City of Richmond Heights, MO Land Disturbance Code

Introduction. On construction or land disturbance sites, soil is highly vulnerable to erosion by wind and water. Eroded soil endangers water resources by reducing water quality and causing the siltation of aquatic habitat for fish and other desirable species. Deposits of eroded soil also necessitate maintenance of sewers and ditches and the dredging of lakes. In addition, clearing and grading during construction cause the loss of native vegetation necessary for terrestrial and aquatic habitat. Construction activities also utilize materials and generate wastes, which if not properly controlled can pollute receiving waters.

Purpose. The purpose of this code is to safeguard persons, protect property and prevent damage to the environment in Richmond Heights. This code will also promote the public welfare by guiding, regulating and controlling the design, construction, use and maintenance of any development or other activity that disturbs or breaks the topsoil or results in the movement of earth on land in Richmond Heights.

Scope. This code provides for the safety, health and welfare of the public by regulating and controlling the design, construction, use and maintenance of any development or other activity that disturbs land surfaces or results in the movement of earth in Richmond Heights.

Definitions. For the purpose of this code, the following terms, phrases, words and their derivations shall have the meanings given herein. Where terms are not defined by this Section, such terms shall have ordinarily accepted meanings such as the context implies.

BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES OR BMP

Practices, procedures or a schedule of activities to reduce the amount of sediment and other pollutants in stormwater discharges associated with construction and land disturbance activities.

BUILDING DEPARTMENT

The Building Department acting through its Director or his/her duly authorized designee.

CLEARING

Any activity that removes the vegetative surface cover or destroys the root system.

CODE OR THIS CODE

The "Land Disturbance Code" of Richmond Heights, Missouri.

CONSTRUCTION SITE OR LAND DISTURBANCE SITE

A parcel or contiguous parcels where land disturbance activities are performed as part of a proposed development.

COUNTY

St. Louis County, Missouri.

DEPARTMENT OF HIGHWAYS AND TRAFFIC

The County Department of Highways and Traffic acting through its Director or his/her duly authorized designee.

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS

The Richmond Heights Department of Public Works acting through its Director or his/her duly authorized designee.

DRAINAGE WAY

Any channel that conveys surface runoff through a site.

EROSION

The wearing away of land surface through the action of wind or water.

EROSION CONTROL

Any Best Management Practices (BMP) that prevent or minimize erosion.

GRADING

Reshaping the ground surface through excavation and/or fill of material.

LAND DISTURBANCE ACTIVITIES

Clearing, grading or any related work which results in removal of the natural site vegetation or destruction of the root zone or otherwise results in leaving the ground surface exposed to soil erosion through the action of wind or water.

LAND DISTURBANCE, MAJOR

Any land disturbance activity involving one (1) acre or more of land or a site involving less than one (1) acre that is part of a proposed development that will ultimately disturb one (1) acre or more.

LAND DISTURBANCE, ORDINARY

Any land disturbance activity involving less than one (1) acre of land.

LAND DISTURBANCE PERMIT

A permit issued by the authority having jurisdiction authorizing a land disturbance activity at a specific site subject to conditions stated in the permit. A permit may be for any one (1) or more major or ordinary land disturbance activities.

PERIMETER CONTROL

A barrier that prevents sediment from leaving a site by filtering sediment-laden runoff or diverting it to a sediment trap or basin.

PHASING

Clearing a parcel of land in distinct stages with the stabilization of each phase substantially completed before the clearing of the next.

QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL

A Missouri licensed professional engineer or other person or firm knowledgeable in the principles and practices of erosion and sediment control, including the Best Management Practices described in this code.

RUNOFF COEFFICIENT

The fraction of total rainfall that exits at the outfalls from a site.

SEDIMENT CONTROL

Any Best Management Practices (BMP) that prevent eroded sediment from leaving a site.

STABILIZATION

The use of Best Management Practices (BMP) that prevent exposed soil from eroding from a land disturbance site.

