Engineering standards.
Tulsa Revised Ordinances tit. 11, § 1210
in effectSection 1210. - Engineering standards.
A. Allocation of Space in the Rights-of-Way. The Public Works Director shall have the power to establish reasonable limitations on the placement of new or additional facilities within specific congested segments of the rights-of-way if there is insufficient space to accommodate all of the requests of ROW occupants. In making such decisions, the Public Works Director shall strive to the extent possible to accommodate all existing and potential users of the rights-of-way, but shall be guided primarily by considerations of the public interest, the public's needs for the particular utility service, the width and physical condition of the rights-of-way, the protection of existing facilities in the rights-of-way and future City plans for public improvements and development projects which have been determined to be in the public's interest.
B. Underground Policy. Facilities may be installed above ground in areas where existing utility facilities are above ground and shall, unless otherwise approved by the Public Works Director, be installed underground in areas where existing facilities are installed underground, subject to all applicable safety codes. The City encourages the sharing of underground and overhead facilities. Leasing of excess space in ducts, conduits and on poles is a matter between interested parties; however, lessees of such physical facilities must still comply with the terms of this chapter, unless otherwise expressly exempted by the Director of Public Works. Underground facilities shall be placed in such a manner so they can be located by the owner of the facilities or his representative.
C. Location Criteria.
1. Corridors. The Director of Public Works shall assign specific corridors within the rights-of-way, or any particular segment thereof as may be necessary, for each type of facility that is now or as the Director of Public Works concludes may in the future be located within the rights-of-way. The Director of Public Works shall establish an ideal cross section identifying the lateral and vertical position of each class of potential user. ROW occupants shall have the right to occupy only one corridor or section of each rights-of-way within the vertical zone established for the applicable class of user, as established by the Public Works Department. Additional corridors in the same portion of the rights-of-way may be granted only upon consideration of future utility uses and a demonstration by the requesting party that its current corridor does not afford sufficient space to install its facilities. All permits issued by the ROW Administrator involving the installation or replacement of equipment shall be reviewed as to the proper corridor for the facility.
2. Variance. Any ROW occupant whose facility is located in the rights-of-way in a position at variance with the corridors established by the Director of Public Works shall move said facility at its own expense to its assigned position within the arterial rights-of-way no later than at the time of the next reconstruction of the facility or roadway reconstruction which requires utility relocation by the Department of Public Works of the area where the facility is located. This requirement may be waived by the Director of Public Works for good cause shown, upon a written request submitted through the ROW Administrator giving due consideration of such factors as the remaining economic life of the facilities, public safety, customer service needs or hardship to the ROW occupant.
3. Interference. A ROW occupant shall not place any fixtures or equipment where the same will interfere with any existing facility. A ROW occupant shall locate its lines and equipment in such a manner as not to interfere unnecessarily with the usual traffic patterns (vehicular or pedestrian) or with the rights or reasonable convenience of owners of property that abuts any rights-of-way.
4. Utility Pole Location Standards. New utility poles requested to be placed within rights-of-way, whether in areas where existing utility facilities are located above ground or underground, including, but not limited to, utility poles installed for the purpose of supporting small wireless facilities, shall not be installed if there is an existing utility pole in proximity to the requested utility pole location, where collocation of facilities is possible. New or replacement utility pole installations shall, at a minimum, be consistent visually and as constructed, with existing utility poles within the immediate vicinity (within three hundred (300) feet) of the planned installation, including pole material, color and location as approved by the Director of the Streets and Stormwater Department or other person designated by the Mayor to enforce the provisions of this chapter. Pole material shall be equivalent to, or of better quality or durability than, existing utility poles (when installed as new poles) in the immediate vicinity of the planned installation. Such poles shall blend into the surrounding environment to the greatest extent practicable. Permitted utility pole installations within rights-of-way shall be located on side lot lines (extended), unless otherwise approved by the Director of the Streets and Stormwater Department or other person designated by the Mayor to enforce the provisions of this chapter, and shall not be located within the perpendicular extension of the primary street-facing wall plane of any single-family residence or duplex. For the purposes of this Section, the definition of "side lot line" shall be as set forth in the Zoning Code of the City of Tulsa, as amended from time to time.
