Source: https://ecode360.com/14847366
Timestamp: 2019-04-26 15:59:59+00:00

Document:
§ 70-4 Effect on other permits and definitions.
§ 70-5 Application for permit.
§ 70-6 No assumption of liability.
§ 70-7 Specifications and requirements.
§ 70-8 Approval of permits.
§ 70-9 Regulations for permit holders and others.
§ 70-11 Revocation or suspension.
§ 70-12 Modifications of waiver provisions.
§ 70-13 Notice of violation; enforcement.
§ 70-14 Violations and penalties.
Uniform construction codes — See Ch. 67.
Explosives — See Ch. 72.
Floodplain management — See Ch. 83.
Sewers — See Ch. 126.
Stormwater management — See Ch. 138.
Subdivision and land development — See Ch. 147.
Zoning — See Ch. 180.
The name of the chapter shall be the "Lehigh Township Earth Disturbance Ordinance."
Earth moving and grading, including, but not limited to, removal of vegetation and/or changes in topography are activities regulated by this chapter. This shall also include septic activities relating to four-year fills or similar activities.
Earth moving and grading activities shall be subject to the requirement of State Soil Erosion and Sediment Pollution Control Regulations, the Township Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 180), the Township Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (Chapter 147), the Township Floodplain Ordinance (Chapter 83), the Township Stormwater Management Ordinance (Chapter 138), and the Act 167 Ordinance (Ordinance No. 2007-4), whether or not it is regulated by the chapter.
Editor's Note: This ordinance, adopted 4-24-2007, is on file in the Township offices.
One thousand five hundred square feet for lots smaller than one acre in size when the earth disturbance is no closer than 20 feet to a lot line, top of bank of any stream or watercourse, wetland, riparian corridor or slope greater than 15%.
Two thousand square feet for lots of one acre in size or larger, but smaller than three acres in size when the earth disturbance is no closer than 50 feet to a lot line, top of bank of any stream or watercourse, wetland, riparian corridor, or slope greater than 15%.
Four thousand square feet for lots of three acres in size or larger, but smaller than five acres when the earth disturbance is no closer than 50 feet to a lot line, top of bank of any stream or watercourse, wetland, riparian corridor, or slope greater than 15%.
Editor's Note: Former Subsection C(3), regarding earth disturbance up to one acre, was repealed 10-11-2016 by Ord. No. 2016-5.
Earth disturbance for single-family dwellings on lots over one acre in size, provided that it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Zoning Officer that no part of the proposed limit of disturbance exceeds 10% slope and the aggregate area of disturbance is less than 3,000 square feet, and the limit of disturbance is no closer than 50 feet to a lot line, top of bank of any stream or watercourse, wetland, or riparian corridor.
Earth disturbance necessary for the construction or repair of public utilities, public facilities, and/or roads by public agencies and/or Public Utility Commission-regulated utility companies.
General site grading being performed in accordance with the approved grading plan for a subdivision or land development. Any variation of the approved grading plan, and/or the development of individual lots, in the opinion of the Zoning Officer, and not excepted by § 70-2 of this chapter, shall require the review and approval of a revised grading plan and/or an approved grading plan for each individual lot.
Earth disturbance necessary for the construction of aboveground swimming pools.
The discharge of stormwater roof drains, sump pump drains, and any other stormwater outlet pipe or structure to the surface of the ground, provided that the outlet is located at least 25 feet from the property line and a standard splash pad or apron shall be provided to disperse the flow.
Earth disturbance for the sole purpose of the installation of a permitted septic system.
To construct, erect or install any dam, ditch, culvert, drain pipe, bridge or any other obstruction affecting the drainage of any property, or portion thereof.
Whenever any proposed activity requires a building and/or driveway permit, no such building permit or driveway permit shall be issued unless the permit required hereunder has been issued. The plans and applications required herein may be combined, when applicable, with plans and application materials submitted for building and/or driveway permits.
The definition of terms used shall be the definition used by the Township in the Township Zoning Ordinance, Township Stormwater Management Ordinance, Township Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance, and Township Floodplain Management Ordinance, except as specifically defined or described herein.
Any person, firm, or corporation proposing to engage in activity requiring a permit hereunder shall apply for a permit by written application which shall include the applicant's agreement to comply with the applicant's plans and supporting documents and this chapter, upon issuance of the permit.
The applicant shall consult the Lehigh Township Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 180), Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (Chapter 147), FloodPlain Ordinances (Chapter 83) and Township Stormwater Management Ordinance (Chapter 138) as prepared, and as may be amended, which govern the development of land and land use within the Township prior to making application for a permit under the chapter.