START OF CONSTRUCTION

The first (1st) land disturbance activity associated with a development.

STORMWATER POLLUTION PREVENTION PLAN (SWPPP)

A management plan, the purpose of which is to ensure the design, implementation, management and maintenance of Best Management Practices (BMP) in order to reduce the amount of sediment and other pollutants in stormwater discharges associated with land disturbance activities, comply with the standards of the County and ensure compliance with the terms and conditions of the applicable State permits, including adherence to the land disturbance program contained in Missouri MS4 NPDES permits.

WATERCOURSE

A natural or artificial channel or body of water including, but not limited to, lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, ditches and other open conveyances that carry surface runoff water either continuously or intermittently.

Section 421.020 Applicability.

[Ord. No. 4965 §1, 1-17-2006]

Other Laws. The provisions of this code shall not be deemed to nullify any provisions of County, State or Federal law.

Section 421.030 Enforcement.

[Ord. No. 4965 §1, 1-17-2006]

The Building and/or Public Works Departments (the "departments") shall have the authority and responsibility to perform the following functions related to the enforcement of this code as associated with major land disturbance permits:

Administer the determination, collection and release of site development escrows required by this code;

Coordinate the review of permit applications and accompanying documents with the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (MSD);

Clear issuance of major land disturbance permits with Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (MSD) and issue such permits;

Receive applications for major land disturbance permits;

Coordinate the review of major land disturbance permit applications and accompanying documents with City departments;

Coordinate the issuance of the major land disturbance permit with the departments of the City;

Inspect major land disturbance activities;

Inspect land disturbance activities within or abutting areas designated 100-year floodplain;

Receive applications, perform plan review, inspect and issue permits for ordinary land disturbance activities relating to Best Management Practices (BMP) to be utilized to control erosion and sedimentation from leaving the site during construction and other land disturbance activities;

10.

Plan review of major land disturbance activities;

11.

Plan review and inspection of land disturbance activities related to construction, repair, maintenance or condition of roadways and roadway right-of-ways which are maintained by the City; and

12.

Plan review of land disturbance activities within or abutting areas designated 100-year floodplain.

No major land disturbance permit or ordinary land disturbance permit shall be issued where the departments find that the proposed land disturbance activity would result in a material change in the amount or pattern of surface water runoff to the substantial injury of neighboring public or private property or right-of-way.

All land disturbance activities shall be carried out in such a manner as to minimize inconvenience and harm to adjacent properties and property owners.

Rule-Making Authority. Departments having enforcement authority and responsibilities described in this code shall have the authority, as necessary in the interest of public health, safety and general welfare, to adopt and promulgate rules and regulations to interpret and implement the provisions of this code, in order to secure the intent thereof and to designate requirements applicable because of local climatic or other conditions. Such rules and regulations shall not have the effect of waiving requirements specifically provided for in this code or of violating accepted engineering practices involving the purpose of this code.

Section 421.040 Violations.

[Ord. No. 4965 §1, 1-17-2006]

Unlawful Acts. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to perform any land disturbance activities or cause or allow same to be done in conflict with or in violation of any of the provisions of this code.

Notices Of Violations. When the City determines that a violation of this code exists, a Director shall notify the violator. The notification shall be in writing and shall be delivered to the violator or mailed to his last known address via first class mail postage prepaid. Any person having been notified that a violation exists and who fails to abate the violation within ten (10) days after notification shall be subject to the penalties enumerated herein.

Prosecution Of Violation. If the violator does not abate the violation promptly, the Director shall request the City to institute the appropriate proceeding at law or in equity to restrain, correct or abate such violation.

