[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Board of the Town of Monroe 12-3-2007 by L.L. No. 5-2007. Amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Flood damage prevention — See Ch. 27B.
Lakefront lands — See Ch. 32.
Storm sewers — See Ch. 33.
Sewerage systems — See Ch. 41.
Soil erosion and sediment control — See Ch. 44.
Water rules and regulations — See Ch. 53.
Communal water systems — See Ch. 54.
Wetlands — See Ch. 56.
Zoning — See Ch. 57.
Subdivision regulations — See Ch. A65.
A. 
The Town of Monroe finds that land development activities, associated increases in site impervious cover, disturbances to the natural vegetative cover, and changes to the topography of the land can often alter the hydrologic response of local watersheds and increase stormwater runoff rates and volumes. These changes to the hydrology of the watershed can cause an increase in flooding, stream bank erosion, impairment to aquatic resources from silt or other pollutants, degradation of water quality and a loss of wildlife habitat. Land development activities can also cause unchecked erosion, sediment transport and deposition that can impair aquatic resources, clog drainageways and cause increased flooding. The potential impairment of the Town's natural resources caused by unchecked erosion, sedimentation and increased stormwater runoff results in a significant economic and social loss to the community. It is the purpose of this chapter to protect the public health, safety and welfare in the Town of Monroe and its aquatic resources by establishing minimum requirements for stormwater management, preventing erosion and controlling sedimentation for activities which cause changes to the watershed hydrology and may increase erosion and sediment transport, including but not limited to construction activities, land alterations including excavation, filling, grading, land stripping and tree clearing, and increases in the rate of stormwater runoff.
B. 
Regulating land development activities by means of performance standards governing stormwater management, erosion and sediment control and site design will produce development compatible with the natural functions of a particular site or an entire watershed and thereby mitigate the adverse effects of stormwater runoff from changes in the natural conditions due to development. It will also protect the Town and other governmental bodies from the additional expense of having to undertake, as a public obligation, increased maintenance of stormwater management practices, programs of repairing roads and other public facilities, of providing flood protection facilities and of compensating private property owners for the destruction of properties arising from the adverse effects of site preparation and construction.
C. 
To accomplish the aforementioned purpose, the Town Board of the Town of Monroe has promulgated these standards and regulations which seek to achieve the following objectives:
(1) 
Minimize increases in peak rate of stormwater runoff from land development activities in order to reduce flooding, siltation, increases in stream temperature, and streambank erosion and maintain the integrity of stream channels;
(2) 
Minimize increases in pollution caused by stormwater runoff from land development activities which would otherwise degrade local water quality;
(3) 
Minimize the total volume of stormwater runoff which flows from any specific site during and following development to the maximum extent practicable in order to minimize the economic impact of installation, operation and maintenance of drainage facilities;
(4) 
Reduce soil erosion and sediment transport, wherever possible, through appropriate structural and nonstructural best management practices (BMPs), and to ensure that these management practices are properly maintained to eliminate threats to public safety;
(5) 
Meet the requirements of minimum measures four and five of the SPDES General Permit for Stormwater Discharges from Municipal Separate Stormwater Sewer Systems (MS4s), Permit No. GP-02-02 or as amended or revised;
(6) 
Require land development activities to conform to the substantive requirements of the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (SPDES) General Permit for Construction Activities, GP-02-01 or as amended or revised.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITY
The activity of an active farm, including grazing and watering livestock, irrigating crops, harvesting crops, using land for growing agricultural products, and cutting timber for sale, but shall not include the operation of a dude ranch or similar operation, or the construction of new structures associated with agricultural activities.
APPLICANT
A property owner or agent of a property owner who has filed an application for land development.
CHANNEL
A natural or artificial watercourse with a definite bed and banks that conducts flowing water continuously or periodically.
CLEARING
Any activity that removes the vegetative surface cover.
CLEARCUTTING
The removal of trees over eight inches in diameter measured at four feet above ground level, and includes the stripping of soil.
COMMON PLAN OF DEVELOPMENT
Where multiple construction activities are occurring, or will occur, whether in stages or phases on a contiguous area.
DAY
A calendar day.
DEDICATION
The deliberate appropriation of property by its owner for general public use.
DEPARTMENT
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
DESIGN MANUAL
The New York State Stormwater Management Design Manual, most recent version, including applicable updates, which serves as the official guide for stormwater management principles, methods and practices.
DRAINAGE
The gravitational movement of water or other liquids by surface runoff or overland surface flow.
EROSION
The wearing away of the land surface by action of wind, water, gravity or other natural forces.
EROSION CONTROL MANUAL
The most recent version of the New York Standards and Specifications for Erosion and Sediment Control manual, commonly known as the "Blue Book."
EXCAVATION
Any activity which removes or significantly disturbs rock, gravel, sand, soil or other natural deposits.
