[Ord. 2011-12,[1] 6/20/2011]
This Part regulates:
A. 
Stormwater runoff associated with land development, subdivision of land and construction of impervious surface.
B. 
Diversion of natural or man-made channels.
C. 
The installation of stormwater systems in all portions of Doylestown Borough.
D. 
Prohibition Against Nonstormwater Discharges.
[Amended by Ord. No. 2022-7, 9/19/2022]
(1) 
Prohibited Discharges.
(a) 
No person shall allow, or cause to allow, stormwater discharges into the Borough's separate storm sewer system or into the surface waters of this commonwealth that are not composed entirely of stormwater, except:
1) 
As provided in Subsection D(1)(b) below; and
2) 
Discharges allowed under a state or federal permit.
(b) 
Discharges which may be allowed, based on a finding by the Borough that the discharge(s) do not significantly contribute pollution to the Borough's separate storm sewer system or to the surface waters of the commonwealth, are:
1) 
Discharge from firefighting activities.
2) 
Discharges from potable water sources, including water line flushing and fire hydrant flushing, if such discharges do not contain detectable concentrations of total residual chlorine ("TRC").
3) 
Noncontaminated irrigation water, water from lawn maintenance, landscape drainage and flows from riparian habitats and wetlands.
4) 
Noncontaminated HVAC condensation and water from geothermal systems.
5) 
Residential (i.e., not commercial) vehicle wash water where cleaning agents are not utilized.
6) 
Diverted stream flows and springs.
7) 
Noncontaminated pumped ground water and water from foundation and footing drains and crawl space pumps. Connection of a sump pump discharge pipe directly into the storm sewer system is encouraged; however, discharge to a lawn area is acceptable. A permit and approval from the Borough will be required for any connection to the storm sewer system.
8) 
Noncontaminated hydrostatic test water discharges, if such discharges do not contain detectable concentrations of TRC.
9) 
Roof drains and sump pumps shall discharge to infiltration or vegetative BMPs wherever feasible.
(c) 
In the event the Borough determines that any of the discharges identified in Subsection D(1)(b) significantly contribute to pollution of the Borough separate storm sewer system or of surface waters of the commonwealth, the Borough will notify the responsible person to cease the discharge.
(d) 
Upon notice provided by the Borough under Subsection D(1)(c), the discharger will have a reasonable time, as determined by the Borough in its sole, reasonable discretion, to cease the discharge, consistent with the degree of pollution caused by the discharge.
(e) 
Nothing in this section shall affect a discharger's responsibilities under state law.
(2) 
Prohibited Connections. The following connections are prohibited, except as provided in Subsection D(1)(b) above:
(a) 
Any drain or conveyance, whether on the surface or subsurface, which allows any non-stormwater discharge, including sewage, process wastewater, and washwater, to enter the Borough's separate storm sewer system or to enter the surface waters of this commonwealth. No grass clippings, trash, debris, etc. shall be allowed into the Borough's separate storm sewer system.
(b) 
Any drain or conveyance connected from a commercial or industrial land use to the separate storm sewer system that has not been documented in plans, maps, or equivalent records and approved by the Borough.
(3) 
Alteration of SWM BMPs.
(a) 
No person shall modify, remove, fill, landscape, or alter any SWM BMPs, facilities, areas, or structures that were installed as a requirement of this Part without the written approval of the municipality.
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance superseded former Ch. 8, Flood Plain Regulations, Part 1, Stormwater Management, adopted 4-1-1994 by Ord. 1994-4.
[Ord. 2011-12, 6/20/2011]
This Part shall be known as the "Doylestown Borough Stormwater Management Ordinance."
[Ord. 2011-12, 6/20/2011]
The Doylestown Borough Council finds that:
A. 
Inadequate management of accelerated stormwater runoff resulting from development and redevelopment throughout a watershed increases flood flows and velocities, contributes to erosion and sedimentation, overtaxes the carrying 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 groundwater recharge, and threatens public health and safety.
B. 
Inadequate planning and management of stormwater runoff resulting from land development and redevelopment throughout a watershed can also 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.
C. 
A comprehensive program of stormwater management (SWM), including reasonable regulation of development and activities causing accelerated runoff, is fundamental to the public health, safety, welfare, and the protection of the people of the municipality and all the people of the commonwealth, their resources, and the environment.
D. 
Stormwater is an important water resource providing groundwater recharge for water supplies and base flow of streams, which also protects and maintains surface water quality.
E. 
Public education on the control of pollution from stormwater is an essential component in successfully addressing stormwater.
F. 
Federal and state regulations require certain municipalities to implement a program of stormwater controls. These municipalities are required to obtain a permit for stormwater discharges from their separate storm sewer systems under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES).
