[1]
Prior legislation: Ords. 4-2009 and 1-2010 and Res. 80-2016.
This chapter is divided into four (4) parts as follows:
(1) 
Part 1 contains (a) the general provisions of this chapter; and (b) the authority to regulate stormwater.
(a) 
12.10.100 Purpose.
(b) 
12.10.110 Stormwater Authority.
(c) 
12.10.120 Definitions.
(2) 
Part 2 covers when Stormwater Planning items are required for development. This includes: (a) project site plan requirements, stormwater plans, stormwater pollution prevention plans, and drainage easements; (b) application procedures for review of submittals; and (c) design requirements and other required content in the Stormwater Plan submittals.
(a) 
12.10.200 What Is Required on a Site Plan.
(b) 
12.10.210 When a Stormwater Plan Is Required.
(c) 
12.10.220 When a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan Required.
(d) 
12.10.230 When a Stormwater Drainage Easement Is Required.
(e) 
12.10.240 Stormwater Plan Application Procedures.
(f) 
12.10.250 Stormwater Plan Design Criteria.
(g) 
12.10.260 Stormwater Plan Required Contents.
(h) 
12.10.270 When Stormwater Treatment Is Required.
(i) 
12.10.280 Stormwater Treatment Requirements.
(3) 
Part 3 contains (a) the stormwater requirements during construction; (b) the stormwater construction completion requirements; (c) operations and maintenance responsibilities during and after construction; and (d) the inspection requirements during and after construction.
(a) 
12.10.300 Construction Stormwater Requirements.
(b) 
12.10.310 Construction Performance Requirements.
(c) 
12.10.320 Construction Project Completion Requirements.
(d) 
12.10.330 Operation and Maintenance Requirements.
(e) 
12.10.340 Inspections During and After Construction.
(4) 
Part 4 covers the prohibitions, penalties, and enforcement related to stormwater and consequences of non-compliance.
(a) 
12.10.400 Prohibition of Illicit Discharges.
(b) 
12.10.410 Prohibition of Illicit Connection.
(c) 
12.10.420 Notification of Spills.
(d) 
12.10.430 Right of Entry.
(e) 
12.10.440 Violations, Enforcement and Penalties.
(f) 
12.10.450 Civil Infractions.
(g) 
12.10.460 Violation – Civil Remedies.
(h) 
12.10.470 Appeals.
(i) 
12.10.480 Remedies Not Exclusive.
(j) 
12.10.490 Injunctive Relief.
(k) 
12.10.500 Compensatory Action.
(Ord. 3-2016 (part), 2017; Ord. 8-2022 § 1, 2022)
To provide for the protection of the citizens of Yakima County from stormwater and drainage damage through planning and the regulation of site drainage and discharges to stormwater control facilities, Underground Injection Control (UIC) wells, and waters of the state. All new development and redevelopment shall provide for drainage such that it does not conflict with present drainage patterns, or create a drainage, water quality or water quantity problem within itself, for its neighbors, or to stormwater control facilities.
(Ord. 3-2016 (part), 2017; Ord. 8-2022 § 1, 2022)
(1) 
Authority. This chapter is adopted pursuant to authority conferred by and in accordance with the provisions of the State of Washington Revised Code of Washington (RCW) Chapter 36.89, Stormwater Control, Revised Code of Washington Chapter 90.48, Water Pollution Control Law, and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (the Clean Water Act) Title 33 United States Code, Section 1251 et seq. The powers and authority conferred upon the county under the provisions of RCW 36.89 shall be construed as in addition and supplemental to powers or authority conferred by any other law, including the County's legislative police powers contained at RCW 36.32.120 and nothing contained herein shall be construed as limiting any other powers or authority of such governmental agencies.
(2) 
Authority Designated. The Director of Yakima County Public Services is hereby authorized and designated as the Official responsible for the administration of this Title. The Public Services Director may designate employees to act on his or her behalf.
(3) 
Compatibility with Other Permit and Ordinance Requirements. This chapter is not intended to interfere with, abrogate, or annul any other chapter, rule or regulation, statute, or other provision of law. The requirements of this chapter should be considered minimum requirements, and where any provision of this chapter imposes restrictions different from those imposed by any other ordinance, rule or regulation, or other provision of law, whichever provisions are more restrictive shall take precedence.
(4) 
Severability. If any part of this chapter shall be judged invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, such order of judgment shall not affect or invalidate the remainder of this chapter.
(5) 
Liability. A person's compliance with this chapter shall not relieve such person from the duty of enacting measures necessary to minimize pollution of receiving waters of the State.
(6) 
TMDL Requirements. Discharge to a county stormwater facility otherwise authorized by this chapter is prohibited where an applicable Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) or Water Cleanup Plan for a waterbody specifically precludes or prohibits discharges to the water body. Any discharges shall meet water quality criteria found in WAC 173-201A.
(Ord. 3-2016 (part), 2017; Ord. 8-2022 § 1, 2022)
This chapter provides definitions for the terms and phrases used in this chapter. Where any of these definitions conflict with definitions used in other titles of Yakima County Code, the definitions in this chapter shall prevail for the purpose of this title.
"ADT" or "Average Daily Traffic"
means the expected number of vehicles using a roadway as described in the regional stormwater manual glossary, Section 1.7.
"Applicant"
means a person, party, firm, corporation, owner, or other legal entity that proposes a development, construction or use on a site.
"BMPs" or "Best Management Practices"
are the schedules of activities, prohibitions of practices, maintenance procedures, and structural and/or managerial practices approved by Ecology that, when used singly or in combination, prevent or reduce the release of pollutants and other adverse impacts to receiving waters.
"Building"
means any structure built for the support, shelter or enclosure of persons, animals, uses or property of any kind.
"CESCL" or "Certified Erosion and Sediment Control Lead"
means a person who has current certification through an approved erosion and sediment control training program that meets the minimum training standards established by Ecology.
"Channel"
means an open conduit, either naturally or artificially created, which periodically or continuously contains moving water, or which forms a connecting link between two (2) bodies of water.
"Clearing"
means the removal of timber, brush, grass, ground cover or other vegetative matter from a site.
"Construction Activity" or "Construction"
means clearing, grading and/or excavation or the assembly, placement, or installation of structures, roadways, transmission lines, and other improvements within a project site.
"CWA"
means the federal Clean Water Act (formerly referred to as the Federal Water Pollution Control Act or Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972) Pub. L. 92-500, as amended in Pub. L. 95-217, Pub. L. 95-576, Pub. L. 96-483, and Pub. L. 97-117, 33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.
"Design Storm"
means a prescribed hyetograph or precipitation distribution, and the total precipitation amount for a specific duration recurrence frequency to be used in design calculations.
"Detention"
means the release of stormwater runoff from the site at a slower rate than it is collected by the stormwater facility system, the difference being held in temporary storage with the goals of controlling peak discharge rates and providing gravity settling of pollutants.
"Development"
means new development, redevelopment, or both. See definitions for each.
"Discharge"
means any spilling, leaking, pumping, pouring, emptying, dumping, disposing or other addition of pollutants to Yakima County UIC wells, waters of the State or county stormwater facilities.
"Drainageway."
Means an open linear depression, whether constructed or natural, which functions for the collection and drainage of surface water. It may be permanently or temporarily inundated and may or may not contain aquatic vegetation or aquatic life.
"Easement"
is a grant by a property owner to specific persons or to the public to use land for a specific purpose or purposes.
"Ecology"
means the Washington State Department of Ecology.
"Flood"
means an overflow or inundation that comes from a river or any other source, or any high stream flow overtopping the natural or artificial banks in any reach of a stream.
"Functional Control"
means those activities that may be performed by County staff or that are directed by the County through agreements, contracts, or other means in such a way that allows the County to stipulate the manner in which the activity is performed.
"Grading"
means any excavation, filling, or combination thereof.
"Hazardous Materials"
means those wastes designated by 40 CFR Part 261, and regulated by the EPA.
"High ADT Roadways and Parking Areas"
means any road with ADT greater than 30,000 vehicles per day; and parking areas with more than 100 trip ends per 1,000 SF of gross building area or greater than 300 total trip ends are considered to be high-use traffic areas.
"High Potential for Sediment Transport"
means any project that does not qualify for the Erosivity Waiver, excepting as based on project disturbance area, as described in the Erosivity Waiver Certification form from Department of Ecology.
"High Use Sites"
means sites that generate high concentrations of oil due to high traffic turnover or the frequent transfer of oil and/or other petroleum products as described in the regional stormwater manual glossary, Section 1.7 or Chapter 2-Core Element 5 of the Stormwater Management Manual for Eastern Washington (SWMMEW).
"Illicit Connection"
means a connection defined as either of the following: (1) Any drain or conveyance, which allows an illicit discharge to enter the county stormwater facility or a public UIC and any connection from an indoor source, regardless of whether said drain or connection had been previously allowed, permitted, or approved by Yakima County, or, (2) Any drain or conveyance connected from a commercial or industrial land use to the county stormwater facility or a public UIC which has not been documented in plans, maps, or equivalent records and approved by Yakima County.
"Illicit Discharge"
means any discharge to a municipal separate storm sewer or public UIC that is not composed entirely of stormwater except discharges pursuant to a NPDES permit other than the NPDES permit for discharges from the municipal separate storm sewer.
"Impervious Surface"
means a surface that has been covered with a layer of material so that it is highly resistant to infiltration by water. It includes most conventionally surfaced streets, roofs, sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, patios and other similar structures.
"Industrial Activity"
means manufacturing, processing, or raw materials storage areas at an industrial plant. These activities are required to obtain NPDES permit coverage in accordance with 40 CFR 122.26.
"Infiltration"
means the downward movement of water from the land surface to the subsoil.
"Land Development" or "Development"
means the division of land into lots or parcels in accordance with YCC Title 19 (Unified Land Development Code), and any clearing, excavation, dredging, drilling, filling, dumping, removal of earth and mineral materials, or other permanent or temporary modification of a site up to, but not including, construction as defined in this chapter. For the purpose of this chapter, "development" also means any manmade change to improved or unimproved real estate located within the special flood hazard area, including but not limited to buildings or other structures, mining, dredging, filling, grading, paving, excavation, drilling, temporary or permanent storage of equipment and works defined in this chapter.
"Land Disturbing Activity"
means any activity that results in movement of earth, or a change in the existing soil cover (both vegetative and non-vegetative) and/or the existing soil topography. Land disturbing activities include, but are not limited to clearing, grading, filling, and excavation. Compaction associated with stabilization of structures and road construction shall also be considered a land disturbing activity. Vegetation maintenance practices are not considered land-disturbing activity.
"LID"
means Low Impact Development. A stormwater and land use management strategy that strives to mimic pre-disturbance hydrologic processes of infiltration, filtration, storage, evaporation and transpiration by emphasizing conservation, use of on-site natural features, site planning, and distributed stormwater management practices that are integrated into a project design. Common LID techniques include: bioretention swales, infiltration trenches, and pervious pavement.
