Jefferson County, MO Article II Land Disturbance and Stormwater Management

Section 505.130 General.

[Ord. No. 17-0244, 4-24-2017]

A. No person shall undertake any land disturbance activity or in any way disturb the surface of land, except as otherwise provided by law or provided in this Chapter.

B. No person shall engage in any land disturbance activity or by any action cause or permit any soil, earth, sand, gravel, rock, stone or other material to be deposited upon or to roll, flow or wash upon or over the premises of another in an unlawful manner without the express written consent of the owner of the premises affected. No person shall engage in any land disturbance activity or by any action in violation of this Chapter, cause or permit any soil, earth, sand, gravel, rock, stone or other material to be deposited to roll, flow or wash upon or over any public street, street improvement, road, sewer, storm drain, watercourse, rights-of-way or any public property or adjacent private property.

C. No person engaged in any land disturbance activity shall, when hauling soil, earth, sand, gravel, rock, stone or other material over any public street, road, alley or public property, allow those materials to blow, spill or be tracked over and upon any street, road, alley or public property or adjacent private property.

D. No person shall engage in any activity that would be in violation of the regulations dictated by the Phase II Stormwater National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) in accordance with the Clean Water Act of 1972.

Section 505.140 Purpose Of Article.

[Ord. No. 17-0244, 4-24-2017]

A. The purpose of this Article is to protect and further the public interest by regulating land disturbance, filling, stripping and soil storage in connection with the clearing and grading of land for construction-related or other purposes. With these regulations, the County will promote the coexistence of the natural environment with planned development, assist in the County's efforts to comply with the Phase II Storm Water National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) regulations, provide effective stormwater management, protect property from damage due to flooding and erosion, improve water quality and reduce water pollution, control construction site impacts on stormwater, prevent non-stormwater discharges into the storm sewer system, protect natural stream assets using buffer strips, and protect valuable natural water resources. This includes protection of existing vegetation for use as buffer strips. The County hereby recognizes that the nature of temporary construction controls is time critical. Techniques and objectives are encouraged by the County to promote coexistence of the natural environment and planned development. It is also the purpose of this Article to encourage responsible development and minimize the impacts of development.

B. This Article establishes substantive and procedural requirements to:

1. Protect the water quality of the streams, rivers, lakes and drainage areas within Jefferson County. To be in compliance with the Phase II Stormwater National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) as mandated through the Clean Water Act, specific activities shall be undertaken and regulated by the County. This Article establishes substantive and procedural and enforcement requirements for:

a. Illicit discharge detection and elimination;

b. Construction site stormwater runoff control; and

c. Post-construction stormwater management in new development and redevelopment.

The Erosion and Sediment Control/Stormwater Management Design Manual contains the activities and BMPs required to fulfill these requirements.

2. Protect and enhance the water quality of watercourses, water bodies and wetlands by controlling erosion, sedimentation and related environmental damage caused by construction-related or other activities; and

3. Encourage creative approaches to development, including low impact development (LID), that are designed and implemented to be sensitive to the natural environment thereby resulting in high quality development for those who visit, reside and work in the County.

Section 505.150 Definitions.

[Ord. No. 17-0244, 4-24-2017; Ord. No. 20-0368, 8-28-2020; Ord. No. 24-0371, 10-15-2024]

In this Chapter, these words and phrases have the following meanings:

APPLICANT

Any person who makes application for a land disturbance permit as required by this Chapter.

APPLICATION

A proposed plan of representational drawings and/or other documents submitted for a land disturbance permit for a site. The application may be an independent submittal or may be a part of another development application or applications authorized by the Unified Development Order (UDO).

APPROVED PLAN

A set of representational drawings or other documents for a site that contain the information and specifications required by the County to minimize off-site sedimentation from land disturbance activities. The approved plan constitutes a SWPPP, required by Section 505.220, that has been approved by the County as complying with the provisions of this Chapter.

AS-BUILT PLAN

A sealed drawing or plan prepared and certified by a licensed professional that depicts the actual dimensions and elevations of the completed stormwater system and detention structures or facility.

BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES (BMP)

Schedules of activities, prohibitions of practices, general good house keeping practices, pollution prevention and educational practices, maintenance procedures and other management practices to prevent or reduce the discharge of pollutants directly or indirectly to stormwater, receiving waters or stormwater conveyance systems. BMPs also include treatment practices, operating procedures and practices to control site runoff, spillage or leaks, sludge or water disposal or drainage from raw materials storage.

BUFFER STRIP ENHANCEMENT PLAN

A plan that identifies improvements made to the streamside zone and/or outer zone of the buffer strip.

BUFFER/BUFFER STRIP

An area closest to a sensitive environmental site (e.g., wetland, waterbody, etc.) in which certain human activities are limited in order to minimize the negative impacts from adjacent land uses (like erosion, pollutants in runoff, disturbance to wildlife) affecting the sensitive environmental site.

CLEARING

Any act by which vegetative cover, structures or surface material is removed, including, but not limited to, root mass or topsoil removal.

COMMON PLAN OF DEVELOPMENT OR SALE

An area where multiple separate and distinct land disturbing activities may be taking place at different times, on different schedules, but under one (1) proposed plan. This plan consists of many small construction projects that collectively add up to one (1) or more acres of total disturbed land. For example, an original common plan of development of a residential subdivision might lay out the streets, house lots, and areas for parks, schools and commercial development that the developer plans to build or sell to others for development. All these areas would remain part of the common plan of development or sale until the intended construction is completed.

DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION

All applications required by the County Code as a prerequisite to initiation of land disturbance.

DIRECTOR

The Director of Public Works or a duly authorized representative.

DISCHARGE

The flow and/or concentration of uncontaminated stormwater from downspouts or sump pumps or other pumps or mechanical devices.

DOMESTIC SEWAGE

Sewage originating primarily from kitchen, bathroom and laundry sources, including waste from food preparation, dishwashing, garbage grinding, toilets, baths, showers and sinks.

EROSION

The process by which the ground surface is worn away by the action of the wind, water, ice, gravity or artificial means and/or land disturbance activities.

EXCAVATING

Any act by which soil is cut into, dug, quarried, uncovered, removed, displaced, relocated or bulldozed and includes the conditions that result from that act.

EXISTING GRADE

The vertical location of the existing ground surface prior to excavation or filling.

FEDERAL PROJECT

Any project on Federally owned land that involves land disturbance or any project that involves land disturbance activity and is administered by a Federal agency. Use of Federal funds does not necessarily qualify an activity as a Federal project.

FILLING

Any act by which soil is mechanically deposited, placed, pushed, pulled or transported and includes the conditions that result from that act.

FINISHED GRADE

The final grade or elevation of the ground surface conforming to an approved plan.

FLOODPLAIN

The floodway and floodway fringe as identified by the Federal Insurance Program through its Flood Insurance Rate Map for Jefferson County, Missouri, dated April 5, 2006, and subsequent revisions.

GARBAGE

The decaying animal and vegetable waste materials from the handling, preparation, cooking or consumption of food, including waste materials from markets, storage facilities and the handling and sale of produce and other food products.

GRADING

Any act by which soil is cleared, stripped, moved, leveled, stockpiled or any combination thereof and includes the conditions that result from that act.

HEAVY RAIN

A rainfall event of one-half (0.50) or more inches of precipitation.

HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE (HHW)

Any material generated in a household (including single and multiple residences) that would be classified as hazardous.

ILLEGAL DISCHARGE

See "illicit discharge" below.

ILLICIT CONNECTION

Any drain or conveyance, whether on the surface or subsurface, which allows an illicit discharge to enter the storm drainage system.

ILLICIT DISCHARGE

Any discharge to the storm drainage system that is prohibited under this document.

LAND DISTURBANCE ACTIVITY

Any act other than those related to agricultural activity by which soil is moved and land changed that may result in erosion or the movement of sediments and may include tilling, clearing, grading, excavating, stripping, stockpiling, filling and related activities and the covering of land surfaces with an impermeable material. A land disturbance permit is required when five thousand (5,000) square feet or more of land is disturbed within the urban area boundary of the unincorporated limits of Jefferson County or greater than fifteen (15) acres if outside the urban area boundary.

LICENSED PROFESSIONAL

An individual who is duly licensed by the Missouri Board of Architects, Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors to practice and seal land disturbance/stormwater management requirements within their discipline.

LOW IMPACT DEVELOPMENT (LID)/CONSERVATION DEVELOPMENT

A comprehensive technology-based approach to managing urban stormwater.

MAXIMUM EXTENT PRACTICABLE

The use of those best management practices which, based on sound engineering and hydro-geological principles, regulate and manage erosion and sedimentation during and after development.

NATURAL WATERCOURSE

A channel formed in the existing surface topography of the earth prior to changes made by unnatural conditions.

PERMIT

The land disturbance permit issued by the Director authorizing land disturbance activities of five thousand (5,000) square feet or more within the urban area boundary of the unincorporated limits of Jefferson County or greater than fifteen (15) acres if outside the urban area boundary in accordance with the requirements of this Chapter.

PERMITTEE

Any person to whom a land disturbance permit is issued pursuant to this Chapter.

