[1]
Editor's Note: Former Ch. 1304 derived from Ord. 12-2019, eff. 3-20-2019.
[Ord. No. 34-2021, § 1, eff. 10-11-2021]
a. 
For any activities regulated by this Title, no earth disturbance may commence and no building permit may be issued until the City has approved a SWM Site Plan.
b. 
SWM Site Plan review and approval is a two-step process consisting of:
1. 
City review and approval of a Conceptual SWM Plan in accordance with the requirements of Section 1304.02.
2. 
City review and approval of a SWM Site Plan in accordance with the requirements Section 1304.03.
c. 
The applicant must receive Conceptual SWM Plan approval from the City prior to submission of a SWM Site Plan.
d. 
The City shall not approve any SWM Site Plan that is deficient in meeting the requirements of this Title. At its sole discretion and in accordance with this Title, when a SWM Site Plan is found to be deficient, the City may either disapprove the submission and require a resubmission, or in the case of minor deficiencies, the Designated Plan Reviewer may accept submission of modifications.
[Ord. No. 34-2021, § 1, eff. 10-11-2021]
The following items shall be included in the Conceptual SWM Plan submission:
a. 
Conceptual SWM Plan review application in accordance with requirements outlined in the City of Pittsburgh Stormwater Design Manual.
b. 
Conceptual SWM Plan in accordance with requirements outlined in the City of Pittsburgh Stormwater Design Manual and containing the following information:
1. 
Applicant and project location information.
2. 
Preliminary base plans depicting existing conditions and lot lines.
3. 
Limits of earth disturbance.
4. 
Identification of proposed site improvements consistent with improvement shown on Zoning Site Plan submission, if applicable.
5. 
Identification of areas for proposed stormwater management BMPs, including locations, extent, and types of BMPs depicting conceptual footprints and volumes, discharge locations and safe overflow connections; and
6. 
Post-construction stormwater management BMP drainage areas delineating pervious and impervious cover.
7. 
Plan call outs and tabular information designating proposed stormwater volume control offsets, rate control points of interest, additional or enlarged BMPs qualifying for stormwater management volume or rate incentives, proposed BMPs targeted for innovation track approval, and accounting of points if preferred technology incentives are being requested.
8. 
Preliminary technical feasibility determination reports for any drainage areas for which the applicant intends to pursue in-lieu fee compliance.
c. 
Documentation of proposed rainwater bonus goals and points in accordance with Title 9: Zoning, Chapter 915: Environmental Performance Standards, Section 915.07.D.5, if applicable.
[Ord. No. 34-2021, § 1, eff. 10-11-2021]
The following items shall be included in the SWM Site Plan submission:
a. 
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 discussed in subsection b.9. below.
b. 
SWM Site Plan in accordance with requirements outlined in the City of Pittsburgh Stormwater Design Manual and containing the following information:
1. 
The overall stormwater management concept for the project.
2. 
A determination of site conditions in accordance with the City of Pittsburgh Stormwater Design Manual and DEP PA BMP Manual3. A detailed site evaluation shall be completed for projects proposed in environmentally sensitive areas, such as but not limited to brownfields and areas with steep slopes.
3. 
Stormwater runoff design computations and documentation as specified in this Title and the City of Pittsburgh Stormwater Design Manual, or as otherwise necessary to demonstrate that the maximum practicable measures have been taken to meet the requirements of this Title, including the recommendations and general requirements in Section 1303.01.
4. 
Expected project 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. 
Plan and profile drawings of all SWM BMPs, including drainage structures, pipes, open channels, and swales.
8. 
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.
9. 
The SWM Site Plan shall include an O&M plan in accordance with the City of Pittsburgh Stormwater Design Manual 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.
10. 
A justification in accordance with the City of Pittsburgh Stormwater Design Manual requirements, acceptable to the Designated Plan Reviewer, must be included in the SWM Site Plan if BMPs other than preferred or approved BMPs are proposed to achieve the volume, rate and water quality controls under this Title. See Chapter 1303 and the City of Pittsburgh Stormwater Design Manual.
11. 
Plan call outs and tabular information designating proposed stormwater volume control offsets, rate control points of interest, additional or enlarged BMPs qualifying for stormwater management volume or rate incentives, proposed BMPs targeted for innovation track approval, and accounting of points if preferred technology incentives are being requested.
12. 
Technical feasibility determination reports for any drainage areas for which the applicant intends to pursue in-lieu fee compliance.
c. 
Infiltration testing and geotechnical testing investigation report in accordance with the City of Pittsburgh Stormwater Design Manual.
d. 
For any activities that require state or federal permits, proof of application or approval of those permit(s).
e. 
Proof of submission of a soil erosion and sediment control plan to the Allegheny County Conservation District and approval of non-permitted plan, per 25 PA Code 102.4(b)(2)(i), or approval of General (PAG-02) or Individual NPDES Permit for Stormwater Discharges Associated with Construction Activities, or Erosion and Sediment Permit (ESCP) as applicable.