"Low ADT Roadways and Parking Areas"
means urban roads with ADT fewer than 7,500 vehicles per day; rural roads and freeways with ADT less than 15,000 vehicles per day; and parking areas with less than 40 trip ends per 1,000 SF of gross building area or fewer than 100 total trip ends per day are considered to be low-use traffic areas.
"Moderate ADT Roadways and Parking Areas"
means urban roads with ADT between 7,500 and 30,000 vehicles per day; rural roads and freeways with ADT between 15,000 and 30,000 vehicles per day; and parking areas with between 40 and 100 trip ends per 1,000 SF of gross building area or between 100 and 300 total trip ends per day are considered to be moderate-use traffic areas.
"Modification"
means an alteration of, connection to or disconnection from, adjustment of, realignment or replacement of existing County stormwater facilities.
"Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System" or "MS4"
means a conveyance, or system of conveyances (including roads with drainage systems, municipal streets, catch basins, curbs, gutters, ditches, manmade channels, or storm drains): (1) owned or operated by Yakima County that discharges to Waters of the United States; (2) designed or used for collecting or conveying stormwater; (3) which is not a combined sewer; and (4) which is not part of a Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTW) as defined at 40 CFR 122.2. In the County, the MS4 is that portion of county stormwater control facilities regulated by the Eastern Washington Phase II Municipal Stormwater Permit.
"New Development"
means land disturbing activities, including Class IV general forest practices development, including construction or installation of a building or other structure; creation of impervious surfaces; and subdivision, short subdivision and binding site plans, as defined and applied in Chapter 58.17 RCW. Projects meeting the definition of redevelopment shall not be considered new development.
"Non-Stormwater Discharge"
means any discharge to county stormwater facilities or public UIC that is not composed entirely of stormwater.
"Non-Structural Measure"
means a stormwater control and treatment technique that uses natural processes, restoration or enhancement of natural systems, or design approaches to control runoff and/or reduce pollutant levels. Such measures are used in lieu of or to supplement structural practices on a land development site.
"NPDES" or "National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System"
means the national program for issuing, modifying, revoking, and reissuing, terminating, monitoring and enforcing permits, and imposing and enforcing pretreatment requirements, under sections 307, 402, 318, and 405 of the Federal Clean Water Act, for the discharge of pollutants to surface waters of the state from point sources. These permits are referred to as NPDES permits and, in Washington State, are administered by the Washington State Department of Ecology.
"Owner(s)" or "Property Owner(s)"
means the legal owner or owners of the property. As used herein, owner also refers to, in the appropriate context: (1) any other person authorized to act as the agent for the owner; (2) any person who submits a stormwater management concept or design plan for approval or requests issuance of a permit, when required, authorizing land development to commence; and (3) any person responsible for complying with an approved stormwater plan.
"Permanent Stormwater BMP"
means a stormwater best management practice (BMP) that will be operational after the construction phase of a project and that is designed to become a permanent part of the site for the purposes of managing stormwater runoff.
"Person"
means any individual, party, association, organization, partnership, firm, corporation or other entity recognized by law and acting as either the owner or as the owner's agent. The singular shall include the plural.
"PGIS" or "Pollutant Generating Impervious Surfaces"
are surfaces that are considered to be significant sources of pollutants in stormwater runoff. Such surfaces include those that are subject to vehicular use, industrial activities, or storage of erodible or leachable materials that receive direct rainfall or run-on or blow-in of rainfall. Metal roofs are considered to be PGIS unless coated with an inert, non-leachable material. Roofs that vent manufacturing, commercial or other indoor pollutants are also considered PGIS. A surface, whether paved or not, shall be considered PGIS if it is regularly used by motor vehicles.
"Pollutant"
means dredged spoil, solid waste, incinerator residue, filter backwash, sewage, garbage, domestic sewage sludge (biosolids), munitions, chemical wastes, biological materials, radioactive materials, heat, wrecked or discarded equipment, rock, sand, cellar dirt, and industrial, municipal, and agricultural waste. This term does not include sewage from vessels within the meaning of section 312 of the CWA, nor does it include dredged or fill material discharged in accordance with a permit issued under section 404 of the CWA.
"Pollution"
means contamination or other alteration of the physical, chemical, or biological properties of waters of the state; including change in temperature, taste, color, turbidity, or odor of the waters; or such discharge of any liquid, gaseous, solid, radioactive or other substance into any waters of the state as will or is likely to create a nuisance or render such waters harmful, detrimental or injurious to the public health, safety or welfare; or to domestic, commercial, industrial, agricultural, recreational, or other legitimate beneficial uses; or to livestock, wild animals, birds, fish or other aquatic life.
"Premise(s)"
means any building, lot, parcel of land, or portion of land whether improved or unimproved including any structures thereon, adjacent sidewalks and parking strips.
"Private"
as used in this chapter shall mean real property that is not part of the County Stormwater System and is operated and maintained by owners other than Yakima County.
"Project Site"
means that portion of a property, properties, or right-of-way subject to land disturbing activities, and new or replaced impervious surfaces.
"Public"
as used in this chapter shall mean any real property, or interest therein, belonging to Yakima County or a trust or authority of which Yakima County is a beneficiary. Public development shall also include private development whenever all or a portion thereof will eventually be dedicated or provided for ownership, operation and/or maintenance to Yakima County or a public trust or authority of which Yakima County is a beneficiary.
"Public Services Director"
means the duly appointed Director of the Yakima County Department of Public Services or his or her designee.
"Qualified Personnel"
refers to someone who has had recognized professional training in the aspects of stormwater management for which they are responsible and are under the functional control of Yakima County. Qualified Personnel may be staff members, contractors, and/or volunteers.
"Qualified Third Party"
as used in this chapter are those on file with Yakima County as qualified third party inspectors.
"Receiving Water"
means the body of water or conveyance into which stormwater runoff is discharged.
"Redevelopment"
means on a site that is already substantially developed, the replacement or improvement of impervious surfaces, including buildings and other structures, and replacement or improvement of impervious parking and road surfaces that is not part of a routine maintenance activity. Any new impervious surfaces created by a redevelopment project are subject to the requirements for new development.
"Regulatory Threshold"
refers to the one-acre disturbance, including the exception noted below, of new development and redevelopment projects that shall be regulated under this permit. The threshold includes construction site activities and new development and redevelopment projects that result in a land disturbance of equal to or greater than one acre and construction activities and projects less than one acre that are part of a larger common plan of development or sale exceeding one acre.
"Responsible Party"
means any individual, partnership, co-partnership, firm, company, corporation, association, joint stock company, trust, estate, governmental entity, or any other legal entity; or their legal representatives, agents, or assigns that is named on a stormwater maintenance agreement or plat as responsible for long-term operation and maintenance of one (1) or more stormwater BMPs.
"Retention"
means the process of collecting and holding surface and stormwater runoff with no surface outflow.
"Rural Roads"
means roads located outside designated Urban Growth Areas.
"Source Control BMPs"
means physical, structural or mechanical practices, devices or facilities that are intended to prevent pollutants from entering stormwater.
"Stormwater"
means runoff during and following precipitation and snowmelt events, including surface runoff, drainage and interflow.
"Stormwater Certification of Completion"
means a document, typically in the form of a formal letter on Yakima County letterhead, from the Reviewing Official attesting that a stormwater project has been completed in conformity with all plans and specifications and is compliant with all provisions listed under YCC § 12.10.110(1) – Authority.
"Stormwater Facility(ies)"
means any facility, improvement, development, property or interest therein, made, constructed or acquired for the purpose of controlling, or protecting life or property from, any storm, waste, flood or surplus waters wherever located within the county, and shall include but not be limited to MS4s and the improvements and authority described in RCW 86.12.020 and chapters 86.13 and 86.15 RCW.
"Stormwater Management Utility," "Stormwater Utility" or "Utility"
means the Stormwater Management Utility for the defined service area created by Chapter 12.09 as it may be amended from time to time.
"Stormwater Plan" or "Stormwater Site Plan" or "SSP"
means the comprehensive report containing all of the technical information and analysis necessary for Yakima County to evaluate a proposed new development or redevelopment project for compliance with stormwater requirements. Contents of the Stormwater Site Plan will vary with the type and size of the project and individual site characteristics. It includes a Construction Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (Construction SWPPP) and a Permanent Stormwater Control Plan. Guidance on preparing a Stormwater Plan is provided in Chapter 3 of the regional stormwater manual and the Stormwater Management Manual for Eastern Washington (SWMMEW).
"Stream"
means an area where surface waters flow sufficiently to produce a defined channel or bed. A defined channel or bed is an area that demonstrates clear evidence of the passage of water including, but not limited to, hydraulically sorted sediments, or the removal of vegetative litter or loosely rooted vegetation by the action of moving water. The channel or bed need not contain water year-round. This definition is not meant to include irrigation ditches, canals, stormwater runoff devices or other entirely artificial drainageways, unless they are used to convey streams naturally occurring prior to construction.
"Structure"
means anything constructed or erected, even partially, including buildings, which requires location on the ground or attached to something having a location on the ground.
"UIC" or "UIC well" or "Underground Injection Control"
means a manmade sub-surface fluid distribution system designed to discharge fluids into the ground and consists of an assemblage of perforated pipes, drain tiles, or other similar mechanisms, or a dug hole that is deeper than the largest surface dimension. A public UIC is one owned, operated, and maintained by Yakima County and includes the collection system of catch basins, pipes, ditches, or other public infrastructure that collects and conveys stormwater to the UIC. Regulated by Chapter 173-218 WAC.
"Upland Flow"
means runoff from lands upslope of a project site.
"Urban Roads"
means roads located within designated Urban Growth Areas. Partially controlled limited access highways located inside of Urban Growth Areas are considered urban roads.
"Waters of the State"
includes those waters as defined as "waters of the United States" in 40 CFR 122.2 within the geographic boundaries of Washington State and "waters of the state" as defined in Chapter 90.48 RCW which includes: lakes, rivers, ponds, streams, inland waters, underground waters, salt waters and all other surface waters and water courses within the jurisdiction of the State of Washington.
"Wetland" or "Wetlands"
includes those areas as defined in YCC § 16C.02.425 and 16D.02.425.
(Ord. 3-2016 (part), 2017; Ord. 10-2019 (Exh. 1) (part), 2019; Ord. 8-2022 § 1, 2022)
(1) 
General. The site plan shall identify natural drainage, floodplains, floodways, and drainage easements on the plat site plan and record drainage easements on the plat in accordance with YCC § 12.10.230 (When a Stormwater Drainage Easement Is Required). Refer to the latest version of the Yakima County Regional Stormwater Manual on the County's website or the latest version of the Washington State Department of Ecology's Stormwater Management Manual for Eastern Washington (SWMMEW) for guidance.
