Public Works Engineering Design Manual and Standard Details

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With Council and community feedback, staff revised the Town of Chapel Hill Engineering Design Manual in 2023.

The manual helps people involved with land development in Chapel Hill and its planning jurisdiction to understand what designs meet requirements outlined in Town ordinances. These standards are intended to complement and supplement the general Design Guidelines included in the Comprehensive Plan.

Specific design criteria provide a reference of practices and techniques acceptable to the Town.

Where do I find Standard Details?

The Town of Chapel Hill also provides Standard Details as concrete examples which conform to Town standards.

See below by topic:

EROSION CONTROL

Updated August 2024

FIRE

NOTES

N-1.00: Town of Chapel Hill Certification

PARKS AND RECREATION

STREETSCAPE

STORMWATER DETAILS

TRANSPORTATION

Where do I find the Engineering Construction Permit and Stamp/Note?

How has the manual changed since 2004?

A summary of the changes are as follows:

New Chapters:
- Chapter 1 – Definitions and Abbreviations – The original manual did not have a definition section.
- Chapter 2 – General Provisions (and Preference) – This replaces the introduction chapter of the previous manual. Not only has the introduction section been updated, but general information such as who can seal a plan is included here. Also, the appeals section has been moved to this chapter.
  Chapter 8 – Erosion and Sedimentation Control – This chapter supplements Chapter 5, Article V (Soil Erosion and Sediment Control) of the Town Code to reinforce the code requirement and provide additional detail on the performance specifications. Including this chapter provides good customer service by providing information conveniently in one place, in layman’s terms. This chapter also lists common errors made on erosion control plans with guidance on how to avoid them.
  Chapter 9 – Parks and Recreation – This chapter was added to complement LUMO Section 5.5 to detail the process of dedication of recreational areas and specify playground and dog park facility equipment.
  Chapter 10 – Construction and Post Construction – Elements of this chapter were dispersed throughout various sections of the previous manual. This chapter captures these related elements in one location. It also details specifications for street construction and repairs and includes checklist for certain engineering processes.
Revised Chapters:
- Chapter 3 – Access, Mobility and Circulation – This chapter was comprehensively updated, aligning it with adopted policy guidance and the Town’s Complete Community Strategy. The chapter is less car-centric than previous versions. This section presents criteria and visuals that highlight the differences between collector streets and arterial streets in Chapel Hill, otherwise known as street classifications. One example of how streets are designed differently may be how bicycle facilities are provided.
- Chapter 4 – Stormwater Management – This chapter has been re-organized for a more efficient look-up of design guidelines. Staff Notes have been included in sections known to commonly have applicant errors.
- Chapter 5 – Utilities – This chapter was out of date and included material that is under OWASA’s purview. Those sections include a reference to OWASA standards. The fire protection sections were updated to meet current Fire Codes.
- Chapter 6 – Landscaping and Tree Protection – The core of this chapter has been kept intact including information related to the protection of the critical root zones for trees. Significant changes were added to the minimum landscape specifications, soil volume requirements and contextual design features. Additionally, the brick standard specification for streetscapes have also been updated.
- Chapter 7 – Solid Waste Management – Similar to the Utilities Chapter, this chapter was out of date and included material that is under Orange County’s purview. Those sections include a reference to Orange County standards. A section on recycling was added.

How do I suggest changes to the manual?

Do you have suggestions for improving the Engineering Design Manual? Share your ideas through this feedback form.

Staff anticipate the next major revision to the Design Manual will occur after the Land Use Management Ordinance (LUMO) has been rewritten. These changes will provide guidance for meeting any new requirements that may result from the rewrite process. Simpler changes may occur before the LUMO rewrite is complete.