FARM OPERATIONS
All activities and practices which contribute to the growing or raising of crops, livestock and livestock products as a commercial enterprise, including a commercial horse boarding operation.
FILLING
Any activity which deposits natural or artificial material so as to modify the surface or subsurface conditions of land, lakes, ponds, wetlands or watercourses.
FINAL STABILIZATION
When all soil-disturbing activities at the site have been completed and a uniform perennial vegetative cover with a density of 80% has been established or equivalent stabilization measures (such as the use of mulches, riprap or geotextiles) have been employed on all areas not permanently improved by pavement, concrete or structures.
GRADING
The alteration or reshaping of the surface or subsurface conditions of land, lakes, ponds, wetlands or watercourses by excavation or filling.
IMPERVIOUS SURFACE OR COVER
Those surfaces in the urban landscape which do not have a permanent vegetative cover and/or cannot effectively infiltrate rainfall, including, but not limited to, building rooftops, pavement, sidewalks, driveways and roads with a surface of compacted dirt or gravel, asphalt or concrete, decks and swimming pools.
INFILTRATION
The process of percolating stormwater into the subsoil.
LAND DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITY
Construction activity including clearing, grading, excavating, soil disturbance or placement of fill that results in land disturbance. Regulated land disturbances are activities as defined in § 46-3 of this chapter.
MULCHING
The application of a layer of organic material such as wood chips, hay, pine bark or other material at a sufficient thickness for the purpose of effectively controlling erosion.
PARCEL
A designated lot, tract or area of land to be used, disturbed, developed or built upon as a unit.
REDEVELOPMENT
The reconstruction or modification to any existing, previously developed land, regardless of use, which involves disturbance to soil or its existing overlying cover.
SEDIMENT
Solid material, both mineral and organic, that is in suspension, is being transported, has been deposited or has been removed from its site of origin by erosion.
SITE PREPARATION
The activities of stripping, excavation, filling and grading, no matter what the purpose of these activities.
SOIL
All unconsolidated mineral or nonliving organic material of whatever origin which overlies bedrock.
SPDES GENERAL PERMIT FOR CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES GP-02-01
A permit under the New York State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (SPDES) issued to developers of construction activities to regulate disturbance of one or more acres of land.
SPDES GENERAL PERMIT FOR STORMWATER DISCHARGES FROM MUNICIPAL SEPARATE STORMWATER SEWER SYSTEMS GP-02-02
A permit under the New York State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (SPDES) issued to municipalities to regulate discharges from municipal separate storm sewers for compliance with EPA-established water quality standards and/or to specify stormwater control standards.
STORMWATER POLLUTION PREVENTION PLAN (SWPPP)
A plan for controlling stormwater runoff and pollutants from a site during and after construction activities.
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT OFFICER
The Building Inspector, municipal engineer or other employee designated by the Town Board to accept and review stormwater pollution prevention plans, forward the plans to the applicable municipal board and inspect stormwater management practices.
STRIPPING
Any activity which removes or significantly disturbs trees, brush, grass or any other kind of vegetation.
SURFACE WATERS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK
Lakes, bays, sounds, ponds, impounding reservoirs, springs, wells, rivers, streams, creeks, estuaries, marshes, inlets, canals, the Atlantic Ocean within the territorial seas of the State of New York and all other bodies of surface water, natural or artificial, inland or coastal, fresh or salt, public or private (except those private waters that do not combine or effect a junction with natural surface or underground waters), that are wholly or partially within or bordering the state or within its jurisdiction. Storm sewers and waste treatment systems, including treatment ponds or lagoons that also meet the criteria of this definition, are not waters of the state. This exclusion applies only to man-made bodies of water which neither were originally created in waters of the state (such as a disposal area in wetlands) nor resulted from impoundment of waters of the state.
TOPSOIL
The natural surface layer of soil, usually darker than subsurface layers, to a depth of at least six inches within an undisturbed area of soils.
WATERCOURSE
Any natural or artificial stream, river, creek, ditch, channel, canal, conduit, culvert, drainageway, gully, ravine or wash in which water flows in a definite direction or course, either continuously or intermittently, and which has a definite channel, bed and bank and any area adjacent thereto subject to inundation by reason of overflow, flood or stormwater. For the purpose of this chapter, the term "watercourse" shall be deemed to include ponds and lakes.
WETLANDS
Those wetlands as regulated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and/or the United States Army Corps of Engineers.
A. 
None of the following activities shall be commenced until a land development permit has been issued under the provisions of this chapter:
(1) 
Site preparation or clearing of slopes which exceed one foot of vertical rise to five feet of horizontal distance (20%) or site preparation in soils known to be subject to severe erosion, based upon the rating given to individual soil types by the USDA Soil Conservation Service.
(2) 
Site preparation or clearing within the one-hundred-year floodplain of any watercourse.
