61.29.1.
For any of the activities regulated by this chapter, the preliminary
or final approval of subdivision and/or land development plans, the
issuance of any zoning, building or occupancy permit, or the commencement
of any land disturbance activity may not proceed until the property
owner or developer or his/her agent has received written approval
of an SWM site plan from the Municipality.
61.29.2.
All stormwater management site plans shall be designed and certified
by individuals registered in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and
qualified to perform such duties based on education and training in
hydrology and hydraulics.
61.30.1.
Appropriate sections from the Municipality's Subdivision
and Land Development Ordinance, and other applicable local ordinances,
shall be followed in preparing the SWM site plans.
61.30.2.
The Municipality shall not approve any SWM site plan that is
deficient in meeting the requirements of this chapter. At its sole
discretion and in accordance with this article, when an SWM site plan
is found to be deficient, the Municipality may either disapprove the
submission and require a resubmission, or in the case of minor deficiencies,
the Municipality may accept submission of modifications. The following
items shall be included in the SWM site plan:
1.
Provisions for permanent access or maintenance easements for all
physical SWM BMPs, such as ponds and infiltration structures, as necessary
to implement the operation and maintenance (O&M) plan.
2.
The following signature block for the Municipality:
"(Municipal official or designated plan reviewer), on this date
(signature date), has reviewed and hereby certifies that the SWM site
plan meets all design standards and criteria of the Municipal Ordinance
No. (number assigned to ordinance), except where waivers have been
granted as noted on the plan. The review is based on a survey and
plan prepared by others and assumes that all information is correct
and valid as submitted."
3.
The SWM site plan shall provide the following information:
a.
Plans no larger than twenty-four-inch by thirty-six-inch sheets.
b.
The name of the development; name and location and/or address of
the property site; name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address
of the applicant/owner of the property; and name, address, telephone
number, e-mail address, and engineering seal and signature of the
individual preparing the SWM site plan.
c.
The date of submission and dates of all revisions.
d.
A graphical and written scale on all drawings and maps.
e.
A North arrow on all drawings and maps.
f.
A USGS location map at a minimum scale of one inch equals 1,000 feet.
g.
Bearing and distance descriptions of the entire tract perimeter,
existing and proposed easements, and rights-of-way.
h.
Existing and proposed contours at intervals of two feet.
i.
Existing waterbodies within the project area, including streams,
lakes, ponds, field-delineated wetlands or other bodies of water,
sinkholes, flood hazard boundaries (FEMA-delineated floodplains and
floodways), all sensitive environmental features, areas of natural
vegetation to be preserved, the total extent of the upstream area
draining through the site, and overland drainage paths.
j.
All existing and proposed utilities, on-lot wastewater facilities,
water supply wells, sanitary sewers, and water lines on and within
50 feet of property lines.
k.
A key map showing all existing man-made features beyond the property
boundary that may be affected by the project.
l.
Soil names and boundaries with identification of the Hydraulic Soil
Group classification.
m.
The proposed limit of disturbance line and associated proposed disturbed
acres.
n.
Proposed structures, roads, paved areas, buildings, and other improvements,
including plans and profiles of roads and paved areas and floor elevations
of buildings.
o.
Horizontal alignment, vertical profiles, and cross sections of all
open channels, pipes, swales, and other BMPs.
p.
The location and clear identification of the nature of permanent
stormwater BMPs. This information shall include the limits of design
impervious area and, where applicable, modification of design for
impervious area in excess of that specified.
q.
The location of all erosion and sedimentation control facilities.
r.
A minimum twenty-foot-wide access easement around all stormwater
management facilities that would provide ingress to and egress from
a public right-of-way. In lieu of providing an easement to the public
right-of-way, a note may be added to the plan granting the Municipality
or its designees access to all easements via the nearest public right-of-way.
s.
Construction details for all drainage and stormwater BMPs. Where
possible, guidance for modification of the design for additional impervious
area shall be provided.
t.
Identification of short-term and long-term ownership, operations,
and maintenance responsibilities.
u.
Notes and statements:
[1]
A statement, signed by the landowner, acknowledging that the
stormwater BMPs are fixtures that cannot be altered or removed without
prior approval by the Municipality.
[2]
A statement referencing the operation and maintenance (O&M)
agreement and stating that the O&M agreement is part of the SWM
site plan.
[3]
A note indicating that as-built survey plans will be provided
for all stormwater management facilities prior to occupancy of land
or structures, or the release of financial security for said facilities.
[4]
The following signature block for the qualified professional
preparing the SWM site plan:
"I, __________, hereby certify that the stormwater management
site plan meets all design standards and criteria of the Municipality
of Bethel Park Stormwater Management Ordinance, Ordinance No. __________."