D. Construction Standards.
1. Depth. Unless agreed to in writing in advance by the Director of Public Works, the depth of installed facilities shall be, at a minimum, as follows:
a. Twenty-four (24) inches in soil,
b. Twenty-four (24) inches below a projected slope from the flowline of a ditch at a three (3) horizontal and one (1) vertical slope,
c. Forty-eight (48) inches under a roadway measured from the surface of said roadway to the top of the installation,
d. Forty-eight (48) inches under a stormwater or creek channel design flowline, and
e. Cross under all water and natural gas lines at a depth of twenty-four (24) inches.
2. Backfilling/Testing. Excavations shall be promptly backfilled according to standards on file with the Director of Public Works and the earth shall be restored to original grade to assure no hazard to vehicular, animal or pedestrian traffic. The permittee shall perform all necessary compaction tests in accordance with the latest design and construction specifications approved and disseminated by the Director of Public Works setting forth requirements for backfill and paving cut repairs (e.g., standard concrete pavement cut and repair; standard asphalt pavement cut and repair, etc.). All test reports shall be submitted to the Public Works Director.
3. Pavement Cutting. All ROW occupants shall comply with the terms and conditions of Title 35, Chapter 3, Tulsa Revised Ordinances prior to cutting any pavement.
4. Replacement. The replacement of any sidewalk, any driving surface and the base of any roadway shall comply with Public Works Engineering Standards, pursuant to engineering plans on file with the Public Works Department and may require additional removal to the nearest joint in all directions. Unless a privately financed public improvement application is filed complying with all the requirements of Title 35, Chapter 4, Tulsa Revised Ordinances, this removal and all pavement restoration shall be the responsibility of the Public Works Department or its assigned contractor at the expense of the ROW occupant as set forth in Title 35, Chapter 3, Tulsa Revised Ordinances.
5. Trenching. A permittee shall not proceed with additional trench work exceeding a maximum of five hundred (500) feet of open trench without the approval of a City inspector.
6. Crossings. All underground crossings of paved roadways and stormwater and creek channels shall be made by a bore method approved by the Director of Public Works. Any alternate method shall be approved by Field Engineering, then submitted to the ROW administrator and Traffic Operations. Voids and all holes shall be properly grouted. Crossings shall be at approximately right angles to the roadway and in no case shall any facility be placed in any culvert or drainage pipe or within ten (10) feet of a culvert or storm sewer.
7. Erosion. Erosion prevention measures shall be incorporated into all work within the public way as described in the Stormwater Management Manual. All gutters, ditches and other drainage features shall be maintained free and unobstructed of sediment, dirt and debris. The handling, grading, excavating or moving of excess construction materials or the movement or cleaning of construction vehicles or equipment shall be conducted in such a manner that materials and washout will not be deposited into catch basins, gutters, ditches or areas where runoff may carry materials into any public or private stormwater system.
8. Utility Pole, Equipment, and Antenna Concealment Standards. For new utility poles permitted to be installed within non-arterial rights-of-way and in areas where existing facilities are located underground, including, but not limited to, utility poles installed for the purpose of supporting small wireless facilities, and for collocation of facilities on existing utility poles, all equipment and antennas, except for the electric meter, shall be mounted at least twelve (12) feet above the ground level, as measured to the lowest point of installation. To the extent technically feasible, antennas shall be designed and installed to appear hidden within the utility pole or appear to be an original part of the utility pole. Unless otherwise approved by the Director of the Streets and Stormwater Department or other person designated by the Mayor to enforce the provisions of this chapter, antennas not hidden within a utility pole shall be located entirely within a shroud enclosure not more than six (6) cubic feet in volume, which is capable of accepting paint to match the approved color of the utility pole. Top-mounted antennas, equipment and their enclosures shall be mounted directly above the utility pole and shall not extend beyond the diameter of the utility pole at the level of the antenna attachment, unless otherwise approved by the Director of the Streets and Stormwater Department or other person designated by the Mayor to enforce the provisions of this chapter. The use of stealth technology in the location and construction of utility poles is required whenever and wherever possible. "Stealth technology" means the least visually and physically intrusive design, equipment, and installation methods that are not technologically or commercially impractical, and which blend into the surrounding environment to the greatest extent possible. All antennas and shrouds, mounting brackets and hardware, shall be of a color identical to the utility pole. The Director of the Streets and Stormwater Department or other person designated by the Mayor to enforce the provisions of this chapter, shall adopt design guidelines for new utility poles consistent with this chapter, subject to City Council approval.