(3) 
Excavation which affects more than 400 cubic yards of material within any parcel.
(4) 
Soil stripping or clearcutting which affects:
(a) 
An area exceeding 5,000 square feet of contiguous ground surface; or
(b) 
One or more areas that in total exceed 20,000 square feet on any individual parcel.
(5) 
Grading which affects more than 5,000 square feet of ground surface within any parcel.
(6) 
Filling which exceeds a total of 200 cubic yards of material within any parcel.
(7) 
A subdivision of a parcel into two or more lots.
(8) 
Any activity requiring approval of a site plan by the Planning Board.
B. 
Notwithstanding the requirement that certain activities obtain a permit under this section, or any exemption therefrom, any filling, grading, excavation, or any other activity that disturbs the natural vegetative cover shall not cause or contribute to an impairment of aquatic resources, a degradation of water quality, or otherwise harm the natural resources of the Town of Monroe as described in § 46-9 below, and in all cases shall utilize appropriate erosion control measures in accordance with the New York Standards and Specifications for Erosion and Sediment Control.
C. 
Any temporary or permanent alteration of the land surface associated with the following, including, but not limited to, removal of 50% of the vegetative cover, grading or filling, or any of the activities provided in Subsection A, shall be deemed to be a major land development activity: residential projects disturbing five acres or more or any nonresidential project disturbing one acre or more. Smaller disturbances which are part of a common plan of development equal to, or greater than, one acre shall also be considered major land development activities.
(1) 
All major land development activities shall prepare a stormwater pollution prevention plan which shall include means and measures for control of stormwater quality and quantity and soil erosion and sedimentation.
(2) 
Any activity that shall be deemed to be a major land development activity shall obtain a permit from the Stormwater Management Officer, except as provided in § 46-5 below.
D. 
All other activities described in Subsection A, above, shall be considered minor land development activities, including, but not limited to, any temporary or permanent alteration of the land surface involving the removal of 50% of the vegetative cover, grading, or filling, and any activities which do not exceed the requirements in Subsection C above but fall within the following: residential subdivisions disturbing less than five acres or any nonresidential project disturbing less than one acre.
(1) 
Any activity that shall be deemed a minor land development activity as defined herein shall prepare an erosion and sediment control plan which meets the requirements contained herein.
(2) 
Any activity that shall be deemed to be a minor land development activity shall obtain a permit from the Stormwater Management Officer, except as provided in § 46-5 below.
The following activities are exempt from obtaining a permit pursuant to this chapter; however, such activities shall not be conducted in a manner that causes or results in soil erosion, sedimentation or a visible change in the quality of runoff as set forth in § 46-9 below.
A. 
Excavations for the basements and footings of single-family houses and for septic tank systems, wells and swimming pools attendant to single-family homes, excepting where those excavations are proposed in such locations as described under Subsection A(1) and (2) of § 46-3 above. The area of excavation set forth herein shall be included in calculating the total amount of site disturbance for the purposes of compliance with § 46-3C and D above.
B. 
Farm operations as defined by Article 25-AA of the Agriculture and Markets Law.
C. 
Cemetery graves.
D. 
Activities of an individual engaging in home gardening by growing flowers, vegetables or other plants primarily for use by that person and his or her family.
E. 
Landscaping and horticultural activities in connection with an existing structure that result in less than 11,000 square feet in aggregate of disturbance.
F. 
Emergency activities immediately necessary to protect life, property or natural resources.
G. 
Governmental activities, but only to the extent that such activities are exempted from the provisions of this chapter or are otherwise exempt pursuant to state law.
H. 
Repairs to stormwater management facilities authorized by the Stormwater Management Officer.
A site plan, approved pursuant to Article VI of Chapter 57, or a subdivision plat approved pursuant to Chapter A65 of the Code of the Town of Monroe, which also includes a separate erosion and sediment control plan meeting the requirements of this chapter, approved by the Planning Board shall constitute an erosion and sediment control permit approved under this chapter.
Where a major or minor land development permit is required pursuant to § 46-3C or D, an application shall be submitted to the Stormwater Management Officer which includes the following:
A. 
Eight copies of a land development application form.
B. 
An application fee as set from time to time by resolution of the Town Board. The fee shall be deemed a reasonable sum to cover the costs of administration and shall in no part be returnable to the applicant(s).
C. 
Eight copies of an erosion and sediment control plan or a stormwater pollution prevention plan, or both, as may be required herein. Maps and plans accompanying the application shall be prepared by an individual authorized by the State of New York to prepare such plans, which may include an architect, engineer or landscape architect licensed by the State of New York, or a certified professional in erosion and sediment control.
D. 
An environmental assessment form (EAF) pursuant to SEQRA prepared and submitted by the applicant, unless the application concerns a site plan or subdivision project already before the Planning Board for which a SEQRA declaration has already been made.
A. 