(Ord. 3-2016 (part), 2017; Ord. 8-2022 § 1, 2022)
(1) 
General. The approval of applications for land development or redevelopment projects (projects) that are submitted pursuant to Yakima County Codes 12, 13, 19, 16C, and 16D that meet the following criteria shall be subject to the approval of a stormwater plan by the Public Services Director:
(a) 
Projects that disturb a land area greater than or equal to one acre.
(b) 
Projects that disturb a land area less than one acre when the project is part of a larger common or combined plan of development where the combined projects disturb a land area greater than one acre. When recurring developments which have been under an acre, but become cumulative exceeding one acre, they are considered part of a common plan.
(c) 
Projects where the division of land creates more than 4 lots.
(d) 
Projects where SEPA review is required and it has been determined that the project has potential adverse impacts related to stormwater.
(e) 
Projects where the Public Services Director, Building Official, or designee has determined that erosion and drainage control is required.
(f) 
Projects where the Public Services Director, or designee, has determined that a potential adverse impact to adjacent or nearby property or water quality may result from stormwater.
(g) 
Projects that discharge stormwater to the MS4.
(h) 
Projects with high potential for sediment transport.
(2) 
Exemptions. The following activities do not require the approval of a stormwater plan and are exempt from this chapter:
(a) 
Any emergency activity that is immediately necessary for the protection of life, property, or natural resources. A permit may be required after an emergency, if the emergency activity will remain in place.
(b) 
Forest practices regulated under Title 222 WAC.
(c) 
Agriculture practices involving land cultivation for crop production. Construction of impervious surfaces is not exempt.
(d) 
Oil and gas field activities such as construction of drilling sites, waste management pits, and access roads, as well as construction of transportation and treatment infrastructure such as pipelines, natural gas treatment plants, natural gas pipeline compressor stations, and crude oil pumping stations.
(e) 
The following road and parking area maintenance practices:
(i) 
Pothole and square cut patching;
(ii) 
Crack sealing;
(iii) 
Resurfacing with in-kind material without expanding the road prism;
(iv) 
Overlaying existing asphalt or concrete pavement with bituminous surface treatment (BST) or "chip seal", asphalt or concrete without expanding the area of coverage;
(v) 
Shoulder grading;
(vi) 
Reshaping/regrading existing drainage systems; and
(vii) 
Vegetation maintenance regulated under WAC 173-270-040.
(Ord. 3-2016 (part), 2017; Ord. 10-2019 (Exh. 1) (part), 2019; Ord. 8-2022 § 1, 2022)
(1) 
General. A Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) is required to be submitted to the County for a completeness review for all land development or redevelopment projects that meet the stormwater plan requirements outlined in section 12.10.210 and are located within the County Stormwater Utility (YCC § 12.09), as a condition of approval. Refer to the latest version of the Yakima County Regional Stormwater Manual on the County's website or the latest version of the Washington State Department of Ecology's SWMMEW for guidance.
(2) 
Erosivity Waiver. Development or redevelopment greater than one (1) acre and less than five (5) acres may qualify for an Erosivity Waiver in lieu of a construction SWPPP. Construction sites that are part of a larger plan of development with more than 5 acres of disturbance are not eligible for coverage under an Erosivity Waiver. Submittal of a completed and signed Erosivity Waiver Certification shall satisfy this requirement.
(a) 
The erosivity waiver shall be submitted to the County and approved a minimum of two weeks prior to construction.
(b) 
The erosivity waiver must include a summary of the project information used in calculating the project's rainfall erosivity factor and a certified statement that:
(i) 
The operator will comply with applicable local stormwater requirements; and
(ii) 
The operator will implement appropriate erosion and sediment control BMPs to prevent violations of water quality standards.
(3) 
Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) Criteria. The SWPPP shall be prepared in accordance with the regional stormwater manual, Chapter 9, or Chapter 7 of the SWMMEW. The SWPPP shall include a schedule of erosion and sediment control activities, and information on the sequence/phasing of construction, temporary stabilization measures, and temporary structures that will be converted into permanent stormwater controls. A construction SWPPP for activities within the County stormwater utility boundary shall be submitted to the County for completeness review. For sites that require coverage under Ecology's General NPDES Permit for Stormwater Discharges Associated with Construction Activities, submission of the Ecology WAR number or Notice of Intent (NOI) application form submitted to Ecology shall be provided to the County before start of construction.
(4) 
Exemptions. A construction SWPPP is not required for the following activities:
(a) 
Construction activities which discharge all stormwater and non-stormwater to ground water, and have no point source discharge to surface water or a storm sewer system that drains to surface waters of the state. UIC wells must be protected from sediment in runoff generated during construction.
(b) 
Stormwater from any site covered under an existing NPDES individual permit in which stormwater management and/or treatment requirements are included for all stormwater discharges associated with construction activity.
(Ord. 3-2016 (part), 2017; Ord. 8-2022 § 1, 2022)
(1) 
General. Drainage easements for landowner(s) maintenance shall be required where development or redevelopment is traversed by a drainageway, channel or stream, and the drainageway, channel or stream is modified to accommodate development and poses flood risk, as determined by Yakima County, upon failure to existing or proposed development for events up to the 100-year flood as described below.
(2) 
Stormwater Drainage Easement Requirements. The following conditions shall apply to all easements:
(a) 
The costs of repairs, maintenance, removing structures or other drainage impediments shall be the responsibility of the owner. Easement terms will allow for Yakima County to perform maintenance and repairs on said stormwater management facility(s) should the owner neglect to do so. For the purpose of inspection, maintenance and repair, the easement shall ensure access from public right-of-way to stormwater facilities and drainageways.
(b) 
A drainage easement or drainage right-of-way shall conform substantially with the lines of the drainageway, channel or stream.
(c) 
Measures shall be taken to prevent down-gradient impacts as a result of new development or redevelopment where no conveyance system exists at the adjacent down-gradient property line or stream, and the discharge was previously un-concentrated flow or significantly lower concentrated flow.
(d) 
Easements may not be filled or obstructed by structures, including fences as defined in Title 13 and Title 19.
(e) 
Easements shall be of a width for construction and maintenance, as will be adequate for the purpose. Width must be able to convey the 100 year – 24-hour storm and shall be no less than 20' wide. Parallel maintenance access road(s) may be required in connection therewith. In the event of multiple lots, the easement shall be fenced parallel to the flow.
(f) 
Where repairs are not undertaken by the owner, or named responsible party, in thirty days after written notice and Yakima County determines that flood risk is posed by such uncompleted items, the County may undertake with prior notice repairs and bill the owner, or named responsible party or the landowners contained within the original development for such services.
(g) 
Easements shall be approved by the planning division of the Yakima County Public Services Department prior to approval of development or redevelopment and shall be recorded with Yakima County and on all property deeds. The owner or owners shall be responsible for maintenance of easements in perpetuity and shall be identified on plats.
(h) 
A deed of easement shall be recorded prior to the stormwater certificate of completion.
(Ord. 3-2016 (part), 2017; Ord. 8-2022 § 1, 2022)
(1) 
Application Procedures. Persons requesting the approval of a land development or redevelopment project meeting the criteria established in section 12.10.210 of this chapter shall submit an application for a stormwater plan review to the Public Services Department using forms and/or checklists furnished by the Yakima County Public Services as described below.
Actions under this Title are grouped into categories, each with corresponding application submittal, construction, inspection, and maintenance requirements. Applications are categorized as follows:
(a)
Level 1 – projects located outside the stormwater boundary.
(b)
Level 2 – projects located within the stormwater boundary that retain less than the 100-year rainfall event.
(c)
Level 3 – (only applicable to private stormwater facilities) projects located within the stormwater boundary that retain the 100-year rainfall event or more. Projects that retain the 100-year rainfall event or more shall be considered to not discharge to the MS4 post-construction.
The procedures and submittal requirements for each category of stormwater plan review are as follows:
(a) 
Level 1 Projects.
Submit to the Public Services Department for review and approval:
(i) 
Stormwater Application.
(ii) 
Stormwater Plan.
(iii) 
Operation and Maintenance Plan.
(b) 
Level 2 Projects.
Submit to the Public Services Department for review and approval:
(i) 
Stormwater Application.
(ii) 
Stormwater Plan.
(iii) 
Operation and Maintenance Plan.
(iv) 
If applicable, Erosivity Waiver as indicated in YCC § 12.10.220. If Erosivity Waiver is submitted, a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan is not required to be submitted to the County.
(v) 
If Erosivity Waiver is not applicable as indicated in YCC § 12.10.220, submit Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) to Ecology. Qualified personnel from the county reviews SWPPP for completeness and submits comments to Ecology prior to clearing and construction.
(vi) 
Applicant provides Yakima County Public Services a construction schedule a minimum of two weeks prior to construction.
(vii) 
All new construction sites that disturb one acre or more, or are part of a larger common plan of development or sale, shall be inspected by qualified personnel prior to clearing or grading for construction if a high potential for sediment transport is determined.
(viii) 
Yakima County Public Services inspects site during construction and specifically any Structural BMPs.
(ix) 
Applicant arranges for recurring inspections either by Yakima County or Qualified Third Party, as indicated in YCC § 12.10.340.
(c) 
Level 3 Projects.
Submit to the Public Services Department for review and approval:
(i) 
Stormwater Application.
(ii) 
Stormwater Plan.
(iii) 
Operation and Maintenance Plan.
(iv) 
If applicable, Erosivity Waiver as indicated in YCC § 12.10.220. If Erosivity Waiver is submitted, a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan is not required to be submitted to the County.
(v) 
If Erosivity Waiver is not applicable as indicated in YCC § 12.10.220, submit Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) to Ecology. Qualified personnel from the county reviews SWPPP for completeness and submits comments to Ecology prior to clearing and construction.
(vi) 
Applicant provides Yakima County Public Services a construction schedule a minimum of two weeks prior to construction.
(vii) 
All new construction sites that disturb one acre or more, or are part of a larger common plan of development or sale, shall be inspected by qualified personnel prior to clearing or grading for construction if a high potential for sediment transport is determined.
(viii) 
Yakima County Public Services inspects site during construction.
(2) 
Application Requirements.
(a) 
All development or redevelopment as identified in YCC § 12.10.210 shall:
(i) 
Submit to the Yakima County Public Services, for review and approval, a Stormwater Plan prepared in accordance with criteria identified in this chapter and stamped by an engineer registered in the state of Washington; Contents of the Stormwater Plan are defined in YCC § 12.10.250.
(ii) 
Stormwater Plans shall be submitted and approved prior to clearing and grading and prior to issuance of construction permits. Applicant shall use forms and/or checklists furnished by the county. County may inspect site(s) with high potential for sediment transport prior to clearing or grading. Grading or building permits shall not be issued for land development subject to this chapter without Yakima County Public Services approval of a Stormwater Plan or site plan, as appropriate.
(iii) 
The following items, at a minimum, of the Stormwater Plans shall be provided at preliminary subdivision submittal, or other land use application submittal:
(A) 
A topographic map of existing site conditions, including any existing stormwater facilities.
(B) 
A map and/or drawing or sketch of the proposed contour or topographic map of proposed site conditions, including locations of proposed stormwater facilities.