Violation, Penalties. Any person, firm or corporation who shall violate any provision of this code or who shall fail to comply with any of the requirements thereof or who shall perform work in violation of the approved construction documents or the stormwater pollution prevention plan or any directive of the City or of a permit or certificate issued under the provisions of this code or shall start any work requiring a permit without first obtaining a permit therefore or who shall continue any work in or about a structure after having been served a stop work order, except for such work which that person, firm or corporation has been directed to perform to remove a violation or unsafe conditions, or any owner of a property or any other person who commits, takes part or assists in any violation of this code or who maintains any property on which such violation shall exist shall be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) or by imprisonment not exceeding ninety (90) days or both such fine and imprisonment. Each day that a violation continues shall be deemed a separate offense.

No Permit Penalty. In addition to the penalties set out above, the following procedure shall be followed where the City determines that work has been started prior to the acquisition of a permit required by this code:

The department shall issue a stop work order.

The department Director shall notify the violator of his/her assessment regarding the appropriate penalty amount to be assessed against the violator, which shall not exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) for each day that work occurs without a permit. In making the assessment, the department shall consider whether the violator has previously violated this code and whether the occupation or experience of the violator indicates that he/she knew or should have known that a permit was required. In no case will a no permit penalty be assessed against a property owner unless he/she actually performed the work involved.

At the violator's option, he/she may deposit the assessed penalty amount in escrow (certified check or cash only) with the department without waiving the violator's right to a hearing.

No permit penalties are appealable to the City Manager. The department may revise its assessment upon notice to both the City Manager and the violator at any time prior to the hearing. Likewise, at any time prior to the hearing, the violator may accept and pay the recommended penalty amount and the hearing will be canceled.

At the hearing before the City Manager, the City Manager shall afford both the department and the alleged violator an opportunity to present any evidence or make any statements they wish to have considered.

Following the hearing, the City Manager shall determine whether a permit was required:

If the City Manager determines that a permit was required, an appropriate penalty amount shall be assessed, taking into account the same considerations as noted above. The stop work order shall remain in full force and effect until such time as the penalty amount is paid and the violator has complied with all other regulations pertaining to the issuance of permits.

If the City Manager determines that no permit was required, the department shall immediately cancel the stop work order.

Abatement Of Violation. The imposition of the penalties herein prescribed shall not preclude the City from instituting appropriate action to prevent unlawful construction or to restrain, correct or abate a violation or to prevent illegal use of a property or to stop an illegal act.

Permit Suspension Or Revocation. When a land disturbance activity is conducted in violation of the requirements of this code or the terms of the permit in such a manner as to materially adversely affect the safety, health or welfare of persons or materially be detrimental or injurious to property or improvements, the City may suspend or revoke such permit.

Stop Work Order. Upon notice from a department that work on any property is being prosecuted contrary to the provisions of this code or in an unsafe and dangerous manner, such work shall be immediately stopped. The stop work order shall be in writing and shall be given to the owner of the property involved or to the owner's agent or to the person doing the work and shall state the conditions under which work will be permitted to resume.

Unlawful Continuance. Whenever a department finds that any land disturbance activity is being prosecuted contrary to the provisions of this code or in an unsafe and dangerous manner, the owner or the person performing such activity shall immediately stop such activity. The stop work order shall be in writing and shall be given to the owner of the property involved or to the owner's agent or to the person doing the work and shall state the conditions under which work will be permitted to resume. Any person, who shall continue any work in or about the property after having been served with a stop work order, except such work as that person is directed to perform to remove a violation or unsafe condition, shall be subject to penalties as specified in this code.

Section 421.050 Appeals.

[Ord. No. 4965 §1, 1-17-2006]

Application For Appeal. Any person shall have the right to appeal a decision of the department to the City Manager. An application for appeal shall be based on a claim that the intent of this code or the rules or regulations adopted there under have been incorrectly interpreted or the provisions of this code do not apply.

Filing Procedure. All appeals shall be filed in writing with the City Manager. All appeals shall be filed within thirty (30) days after the decision to be appealed is rendered by the departments identified in this Section.