PRIVATE DRAINAGE SYSTEM

All privately or publicly owned ground, surfaces, structures or systems that contribute to or convey stormwater, including, but not limited to, roofs, gutters, downspouts, lawns, driveways, pavement, roads, streets, curbs, gutters, ditches, inlets, drains, catch basins, pipes, tunnels, culverts, channels, detention basins, ponds, draws, swales, streams and any ground surface.

RESPONSIBLE PERSONNEL

Any person designated in the permit qualified as the person in charge of on-site land disturbance activities or erosion and sediment control associated with land disturbance activities; the responsible personnel shall provide the County, as part of the permit issuance, with a contact telephone number so that the County may reach such person in the event the County desires to conduct an inspection of the site at which land disturbance activities are underway.

RUBBISH

Non-decaying solid waste, excluding ashes that consist of: combustible waste materials including paper, rags, cartons, wood, excelsior, furniture, rubber, plastics, yard trimmings, leaves and similar materials; and non-combustible waste materials including glass, crockery, tin cans, aluminum cans, metal furniture and similar materials that do not burn at ordinary incinerator temperatures (sixteen thousand degrees Fahrenheit (1,600° F.) to eighteen thousand degrees Fahrenheit (1800° F.)).

SEDIMENT

Soils or other earthen materials transported or deposited by the action of wind, water, ice, gravity or artificial means.

SEPTIC TANK WASTE

Any domestic sewage from holding tanks such as vessels, chemical toilets, campers, trailers, septic tanks and aerated tanks.

SITE

Any lot or parcel of land or a series of lots or parcels of land adjoining or contiguous or joined together under one (1) ownership on which land disturbance activity is proposed in an application.

SLOPE

The inclined surface of a fill, excavation or natural terrain expressed as a ratio of horizontal distance to vertical distance.

SOIL

The unconsolidated mineral and organic material (i.e., earth, sand, gravel, rock or other similar material) on the immediate surface of the earth that serves as a natural medium for the growth of land plants.

STATE PROJECT

Any project on State-owned land that involves land disturbance activity or any project that involves land disturbance activity and is administered by a State agency. Use of State funds does not necessarily qualify an activity as a State project.

STORM WATER POLLUTION PREVENTION PLAN (SWPPP)

A plan outlining specific land disturbance activities at a site and the design implementation management and maintenance of "Best Management Practices" in order to prevent and reduce the amount of sediment and other pollutants in stormwater discharges.

STREAMBANK, TOP OF EXISTING

The usual boundaries, not the flood boundaries, of a stream channel. The top of the natural incline bordering a stream.

STRIPPING

Any activity by which the vegetative cover is removed or disturbed, including tree removal, clearing, grubbing and storage or removal of topsoil.

VEGETATIVE COVER

Any grasses, shrubs, trees and other vegetation that hold and stabilize soils.

WATERCOURSE or DRAINAGEWAY

Any natural or artificial watercourse associated with activities regulated by Chapter 505, including streams, rivers, creeks, ditches, channels, canals, conduits, culverts, drains, waterways, gullies, ravines or washes, in which water flows in a definite direction or course, either continuously or intermittently.

WATERSHED PLAN

Strategy that provides assessment and management information for a geographically defined watershed or subwatershed, including the analyses, actions, participants and resources related to developing and implementing the plan.

WATERSHEDS

An area of land that water runs across or under on its way to a stream or river that is located at the lowest point in the watershed.

WETLANDS

Those areas that have a predominance of hydric soils and that are inundated or saturated by surface or ground water at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. This does not include the following surface waters of the State intentionally constructed from sites that are not wetlands: drainage ditches, grass-lined swales and landscape amenities.

YARD WASTE

Leaves, grass clippings, tree limbs, brush, soil, rocks or debris that result from landscaping, gardening, yard maintenance or land clearing operations.

Section 505.160 Policy/Administration.

[Ord. No. 17-0244, 4-24-2017]

A. It is the policy of the County that all land disturbance activity be performed in a manner consistent with the requirements of this Chapter, except as otherwise specifically provided, in a manner that promotes the co-existence of the natural environment and quality, planned development, effective stormwater management and responsible development.

1. Regulations. The Director may prepare or cause to be prepared and may recommend the adoption of regulations necessary to implement this Chapter.

2. Construction Standards. The Director is hereby authorized to prepare for adoption by the County construction standards for erosion and sediment controls based upon sound engineering judgment. Copies of any such construction standards shall be available in the office of the Department of Public Works.

3. County's Right To Enter. In making an application for a permit covered by this Chapter, the applicant or the landowner performing or allowing the work shall cooperate with the County in the processing and administering of the permits, including being reasonably available for site inspections, so that the County may verify compliance with the approved plan. If work is necessary to bring the site into compliance with the approved plan prior to entering the site, the County shall contact the applicant's responsible personnel or the landowner and give them the opportunity to accompany the County personnel on any site visit. Except in an emergency, the County shall give an applicant or landowner at least twelve (12) hours' prior notice of any such inspection.

4. Waiver Of Requirements. The Director is hereby authorized to waive any requirement contained in this Article upon a finding that for the purposes and policy of this Article, as set forth in Sections 505.140 and 505.160 respectively, are otherwise accomplished.

Section 505.170 Erosion And Sediment Control/Stormwater Management Design Criteria.

[Ord. No. 17-0244, 4-24-2017]

A. Grading erosion control practices, sediment control practices and waterway crossings shall comply with the erosion and sediment control/stormwater design criteria and shall be adequate to prevent erosion and the transportation of sediment from the site to the maximum extent practicable. Cut and fill slopes shall be no greater than 3:1, except where recommended on an engineering soils report prepared by an engineer licensed in the State of Missouri.

B. Buffer Strips.

[Ord. No. 22-0185, 3-16-2022]

1. Channel Protection. Requiring channel protection volume control will treat the high-frequency, low-severity storm runoff events within the detention basins by metering it out slowly over twenty-four (24) to forty-eight (48) hours.

2. Clearing and grading of natural resources, such as buffer strips along designated natural streams, forests and wetlands, shall not be permitted, except when in compliance with this Chapter. No land disturbance shall occur on any parcel of land that is within or partially within a defined buffer strip unless the land disturbance is in compliance with the provisions of this Chapter.

3. Land disturbance and development shall not occur in floodways, unless allowed by a floodplain development permit as approved by the County.

4. Stream buffers are to be recorded as conservation easement areas on the plats of developments. Land disturbance or development shall not occur along watercourses within twenty-five (25) feet from the top of the bank on first (1st) and second (2nd) order streams and one hundred (100) feet from the top of the bank on third (3rd) and higher order streams, wetlands and sink holes, except as provided for in Subsection (D) of this Section. This strip of land is called the buffer strip and consists of the area of land extending along a side of a stream. If a watershed plan has been developed for a watershed within Jefferson County and accepted by the County Council as an element of the Master Plan, unique conditions in that watershed may dictate the need for a wider buffer strip. In those cases, the recommendation for riparian buffer strips in the watershed plan will be the controlling factor.

5. Buffer strips are divided into two (2) zones, the streamside zone and the outer zone. The "streamside zone" is the area within twenty-five (25) feet from the top of the bank on first (1st) and second (2nd) order streams and fifty (50) feet from the top of the bank on third (3rd) and higher order streams, wetlands and sink holes. The "outer zone" is the area outside of the streamside zone within one hundred (100) feet from the top of the bank on third (3rd) and higher order streams, wetlands and sink holes.

6. The natural conditions of a buffer strip should not be altered, except as allowed by this Chapter. The following activities are prohibited in a buffer strip, except with County approval granted in Subsection (B)(7) or (C) of this Section:

a. Any land disturbance activity, such as clearing, grading, stripping, filling or dumping.

b. Storage or operation of motorized vehicles, except for maintenance of the buffer strip or in emergencies situations.

c. Septic tanks or drain fields.

d. Structures and other impervious surfaces or cover.

e. Stormwater retention or detention facilities.

7. The following structures, practices and activities are allowed in the streamside zone of a buffer strip, subject to meeting all other requirements of the Unified Development Order.

a. Recreational uses such as walking, fishing, bird watching, unpaved trails and greenways.

b. Education and scientific research.

c. Roads, bridges, paths and utilities, including crossings by transportation facilities or utility lines, upon receiving all applicable Federal, State and County permits and meeting the requirements of this Chapter.

d. Stream restoration projects, facilities and activities approved by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

e. Water quality monitoring and stream gauges.

f. Removal of individual trees in danger of falling, causing damage to structures or blocking the stream.

g. Temporary stream, stream bank and revegetation projects to restore or enhance a buffer strip.

h. Docks and boat launches approved by MDNR and the County.

i. Other uses permitted under this Chapter or Section 404 of the Clean Water Act.

j. Site investigation work necessary for land use applications.

k. Stormwater discharge.

