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 building or occupancy permit, or the commencement
of any land disturbance activity, may not proceed until the applicant
or his/her agent has received written approval of a drainage plan
from the municipality.
Any regulated activity that meets the exception criteria in the following subsections is exempt from the provisions of this article. This criteria shall apply to the total development even if development is to take place in phases. The date of the municipal ordinance adoption shall be the starting point from which to consider tracts as "parent tracts" in which future subdivisions and respective impervious area computations shall be cumulatively considered. An exemption shall not relieve the applicant from implementing such measures as are necessary to protect health, safety, and property. This exemption shall not relieve the applicant from meeting the special requirements for watersheds drainage to high quality (HQ) or exceptional value (EV) waters and the requirements for groundwater recharge (§
28B-305), water quality (§
28B-303) and stream bank erosion (§
28B-306). Exemptions under this article are permitted as follows:
A. If the parcel size is equal to or less than 1/4 acre, construction
or replacement of 1,200 square feet is exempt.
B. If the parcel is greater than 1/4 acre, up to one acre, the construction
or replacement of 2,500 square feet of impervious area is exempt.
C. If the parcel is greater than one acre, the construction or replacement
of up to 5,000 square feet of impervious area is exempt.
The stormwater management plan shall consist of all applicable
calculations, maps, and plans. A note on the maps shall refer to the
associated computations and erosion and sedimentation control plan
by title and date. The cover sheet of the computations and erosion
and sedimentation control plan shall refer to the associated maps
by title and date. All drainage plan materials shall be submitted
to the municipality in a format that is clear, concise, legible, neat,
and well organized; otherwise, the drainage plan shall be disapproved
and returned to the applicant. The following items shall be included
in the drainage plan:
A. Feasibility analysis.
(1)
A feasibility analysis that evaluates the potential application of infiltration, flow attenuation, bioretention, wetland, or wet pond BMPs must be submitted with the stormwater management plans required in Article
IV, including those developments not intending the use of such facilities. This analysis shall provide:
(a)
A general assessment of the anticipated additional runoff based on the design storm and postdevelopment condition and utilizing the calculation procedures required in §
28B-304;
(b)
Indication of drainage areas on the development site resulting
in impervious, pervious, and rooftop runoff;
(c)
Indication of type of land use (residential, nonresidential)
generating the impervious surface runoff;
(d)
Delineation of soils on the site from the NRCS, Soil Survey
of Bucks and Philadelphia Counties and on-site soil study. Soil study
shall be conducted by a soil scientist and shall include sufficient
probes/deep holes to evaluate application of BMPs;
(e)
Indication of soils generally suitable for infiltration and/or
wet pond/artificial wetland BMPs as shown in the table entitled: "General
Soil Suitability for Infiltration, Wet Pond and Artificial Wetland
Best Management Practices With Consideration to Runoff Point of Origin
and Land Use Type," including specification of those soils requiring
modifications;
(f)
Calculated acreage of suitable soils for infiltration BMPs and
wet pond or artificial wetland BMPs and percentage of suitable soils
based on total site acreage;
(g)
Calculated acreage of suitable soils for infiltration BMPs and
wet pond or artificial wetland BMPs made unavailable due to proposed
development layout and justification that alternative development
layout which would reduce impact on suitable soil availability is
unfeasible;
(h)
Analysis of potential infiltration or wet pond or artificial wetland BMPs which could be implemented to manage the projected postdevelopment runoff with consideration of suitable soil availability runoff point of and type of land use Subsection
A(1)(b) and
(c) and the general design standards and maintenance issues included in this chapter including an indication of how most postdevelopment runoff can be managed by these BMPs (e.g., the entire postdevelopment runoff or partial amount of runoff expressed as a percentage); and
(i)
Rationale for the decision to not proceed with implementation
of infiltration BMPs or wet pond or artificial wetland BMPs such as
excessive cost of implementation, insufficient soil suitability, and
development constraints.
(2)
The feasibility analysis must allow the municipality to review
the general soil characteristics of a site and the proposed development
for that site and determine if infiltration BMPs or wet pond or artificial
wetland BMPs could have been more thoroughly pursued for use by the
developer. The information required in the analysis is detailed enough
to determine the potential applicability of these BMPs for a proposed
development, but general enough not to force a developer into incurring
excessive cost associated with conducting laborious field and/or laboratory
soil testing for a site which ultimately may not be suitable for infiltration
or wet pond or artificial wetland BMP implementation. However, with
the requirements for conducting a feasibility analysis, developers
will be aware that they are expected to use these BMPs wherever possible
and are required to provide adequate justification if these BMPs are
not to be implemented. Essentially, all developers will be conducting
feasibility analysis since such analysis would become the preliminary
step in evaluating the potential for implementation of these mandatory
BMPs where possible. Developers for those sites that are determined
to be generally suitable from these analyses (taking into consideration
the areal extent of suitable soils necessary to accommodate an infiltration
or wet pond or wetland BMP for the type and size of development proposed)
are required to conduct the detailed soil testing and other feasibility
testing required in other sections of this chapter which contain the
description and additional design criteria of these BMPs.
