Source: https://www.ecode360.com/28001610
Timestamp: 2019-01-21 01:11:23
Document Index: 549959625

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 388', '§ 388', '§ 388', '§ 388', '§ 388', '§ 388', '§ 388', '§ 388', '§ 388', '§ 388', '§ 680', '§ 680', '§ 65101', '§ 10101', '§ 388', '§ 388', '§ 388', '§ 388', '§ 388', '§ 388', '§ 388', '§ 388', '§ 388', '§ 388', '§ 10509', '§ 691']

Ch 388 Art I General Provisions
§ 388-1 Title.
§ 388-2 Findings.
§ 388-3 Purpose.
§ 388-4 Statutory authority.
§ 388-5 Applicability.
§ 388-6 Exemptions and modified requirements.
§ 388-7 Construal of provisions.
§ 388-8 Financial security.
§ 388-9 Waivers.
§ 388-10 Permit requirements.
Chapter 388 Stormwater Management
Chapter 388 Stormwater Management Article I General Provisions
This chapter shall be known as the "Easttown Township Stormwater Management Ordinance."
The Township Board of Supervisors finds that:
Inadequate management of accelerated stormwater runoff resulting from land disturbance and development throughout a watershed increases flooding, flows and velocities, contributes to erosion and sedimentation, overtaxes the capacity of streams and storm sewers, greatly increases the cost of public facilities to convey and manage stormwater, undermines floodplain management and flood reduction efforts in upstream and downstream communities, reduces infiltration and groundwater recharge, increases nonpoint source pollution to waterways, and threatens public health and safety.
Inadequate planning and management of stormwater runoff resulting from land disturbance and development throughout a watershed can harm surface water resources by changing the natural hydrologic patterns, accelerating stream flows (which increase scour and erosion of streambeds and stream banks, thereby elevating sedimentation), destroying aquatic habitat, and elevating aquatic pollutant concentrations and loadings such as sediments, nutrients, heavy metals, and pathogens. Groundwater resources are also impacted through loss of recharge.
A comprehensive program of stormwater management, including minimization of impacts of new development, redevelopment, and other earth disturbance activities causing accelerated runoff and erosion and loss of natural infiltration, is fundamental to the public health, safety, and general welfare of the people of the Townhip and all of the people of the commonwealth, their resources, and the environment.
Federal and state regulations require the Township to implement a program of stormwater controls. The Township is required to obtain a permit and comply with its provisions for stormwater discharges from its separate storm sewer system under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES).
Nonstormwater discharges to Township or other storm sewer systems can contribute to pollution of the waters of the commonwealth.
The purpose of this chapter is to protect public health, safety and general welfare, property and water quality by implementing drainage and stormwater management practices, criteria, and provisions included herein for land development, construction and earth disturbance activities, to achieve the following throughout the Township:
Provide infiltration and maintain natural groundwater recharge to protect groundwater supplies and stream base flows, prevent degradation of surface water and groundwater quality, and to otherwise protect water resources.
Provide proper long-term operation and maintenance of all permanent stormwater management facilities, BMPs and conveyances that are implemented within the Township.
Implement the requirements of total maximum daily load (TMDLs) where applicable to waters within or impacted by the Township.
Fulfill the purpose and requirements of Pennsylvania Act 167 (PA Act 167, Section 3[1]):
Authorize a comprehensive program of stormwater management designated to preserve and restore the flood-carrying capacity of commonwealth streams; to preserve to the maximum extent practicable natural stormwater runoff regimes and natural course, current and cross section of waters of the commonwealth; and to protect and conserve groundwaters and groundwater recharge areas.
Editor's Note: See 32 P.S. § 680.3.
The Township is empowered or required to regulate land use activities that affect runoff and surface and groundwater quality and quantity by the authority of:
The Act of October 4, 1978, P.L. 864 (Act 167), 32 P.S. § 680.1 et seq., as amended, the Storm Water Management Act (hereinafter referred to as "the Act");
The Second Class Township Code, 53 P.S. § 65101 et seq.;
The Act of July 31, 1968, P.L. 805, No. 247, 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq., as amended, the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, Act 247 (hereinafter referred to as the "MPC").
All regulated activities as defined in this chapter, including, but not limited to, new development, redevelopment, and earth disturbance activities, that are located within the Township shall be subject to regulation by this chapter.
