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Tree Related Standards & Specifications
The following links provide access to tree-related standards and specifications for the District of Columbia. These guidelines will enable engineers, consultants, and private developers to efficiently and effectively meet District policies and standards as they relate to tree removals, tree plantings, and tree protection methods. Please review the information to determine the appropriate guidelines for your project. Should you have any additional questions contact the Urban Forestry Administration at (202) 671-5133 for assistance.
- Standard Specification for Highways and Structures:
This link contains the District of Columbia – Department of Transportation (DDOT) Bluebook for Standard Specifications for Highways and Structures. Section 611 Trees, Shrubs, Vines, and Groundcovers is the primary reference for all tree removals, plantings, and protection methods for District projects, however, updates can be found in the Supplemental Specifications section contained in this link as well as specific guidelines for District neighborhoods as listed below which may supersede those contained in the bluebook. Additional tree-related references pertaining to trench excavations, sidewalk and driveway installations, and roadside improvements can also be found in the bluebook if needed.
- Standard Drawings:
This link contains the District of Columbia – Department of Transportation (DDOT) Bluebook for Standard Drawings for Highways and Structures. Refer to 600 Series section 4 for drawings specifically related to tree plantings areas.
- Design and Engineering Manual:
This link contains the District of Columbia – Department of Transportation (DDOT) Design and Engineering Manual. Refer to Chapter 8: Trees, Plants, and Landscaping, Chapter 14: Utilities Installation in Public Space, and Chapter 47: Landscape Design Criteria for tree-related procedures and standards, however, additional chapters pertaining to ADA issues, streetlights, sidewalks, and roadways may also apply.
- Public Realm Design Handbook:
This link contains the District of Columbia - Department of Transportation (DDOT) Public Realm Design Handbook. This handbook is to be used as a supplement to the Standard Specifications for Highways and Structures (DDOT Bluebook) and the Design and Engineering Manual and should be applied to those neighborhoods in the city that do not have a specific set of guidelines pertaining to tree-related work.
- Covered & Open Walkway Requirements:
This link contains the District of Columbia – Department of Transportation (DDOT) Pedestrian Safety and Workzone Standards which regulate the temporary occupancy of public space during construction on both private property and public space. Refer to standards for Covered Walkways on Sidewalks for tree protection information during construction and the Covered Walkway Standard Drawings for specific construction details.
- Parking Lot Tree Cover Requirements:
This link contains the District of Columbia – Office of Zoning (DCOZ) Off-Street Parking Requirements (Chapter 21) which is currently being reviewed and revised by the DC Office of Planning. Refer to sub-section 2117.11 in Access, Maintenance, and Operation for landscaping requirements for off-street parking areas.
- Ornamental Street Tree Fence Specification:
Urban street trees provide social, economic, and environmental benefits for the Districts commercial and residential areas, however, street trees need to be protected from hazards that can damage their roots and wound their trunks. Ornamental street tree fencing provides a barrier to protect trees from hazards such as soil compaction and mechanical damage which can shorten their lifespan. Fencing the street tree also encourages a reduction in the amount of impervious surfaces which will allow air and water to penetrate the root zone more easily thereby providing a healthier environment for the street tree to grow.
The specification provides materials, fabrication, and installation method for the ornamental street tree fence and shall be used by engineers, consultants, and private developers to protect street trees and enhance the streetscape. The ornamental fence should be installed by a licensed contractor for DDOT approved streetscape improvement projects and must meet or exceed the following specificationstechnical standards: ASTM A-787, ASTM A-653, and ASTM A-607.
Guidelines for District Neighborhoods
- Anacostia Waterfront Initiative (AWI, 2008)
A collaborative effort amongst local stakeholders and Federal and District agencies to provide safe, contextual, and environmentally sensitive guidelines specific to the Anacostia waterfront.
- Columbia Heights Public Realm Framework (Draft 2004)
A collaborative effort amongst community residents, stakeholders, and District agencies to focus on coordinating high-quality "Public Realm" improvements within the Columbia Heights area.
- Downtown Streetscape Regulations (2000):
A collaborative effort amongst community residents, stakeholders, and District agencies to determine minimum standards for the treatment of the public space in the areas bounded by 15th Street to the west, M Street to the north, Pennsylvania Avenue/Louisiana Avenue to the south and North Capital Street/3rd Street to the east. (see Figure 3 for detailed layout).
- Mount Vernon Triangle Transportation and Public Realm Design Project (Final Report)
A collaborative effort between the District’s Department of Transportation (DDOT) and Office of Planning (OP) to investigate transportation management improvements in the Mount Vernon Triangle area.
- North of Massachusetts Avenue (NoMA) Vision Plan and Development Strategy (Draft 2007)
A collaborative effort amongst community residents, stakeholders, and Federal and District agencies to develop a small area plan to manage growth, promote revitalization, and achieve additional long-range planning goals in the NoMA area.
Additional Links
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