[Ord. 2004-2, 4/5/2004]
This chapter shall be known, and may be cited, as the "Watsontown Borough Stormwater Management Ordinance."
[Ord. 2004-2, 4/5/2004]
Act 581 of 1966, the Borough Code,[1] as amended, empowers Boroughs to regulate activities that affect public health, safety, and welfare. Act 247 of July 31, 1968, the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code[2] as amended, authorizes the governing body of each municipality to regulate subdivision and land developments. In addition, Act 167 of October 4, 1978, the Storm Water Management Act,[3] authorizes the regulation of land and water use for flood control and stormwater management purposes, imposing duties and conferring powers on the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, municipalities, and counties.
[1]
Editor's Note: See now 8 Pa.C.S.A. § 101 et seq.
[2]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq.
[3]
Editor's Note: See 32 P.S. § 680.1 et seq.
[Ord. 2004-2, 4/5/2004]
This chapter is enacted for the following purposes:
1. 
To manage accelerated stormwater runoff problems at their source by regulating activities which cause such problems, to utilize and preserve desirable existing natural drainage systems, to encourage recharge of groundwater, to prevent the deterioration of groundwater quality, to maintain the existing flows and quality of streams and watercourses in the municipality, and to preserve and restore the flood-carrying capacity of streams;
2. 
To provide minimum standards for the design, installation, and maintenance of all permanent stormwater management structures constructed in the municipality;
3. 
To assure, at a minimum, that the peak rate of stormwater runoff (peak discharge) is no greater after development than prior to development within the municipality;
4. 
To minimize danger to public health and safety and damages to property by providing for management of stormwater runoff.
[Ord. 2004-2, 4/5/2004]
This chapter shall apply to activities involving the alteration or development of land that may affect stormwater runoff characteristics, and the installation of stormwater systems or appurtenances thereto.
[Ord. 2004-2, 4/5/2004]
Permits and approvals issued pursuant to this chapter do not relieve the applicant/developer of the responsibility to secure required permits or approvals for activities regulated by any other applicable code, rule, act, or ordinance.
[Ord. 2004-2, 4/5/2004]
Definitions of terms used in this Part may be found in Part 5 of this chapter.
[Ord. 2004-2, 4/5/2004]
Specific methods and publications indicated in this chapter shall, in all cases, refer to the latest available edition and include revisions or amendments thereto.