Challenge
The City of Sarasota set out to update its Engineering Design Criteria Manual to reflect current best practices in context- and performance-based design from around the state and nation. The existing document was also highly technical, written primarily for an engineering audience, and not easily accessible to the wider community. The City saw an opportunity to modernize the manual, make it more user-friendly, and set a framework that could guide projects for years to come.
Solution
The Kittelson team supported the City in rethinking the manual from the ground up. We worked collaboratively with City staff to shift the manual towards context-based design criteria, which directly integrated land use into street design. Our team also created new chapters on streetscape and solid waste while updating the stormwater and erosion criteria to increase the resiliency of the transportation system. Accessibility and clarity were a central focus: the new document was written in plain language, illustrated with graphics, and formatted to be ADA accessible so that it could serve both technical professionals and community members.
Public engagement was woven into each stage of the project. The city hosted three major public milestones where stakeholders could share issues, review draft content, and see the final document. Kittelson also supported City staff in presenting the manual to the commission and answered questions to ensure transparency and clarity throughout the adoption process.
This is what the old Sarasota Engineering Design Manual looked like.
This is what the updated manual looks like.
The Outcome
A Collaborative Effort to Refresh the Sarasota’s Engineering Design Criteria
The City Commission adopted the updated Engineering Design Criteria Manual, with implementation beginning once related code updates are complete. Training sessions for City staff will begin ahead of that date to ensure a smooth transition. By modernizing the manual, the City has equipped itself with a tool that is both technically sound and accessible to the public. The success of the update was possible thanks to the City’s commitment to providing timely feedback and participating in a collaborative process. The result is a forward-looking manual that reflects current best practices, prepares for future needs, and supports the City’s goal of making its streets more functional and welcoming for all.