B. A detailed geologic evaluation of the project site shall be performed
to determine the suitability of recharge facilities. The evaluation
shall be performed by a qualified deep hole testing and infiltration
testing shall be performed by a Certified Professional Soil Scientist
(CPSS), Certified Professional Soil Classifier (CPSC), or a Sewage
Enforcement Officer (SEO) or geologist, and, at a minimum, address
soil permeability, depth to bedrock, susceptibility to sinkhole formation,
and subgrade stability.
C. General.
(1)
General description of project including stormwater management
concept for the project.
(2)
General description of permanent stormwater management techniques,
including construction specifications of the materials to be used
for stormwater management facilities. If BMPs other than green infrastructure
methods and LID practices are proposed to achieve the volume, rate,
and water quality controls of this chapter, written justification
for use of these BMPs must be submitted.
(3)
Complete hydrologic, hydraulic, and structural computations
for all stormwater management facilities.
D. Map(s) of the project area shall be submitted on twenty-four-inch-by-thirty-six-inch
sheets and shall be prepared in a form that meets the requirements
for recording at the offices of the Recorder of Deeds of Bucks County.
The contents of the maps(s) shall include, but not be limited to:
(1)
The location of the project relative to highways, municipalities,
or other identifiable landmarks.
(2)
Existing contours at intervals of two feet. In areas of steep
slopes (greater than 25%), five-foot contours may be used.
(3)
Existing streams, lakes, ponds, or other bodies of water within
the project area.
(4)
Other physical features, including flood hazard boundaries,
sinkholes, streams, existing drainagecourses, wetlands, areas of natural
vegetation to be preserved, and the total extent of the upstream area
draining through the site. A determination of site conditions in accordance
with the BMP Manual. A detailed site evaluation shall be completed for projects
proposed in areas of carbonate geology or karst topography, and other
environmentally sensitive areas, such as brownfields.
(5)
The locations of all existing and proposed utilities, sanitary
sewers, septic systems, wells, and waterlines located on the site
and/or within 50 feet of property lines.
(6)
An overlay showing soil names and boundaries. This overlay shall
include a table on the map showing the recharge capabilities of each
soil represented on site in inches per hour and describe their recharge
or infiltration capabilities.
(7)
Proposed changes to the land surface and vegetative cover, including
the type and amount of impervious area that would be added.
(8)
Proposed structures, roads, paved areas, and buildings. Where
pervious pavement is proposed for parking lots, recreational facilities,
nondedicated streets, or other areas, pavement construction specifications
shall be noted on the plan.
(9)
Final contours at intervals at two feet. In areas of steep slopes
(greater than 25%), five-foot contour intervals may be used.
(10)
The name of the development, tax parcel number(s), the name
and address of the owner of the property, and the name of the individual
or firm preparing the plan.
(12)
A graphic and written scale of one inch equals no more than
50 feet. For tracts of 20 acres or more, the scale may be one inch
equals no more than 100 feet.
(14)
The total tract boundary and size, with distances marked to
the nearest foot and bearings to the nearest degree, as confirmed
by a professional land surveyor licensed in the commonwealth.
(15)
Existing and proposed land use(s).
(16)
A key map showing all existing man-made features beyond the
property boundary that may be affected by the project.
(17)
Horizontal and vertical profiles of all open channels and storm
sewer systems, including hydraulic capacity.
(18)
Overland drainage paths and path utilized to determine time
of concentration.
(19)
A twenty-foot-wide access easement around all stormwater management
facilities that would provide ingress to and egress from a public
right-of-way.
(20)
A note on the plan indicating the location and responsibility
for maintenance of stormwater management facilities that would be
located off site. All off-site facilities shall meet the performance
standards and design criteria specified in this chapter.
(21)
A construction detail of any improvements made to sinkholes
and the location of all notes to be posted, as specified in this chapter.
(22)
A statement, signed by the landowner, acknowledging the stormwater
management system to be a permanent fixture that can be altered or
removed only after approval of a revised plan by the Township, which
shall be recorded with the record plan and which shall be applicable
to all future landowners.
