearing pursuant to subsection C of this section will satisfy any public hearing requirements.
1. Projects on proposed roadway corridors, which are completely on new location, require a location public hearing followed by a design public hearing.
2. Projects within the existing roadway corridor with a predominant portion of the work on new location require a combined location and design public hearing.
3. Projects within the existing roadway corridor that have a significant social, economic or environmental impact require a design public hearing.
4. Projects within the existing roadway corridor where insignificant public interest or environmental impacts, or both, are anticipated require publication of a notice of willingness to hold a design public hearing. VDOT will hold a design public hearing if a request for such a hearing is made, and the issues raised in relation to the request cannot be resolved through any other means.
4. Would change the layout or function of connecting roadways or of the facility being improved.
E. The Commonwealth Transportation Commissioner of Highways or his designee shall establish administrative procedures to assure the adherence to and compliance with the provisions of this regulation.
The Commonwealth Transportation Commissioner of Highways is authorized to act for and on behalf of the Commonwealth Transportation Board in matters relating to classifying, designating, and marking state highways and the installation of signs and markings.
24VAC30-540-30. Land assembled with adjacent properties.
A. Certain surplus land is unsuitable for independent development and therefore is only usable for assemblage with adjacent property.
Owners of record must furnish the Right of Way and Utilities Division with an affidavit signed by one or more of the owners. This affidavit must certify the exact manner and names in which title to adjoining land stands in the local courthouse records.
Certification of title from the adjacent landowner's attorney may be required by the Chief Engineer or Director of Right of Way and Utilities if: substantial road frontage is involved and liens or deeds of trust exist on the adjacent property.
Upon satisfying the above, the Commonwealth Transportation Commissioner of Highways will execute the deeds in accordance with §§ 33.1-93, 33.1-149, and 33.1-154 of the Code of Virginia.
The Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) grants to the Commonwealth Transportation Commissioner of Highways the power to dispose of improvements located on and acquired with any right-of-way in such manner as he may deem most expedient and in the best interest of the Commonwealth.
24VAC30-551-40. General criteria for the Supplemental Guide Signs Program.
1. Supplemental guide signs shall be limited to two structures per interchange or intersection per direction with no more than two destinations per sign structure, except as noted in subdivision 2 of this subsection. When there is excessive demand over available space for new supplemental guide signing, VDOT, in consultation with the affected jurisdiction, shall determine which facilities will be listed on the signs.
2. All supplemental guide signs in place as of September 15, 2004, will be "grandfathered" into the program and may be repaired or replaced as necessary, except if the facility closes, relocates, or fails to comply with the criteria under which it originally qualified, the signs will be removed.
3. Additional structures over the two-structure limit may only be installed when the Commonwealth Transportation Commissioner of Highways or his designee determines that such installation is in the public interest.
4. Agree that in any cases of dispute or other disagreement with the rules, regulations, policies, procedures and criteria or applications of the program, the decision of the State Traffic Engineer shall be final and binding.
C. All facilities shall be located within 15 miles of the initial supplemental guide sign.
D. Additional criteria and considerations apply to wineries participating in the Winery Signage Program (24VAC30-551-80).
(1) Permitted on Interstate and limited access highways.
(2) If supplemental guide signs are installed for a historic district, separate signs for individual historic sites within the historic district shall not be allowed.
(3) VDOT shall waive requirements and conditions of participation in the supplemental signage program as may be necessary to provide adequate signage for facilities maintained by the agencies within Virginia's Natural Resources Secretariat.
F. The following sites are excluded from being displayed on official supplemental guide signs. The exclusion only relates to qualification under these categories. These facilities may participate if qualifying under another acceptable category.
24VAC30-561-10. Adoption of the federal Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.
Effective November 16, 1989, the Commonwealth Transportation Board adopted the 1988 edition of the federal Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways (MUTCD), along with any revisions or associated rulings, when effective, as the standard for all highways under the jurisdiction of the Virginia Department of Transportation. The board also authorized the Commonwealth Transportation Commissioner of Highways, at his discretion, to publish changes in the MUTCD appearing in the Code of Federal Regulations in advance of receiving the published revisions. The Traffic Engineering Division, on behalf of the commissioner, is authorized to distribute changes in the MUTCD as published in the Code of Federal Regulations.