A separate application shall be required for each earth disturbance operation. Three copies of all the documents referred to below shall be submitted with each application. The application forms submitted shall consist of the forms provided by the Township together with the required fees. All applications shall be submitted to the Township Zoning Officer who shall retain one for Township records and forward two copies of all documents to the Township Engineers for initial plan review.
The Board of Supervisors of Lehigh Township shall determine the fees for such permits, from time to time, by resolution.
A topographic survey plan of the site, at a suitable scale of no less than one inch equals 50 feet and contour interval of no more than two feet zero inches, prepared by a registered professional land surveyor or registered professional engineer, including a boundary line survey, the location and description of vegetative cover, the general location of all major trees (as defined by the Township Zoning Ordinance) and any other pertinent existing natural or man-made features. Interpolated contours from United States Geological Survey maps or any other similar source are not acceptable. The plan size shall be a minimum of 8 1/2 inches by 14 inches.
This topographic survey plan shall also show existing rights-of-way and easements.
A site improvement and grading plan of the same size and scale as in Subsection E(1) hereof, showing and describing all changes to the site, including final contours, structures, paving, waste disposal systems, and wells. This improvement and grading information may be combined on the topographic survey when all information can be clearly and legibly shown.
Existing and ultimate rights-of-way and easements.
One-hundred-year floodplain limit and elevation and riparian corridors or buffers.
The limits of trees, woodland, and vegetation to be removed. Plans should identify the age and general condition of woodland areas (i.e., successional growth, mixed deciduous, coniferous, etc.).
Portions of the property sloped 15% to 20%, 20% to 30%, and steeper than 30%, along with sufficient information pertaining to required steep slope disturbance ratios and associated areas, and proposed areas of disturbance to document compliance with the Township Slope Zoning Ordinance.
Editor's Note: See Ch. 180, Zoning.
Watercourses, ponds, lakes, vernal ponds, and wetlands (if any).
Existing and proposed stormwater management facilities. If new stormwater management facilities are proposed, the engineering calculations used to design those facilities shall also be provided.
The design location and grading associated with any proposed on lot sewage disposal system.
The area reserved for providing a replacement on lot sewage disposal system (if required).
Any upstream watershed draining onto the property, with a clear description of how stormwater runoff from the upstream watershed will be accommodated.
Editor's Note: Former Subsection E(3)(a)(11), Limits of disturbance and disturbance ratios for areas of steep slopes, was repealed 10-11-2016 by Ord. No. 2016-5.
Limits and amounts of existing and proposed impervious cover with coverage ratios.
Existing and Proposed downspouts and sump pump discharge points.
Incidental improvements such as mailboxes, electric, or telephone boxes do not need to be shown.
A written description of soil erosion and sedimentation control measures (with appropriate plans and specifications), in accordance with Section 44 of Chapter 102, Title 25, Rules and Regulations, Part I, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Subpart C, Protection of Natural Resources, Article II, Water Resources, Chapter 102, Erosion Control, which shall be in conformity with the standards and specifications of the Lehigh Township Ordinances.
If the proposed activity requires the submission and implementation of a stormwater management plan in accordance with the Township Stormwater Management Ordinance, such plan and supporting calculations shall be prepared by a registered professional engineer and shall be submitted with this application for the earth disturbance permit.
A time schedule stating the anticipated starting and completion dates of the development sequence, the expected date of completion of construction of each of the measures referred to in Subsection E(4) herein, and the time of exposure of each area prior to the completion of such measures.
If the proposed limit of disturbance for an activity is 25,000 square feet or larger, the erosion and sediment pollution control plan shall be submitted to the Northampton County Conservation District for review and approval. Activities with a proposed limit of disturbance less than 25,000 square feet will be reviewed by the Township Engineer.
Subdivision and land development; construction standards.
It is recognized that earth disturbance creates risks of runoff and soil erosion damage. This chapter establishes guidelines for reducing these risks, but in all cases the property owner and their designers, agents, and contractors shall be responsible for any damage directly or indirectly caused by any activity regulated by this chapter.
The public is hereby notified that the Township, Township employees, and Township consultants undertake no responsibility for loss of property, loss of life or personal injury due to activities regulated by this chapter, even if all regulations and ordinances of the Township are followed.
All drainage facilities proposed shall be designed in accordance with the Township Stormwater Management Ordinance.
Lots shall be graded to secure proper drainage away from buildings and, to the extent possible, away from street areas, except streets where curbs, storm sewer piping system, or roadside swales exist.
