10.16.040 Special requirements for super load transports.
A. A “super load” is a vehicle or combination with a non-divisible load to be transported by a vehicle or combination of vehicles having a gross weight exceeding two hundred thousand pounds and/or a total width or height exceeding sixteen feet.
B. Any person desiring to move a super load on streets within the city must obtain a permit therefor as set forth in this section. Applications for movement of loads over two hundred thousand pounds must be submitted to the city in writing and received at least thirty days before the proposed date of movement. Applications for loads over sixteen feet wide or sixteen feet high must be submitted in writing at least fourteen days before the proposed date of movement.
C. The applicant must provide the following information to the city Public Works Director or his/her designee:
•Evidence describing the purpose of the movement and whether the move is necessary (and in the public interest). Written certification by officials of public or private power facilities that the movement of affected utilities is necessary.
•The item being transported must be clearly shown to be non-divisible. A sketch or photograph of the item with an explanation of why it cannot be shipped in parts must be provided.
•A sketch of the transporting laden vehicle showing axle loadings, axle spacing's, tire sizes, tires per axle, width, and height.
•If the load can be barged or shipped by rail for all or part of the route, the shipper must review those alternatives. If the shipper desires to demonstrate that “it is not reasonable for economic or operational considerations” to ship it by water or rail, the shipper must present whatever data is needed to support that judgment.
•The applicant must propose a route that is adequate to accommodate the width and height of the laden vehicle, and adequate to support the weight of the vehicle and load. This information may be submitted by pilot car operators who specialize in over-dimensional movements and who will be involved in the permitted activities. If the route includes the use of other roads or city streets outside the jurisdiction of the city, the applicant must show that permits from each of those jurisdictions will be or have been issued. The written request will describe at what point county roads or city streets will be utilized, the name or number of the road or street, and the county or city official who has approved the proposed move using its roads or streets.
•A traffic control plan depicting the route and specific procedures that will be followed to control traffic flow along the route, including estimated traffic delays, lane restriction, use of escort vehicles and flag persons, movement of overhead obstacles, and provisions for emergency vehicles to navigate around the load.
D. If the city determines the movement is necessary, an analysis of pavements will be initiated. If the analysis requires significant expenditure of time and or equipment the applicant will be required to reimburse the city for those expenses. (The reimbursement rate will be based on the actual costs incurred, payment for overtime costs of city staff, the established hourly equipment rate and any additional Administration fees.)
E. Approval or denial of the application shall be based on consideration of all available evidence indicating whether the applicant’s proposed move can be accomplished in a manner that assures public safety, has a reasonably minimal impact on traffic congestion, prevents harm to public and private property and does not require unreasonable city expenditure of resources. All permit decisions shall be made in the sole discretion of the Public Works Director or his/her designee and shall be final and unappealable in any forum.
F. One copy of the approved permit shall be mailed or sent via facsimile to the applicant within five days following the date of approval. The applicant shall keep a copy of the permit in each of the vehicles identified on the approved permit. The expiration date shall be stated on the permit and shall be no longer than one hundred eighty days, from the date of issuance. If the city determines that the application does not qualify for approval, the applicant shall be notified in writing that the application has been denied. The notice shall state the reason(s) for denial and shall be mailed within five days following the decision.
G. As a condition of approval, the city may require that the applicant obtain an acceptable bond or other security, to cover potential damages to roads, sidewalks, vegetation or other structures, caused by the activities allowed under the permit. If the structures, clearances, and pavements are judged adequate, the permit will be issued or will be further conditioned to define its terms (escort requirements, hours of movement, etc.). (Ord. 2849 § 2, 2011)