(C) 
Methodologies, assumptions, site parameters and supporting design calculations used in analyzing the existing conditions site hydrology.
(D) 
Review of available geologic, topographic, and soils maps and ground water condition information for the site area and/or the construction of sub-level structures.
(E) 
Review of locations of nearby public and private wells, critical aquifer recharge areas (CARA), as well as any existing geotechnical engineering reports or studies for sites within the vicinity.
(F) 
Where a geotechnical site characterization report will be required in the final Stormwater Plan; results of field exploration, test pits/bores, and results of surface reconnaissance of the site and adjacent properties. A preliminary evaluation of the potential impact from groundwater on the existing and proposed stormwater drainage facilities, roadways, and public infrastructure, including consideration of indications that a seasonally high groundwater table may occur. All relevant geotechnical information related to the project and all site-specific soil logs and subsurface testing information should be included in the drainage report or provided in a separate report prepared and stamped by a professional engineer registered in the State of Washington.
(G) 
Site limitations identified.
(H) 
The Public Services Director, or his or her designee, may require other engineered portions of the Stormwater Plan to be submitted before preliminary subdivision approval or CUP approval as needed to determine how such development proposes to provide for drainage such that the development does not conflict with present drainage patterns, or create a drainage problem within itself or for its neighbors.
(iv) 
Identify natural drainage easements on the plat site plan and record drainage easements on the plat in accordance with YCC § 12.10.230 (When a Stormwater Drainage Easement Is Required).
(v) 
Following County Stormwater Plan approval, provide a construction schedule to the Public Services Department a minimum of two weeks prior to construction to allow Yakima County Public Services inspections.
(b) 
Any private land development or redevelopment or land disturbance within the stormwater utility boundary shall comply with the following provision:
All parties having an ownership interest in the development are responsible for the operation and maintenance of the stormwater facilities and payment for County inspections (12.10.330) and the responsible entity shall be identified within the approved operation and maintenance plan, on the face of a plat and within a covenant or other final County authorizing decisions.
(c) 
A Stormwater Certificate of Completion shall be required for public projects or where required by the Yakima County Public Services or as SEPA mitigation under YCC § 12.10.320.
(d) 
Upon project construction completion all development or redevelopment as identified in YCC § 12.10.210 shall:
Submit as-built plans stamped by an engineer registered in the state of Washington upon completion of construction, per WAC Chapter 196-23-20 and in accordance with YCC § 12.10.320.
(3) 
Application Fees. The Board of County Commissioners shall adopt fees for construction stormwater pollution prevention plans (SWPPP), Stormwater Plans, administration, review, inspection, and monitoring of projects subject to this chapter. Fees shall be calculated by the Public Services Director in accordance with the fee schedule described in YCC Title 20.
(a) 
Fees are payable at the time of application and are non-refundable.
(b) 
These fees are in addition to any other local or state fees that may be charged under any other law, bylaw, or local Ordinance.
(4) 
Approval. Approval of a Stormwater Plan shall expire in one (1) year from the date of approval unless:
(a) 
A final plat is recorded and all improvements have been financially guaranteed or installed;
(b) 
A final decision on a plat or land development has not expired, the project or development has not changed and, in the determination of the Public Services Director, there are no substantive changes in underlying regulations that would materially impact the effectiveness of the Stormwater Plan; or
(c) 
Work, in accordance with an approved Stormwater Plan, has actually begun on the site.
A Stormwater Plan may be prepared to address a land development action or subdivision that is proposed to be developed in phases. In the event of subsequent changes to development plans phases or sequencing, the applicant shall submit a report to the Public Services Director documenting that said changes do not materially impact the effectiveness of the Stormwater Plan. The Public Services Director has the sole discretion to make said determination. The recording of a final plat for a section of a subdivision (or initiation of construction in a section) or the completion of a land development project phase does not vest the approval of the Stormwater Plan for the remainder of the subdivision or project, unless it is consistent with section 12.10.240(3)(b) above. If the Stormwater Plan expires, the applicant shall file for re-approval of the Stormwater Plan and pay appropriate fees as defined in Title 20.
(5) 
As-Built Plans. All applicants shall submit as-built plans for any permanent stormwater management facilities. The plans must show the final design specifications for all stormwater management facilities, meet the criteria for final corrected plans in the regional stormwater manual section 3.2, and be sealed by a registered professional engineer. A final inspection of the plans by the Public Services Director, or designee, and addressing all requirements is required for projects before any performance bond or guarantee will be released.
(Ord. 3-2016 (part), 2017; Ord. 8-2022 § 1, 2022)
(1) 
General. The design of stormwater BMPs shall consider public health, safety, and general welfare. All stormwater facilities and conveyance systems shall be designed in compliance with all applicable state and federal laws and regulations. All development and redevelopment shall apply source control BMPs selected, designed, and maintained in accordance with the regional stormwater manual, Chapter 5.
(2) 
Entire Project Considered. Residential, commercial or industrial developments shall apply these stormwater criteria to land development as a whole. Individual lots in new subdivisions, commercial and industrial developments shall not be considered separate land development projects, but rather the entire project shall be considered a single land development project.
(3) 
Ultimate Land Development Considered. Hydrologic parameters used in calculations shall reflect the runoff conditions for the ultimate land development or frozen ground condition, whichever is greater, and shall be used in all engineering calculations.
(4) 
Ownership of Facilities. Stormwater facilities within residential subdivisions that serve multiple lots and/or a combination of lots and roadways shall be on a separate tract owned and maintained by an entity of common ownership. Stormwater practices located on individual lots shall be maintained by the lot owner, or, at the discretion of the Public Services Director, or designee, be placed within an easement or common ownership and maintained by an entity of common ownership.
(5) 
Floodplains, Critical Areas, and Jurisdictional Waters. Construction of stormwater measures or facilities within a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) designated floodplain or floodway shall be avoided to the extent possible. When this is unavoidable, all stormwater BMP construction shall be in compliance with all applicable requirements of YCC Titles 13 through 16D. Unless covered by a USACE Nationwide Permit under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, stormwater facilities shall not be located in areas determined to be jurisdictional waters through Section 404 of the Clean Water Act and/or applicable state regulations (RCW 79.105) when practical.
(6) 
Conveyance. All development and redevelopment shall provide the passage of upland flow. Conveyance of upland flow shall maintain natural drainage patterns. Discharges from project sites should occur at the natural location to the maximum extent or, where altered, must be situated or directed to where it would have overflowed under the conditions (quantity, quality, velocity) existing prior to proposed development. Capacity of the drainage course downstream of the development may not be exceeded. The preferred order of options for discharge of excess stormwater are described in the regional stormwater manual, Section 2.3.
(a) 
County stormwater facilities shall not be used for new development or redevelopment drainage without a written agreement by Yakima County granting permission for such use as provided in this Chapter.
(b) 
Design calculations for passage of upland flow and site runoff shall use the 100 year, 24-hour design storm.
(7) 
Site Runoff and Flow Control. Discharges from all new development and redevelopment must not cause a significant adverse impact to downstream receiving waters and down-gradient properties. Stormwater Plans shall provide for the on-site detention and/or retention of the total water intercepted and collected by the development and the areas (improved or unimproved) lying and draining presently to and through the proposed development, for the design storm, unless other natural or manmade systems are available for use. Site runoff flow control to mitigate downstream impacts is required for new development and redevelopment projects creating 10,000 square feet or more of new impervious surfaces for any discharge of stormwater. Flow control facilities shall be selected, designed, constructed, operated and maintained consistent with guidance found in the regional stormwater manual, Chapter 7, or Chapter 6 in the SWMMEW and criteria herein. Energy dissipation at the point of discharge is required for all projects unless exempt.
(a) 
Exemptions. Direct discharges to the following surface waters are exempt from flow control requirements:
(i) 
Any river or stream that is:
(A) 
Fifth order or greater as determined from a 1:24,000 scale map; or
(B) 
Fourth order or greater as determined from a 1:100,000 or larger scale map.
(C) 
The maps should be standard USGS maps or GIS data sets derived from USGS base maps.
(ii) 
Any lake or reservoir with a contributing watershed area greater than 100 square miles.
(iii) 
Reservoirs with outlet controls that are operated for varying discharges to the downstream reaches as for hydropower, flood control, irrigation, or drinking water supplies. Uncontrolled, flow-through impoundments are not exempt.
(iv) 
Streams that flow only during runoff-producing events. The runoff carried by the stream following the 2-year, Type IA rainfall event must not discharge via surface flow to a non-exempt surface water. To be exempt, the stream may carry runoff during an average annual snowmelt event but must not have a period of baseflow during a year of normal precipitation.
(b) 
Site runoff design and flow control facility design calculations for peak flow and peak volume detention requirements shall be based on full retention of the post-development condition for the stated design storm, and the contributing basin size, where contributing basin size refers to the total area above the inlet or hydraulic element.
(i) 
In Ahtanum Creek, Cowiche Creek, Satus Creek, Toppenish Creek and Wide Hollow Creek watersheds, the 25-year, 24-hour design storm shall be used.
(ii) 
In all other watersheds, the 10-year, 24-hour design storm shall be used.
(c) 
Hydrologic modification of a wetland shall not be allowed if the wetland is classified as Category 1 or Category 2 according to the Eastern Washington Wetland Rating System unless the applicant demonstrates that preferred methods of excess stormwater disposal (e.g., infiltration) are not possible at the site and that other options (e.g., evaporation) would result in more damage to the wetland by limiting inflow. Mitigation shall be required for the impact of hydrologic modification to a wetland. Appropriate measures include expansion, enhancement and/or preservation of a buffer around the wetland.
(8) 
Stormwater Manual. Stormwater practices shall be designed, constructed, and maintained in accordance with the design and sizing criteria in the Yakima County Regional Stormwater Manual (regional stormwater manual). Use of the regional stormwater manual with Yakima County local conditions will be presumed to meet the minimum water quality performance standards of the Eastern Washington NPDES Phase II Municipal Stormwater Permit requirements. The use of BMPs from the SWMMEW or emerging technologies approved by Ecology shall be consistent with Yakima County climate, soils, and specific site conditions appropriate for said BMP use and shall be subject to Public Services Director approval. The Public Services Director may require monitoring of said emerging technology BMP performance in order to demonstrate that they meet the minimum water quality performance standards of the Eastern Washington NPDES Phase II Municipal Stormwater Permit requirements.
(9) 
Amendments to Regional Stormwater Manual. The regional stormwater manual may be updated periodically by the Public Services Director, or designee. Where referenced by this chapter, the most current version of the regional stormwater manual posted on the county website is to be used. Stormwater plans submitted for county review and approval shall conform to the posted version.
(10) 
Prohibition on County Owned Storm Drainage System Modification Without an Agreement.
(a) 
It is unlawful for any unauthorized person to uncover, make any connections with or opening into, use, alter, disturb, disconnect from or relocate any County owned stormwater facility without first entering an agreement specifying the terms of such action and signed by the Board of County Commissioners.