[Ord. No. 34-2021, § 1, eff. 10-11-2021]
Plans shall be submitted in a format acceptable to the Designated Plan Reviewers.
[Ord. No. 34-2021, § 1, eff. 10-11-2021]
a. 
Conceptual SWM Plans and SWM Site Plans shall be submitted to and approved by the City for consistency with the provisions of this Title and the City of Pittsburgh Stormwater Design Manual.
b. 
The City has designated the Department of City Planning, the Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections, and the Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority as the Designated Plan Reviewers of SWM Site Plans for the City, and shall be understood to be the reviewer where indicated as the City within this Title.
c. 
The City shall notify the applicant in writing within fifteen (15) business days whether the Conceptual SWM Site Plan is approved or disapproved or requires additional documentation. If a longer notification period is provided by other statute, regulation, or ordinance, the applicant will be so notified by the City.
d. 
Conceptual SWM Site Plan approval will expire after one (1) year from the date of issuance. The applicant may request to renew the application for one (1) additional year provided the request is submitted prior to the expiration of the approval. A lapsed approval shall not be renewed more than once. Renewal shall be made by written statement without requiring the filing of a new application. Renewal shall have the same effect as the original approval. If no renewal is granted with the one-year period allowed for renewals, the original approval shall be void and have no further effect.
e. 
The City shall notify the applicant in writing within forty-five (45) days whether the SWM Site Plan is approved or disapproved or requires additional documentation. If a longer notification period is provided by other statute, regulation, or ordinance, the applicant will be so notified by the City.
f. 
For any SWM Site Plan that proposes to use any BMPs other than green infrastructure and LID practices to achieve the volume and rate controls required under this Title, the City will not approve the SWM Site Plan unless it determines that green infrastructure and LID practices are infeasible in accordance with of the City of Pittsburgh Stormwater Design Manual.
g. 
If the City disapproves the SWM Site Plan, the City will state the reasons for the disapproval in writing. Revisions to a SWM Site Plan can be approved if requirements of the code are met.
h. 
No person in the employ of the City or acting on behalf of the City shall approve any SWM Site Plan, make any final determination on maintenance responsibilities or accept dedication of facilities where the SWM Site Plan or the SWM BMPs do not meet the design standards and criteria of this Title or the City of Pittsburgh Stormwater Design Manual. Any approval based upon a false statement of fact that is material to the grant of such approval shall be void.
[Ord. No. 34-2021, § 1, eff. 10-11-2021]
A modification to an approved 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 approved SWM Site Plan, as determined by the Designated Plan Reviewer, shall require a resubmission of the modified SWM Site Plan in accordance with this Title.
[Ord. No. 34-2021, § 1, eff. 10-11-2021]
A disapproved SWM Site Plan may be resubmitted, with the revisions addressing the City's concerns, to the City in accordance with this Article. The applicable review fee, in accord with Chapter 1306, must accompany a resubmission of a disapproved SWM Site Plan.
[Ord. No. 34-2021, § 1, eff. 10-11-2021]
The City's issuance of a issuance of a stormwater permit authorizes the regulated activities contained in the SWM Site Plan for a maximum term of validity of five (5) years following the date of approval. The City may specify a term of validity shorter than five (5) years in the approval for any specific SWM Site Plan. Terms of validity shall commence on the date the City issues a stormwater permit. If an approved SWM Site Plan is not completed according to Section 1304.11 within the term of validity, then the City may consider the SWM Site Plan disapproved and may revoke any and all permits. SWM Site Plans that are considered disapproved by the City shall be resubmitted in accordance with Section 1304.07 of this Title.
[Ord. No. 34-2021, § 1, eff. 10-11-2021]
a. 
All SWM BMPs shall be installed per the 2015 International Plumbing Code. The following provisions are adopted as follows:
1. 
General Modifications:
a. 
References to "plumbing permits" shall be replaced with "stormwater permits".
b. 
References to "plumbing department" and/or "plumbing inspection department" shall be replaced with "The Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections.
c. 
References to "plumbing systems" shall be replaced with "stormwater plumbing systems".
d. 
Some technical requirements may be modified by the current Stormwater Design Manual.
2. 
Section 101 General subsections 101.3 & 101.4 with the following modifications:
a. 
101.3 Intent. The purpose of this code is to establish minimum standards to provide a reasonable level of safety, health, property protection and public welfare by regulating and controlling the design, construction, installation, quality of materials, location, operation and maintenance or use of plumbing equipment and systems.
3. 
Section 102 Applicability subsections 102.1, 102.2, 102.3, 102.8, 102.9, 102.10, 102.11.
4. 
Section 103 Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections subsection 103.4.
5. 
