DES20-01: Ornamental Landscaping

Type: Directive

Topic or Program: Delivery and Operations Division

Final Number: DES20-01

Effective Date: 10/15/2019

Updated Date: 10/15/2019

Signature on File: McGregor "Mac" Lynde, Interim Delivery and Operations Division Administrator

To establish process to review maintainability and approve installation of ornamental landscaping along state highways.

ODOT typically does not install ornamental landscaping in projects unless there is an agreement with a local agency to maintain it.

When a local agency requests ornamental landscaping be included in a highway construction or maintenance project, the ongoing additional cost of maintenance, including irrigation costs, of the landscaped area shall be borne by the local agency.

Local agencies are encouraged to enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with ODOT prior to the local agency beginning any design work on an ornamental landscaping project. When ornamental landscaping is requested by local agencies, ODOT design work and installation will not begin until the local agency has signed an IGA. The IGA shall assign responsibility to the local agency for the ongoing maintenance and costs of the landscaped area and designate the local agency as the Operator for the Oregon 811 - Oregon Utility Notification Center.

The IGA shall address the circumstance where the local agency fails to meet the maintenance terms in the IGA by requiring the local agency to pay for removal of the ornamenta l landscaping, installation of ODOT approved landscaping, and coordination with ODOT's public outreach about the change. The IGA should also state ODOT reserves the right to remove the landscaping if the local agency fails to meet the terms of the IGA. The responsibility to perform the maintenance and irrigation of the site shall be solely with the local agency at its own expense.

ODOT understands that water is a valuable resource. Ornamental landscapes that use water intensive vegetation, such as watered turf, do not exhibit conservative stewardship of a shared resource and are discouraged. Landscaping design shall consider visibility to discourage illegal camping as well as plant layout, growth rate, and size impacts on highway safety and operations.

Ornamental Landscaping

Landscaping designed as aesthetic embellishment solely for the purpose of enhancing the visual appeal of roadsides.

Local Agency

Requests ornamental landscaping on a state highway, including requests associated with a STIP project. Sign development and maintenance IGA.

Transportation Project Manager

In consultation with the appropriate District Manager, determines if requested landscaping is Ornamental Landscaping as described in this Directive.

If the landscaping is requested by a local agency on a STIP project, the TPM ensures an IGA is in place before work commences. Ensure the IGA includes the provisions mentioned above are in the IGA. Coordinate with the District Manager before commitments are made with the local agency.

Coordinates documents necessary to support the agreement with the local agency.

Notifies Landscape Designer to include, in the project design, the landscape elements agreed to.

District Manager

For STIP projects, review proposed landscaping request and final plans for operational impacts and maintainability. Review and sign the IGA, as applicable.

If the landscaping is requested by a local agency independent from a STIP project, District Manager ensures an IGA is in place before work commences. Ensures IGA includes the provisions mentioned above are in the IGA.