(b) 
Disconnection from a County owned stormwater facility may require a less formal level of agreement, at the Public Services Director's discretion. Authorization to disconnect shall be requested and received in writing.
(Ord. 3-2016 (part), 2017; Ord. 8-2022 § 1, 2022)
Stormwater plans must contain those items identified in the regional stormwater manual stormwater plan checklist, Appendix 3-A. In addition:
(1) 
The Stormwater Plan shall incorporate all calculations for the determination of the required size of the systems. Such calculations shall be based on required criteria in the regional stormwater manual and upon an analysis of estimated runoff from areas contributing runoff to those facilities. Collection systems shall be either gravity pipe systems, open road ditches or open channels, or a combination of the three.
(2) 
The plan shall provide for the on-site detention and/or retention of the total water intercepted and collected by the development and the areas (improved or unimproved) lying and draining presently to and through the proposed development, for the design storm, unless other natural or manmade systems are available for use and identified in the plan.
(3) 
Detention and/or retention of stormwater runoff from any proposed land development shall be accomplished by stormwater holding facilities either open or closed or by introduction, on-site, of stormwater into permeable soils via an infiltration system.
(4) 
The overflow of runoff in excess of the design storm quantities must be situated or directed to where it would have overflowed under the conditions existing prior to proposed development. The submitted Stormwater Plan shall incorporate, among other data, a topographical map to clearly define:
(a) 
The proposed development;
(b) 
All areas, improved or unimproved, lying upstream and draining to and across the proposed development; and
(c) 
Drainage course, natural or otherwise, to which the proposed development shall drain.
(5) 
The plans shall include a plan profile of the systems including cross-sections of all open ditches and channels. Hydraulic and physical data such as grades; bottom elevations of ditches and channels; inverts of pipes at all structures, such as manholes and catch basins; size and lengths of all pipes; length of ditches and channels; and top elevation of all catch basin covers shall be called out. This includes the invert elevations of the existing or other proposed storm drainage systems that the subject drainage plan proposes to tie into.
(6) 
Larger scale projects or those located in areas of sufficient relief, such as a large lot subdivision, must use the best available topographic information; this may involve contours on a scale larger than the 2-foot minimum at the direction of Yakima County. The Stormwater Plan shall include a plan showing existing and proposed contours for the site.
(7) 
A geotechnical site characterization and report is required to demonstrate suitability of a site for stormwater disposal in accordance with criteria identified in the regional stormwater manual, Section 3-1. In areas where there has been a long-standing record of satisfactory performance of standard subsurface disposal facilities this requirement may be reduced or waived by formal written request to the Public Services Director. When infiltration is proposed, field exploration is required as follows:
(a) 
Test borings and/or test pits shall be located within the footprint of proposed stormwater disposal facilities;
(b) 
For each facility, a minimum of one (1) subsurface exploration shall be performed for up to 1,200 square feet of disposal area. Another subsurface exploration shall be performed for each additional 15,000 square feet, or fraction thereof, of disposal area. For a linear roadside swale, a minimum of one (1) subsurface exploration shall be performed every 500 feet, staggered on both sides of the road, unless site conditions or test results indicate that additional explorations are necessary. Subsurface explorations and sampling shall be conducted according to applicable standards of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM);
(c) 
Unless otherwise recommended by the geotechnical engineer and approved by Yakima County Public Services, subsurface explorations shall extend to a depth of H plus 5 feet below the stormwater facility, where H is equivalent to the maximum head of water within the facility.
(8) 
A Permanent Stormwater Control Plan shall include a drainage report containing items identified in the regional stormwater manual site plan checklist, Appendix 3-A.
(9) 
A SWPPP prepared in accordance with the provisions outlined in 12.10.220.
(10) 
An operation and maintenance plan of the Stormwater BMP's that is prepared in accordance with the provisions in the regional stormwater manual that ensure adequate ongoing long-term operation and maintenance, as outlined in 12.10.330.
(Ord. 3-2016 (part), 2017; Ord. 8-2022 § 1, 2022)
(1) 
Applicability. The provisions of this section shall apply to any development or redevelopment meeting the regulatory threshold within the unincorporated portion of Yakima County designated as the Yakima County Stormwater Utility Boundary, as described in YCC § 12.09.
(2) 
New Development. Basic treatment to remove solids is required for all new development projects creating 5,000 square feet or more of pollutant-generating impervious surface (PGIS) areas within the Yakima County Stormwater Utility boundary described in YCC § 12.09. Treatment is required for discharges to all surface waters of the state, including perennial and seasonal streams, lakes and wetlands where the PGIS threshold is met. Runoff treatment is also required for discharges of stormwater to ground where the vadose zone does not provide adequate treatment capacity as identified in the latest regional stormwater manual, Section 6.4, or Chapter 5.6 of the SWMMEW.
(3) 
Redevelopment. Basic runoff treatment is required for redevelopment projects creating 5,000 square feet or more of PGIS within the Yakima County Stormwater Utility boundary, where:
(a) 
The project takes place at an industrial site as defined by EPA (40 CFR 122.26(b)(14)) with outdoor handling, processing, storage, or transfer of solid raw materials or finished products; or
(b) 
The project takes place at a commercial site with outdoor storage or transfer of solid raw materials or treated wood products; or
(c) 
A need for additional stormwater control measures has been identified through a TMDL or other water cleanup plan or other planning process; or
(d) 
The project takes place at a high-use site; or
(e) 
The project takes place in an area subject to vehicular traffic under any of the following conditions:
(i) 
The project improves a soft shoulder to a curb and gutter roadway with projected ADT of 7,500 or more vehicles.
(ii) 
The project replaces and/or improves the surface of a parking area where the projected number of trip ends exceeds 40 per 1,000 square feet of building area or 100 total trip ends per day.
(iii) 
The project replaces and/or improves the surface of an urban road where the projected ADT is 7,500 or more vehicles per day.
(iv) 
The project replaces and/or improves the surface of a freeway or rural road where the projected ADT is 15,000 or more vehicles per day.
(v) 
The project affects the area within 500 feet of a controlled intersection on a limited access control highway with projected ADT of 7,500 or more vehicles per day. Only this area must be treated.
(4) 
Basic Treatment Exemptions. Non-pollutant generating impervious surface (NPGIS) areas are exempt from basic treatment requirements unless the runoff from these areas is not separated from the runoff generated from PGIS areas.
Projects that meet the requirements for dispersal and infiltration and do not meet the thresholds for requiring oil treatment are exempt from basic treatment requirements. Discharges to surface water and the county stormwater facility from projects with a total PGIS area less than 5,000 square feet are exempt from basic treatment requirements unless those areas are subject to the storage or handling of hazardous substances, materials or wastes as defined in 49 CFR 171.8, RCW 70.105.010, and/or RCW 70.136.020. Private new development and redevelopment that demonstrate retention of the treatment design storm volume(s) on site are also exempt from basic treatment requirements.
(5) 
Metals Treatment Exemptions. Unless a specific water quality problem has been identified by Ecology, the following discharges are exempt from metals treatment requirements:
(a) 
Discharges to non-fish-bearing streams.
(b) 
Direct discharges to the main channels of the following rivers: Naches River, and Yakima River.
(c) 
Subsurface discharges, unless identified as hydraulically connected to surface waters of the State.
(d) 
Restricted residential and employee-only parking areas, unless subject to through traffic.
(Ord. 3-2016 (part), 2017; Ord. 8-2022 § 1, 2022)
(1) 
Basic Treatment. All runoff treatment facilities must be sized for the entire flow that is directed to them. Treatment facilities must be designed in accordance with Chapter 6 of the regional stormwater manual.
(2) 
Metals Treatment. Metals treatment is required in addition to basic treatment for new development projects creating 5,000 square feet or more of pollutant-generating impervious surface (PGIS) areas with moderate-use sites, high-use sites, and sites that meet any of the following definitions:
(a) 
Industrial sites as defined by EPA (40 CFR 122.26(b)(14)) with benchmark monitoring requirements for metals; or industrial sites subject to handling, storage, production, or disposal of metallic products or other materials, particularly those containing arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, mercury, nickel or zinc.
(b) 
On-street parking areas of municipal streets in commercial and industrial areas.
(c) 
Highway rest areas.
(d) 
Runoff from metal roofs not coated with an inert, non-leachable material.
(e) 
Metals treatment is required in addition to basic treatment for redevelopment projects with high-use sites or high ADT roadways and parking areas and for projects where:
(i) 
An additional need for stormwater control measures to remove metals has been identified through a TMDL or other water cleanup plan; or
(ii) 
The project takes place at an industrial site that is subject to benchmark monitoring for metals.
(3) 
Oil Treatment. Oil treatment is required in addition to basic treatment for all high-use sites and high ADT roadways and parking areas at new development and redevelopment projects creating 5,000 square feet or more of pollutant-generating impervious surface (PGIS) area. Uncovered fuel islands shall have a spill control type of oil control facility for source control separately from or in addition to this treatment requirement. Oil treatment/control is required in addition to any other runoff treatment required. Separator technologies for oil treatment are required only for the following high-use sites:
(a) 
High-density intersections with expected ADT of 25,000 or more vehicles on main roadway and 15,000 or more vehicles on any intersecting roadway;
(b) 
Non-employee parking areas of commercial or industrial sites with trip end counts greater than 100 vehicles per 1,000 SF gross building area;
(c) 
Areas of commercial and industrial sites subject to use, storage, or maintenance of a fleet of 25 or more vehicles that are over ten (10) tons gross weight;
(d) 
Fueling stations and facilities;
(e) 
Sites subject to petroleum transfer in excess of 1,500 gallons per year, not including routinely delivered heating oil; and
(f) 
A catch basin preceded by passive oil control vault may be applied in lieu of an approved separator technology at the following sites as long as they are inspected/maintained/cleaned at least once per year or more frequently as needs are identified:
(i) 
A customer or visitor parking lot with an expected trip end count equal to or greater than 300 vehicles (best professional judgment should be used in comparing this criterion with the preceding criterion); and
(ii) 
Commercial on-street parking areas on streets with an expected total ADT count equal to or greater than 7,500;
(g) 
At all other high-use sites and high ADT traffic areas subject to the oil treatment requirement, sorptive technologies, not separators, are required. Basic treatment methods with sorptive properties, such as swales or filters, may be selected to fulfill this requirement; or catch basin inserts may be used at these sites. A catch basin preceded by passive oil control vault, such as a chamber with a turned-down elbow, may be applied at sites with ADT greater than 30,000 as long as they are inspected/maintained/cleaned at least once per year or more frequently as needs are identified.
High-use roadway intersections shall treat lanes where vehicles accumulate during the signal cycle, including left and right turn lanes and through lanes, from the beginning of the left turn pocket. If no left turn pocket exists, the treatable area shall begin at a distance equal to three (3) car lengths from the stop line. If runoff from the intersection drains to more than two (2) collection areas that do not combine within the intersection, treatment may be limited to any two (2) of the collection areas where the cars stop.
