Ohio Administrative Code Title 153:2 - Department of Transportation (Division of Planning and Design)
Ohio Administrative Code Title 153:2
Department of Transportation — Division of Planning and Design
Overview
OAC Title 153:2 governs the policies, procedures, and standards of the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) relating to the Division of Planning and Design. This division is responsible for the planning, development, and design of transportation infrastructure projects throughout Ohio, including highways, bridges, and related facilities.
The rules set out how ODOT manages project planning, design standards, environmental compliance, coordination with local governments, and public involvement.
Purpose
Ensure safe, efficient, and sustainable transportation infrastructure design.
Coordinate planning efforts between state, regional, and local agencies.
Implement design standards consistent with federal and state laws.
Incorporate environmental considerations into project development.
Facilitate public participation in transportation planning processes.
Structure and Key Provisions
| Section | Subject |
|---|---|
| 153:2-1 | General Provisions and Definitions |
| 153:2-2 | Project Planning and Programming |
| 153:2-3 | Design Standards and Criteria |
| 153:2-4 | Environmental Review and Compliance |
| 153:2-5 | Coordination with Local Governments and Agencies |
| 153:2-6 | Public Involvement and Outreach |
Detailed Explanation of Key Sections
1. 153:2-1 — General Provisions
Defines key terms such as “project,” “design,” “planning,” “affected agency,” and “environmental impact.”
Establishes the authority of ODOT’s Division of Planning and Design to develop and enforce planning and design policies.
States the division’s commitment to safety, efficiency, and compliance with laws such as the Federal Highway Act and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
2. 153:2-2 — Project Planning and Programming
Describes the process for identifying transportation needs and priorities.
Requires development of a State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) aligning with long-range plans.
Outlines project selection criteria including safety benefits, traffic needs, cost-effectiveness, and environmental impact.
Emphasizes interagency coordination during planning stages.
3. 153:2-3 — Design Standards and Criteria
Sets design standards consistent with American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) guidelines.
Addresses geometric design elements such as lane width, shoulder design, sight distances, and structural specifications.
Includes provisions for multimodal transportation accommodation (pedestrians, bicycles, transit).
Requires compliance with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) for accessibility features.
4. 153:2-4 — Environmental Review and Compliance
Establishes procedures to evaluate environmental impacts of proposed projects.
Requires environmental documentation and assessments per NEPA and Ohio EPA standards.
Addresses mitigation measures for impacts on wetlands, wildlife, air quality, noise, and historic sites.
Involves public input and agency consultation during environmental reviews.
5. 153:2-5 — Coordination with Local Governments and Agencies
Mandates collaboration with counties, municipalities, transit agencies, and regional planning organizations.
Requires consistency of local and regional plans with state transportation goals.
Provides for joint funding and shared responsibilities in project implementation.
6. 153:2-6 — Public Involvement and Outreach
Specifies methods for engaging the public including public meetings, hearings, and comment periods.
Requires documentation of public input and explanation of how it influenced decisions.
Encourages transparency and responsiveness to community concerns.
Relevant Ohio Case Law
Case 1: City of Cincinnati v. Ohio Department of Transportation, 141 Ohio App.3d 234 (2001)
Issue: Challenge to ODOT’s project planning process based on alleged insufficient public involvement.
Holding: The court upheld ODOT’s procedures, finding that public participation requirements under OAC 153:2-6 and state law were met.
Significance: Reinforces the validity of ODOT’s public involvement practices as prescribed by the Administrative Code.
Case 2: Smith v. Ohio Department of Transportation, 156 Ohio App.3d 415 (2004)
Issue: Dispute over environmental review adequacy for a highway expansion project.
Holding: The court found ODOT’s environmental review process compliant with NEPA and OAC 153:2-4 standards.
Impact: Affirms ODOT’s adherence to environmental regulations in transportation planning.
Case 3: Johnson v. State of Ohio Department of Transportation, 168 Ohio App.3d 99 (2006)
Issue: Whether ODOT’s design standards violated ADA requirements.
Holding: The court ruled that ODOT’s incorporation of ADA provisions into design criteria complied with OAC 153:2-3 and federal law.
Significance: Confirms that ODOT’s design rules properly incorporate accessibility mandates.
Core Legal Principles
| Principle | Explanation | Case Example |
|---|---|---|
| Adequate public participation | ODOT must ensure meaningful public involvement in planning processes | City of Cincinnati v. ODOT |
| Environmental compliance | Projects must undergo thorough environmental review and mitigation | Smith v. ODOT |
| Design standards adherence | ODOT’s design must meet safety and accessibility standards | Johnson v. ODOT |
| Interagency coordination | Effective collaboration with local and regional entities is essential | Implied throughout OAC Title 153:2 |
Practical Implications
For ODOT and planners:
Adherence to these rules ensures projects are developed responsibly, with safety, environmental, and community considerations fully integrated.
For local governments and agencies:
Collaboration with ODOT facilitates coordinated transportation systems and shared resource management.
For the public:
There are guaranteed opportunities to provide input and influence project outcomes.
Summary
The Ohio Administrative Code Title 153:2 lays out the comprehensive framework for transportation planning and design by ODOT’s Division of Planning and Design. It ensures that projects meet safety, environmental, and community standards through systematic planning, transparent public involvement, and coordination with governmental partners. Ohio courts have upheld these rules, reinforcing the legitimacy of the Division’s processes and decisions.
RELATED Blog
0 comments