Specific peak runoff release rate standards and riparian buffer requirements are provided in this chapter for projects located in the Darby Creek and Crum Creek Watersheds pursuant to previously approved Act 167 plans for those watersheds.
This chapter contains the stormwater management performance standards and design criteria that are necessary from a watershed-based perspective. The Township's stormwater management conveyance and system design criteria (e.g., inlet spacing, inlet type, collection system design and details, outlet structure design, etc.) shall continue to be regulated by the applicable Township ordinance(s) and applicable state regulations.
Duty of persons engaged in a regulated activity. Notwithstanding any provision(s) of this chapter, including exemptions, any landowner or any person engaged in a regulated activity, including but not limited to the alteration or development of land, which may affect stormwater runoff characteristics, shall implement such measures as are reasonably necessary to prevent injury to health, safety, or other property. Such measures also shall include actions as are required to manage the rate, volume, direction, and quality of resulting stormwater runoff in a manner which otherwise adequately protects health, property, and water quality of waters of the commonwealth.
Any regulated activity (including but not limited to new development, redevelopment, or earth disturbance) that is to take place incrementally or in phases, or occurs in sequential projects on the same parcel or property, shall be subject to regulation by this chapter if the cumulative proposed impervious surface or earth disturbance exceeds the corresponding threshold for exemption (as presented in Table 388-6.1, "Thresholds for Regulated Activities that are Exempt from the Provisions of this Chapter as Listed Below").
The date of enactment of this chapter shall be the starting point from which to consider tracts as parent tracts relative to future subdivisions and from which impervious surface and earth disturbance computations shall be cumulatively considered. For example: If, after enactment of this chapter, an applicant proposes construction of a six-hundred-square-foot garage, that project would be exempted from the requirements of this chapter as noted in Table 388-6.1. If, at a later date, an applicant proposes to construct a nine-hundred-square-foot room addition on the same property, the applicant would then be required to implement the stormwater management and plan submission requirements of this chapter for the cumulative total of 1,500 square feet of additional impervious surface added to the property since adoption of this chapter.
An exemption shall not relieve the applicant from complying with the requirements for state-designated special protection waters designated by PADEP as high-quality (HQ) or exceptional-value (EV) waters, or any other current or future state or municipal water quality protection requirements.
An exemption under this chapter shall not relieve the applicant from complying with all other applicable Township ordinances or regulations.
General exemptions. Regulated activities that involve less than 50 square feet of proposed impervious surfaces and less than 5,000 square feet of earth disturbance or are listed in Subsection C are exempt from those (and only those) requirements of this chapter that are included in the sections and articles listed in Table 388-6.1. Exemptions are for the items noted in Table 388-6.1 only and shall not relieve the landowner from other applicable requirements of this chapter. Exemption shall not relieve the applicant from implementing such measures as are necessary to protect health, safety, and welfare, property, and water quality.
Table 388-6.1
Activities Listed in Subsection C
< 50 sq. ft. of Proposed Impervious Surfaces and < 5,000 sq. ft. of Proposed Earth Disturbance
> 50 sq. ft. of Proposed Impervious Surfaces or > 5,000 sq. ft. of Proposed Earth Disturbance
§§ 388-14, 388-15 and 388-23
§§ 388-13, 388-16, 388-17, 388-18, 388-19, 388-20, 388-21 and 388-22
Must comply with Title 25, Chapter 102, of the Pennsylvania Code and other applicable state and Township codes, including the Clean Streams Law[1]
Specific activities listed in Subsection C are exempt from the indicated requirements, regardless of size.
"Proposed impervious surface" — As defined in this chapter.
"Exempt" — Regulated activities are exempt from the requirements of listed section(s) only; all other provisions of this chapter apply.
Exemptions for specific activities. The following specific regulated activities are exempt from the requirements of §§ 388-13, 388-16, 388-17, 388-18, 388-19, 388-20, 388-21 and 388-22 and Article IV, Article V, Article VI and Article VII of this chapter (as shown in Table 388-6.1), unless otherwise noted below. All other conveyance and system design standards established by the Township in other codes or ordinances shall be required, and all other provisions of this chapter shall apply.