8. The following structures, practices and activities are allowed in the outer zone of a buffer strip, subject to meeting all other requirements of the Code of Ordinances of Jefferson County, Missouri.

a. All of the structures, practices and activities allowed in the streamside zone.

b. Existing and ongoing agricultural activities.

c. Conservation uses, wildlife sanctuaries, nature preserves and passive areas of parklands, such as campgrounds and picnic areas.

d. Paved recreation trails.

e. Excavation and fill activities required to plant new trees or vegetation.

f. Routine maintenance of landscaping.

g. Back yard area of a residential parcel meeting the requirements of Subsection (C)(2) of this Section.

h. Back yard area of a commercial parcel, only when no portion of the buffer strip is impervious.

i. Control of noxious weeds and invasive species.

9. All subdivision plats, improvement plans, site development plans and SWPPPs shall show and label the buffer strip on the property, provide a note that states there shall be no clearing, grading, construction or disturbance of vegetation except as permitted by the Code of Ordinances of Jefferson County, Missouri, and provide a note referencing a protective covenant maintaining the buffer strip in common ground, a drainage easement or a conservation easement referenced by book and page, if possible, that restricts disturbance and use of the buffer strip.

10. Developments and other projects subject to County approval shall be designed so that a buffer strip has access for inspection, maintenance and stream-related construction activity allowed in Subsections (B)(6) and (B)(7) of this Section applicable to the development or project.

11. Preservation of a buffer strip shall be maintained in perpetuity and made the responsibility of the owners association or property owner.

C. Buffer Strip Enhancement Plan.

1. Clearing that is necessary to establish erosion and sediment control devices or enable development of the site and establishment of BMPs such as detention and sediment basins shall be installed in accordance with the SWPPP.

2. Residential land disturbance or development may occur, subject to approval of a land disturbance permit, within the outer zone of a buffer strip, upon submittal and approval by the County of a buffer strip enhancement plan for improvement to the streamside zone or the outer zone for encroachment of the outer zone. However, in no case shall any land disturbance or development be within the streamside zone of a buffer strip. The streamside zone shall be substantially vegetated with native plant species and shall be maintained and made to be preserved in native vegetation. Existing vegetated buffer strips shall be preserved. Buffer strips that are not substantially vegetated or are subject to grading as part of the vegetation project or to stabilize the soils shall be enhanced to become substantially vegetated. Use of plants, grasses and other vegetation native to Missouri are encouraged.

Buffer strip enhancement plan is to be designed by a licensed professional. An applicant may, with permission from the County, encroach within the stream buffer area provided the applicant is able to demonstrate that the water quality and stream morphology will not be adversely affected or adequate mitigation provided to offset such adverse effects. Mitigation may, include, but not be limited to, the following:

a. Installing additional erosion and sediment control.

b. If the stream has the potential for lateral movement, installing stream stabilization practices within the stream.

c. For those sites where vegetation does not exist, establishing vegetation.

d. Additional tree planting.

3. The restoration or enhancement of a buffer strip shall not be used as mitigation for another site. No off-site credits for on-site improvements. The plan shall cover the entire buffer strip on the development site, including the area within one hundred fifty (150) feet adjacent to the buffer strip, and shall provide the following information:

a. The delineation and labeling of the stream buffer including its streamside zone and its outer zone.

b. A location map showing the limits of the FEMA delineated 100-year floodplain.

c. Delineated streams, other water bodies, wetlands and sink holes on the property and one hundred fifty (150) feet onto adjacent properties in the buffer strip.

d. The location and labeling of any activities or structures proposed in and within one hundred fifty (150) feet of the buffer strip.

e. The delineation of all areas steeper than 3:1 slopes with the percent slope shown.

f. Identify the areas where there shall be no clearing, grading, filling, construction or disturbance of vegetation.

g. Provide language for any conservation easements governing the buffer strips.

4. In addition to Subsection (C)(2) of this Section, any reduced-width buffer strip shall be protected in perpetuity through the implementation of a legal mechanism such as a conservation easement. Physical mechanisms may also be necessary, such as implementation of an engineer's recommendation for a structural buffer to protect a slope or bank, installation of fencing or protection of an upland area impacting the buffer strip.

5. Upon request, the County may alter the outer boundary of the outer zone of a buffer strip to allow for the presence of an existing structure as long as the streamside zone is not altered by the narrowing and no new structures are constructed in the buffer strip.

D. Phasing or revision of grading plans, or revision of submitted and approved grading plans, if necessary, shall be approved by the County.

E. Erosion control techniques include, but not be limited to, the following:

[Ord. No. 19-0229, 4-11-2019]

1. Permanent or temporary stabilization shall be completed within fourteen (14) calendar days on all perimeter dikes, swales, ditches, perimeter slopes and all slopes greater than three (3) horizontal to one (1) vertical, embankments of ponds, basins and traps; and within thirty (30) days on all other disturbed or graded areas;

2. If seeding or another vegetative erosion control is used, it shall become established within thirty (30) days, or the Director may require the site to be reseeded or a non-vegetative option be employed;

3. Special techniques that meet the erosion and sediment control design criteria on steep slopes or in drainage ways to ensure stabilization;

4. Stabilization of stockpiles as required under the applicable County or DNR permit for the development;

5. The entire site shall be stabilized, using a suitable mulch layer or another method that does not require germination to control erosion, at the close of the construction season or siltation control structures or other suitable BMPs provided for the management of sediment control;

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

7. Techniques that divert upland runoff past disturbed slopes and delivered to a non-erosive outlet shall be employed.

F. Sediment control requirements, include, but not be limited to:

1. Settling basins, sediment traps or tanks and perimeter controls;

2. Settling basins that are designed in a manner that allows adaptation to provide long-term stormwater management, if required by the Director; and

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

G. Watercourse or drainage way protection requirements shall, include, but not be limited to:

1. A temporary stream crossing, approved by the Director, shall be installed if a wet watercourse will be crossed regularly during construction, but only if the Director determines that the stream crossing will not cause flooding of adjacent property;

2. Stabilization of the watercourse channel before, during and after any in-channel work;

3. All on-site stormwater conveyance channels shall be designed according to the erosion and sediment control design criteria; and

4. Stabilization to prevent erosion at the outlets of all pipes and paved channels.

H. Construction site access requirements shall, include, but not be limited to, a temporary rock access road provided at all sites, or other measures required by the Director to ensure that sediment is not tracked onto streets by construction vehicles or washed into storm drains.

Section 505.180 Phase II Storm Water National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES).

[Ord. No. 17-0244, 4-24-2017; Ord. No. 24-0371, 10-15-2024]

A. No person shall release or cause to be released into the storm drainage system any discharge that is not composed entirely of uncontaminated stormwater, except as allowed under a NPDES permit, the DNR or this Code. Common stormwater contaminants include trash, yard waste, lawn chemicals, pet waste, wastewater, oil, petroleum products, cleaning products, paint products, metals, hazardous waste and sediment.

B. No person shall construct, use, maintain or have continued existence of illicit connections to the storm drain system. This includes, without limitation, illicit connections made in the past, regardless of whether the connection was permissible under law or practices applicable or prevailing at the time of connection.

C. No person shall connect a line conveying sanitary sewage, domestic sewage or industrial waste, including connections of a commercial water filtration or water softener, to the storm drainage system.

D. No person shall maliciously destroy or interfere with BMPs implemented pursuant to this document.

E. No person shall throw, place or deposit in any stream, creek, lake, pond or river within the County limits any matter or thing liable to impede, impair or pollute the water therein or to build, place, throw or deposit on or along the banks thereof any structure or any matter or thing of any description liable to decay and produce any noxious gases or effluvia calculated to pollute or obstruct any of such waters in the County of Jefferson, Missouri.

F. No owner or occupant of any lot, tract or parcel of land within the County limits will have a collection of water (excluding goldfish ponds, ponds or lakes and wet detention/retention basins as designed by an engineer) or shall remove any earth or soil from such lot, tract or parcel of land so as to cause water to collect therein and become stagnant, unclean, offensive or injurious to the individual, public health or the environment.

G. No person shall stockpile any manure in the County in a floodplain or floodway, nor dump any manure to, include, but not limited to, human, livestock or pet waste into any waterway or water body of Jefferson County.

H. Jefferson County shall have the right-of-entry to any lot, tract or parcel of land by any of the inspectors or designee of the Director of Public Works for the purpose of inspection of an illicit discharge. The County has the right to enter a DNR permitted facility in the event of an overflow, obvious by-pass such as, but not limited to, the by-pass of the sand filter, direct discharge, etc. The County has the right to make suggestions or recommendations and if the problem is of a serious nature that produces an immediate risk to the health of the residents of the County, the property of the residents of the County and any risk to the environment, the County can require on the spot corrections to fix the problem. All corrections shall still be made in accordance to Missouri DNR regulations and/or the County suggestions.

I. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm or corporation to cause or permit any sewage to be deposited, dumped, discharged or drained on the surface or subsurface of the ground or about any public right-of-way or ditch within the County, except as allowed under a NPDES permit, the DNR or this Code. For the purpose of this Section, "sewage" is defined as any substance that contains any of the waste products or other discharges from the bodies of human beings or animals or chemical or other wastes from domestic, manufacturing or other forms of industry. Such definition shall, include, but not be limited to, the discharge from laundry operations, both domestic and institutional.

J. No well or cistern shall be left open or insecurely covered within Jefferson County. These must be closed in accordance with Missouri Department of Natural Resources regulations.

