The governing body of the Borough of Westmont finds that:
A. 
Inadequate management of accelerated stormwater runoff resulting from development throughout the Conemaugh River and Stonycreek River watersheds increases flood flows and velocities, contributes to erosion and sedimentation,overtaxes the carrying capacity of existing 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 groundwater recharge, and threatens public health and safety.
B. 
A comprehensive program of stormwater management, including reasonable regulation of development and activities causing accelerated erosion, is fundamental to the public health, safety, welfare, and the protection of the people of the Borough of Westmont and all the people of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, their resources, and the environment.
The purpose of this chapter is to promote health, safety, and welfare within the Conemaugh River Watershed and Stonycreek River Watershed by minimizing the damages described in § 191-1A of this chapter through provisions designed to:
A. 
Manage accelerated runoff and erosion and sedimentation problems at their source by regulating activities that cause these problems.
B. 
Utilize and preserve the existing natural drainage systems.
C. 
Encourage recharge of groundwater where appropriate and prevent degradation of groundwater quality.
D. 
Maintain existing flows and quality of streams and watercourses in the Borough of Westmont and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
E. 
Preserve and restore the flood-carrying capacity of streams.
F. 
Provide proper maintenance of all permanent stormwater management facilities that are constructed in the Borough of Westmont.
G. 
Provide performance standards and design criteria for watershed-wide stormwater management and planning.
The Borough of Westmont is empowered to regulate land use activities that affect runoff by the authority of the Act of October 4, 1978, P.S. 864 (Act 167) Section 680.1 et seq., as amended, the Storm Water Management Act,[1] and § 191-4 of the Borough Code of the Borough of Westmont.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 32 P.S. § 680.1 et seq.
A. 
This chapter shall apply to those areas of the Borough of Westmont that are located within the Conemaugh River and Stonycreek River Watersheds.
B. 
This chapter shall only apply to permanent stormwater management facilities constructed as part of the regulated activities listed in this section. Stormwater management and erosion and sedimentation control during construction activities are specifically not regulated by this chapter, but shall continue to be regulated under existing laws and ordinances.
C. 
This chapter contains only the stormwater management performance standards and design criteria that are necessary or desirable from a watershed-wide perspective. Local stormwater management design criteria shall continue to be regulated by the applicable municipal ordinances or at the municipal engineer's discretion.
D. 
The following activities are defined as "regulated activities" and shall be regulated by this chapter:
(1) 
Land development.
(2) 
Subdivision.
(3) 
Construction of new or additional impervious or semipervious surfaces (driveways, parking lots, etc.).
(4) 
Construction of new buildings or additions to existing buildings.
(5) 
Diversion of piping of any natural or man-made stream channel.
(6) 
Installation of stormwater management facilities or appurtenances thereto.
Approvals issued pursuant to this chapter do not relieve the applicant of the responsibility to secure required permits or approvals for activities regulated by any other applicable codes, rules, or ordinances or to comply with other applicable statues.
The granting of an exemption, permit, or approval by the municipality does not relieve the applicant from assuring that stormwater runoff from the development site will be managed in a manner which adequately protects health and property from possible injury.