|
Central City Infill Development Infill developers should realize that as density and land use changes in the central parts of the City, the need for new infrastructure is just as important as when at the City’s fringe. Infill developers should review infrastructure capacity as part of their due diligence. You can also view “hot spots” or areas of the City where extra attention is required. Examples of water and wastewater improvements that may be required of new development in areas with existing water distribution mains and sewers include: Inadequate Capacity In Existing Water Lines In many areas, existing water distribution lines are smaller and older (often only 6" or 8" in diameter) and cannot provide adequate water volumes or fire flow pressures for anticipated urban redevelopment. Significant residential or commercial redevelopment may require the construction of larger lines (usually 12" in diameter, but sometimes larger) that connect into existing lines. Generally these lines are 'looped' or connected to two different larger lines to maintain water pressures, so requirements can often be greater than simply building along the parcel boundaries. Existing Substandard Water Lines The City Code requires construction of water distribution lines along the parcel boundaries of virtually all types of new development or redevelopment. The existence of older substandard water mains will not eliminate this requirement. In many parts of the City, water lines exist but were installed many decades ago, are gradually deteriorating, and were not designed to accommodate the types of density and land use that are occurring with redevelopment. Inadequate Capacity In Sewers The City of Phoenix recently completed construction on a number of sewer capacity relief projects and eliminated development constraints in a number of areas where capacity was a problem. However, infill and new development may generate more wastewater than current carrying capacity. There may be inadequate capacity associated either with adjacent sewers or other facilities further downstream. If any capacity limitation is created in the adjacent sewer or any sewer, interceptor or lift station that must move the wastewater to the relevant treatment plant, the developer would be responsible making the necessary improvements to ensure those bottlenecks are eliminated. Limitations On Access To Nearby Sewers In some cases a sewer will exist in a nearby location, but will not be accessible because of physical constraints such as grade issues or utility barriers where a connection can not meet the City's system design standards.
Last modified on 05/25/2011 13:28:01 |