K. It shall be unlawful for the owner or occupant of any residence, institution, professional, commercial or business establishment or for contractors or builders engaged in construction or remodeling projects to deposit or accumulate refuse in or upon any lot, parcel of land, public or private drive, alley, street, creek, dry creek or any part of the County's stormwater system natural or manmade or other place in the County, except in an approved containment device or except as allowed under a NPDES permit, the DNR or this Code. No person shall permit or allow any refuse in his/her yard or upon the premises occupied by him/her or to throw or deposit any refuse upon the premises of any other person or upon any of the streets, alleys or other public places in the County.

L. Homeowners associations shall maintain their detention/retention basins and ensure proper working order of such. This is to include a maintenance log and inspection log. This will include the visual assessment of water quality of the outfall for such basin. The homeowners association shall also insure that the basin(s) is properly mowed and that it properly drains and does not allow standing water. This excludes wet detention/retention basins that are designed by an engineer and approved by the storm water division.

M. Any amount of land disturbed under an acre shall have the appropriate BMPs to control erosion and sediment and ensure the protection of waterways and the adjoining property.

N. No discharge of uncontaminated storm water from downspouts, sump pumps, or other pumps or mechanical devices shall discharge in a manner that causes erosion upon, damage to, or concentration of water upon property adjoining the property from which the discharge occurs.

1. Prior to the issuance of a citation, summons, or notice of violation of this Subsection, the Director of Public Works or his or her representative may give the owner, occupant, or lessee of the property from which the discharge is occurring an opportunity to abate the discharge by installing rip rap or some other form of diffuser.

2. If the Director of Public Works or his or her representative elects to provide the owner, occupant, or lessee with an opportunity to so abate then prior to issuing a citation, summons, or notice of violation the Director of Public Works or his or her representative shall serve notice to the owner, occupant, or lessee either personally or by certified mail, return receipt requested, and by posting such notice on the property. Such notice shall, at a minimum, state:

a. The owner, occupant, or lessee of this property must commence action, within thirty (30) days of the date of this notice, to abate the discharge of water present on this property by installing rip rap or some other form of a diffuser. The owner, occupant, or lessee shall be directed to please notify the Director of Public Works, Jefferson County, Missouri, upon commencement of the action.

3. Any person so notified shall be given thirty (30) days to commence the action required by the notice. The notice may include a reasonable time in which the required action shall be completed. If, in the judgment of the Director of Public Works or his or her representative, it is determined to be necessary to extend the time to complete the abatement required by the notice provided herein, the Director of Public Works shall specify the extension date, in writing, and serve an additional notice of the date to which the extension is made.

4. In the event that the owner, occupant or lessee fails to abate the discharge the Director of Public Works may issue a citation or notice of violation.

5. The Director of Public Works or his or her representative is not required to provide the owner, occupant, or lessee with an opportunity to abate the discharge prior to the issuance of a citation, summons, or notice of violation. However, the Director or his or her representative should consider the effect and extent of the discharge before making the determination of whether to issue a citation, summons, or notice of violation without first providing an opportunity to abate the discharge.

Section 505.190 Land Disturbance Permit.

[Ord. No. 17-0244, 4-24-2017; Ord. No. 20-0368, 8-28-2020; Ord. No. 24-0371, 10-15-2024]

A. Permit Required. No person may engage in any land disturbance activity, including persons engaged in land disturbance activity related to utility installation or maintenance, without first obtaining a land disturbance permit from the County, except as provided in this Chapter. All new or redevelopment projects disturbing five thousand (5,000) square feet or greater are required to obtain a land disturbance permit. Land disturbance activities that disturb five thousand (5,000) square feet to less than one (1) acre are generally not required to implement permanent water quality Best Management Practices (BMPs) unless the Director of Public Works determines that a permanent BMP such as a swale, ditch, check dam or other similar measure is necessary, or unless they are part of common plan of development or sale. Land disturbance activities of one (1) acre or more, including projects less than one (1) acre that are part of a larger common plan of development or sale, are required to install structural or non-structural Best Management Practices (BMPs) which address the quality of long-term stormwater runoff and effectively remove stormwater pollution. BMPs will be designed and implemented to prevent or minimize water quality impacts.

B. Other Construction Permits Delayed. When a person is developing a site and a permit is required in accordance with this Chapter, no other construction permits shall be issued to make improvements on that site until the person has secured a land disturbance permit for the same site, unless such permits are unrelated to land disturbance activity. This includes permits issued by any other County, State or Federal agency.

C. Exemptions. A permit is not required under this Chapter for the following:

1. Any land disturbance activity that disturbs or will, in the course of the subject development, disturb less than five thousand (5,000) square feet of surface area. This does not preclude preventive measures that need to be taken to prevent an increase in site erosion, water runoff, siltation or other drainage to neighboring properties. This exemption does not apply when the development is part of a common plan or sale. Where it is determined that erosion measures are not being taken, the Director may revoke application of this exemption to subject site.

2. All land farming operations, including plowing or tilling of land for the purpose of crop production or the harvesting of agricultural crops on land except where such activity may adversely affect aquatic life or water quality. If an owner or any entity in which the owner has a controlling interest has cleared or disturbed for an exempt purpose, that owner may not develop the site for a two-year period following the clearing or land disturbance activity.

3. All quarry operations that have obtained all other necessary County, State, and Federal permits. This does not include sites that are harvesting soils or any other organic matters. Where it is determined that proper controls are not being implemented, the Director may revoke application of this exemption to subject site.

4. Any activity that is immediately necessary for the protection of life, property, public health or safety or natural resources.

5. On-going sludge drying and storage activities by water and sewer authorities at the treatment plant site under Missouri DNR operation permit.

The Director encourages the use of best management practices for sediment and erosion control techniques on all disturbed sites including above exceptions.

D. Application. To obtain a permit for land disturbance activity, the owner of the land, the holder of an access easement, an owner under contract or the site owner's authorized representative must submit a complete application, in writing, upon forms furnished by the County. The application shall be in accordance with the permit submission requirements delineated in Section 505.200.

A land disturbance permit must be issued in the name of the current property owner.

E. Fee. Before issuance of a permit, the applicant shall pay a fee to cover the cost of administration, plan review, inspection services and any other costs associated with the permit process. The fee shall be as set by the County Council as seen in the following table. It shall be paid to the Department of Public Works with the application. Upon passage of this Section, the fee set forth in the schedule immediately following shall take effect and continue in effect through calendar year 2025. Commencing January 1, 2026, the fees in the second schedule, set forth below, shall take effect.

Size of Land Disturbance	Land Disturbance Permit Fee
5,000 square feet to <1 acre	= $250.00
1 to 3 acres	= $750.00 + $50.00/acre
>3 to 10 acres	= $1,500.00 + $50.00/acre
>10 to 25 acres	= $2,250.00 + $25.00/acre* (# acres disturbed — 10 acres)
>25 acres or more	= $2,750.00 + $10.00/acre * (# acres disturbed — 25 acres)
The Land Disturbance Permit Fee includes inspection fees @ 5,000 square feet to < 1 acre = 6 hours, 1 — 3 acres = 20 hours and >3 acres = 40 hours

Fee Schedule to take effect January 1, 2026:

Size of Land Disturbance	Land Disturbance Permit Fee
5,000 square feet to <1 acre	= $300.00
1 to 3 acres	= $1,000.00 + $50.00/acre
>3 to 10 acres	= $2,000.00 + $50.00/acre
>10 to 25 acres	= $3,000.00 + $25.00/acre* (# acres disturbed — 10 acres)
>25 acres or more	= $3,750.00 + $10.00/acre * (# acres disturbed — 25 acres)
The Land Disturbance Permit Fee includes inspection fees @ 5,000 square feet to < 1 acre = 6 hours, 1 — 3 acres = 20 hours and >3 acres = 40 hours

F. Review And Approval. The Director will review each application to determine its conformance with the provisions of this Chapter and the erosion and sediment control/stormwater design criteria authorized hereby. The Director shall, in writing:

1. Approve the permit application and the Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) required by Section 505.220, if the application complies with all the requirements of this Chapter and the Director determines that best management practices will be employed to control erosion and sedimentation to the maximum extent practicable; or

2. Approve the permit application and the SWPPP required by Section 505.220 subject to conditions, as herein authorized, as may be reasonably necessary to secure the objectives of this Chapter, prevent the creation of a nuisance or an unreasonable hazard to persons or to public or private property and issue the permit subject to these conditions; or

3. Disapprove the permit application and the SWPPP required by Section 505.220 indicating, in writing, the reason(s) therefore.

Approval of permit application and SWPPP does not alleviate the owner of responsibilities delineated in Section 505.130 or any of the requirements of this Code of Ordinances of Jefferson County, Missouri.