Section 104 Duties and Powers of the Code Official subsections 104.1, 104.3, 104.4, 104.5, 104.6, 104.7
6. 
Section 105 Approval all subsections.
7. 
Section 106 Permits subsection 106.3, 106.4, and 106.5 with the following modifications:
a. 
106.4 Application. Any owner or owner's authorized agent who intends to install a stormwater plumbing system shall first make application to the building official and obtain the required permit.
8. 
Section 108 Violations all subsections with the following modifications:
a. 
108.4 Violation Penalties. Any person who shall violate a provision of this code or shall fail to comply with any of the requirements thereof or who shall erect, install, alter or repair plumbing work in violation of the approved construction documents or directive of the code official, or of a permit or certificate issued under the provisions of this code, shall be guilty of a summary offense, and if found guilty shall be punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000 dollars. Each day that a violation continues after due notice has been served shall be deemed a separate offense.
b. 
108.5 Stop Work Orders. Upon notice from the code official, work on any plumbing system that is being performed contrary to the provisions of this code or in a dangerous or unsafe manner shall immediately cease. Such notice shall be in writing and shall be given to the owner of the property, or to the owner's authorized agent, or to the person performing the work. The notice shall state the conditions under which work is authorized to resume. Where an emergency exists, the code official shall not be required to give a written notice prior to stopping the work. Any person who shall continue any work in or about the structure after having been served with a stop work order, except such work as that person is directed to perform to remove a violation or unsafe condition, shall be liable to a fine of not more than $1,000 dollars.
9. 
Section 109 Means of Appeal subsection 109.1 modified as follows:
a. 
109.1 Application for appeal. Any person shall have the right to appeal a decision of the code official regarding the standards adopted for stormwater permits. These appeals shall be submitted to the Board of Appeals per the process and procedure outlined in Section 1002 of Title 10 - Building Code of the Pittsburgh City Code.
10. 
Section 201 General all subsections
11. 
Section 202 General Definitions all subsections
a. 
Stormwater Permit. An official document issued by the building official that authorizes performance of work regulated by this ordinance.
b. 
Stormwater Plumbing System. A system that includes conveyance of storm water as regulated by Title 13 of Pittsburgh City Code including respective connections, devices and appurtenances within a premises, and storm sewer.
12. 
Section 301 General subsections 301.1, 301.2, 301.5, and 301.7.
13. 
Section 302 Exclusion of Materials Detrimental to the Sewer System all subsections
14. 
Section 303 Materials all subsections
15. 
Section 304 Rodentproofing all subsections
16. 
Section 305 Protection of Pipe and Plumbing System Components all subsections except for 305.4.1 and 305.5 with the following modifications:
a. 
305.4 Freezing. Sewers shall be installed 3' below grade, measured to the top of pipe.
17. 
Section 306 Trenching, Excavation, and Backfill all subsections
18. 
Section 309 Flood Hazard Resistance all subsections
19. 
Section 312 Tests and Inspections subsection 312.1, 312.2, 312.3, and 312.8
20. 
Section 316 Alternative Engineered Design all subsection
21. 
Section 702 Materials subsections 702.1, 702.2, and 702.4
22. 
Section 703 Building Sewer subsections 703.2, 703.3, 703.5, and 703.6
23. 
Section 705 Joints all subsections
24. 
Section 706 Connections Between Drainage Piping and Fittings all subsections
25. 
Section 707 Prohibited Joints and Connections all subsections
26. 
Section 708 Cleanouts all subsections
27. 
Section 1101 General subsections 1101.1, 1101.2, 1101.3, 1101.4, 1101.5, 1101.6, 1101.8, and 1101.9
28. 
Section 1102 Materials subsections 1102.1, 1102.2, 1102.3, 1102.4, 1102.5, and 1102.7
29. 
Section 1105 Roof Drains subsection 1105.2
30. 
Section 1106 Size of Conductors, Leaders and Storm Drains subsection 1106.1, and 1106.2 modified as follows:
a. 
1106.1 General. The size of storm sewers and any horizontal branches of sewers shall be based on the weather data in the Stormwater Design Manual.
31. 
Section 1109 Combined Sanitary and Storm Public Sewer all subsections
32. 
Section 1111 Subsoil Drains subsection 1111.1
33. 
Chapter 15 Referenced Standards all standards
[Ord. No. 34-2021, § 1, eff. 10-11-2021]
a. 
General. The Director of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections and their designee(s) are authorized to conduct such inspections as are deemed necessary to determine compliance with the provisions of this ordinance. Construction or work for which a permit is required shall be subject to inspection by the Director of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections and their designee(s), and such construction or work shall remain accessible and exposed for inspection purposes until approved. Approval as a result of an inspection shall not be construed to be an approval of a violation of the provisions of this ordinance or of other ordinances of the jurisdiction. Inspections presuming to give authority to violate or cancel the provisions of this ordinance or of other ordinances of the jurisdiction shall not be valid. It shall be the duty of the permit applicant to cause the work to remain accessible and exposed for inspection purposes. Neither the Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspection nor the City shall be liable for expense entailed in the removal or replacement of any material required to allow inspection.
b. 