All drainage provisions shall be designed to efficiently carry surface waters to the nearest street (if curbs, adequately sized storm sewer piping system or swales exist), storm drain, or natural watercourse. If the aforementioned facilities do not exist, then in that event, stormwater shall be evenly dispersed over the lot so as to best promote infiltration of stormwater into the ground within the boundaries of the subject lot and to minimize impacts to adjacent properties and roads. The design shall clearly indicate how this will be achieved.
The permittee shall construct and/or install such drainage structures and/or pipes which are necessary to prevent erosion damage and to satisfactorily manage surface waters in accordance with Title 25, Rules and Regulations, Part I, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Subpart C, Protection of Natural Resources, Article II, Water Resources, Chapter 102, Erosion Control. Any drainage system not operating as planned shall be corrected at the expense of the applicant.
No person, firm, or corporation shall modify, fill, excavate, or regrade the land in any manner as to endanger or damage any adjoining public street, sidewalk, alley, or any other public or private property without protecting such property from settling, cracking, erosion, sediment, stormwater pooling, or other physical damage or personal injury which might result. Such activity without such protection will constitute a violation punishable by the provisions of this chapter.
No person, firm, or corporation shall deposit or place any debris or other material whatsoever, or cause such to be thrown or placed, in any drainage ditch or drainage structure in such a manner as to obstruct free flow.
Stockpiled topsoil shall be protected from erosion.
All disturbed areas shall be seeded, sodded, and/or planted or otherwise protected from erosion within 60 days of ground breaking, and shall be watered, tendered, and maintained until growth is well established. If state regulations require a shorter time, the shorter time shall be required.
Provide that no cutting or filling, either temporarily or permanently, shall be allowed to occur within five feet of any property line, except at locations where specific grading and/or drainage easements exist for the purposes of such grading, and/or is shown on a grading plan approved as part of a subdivision of lots.
The permittee shall limit stormwater runoff rate and concentration from the subject lot to other lands in a manner that will minimize risk of damage to downstream property owners in accordance with the Township Stormwater Management Ordinance.
The existing points of concentrated or sheet flow drainage discharge onto adjacent property receiving stormwater runoff from a watershed of 2,500 square feet or more shall not be altered without written approval of the affected property owner(s).
Documentation of the developer's request for affected owner's approval.
Documentation from the developer's engineer certifying that the alterations proposed will not adversely affect the downstream property owner.
An indemnification and hold-harmless agreement from the developer proposed as a covenant running with the land.
All such documentation must be provided to the satisfaction of the Township Board of Supervisors.
The Township shall review and approve earth disturbance applications and plans on the form provided by the Township for that purpose. No earth disturbance permit, building permit, or driveway permit shall be issued by the Township until such time as an earth disturbance application and plans have been found to be acceptable to the Township. Furthermore, no certificate of occupancy permit shall be issued by the Township until such time as the Township Zoning Officer determines that all earth disturbance has been completed in general conformity with the approved site improvement and grading plan.
In all cases, the permittee shall be required to undertake all earth-moving and grading activities in accordance with this chapter and the approved site improvement and grading plan, whether or not inspection by the Township is provided and whether or not a certificate of occupancy is issued.
The permittee is responsible for any property damage or personal injury caused by activity authorized by the permit.
No person, firm, or corporation shall modify, fill, excavate, pave, or grade land in any manner as to endanger or damage public or private property, or to cause physical damage or personal injury. All precautions will be taken to prevent any damage to adjoining streets, sidewalks, buildings, and other structures which could be caused by settling, cracking, erosion or sediment.
No person, firm, or corporation shall fail to adequately maintain in good operating order any stormwater management facility on its premises. All watercourses, drainage ditches, culverts, drainpipes, structures, and other stormwater management facilities shall be kept open and operating at all times.
The owner, from time to time, of any property on which any work has been done pursuant to a permit issued under this chapter shall continuously maintain and repair all graded surface and anti-erosion devices such as retaining walls, drainage structures or means, plants and ground cover, installed or completed.
The permittee shall make adequate provision for dust control.
All plans and specifications accompanying any permit application shall include provisions for both temporary and permanent grading and stabilization.
The installation and maintenance of erosion and sediment pollution control measures shall be accomplished in accordance with standards and specifications established by the Northampton County Conservation District and Lehigh Township Zoning Ordinance § 180-47.
The issuance of an earth disturbance permit shall not negate the owner and/or permittee's responsibility for obtaining any other permits or approvals from any agency, including Lehigh Township, which may have jurisdiction over any aspect of the project.
Property corners are to be set prior to final inspection.
Inspections by the Township may be carried out on a random basis at the option of the Township.