Filing Fee. All appeals must be accompanied by a fee in the amount of fifty dollars ($50.00).

Notice Of Meeting. The City Manager shall meet within ten (10) days of the filing of an appeal or at stated periodic meetings.

Open Hearing. All hearings before the City Manager shall be open to the public. The appellant the appellant's representative, the department and any person whose interests are affected shall be given an opportunity to be heard.

Procedure. The City Manager shall adopt and make available to the public procedures under which a hearing will be conducted. The procedures shall not require compliance with strict rules of evidence but shall mandate that only relevant information be received.

Resolution. The decision of the City Manager shall be in writing. Copies shall be furnished to the appellant and to the department.

Administration. The applicable department shall take immediate action in accordance with the decision of the City Manager.

Court Review. A party adversely affected by a decision of the City Manager may appeal to an appropriate court from such decision. Application for review shall be made in the manner and time required by law following the filing of the decision.

Section 421.060 Land Disturbance Permits Required.

[Ord. No. 4965 §1, 1-17-2006]

Permit Required. Any person who intends to conduct any land disturbance activity must obtain a permit prior to beginning the activity. The type of permit shall be as required by Subsections (B) and (C) in this code.

Major Land Disturbance Permit. No person shall perform any major land disturbance activity prior to receipt of a major land disturbance permit. Applications for major land disturbance permits shall be filed with the Department of Public Works for any activities performed within a right-of-way or with the Building Department for work on private property.

Ordinary Land Disturbance Permit. No person shall perform any ordinary land disturbance activity prior to receipt of an ordinary land disturbance permit. Applications for ordinary land disturbance permits shall be filed with the appropriate department.

Building Permit And Related Ordinary Land Disturbance Activities. The Building Department may include ordinary land disturbance activities associated with the construction of a building, structure or parking lot authorized by a permit issued under the building code as an integrated permit for the proposed construction.

Limitation On Transfer Of Land Disturbance Permits. Any person who buys land from a person who has been issued a land disturbance permit under this code must obtain a separate land disturbance permit from the City, except for the following:

Major land disturbance permits may be transferred to a new land owner provided the original permit holder obtains the approval of the Department of Public Works to retain responsibility for the land disturbance activities on such property.

Ordinary land disturbance permits may be transferred to a new land owner provided the original permit holder obtains the approval of the Department of Public Works to retain responsibility for the land disturbance activities on such property.

Exceptions — Land Disturbance Permits Not Required. Land disturbance permits are not required for the activities identified as items (a) and (g) in this Subsection, nor are such permits required for the activities identified in items (b) through (f), provided the activity does not alter or cause to be altered the present surface of the ground:

By any cut or fill at the property line;

By any cut or fill that would permanently divert one drainage area to another drainage area;

By any cut or fill which would deposit mud or harmful silt or create erosion or damage to adjoining properties; or

By any cut or fill that would block or affect an existing swale or drainage path in a manner to cause damming and ponding.

Any emergency activity that is immediately necessary for the protection of life, property or natural resources.

Existing farming, nursery and agricultural operations conducted as a permitted or accessory use.

Land disturbance activities involving less than thirty (30) cubic yards of earth/soil moved and less than two thousand (2,000) square feet of disturbed area provided the land disturbance activity is for the improvement of the property. Erosion and sediment control measures shall be provided, when necessary, until grass or other vegetation is established or other approved means of ground cover means are used.

Land disturbance activities associated with additions to and accessory structures for one- and two-family dwellings.

Removal of existing or dying grass or similar vegetation by disturbing not more than ten thousand (10,000) square feet and resodding or reseeding with new landscaping to include preparation of the seed bed; provided erosion and sediment control measures are provided until the grass or other vegetation is established. Any cut or fill in conjunction with the preparation of the seed bed shall not exceed thirty (30) cubic yards.

Gardening and similar activities on property occupied by one- or two-family dwellings.