G. Conditions Of Approval. In approving the issuance of any permit, the Director may impose any conditions as may be reasonably necessary to secure the objectives of this Chapter and/or prevent the creation of a nuisance or unreasonable hazard to persons or to public or private property. All permits shall include these conditions:

1. The granting (or securing from others) and the recording in the Recorder of Deeds office of easements for drainage facilities on the property of others and for the maintenance of slopes or erosion control facilities;

2. Adequate control of dust by watering or other control methods acceptable to the Director;

3. Improvements of any existing grading, ground surface or drainage condition on the site (not to exceed the area as proposed for work or development in the application) to meet the standards required under this Chapter for land disturbance, drainage and erosion control;

4. Installation of sediment traps and basins if determined by the Director;

5. In the proximity of a school, playground or other areas where children may congregate without adult supervision, the installation of additional safety-related devices if determined by the Director.

H. Modification Of Plan.

1. Modifications of the approved plan must be submitted to the County and shall be reprocessed in the same manner as the original SWPPP, where:

a. Field inspection or evaluation has revealed the inadequacy of the approved plan to accomplish its erosion and sediment control objectives; or

b. The person responsible for carrying out the approved plan finds that, because of changed circumstances or for other reasons, the approved plan cannot be effectively carried out.

2. In emergency situations, the Director may require the installation of interim erosion and sediment control/stormwater control measures to protect stream channels, other properties or the general public from damage that will remain in effect until modifications or revisions to the plan are approved and implemented.

3. Field modifications of a minor nature that are consistent with the criteria of this Chapter may be made without authorization, provided the Director is notified of such changes within forty-eight (48) hours of implementation.

I. Assignment Or Transfer.

1. If the permittee sells the property before the termination of the permit, a new permit will be issued for the new owner of the site upon application therefor, provided the original permittee is not in violation of any County Code, ordinance or regulation.

2. If the permittee sells any portion of the property before the termination of the permit, the permittee will remain responsible for that portion of the property until the new owner of the property obtains a permit in compliance with County requirements.

3. A new owner disturbing five thousand (5,000) square feet or more of a portion of property covered by an approved plan for which a completion certificate has not been issued shall obtain a land disturbance permit before engaging in further land disturbance activities as required by this Chapter.

J. Termination Or Transfer Upon Completion. The permit shall be valid from the time that it is issued until the site is permanently stabilized and erosion and sediment control measures are in effect or the property is transferred to a new permittee as provided hereinabove. The site will be considered stabilized when either perennial vegetation, pavement, buildings or structures, using permanent materials, cover all areas that have been disturbed and all temporary erosion and sediment control measures have been cleaned out and removed. To terminate the permit, the permittee shall submit a written request to the County, provided a new permit has been issued in the name of the new permittee. The County will perform a final inspection of the site to evaluate the completion of the measures specified in the permit.

Section 505.200 Land Disturbance Permit — Submission Requirements.

[Ord. No. 17-0244, 4-24-2017]

A. The following information shall be submitted to the Director as a part of the application for a land disturbance permit as required by Section 505.190:

1. A site map in compliance with Section 505.210;

2. A SWPPP in compliance with Section 505.220;

3. Project narrative per Section 505.230;

4. A work schedule in compliance with Section 505.240;

5. The permit fee as set forth in Section 505.190(E);

6. A performance guarantee if required by Section 505.270;

7. A soils engineering report in compliance with Section 505.250 will be required before a land disturbance permit will be issued; and

8. An engineering geology report in compliance with Section 505.260 when required by the County.

B. Plans submitted in accordance with Subsections (A)(7) and (A)(8) of this Section must be prepared and certified by a licensed professional or by someone who has successfully completed certification requirements from a nationally recognized organization that specializes in soil and erosion control, with such certification to be based upon preparation, knowledge and experience, passage of an examination showing proficiency in the principles and practices of erosion and sediment control, as well as a peer reviewed application stating the candidate's education and years of experience working in the industry. The certification must require continuing education credits to maintain the certification and the professional must certify as part of his/her report that he/she has maintained such credits to date. The program must be approved by the County.

C. The County may require any additional information or data deemed appropriate and/or may impose conditions thereto as the Director may deem necessary to ensure compliance with the provisions of this Chapter to preserve public health and safety.

D. The Director may waive the requirements for site maps, plans, reports or drawings, if the Director finds that the information on the application and supporting information is sufficient to show that the proposed work will conform to the requirements of this Chapter.

E. The applicant is bound by information submitted and by this Chapter.

F. Land disturbance activity may not take place in the County until a permit, as described in Section 505.190, has been issued and, if the Director has determined that a performance guarantee is necessary, an acceptable agreement has been obtained.

Section 505.210 Site Map.

[Ord. No. 17-0244, 4-24-2017]

A. Subject to Section 505.200(A), as a part of each application, the applicant shall submit a site map that contains all of the information specified in the Erosion and Sediment Control/Stormwater Management Manual required by this Article:

1. An attached vicinity map showing the location of the site in relation to the surrounding area's watercourses and water bodies within one hundred (100) feet, other geographic and natural features and street and other structures;

2. Existing and proposed topography of the entire site with contour lines drawn with an interval in accordance with the following table:

Ground Slope	Contour Interval
Flat: 0 — 30%	2 feet
Steep: 30% +	5 feet

For minor subdivisions with minimum four (4) acre lots, U.S.G.S. data may be used for existing topography for purposes of the land disturbance permit.

3. Drainage areas within one hundred (100) feet;

4. Site's property lines shown in true location with respect to the plan's topographic information;

5. Location and graphic representation of all existing and proposed drainage facilities (natural and manmade) and to which Jefferson County watershed(s) the drainage occurs;

6. Location, graphic representation and legend with a general description of each soil type as described in the "Soil Summary of Jefferson County, Missouri, United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service" using Table 12, Building Site Development and Table 13, Sanitary Facilities;

7. Location of buffer strips delineating both streamside zone and the outer zone as defined in Section 505.170(B)(4);

8. Delineation of any above grade natural or artificial water storage areas, detention areas and drainage ditches on the site and a copy of the 404 permit or a statement of no permit required;

9. Delineation of any drainage, sanitary, utility or other easement(s) on or near the site;

10. Delineation of the 100-year floodplain and floodway on the site, or a statement that there are no such floodplains located on the property;

11. Location and graphic representation of proposed excavations and fills, of on-site storage of soil and other earthen material and prior to hauling, the location of off-premises disposal site;

12. Location and general description of vegetation cover to be left undisturbed;

13. Location of existing surface runoff and erosion and sediment control measures;

14. Location of any water wells and on-site septic systems;

15. Location and size of any sink holes;

16. Quantity of soil in cubic yards to be disposed off-site;

17. Proposed sequence of excavation, filling and soil or earthen material storage and disposal;

18. All locations of concrete washouts, hazardous material storage sites, locations of temporary restroom facilities (e.g., port-a-potties), locations for equipment storage and maintenance and the location of the construction entrance and employee parking area. This will include all BMPs to ensure that there is adequate protection and containment for any form of spills; and

19. The signature of a licensed professional.

Section 505.220 Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP).

[Ord. No. 17-0244, 4-24-2017; Ord. No. 24-0371, 10-15-2024]

A. Erosion And Sediment Control Plan Guidance Checklist For Site Disturbance For One (1) Acre Or More. Subject to Section 505.200(A), as a part of each application for a project that will disturb one (1) acre or more an applicant shall submit a SWPPP that is drawn to an appropriate engineering scale and that includes sufficient information to evaluate the environmental characteristics of the affected area, to assess the potential impacts of the proposed land disturbance on water resources and identify proposed methods to minimize on-site soil erosion and prevent off-site sedimentation to the maximum extent practicable, including disturbance of topsoil and limitation on disturbance and areas preserved as buffer strips designated to protect drainage courses. The SWPPP shall contain all the information specified herein and meet all the erosion and sediment control design criteria established pursuant to Section 505.170.

B. Erosion And Sediment Control Plan Guidance Checklist For Site Disturbance Five Thousand (5,000) Square Feet Or More But Less Than One (1) Acre. As part of each application for a project that will disturb five thousand (5,000) square feet or more but less than one (1) acre (excluding those sites that fall under the requirements of a larger common plan of development or sale) an applicant shall submit a SWPPP as part of its site plan. The SWPPP shall contain the following:

1. Existing and proposed contours.

2. Drainage facilities and methods for preserving the natural watercourse and patterns of drainage. Residential lots shall direct stormwater discharges to the street where practical and not onto adjacent properties.

3. Identify limits of any areas to be disturbed by the proposed construction.

4. Amount of current impervious coverage and proposed impervious coverage.

5. Methods to mitigate additional impervious coverage and/or address drainage issues on the site.

6. Connection to storm sewer and/or method of controlling storm water runoff on site.

7. Best Management Practices to reduce sediments and other pollutants associated with construction activities. Provide necessary details and maintenance requirements for Best Management Practices on the plans.

a. Concrete washouts are required where any concrete work will be performed.

b. Construction entrances are required for all sites where construction equipment will be entering or exiting the disturbed areas.

c. Straw bales are typically not allowed and will only be considered with the approval of the Director of Public Works.

8. Location of siltation fences, mulch berms, and other runoff prevention methods (as well as other items as required by the site plan review process) and plans for maintenance of these installations during construction:

a. The plan shall locate and provide protection for street inlets immediately downstream of any construction entrance.

b. Provide inlet protection for all existing and proposed inlets receiving runoff from disturbed areas.

