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Public Works - Permits

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1. How long does it take to have an Encroachment Permit issued?

We try to process permits as quickly as possible once all the documents and requirements of the Encroachment Permit Application have been submitted to the City. You will usually receive an approved permit within1 week of a completed application being submitted.

2. What is the difference between a Temporary Encroachment Permit and a regular Encroachment Permit?

The easiest way to think about this is the level of oversight and inspection by City staff that will be required. For example, if work is being conducted in the Right-of-Way for any length of time, a regular Encroachment Permit will be required as it may require inspection by City Staff.  If you are parking a moving truck in the Right-of-Way for three days this would only require a temporary Encroachment Permit as no oversight will be required by City Staff.

3. Why is a Performance Bond Required?

A Performance Bond is required to protect the City from substandard work done in the Right-of-Way. The Performance Bond should before 125% of the construction costs OR $5,000, whichever is the greater amount.  A cost estimate should always be submitted with the Performance Bond.

4. But I already have a Civil Permit Performance Bond, do I need another bond?

IF the Performance Bond for the Civil Permit includes the work in the Right-of-Way as part of the scope, a new Performance Bond will not be required. If you have a Performance Bond and the work in the Right-of-Way is not included in the scope that the bond covers, a new Performance Bond will be required for the work in the Right-of-Way.

5. I am putting up signs in the Right-of-Way for an upcoming event. Do I need an Encroachment Permit?

Yes. Signage and A-Boards also require an Encroachment Permit and Certificate of Insurance to be submitted to the City of Gig Harbor.  If signage / A-Boards are put up in the Right-of-Way without obtaining an Encroachment Permit, the signage may be removed by City Staff.

6. How many sets of civil plans are required at the civil intake?

For a typical civil review of commercial, plat, or short plat development 7 sets of plans are required for plan reviewers.
 Please note: the Public Works Department will be implementing Electronic Plan Review in 2018.

7. How many reports are required at the civil intake?

• 1 final Drainage Control Plan
• 1 geotechnical report
• 2 final sewer hydraulic report
• 2 final water hydraulic report

Please note: the Public Works Department will be implementing Electronic Plan Review in 2018.

8. When are frontage improvements required?

Commercial development, subdivisions, and short plats require frontage improvements if none currently exist.

9. When are Impact fees and General Facilities Charges (GFC’s) paid?

All impact fees and GFC’s are paid during the building permit process.

10. What content should be included in the Engineer’s Estimate?

• All erosion control measures and all civil infrastructure depicted on the civil plans.
  Additionally:
• Mobilization
• Any demolition (and haul)
• Flaggers and spotters
• Video-inspection and cleaning of all water, sewer, and stormwater pipes
• City of Gig Harbor sales tax rate of 8.5%

11. Does the Engineer’s Estimate have to reflect a prevailing wage scale?

Yes. In the event that the City is required to step in and complete a private development project, the City will be required to pay prevailing wages to its contractors and subcontractors; the developer’s posted Performance Bond will be used to cover this cost by the City.

12. When is the performance bond or cash set-aside document submitted?

The bond or cash set-aside is submitted after the developer-provided Engineer’s Estimate has been reviewed and approved by the City.

13. What is the amount of the Performance Bond or Cash Set-aside?

The bond amount shall be 125% of the approved Engineer’s Estimate.

14. When are sanitary sewer and stormwater Maintenance Agreements required?

Any private sanitary sewer or stormwater infrastructure will require maintenance agreements to ensure the City is able to inspect the pipe(s) and/or structure(s) and make emergency repairs if necessary.

15. When can I schedule a pre-construction meeting and receive my civil permit?

After all associated civil permit fees (EN plan review, construction inspection, latecomer’s agreement, copy) have been paid, executed Performance Bond is submitted, civil construction drawings have been signed and copies made for the Applicant.

• Allow a minimum of 72 hours for scheduling the pre-con from the time the civil mylars are sent out for printing.

16. What Stormwater Design Manual is currently used for new projects in Gig Harbor?

The City of Gig Harbor 2016 Stormwater and Site Development Manual is used for stormwater design, criteria, standards and requirements.

17. What is Low Impact Development (LID)?

Designs and land use managementstrategies that use onsite natural features, pervious pavements, rain gardens,bioretention and soil enhancement, emphasizing  conservation.

18. Do I need a Construction Stormwater General Permit from Ecology?

If your project is one acre or more in size and drains to “waters of the state” the permit will be required. Best to check with Washington State Department of Ecology for more information.