24VAC30-610-10. List of differentiated speed limits (filed by description with the Registrar of Regulations).
Description: The Commonwealth Transportation Commissioner of Highways or other authority may increase or decrease speed limits and may differentiate speed limits for daytime and nighttime driving effective only when prescribed after a traffic engineering investigation and when indicated on the highway by signs. These limits shall be effective only when prescribed in writing by the Transportation Commissioner of Highways and kept on file in the Central Office of the Department of Transportation. The regulations listing the differentiated speed limits comply with the above requirements.
24VAC30-620-20. General conditions and criteria concerning suspension of toll collection.
2. As a result of the investigation or assessment, the Commonwealth Transportation Commissioner of Highways or his designee believes that a temporary suspension of toll collection will alleviate an actual or potential threat or risk to the public's safety, or facilitate the flow of traffic on or within the vicinity of the toll facility.
B. Incidents which may justify the temporary suspension of toll collection operations include, but are not limited to, the following: natural disasters, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, fires, and floods; accidental releases of hazardous materials, such as chemical spills; major traffic accidents, such as multi-vehicle collisions; and any other incidents deemed to present a risk to public safety.
C. Judicial proceedings arising from any incident resulting in the suspension of toll collection will be conducted as provided for by § 33.1-252 of the Code of Virginia.
24VAC30-620-30. Rates and delegation of authority to suspend toll collection.
A. The Commonwealth Transportation Commissioner of Highways delegates the authority to suspend toll collection operations on the Dulles Toll Road to the Dulles Toll Road's Toll Facilities Administrative Director, subject to consultation with the Northern Virginia District Administrator and to the conditions and criteria outlined in 24VAC30-620-20 A and B. At his discretion, the Dulles Toll Road's Toll Facilities Administrative Director may delegate this authority to others within the toll facility's organization. This delegation of authority includes establishing policies and procedures specific to the toll facility governing the investigation and decision-making processes associated with the possible suspension of toll collections. These policies and procedures shall become part of the toll facility's operating plan.
B. The following are the toll rate schedules for the Dulles Toll Road.
1Includes passenger cars, motorcycles, motorcycles equipped with a sidecar, towing a trailer or equipped with a sidecar and towing a trailer, and 2-axle trucks (4 and 6 tires).
2Includes trucks, buses, and passenger cars with trailers.
C. The Commonwealth Transportation Commissioner of Highways delegates the authority to suspend toll collection operations on the Powhite Parkway Extension Toll Road to the Richmond Toll Facilities' Toll Facilities Administrative Director, subject to consultation with the Richmond District Administrator and to the conditions and criteria outlined in 24VAC30-620-20 A and B. At his discretion, the Richmond Toll Facilities' Toll Facilities Administrative Director may delegate this authority to others within the toll facility's organization. This delegation of authority includes establishing policies and procedures specific to the toll facility governing the investigation and decision-making processes associated with the possible suspension of toll collections. These policies and procedures shall become part of the toll facility's operating plan.
D. The following are the toll rate schedules for the Powhite Parkway Extension Toll Road.
E. The Commonwealth Transportation Commissioner of Highways delegates the authority to suspend toll collection operations on the George P. Coleman Bridge to the George P. Coleman Bridge Facility's Toll Facilities Administrative Director, subject to consultation with the Hampton Roads District Administrator and to the conditions and criteria outlined in 24VAC30-620-20 A and B. At his discretion, the George P. Coleman Bridge Facility's Toll Facilities Administrative Director may delegate this authority to others within the toll facility's organization. This delegation of authority includes establishing policies and procedures specific to the toll facility governing the investigation and decision-making processes associated with the possible suspension of toll collections. These policies and procedures shall become part of the toll facility's operating plan.
F. The following are the toll rate schedules for the George P. Coleman Bridge.
1Commuter toll rates will be available only via the Smart Tag/E-Pass electronic toll collection (ETC) system to two-axle vehicles making three round-trip crossings within a 90-day period on the George P. Coleman Bridge.
2Includes motorcycles equipped with a sidecar, towing a trailer, or equipped with a sidecar and towing a trailer. Motorcyclists requesting this rate must use the manual toll collection lanes because the Automatic Vehicle Identification system cannot accommodate the $0.85 rate.
VA.R. Doc. No. R12-2988; Filed September 28, 2011, 10:08 a.m.

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