9. Utility Pole Sizing Standards. Unless otherwise approved by the Director of the Streets and Stormwater Department or other person designated by the Mayor to enforce the provisions of this chapter, new or replacement utility poles, including utility poles to be installed for the purpose of providing small wireless communications facilities, which are permitted to be installed within non-arterial rights-of-way shall not exceed eighteen (18) inches in diameter at the base thereof, the "base" being the diameter of the utility pole measured at twelve (12) inches above ground level, not including any structural components necessary to support the utility pole, such as a pier, footing, or other approved structural element. Applicants requesting approval to install a utility pole with a diameter larger than permitted herein shall provide documentation evidencing that a larger pole diameter is necessary to support the pole, all attachments, equipment, and antennae, as applicable.
E. Dimension and Location Criteria. Maximum dimensions and location of associated, aboveground equipment, including but not limited to junction boxes, duct banks, electric generators, repeaters, antennas, satellite dishes or equipment cabinets, shall meet the following criteria:
1. The "elevation view" shall not exceed thirty (30) square feet without written approval of the Public Works Director.
2. Associated equipment shall not be installed in such a manner so as to obstruct the view of drivers upon or entering a public street. Equipment, excluding poles, exceeding a height of twenty-four (24) inches shall not be placed within any intersection "sight-distance triangle" as defined in Title 24, Section 103, Tulsa Revised Ordinances.
3. No equipment, including poles, cables and guy wires, shall be placed so as to obstruct, block, obscure or otherwise interfere with any traffic-control device, fire hydrant, wheelchair ramp or other safety device. Locations with existing or potential traffic signals shall have the overhead vehicle signal face display zones kept clear from wires and cables below a height of twenty-two (22) feet above the pavement grade. Power lines which require a ten (10) foot separation from other facilities shall be suspended no lower that thirty-two (32) feet above the pavement grade around intersections with existing or potential traffic signals. This minimum clearance shall not be violated by sagging due to cable elongation.
4. No equipment, including poles and guy wires, shall be placed so as to obstruct the flow of pedestrian traffic, and in no case result in less than four (4) feet of clear sidewalk, without the approval of the Director of Public Works.
F. Traffic Control and Safety.
1. Any permittee occupying any portion of rights-of-way shall erect a barrier around the perimeter of any excavation and provide any and all traffic-control devices, signs and lights appropriate to the level of complexity of the activity in order to protect, warn and guide the public (vehicular and pedestrian) through the work zone. The manner and use of these devices shall be described within a traffic-control plan in accordance with the Uniform Manual of Traffic Control Devices and approved by the Traffic Engineer as provided for in this chapter.
2. Permittees shall implement each traffic-control plan. All permittees shall be in compliance at all times with all applicable city, state and federal requirements and maintain all devices in good repair. Permittees with open excavations awaiting final restoration shall maintain all devices until the Public Works Department notifies the permittee in writing that the City or the City's designated contractor is assuming responsibility for traffic control for the paving cut restoration or the permittee has completed his City-approved PFPI and it has been accepted by the City.
3. Each ROW occupant shall designate a safety officer. The safety officer shall be responsible for safety-related issues affecting both the public and the ROW occupant's field employees and contractors for all job sites within the rights-of-way.
G. Miscellaneous Standards.
1. Nuisance. Two (2) years after the passage of this chapter, any equipment found in the arterial rights-of-way that has not been registered shall be deemed to be a nuisance. If the owner can be ascertained by the appearance of the equipment, then upon thirty (30) days' notice to the owner, or, where the owner cannot be ascertained by markings on the equipment, upon thirty (30) days' public notice published in a newspaper of general circulation, the City may exercise any remedies or rights it has at law or in equity, including but not limited to abating the nuisance by taking possession of the facilities and restoring the rights-of-way.