High-use sites and high ADT roadways and parking areas must treat runoff from the high-use portion of the site using oil control treatment options in Chapter 6 of the regional stormwater manual prior to discharge or infiltration. For high-use sites located within a larger project area, only the impervious area associated with the high-use site is subject to oil control treatment, but the flow from that area must be separated; otherwise the treatment controls must be sized for the entire area.
(4) 
Treatment BMP Design Storm. Treatment facilities must be selected in accordance with the guidance in the regional stormwater manual to meet the treatment requirements identified for the project's proposed land use and site conditions. Each treatment BMP shall be sized based on a water quality design volume, or a water quality design flow rate.
(a) 
Treatment Design Volume. Volume-based facilities shall be designed to capture and treat 0.5 inch predicted runoff produced for the proposed development condition from all impervious surface areas that contribute flow to the treatment facility.
(b) 
Treatment Design Flow Rate. Flow based treatment BMPs shall be designed to treat the water quality flow, computed as follows:
(i) 
Flow based treatment BMPs located upstream of detention facilities shall be designed to treat the runoff flow rate predicted for the proposed development condition from the short-duration storm with a 6-month return frequency, computed in accordance with the SWMMEW, or approved local equivalent.
(ii) 
Flow based treatment BMPs located downstream of detention facilities shall be designed to treat the runoff flow rate for the proposed development condition calculated by the Rational Method using the 2-year mean recurrence interval. This method may only be used to design facilities based on instantaneous peak flow rates.
(5) 
Bypass. A bypass must be provided for all treatment BMPs unless the facility is able to convey the 25-year 3-hour storm without damaging the BMP or dislodging pollutants from within it. The designer must: check the maximum allowable velocity (typically less than 2 ft/s) or shear stress specified for the BMP; and implement a flow bypass as necessary to prevent exceeding these velocities. Bypass is not recommended for wet ponds, constructed wetlands, and similar volume-based treatment facilities; inlet structures for these facilities should be designed to dampen velocities; the pond dimensions will further dissipate the energy.
(6) 
Wetlands. Stormwater treatment facilities are not allowed within a wetland or its natural vegetated buffer, or to provide treatment, except for:
(a) 
Necessary conveyance systems approved by Yakima County Public Services; or
(b) 
As allowed in a wetland mitigation plan; or
(c) 
When permitted, YCC Critical Areas and Shorelines codes will also apply.
A wetland can be considered for use in stormwater treatment if:
(a)
The wetland meets the criteria for "Hydrologic Modification of a Wetland" in 12.10.250(7) of this ordinance; and either
(b)
It is a Category 4 wetland according to the Eastern Washington Wetland Rating System; or
(c)
It is a Category 3 wetland according to the Eastern Washington Wetland Rating System and the wetland has been previously disturbed by human activity, as evidenced by agriculture, fill areas, ditches or the wetland is dominated by introduced or invasive weedy plant species as identified in the rating analysis.
Basic treatment is required prior to discharge to Category 3 wetlands; a Category 3 wetland that meets the above requirements may be used to meet metals treatment requirements. Oil control is required for a discharge to wetlands if the Technical Thresholds/Requirements are met.
Mitigation shall be required for the impact of using a wetland as a stormwater treatment facility. When mitigation measures are required, the Yakima County Reviewing Official shall select appropriate measures which may include enhancement, expansion and/or preservation of a buffer around the wetland. Treatment and mitigation are also subject to any required approvals under the critical areas ordinance, Title 16.
(Ord. 3-2016 (part), 2017; Ord. 8-2022 § 1, 2022)
(1) 
Construction site operators shall periodically inspect their sites to meet their construction general stormwater permit requirements, as approved by the Department of Ecology. Site inspections shall be conducted by a Certified Erosion and Sediment Control Lead who shall be identified in the SWPPP and shall be present on-site or on-call at all times. Construction site operators shall control waste such as discarded building materials, concrete truck washout, chemicals, litter, and sanitary waste at the construction site that may cause adverse impacts to water quality.
(2) 
Construction site operators shall maintain, update and implement their SWPPP. Operators shall modify their SWPPP whenever there is a change in design, construction, operation, or maintenance at the construction site that has, or could have, a significant effect on the discharge of pollutants to waters of the state. The SWPPP and inspection record shall be maintained and available for inspection at the site during the progress of the work.
(3) 
Construction site operators shall implement appropriate erosion and sediment control BMPs.
(4) 
Any land development or redevelopment or land disturbance that is either one acre or greater, or less than one acre when part of a larger common or combined plan of development greater than one acre that resides within the stormwater utility boundary shall:
(a) 
Public Services Department staff shall be allowed access to enter onto the property for both construction-phase and post-construction to inspect BMPs on private properties that discharge to MS4.
(b) 
Private property owners will be charged for post-construction inspections and may, in lieu of post-construction County inspections, submit to the County annual certification by a qualified third-party that adequate maintenance has been performed and the facilities continue to operate as designed to protect water quality.
(c) 
The applicant shall be inspected by qualified personnel prior to clearing or grading for construction if a high potential for sediment transport is determined and have at least one inspection by the Public Services Department during construction.
(d) 
Structural BMPs shall be inspected at least once by the Public Services Department during construction to ensure compliance with the stormwater plan. The applicant shall provide advanced notice to the Public Services Department of when the structural BMP is to be installed.
(Ord. 3-2016 (part), 2017; Ord. 8-2022 § 1, 2022)
(1) 
A performance bond or guarantee shall be required of applicants developing public stormwater control facilities or modifying stormwater facility. Yakima County may take action at the applicant's expense should the applicant fail to initiate or maintain those measures identified in the approved stormwater plan or stormwater facility modification agreement after being given proper notice and within the time specified by the Public Services Director. Yakima County shall collect from the applicant the difference should the amount of cost of such action exceed the amount of the security held.
(2) 
The performance bond or guarantee shall be secured prior to approval of the stormwater plan.
(3) 
The performance bond or guarantee, or the unexpended or unobligated portion thereof, shall be returned to the applicant within 60 days of issuance by the Public Services Director of a Stormwater Certificate of Completion, or the final acceptance of the permanent stormwater BMP by the Public Services Director.
(4) 
At the discretion of the Public Services Director, the performance bond or guarantee may be extended beyond the time period specified above to cover a period of time for testing the practices during storm events and for initial maintenance activities. For the purposes of this section, the time shall not exceed two (2) years.
(5) 
The Public Services Director shall have the discretion to adopt provisions for a partial pro-rata release of the performance bond or guarantee on the completion of various stages or phases of development.
(Ord. 3-2016 (part), 2017; Ord. 8-2022 § 1, 2022)
(1) 
Upon completion of construction submit a certification signed and stamped by an engineer registered in the state of Washington that the Stormwater Plan project is constructed in accordance with the design;
(2) 
The Public Services Director, or designee, shall issue a Stormwater Certificate of Completion for public projects or where required by the Yakima County Public Services Reviewing Official or as part of SEPA mitigation, following:
(a) 
Final installation and stabilization of all stormwater BMPs shown on the stormwater plan;
(b) 
Compliance with any required SEPA mitigation measures for drainage, stormwater, and erosion control;
(c) 
Submission of all necessary as-built plans; and
(d) 
Final inspection and approval by the Public Services Director or designee.
(3) 
Before issuing such a certificate, the Public Services Director, or designee, shall determine that all work has been satisfactorily completed in conformance with this chapter.
(Ord. 3-2016 (part), 2017; Ord. 8-2022 § 1, 2022)
(1) 
The property owner(s) shall be responsible for the continual performance, operation and maintenance of stormwater facilities in accordance with the approved standards and requirements of the County and shall remain responsible for any liability arising from neglect of their duties. Where structural BMPs are required, property owners shall operate and maintain the facilities in accordance with a County approved Operation and Maintenance (O&M) plan that is prepared in accordance with the provisions in the regional stormwater manual. The O&M plan shall address all proposed stormwater facilities and BMPs, and identify the party (or parties) responsible for maintenance and operation; the O&M plan must also address the long-term funding mechanism that will support proper O&M Inspections. At private facilities, a copy of the plan shall be retained onsite or within reasonable access to the site, and shall be transferred with the property to new owner(s). For public facilities, a copy of the plan shall be retained in the county road department.
(2) 
Owners shall maintain a log of inspection and maintenance activities that is available for County inspection and shall provide to the County a copy of the inspection and maintenance log upon request.
(Ord. 3-2016 (part), 2017; Ord. 8-2022 § 1, 2022)
(1) 
Inspections of BMPs on a frequency established by the current Eastern Washington NPDES Phase II Municipal Stormwater Permit will be made by the County during and after construction for documentation required within the Eastern Washington NPDES Phase II Municipal Stormwater Permit.
(2) 
The Yakima County Public Services Director shall remain the responsible official for ultimate inspection of stormwater practices and any enforcement actions necessary under this chapter.
(3) 
The Public Services Department shall make at least one inspection during construction and one inspection after construction for projects within the Stormwater utility boundary that meet the regulatory threshold, and shall notify the applicant wherein the SWPPP fails to address all required elements appropriate for the site or the work fails to comply with the SWPPP. The SWPPP and inspection record shall be maintained and available for inspection at the site during the work. Structural BMPs shall be inspected during construction to ensure compliance with the stormwater plan.
(4) 
The Public Services Department shall conduct periodic inspections for all stormwater practices for which a Stormwater Certificate of Completion has been issued. All inspections shall be documented. The inspection shall document any maintenance and repair needs and any discrepancies from the stormwater maintenance agreement and stormwater maintenance plans.
(a) 
The Public Services Director may authorize the use of private inspectors to conduct and document ongoing maintenance inspections. Such private inspectors shall submit all inspection documentation in writing to the Public Services Director, or designee. All costs and fees associated with the use of private inspectors shall be the responsibility of the facility owner. If the use of private inspectors is authorized, the Public Services Director shall maintain a training and certification program, authorize inspectors trained by an Ecology approved training program, or authorize another entity to maintain such a program. All private inspectors shall be qualified prior to conducting any inspections or submitting any inspection documentation to the Public Services Director, or designee.
(b) 
Records of Maintenance Activities. The owner shall make records of the installation and of all maintenance and repairs to stormwater BMPs, and shall retain the records for at least five (5) years. These records shall be made available to the Public Services Director during inspection of the practice and at other reasonable times upon request.
(c) 
Failure to Provide Adequate Maintenance. In the event that the stormwater BMP has not been maintained and/or becomes a danger to public safety or public health, the Public Services Director, or designee, shall notify the responsible party by registered or certified mail. The notice shall specify the measures needed to comply with the maintenance agreement and the maintenance plan and shall specify that the responsible party has 30 days or other time frame mutually agreed to between the Public Services Director and the responsible party, within which such measures shall be completed. If such measures are not completed, then the Public Services Director shall pursue enforcement procedures pursuant to section 12.10.440 of this chapter.