9. Schedule of street and sidewalk cleaning to alleviate mud and dirt on public right-of-way.

a. The plan shall provide a minimum inspection and cleaning requirement of once per day.

10. Seal of a registered professional engineer in the State of Missouri.

11. Bench mark information from the site survey.

12. Other information as required by the Director of Public Works.

Section 505.230 Project Narrative.

[Ord. No. 17-0244, 4-24-2017]

A. The following items shall be submitted in support of an application for a land disturbance permit:

1. An identification of the areas on the site to be protected from disturbance and the methods of the protection.

2. Applicable State and Federal permits applied for or obtained.

3. A description of, and the specification for, the measures to be undertaken to retain sediment on the site, including, but not limited to, designs and specification for berms and sediment detention facilities and a schedule for maintenance and upkeep.

4. A description of, and specifications for, the measures undertaken to reduce surface runoff and control erosion, including, but not limited to, types and methods of applying mulches, designs and specifications for diverters, dikes and drains and a schedule for their maintenance and upkeep.

5. A description of the temporary and permanent vegetative measures to be used, including seeding mixtures and rates, types of sod, method of seedbed preparation, expected seeding dates, types and rates of lime and fertilizer application, kind and quantity of mulching, the type, location and extent of pre-existing undisturbed vegetation types and vegetation to remain, including buffer strips, and a schedule for maintenance and upkeep.

6. Alternative methods of stabilizing the site when either seeding is not performed in accordance with the work schedule or is performed and is not effective.

7. The location and description, including design details, of temporary and permanent erosion, surface runoff and sediment control measures and structures or show in a typical format with proposed locations on the plan.

8. The maximum surface runoff from the site, calculated using the best available information and sound engineering principles.

9. The sediment yield, calculated using the best available information and sound engineering principles.

10. The estimated duration of the permit, defined as the time for the inception of the land disturbance until concluded and the site stabilized.

11. A statement noting that the contractor, developer and owner shall request the County to inspect and approve work completed in accordance with the approved plan and in accordance with this Chapter. The contractor, developer or owner shall be required to obtain written approval by the County at the stages of development as outlined in Section 505.280(E).

12. The storm drainage system including quantities of flow and site conditions around all points of surface water discharge from the site.

13. The details of temporary and permanent stabilization measures, including a construction note on the plan stating: "Following initial soil disturbance or redisturbance, permanent or temporary stabilization shall be completed within seven (7) calendar days on all perimeter dikes, swales, ditches, perimeter slopes and all slopes greater than three (3) horizontal to one (1) vertical, embankments of ponds, basins and traps, and within fourteen (14) days on all other disturbed or graded areas. This requirement does not apply to those areas that are shown on the plan and are currently being used for material storage or for those areas on which actual construction activities are currently being performed.

Section 505.240 Work Schedule.

[Ord. No. 17-0244, 4-24-2017]

A. Subject to Section 505.200(A), the applicant shall submit a chronological construction schedule and approximate time frames for each activity specified herein and in the Erosion and Sediment Control/Stormwater Management Manual required by Section 505.170:

1. Clearing and grubbing for those areas necessary for installation of perimeter erosion control devices;

2. Construction of perimeter erosion and sediment control devices;

3. Remaining interior site clearing and grubbing;

4. Installation of permanent and temporary stabilization measures;

5. Grading for the site;

6. Utility installation and statement of whether storm drains will be used or blocked during construction;

7. Building, parking lot and site construction if part of the land disturbance activities;

8. Final grading, landscaping or stabilization;

9. Implementation and maintenance of final erosion control structures; and

10. Removal of temporary erosion control devices.

Section 505.250 Soils Engineering Report.

[Ord. No. 17-0244, 4-24-2017]

A. When the County determines that because of soil types and the need to protect against erosion or other hazards or when the development proposes more than five (5) feet of cut or five (5) feet of fill, the applicant shall submit a soils engineering report, subject to Section 505.200(A). The report shall be based on adequate and necessary test borings and shall contain all the information listed below. Recommendations included in the report and approved by the County shall be incorporated in the SWPPP. The report shall include:

1. Data regarding the nature, distribution, strength and erodibility of existing soils.

2. If applicable, data regarding the nature, distribution, strength and erodibility of soil to be placed on the site.

3. Conclusions and recommendations for grading procedures.

4. Conclusions and recommended designs for interim soil stabilization devices and measures and for permanent soil stabilization after construction is completed.

5. Design criteria for corrective measures when necessary.

6. Opinions and recommendations covering the stability of the site.

Section 505.260 Engineering Geology Report.

[Ord. No. 17-0244, 4-24-2017]

A. When the County determines that, subject to Section 505.200(A), additional information is required on properties to protect against landslides, faults or other geological hazards, the applicant shall submit an engineering geology report. The report shall be based on adequate and necessary test borings and give an adequate description of the geology of the site, with conclusions and recommendations, regarding the effect of geologic conditions on the proposed development and giving opinions and recommendations covering the adequacy of site to be developed by the proposed land disturbance activity. Recommendations included in the report and approved by the County shall be incorporated in the SWPPP. The report shall be based on subsurface exploration and testing that represents conditions of the entire parcel. The report shall include:

1. Maps depicting regional geologic settings and site-specific geologic formations and structures.

2. Review of generally accepted published geologic reports pertaining to the area.

3. An adequate description of the geology of the site, including description of bedrock lithology, structure and physical characteristics (strength, jointing, weathering, hardness, special physical or chemical features) and discussion of how the geologic structure affects the site.

4. Identification of active and dormant landslides based on both site analysis and published geologic maps. Geologic cross sections where appropriate to convey information on geologic relationships.

5. Discussion of geomorphology and relevant hillslope and stream processes. Identification and evaluation of any faults on or adjacent to the site, including their degree of activity and their possible engineering significance.

6. Description and evaluation of off-site geologic hazards that may affect the graded site.

7. Conclusions and recommendations regarding the effect of geologic conditions on the proposed development.

8. These studies shall be performed for the entire parcel and shall not be limited only to those portions to be graded.

9. Reports should be signed by a Missouri licensed professional engineer.

Section 505.270 Performance Guarantee.

[Ord. No. 17-0244, 4-24-2017]

A. Based on the Jefferson County Schedule of Construction Unit Prices, prior to the issuance of a land disturbance permit, the applicant must submit a performance guarantee agreement secured by a letter of credit that meets the requirements specified in this Chapter and in a satisfactory form and approved by the County Counselor. That instrument shall be conditioned upon the faithful performance of the terms of the permit and the soil erosion and sediment control stormwater measures specified in the permit and approved plan within the time authorized by the permit or within any extension granted. The amount of the performance guarantee shall be sufficient to cover erosion/sedimentation control (installation and maintenance) and soil stabilization of the site in the event of default by the permittee. The Director may grant a partial or complete waiver of the performance guarantee, upon application, where the Director finds minimal impairment of existing surface drainage, minimal erosion hazard and minimal sedimentation hazard upon any adjacent land or watercourse and no hazard to human life or property.

B. A performance guarantee shall remain in full force and effect until the applicable permit is terminated, pursuant to Section 505.190(J) and all other permittee's acts covered by the performance guarantee have been determined to be complete. If the permit holder does not faithfully perform the soil erosion and sediment control measures specified in the permit, the financial institution securing the letter of credit will cause the measures to be performed or may pay the County on demand the amounts needed to perform and maintain the measures. A release of the performance guarantee shall be transmitted to the letter of credit depositor upon termination of the applicable permit in accordance with Section 505.190(J). Failure to renew the performance guarantee thirty (30) days prior to its expiration shall be deemed a default.

Section 505.280 Permittee's Responsibility.

[Ord. No. 17-0244, 4-24-2017; Ord. No. 20-0368, 8-28-2020; Ord. No. 24-0371, 10-15-2024]

A. General. Land disturbance activity may not proceed until a land disturbance permit has been issued by the County. All work must be performed in accordance with a sequence shown on the approved plan and/or work schedule or a revised sequence that shall be set forth in the SWPPP by the applicant.

All new or redevelopment projects disturbing five thousand (5,000) square feet or greater, including projects less than one (1) acre that are part of a larger common plan of development or sale, are required to install structural or non-structural Best Management Practices (BMPs) which address the quality of long-term stormwater runoff and effectively remove stormwater pollution. BMPs will be designed and implemented to prevent or minimize water quality impacts.

A person must not initiate land disturbance activities sufficiently close to the property line so as to endanger any adjoining property, including a public street, sidewalk or alley. The adjoining property should be supported and protected from damage that may result from land disturbance activities including settling, cracking or vegetative damage. If, in the opinion of the Director, the land disturbance activity creates a hazard to life or property, which is not adequately safeguarded, the permittee must construct walls, fences, guardrails or other structures to safeguard the adjoining private property or public street, sidewalk, alley or other public property and persons, as the Director may require.

B. Execute The Approved Plan. The issuance of a permit shall constitute an authorization to do the work described in the permit or shown on the approved plan. A copy of the approved plan and the permit must be available on the site for inspection or a sign must be placed on site with contact notice information. Field markings showing limits of disturbance must be on site during all installation of erosion and sediment/stormwater control measures, construction or other land disturbance activities.

