2024-06-04 P & Z Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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157.01. Findings . It is hereby determined that: (A) Land development projects and associated increases in impervious cover alter the hydrologic response of local watersheds and increase stormwater runoff rates and volumes, flooding, stream channel erosion, and sediment transport and deposition; and, (B) This stormwater runoff contributes to increased quantities of water-borne pollutants; and, (C) Stormwater runoff, soil erosion and non-point source pollution can be controlled and minimized through the regulation of stormwater runoff from development sites. Therefore, the City establishes this set of water quality and quantity policies applicable to all surface waters to provide reasonable guidance for the regulation of stormwater runoff for the purpose of protecting local water resources from degradation. It is determined that the regulation of stormwater runoff discharges from land development projects and other construction activities in order to control and minimize increases in stormwater runoff rates and volumes, soil erosion, stream channel erosion, and non-point source pollution associated with stormwater runoff is in the public interest and will prevent threats to public health and safety. 157.02. Definitions The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning: Bench is a relatively level step excavated into earth material on which fill is to be placed. Best Management Practices (BMP) are erosion control, sediment control and water quality management practices that are most effective and practicable for means of controlling, preventing and reducing the degradation of surface water as published by state or designated area-wide planning agencies. Buffer means land that is used to protect adjacent lands and waters from\\development and more intensive land uses. The land is kept in a natural state of trees, shrubs, and low ground cover and understory of plants and functions to filter runoff, control sediment and nutrient movement, and protect fish and wildlife habitat. In areas of agricultural use, the land may be used for less intensive agricultural purposes provided its function as a buffer remains intact. Channel means a natural or artificial watercourse with a definite bed and banks that conducts continuously or periodically flowing water. Common Plan of Development or Sale is a contiguous area where multiple separate and distinct land disturbing activities may be taking place at different times, or on different schedules, but under one proposed plan. This item is broadly defined to include design, permit application, advertisement or physical demarcation indicating that land-disturbing activities may occur. Detention facility is a temporary or permanent natural or man-made structure that provides for the temporary storage of stormwater runoff. Discharge is the release, conveyance, channeling, runoff or drainage of stormwater, including snowmelt, from a construction or development site. Filter strip is a vegetated section of land designed to treat runoff as overland sheet flow. It may be designed in any natural vegetated form from a grassy meadow to a small forest. The dense vegetated cover facilitates pollutant removal, reduces erosion and promotes infiltration. Floodplain the channel or beds proper and the areas adjoining a wetland, lake or 411 |Page