If the construction of a building or structure is occurring immediately after the initial earth-moving and grading activity, no excavation for footings shall commence until after the building permit approval; immediately following construction of the foundation wall, and prior to the erection of the superstructure of any building, the permittee shall provide the Township with three copies of a foundation location and elevation survey bearing a certification from the permittee's licensed engineer or surveyor indicating compliance with the approved plan; and no further construction above the foundation wall will be permitted until the Township has issued approval of the aforementioned foundation plan.
A final inspection may, at the option of the Township, be conducted by the Township to verify compliance with this chapter.
In all cases, however, the permittee shall be required to undertake all earth-moving and grading activities in accordance with this chapter and the approved site improvement and grading plan, whether or not inspection by the Township is provided. As-built plans shall be required prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy if the owner or permittee is seeking any change to the approved site improvement and grading plan.
The owner provides an agreement to the satisfaction of the Township Solicitor to guarantee completion of the earth disturbance within six months of the date of the agreement.
Failure to carry out the soil erosion control or stormwater control measures described in the application documents and/or failure to satisfy the provisions of the earth-moving and grading and restoration time schedule described in the application documents or within such reasonable extensions as may be granted by the Township.
Violation of any other condition of the permits.
Existence of any condition or the doing of any act constituting or creating a nuisance, hazard, or endangering human life or the property of others.
The provisions of this chapter are intended as minimum standards for the protection of public health, safety, welfare or the residents and inhabitants of the Township. The Planning Commission may grant a modification of the requirements of one or more provisions of this chapter if the Planning Commission concludes that the literal enforcement will exact undue hardship because of peculiar conditions pertaining to the land in question, provided that such modifications will not be contrary to the public interest and that the purpose and intent of this chapter is observed. Financial hardship alone shall not be sufficient justification for granting such modification.
All requests for a modification shall be in writing to the Planning Commission. The request shall state in full the grounds and facts of unreasonableness or hardship on which the request is based, the provision or provisions and the minimum modification necessary.
The requested modification shall represent the least modification to address the hardship.
All such modification requests shall be approved or disapproved by the Planning Commission. A written record of the action shall be kept for all modification requests.
If the Township authorities determine that a violation exists, a notice of violation shall be issued. Unless the violation is determined by the Township to require immediate correction, the property owner shall have 30 days to bring the property into compliance with this chapter. During this period of time the property owner shall not conduct any activity on the property until proposed corrective measures have been approved by the appropriate Township authorities. If, after 30 days from the date of receipt of the thirty-day notice of violation, the violation has not been corrected, the Township may proceed with enforcement of the Ordinance as set forth below.
In the case of any paving, filling, stripping, grading or regrading; any disturbing, modifying, blocking, or diverting the overland or subsurface flow or stormwater; or any construction, erection, and installation of any dam, ditch, culvert, drainpipe, bridge, or any other structure or obstruction affecting the drainage of any premises, in violation of this chapter, or any regulations made pursuant hereto, the proper Township authorities, in addition to other remedies provided by law, may institute any appropriate action or proceedings against the permittee and/or owner to prevent such unlawful activities; to restrain, correct or abate such violations; to prevent the use of the applicable premises; to prevent any illegal act, conduct of business or use in or about such premises. In addition, upon a violation of this chapter without a permit and/or upon the failure of any permit holder to complete the control measures specified in an approved application, the Township may, after revoking such permit, proceed to complete such measures itself, and recover the cost thereof from the permitee and/or owner.
For any and every violation of the provisions of this chapter, the permittee, owner, agent, or contractor where such violation has been committed or shall exist; the lessee or tenant of an entire building or entire premises where such violation has been committed or shall exist; the permittee, owner, agent, contractor, lessee or tenant or any part of a building or premises in which part such violation has been committed or shall exist; and the permittee, owner, agent, architect, contractor or any other person who knowingly commits, takes part, or assists in any such violation or who maintains any building or premises in which any such violation exists; shall be liable on conviction thereof before a District Justice to pay a fine or penalty not to exceed $1,000 for each and every offense. Any such enforcement action shall be brought before a District Justice in the same manner provided for the enforcement of summary offenses under the Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure. Whenever such person, or persons, shall have been notified by the Township Zoning Officer, Township Engineer, or the Township Board of Supervisors, or the Township Solicitor, by service of a complaint in a prosecution, or by registered mail, that a violation of this chapter is being committed, each day's continuance of such violation after such notification shall constitute a separate offense punishable by a like fine or penalty. Such fines and penalties shall be collected as like fines or penalties are now collected by law.

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 § 180