(d) 
If a responsible party fails or refuses to meet the requirements of an inspection report, maintenance agreement, or maintenance plan the Public Services Director or designee, after 30 days written notice (except, that in the event the violation constitutes an immediate danger to public health or public safety, 24-hour notice shall be sufficient), may correct a violation of the design standards or maintenance requirements by performing the necessary work to place the practice in proper working condition. The Public Services Director may assess the responsible party of the practice for the cost of repair work which shall be a lien on the property, or prorated against the beneficial users of the property, and may be placed on the tax bill and collected as ordinary taxes by Yakima County.
(5) 
For stormwater BMPs on private properties within the stormwater utility boundary that discharge to the MS4 or water of Washington State, BMP owners shall provide annual certification by a qualified third party that adequate maintenance has been performed and the facilities are operating as designed to protect water quality.
(6) 
For both construction-phase and post-construction within the stormwater utility boundary, access shall be granted for Yakima County Public Services personnel to inspect stormwater BMPs on private properties that discharge to the MS4 or water of Washington State. If deemed necessary for post-construction access, the property's owner may provide, in lieu of allowing continued access to be granted to Yakima County Public Services personnel, an annual certification record, as outlined in 12.10.340(3), to Yakima County.
(7) 
Structural BMPs within the stormwater utility boundary shall be inspected at least once during installation by qualified personnel.
(8) 
Structural BMPs within the stormwater utility boundary shall be inspected at least once every five years after final installation, or more frequently as determined by the Yakima Public Services Director, to be necessary to prevent adverse water quality impacts, to ensure that adequate maintenance is being performed. The inspection shall be performed by qualified personnel.
(9) 
Structural BMPs shall be inspected, maintained, and repaired as needed to assure the continued performance of their intended function.
(Ord. 3-2016 (part), 2017; Ord. 8-2022 § 1, 2022)
(1) 
No person shall discharge or cause to be discharged, including on private property, into county stormwater facilities public UIC, or surface water of Washington State any materials, including but not limited to pollutants or waters containing any pollutants other than stormwater.
(2) 
The commencement, conduct or continuance of any illicit discharge to county stormwater facilities, public UIC, or surface water of Washington State is prohibited except as described as follows:
(3) 
The following discharges are exempt:
Discharges resulting from emergency firefighting activities.
(4) 
The following discharges are exempt and shall only be illicit discharges if the Public Services Director has reason to consider that the discharge, whether singly or in combination with others, may cause or contribute to a violation of Yakima County's Eastern Washington Phase II Municipal Stormwater Permit, may cause Yakima County to violate Ecology's UIC rules, or is causing or contributing to a water quality or flooding problem. In such cases, it shall be the responsibility of the discharger to provide evidence that the discharge is not illicit and complies with the following:
(a) 
Diverted stream flows;
(b) 
Rising ground waters;
(c) 
Uncontaminated ground water infiltration (as defined at 40 CFR 35.2005(20));
(d) 
Uncontaminated pumped ground water;
(e) 
Foundation drains;
(f) 
Air conditioning condensation;
(g) 
Irrigation water from agricultural sources that is commingled with urban stormwater;
(h) 
Springs;
(i) 
Uncontaminated water from crawl space pumps;
(j) 
Footing drains;
(k) 
Flows from riparian habitats and wetlands;
(l) 
Discharges from lawn watering and other irrigation runoff;
(m) 
Discharges from emergency firefighting activities;
(n) 
Non-stormwater discharges authorized by another NPDES permit or state waste discharge permit.
(5) 
The following discharges are not exempt from discharge prohibitions established by this chapter:
(a) 
Discharges from potable water sources, including water line flushing, hyperchlorinated water line flushing, fire hydrant system flushing, firefighting training and pipeline hydrostatic test water.
(b) 
Planned discharges from potable water sources may be discharged to county stormwater facilities or public UIC provided they are dechlorinated to a concentration of 0.1 ppm or less, pH-adjusted if necessary, and volumetrically and velocity controlled to prevent resuspension of sediments in county stormwater facilities or public UIC.
(c) 
Swimming pool discharges. Discharges from swimming pools, spa and hot tub may be discharged to county stormwater facilities or public UIC provided that they are dechlorinated to a total residual concentration of 0.1 ppm or less, pH-adjusted and reoxygenated if necessary, and volumetrically and velocity controlled to prevent resuspension of sediments in county stormwater facilities or public UIC. Discharges shall be thermally controlled to prevent and increase in temperature of the receiving water. Swimming pool cleaning wastewater and filter backwash shall not be discharged to county stormwater facilities or public UIC.
(d) 
Street and sidewalk wash water containing detergents, water used to control dust containing detergents, and routine external building wash down containing detergents.
(e) 
Street and sidewalk wash water, water used to control dust, and routine external building wash down water may be discharged to county stormwater facilities or public UIC provided:
(i) 
It does not contain detergents.
(ii) 
Streets and sidewalks are swept and material removed prior to washing.
(f) 
Discharges specified in writing by the Washington State Department of Ecology as being a significant source of pollutants to waters of the state are prohibited.
(6) 
Dye testing is an allowable discharge, but requires a verbal notification to Yakima County Public Services Department prior to the time of the test.
(7) 
The prohibition shall not apply to any non-stormwater discharge permitted under an NPDES permit, waiver, or waste discharge order issued to the discharger and administered under the authority of the Federal Environmental Protection Agency, provided that the discharger is in full compliance with all requirements of the permit, waiver, or order and other applicable laws and regulations, and provided that written approval has been granted from the Public Services Director for any discharge to county stormwater facilities, or public UIC.
(Ord. 3-2016 (part), 2017; Ord. 8-2022 § 1, 2022)
(1) 
The construction, use, maintenance or continued existence of illicit connection to the county stormwater facility, or public UIC is prohibited. This prohibition expressly includes, without limitation, illicit connection made in the past, regardless of whether the connection was permissible under law or practices applicable or prevailing at the time of connection.
(2) 
In such cases where the illicit connection was made in the past by a party other than the current person responsible for the connection, the current person shall have a period of 30 days to voluntarily remove the connection or enter into a correction agreement specifying an extended time, but no longer than that required for the County to remove the illicit connection within 180 days in accordance with the municipal stormwater NPDES permit limit.
(3) 
Any person who connects a line conveying sewage to the county stormwater facility or public UIC, or allows such a connection to continue shall be in violation of this chapter.
(4) 
Suspension Due to Illicit Discharges in Emergency Situations. The Public Services Director may, without prior notice, suspend county stormwater facility or public UIC discharge access to a person when such suspension is necessary to stop an actual or threatened discharge, either illicit, or which presents or may present imminent and substantial danger to the environment, or to the health or welfare of persons, or to the county stormwater facility or public UIC or Waters of the United States. If the violator fails to comply with a suspension order issued in an emergency, the Public Services Director may take such steps as deemed necessary to prevent or minimize damage to the MS4, the public UIC or to minimize danger to persons.
(5) 
Suspension Due to the Detection of Illicit Discharge or Illicit Connection. Any person discharging, or connected, to the county stormwater facility, or public UIC in violation of this chapter may have their county stormwater facility or public UIC access terminated if such termination would abate or reduce an illicit discharge or connection. The Public Services Director will notify a violator of the proposed termination of its county stormwater facility or public UIC access. Persons must respond within 15 days of said notification to propose a voluntary correction in accordance with Section 12.10.450(3) of this chapter.
(6) 
A person commits a violation of this chapter if the person reinstates county stormwater facility, or public UIC access to premises terminated pursuant to this Section, without the prior approval of the Public Services Director.
(Ord. 3-2016 (part), 2017; Ord. 8-2022 § 1, 2022)
Notwithstanding other requirements of law, as soon as any person responsible for a facility or operation, or responsible for emergency response for a facility or operation has information of any known or suspected release of materials which are resulting or may result in illegal discharges or pollutants discharging into stormwater or the county stormwater facility or public UIC, said person shall take all necessary steps to ensure the discovery, containment, and cleanup of such release. In the event of a release of hazardous materials said person shall immediately notify emergency response agencies of the occurrence via emergency dispatch services. In the event of a release of non-hazardous materials, said person shall notify the Yakima County Public Services Department in person or by phone or facsimile no later than the next business day. Notifications in person or by phone shall be confirmed by written notice addressed and mailed to the Yakima County Public Services Department within three (3) business days of the phone notice.
(Ord. 3-2016 (part), 2017; Ord. 8-2022 § 1, 2022)
(1) 
When necessary to perform any of their duties under this chapter or to investigate upon reasonable cause or complaint the existence or occurrence of a violation of this chapter, the Public Services Director or his or her authorized representatives may enter onto property to inspect the same or to perform any duty imposed or authorized by this chapter; provided, that if such property be occupied and not a public place he shall first present proper credentials, state the reason for entry, and request permission to enter; and if such property is unoccupied, he shall first make a reasonable effort to locate the owners or other persons having charge or control of the property and request permission to enter. If such permission is refused, the Public Services Director shall have recourse to every remedy provided by law to secure entry. The right of entry for this section shall only be for an authorized employee, officer, or person designated by the Public Services Director. All permits and approvals issued under the provisions of this chapter are hereby conditioned on free access by the Public Services Director or his or her authorized representatives to the property involved during any period of construction, improvement, or change, for inspections to assure compliance with this chapter and any conditions of approval for such permit or approval. The Public Services Director or his or her authorized representatives may enter onto private property during any such period of construction, improvement, or change being done pursuant to a permit or approval for such purposes; provided, that if the property is occupied he shall first notify the occupant prior to entry.
(2) 
If the Public Services Director or his or her authorized representatives have been refused access to any part of the premises from which water is discharged, and he/she is able to demonstrate a belief that there is a violation of this chapter, or that there is a need to inspect and/or sample as part of a routine inspection and sampling program designed to verify compliance with this chapter or any order issued hereunder, or to protect the overall public health, safety, and welfare of the community, then the Public Services Director may seek issuance of a search warrant, injunctive relief, warrant of abatement or other remedy provided by law from any court of competent jurisdiction. The warrant will specify what may be searched and/or seized on the property described. Such warrant will be served at reasonable hours by the Yakima County Public Services Director or his or her designee in the company of a uniformed police officer. In the event of an emergency affecting public health, safety or welfare, inspections will take place without the issuance of a warrant.
(3) 
The right of entry extends to the following matters:
(a) 
Entry upon the premises where a regulated facility or activity is located or conducted, or where records must be kept under the conditions of this chapter;
(b) 
Access to and copying, at reasonable times, any records required to be kept under the conditions of this chapter;
(c) 
Inspection at reasonable times of any facilities, equipment (including monitoring and control equipment), practices, or operations regulated or required under this chapter;
(d) 
Sampling or monitoring for the purposes of assuring compliance with this chapter, including any substances or parameters at any location; and
(e) 
Inspection of any production, manufacturing, fabricating or storage area where pollutants, regulated under this chapter, could originate, are stored or discharged to the sewer system, the MS4 or public UIC.