Land disturbance activities by any public utility for the installation, inspection, repair or replacement of any of its equipment or for its collection or distribution lines or piping systems; provided erosion and sediment control measures are provided until grass or other vegetation is established or other approved ground cover means are used. This exception does not apply to any land disturbance activity associated with work that requires a building permit.

State Of Missouri Permits Required. The permit applicant must obtain a land disturbance permit from the State of Missouri Department of Natural Resources for any site where one (1) acre or more of land will be disturbed before beginning any site work authorized by a County permit. This requirement applies to sites of less than one (1) acre that are part of a proposed development that will ultimately disturb one (1) acre or more.

Section 421.070 Land Disturbance Permit Applications.

[Ord. No. 4965 §1, 1-17-2006]

Permit Applications. Applications for land disturbance permits required by this code shall be in the form prescribed by and accompanied by the site plans and documents determined necessary by the City. Applications for major land disturbance permits shall include proof that proposed land disturbance and uses have received zoning approval from the City.

Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan Required (SWPPP) For Major Land Disturbance Permits: All applications for major land disturbance permits shall be accompanied by a stormwater pollution prevention plan prepared for the specific site by or under the direction of a qualified professional. The application shall contain a statement that any land clearing, construction or development involving the movement of earth shall be in accordance with the stormwater pollution prevention plan and the applicant will assume and acknowledge responsibility for compliance with this code and the stormwater pollution prevention plan at the site of the permitted activity.

Required Site Development Escrows For Major Land Disturbance Permits. Applicants for major land disturbance permits shall file a site development escrow in the form of a letter of credit or other improvement security in an amount deemed sufficient by the issuing Director to cover all costs of improvements, landscaping and maintenance of improvements for such period as specified by the department. The site development escrow shall include engineering and inspection costs sufficient to cover the cost of failure or repair of improvements installed on the site.

Release Of Escrows — Project Closure. Any site development escrow will not be fully released to the property owner, site operator or permit holder until all of the following have been completed:

All temporary stormwater control Best Management Practices (BMP) have been removed and the site has been fully stabilized.

All permanent stormwater control Best Management Practices (BMP) have been completed.

All final inspections/certifications have been completed by each of the government jurisdictions involved in authorizing the project.

Section 421.080 Fees.

[Ord. No. 4965 §1, 1-17-2006]

Issuance Of Permits. Land disturbance permits shall not be issued until the fees associated with the permit are paid to the City.

Department Of Public Works. Fees for the activities of the Department of Public Works related to land disturbance permits shall be in accordance with the fee rates set forth in "Public Works and Building Regulations." In applying the code enforcement fee schedule, the total estimated cost of land disturbance activities shall include applicable grubbing, site clearing, rough grading, sediment and erosion control measures, excavating, backfill, final grading, concrete flatwork, asphalt pavement and final landscaping. The Department of Public Works may require a bona fide contract or any affidavit of the owner of the project, in which the applicant and owner verify the total cost of the site improvements related to the permit. The Department of Public Works is authorized to establish the fee by determining the plan review cost and estimating the total number of inspections required when, in the opinion of the Department Director, the fee resulting from this method more closely relates to the cost of enforcing the requirements of this code.

Section 421.090 Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP).

[Ord. No. 4965 §1, 1-17-2006]

Content — Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). The design requirements in this Chapter 421 shall be complied with when developing the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan and the plan shall include the following:

Name, address and telephone number of the site owner and the name, address and telephone number of the individual who will be in overall responsible charge of construction/development activities at the site.

Site address or location description and parcel identification number(s).

A site map showing the outlines of the total project area, the areas to be disturbed, existing land uses, locations and names of surface water bodies, locations of flood plains, locations of temporary and permanent Best Management Practices (BMP) and such other information as may be required by the City.