Required Inspections and Testing. The Director of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections and their designee(s), upon notification from the permit holder or the permit holder's agent, shall make the following inspections and such other inspections as necessary, and shall either release that portion of the construction or shall notify the permit holder or an agent of any violations that must be corrected.
1. 
Pre-construction inspection shall be made to review scope of work, construction sequencing, and inspection schedule. This inspection may be waived by the Department of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections.
2. 
Underground inspection shall be made after trenches or ditches are excavated and bedded, piping installed, and before any backfill is put in place.
3. 
Final inspection shall be made after the stormwater management system is complete and is ready for service.
c. 
Other Inspections. In addition to the inspections specified above, the Director of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections and their designee(s) shall be authorized to make or require other inspections of any construction work to ascertain compliance with the provisions of this ordinance and other laws that are enforced.
d. 
Inspection Requests. It shall be the duty of the holder of the permit or their duly authorized agent to notify the Director of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections or their designee(s) when work is ready for inspection. It shall be the duty of the permit holder to provide access to and means for inspections of such work that is regulated by this ordinance.
e. 
Approval Required. Work shall not be done beyond the point indicated in each successive inspection without first obtaining the approval of the Director of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections and their designee(s). The Director of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections and their designee(s), upon notification, shall make the requested inspections and shall either indicate the portion of the construction that is satisfactory as completed, or notify the permit holder or his or her agent wherein the same fails to comply with this ordinance. Any portions that do not comply shall be corrected at the cost of the permit holder and such portion shall not be covered or concealed until authorized by the Director of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections and their designee(s).
f. 
Approved Agencies. The Director of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections and their designee(s), at their discretion, is authorized to accept reports of approved inspection agencies, provided that such agencies satisfy the requirements as to qualifications and reliability.
g. 
Special Inspections. Special inspections of alternative engineered design plumbing systems shall be conducted in accordance with the following:
1. 
Periodic Inspection. The registered design professional or designated inspector shall periodically inspect and observe the alternative engineered design to determine that the installation is in accordance with the approved construction documents, including approved SWM site plan, and this ordinance. Discrepancies shall be brought to the immediate attention of the permit holder for correction. Records shall be kept of all inspections.
2. 
Written Report. The registered design professional shall submit a final report in writing to the Director of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections and their designee(s) upon completion of the installation, certifying that the alternative engineered design conforms to the approved construction documents, including approved SWM site plan, and this ordinance. A final inspection shall not be authorized until a written certification has been submitted.
h. 
Testing. Systems shall be tested as required in Section 1303.09. Tests shall be made by the permit holder and observed by the Director of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections and their designee(s). Equipment, material and labor required for testing an installed system or part thereof shall be furnished by the permit holder.
i. 
Reinspection and Testing. Where any work or installation does not pass any initial test or inspection, the necessary corrections shall be made to comply with this ordinance. The permit shall then notify the Director of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections and their designee(s) to schedule inspection and testing.
j. 
Approval. After the prescribed tests and inspections indicate that the work complies in all respects with this ordinance and approved construction documents, including approved SWM site plan, the Director of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections and their designee(s) shall grant a passed final inspection.
1. 
Revocation. The Director of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections and their designee(s) is authorized to, in writing, suspend or revoke a final inspection issued under the provisions of this ordinance wherever the notice is issued in error, or on the basis of incorrect information supplied, or where it is determined that the system or portion thereof is in violation of any provisions of this ordinance.
k. 
Connection of Service Utilities. A person shall not make connections from a utility, water system or sewer system to any system that is regulated by this ordinance until authorized by the Director of Permits, Licenses, and Inspections and their designee(s).
[Ord. No. 12-2019, art. IV, § 13407, eff. 3-20-2019]
a. 
The Qualified Professional must be given a minimum of one (1) week notice prior to the SWM BMPs installation. The Qualified Professional must be present during the installation of all layers of the SWM BMPs.
b. 
The Developer shall be responsible for providing record drawings of all SWM BMPs included in the approved SWM Site Plan and in accordance with the City of Pittsburgh Stormwater Design Manual. The record drawings and an explanation of any discrepancies with the construction plans shall be submitted to the City.
c. 
The record drawing submission shall include a certification of completion signed by the BMP Design Engineer, or the Design Engineer's representative for the project, 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.
d. 
(Reserved)
e. 
After receipt of the completion certification by the City, the City will conduct a final inspection, and may conduct inspections thereafter to ensure proper functioning and compliance with approved plans.