Policy, Manuals and Procedures

Overview

An Introduction to Caltrans Landscape Architecture provides an overview of what a Landscape Architect does at Caltrans.

The Awards and Recognition page illustrates how Landscape Architects foster creativity and innovation at Caltrans.

Guidance

Landscape Architecture Program PS&E Guide
The Landscape Architecture PS&E Guide, January 2008 (US Customary Units) replaces the Landscape Architecture Standards Manual (Metric). This guide provides information specific to preparing Planting and Irrigation Plans, Specifications and Estimates. Additionally, this Guide provides design guidance and timesaving tools such as checklists, Do’s and Don’ts, and conversion tables.

Notice of Termination Guidance (Interim)

This interim Notice of Termination Design Guidance will assist with documenting Construction General Permit compliance for the final stabilization portion of all projects requiring Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPPs) as it relates to permanent erosion control at Construction Contract Acceptance (CCA).

Low Impact development (LID) Guidance

Low Impact Development Overview

Sidewalk Stormwater Planter

Sidewalk Stormwater Tree Trench

Parking Stormwater Planters

Permeable Paving

Additional Resources

Biofiltration Strip Guidance

Biofiltration Swale Guidance

Planting and Irrigation Guidance

Highway Planting and Replacement Planting Cost per Acre and Water Assessment Fee Limits

California Health Laws Related to Recycled Water

Plant Spacing and Setback Guide - English Units

Plant Spacing and Setback Guide - Metric Units

Pine Tree Planting Policy (Pitch Canker Disease)

Highway Planting - Separate Contract Policy

Separate Contract Policy

Separate Contract Exception Request Form

Separate Contract Policy - Summary of Benefits

Roadside Management and Worker Safety

Design for Safety Practice: Roadside Paving

Manuals

All Caltrans Manuals

Highway Design Manual (HDM)

Project Development Procedures Manual (PDPM)

Encroachment Permits Manual

Ready To List and Construction Contract Award Guide (RTL Guide)

Standard Environmental Reference (SER)

Chapter 27 - Visual & Aesthetics Review
(Visual Impact Assessment and Scenic Resource Evaluation Guidance)

Maintenance Manual

CADD Users Manual

Context Sensitive Design and Pedestrian Accessibility

Pedestrian Accessibility Guidelines for Highway Projects - Accessibility Design (ADA)

Main Streets: Flexibility in Design and Operations

Roadway Aesthetic Treatment Gallery

Electrical, Mechanical and Structure Related Policy

Booster Pump Work

Preparation of PS&E for Electrical and Mechanical Work

Procedures and Responsibilities for Electrical & Mechanical Work

Electrical Plan Requirement & Clarification

Irrigation Installation on Structures

Water Supply Lines and Sprinkler Control Conduit on Structures

Quality Control and Quality Assurance

Border Sheets - QC/QA Memo

Caltrans New Product Review Process

Caltrans New Product Evaluation Guidelines outline the new products approval process, including the estimated time necessary to complete the process, and provide direction to Departmental units involved in review, assessment and evaluation of new products. The new products review process and the approved Pre-Qualified Products List can be found at the New Products Review webpage.

Please note that we do not have an approved Pre-Qualified Products List for landscape or erosion control products. Product vendors are encouraged to first determine if their product meets Caltrans specifications. If a product meets our specifications, there is no need to submit for a new product evaluation. Vendors are free to market their products that meet Caltrans specifications to contractors who bid on Caltrans projects. The Caltrans Advertised Projects web page is useful for Contractors and vendors to see if the contract scope of work and bid items include their expertise and/or product types. See the All Advertised Projects and All Upcoming Projects links on that page.