Within 30 days of the receipt of an application or any plans or material in support thereof, the Stormwater Management Officer shall notify the applicant if the application is determined to be complete or if additional information is required.
B. 
The Stormwater Management Officer shall approve, with or without modifications, or deny all permits within 30 days of the date of determining that the application is complete, unless the applicant consents, in writing, to a time extension.
C. 
Prior to granting a permit, the Stormwater Management Officer shall determine that the request is in harmony with the purpose and standards set forth in this chapter.
D. 
In granting a permit, the Stormwater Management Officer may fix a reasonable time limit for the termination of the permit and may attach any conditions which he deems necessary to assure compliance with the provisions of this chapter. Any permit issued for a major or minor land disturbance shall not exceed one year in duration. The performance guaranty so specified under § 46-26 shall be posted before any permits may be granted or site work commenced.
E. 
Modifications of the terms of an approved permit shall follow the same application, review and approval procedures as those set forth in this section for the original permit.
F. 
It shall be the responsibility of the Stormwater Management Officer to inspect any sites for which a permit has been issued under this chapter as frequently as necessary to assure compliance with the terms and conditions of the approved permit and the provisions of this chapter and to submit written notification of any violations of these terms or provisions of the permit to the property owner to which the permit has been issued.
G. 
If, at any time during the effective period of a permit issued by the Stormwater Management Officer, the terms of the permit are violated, or if the permit expires prior to the completion of the work, the Stormwater Management Officer may revoke the permit and thereafter recommend to the Town Board that the performance guaranty be forfeited to the Town. If the applicant becomes unable to complete the project or any phase thereof within the specified time, he shall, within 30 days prior to the specified date of completion, present, in writing, a request for an extension of time, setting forth therein the reasons for the request. If, in the discretion of the Stormwater Management Officer, such an extension is warranted, the Stormwater Management Officer may grant additional time for the completion of the work.
H. 
The Stormwater Management Officer is authorized to consult with and obtain recommendations from the Town Planning Board and/or its Chairman, the Town Engineer, the Town Highway Superintendent, the Orange County Soil and Water Conservation District, and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
In the event that an application requires the Town to incur additional expenses for technical assistance in the review of an application, the applicant shall pay the reasonable expenses incurred by the Town. The applicant shall be notified of the expenses and shall deposit said funds in escrow as necessary to cover to the costs being incurred.
Upon the approval of this chapter by the Town Board, all land development activities regulated under this chapter shall be in conformance with the provisions set forth herein. It shall be a violation of this chapter, or for any permit issued thereof, to either cause or contribute to an impairment of aquatic resources, a degradation of water quality, or to otherwise harm the natural resources of the Town of Monroe. More specifically:
A. 
There shall be no increase in turbidity that will cause a substantial visible contrast to natural conditions of surface water;
B. 
There shall be no increase in suspended, colloidal and settleable solids that will cause deposition or impair the waters for their best usages;
C. 
There shall be no residue from oil and floating substances, or visible oil film, or globules of grease;
D. 
No uncontrolled sedimentation shall occur from any land disturbance which:
(1) 
Is not properly managed by appropriate erosion and sediment control practices.
(2) 
Causes or may potentially cause an impairment to water quality.
E. 
There shall no increase in the peak rate of runoff which causes an impairment to any stream, channel or drainage structure.
The following technical standards shall be used in the design and installation of all erosion control, sediment control and stormwater practices designed or installed under this chapter:
A. 
New York Standards and Specifications for Erosion and Sediment Control (Empire State Chapter of the Soil and Water Conservation Society) 2004 or the most current version or its successor (also referred to as the "Erosion Control Manual").
B. 
New York State Stormwater Design Manual, latest edition (New York State Department of Environmental Conservation).
C. 
Urban Hydrology for Small Watersheds (TR55) (USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service).
D. 
Soil Survey of Orange County, New York (USDA Soil Conservation Service).
An erosion and sediment control plan shall be prepared in accordance with the technical standards provided for herein, and at a minimum shall include the following information:
A. 
Existing features map(s), at a scale no smaller than one inch equals 50 feet, indicating:
(1) 
The boundaries of all parcels on which site preparation activities are proposed to be undertaken.
(2) 
All public improvements within a distance of 200 feet of the parcel on which site preparation activities are proposed to be undertaken; the structures, identified by their uses and capacities; and the roads, identified by their surface material and width of surface.
(3) 
All wetlands, greater than 4,000 square feet in size, and any watercourses located either on the site or within a distance of 100 feet of the parcels on which site preparation activities are proposed to be undertaken.
(4) 
Existing topography at contour intervals of two feet referenced to USGS datum.
(5) 
All sewer, water, gas and electric lines and all other utilities within the parcels on which site preparation activities are proposed to be undertaken.
(6) 
The location and description of all vegetation located within the area of proposed disturbance, and including the area within 100 feet of the disturbance.