C. Maintain And Repair Stormwater Facilities During Development.

1. The permittee or the owner of any property on which work has been done pursuant to a permit or any other person or agent in control of that property must inspect, maintain in good and effective condition and promptly repair or restore all grade surfaces, walls, drains, dams and structures, plantings, vegetation, erosion and sediment control measures and other protective devices. The permittee or owner and their agent, contractor and employees shall maintain and repair all graded surfaces and erosion control facilities, drainage structures or means and other protective devices, plantings and ground cover installed while construction is active. Inspections shall be performed and documented in accordance with regulations of Jefferson County. Repair or restoration and maintenance must be in accordance with the approved plan and permit as required by this Chapter.

2. Any person who performs utility-related work under a permit is responsible for the repair or maintenance of all erosion and sediment control measures affected by the utility construction. Repair or maintenance must be in accordance with Subsection (C)(1) above.

D. Maintain And Repair Stormwater Facilities After Development.

1. Maintenance Agreement. Prior to issuance of a Land Disturbance Permit, a Maintenance Agreement shall be entered with the County stating the following:

a. The Stormwater Management Facilities Operation and Maintenance Design Report and Plan shall be the official document which contains the practices to be followed for inspections and maintenance.

b. Upon completion of the construction or installation of the permanent Stormwater BMPs, as-builts will be submitted to the County that show all relevant dimensions and elevations in order to ensure the stormwater infrastructure will operate as designed.

2. Stormwater Management Facilities Operations and Maintenance Design Report. A Stormwater Management Facilities Operation and Maintenance Design Report and Plan (O&M Plan) shall be submitted by the applicant identifying the BMPs on-site as well as their specific inspection procedures. A Stormwater Management Facilities Report shall contain the following information:

a. A detailed description of the BMPs used on-site including the type, location, how stormwater is to be conveyed to and from the BMP, and minimum/designed performance standards.

b. The contact information for the site owner/manager or person responsible for the inspections and maintenance of the site. This includes name, phone number, mailing address, and email address.

c. A site map with all BMPs identified in true location with respect to the relevant topographic information. Relevant information consists of roadways, streams, property lines, site addresses, drainage easements, common grounds and other features that will aid in the determination of the location.

d. BMP specific tasks for routine and non-routine maintenance activities. The description shall include the minimum frequency of routine maintenance tasks. For proprietary BMPs, the O&M Plan provided by the manufacturer shall be referenced and included.

e. A sample inspection form to be completed at the time of each inspection. For proprietary BMPs the manufacturer inspection checklist should be included and utilized.

f. Record retention requirements stating that records shall be retained for a period of ten (10) years from the day the inspection was performed.

g. Desired O&M Plan changes should be submitted to the County for review and approval. The Director may refuse any plan changes believed to have a negative effect on stormwater quality or public safety.

h. In the event of a change of ownership, the Jefferson County Department of Public Works shall be notified and the new contact information shall be recorded in the O&M Plan.

3. Transfer Of Responsibilities. The developer, when turning the development over to the homeowners' association or owner, shall be required to provide them with the original maintenance agreement, stormwater management facilities design report and operation and maintenance plan for the development in accordance with the rules, regulations and requirements of the Code of Ordinances of Jefferson County, Missouri. The developer shall also provide them with an estimate of annual costs for the maintenance of the permanent stormwater infrastructure and best management practices located within the development and as outlined within the operation and maintenance plan.

4. Easement. Permanent easements for maintenance of stormwater management facilities shall be established on the final subdivision plat for any project that has said facilities as part of the improvements. The owner(s) of stormwater management facilities are hereby obligated to maintain the facilities in good repair and working order.

5. Covenants. When stormwater improvements are part of a subdivision development wherein a homeowners' association will own the improvements, the covenants or restrictions for said subdivision shall include a statement obligating each property owner to maintain the stormwater facilities. The covenants or restrictions shall authorize the association to place a lien on property the owners of which fail to pay such assessments. The language of the covenants or restrictions shall obligate the association to perform a minimum of annual maintenance on the stormwater facilities and to keep records of such maintenance for ten (10) years. Upon request, records must be produced for inspection by Jefferson County. Maintenance and repair, may include, but is not limited to, removal of silt, litter and other debris from all catch basins, inlets and drainage pipes, removal of grass cuttings and vegetation, the necessary replacement of landscape vegetation and repair to any defects in stormwater structures.

6. Inspection Of Stormwater Facilities. Jefferson County may establish inspection programs to review maintenance and repair records, to sample discharges, surface water, ground water and material or water in drainage control facilities and to evaluate the condition of drainage control facilities and other stormwater treatment practices. The property owner(s) shall allow representatives of Jefferson County to enter the property at reasonable times and in a reasonable manner for the purpose of inspection. This includes the right to enter the property when the County has a reasonable basis to believe that a violation of this Order is occurring or has occurred.

7. Failure To Maintain Practices. If the responsible party fails or refuses to meet the requirements of this Chapter, said party shall be subject to the enforcement provisions of Section 505.050 and 505.290.

E. Inspections.

1. Each site that has an approved plan shall be inspected as necessary to ensure that erosion and sediment/stormwater control measures are installed and effectively maintained in compliance with the approved plan and permit. As a minimum, it is anticipated that the Director will inspect the site at the following stages:

a. Upon completion of installation of perimeter erosion and sediment controls;

b. During the construction of sediment basins or stormwater management structures, at the inspection points required by the permit;

c. Prior to the removal or modification of any erosion and sediment control measure or practice; and

d. Upon completion of final grading, including establishment of ground covers and planting, installation of all vegetative measures and all other work in accordance with the approved plan.

2. Permittee shall notify the Director when work pursuant to the permit reaches the milestones set forth in Section 505.240. Requests for inspection shall be made at least forty-eight (48) hours in advance (exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays and holidays) of the time the inspection is desired.

F. Remove Fugitive Materials. If soil, earth, sand, gravel, rock, stone or other material is caused to be deposited upon or to roll, flow or wash upon any public or private property and/or public road in violation of Section 505.130, the person responsible shall be notified and must cause the material to be removed from that property within forty-eight (48) hours or other time period as determined by the County. In the event of an immediate danger to the public health or safety, notice must be given by the most expeditious means and the material must be removed immediately.

G. Non-Interference With County's Corrective Actions. A person must not interfere with an authorized representative or agent of any surety, issuing organization or entity nor shall a person obstruct the ingress to or egress from a site or premises. This non-interference extends to the County engaged in completing the required work to be performed under the permit or in complying with the terms or conditions of the approved plan or the permit.

Section 505.290 Inspections And Enforcement.

[Ord. No. 17-0244, 4-24-2017]

A. Inspections And Notice Of Failure. The County may inspect the work and upon prior notice to the permittee (except in cases of emergency in which the injury to persons or property is imminent) notify the permittee or the representative of the permittee, if there is a failure to comply with the requirements of this Chapter. Following notice of a potential violation, the permittee shall be given the opportunity to accompany any such inspector and to participate in the inspection. The notice issued for violation must, at a minimum, state the nature of the violation, any practice or approved plan deficiencies, required corrective action and compliance time. After a notice to comply is given, the permittee or the permittee's contractor(s) shall be required to make the corrections within the time period determined by the County. If an imminent hazard exists, the County shall require that the corrective work begin immediately. Notice of minor deficiencies may be given to responsible personnel on site. The following summarizes the priority rating system in terms of site inspections conducted by the County:

[Ord. No. 19-0229, 4-11-2019]

1. Priority 1 Rated Sites.

a. Priority 1 rated sites exhibit minor deficiencies such as, but not limited to:

(1) Silt fence partially functional, but not upright;

(2) Developer inspections not current;

(3) Minor sediment on streets and entrances to public roadways;

(4) Construction trash and debris;

(5) Disturbed areas unstabilized past requirements;

(6) Storm inlet maintenance issues;

(7) Removal of BMPs no longer in use;

(8) Other minor deficiencies as noted in the inspection.

b. In general, most permitted sites would begin with this rating. Sites that are classified under this rating will be given seven (7) calendar days to correct the minor deficiencies. These types of deficiencies can sometimes require more than seven (7) days to regain code compliance. In these cases, an agreement between the permit holder and the Director would need to be reached and included in the inspection report. A notice of inspection letter will be included in the field inspection report for permitted sites or mailed to the accused in a complaint-driven investigation.