4.
A stormwater management report containing:
a.
An introduction which summarizes the development proposal, methodology
of calculations, and the main components of the proposed stormwater
management design.
b.
Stormwater runoff calculations as specified in this chapter, including
complete hydraulic and structural computations for all stormwater
management facilities and volume control designs.
c.
Where multiple stormwater management facilities (including water
recharge and water quality) are used, an explanation of how these
facilities will interrelate is required.
d.
Predevelopment and post-development watershed subareas with time-of-concentration
path delineations clearly marked to indicate all sheet flow, shallow
concentrated flow and open channel segments by length and assumed
beginning and end elevations for each segment.
e.
In carbonate geology areas, a geologic assessment of the impact of
the proposed project and associated site improvements and any precautionary
or remedial actions recommended.
f.
Design and specifications for all stormwater management facilities,
groundwater recharge areas, water quality features and erosion and
sedimentation facilities.
g.
Horizontal and vertical profiles of all pipes, swales, open channels
and stormwater management facilities, showing existing and proposed
grades.
h.
Cross section of swales, open channels, facilities, etc.
i.
Evaluation of the project's effect on upstream and downstream
adjoining properties.
j.
Adequate drainage easements around all stormwater management facilities,
with a twenty-foot minimum width required. All easements require a
bearing and distance description which close within each lot and tie
to known points for final plan approval.
k.
Ownership and maintenance provisions.
l.
All designs, calculations and illustrations necessary to demonstrate
compliance with the design standards specified within this chapter,
as determined by the Engineer.
m.
All applicable worksheets from the BMP Manual when establishing volume
controls.
n.
Date of construction visit by a design professional.
5.
Stormwater management facilities.
a.
All stormwater management facilities must be located on a plan and
described in detail. The volumes of stormwater detention required
shall be noted on the plan, as well as approximate dimensions of the
proposed facility.
b.
Plans for groundwater recharge facilities must show the locations
of existing septic tank infiltration areas and any wells. A minimum
fifty-foot separation from on-lot disposal system (OLDS) infiltration
areas is required. Infiltration rates shall be based upon percolation
and probe tests conducted at the site of the proposed facility.
c.
All calculations, assumptions, and criteria used in the design of
the stormwater management facilities must be shown.
d.
A plan note shall be added to grant municipal officials and employees
thereof the right of access to the property for inspection of a stormwater
BMP and, in the event of default by the developer, installation of
the stormwater management facilities.
e.
Maintenance and ownership provisions shall be clearly spelled out
on the plan.
[1]
The overall stormwater management concept for the project.
[2]
A determination of site conditions in accordance with the BMP
Manual. A detailed site evaluation shall be completed for projects
proposed in environmentally sensitive areas.
[3]
Stormwater runoff design computations and documentation as specified
in this chapter, or as otherwise necessary to demonstrate that the
maximum practicable measures have been taken to meet the requirements
of this chapter, including the recommendations and general requirements.
[4]
Expected project time schedule.
[5]
A soil erosion and sediment control plan, where applicable,
as prepared for and submitted to the approval authority.
[6]
The effect of the project (in terms of runoff volumes, water
quality, and peak flows) on surrounding properties and aquatic features
and on any existing stormwater conveyance system that may be affected
by the project.
[7]
The SWM site plan shall show the locations of existing and proposed
on-lot wastewater facilities and water supply wells, property boundaries,
existing and proposed topography, point(s) of interest, utilities,
and potential utility conflicts.
[8]
The SWM site plan shall include an O&M plan for all existing
and proposed physical stormwater management facilities. This plan
shall address long-term ownership and responsibilities for O&M,
including type and schedule/frequency of maintenance activities, personnel
and equipment requirements, estimated annual maintenance costs, and
method of financing continuing O&M. The O&M plan shall include
the submission of an annual inspection report to the Municipality
of Bethel Park.
[9]
A justification, acceptable to the designated plan reviewer,
must be included in the SWM site plan if BMPs other than green infrastructure
methods and LID practices are proposed to achieve the volume, rate
and water quality controls under this chapter.
61.32.1.
SWM plans shall be reviewed by the Municipality for consistency
with the provisions of this chapter.
61.32.2.
The Municipality shall notify the applicant in writing within
45 days whether the SWM plan is approved or disapproved or requires
additional documentation. If the SWM plan involves a subdivision and
land development plan, the notification shall occur within the time
period allowed by the Municipalities Planning Code[1] (90 days). If a longer notification period is provided
by other statute, regulation, or ordinance, the applicant will be
so notified by the Municipality.
[1]
Editor's Note: See 53 P.S. § 10101 et seq.