Existing contours of the site and adjoining strips of off-site property and proposed contours after completion of the proposed land disturbance and development, based on United States Geological Survey datum, with established elevations at buildings, walks, drives, street and roads; and information on necessary clearing and grubbing, removal of existing structures, excavating, filling materials brought to the site, spreading and compacting. Existing and proposed contours shall be shown at two (2) foot elevation intervals.

A natural resources map identifying soils, forest cover and resources protected under other provisions of Richmond Heights ordinances.

An estimate of the runoff coefficient of the site prior to disturbance and the runoff coefficient after the construction addressed in the permit application is completed.

Estimated quantity of land to be disturbed.

Details of the site drainage pattern both before and after major land disturbance activities.

Access to construction site.

10.

Description of Best Management Practices (BMP) to be utilized to control erosion and sedimentation during the period of land disturbance.

11.

Description of Best Management Practices (BMP) to be utilized to prevent other potential pollutants such as construction wastes, toxic or hazardous substances, petroleum products, pesticides, herbicides, site litter, sanitary wastes and other pollutants from entering the natural drainage ways during the period of construction and land disturbance.

12.

Description of Best Management Practices (BMP) that will be installed during land disturbance to control pollutants in stormwater discharges that will occur after land disturbance activity has been completed.

13.

Location of temporary off-street parking and wash-down area for related vehicles.

14.

Sources of off-site borrow material or spoil sites and all information relative to haul routes, trucks and equipment.

15.

The anticipated sequence of construction and land disturbance activities, including installation of Best Management Practices (BMP), removal of temporary Best Management Practices (BMP), stripping and clearing; rough grading; construction utilities, infrastructure and buildings; and final grading and landscaping. Sequencing shall identify the expected date(s) on which clearing will begin, the estimated duration of exposure of cleared areas, areas of clearing, installation of temporary erosion and sediment control measures and establishment of permanent vegetation.

16.

All erosion and sediment control measures necessary to meet the objectives of this code throughout all phases of construction and after completion of site development. Depending upon the complexity of the project, the drafting of intermediate plans may be required at the close of each season.

17.

Seeding mixtures and rates, types of sod, method of seed bed preparation, expected seeding dates, type and rate of lime and fertilizer application and kind and quantity of mulching for both temporary and permanent vegetative control measures.

18.

Provisions for maintenance of control facilities including easements and estimates of the cost of maintenance.

19.

Plans for responding to any loss of contained sediment to include the immediate actions the permit holder will take in case of a containment failure. This plan must include documentation of actions and mandatory reporting to the Department of Public Works.

20.

Schedules and procedures for routine inspections of any structures provided to prevent pollution of stormwater or to remove pollutants from stormwater and of the site in general to ensure all Best Management Practices (BMP) are continually implemented and are effective.

Required Plan Amendments — Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). The permit holder shall amend the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan whenever:

Design, operation or maintenance of Best Management Practices (BMP) is changed;

Design of the construction project is changed that could significantly affect the quality of the stormwater discharges;

Site operator's inspections indicate deficiencies in the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) or any Best Management Practices (BMP);

Inspections by City or by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources indicate deficiencies in the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) or any Best Management Practices (BMP);

The Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) is determined to be ineffective in significantly minimizing or controlling erosion or excessive sediment deposits in streams or lakes;

The Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) is determined to be ineffective in preventing pollution of waterways from construction wastes, chemicals, fueling facilities, concrete truck washouts, toxic or hazardous materials, site litter or other substances or wastes likely to have an adverse impact on water quality;

Total settleable solids from a stormwater outfall exceeds five tenths (0.5) ml/L/hr if the discharge is within the prescribed proximity of a "valuable resource water" as defined by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources;

Total settleable solids from a stormwater outfall exceeds two and one-half (2.5) ml/L/hr for any other outfall; or

The City or the Missouri Department of Natural Resources determines violations of water quality standards may occur or have occurred.