G. 
The use of green infrastructure and low-impact development ("LID") are intended to address the root cause of water quality impairment by using systems and practices which use or mimic natural processes to: 1) infiltrate and recharge, 2) evapotranspire, and/or 3) harvest and use precipitation near where it falls to earth. Green infrastructure practices and LID contribute to the restoration or maintenance of pre-development hydrology.
[Added by Ord. No. 2022-7, 9/19/2022]
[Ord. 2011-12, 6/20/2011]
The purpose of this Part is to promote the public health, safety and welfare within Doylestown Borough by minimizing the damages described in this Part by provisions designed to:
A. 
Manage stormwater runoff created by development activities, taking into account the cumulative stormwater impacts from peak runoff rates and runoff volume.
B. 
Maintain and/or improve existing water quality of streams, watercourses and impoundments by preventing the additional loading of various stormwater runoff pollutants into the stream system and enhancing base flow as much as possible.
C. 
Meet legal water quality requirements under state law, including regulations at 25 Pa. Code, Chapter 93, to protect, maintain, reclaim, and restore the existing and designated uses of the waters of the commonwealth.
D. 
Minimize increases in stormwater volume and control peak flows.
E. 
Minimize impervious surfaces.
F. 
Provide review procedures and performance standards for stormwater planning and management.
G. 
Preserve the natural drainage systems as much as possible.
H. 
Manage stormwater impacts close to the runoff source, requiring a minimum of structures and relying on natural processes.
I. 
Focus on infiltration of stormwater to maintain groundwater recharge, to prevent degradation of surface and groundwater quality, and to otherwise protect water resources.
J. 
Preserve and restore the flood-carrying capacity of streams.
K. 
Prevent scour and erosion of stream banks and streambeds.
L. 
Provide standards to meet National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit requirements.
M. 
Address certain requirements of the municipal separate stormwater sewer system (MS4) NPDES Phase II Stormwater Regulations.
N. 
Provide for proper operation and maintenance of all stormwater management facilities and best management practices (BMPs) that are implemented in the municipality.
[Ord. 2011-12, 6/20/2011]
The Doylestown Borough Council is empowered to regulate land use activities that affect runoff, surface and groundwater quality and quantity by the authority of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Code, Act 247,[1] as amended, the Pennsylvania Storm Water Management Act,[2] Act No. 167 of October 4, 1978 (P.L. 864); and the Borough Code. The Doylestown Borough Council hereby enacts and ordains this Part as the Doylestown Borough Stormwater Management Ordinance.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq.
[2]
Editor's Note: See 32 P.S. § 680.1 et seq.
[Ord. 2011-12, 6/20/2011]
1. 
The following activities are defined as regulated activities and shall be regulated by this Part:
A. 
Land development.
B. 
Subdivision.
C. 
Construction, reconstruction, or addition of new impervious surfaces (driveways, parking lots, roads, etc., except for reconstruction of roads, driveways, parking lots where there is no increase in impervious surface).
D. 
Construction of new buildings or additions to existing buildings.
E. 
Diversion or piping or encroachment in any natural or man-made stream channel or conveyance channel.
F. 
Regulated earth disturbance activity.
G. 
Prohibited or polluted discharges.
H. 
Alteration of the natural hydrologic regime.
I. 
Redevelopment.
J. 
Nonstructural and structural stormwater management best management practices (BMPs) or appurtenances thereto.
2. 
Additional stormwater management design and construction criteria, such as inlet spacing, collection system details, construction material specifications, etc., shall be as described in this Part or in the Doylestown Borough Subdivision and Land Development Regulations. Appropriate sections from the Doylestown Borough's Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance, and other applicable local ordinances, shall be followed in the design, construction, and maintenance of all stormwater BMPs if not listed in this Part.
3. 
This Part shall apply to all regulated activities detailed above. The more stringent requirements of this Part, the Zoning Ordinance, the Subdivision and Land Development Regulations or other requirements of Doylestown Borough shall apply if any regulated activity requires compliance with other ordinances and regulations of Doylestown Borough.
4. 
Should any section or provision of this Part be declared invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of any of the remaining provisions of this Part.
[Ord. 2011-12, 6/20/2011]
Approvals issued pursuant to this Part do not relieve the applicant of the responsibility to secure required permits or approvals for activities regulated by any other applicable code, rule, act or ordinance.
[Ord. 2011-12, 6/20/2011; as amended by Ord. No. 2011-17, 10/17/2011]
1. 
Regulated activities that create impervious surfaces less than or equal to 1,000 square feet are exempt from the peak rate control, volume control, and the SWM site plan preparation requirements located in this Part unless the activity is found to be a significant contributor of pollution to the waters of the commonwealth.