(7) 
The depth to bedrock on the site proposed for site preparation activities.
(8) 
The depth to permanent groundwater aquifers on the site proposed for site preparation activities.
(9) 
The boundary of the one-hundred-year floodplain, together with wetland boundaries.
B. 
Drainage computations to evaluate the peak rates, and volumes of runoff for the site in its predeveloped and postdeveloped conditions may be required.
C. 
Development standards. All development plans, specifications and timing schedules, including extensions of previously approved plans, shall comply with the technical standards identified herein and shall be designed for "newly graded" or "during construction" conditions. In the event of conflict with this chapter, the requirements that, to the greater extent, will serve to minimize erosion shall apply.
D. 
Site plan. A site plan shall be prepared at a scale no smaller than one inch equals 50 feet, which shows the proposed developed conditions for the site and the proposed erosion and sediment control measures, including:
(1) 
The location of all excavation, filling and grading proposed to be undertaken, identified as to the depth, volume and nature of the materials involved.
(2) 
The location of all soil stripping or tree cutting, identified as to the nature of vegetation affected.
(3) 
All areas where topsoil is to be removed, stockpiled and ultimately placed.
(4) 
All temporary and permanent vegetation to be placed on the site, identified as to plant type, size, quantity, location, seed mixture and rate of application, as appropriate.
(5) 
The type, location and application rate of all mulch.
(6) 
All temporary and permanent drainage, erosion and sediment control practices, including such practices as stormwater ponds and temporary sediment basins, identified as to the type of facility, the materials from which they are constructed, their specifications or manufacturer product identification number, their dimensions and their capacity.
(7) 
The anticipated pattern of surface drainage during periods of peak runoff, upon completion of site preparation and construction activities, identified as to rate and direction of flow at all major points within the drainage systems.
(8) 
The location of all roads, driveways, sidewalks, structures, utilities and other improvements, including the finished grade of any proposed structures.
(9) 
The final contours of the areas of the site affected by an action requiring a permit in intervals of no greater than two feet.
E. 
Supporting calculations to demonstrate the suitability of erosion and sediment control measures.
F. 
A construction schedule which is keyed to the site plan indicating:
(1) 
When major phases of the proposed project are to be initiated and completed.
(2) 
When major site preparation activities are to be initiated and completed.
(3) 
When the installation of temporary and permanent vegetation and drainage, erosion and sediment control facilities are to be completed.
(4) 
The anticipated duration, in days, of exposure of all major areas of site preparation before the installation of erosion and sediment control measures.
G. 
An estimate of the costs of providing temporary and permanent vegetation and drainage, erosion and sediment control facilities prepared by a qualified individual as contained herein.
A. 
When required pursuant to this chapter, a stormwater pollution prevention plan shall be prepared in accordance with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation SPDES General Permit for Stormwater Discharges from Construction Activities (Permit No. GP-02-01), using the technical standards identified herein, and at a minimum shall include the following information:
(1) 
Background information about the scope of the project, including location, type and size of project.
(2) 
Site map/construction drawing(s) for the project at a scale no smaller than one inch equals 50 feet. At a minimum, the site map should show the total site area; all improvements; areas of disturbance; areas that will not be disturbed; existing vegetation; on-site and adjacent off-site surface water(s); wetlands and drainage patterns that could be affected by the construction activity; existing and final grades at two-foot contours; locations of off-site material, waste, borrow or equipment storage areas; and location(s) of the stormwater discharge(s).
(3) 
A location map at a scale of not less than one inch equals 2,000 feet.
(4) 
Description of the soil(s) present at the site.
(5) 
Construction phasing plan describing the intended sequence of construction activities, including clearing and grubbing, excavation and grading, utility and infrastructure installation and any other activity at the site that results in soil disturbance. Consistent with the New York Standards and Specifications for Erosion and Sediment Control (Erosion Control Manual), not more than five acres shall be disturbed at any one time unless pursuant to an approved SWPPP.
(6) 
Description of the pollution prevention measures that will be used to control litter, construction chemicals and construction debris from becoming a pollutant source in stormwater runoff.
(7) 
Description of construction and waste materials expected to be stored on-site with updates as appropriate, and a description of controls to reduce pollutants from these materials, including storage practices to minimize exposure of the materials to stormwater, and spill prevention and response.
(8) 
Temporary and permanent structural and vegetative measures to be used for soil stabilization, runoff control and sediment control for each stage of the project, from initial land clearing and grubbing to project close-out.
(9) 
A site map/construction drawing(s) specifying the location(s), size(s) and length(s) of each erosion and sediment control practice.
(10) 
Dimensions, material specifications and installation details for all erosion and sediment control practices, including the location and sizing of any temporary sediment basins or traps.
(11) 
Temporary practices that will be converted to permanent control measures.