61.32.3.
For any SWM plan that proposes to use any BMPs other than green
infrastructure and LID practices to achieve the volume and rate controls
required under this chapter, the Municipality will not approve the
SWM plan unless it determines that green infrastructure and LID practices
are not practicable.
61.32.4.
If the Municipality disapproves the SWM plan, the Municipality
will state the reasons for the disapproval in writing. The Municipality
also may approve the SWM plan with conditions and, if so, shall provide
the acceptable conditions for approval in writing.
61.32.5.
All required permits from DEP must be obtained prior to approval
of any SWM plan, subdivision or land development.
61.32.6.
All required permits from DEP must be obtained prior to issuance
of a zoning or building permit.
61.33.1.
A modification to a submitted SWM site plan that involves a
change in SWM BMPs or techniques, or that involves the relocation
or redesign of SWM BMPs, or that is necessary because soil or other
conditions are not as stated on the SWM site plan, as determined by
the designated plan reviewer, shall require a resubmission of the
modified SWM site plan in accordance with this article.
61.34.1.
A disapproved SWM site plan may be resubmitted, with the revisions
addressing the Municipality's concerns, to the Municipality in
accordance with this article. The applicable review fee, in accordance
with the fee schedule, must accompany a resubmission of a disapproved
SWM site plan.
61.35.1.
The Municipality's approval of an SWM site plan authorizes
the regulated activities contained in the SWM site plan for a maximum
term of validity of five years following the date of approval. The
Municipality may specify a term of validity shorter than five years
in the approval for any specific SWM site plan. Terms of validity
shall commence on the date the Municipality signs the approval for
an SWM site plan. If an approved SWM site plan is not installed according
to the term of validity, then the Municipality may consider the SWM
site plan disapproved and may revoke any and all permits. SWM site
plans that are considered disapproved by the Municipality shall be
resubmitted in accordance with this chapter.
61.36.1.
The developer shall be responsible for providing as-built drawings
of all SWM BMPs included in the approved SWM site plan. The as-built
drawings and an explanation of any discrepancies with the construction
plans shall be submitted to the Municipality.
61.36.2.
The as-built drawing submission shall include a certification
of completion signed by a qualified professional verifying that all
permanent SWM BMPs have been constructed according to the approved
plans and specifications. The latitude and longitude coordinates for
all permanent SWM BMPs must also be submitted, at the central location
of the BMPs. If any licensed qualified professionals contributed to
the construction plans, then a licensed qualified professional must
sign the completion certificate.
61.36.3.
The Municipality must conduct inspections during construction
at critical times (prior to backfilling and connections to municipal
facilities) as it deems appropriate. If inspections performed by the
Municipality reveal deficiencies from the submitted and approved SWM
site plan, the Municipality may request corrective actions. Any corrective
action shall be at the cost of the stormwater facility owner.
61.36.4.
After receipt of the completion certification by the Municipality,
the Municipality may conduct a final inspection.
61.36.5.
An as-built plan shall contain the following stormwater-related
information:
1.
Actual location of floodplain by elevation and dimension from property
line.
2.
Actual location and cross section of swales and accompanying easements.
3.
Actual horizontal and vertical location of SWM BMPs, including type
and size of storm drainage pipes.
4.
For all storage SWM BMPs (e.g., stormwater basins, rain gardens and
infiltration facilities), the following information shall be provided:
a.
As-built elevation contours of the SWM BMP as applicable, or the
horizontal and vertical dimensions of underground facilities, to include
depth from ground surface to top of facility.
b.
Verification of materials used in construction (e.g., geotextile,
liner materials, etc.).
c.
As-built outlet structure details, including type, size, and inverts
of discharge pipes.
d.
As-built elevations for embankments and emergency spillways.
e.
A table showing the stage/storage/discharge information for the constructed
conditions.
f.
A table providing a comparison of the approved design versus the
as-built discharge rates.
61.37.1.
A modification which involves a change in stormwater management
methods, facilities or techniques, or that involves the relocation
or redesign of stormwater management facilities, or which is necessary
because soil or other conditions are not as stated on the approved
plan, shall require a resubmission in accordance with the plan requirements
set forth in this chapter and the Subdivision and Land Development
Ordinance.
61.38.1.
The provisions of this chapter are intended as minimum standards
for the protection of the public health, safety, and welfare. The
Municipality of Bethel Park reserves the right to modify or to extend
these provisions conditionally in individual cases as may be necessary
in the public interest; provided, however, that such variation shall
not have the effect of nullifying the intent and purpose of this chapter,
and that the applicant shows to the satisfaction of the Municipality
that the applicable regulation is unreasonable, or will cause undue
hardship, or that an alternative proposal will allow for equal or
better results. The list of such modifications shall be listed on
the plan.