Permit Holder Responsibilities For Administration Of Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). The permit holder shall:

Notify all contractors and other entities, (including utility crews, City or County employees or their agents) that will perform work at the site, of the existence of the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) and what actions or precautions shall be taken while on site to minimize the potential for erosion and the potential for damaging any Best Management Practices (BMP);

Determine the need for and establish training programs to ensure that all site workers have been trained, at a minimum, in performing erosion control, material handling and storage and housekeeping; will be trained accordingly;

Provide copies of the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) to all parties who are responsible for installation, operation or maintenance of any Best Management Practices (BMP); and

Maintain a current copy of the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) on the site at all times.

Section 421.100 General Design Requirements.

[Ord. No. 4965 §1, 1-17-2006]

Design. The design of erosion and settlement controls required for land disturbance activities shall comply with the following minimum requirements:

Land disturbance, erosion and sediment control practices and watercourse crossings shall be adequate to prevent transportation of sediment from the site.

Materials brought to any site or property under a permit issued under this code, where said material is intended to be utilized as fill material at the site for land disturbance, erosion or sediment control, shall consist of clean uncontaminated earth, soil, dirt, sand, rocks, gravel or masonry materials or other approved materials.

Cut and fill slopes shall be no greater than three to one (3:1) except as approved by the City to meet other community or environmental objectives.

Clearing and grading of natural resources, such as forests and wetlands, shall not be permitted, except when in compliance with all other City ordinances.

Clearing techniques that retain existing vegetation to the maximum extent practicable shall be used and the time period for disturbed areas to be without vegetative cover shall be minimized to the extent practical.

Clearing, except that necessary to establish sediment control devices, shall not begin until all sediment control devices have been installed and have been stabilized.

Phasing shall be required on all sites disturbing greater than thirty (30) acres of land. The size of each phase will be established by the City at the time of plan review for the issuance of a major land disturbance permit.

Erosion Control Design. Erosion control requirements shall include the following:

Soil stabilization shall be completed within five (5) days of clearing or inactivity in construction.

If seeding or another vegetative erosion control method is used, it shall become established within two (2) weeks or the site shall be reseeded or a non-vegetative option employed.

Techniques shall be employed to ensure stabilization on steep slopes and in drainage ways.

Soil stockpiles must be stabilized or covered at the end of each workday or perimeter controls must be in place to prevent silt from the stockpile from leaving the site.

The entire site must be stabilized keep using a heavy mulch layer or another method that does not require germination to control erosion, at the close of the construction season.

Techniques shall be employed to prevent the blowing of dust or sediment from the site.

Techniques shall be employed to divert upland runoff past disturbed slopes.

Sediment Control Design. Sediment control requirements shall include:

Settling basins, sediment traps or tanks and perimeter controls.

Settling basins shall be provided for each drainage area within ten (10) or more acres disturbed at one time and shall be sized to contain five-tenths (0.5) inch of sediment from the drainage area and be able to contain a two (2) year, twenty-four (24) hour storm. If the provision of a basin of this size is impractical, other similarly effective Best Management Practices (BMP), as evaluated and specified in the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), shall be provided.

Settling basins shall be designed in a manner that allows adaptation to provide long-term stormwater management as required by the City department(s) having enforcement authority and responsibilities described this code.

Settling basins shall have stabilized spillways to minimize the potential for erosion of the spillway or basin embankment.

Protection for adjacent properties by the use of a vegetated buffer strip in combination with perimeter controls.

Watercourse Design. Watercourse protection requirements shall include:

Encroachment into or crossings of active water courses/riparian areas and wetlands shall be avoided to the maximum extent practicable. All County, state and federal permits and approvals shall be obtained by a permit holder prior to beginning work authorized by a land disturbance permit.

Stabilization of any watercourse channels before, during and after any in-channel work.

If a defined watercourse is to be realigned or reconfigured, clearing and grubbing activities within fifty (50) feet of the watercourse shall not begin until all materials and equipment necessary to protect the watercourse and complete the work are on site. Once started, work shall be completed as soon as possible. Areas within fifty (50) feet of the watercourse shall be recontoured and revegetated, seeded or otherwise protected within five (5) working days after land disturbance activities have ceased.