(12) 
Implementation schedule for staging temporary erosion and sediment control practices, including the timing of initial placement and duration that each practice should remain in place.
(13) 
Maintenance schedule to ensure continuous and effective operation of the erosion and sediment control practice.
(14) 
Name(s) of the receiving water(s).
(15) 
Delineation of SWPPP implementation responsibilities for each part of the site.
(16) 
Description of structural practices designed to divert flows from exposed soils, store flows, or otherwise limit runoff and the discharge of pollutants from exposed areas of the site to the degree reasonably attainable.
(17) 
Any existing data that describes the stormwater runoff at the site.
(18) 
Description of each postconstruction stormwater management practice.
(19) 
Site map/construction drawing(s) showing the specific location(s) and size(s) of each postconstruction stormwater management practice.
(20) 
Hydrologic and hydraulic analysis for all structural components of the stormwater management system for the applicable design storms.
(21) 
Comparison of postdevelopment stormwater runoff conditions with predevelopment conditions.
(22) 
Dimensions, material specifications and installation details for each postconstruction stormwater management practice.
(23) 
Maintenance schedule to ensure continuous and effective operation of each postconstruction stormwater management practice.
(24) 
Maintenance easements to ensure access to all stormwater management practices at the site for the purpose of inspection and repair. Easements shall be recorded on the plan and shall remain in effect with transfer of title to the property and where required by law shall be filed with the Town and/or County Clerk.
(25) 
Inspection and maintenance agreement binding on all subsequent landowners served by the on-site stormwater management measures.
B. 
The SWPPP shall be prepared by a landscape architect, certified professional in erosion and sediment control (CPESC) or licensed professional engineer and must be signed by the professional preparing the plan, who shall certify that the design of all stormwater management practices meet the requirements of this chapter.
C. 
Each contractor and subcontractor identified in the SWPPP who will be involved in soil disturbance and/or stormwater management practice installation shall sign and date a copy of the following certification statement before undertaking any land development activity: "I certify under penalty of law that I understand and agree to comply with the terms and conditions of the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan. I also understand that it is unlawful for any person to cause or contribute to a violation of water quality standards."
D. 
The certification must include the name and title of the person providing the signature; address and telephone number of the contracting firm; the address (or other identifying description) of the site; and the date the certification is made.
E. 
The certification statement(s) shall become part of the SWPPP for the land development activity, a copy of which shall be filed with the Monroe Planning Department.
F. 
A copy of the SWPPP shall be retained at the site of the land development activity during construction from the date of initiation of construction activities to the date of final stabilization.
A. 
The applicant or developer of the land development activity shall at all times properly operate and maintain all facilities and systems of treatment and control (and related appurtenances) which are installed or used by the applicant or developer to achieve compliance with the conditions of this chapter. Sediment shall be removed from sediment traps or sediment basins whenever their design capacity has been reduced by 50%.
B. 
The applicant or developer or its representative shall be on site at all times when construction or grading activity takes place and shall inspect and document the effectiveness of all erosion and sediment control practices. Inspection reports shall be completed every seven days and within 24 hours of any storm event producing 0.5 or more inches of precipitation. The reports shall be delivered to the Monroe Planning Department and also copied to the site log book.
Prior to the issuance of any approval that has a stormwater management facility as one of the requirements, the applicant or developer must execute a maintenance easement agreement that shall be binding on all subsequent landowners served by the stormwater management facility. The easement shall provide for access to the facility at reasonable times for periodic inspection by the Town of Monroe to ensure that the facility is maintained in proper working condition to meet design standards and any other provisions established by this chapter. The easement shall be recorded by the grantor in the office of the County Clerk after approval by the Town Attorney of the Town of Monroe.
A. 
The owner or operator of permanent stormwater management facilities installed in accordance with this chapter shall operate and maintain the stormwater management facilities to achieve the goals of this chapter. Proper operation and maintenance also includes, as a minimum, the following:
(1) 
A preventive/corrective maintenance program for all critical facilities and systems of treatment and control (or related appurtenances) which are installed or used by the owner or operator to achieve the goals of this chapter.
(2) 
Written procedures for operation and maintenance and training new maintenance personnel.
B. 
Discharges from stormwater management facilities shall not exceed design criteria or cause or contribute to water quality standard violations in accordance with § 46-10.
As a condition of the approval of a land development permit, the Stormwater Management Officer may require that a maintenance agreement for the future operation and maintenance of one or more of the stormwater management facilities proposed for the site, in a form acceptable to the Town Attorney and binding on all subsequent landowners, be executed and recorded in the office of the County Clerk as a deed restriction on the property.
The following notations are to be included on all subdivision and site plan erosion and sediment control plans, and may be required on erosion and sediment control plans prepared for major and minor land development permits:
A. 
Road and drainage improvements.