(23)
The location of all erosion and sedimentation control facilities.
(24)
The following signature block for the design engineer:
(Design engineer), on this date (date of signature), has reviewed
and hereby certifies that the stormwater management plan meets all
design standards and criteria of Upper Makefield Township Watershed
Act 167 Stormwater Management Ordinance (Delaware River South).
E. Supplemental information.
(1)
A written description of the following information shall be
submitted.
(a)
The overall stormwater management concept for the project.
(b)
Stormwater runoff computations 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 in this chapter.
(c)
Stormwater management techniques to be applied both during and
after development.
(d)
Expected project time schedule.
(2)
A soil erosion and sedimentation control plan, where applicable,
including all reviews and approvals, as required by PADEP and/or Bucks
Conservation District.
(3)
A geologic assessment of the effects of runoff on sinkholes
and carbonate/karst topography as specified in this chapter.
(4)
The effect of the project (in terms of runoff volume, water
quality, and peak flow) on adjacent properties and on any existing
municipal stormwater collection system that may receive runoff from
the project site.
(5)
A declaration of adequacy and highway occupancy permit from
the PADOT district office, when utilization of a PADOT storm drainage
system is proposed.
(6)
Plan and profile drawings of all SWM BMPs, including drainage
structures, pipes, open channels, and swales.
(7)
SWM site plan shall show the locations of existing and proposed
on-lot wastewater facilities and water supply wells.
(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
as well as schedules and costs for O&M activities.
(9)
A justification 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.
(10)
Construction details for all stormwater management BMPs, collection
systems, and appurtenances.
F. Stormwater management BMPs facilities.
(1)
All existing and proposed stormwater management BMPs facilities
must be located on a plan and described in detail.
(2)
When groundwater recharge methods, such as seepage pits, beds,
or trenches, are proposed, the locations of existing and proposed
septic tank infiltration areas and wells must be shown. A separation
distance of no less than 20 feet shall be provided between any septic
system and any facility used for stormwater management.
(3)
All calculations, assumptions, and criteria used in the design
of the stormwater management facilities must be shown. If multiple
facilities are proposed in conjunction with each other, such as infiltration
best management practices with vegetation based management practices,
a summary narrative shall be included describing any sequence and
how the facilities are meant to function with each other to manage
stormwater runoff.
For all activities regulated by this chapter, the steps below
shall be followed for submission. For any activities that require
a DEP joint permit application and regulated under Chapter 105 (Dam Safety and Waterway Management) or Chapter 106 (Floodplain Management) of DEP's Rules and Regulations,
require a PennDOT highway occupancy permit, or require any other permit
under applicable state or federal regulations, the proof of application
for that, the permit(s) shall be part of the plan. The plan shall
be coordinated with the state and federal permit process.
A. The drainage plan shall be submitted by the applicant as part of
the preliminary plan submission for the regulated activity.
B. A minimum of four hard copies and one digital (pdf) copy of the stormwater
management plan shall be submitted to Upper Makefield Township. No
plans/calculations will be accepted or acknowledged by the Township
Engineer unless such information comes from Upper Makefield Township.
C. One copy to the Bucks County Conservation District, submitted by
the applicant, for site with over 1,000 square feet earth disturbance).
A disapproved stormwater management site plan may be resubmitted, with the revisions addressing the Municipal Engineer's concerns documented in writing addressed to the municipality in accordance with §
28B-404 of this chapter and distributed accordingly and be subject to review as specified in §
28B-405 of this chapter. The applicable municipality review fee must accompany a resubmission of a disapproved stormwater management plan.
A set of SWM site design plans approved by the Township shall
be on file at the site throughout the duration of the development
activity. Periodic inspections may be made by the Township or designee
during development activities.
At the completion of the project, and as a prerequisite for the release of the performance guarantee under §
28B-801, the owner or his representatives shall:
A. The developer shall be responsible for providing a set of as-built
drawings as required pursuant to the Township Building Code, Subdivision
and Land Development. The as-built plans and an explanation of any
discrepancies with the construction plans shall be submitted to the
municipality. Additionally, the as-built 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.
B. Upon submission of as-built plan and completion certificate, contact
the Township Engineer to request inspection of the site for completion
of stormwater management facilities and compliance with the approved
plans and specifications.
No occupancy permit for any new structure on the site shall be issued unless the stormwater management BMPs approved for the lot have been installed and found satisfactory to the Township Engineer in accordance with §
28B-409 of this chapter.