Emergency exemption. Emergency maintenance work performed for the protection of public health, safety and welfare. This exemption is limited to repair of the existing facility; upgrades, additions or other improvements are not exempt. A written description of the scope and extent of any emergency work performed shall be submitted to the Township within two calendar days of the commencement of the activity. A detailed plan shall be submitted no later than 30 days following commencement of the activity. If the Township finds that the work is not an emergency, then the work shall cease immediately, and the requirements of this chapter shall be addressed as applicable.
Maintenance. Any maintenance to an existing stormwater management system, facility, BMP or conveyance made in accordance with plans and specifications approved by the Township Engineer or Township.
Existing landscaping. Use of land for maintenance, replacement or enhancement of existing landscaping.
Gardening. Use of land for gardening for home consumption.
Forest management. Forest management operations, which are consistent with a sound forest management plan as filed with the Township and which comply with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection's management practices contained in its publication "Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Guidelines for Forestry" (as amended or replaced by subsequent guidance). Such operations are required to have an erosion and sedimentation control plan which meets the requirements of 25 Pa. Code Chapter 102 and meets the erosion and sediment control standards of § 388-15 of this chapter.
Maintenance of existing paved surfaces. Replacement of existing paved surfaces shall meet the erosion and sediment control requirements of 25 Pa. Code Chapter 102 and § 388-15 of this chapter and is exempt from all other requirements of this chapter listed in Subsection C above. Resurfacing of existing paved surfaces is exempt from the requirements of this chapter listed above. Construction of new or additional impervious surfaces shall comply with all requirements of this chapter as indicated in Table 388-6.1.
Township roadway shoulder improvements. Shoulder improvements conducted within the existing roadway cross section of Township-owned roadways, unless an NPDES permit is required, in which case the proposed work must comply with all requirements of this chapter.
In-place replacement of residential dwelling unit. The replacement in the exact footprint of an existing one- or two-family dwelling unit.
In-place replacement, repair, or maintenance of residential impervious surfaces. The replacement of existing residential patios, decks, driveways, pools, garages, and/or sidewalks that are accessory to an existing one- or two- family dwelling unit in the exact footprint of the existing impervious surface.
Modified requirements for small projects. Regulated activities that involve 50 to less than 1,000 square feet of proposed impervious surfaces and less than 5,000 square feet of proposed earth disturbance may apply the modified requirements presented in Appendix A, "Simplified Approach to Stormwater Management for Small Projects" (simplified approach),[2] to comply with the requirements of §§ 388-16, 388-17, 388-18, 388-19, 388-20, 388-21 and 388-22 and Article IV, Article V, Article VI and Article VII of this chapter (as shown in Table 388-6.2). The applicant shall first contact the Township Engineer to confirm that the proposed project is eligible for use of the simplified approach and is not otherwise exempt from these chapter provisions; to determine what components of the proposed project are to be considered as impervious surfaces; and to determine if other known site or local conditions exist that may preclude the use of any techniques included in the simplified approach. Appendix A includes instructions and procedures for preparation, submittal, review and approval of documents required when using the simplified approach and shall be adhered to by the applicant. All other provisions of this chapter shall apply.
Table 388-6.2
Thresholds for Regulated Activities that are Eligible for Modified Requirements for the Provisions of this Chapter that are Listed Below
Activities Listed in § 388-6D and E
Exempt if modified requirements of § 388-6D and E are applied
Must comply with Title 25, Chapter 102, of the Pennsylvania Code and other applicable state and Township codes, including the Clean Streams Law[3]
"Modified requirements" — Regulated activities listed within the subsections of this chapter noted in Table 388-6.2 are eligible for exemption only from the indicated sections and subsections of this chapter and only if the modified requirements of § 388-6D and E are met to the satisfaction of the Township; all other provisions of this chapter apply.
Modified requirements for agricultural structures. It is the declared policy of the commonwealth to conserve and protect and to encourage the development and improvement of its agricultural lands for the production of food and other agricultural products. Municipalities must encourage the continuity, development and viability of agricultural operations within its jurisdiction. Except as necessary to protect the public health, safety and welfare, regulated activities involving proposed new or expanded impervious surfaces associated with agricultural activities are exempt from the requirements of §§ 388-13, 388-16, 388-17, 388-18, 388-19, 388-20, 388-21 and 388-22 and Article IV, Article V, Article VI and Article VII of this chapter (and listed in Table 388-6.2) only when it has been demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Township that the proposed project will comply with all of the requirements listed below. All other provisions of this chapter shall apply. To be eligible for exemption from the chapter provisions stated above, the proposed regulated activity shall:
Be directly associated with an agricultural activity (as defined in Article II);
Be installed on a farm or mushroom operation that has a current mushroom farm environmental management plan (MFEMP) reviewed and deemed adequate by the Conservation District, or an agricultural erosion and sediment control plan or conservation plan (as defined in Article II) that complies with the requirements of 25 Pa. Code Chapter 102;
Is located at least 150 feet from any municipal separate storm sewer system or public roadway, or any constructed conveyance connected to any municipal separate storm sewer system or public roadway;
To the extent that this chapter imposes more rigorous or stringent requirements for stormwater management than any other code, rule, act, law, regulation or ordinance, the specific requirements contained in this chapter shall take precedence.
Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to affect any of the Township's requirements regarding stormwater matters that do not conflict with the provisions of this chapter, such as local stormwater management design criteria (e.g., inlet spacing, inlet type, collection system design and details, outlet structure design, etc.). The requirements of this chapter shall supersede any conflicting requirements in other municipal ordinances or regulations.
For all activities requiring submittal of a stormwater management (SWM) site plan that involve subdivision or land development, the applicant shall post financial security to the Township for the timely installation and proper construction of all stormwater management facilities as required by the approved SWM site plan and this chapter, and such financial security shall:
Be determined, collected, applied and enforced in accordance with Sections 509 to 511 of the MPC[1] and the provisions of Chapter 400, Subdivision and Land Development, of this Code (SALDO).
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. §§ 10509 to 10511.
General. The requirements of this chapter are essential and shall be strictly adhered to. For any regulated activity where, after a close evaluation of alternative site designs, it proves to be impracticable to meet any one or more of the mandatory minimum standards of this chapter on the site, the Township may approve measures other than those in this chapter, subject to Subsections B and C.
The Township Board of Supervisors shall have the authority to waive or modify the requirements of one or more provisions of this chapter if the literal enforcement will exact undue hardship because of peculiar conditions pertaining to the land in question, provided that such modification will not be contrary to the public interest and that the purpose and intent of this chapter is observed. Cost or financial burden shall not be considered a hardship. Modification may also be considered if an alternative standard or approach can be demonstrated to provide equal or better achievement of the results intended by this chapter. A request for modification shall be in writing and accompany the SWM site plan submission. The request shall state in full the grounds and facts on which the request is based, the provision or provisions of this chapter involved and the minimum modification necessary.
PADEP approval required. For any proposed regulated activity involving earth disturbance equal to or greater than one acre, the Township may approve measures for minimum volume and infiltration control other than those required in this chapter only after consultation with and evaluation by PADEP that the alternate site design meets state water quality requirements and does not conflict with state law, including, but not limited to, the PA Clean Streams Law, 35 P.S. § 691.1 et seq.
Any person required to submit a SWM site plan or simplified SWM site plan to the Township for review and approval shall obtain a drainage permit, in writing, from the Township.
To obtain a drainage permit, the applicant shall submit an application for drainage permit to the Township. The form and content of the application for drainage permit shall be established, from time to time, by the Township.
Fees for the application for drainage permit shall be paid in accordance with a fee schedule adopted by resolution of the Township Board of Supervisors from time to time. The fee schedule may be revised, as necessary, by resolution of the Township Board of Supervisors.
For projects including regulated activities that require land development approval in accordance with Chapter 400, Subdivision and Land Development, of this Code, the application for drainage permit shall be submitted for each individual lot at the time of building permit application for that lot. Submission of the fully completed and executed application for drainage permit shall be accompanied by the following:
Three sets, minimum, of the SWM site plan (only if any deviation is proposed from the approved SWM site plan included with the approved SALDO application).
Executed stormwater best management practices (BMPs) and conveyances operations and maintenance agreement.
Executed professional services agreement, which is available from the Township.
For projects including regulated activities that do not require land development approval in accordance with the SALDO, submission of the fully completed and executed application for drainage permit shall be accompanied by the following:
Three sets, minimum of the SWM site plan or simplified SWM site plan.
Each resubmission shall include a minimum of three sets of the SWM site plan or simplified SWM site plan, as applicable, along with a letter explaining the revisions made since the previous submission.
Any permit or authorization issued or approved based on false, misleading or erroneous information provided by an applicant is void without the necessity of any proceedings for revocation. Any work undertaken pursuant to such permit or other authorization is unlawful.