All stormwater conveyances shall be designed according to the criteria of the St. Louis Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD) and the necessary MSD permits obtained.

Stabilization adequate to prevent erosion shall be provided at the outlets of all pipes and paved channels.

Construction Site Access Design. Construction site access requirements for major land disturbance activities shall include:

A temporary access road provided at all land disturbance sites including a wash-down area supporting all active sites.

The City may require other measures to ensure that construction vehicles do not track sediment onto public streets or be washed with wash effluent channeled directly into storm drains.

Control Of Construction Materials And Waste. Control requirements for construction materials, construction wastes and other wastes generated on site at land disturbance sites shall include provisions satisfactory to the City.

Spill prevention and control facilities for materials such as paint, solvents, petroleum products, chemicals, toxic or hazardous substances, substances regulated under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) or the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) and any wastes generated from the use of such materials and substances, including their containers. Any containment systems employed to meet this requirement shall be constructed of materials compatible with the substances contained and shall be adequate to protect both surface and ground water.

Collection and disposal of discarded building materials and other construction site wastes, including those listed above.

Litter control.

Control of concrete truck washouts.

Assurance that on-site fueling facilities will adhere to applicable Federal and State regulations concerning storage and dispensers.

Provision of sufficient temporary toilet facilities to serve the number of workers on major land disturbance sites.

Section 421.110 General.

[Ord. No. 4965 §1, 1-17-2006]

Inspections — General. The City shall make inspections as herein required and shall either approve that portion of the work completed or shall notify the permit holder wherein the work fails to comply with the land disturbance, erosion and sediment control plan as approved. Plans for land disturbance, stripping, excavating and filling work bearing the stamp of approval of the City department issuing the permit shall be maintained at the site during the progress of the work. To obtain inspections, a permit holder shall notify the appropriate department at least two (2) working days before the following:

Start of construction;

Installation of sediment and erosion measures;

Completion of site clearing;

Completion of rough grading;

Completion of final grading;

Close of the construction season;

Completion of final landscaping.

Extra Inspections. In addition to the inspections otherwise required, the City is authorized to perform and charge fees for extra inspections or reinspections which in its judgment are reasonably necessary due to non-compliance with the requirements of this code or work not ready or accessible for inspection when requested.

Permit Holder Inspection And Report — Responsibilities — Major Land Disturbances. The holder of a major land disturbance permit or his/her agent shall cause regular inspections of land disturbance sites by a qualified special inspector. Inspections shall include all erosion and sediment and other pollutant control measures, outfalls and off-site receiving waters in accordance with the inspection schedule outlined in the approved Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). Inspections must be scheduled at least once per week and no later than seventy-two (72) hours after heavy rain. The purpose of such inspections will be to ensure proper installation, operation and maintenance of Best Management Practices (BMP) and to determine the overall effectiveness of the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) and the need for additional control measures. All inspections shall be documented in written form on weekly reports with copies submitted to the appropriate department at the time interval specified in the permit. Permit holder inspection reports must include the following minimum information:

Inspector's name and signature;

Date of inspection;

Observations relative to the effectiveness of the Best Management Practices (BMP);

Actions taken or necessary to correct deficiencies; and

A listing of areas where land disturbance operations have permanently or temporarily stopped. The permit holder shall notify the site contractor(s) responsible for any deficiencies identified so that deficiencies can be corrected within seven (7) calendar days of the weekly inspection report.

Verification Of Permit Holder's Reports. The City may make extra inspections as deemed necessary to ensure the validity of the reports filed under Subsection (C) of this Section or to otherwise ensure proper installation, operation and maintenance of Stormwater Best Management Practices (BMP) and to determine the overall effectiveness of the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) and the need for additional control measures.