Engineering Glossary

Certificate of Liability Insurance

• General Liability 
  •  $1,000,000 General Aggregate
  • $1,000,000 Each Occurrence
  • $1,000,000 Products-Comp/Op AGG
  • $1,000,000 Personal & Adv Injury
• Auto Liability
  • $1,000,000 Combined Single Limit
• Worker’s Compensation
  • Statutory Limits/Requirements

Complete Streets

Complete Streets are accessible, safe, functional, and attractive; while also providing mobility that serves the entire community.  They contribute to the livability of neighborhoods and businesses, and increase economic opportunity for citizens, visitors, and businesses.

Green Infrastructure

Green Infrastructure improves our streets by using nature.  We use vegetation and engineering to protect and restore our water systems.  It could also support street beautification and the growth of our tree canopy. Together, these contribute to a healthier urban environment.

Local Streets

These streets provide access to property and our homes. They support our quality of life and make a neighborhood better - or worse. Over 2/3 of Grand Rapids total street system are local streets (384 miles out of a total 588 miles).

Major - FAU

A street in an urban area eligible for federal funds under Title 23 of the U.S. Code. These streets are primary routes for getting to work and home. They are also used for traveling to and from business districts and commerce. They move more people, visitors and goods than other streets. There are 156 miles of FAU streets in the City.

Major - Non-FAU

A street in an urban area that is not eligible for federal funds. These streets are routes for getting to work and home. They also are the routes that connect us to our local roads. There are 48 miles of Non-FAU streets in the City.

Non-systematic Sidewalk Repair

We inspect sidewalk issues as they are reported to us. If a reported sidewalk issue meets our repair criteria it will be added to our list and evaluated for the type of repairs needed.

PASER

The PASER system is the preferred method for Michigan agencies
to rate their road pavements. 10 being the highest, requiring no maintenance. 1, the lowest requiring full reconstruction.

Preliminary Utility Plan (PUP)

The PUP is a basic color line drawing illustrating the layout of the proposed public utilities. Existing and proposed City utilities should be clearly identified as to approximate location and pipe size. The plan is reviewed and approved by the related City departments.

Right-of-Way

The area of land the City uses for transportation and utility needs. It extends from the property line on one side of the street to the property line on the other side of the street. Typically, it's one foot back from the sidewalk.

Systematic Sidewalk Repair

We inspect sidewalks located in neighborhoods that have been assigned to a systematic contract. Sidewalk squares that meet our repair criteria will be marked and repaired.