2. Notice to the Public of an Approved Utility Pole Installation Location. An applicant or ROW occupant approved for the installation of a utility pole within a non-arterial right-of-way, including a utility pole to be installed for the purpose of providing small wireless communications facilities, shall post a sign with minimum dimensions of twenty-four (24) inches wide (horizontal orientation) by thirty-six (36) inches in height (vertical orientation), providing notice to the public at the location of the approved installation. The required notice to the public shall be placed no fewer than twenty (20) continuous days prior to the anticipated date of the commencement of installation of the utility pole, shall be placed parallel to the street abutting the approved utility pole location, shall be plainly legible to passers-by and shall provide, at a minimum, the following information:
a. The type(s) of facilities and utility or other services to be provided by the utility pole installation.
b. The height of the utility pole as measured from the ground level at the location of the installation to the top of the pole and any attachments, and the diameter of the base of the utility pole measured at twelve (12) inches above ground level.
c. The non-abbreviated name of the person, entity or entities installing the utility pole and a telephone number for each such entity.
d. The non-abbreviated name of each person or entity which will initially utilize the utility pole to install facilities and/or provide services.
e. The anticipated date of the commencement of installation of the utility pole.
f. A website address and/or e-mail address, and telephone number for each person or entity which will be utilizing the utility pole to install facilities and/or provide services so that the public may obtain additional information about the planned installation.
g. Each sign shall contain the words "Public Notice" at the top of the sign with lettering in a larger size than the rest of the text of the sign.
3. Identification. The ROW administrator, at his discretion, may require any new facility (aerial or underground) installed, replaced or repaired by or for a ROW occupant, after the effective date of this chapter be permanently identified with the name or logo of the ROW occupant on but not limited to manhole covers, tags, poles, posts and signs. The maximum spacing shall be no less than five hundred (500) feet for paved roadways and walkways. All ROW occupants shall make all reasonable efforts to ensure that all existing facilities shall be marked during the normal course of business.
4. Construction Zone Identification. Any permittee excavating or obstructing any portion of the ROW shall erect a temporary sign displaying either:
a. The names of the ROW occupant, any contractors and/or subcontractors involved in the project and the City permit number authorizing said activity; or
b. The names of the ROW occupant and a local telephone number or tollfree number manned during regular business hours by a person who is knowledgeable about the construction project.
The sign shall be visible from any adjacent traffic lane and shall be maintained throughout the duration of the project.
5. Vehicle Identification. All vehicles used, parked or stored by or on behalf of a ROW occupant or permittee within a permitted construction zone shall be clearly marked, providing the name of the facility's owner, the permittee, the contractor or subcontractor. Any unmarked vehicles shall be subject to all moving and parking ordinances. Private vehicles shall not be permitted to be parked or stored within any permitted work zone at any time.
6. Permit. A current rights-of-way construction permit shall be maintained on each work site. The rights-of-way construction permit shall be presented upon request to any City of Tulsa representative.
7. Tree Trimming. A ROW occupant shall have the authority to trim trees upon or overhanging streets, alleys, sidewalks and arterial rights-of-way so as to prevent the branches of such trees from coming into contact with the wires and cables of the ROW occupant in compliance with Title 35, Chapter 9, Tulsa Revised Ordinances, Trees; and Title 24, Nuisances (regulating trees).
8. Moving Permit. A ROW occupant shall, at the request of any person holding a City or state moving permit, temporarily raise or lower its aerial wires to permit the moving of an over-height vehicle. The expense of such temporary removal or raising and lowering of wires shall be paid by the person requesting same and the ROW occupant shall have the authority to require such payment in advance. A ROW occupant shall be given not less than forty-eight (48) hours' advance notice to arrange for such temporary wire changes.
9. Due Care. A ROW occupant shall at all times employ due care during the installation and maintenance process and use commonly accepted standards, methods and devices including but not limited to safety standards of OSHA, NEC, FCC and the City of Tulsa for preventing failures and accidents which are likely to cause damages, injuries or nuisances to the public. All structures and all lines, equipment and connections in, over, under and upon the streets of the City, wherever situated or located, shall at all times be kept and maintained in a safe, suitable and substantial condition, and in good order and repair.
(Ord. No. 19945; Ord. No. 24950, §§ 1—3, 11-2-2022)
Source: City of Tulsa, Revised Ordinances and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/ok/tulsa/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_TIT11PUWODE_CH12RI-WOCMA_S1210ENSTFetched: 10/28/2026