61.38.2.
In granting waivers/modifications, Bethel Park may impose such
conditions as will, in its judgment, secure substantially the objectives
of the standards and requirements of this chapter.
61.39.1.
For the purpose of this section, drainage courses, swales, stormwater
inlets, pipes, conduits, detention and retention basins, subsurface
storage structures, and other stormwater management facilities shall
be included under the term "SWM BMPs."
1.
The final plan shall reflect and/or be accompanied by supporting
documentation identifying the ownership and method of administering
and maintaining all permanent SWM BMPs.
2.
The SWM site plan for the development site shall contain an operation
and maintenance plan for review by the Engineer. The operation and
maintenance plan shall outline required routine maintenance actions
and schedules necessary to insure proper operation of the facility(ies).
3.
The SWM site plan for the development site shall establish responsibilities
for the continuing operating and maintenance of all proposed SWM BMPs,
consistent with the following principals:
a.
If a development consists of structures such as streets, sewers and
other public improvements which are to be dedicated to the Municipality,
SWM BMPs may also be dedicated to and maintained by the Municipality.
However, if the Municipality accepts dedication of streets, the Municipality
is under no obligation to accept dedication of SWM BMPs located outside
of the public right-of-way.
b.
If a development site is to be maintained in a single ownership or
if sewers and other public improvements are to be privately owned
and maintained, then the ownership and maintenance of SWM BMPs shall
be the responsibility of the owner, lessee, or private management
entity (e.g., homeowners' association or other parties of interest).
Facilities owned and maintained by a private entity shall be maintained
in accordance with the terms of an agreement, declaration of easement
or other legally binding documentation approved in form by the Engineer.
The agreement, declaration of easement or other legally binding documentation
shall provide that the Engineer and/or their assigned representative
have the right to:
[1]
Inspect the facilities at any time.
[2]
Require the private entity to take corrective measures and assign
the private entity reasonable time periods for any necessary action.
[3]
Authorize maintenance to be done and lien all cost of the work
against the properties of the private entity responsible for maintenance.
4.
The Municipality shall make the final determination on the continuing
maintenance responsibilities. The Municipality reserves the right
to accept the ownership and operating responsibility for any or all
the stormwater management controls.
5.
Maintenance of SWM BMPs shall include, but not be limited to, the
following:
a.
Liming and fertilizing vegetated channels and other areas in accordance
with soil test recommendations.
b.
Reestablishment of vegetation by seeding and mulching or sodding
of scoured areas or areas where vegetation has not been successfully
established.
c.
Mowing as necessary to maintain adequate grass and to control weeds.
Chemical weed control may be used if federal, state, and local laws
and regulations are met.
d.
Removal of silt from all permanent structures which trap silt and
sediment in order to keep the material from building up in grassed
waterways, pipes, detention basins, infiltration structures, or other
SWM BMPs, and thus reducing their capacity to convey or store water.
e.
Regular inspection of the areas in question to assure proper implementation
of SWM BMPs, maintenance and care.
f.
All pipes, swales and detention facilities shall be kept free of
any debris or other obstructions and maintained in original design
condition.
g.
Replacement or repair of damaged structural SWM BMPs or components
of such SWM BMPs.
61.40.1.
SWM BMPs existing on the effective date of this chapter on individual
lots which have not been accepted by the Municipality or for which
maintenance responsibility has not been assumed by a private entity
such as a homeowners' association shall be maintained by the
individual property owners. Such maintenance shall include at a minimum
those items set forth in this chapter. If the Municipality determines
at any time that any permanent stormwater management facility has
been eliminated, altered, blocked through the erection of structures
or the deposit of material, or improperly maintained, the condition
constitutes a nuisance, and the Municipality shall notify the property
owner of corrective measures which are required and provide for a
reasonable period of time, not to exceed 30 days, within which the
property owner shall take such corrective action. If the property
owner does not take the required corrective action, the Municipality
may either perform the work, or contract for the performance of the
work and bill the property owner for the cost of the work plus a penalty
of 10% of the cost of the work. If the property owner does not pay
such bill within 30 days, the Municipality may file a municipal claim
against the property upon which the work was performed in accordance
with the applicable laws.
61.40.2.
No person shall modify, remove, fill, landscape or alter stormwater
management facilities which have been installed on a property unless
an SWM site plan has been approved to permit such modification, removal,
filling, landscaping or alteration. No person shall place any structure,
fill, landscaping or vegetation into a stormwater management facility
or within a drainage easement which will limit or alter the functioning
of the facility or easement in any manner.