[Amended by Ord. No. 2022-7, 9/19/2022]
2. 
Regulated activities that create impervious surfaces greater than 1,000 square feet, up to and including 5,000 square feet, are exempt only from the peak rate control requirements of this Part. These activities are not exempt from the SWM site plan requirements and the volume requirements of the Part. The non-engineered small project site plan detailed in Appendix X[1] can be used to satisfy the SWM site plan requirements for residential activities only and the volume control requirements.
[Amended by Ord. No. 2022-7, 9/19/2022]
Impervious Surface Exemption Thresholds for the Neshaminy Creek Watershed
Part Article or Section
Type of Project
Proposed Impervious Surface
0 to 1,000 square feet
More than 1,000 to 5,000 square feet
5,000 or more square feet
Subpart D, SWM site plan requirements
All development
Exempt
Not exempt (except residential activity)
Not exempt
Appendix X, Non-Engineered Small Project Site Plan
Only residential development applicable
Exempt
Applicable
Not applicable
§ 8-122, volume control requirements
All development
Exempt
Not exempt
Not exempt
§ 8-123, peak rate controls
All development
Exempt
Exempt
Not exempt
§ 8-151, as-built plans, completion certificate, and final inspection
All development
Exempt
Not exempt (except residential activity)
Not exempt
§ 8-126, erosion and sediment pollution control requirements
Must comply with Title 25, Chapter 102 of the PA Code and any other applicable state, county and municipal codes. PA DEP requires an engineered post-construction SWM plan with projects proposing earth disturbance greater than one acre.
[1]
Editor's Note: Appendix X is on file in the Borough offices.
3. 
Regulated activities that result in cumulative earth disturbances less than one acre are exempt from the requirements in § 8-127 of this Part.
[Added by Ord. No. 2022-7, 9/19/2022[2]]
[2]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also renumbered former Subsections 3 through 8 as Subsections 4 through 9 respectively.
4. 
Agricultural activity is exempt from the peak rate control requirements and SWM site plan preparation requirements of this Part, provided that the activities are performed according to the requirements of 25 Pa. Code, Chapter 102.
5. 
Forest management and timber operations are exempt from the peak rate control requirements and SWM site plan preparation requirements of this Part, provided that the activities are performed according to the requirements of 25 Pa. Code, Chapter 102.
6. 
Any aspect of BMP maintenance to an existing SWM system made in accordance with plans and specifications approved by Doylestown Borough is exempt.
7. 
The use of land for gardening for home consumption is exempt from the requirements of this Part.
8. 
Exemptions from any provisions of this Part shall not relieve the applicant from the requirements in Section 8-121, Subsections 13 through 21.
9. 
Additional exemption criteria:
A. 
Exemption Responsibilities. An exemption shall not relieve the applicant from implementing such measures as are necessary to protect public health, safety, and property.
B. 
Drainage Problems. Where drainage problems are documented or known to exist downstream of, or are expected from, the proposed activity, Doylestown Borough may deny exemptions.
C. 
Exemptions are limited to specific portions of this Part.
D. 
HQ and EV Streams. Doylestown Borough may deny exemptions in high quality (HQ) or exceptional value (EV) waters and Source Water Protection Areas (SWPA).
10. 
The Borough may deny or revoke any exemption pursuant to this § 8-108 at any time for any project that the Doylestown Borough believes may pose a threat to public health and safety or the environment.
[Added by Ord. No. 2022-7, 9/19/2022]
[Ord. 2011-12, 6/20/2011]
Any other ordinance or ordinance provision of Doylestown Borough inconsistent with any of the provisions of this Part is hereby repealed to the extent of the inconsistency only.
[Added by Ord. No. 2022-7, 9/19/2022]
1. 
If Doylestown Borough Council determines that any requirement under this Part cannot be achieved for a particular regulated activity, the Doylestown Borough Council may, after an evaluation of alternatives, approve measures other than those in this Part, subject to § 8-110, Subsections 2 and 3.
2. 
Waivers or modifications of the requirements of this Part may be approved by the Doylestown Borough Council if enforcement will exact undue hardship because of peculiar conditions pertaining to the land in question, provided that the modifications will not be contrary to the public interest and that the purpose of this Part is preserved. Cost or financial burden shall not be considered a hardship. Modification may be considered if an alternative standard or approach will provide equal or better achievement of the purpose of this Part. A request for modifications shall be in writing and accompany the Stormwater Management Site Plan submission. The request shall provide the facts on which the request is based, the provision(s) of this Part involved and the proposed modification.
3. 
No waiver or modification of any regulated stormwater activity involving earth disturbance greater than or equal to one acre may be granted by Doylestown Borough unless that action is approved in advance by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) or the delegated county conservation district.