(1) 
All topsoil to be stripped from the area being developed shall be stockpiled not less than 200 feet from any body of surface water and shall be immediately seeded with rye grass mixture with a quick germination time.
(2) 
On all embankment fill slopes, topsoil shall be stripped at least five feet wider than required for the embankment toe of slope. All fill slopes shall be immediately stabilized using appropriate techniques which meet the design criteria described in the New York Standards and Specifications for Erosion and Sediment Control.
(3) 
Erosion and sediment control measures, including but not limited to silt fencing, sediment traps, and check dams, shall also be employed where necessary for supplementary erosion control measures.
(4) 
All cut slopes and embankment fills are to be immediately laid back and stabilized using appropriate techniques which meet the design criteria described in the New York Standards and Specifications for Erosion and Sediment Control, which may include the following:
(a) 
Grade to finished slopes.
(b) 
Scarified.
(c) 
Topsoiled with not less than four inches of suitable topsoil material.
(d) 
Seeded with perennial rye grass. Seed shall be applied at the rate of not less than five pounds per 1,000 square feet.
(e) 
Mulched with not less than one inch and not more than three inches of straw (two tons per acre) and anchored in a suitable manner.
(5) 
Temporary on-site sedimentation basins for the immediate control of erosion and sediment transport are to be provided when and where required or ordered. The length, width and depth of such basins are to be determined in the field in accordance with the New York Standards and Specifications for Erosion and Sediment Control.
(6) 
All erosion control structures are to be maintained in proper functioning order and are to be replaced or repaired as necessary.
B. 
General.
(1) 
Construction equipment shall not unnecessarily cross live streams except by means of bridges and culverts or other approved methods.
(2) 
Wherever feasible, natural vegetation should be retained and protected.
(3) 
Only the smallest practical area of land should be exposed at any one time during development.
(4) 
Erosion control requirements shall include surface stabilization measures applied as soon as practicable in portions of the site where construction activities have temporarily or permanently ceased, but in no case more than seven days after the construction activity in that portion of the site has temporarily or permanently ceased. From November 1 through March 31, any disturbed area must be stabilized using a heavy mulch layer, a rolled erosion control product or another method that does not require seed germination to control erosion.
(5) 
The permanent final vegetation and structures shall be installed as soon as practical and as may be directed by the Stormwater Management Officer or Town Engineer.
(6) 
All erosion control measures employed during construction shall comply with the standards found in New York Standards and Specifications for Erosion and Sediment Control, latest edition.
(7) 
Phasing shall be required on all sites disturbing greater than five acres, with the size of each phase to be established by the Planning Board or Stormwater Management Officer.
The standards and requirements contained herein shall be applied in reviewing and approving all permits pursuant to this chapter.
A. 
An erosion and sediment control plan shall seek to return the quality of the stormwater leaving the site to its predisturbance condition to the maximum extent practicable.
B. 
Excavation, filling, grading and stripping shall be permitted to be undertaken only in such locations and in such a manner as to minimize the potential of erosion and sediment and the threat to the health, safety and welfare of neighboring property owners and the general public. Alterations of grade, or disturbances to the natural vegetative cover on slopes greater than 30%, shall be avoided.
C. 
Site preparation and construction shall be fitted to the vegetation, topography and other natural features of the site and shall preserve as many of these features as feasible.
D. 
The control of erosion and sediment shall be a continuous process undertaken as necessary prior to, during and after site preparation and construction.
E. 
The smallest practical area of land shall be exposed by site preparation at any given time.
F. 
Mulching or temporary vegetation suitable to the site shall be used where necessary to protect areas exposed by site preparation, and permanent vegetation which is well adapted to the site shall be installed as soon as practical.
G. 
Where slopes that have been exposed or regraded during site preparation are to be revegetated, the slopes shall not be of such steepness that vegetation cannot be readily established or that problems of erosion or sediment may result.
H. 
Site preparation and construction shall not cause a permanent adverse effect on the free flow of water by encroaching on, blocking or restricting watercourses.
I. 
All fill material shall be of a composition suitable for the ultimate use of the fill, free of rubbish and brush, stumps, tree debris, rocks, frozen material and soft or easily compressible material.
J. 
Fill material shall be compacted sufficiently to prevent problems of erosion, and where the material is to support structures, it shall be compacted to a minimum density of 90% of modified proctor with proper moisture control.
K. 
All topsoil that is excavated from a site shall be stockpiled and used for the restoration of the site, and such stockpiles, where necessary, shall be seeded or otherwise treated to minimize the effects of erosion. Topsoil is not to be removed or sold from the site unless restoration has been completed.
L. 
Prior to, during and after site preparation and construction, an integrated drainage system shall be provided which at all times minimizes erosion, sediment, hazards of slope instability and adverse effect on neighboring property owners.
M. 
The natural drainage system shall generally be preserved in preference to modifications of this system, excepting where such modifications are necessary to reduce levels of erosion and sediment and adverse effects on neighboring property owners.