(Ord. 3-2016 (part), 2017; Ord. 8-2022 § 1, 2022)
(1) 
Violations.
(a) 
Any person who shall willfully damage or interfere with the operation of any dikes, drains, ditches, UIC's or other improvements of any County operated drainage facility or stormwater facility shall be guilty of a misdemeanor as provided for at RCW 9A.20.010(2). Any person so convicted of a misdemeanor shall be punished for each offense by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) or by imprisonment for not more than ninety (90) days, or by both such fine and imprisonment.
(b) 
Any person, firm, or corporation violating any of the provisions of this Title, including the provisions of the various Codes adopted by reference therein, or failing to comply therewith, or violating or failing to comply with any order issued or made pursuant to its provisions shall severally and for each and every violation and non-compliance respectively be guilty of a misdemeanor Yakima County Code Title 1.24.010 or shall be subject to a Class 1 civil infraction as authorized by Chapter 7.80 RCW or any other remedy provided by law. Any person so convicted of a misdemeanor shall be punished for each offense by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) or by imprisonment for not more than ninety (90) days, and/or by both such fine and imprisonment.
(2) 
Continued Violations. Any person, firm, or corporation shall be required to correct such violations or defects. Each week after notice of violation to such person, firm, or corporation shall constitute a separate offense unless time for correction is otherwise expressly extended in writing by the official enforcing this title; provided, that where the authorized official has ordered any work or occupancy stopped or has revoked or suspended any permit or certificate, each and every day that such work or occupancy continues or is permitted to continue shall constitute a separate offense.
(3) 
Persons Liable. The owner, lessee, or tenant of any building, structure, premises, or part thereof, and any architect, engineer, builder, contractor, employee, agent, or other person who commits, authorizes, participates in, assists in, or who maintains after notice, a violation of this Title may each be found guilty of a separate offense and suffer the penalties provided in this Chapter.
(a) 
Failure to maintain stormwater facilities will be subject to enforcement actions described in Section 12.10.340.
(b) 
Failure to submit a Stormwater plan (where required), or begin construction without the Public Services Director's approval of a submitted Stormwater Plan, or implement actions other than those actions described in an approved Stormwater Plan shall constitute a violation of this chapter, Title 19 and Title 13, where applicable.
(c) 
Failure of projects to retain runoff on-site in accordance with design criteria specified in this chapter shall also constitute a violation of this chapter.
(Ord. 3-2016 (part), 2017; Ord. 8-2022 § 1, 2022)
The following shall apply to the enforcement of this title or those ordinances codified in this chapter and those ordinances which provide that the Yakima County Public Services Director is charged with administration of those ordinances; and as provided under Section 13.25.050 and 13.25.060 of the Yakima County Code.
(1) 
Violations of the applicable codes shall be corrected under the provisions of this chapter, in coordination with existing ordinance and code provisions.
(2) 
Only an authorized official may enforce the provisions of this chapter. For purposes of this chapter, an authorized official is defined as any one of the following:
(a) 
Yakima County Sheriff and or their authorized representatives shall have the authority to enforce the provisions of this chapter;
(b) 
Yakima County Public Services Director and or their authorized representatives, as designated by the Public Services Director, shall have the authority to enforce the provisions of this chapter;
(c) 
Yakima County Prosecuting Attorney shall have authority to enforce the provisions of this chapter and may pursue any legal proceedings necessary to enforce the provisions of this chapter.
(3) 
Whenever an authorized official determines that a violation has occurred or is occurring, he or she may pursue attempts to secure voluntary corrections, failing which he or she may issue a notice of infraction. An authorized official may issue a notice of infraction if the authorized official reasonably believes that the provisions of this chapter have been violated. A notice of infraction may be served either by:
(a) 
The authorized official serving the notice of infraction on the person named in the notice of infraction at the time of issuance; or
(b) 
The authorized official filing the notice of infraction with the court. The court shall have the notice served either personally or by mail, postage prepaid, on the person named in the notice of infraction at his or her address.
(4) 
A notice of infraction shall be filed in district court within forty-eight (48) hours of issuance, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. Yakima County District Court shall have Yakima County to hear and determine these matters.
(5) 
A person who receives a notice of infraction shall respond to the notice as provided in this section within fifteen (15) days of the date the notice was served.
(6) 
If the person named in the notice of infraction does not contest the determination, the person shall respond by completing the appropriate portion of the notice of infraction and submitting it, either by mail or in person, to the court specified on the notice. A check or money order in the amount of the penalty prescribed for the infraction must be submitted with the response. When a response which does not contest the determination is received, an appropriate order shall be entered in the court's records, and a record of the response order shall be furnished to the authorized official. Failure to contest the determination and the payment of the fine does not release the person named in the notice of the infraction from their obligation to comply with the Notice or Order of the authorized official.
(7) 
If the person determined to have committed the civil infraction wishes to contest the determination, the person shall respond by completing the portion of the notice of civil infraction requesting a hearing for that purpose and submitting it, either by mail or in person, to the court specified on the notice. The court shall notify the person in writing of the time, place, and date of the hearing, and that date shall not be earlier than seven (7) days nor more than ninety (90) days from the date of the notice of the hearing, except by agreement.
(8) 
If the person determined to have committed the civil infraction does not contest the determination but wishes to explain mitigating circumstances surrounding the infraction, the person shall respond by completing the portion of the notice of civil infraction requesting a hearing for that purpose and submitting it, either by mail or in person, to the court specified in the notice. The court shall notify the person in writing of the time, place, and date of the hearing, and that date shall not be earlier than seven (7) days nor more than ninety (90) days from the date of the notice of the hearing, except by agreement.
(9) 
The court shall enter a default judgment assessing the monetary penalty prescribed for the civil infraction, and may notify the prosecuting attorney of the failure to respond to the notice of civil infraction or to appear at a requested hearing if any person issued a notice of civil infraction fails to respond.
(10) 
Any person willfully violating his or her written and signed promise to appear in court or his or her written and signed promise to respond to a notice of civil infraction is guilty of a misdemeanor regardless of the disposition of the notice of civil infraction; provided, that a written promise to appear in court or a written promise to respond to a notice of civil infraction may be complied with by appearance of counsel.
(11) 
A person who willfully fails to pay a monetary penalty or to perform community service as required by a court under this chapter may be found in civil contempt of court after notice and hearing.
(12) 
A person subject to proceedings under this chapter may appear or be represented by counsel but not at public expense.
(13) 
The prosecuting attorney representing Yakima County may, but need not, appear in any proceedings under this chapter, notwithstanding any statute or court rule to the contrary.
(14) 
A hearing held to contest the determination that an infraction has been committed shall be without a jury.
(15) 
The court may consider the notice of infraction and any sworn statements submitted by the authorized representative who issued and served the notice in lieu of his or her personal appearance at the hearing. The person named in the notice may subpoena witnesses, including the authorized representative who has issued and served the notice, and has the right to present evidence and examine witnesses present in court.
(16) 
The burden of proof is on Yakima County to establish the commission of the infraction by a preponderance of evidence.
(17) 
After consideration of the evidence and argument, the court shall determine whether the infraction was committed.
(18) 
An appeal from the court's determination or order shall be to the Superior Court in the manner provided by the Rules for Appeal of Decisions of Courts of Limited Jurisdiction (RALJ).
(19) 
A hearing held for the purpose of allowing a person to explain mitigating circumstances surrounding the commission of an infraction shall be an informal proceeding. The person may not subpoena witnesses. The determination that a civil infraction has been committed may not be contested at a hearing held for the purpose of explaining mitigating circumstances.
(20) 
After the court has heard the explanation of the circumstances surrounding the commission of the civil infraction, an appropriate order shall be entered in the court's records.
(21) 
There shall be no appeal from the court's determination or order.
(22) 
A person found to have committed a civil infraction shall be assessed a monetary penalty. All violations of this chapter shall be denominated Class I civil infractions. The maximum penalty and default amount for a Class I civil infraction shall be two hundred fifty dollars ($250), not including statutory assessments.
(23) 
Whenever a monetary penalty is imposed by a court under this chapter it is immediately payable. If the person is unable to pay at that time, the court may grant an extension of the period of time in which the penalty may be paid. If the penalty is not paid on or before the time established for payments the court may proceed to collect the penalty in the same manner as other civil judgments and may notify the prosecuting attorney of the failure to pay. The court shall also notify the department of the failure to pay the penalty, and the department shall not issue the person any future permits for any work until the monetary penalty has been paid.
(Ord. 3-2016 (part), 2017; Ord. 8-2022 § 1, 2022)
(1) 
In addition to any criminal proceedings brought to enforce this Title and in addition to any fine or imprisonment provided for therein, continuing violations of this Title may be enjoined or ordered abated in a civil proceeding for injunction or for abatement. For purposes of abatement actions, such violations are declared to be public nuisances. Any person, firm, or corporation violating the provisions of this Title shall be liable for all costs of such proceedings, including attorney's fees and expenses of abatement. The provisions of this subsection are in addition to any other remedies available at law or equity.
(2) 
The Prosecuting Attorney's Office on behalf of Yakima County and the public may pursue civil remedies to enforce compliance with the provisions of the Title. A private person directly affected by a violation of this Title may pursue civil remedies to enforce compliance with its provisions or to recover damages for its violation.
(Ord. 3-2016 (part), 2017; Ord. 8-2022 § 1, 2022)
(1) 
Appeals of stormwater and grading decisions can be appealed to the Public Services Director in accordance with YCC chapter 16B.09.
(2) 
All other decisions or orders of the Public Services Director shall be final. Further relief shall be to a court of competent jurisdiction.
(Ord. 3-2016 (part), 2017; Ord. 8-2022 § 1, 2022)
The remedies listed in this chapter are not exclusive of any other remedies available under any applicable federal, state or local law.
(Ord. 3-2016 (part), 2017; Ord. 8-2022 § 1, 2022)
It shall be unlawful for any person to violate any provision or fail to comply with any of the requirements of this chapter. If a person has violated or continues to violate the provisions of this chapter, the Public Services Director may petition for a preliminary or permanent injunction restraining the person from activities which would create further violations or compelling the person to perform abatement or remediation of the violation.
(Ord. 3-2016 (part), 2017; Ord. 8-2022 § 1, 2022)
(1) 
In lieu of enforcement proceedings, penalties, and remedies authorized by this chapter, the Public Services Director may negotiate with the violator alternative compensatory actions, such as storm drain stenciling, attendance at compliance workshops, creek cleanup, etc.
(2) 
The Public Services Director may recover all attorney's fees court costs and other expenses associated with enforcement of this chapter, including sampling and monitoring expenses.
(Ord. 3-2016 (part), 2017; Ord. 8-2022 § 1, 2022)
The ordinance codified in this chapter shall go into effect within unincorporated Yakima County effective immediately.
(Ord. 3-2016 (part), 2017; Ord. 8-2022 § 1, 2022)