2. Priority 2 Rated Sites.

a. Priority 2 rated sites exhibit minor deficiencies that were not corrected by the date stated in the initial Priority 1 inspection report, or sites that exhibit major deficiencies such as, but not limited to:

(1) Unprotected storm inlets or non-functional device at storm inlets;

(2) Lack of concrete washout or lack of maintenance thereof;

(3) Sediment on streets and entrances to public roadways posing a dangerous situation for traffic safety or damage to property;

(4) Stream buffer encroachment without an approved variance;

(5) Improper storage of hazardous materials;

(6) Illicit discharge;

(7) Discharge off site or into sewer system, stream buffer or water course;

(8) Failure to install BMPs as needed or detailed in the approved SWPPP;

(9) Other major deficiencies as noted in the inspection.

b. In general, some permitted sites that fail to comply with the Priority 1 inspection report would move to this rating. Unpermitted sites, complaint-driven sites and some permitted sites could be initially rated as Priority 2. Sites that are classified under this rating will be given seven (7) calendar days to correct the deficiencies. A first notice of violation letter will be included in the field inspection report for permitted sites or mailed to the accused in a complaint-driven investigation. The letter will note specific directions, timeline for correction and date of the follow-up site inspection. If the Director requires any immediate action to mitigate risk to life or property, then such actions will also be detailed.

c. Priority 3 rated sites exhibit deficiencies that were not corrected by the date stated in the Priority 2 inspection report. Sites that are classified under this rating will be given five (5) calendar days to correct the deficiencies. A second notice of violation letter will be included in the field inspection report for permitted sites or mailed to the accused in a complaint-driven investigation. The letter will note specific directions, timeline for correction and date of the follow-up site inspection. This letter will also require a follow-up inspection by the Director or designee prior to any potential enforcement action being taken. If the Director requires any immediate action to mitigate risk to life or property, then such actions will also be detailed.

d. Priority 4 rated sites exhibit deficiencies that were not corrected by the date stated in the Priority 3 inspection report. If the requirements of the second notice of violation are not adhered to and by the date required, then a final notice of violation will be issued giving twenty-four (24) hours for the deficient site to return to compliance. If no resolution to the issues persists past this point, then the County shall issue a stop work and citation. The County may be required to utilize any performance agreement escrow in the case of severe non-compliance of permitted land disturbance sites. This shall be at the discretion of the Director.

B. Third (3rd) Party Inspections, If Necessary. If as-built plans are not being furnished for the job, then, in addition to its own inspections, the County may require that any portion of the construction of basins or structures be inspected and certified by a licensed professional. The permittee may be required to secure the services of a licensed professional to inspect the construction of the facilities and provide the County with a fully documented certification that all construction is done in accordance with the provisions of the approved plan, applicable rules, regulations and criteria. If a certification is provided to the County, inspections anticipated under Section 505.280(E)(1)(b) for the basin or structure may be waived. In these cases, the County must be notified at the required inspection points and may make spot inspections.

C. Suspension.

1. Any permit issued under this Chapter may be suspended by the County, after notice, if the County determines that:

a. The site is not in substantial compliance with the approved plan or any permit condition;

b. Permittee fails to submit reports timely, when requested to do so by the County;

c. A violation of any provision of this Chapter or any other applicable law, order, rule or regulation relating to the work exists;

d. A condition exists or any act is being done that constitutes or will create a nuisance or hazard or endangers or will endanger human life or the property of others; or

e. The approved plan is failing to achieve required erosion and sediment control/stormwater management objectives due to site characteristics or conditions and the permittee has not submitted or followed an approved modified plan.

2. The County shall reinstate a suspended permit upon the permittee's correction of the cause of the suspension.

D. Stop Work Orders.

1. In addition to the other authority granted by this Chapter, the County may post a site with a stop work order directing that all or any portion of the land disturbance activity cease immediately, provided that:

a. The County determines that the land disturbance activity violates a condition or requirement of the permit or approved plan or any provisions of this Chapter or regulations;

b. Written warning notice is furnished to the permittee or the permittee's representative that lists deficiencies and the time within which the corrections must be made; and

c. The permittee fails to comply with the warning notice within the specified time.

2. A person must not continue or permit the continuance of work in an area covered by a stop work order, except work required to correct deficiencies with respect to an erosion or sediment/stormwater control measure.

3. For the purposes of this Chapter, a stop work order is validly posted by posting a copy of the stop work order on the site of the land disturbance activity in reasonable proximity to a location where the land disturbance activity is taking place.

4. A stop work order may be issued without a warning notice where the County determines that:

a. Land disturbance is taking place that requires a permit under this Chapter and one has not been approved;

b. Required erosion and sediment/stormwater control measures are not installed, inspected and approved before the land disturbance;

c. The limits of disturbance are being violated;

d. An illicit discharge is or has occurred in accordance with Section 505.180; or

e. Inspection reveals the existence of any condition or the doing of any act that:

(1) Is or will create a nuisance or hazard; or

(2) Endangers human life or the property of others.

5. Except as otherwise provided, the County must provide written notice to the permittee or a representative of the permittee when a stop work order is issued. A copy of the order, in the case of work for which there is a permit, shall be mailed by first class mail, postage pre-paid, to the address listed by the permittee on the permit. In the case of work for which there is no permit, a copy of the order shall be mailed to the person listed as owner of the property by Jefferson County. That notice must specify the extent to which work is stopped and the conditions under which work may resume. The permittee is responsible for the actions of agents of the permittee and must notify those agents when a stop work order is issued that will affect an area within which the agents are to work. In this regard, "agent" is defined as any person who acts at the instruction, with the permission, or to the benefit of the permittee. A hearing shall be held before the Director within forty-eight (48) hours after the issuance of the stop work order unless resolved prior to the time of the hearing.

E. County's Right To Correct And Recover Costs On Active Land Disturbance Sites.

1. Within ten (10) days after posting the order, the County (if the deficiencies specified in the stop work order have not been satisfied) may issue a notice of intent to the permittee, owner or land user of the County's intent to perform work necessary to comply with this Chapter pursuant to the guarantee agreement. The County may go on the land and commence work after fourteen (14) days from issuing the notice of intent. The costs incurred by the County to perform this work shall be paid out of the performance guarantee required by Section 505.200.

2. Whenever the County finds that a default has occurred in the performance of any term or condition of the permit, approved plan, performance guarantee or a violation of Section 505.130(C) has occurred, written notice of default must be given to the permittee and to the surety or issuing organization or entity. The notice must state the work to be done, the estimated cost and the specified period of time deemed by the County to be reasonably necessary for completion of the work.

3. In the event of any default in the performance of any term or condition of the permit or performance guarantee, the County, the surety, the issuing organization or entity or any person employed or engaged on its behalf has a right to go upon the site to complete the required work necessary to control erosion and sedimentation or to protect properties, watercourses and persons. In the event the County undertakes this work with the funds from a forfeited performance guaranty, the funds must be used to pay the cost of contracting, including engineering and administration, for necessary restoration of the site to control erosion and sediment/stormwater within the requirements of the approved plan, permit, performance guarantee or this Chapter.

4. In the event any soil, earth, sand, gravel, rock, stone or other material that is caused to be deposited upon or to roll, flow or wash upon any public or private property in violation hereof and is not removed after notice as provided in Section 505.290(A), the County may cause the removal. The failure to remove shall be treated as a default on the performance guarantee and remedy the default as authorized by Section 505.280(D)(4).

5. Revocation Of Permit.

a. The Director shall revoke the permit if the permittee fails or refuses to cease work pursuant to a stop work order issued in conformity with this Chapter.

b. The County shall immediately revoke the permit upon failure of any permittee to maintain the performance guarantee.

F. County's Right to Correct and Recover Costs On Repairs to Permanent Stormwater BMPs.

1. The County may issue a Notice of Corrective Action Required when it performs an inspection on a Stormwater BMP and finds it to not be in compliance with the original design requirements. Inspections may be triggered from complaints of insufficient care or as part of a routine inspection to ensure compliance.

2. After a Notice of Corrective Actions Required, the responsible party will have thirty (30) days to correct the deficiency or enter into a contract with a third party who will be acting on their behalf. If the BMP services parts of the Urbanized Area of the County and no corrective actions are taken within thirty (30) days of the Notice of Corrective Actions Required, the County will issue a Notice of Intent to the responsible party. The County may go on the property and perform corrective actions after thirty (30) days from issuing the Notice of Intent. The cost incurred by the County to perform the work will be recuperated per the guidelines in Section 505.050.

Section 505.300 Other Matters.

[Ord. No. 17-0244, 4-24-2017]

A. Other Laws. Neither this Chapter nor any decision made with respect hereto exempts the applicant or any other person from other requirements of the County Code or from State and Federal laws or from procuring other required permits, nor do they limit the right of any person to maintain, at any time, any appropriate action, at law or in equity, for relief or damages against the applicant or any person arising from the activity regulated by this Chapter.

This Chapter shall not be construed to be in conflict with any State or Federal law intended to control erosion, sedimentation and stormwater. In those instances where State or Federal law imposes a more strict duty or requirement with respect to a matter covered by this Chapter, the more strict duty or requirement shall control.

B. Liability Insurance.

1. Contractors or subcontractors performing land disturbance activities shall be insured against liability for claims for damages for personal injury and property damage and certificates of insurance shall be made available to the County upon request. Neither issuance of a permit nor compliance with these provisions or any condition imposed by the County relieves any person from any responsibility for damage to persons or property otherwise imposed by law, nor imposes any liability upon the County for damages to persons or property.

2. The permittee is responsible for safely and legally completing the project. Neither the issuance of a permit under the provisions of this Chapter nor the compliance with the provisions hereto or with any condition imposed by the County shall relieve any person from responsibility for damage to persons or property resulting therefrom or as otherwise imposed by law, nor impose any liability upon the County for damages to persons or property.

Section 505.310 through Section 505.350. (Reserved)