Utilities Committee
MEMBER ALERT:
The November 19 Utility committee meeting will be 100% VIRTUAL
The November 19 Utility committee meeting will be 100% VIRTUAL
The Utilities Committee meets on the third Thursday of the month at 7:30 AM.
Chair: Loren Moreland, Classic Homes
Vice-Chair: Al Watson, Development Service, Inc
Staff Liaison: Amanda DeMarco
HBA Mission: The Housing & Building Association of Colorado Springs promotes policies that allow for the production of safe and attainable housing and enhances the environment for the housing and building industry in El Paso County.
Committee Purpose: Members meet with representatives from local utilities and municipalities to participate in discussions regarding development related issues – including codes, regulations, costs, material specifications, timing, etc.
Be part of the discussions and the successes!
Alerts & Updates
Stormwater Criteria Updates
NEW City of Colorado Springs & Colorado Springs Utilities Underground Damage Prevention Safety Program
The City has partnered with CSU to stand up a local enforcement program to oversee excavation activities and requirements. Contractors will still call for locates through the 811 program, however CSU will now be able to address complaints and infractions at a local level. A new Article 10 (Underground Damage Prevention Safety Program) of Chapter 12 (Utilities) of the Code of the City of Colorado Springs has been approved - resulting in a change to City Code.
Colorado Springs Stormwater Enterprise - Requirements for Storm Drain Video Inspections (06/18/20)
Construction has remained strong through Q2 of 2020 - adding to the backlog of storm sewer scopes. In an effort to mitigate the backlog, the City has approved the use of 3rd party inspectors/scoping. Developers can submit 3rd party scope videos using the new published criteria.
The City has partnered with CSU to stand up a local enforcement program to oversee excavation activities and requirements. Contractors will still call for locates through the 811 program, however CSU will now be able to address complaints and infractions at a local level. A new Article 10 (Underground Damage Prevention Safety Program) of Chapter 12 (Utilities) of the Code of the City of Colorado Springs has been approved - resulting in a change to City Code.
Colorado Springs Stormwater Enterprise - Requirements for Storm Drain Video Inspections (06/18/20)
Construction has remained strong through Q2 of 2020 - adding to the backlog of storm sewer scopes. In an effort to mitigate the backlog, the City has approved the use of 3rd party inspectors/scoping. Developers can submit 3rd party scope videos using the new published criteria.
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Colorado Springs Utilities - Water Wise Rules (06/02/20)
When it comes to outdoor watering and new landscapes, one change in 2020 are the City’s new water-wise rules. These rules require an establishment permit when you install new landscaping that is watered with overhead irrigation. Establishment permits for turfgrass and non-native grasses also require soil preparation with an approved soil amendment high in organic matter. This type of amendment is crucial to help retain soil moisture between watering days and ultimately saves water while helping to create a more resilient turf. The online application is available here. If you have any feedback or questions, please email ESTP@csu.org. |
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Active Committee Items
Colorado Springs Utilities - Gas Main and Clearance/ Street Trees
In the 2015 Gas and Service Line Standards, a standard was added that no longer allowed trees to be planted in the tree lawn, requiring 6ft of separation from all gas mains and service lines. The effect of this standard has been impactful for our industry, to master plan communities, and to the future tree population. HBA has met several times with CSU and are working to find a short term and long-term resolution.
UPDATE (07/01/20): CSU has provided a "temporary approved" list of trees that can be used in the span between sidewalk and curb. This list is for projects that were previously approved but delayed due to joint trench location discussions. The tree list comes from the City Forestry approved 'street tree' list; but a more focused list of smaller sized trees.
Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) Service Line Scheduling Update
Effective Monday, March 16th, CSU will be offering a new Tie-In appointment schedule to provide more availability. Please note that appointment slots will now be 80 minutes instead of 100 minutes; it is very important that crews take note of the shorter appointment times to eliminate potential delays. CSU will still be offering the over-time appointments (3 crews for 3:30pm-4:50pm on weekdays and 2 crews for gas-only appointments on Saturdays 7:35am-3:15pm).
2020 Rate Case/Development Fee Increases – Gas/Electric UPDATE
No fee increases to water or wastewater, however the gas feasibility percentage was increased from 20% to 30% due to the amount of cost associated with the increased use of boring since 2016. The electric rates increased 7.5% due to the same reason.
In the 2015 Gas and Service Line Standards, a standard was added that no longer allowed trees to be planted in the tree lawn, requiring 6ft of separation from all gas mains and service lines. The effect of this standard has been impactful for our industry, to master plan communities, and to the future tree population. HBA has met several times with CSU and are working to find a short term and long-term resolution.
UPDATE (07/01/20): CSU has provided a "temporary approved" list of trees that can be used in the span between sidewalk and curb. This list is for projects that were previously approved but delayed due to joint trench location discussions. The tree list comes from the City Forestry approved 'street tree' list; but a more focused list of smaller sized trees.
Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) Service Line Scheduling Update
Effective Monday, March 16th, CSU will be offering a new Tie-In appointment schedule to provide more availability. Please note that appointment slots will now be 80 minutes instead of 100 minutes; it is very important that crews take note of the shorter appointment times to eliminate potential delays. CSU will still be offering the over-time appointments (3 crews for 3:30pm-4:50pm on weekdays and 2 crews for gas-only appointments on Saturdays 7:35am-3:15pm).
2020 Rate Case/Development Fee Increases – Gas/Electric UPDATE
No fee increases to water or wastewater, however the gas feasibility percentage was increased from 20% to 30% due to the amount of cost associated with the increased use of boring since 2016. The electric rates increased 7.5% due to the same reason.
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*Meetings begin at 7:30 AM with a buffet-style light breakfast served at 7:15 AM. If you are interested in sponsoring a breakfast, contact Amanda DeMarco at 719-592-1800 x 128
