DPW-20-02

Purpose

In order to assure that street lights and traffic control signs are installed in an efficient manner, it is important that the area where these devices are to be installed is ready. Multiple site visits and damage to street lights and signs can be avoided if installation is not done too early. The purpose of this Policy and Procedure is to define the conditions necessary before street light and traffic sign installation can be accomplished.

Responsibility

• Planning and Zoning: The Office of Planning and Zoning is responsible for approving subdivision plans and relies on input and recommendations from other agencies in granting approval.
• Inspections and Permits: I&P has overall responsibility for inspecting work sites and is empowered to control or stop work if approved plans or relevant regulations are not being followed.
• Public Works: DPW recommends approval of signing and street light locations, installs publicly owned and maintained traffic control signs, and notifies BGE when sites are ready for street light installation through the Traffic Engineering Division.
• BGE: BGE is responsible for the installation of street lights which will be owned by the County; they alone are responsible for deciding when the installation of street lights may proceed.
• Developer: The developer, or his/her agent, is responsible for notifying DPW when a site is ready for the installation of street lights and traffic control signs.

Definitions

In this P&P, Street Lights means a street light which will be owned by Anne Arundel County within County owned rights-of-way for public streets. This policy does not cover the installation of privately owned street lights or lighting on County owned parks, trails, or school grounds. Traffic Control Sign means any sign (including parking restriction signs) which will be owned and maintained by Anne Arundel County within County owned rights-of-way for public streets, including signs on County owned parks, trails, or school grounds.

Policy

It is the policy of the Department of Public Works to not order the installation of street lights or traffic control signs within new subdivisions unless and until the area of installation is properly prepared.

Procedure

When the developer is ready for street lights and traffic control signs to be installed, he/she shall contact the Traffic Engineering Division of the Department of Public Works to request such installations. Before requesting installation, the developer must assure that the following conditions are met:

• Grading: Grading must be within 6 inches of the approved final grade. The area must be smoothly graded, and all temporary swales or water flow through the installation area must be relocated.
• Obstructions: The area must be clear of debris, construction materials, piles of dirt, equipment, and vehicles. For street lighting, this applies to the entire run including areas between lights.
• Accessibility: Crews must be able to gain access to the site. The roadway within 20 feet on either side of each location may not be occupied by equipment or materials. Silt fences must be at least 2 feet from each installation point.
• Infrastructure: Curbs, gutters, and sidewalks must be in place prior to the installation of street lights and traffic control signs.
• Driveway Aprons: Driveway aprons should be in place, particularly if signs are proposed within 25’ of the center of the driveway.
• Markings: Locations marked by the Traffic Engineering Division must be clear and visible. Developers and contractors are not permitted to change locations or markings.
• Utilities: All proposed underground utilities (public and private) within 10 feet of each location must be in place and marked.
• Conduits: Pull strings must be in place if conduits are to be used for street light cable.
• Construction Progress: The County may decide not to authorize installation if an area has no completed and occupied homes, as lighting is not intended for construction site security.
• Other Impediments: Any condition constraining installation or safety may, at the County’s sole discretion, delay installation.