These regulations establish criteria for review and analysis by the City Engineer, and/or the designee thereof, of all development proposals including but not limited to the following: grading, formal subdivision, short subdivision, commercial building, binding site plans, mobile home parks, utility or other work within City right-of-way, or other projects. All development proposals, whether public or private, which are submitted to the City for review, shall conform to these regulations, which are to be used as the basis for review, design, and construction.

These regulations cannot address all situations. They are intended to assist, but not to substitute for professional engineers to submit competent work. It is expected that the applicant’s professional engineer will bring to each project the best of his/her skills and abilities to ensure that each project is thoroughly analyzed and designed correctly, accurately, and in compliance with generally accepted engineering practices. These regulations are not intended to unreasonably limit any innovative or creative effort in design and construction which could result in better quality, cost savings, or improved performance of a development project.

The purpose of these regulations is to ensure that minimum public safety requirements are met and to provide the most effective and appropriate design elements for the function each project serves. The appropriate design elements should address safety, welfare, appearance, and economics of a facility design and be consistent with City comprehensive plan policies.

These regulations are based on the premise that development should not impact adjacent and/or downstream property owners compared to the predevelopment condition. The project engineer shall show by calculations, plans, and engineering data that the proposed project meets the requirements of these regulations.

It is not the intent of these regulations to make the City of Lakewood a guarantor or protector of public or private property in regard to land development activity. [Ord. 583 § 1, 2014; Ord. 501 § 3, 2009.]