N. 
All drainage systems shall be designed to handle adequately the anticipated flows, both within the site and from the entire upstream drainage basin, so as to achieve no net increase in peak rate of runoff from the site.
O. 
Sufficient grades and drainage facilities shall be provided to prevent the ponding of water, unless such ponding is proposed by the approved site plan, in which event there shall be sufficient water flow to maintain proposed water levels and to avoid stagnation.
P. 
There shall be provided, where necessary to minimize erosion and sediment, such measures as benches, berms, terraces, diversions, temporary sediment basins and retention basins. During the course of construction, where the Stormwater Management Officer or Town Engineer determines that additional erosion control measures are needed, they shall be provided by the project owner at no cost to the Town of Monroe.
Q. 
Drainage systems, plantings and other erosion or sediment control devices shall be maintained as frequently as necessary to provide adequate protection against erosion and sediment and to ensure that the free flow of water is not obstructed by the accumulation of silt, debris or other material or by structural damage.
R. 
Wherever possible, clean water shall be diverted around any areas of disturbance.
S. 
For any proposed grades planned to have a slope greater than 3H:1V, the design engineer shall provide calculations documenting that the slope will be stable as designed. Slope stability should be demonstrated by two-dimensional limiting equilibrium methods such as the Bishop Simplified Method. Further, the analysis should include an evaluation of seasonal high groundwater conditions, including subsurface investigations if deemed necessary, to assure that the slope will remain stable in "worst case" conditions.
T. 
The exposure of an area by site preparation shall be kept to the shortest practical period of time prior to the construction of structures or improvements or the restoration of the exposed areas to an attractive natural condition. The developer shall initiate stabilization measures as soon as practicable in portions of the site where construction activities have temporarily or permanently ceased, but in no case more than seven days after the construction activity in that portion of the site has temporarily or permanently ceased; except where the initiation of stabilization measures by the seventh day after construction activity temporarily or permanently ceased is precluded by snow cover or frozen ground conditions, stabilization measures shall be initiated as soon as practicable.
A. 
The redevelopment of a site shall comply with the technical standards contained herein for water quality for the entire site, including the area proposed for redevelopment, except as noted in Subsection C below.
B. 
The redevelopment of a site shall comply with the technical standards contained herein for water quantity for any increase in the volume or rate of runoff due to the redevelopment, except as noted in Subsection C below.
C. 
A deviation from the technical and performance standards contained in this chapter may be permitted where an owner or developer proposing to redevelop a site demonstrates that proper sizing and installation of acceptable stormwater management practices is not feasible due to inadequate space, head or other physical constraints of the site, and that the proposed change will not cause or contribute to a significant adverse change in any water resource within that drainage basin. Inadequate space in which to locate stormwater management practices caused directly by the size or location of the proposed redevelopment shall not be considered acceptable justification to permit a deviation from the standards.
A copy of all notice of intents and all contractor's certifications, required pursuant to the New York State General Permit for Stormwater Discharges from Construction Activity Permit No. GP-02-01 for all land disturbances, development or redevelopment located within the Town of Monroe, shall also be filed with the Monroe Planning Board.
A. 
The Town of Monroe Stormwater Management Officer may require such inspections as necessary to determine compliance with this chapter and may either approve that portion of the work completed or notify the applicant wherein the work fails to comply with the requirements of this chapter and the stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWPPP) as approved. To obtain inspections, the applicant shall notify the Town of Monroe enforcement official at least 48 hours before any of the following as required by the Stormwater Management Officer:
(1) 
Start of construction.
(2) 
Installation of sediment and erosion control measures.
(3) 
Completion of site clearing.
(4) 
Completion of rough grading.
(5) 
Completion of final grading.
(6) 
Close of the construction season.
(7) 
Completion of final landscaping.
(8) 
Successful establishment of landscaping in public areas.
B. 
If any violations are found, the applicant and developer shall be notified in writing of the nature of the violation and the required corrective actions. No further work shall be conducted, except for site stabilization, until any violations are corrected and all work previously completed has received approval by the Stormwater Management Officer.
The Town of Monroe Stormwater Management Officer is responsible for conducting inspections of stormwater management practices (SMPs). All applicants are required to submit "as built" plans for any stormwater management practices located on-site after final construction is completed. The plan must show the final design specifications for all stormwater management facilities and must be certified by a professional engineer.
Inspection programs shall be established on any reasonable basis, including, but not limited to: routine inspections; random inspections; inspections based upon complaints or other notice of possible violations; inspection of drainage basins or areas identified as higher than typical sources of sediment or other contaminants or pollutants; inspections of businesses or industries of a type associated with higher than usual discharges of contaminants or pollutants or with discharges of a type which are more likely than the typical discharge to cause violations of state or federal water or sediment quality standards or the SPDES stormwater permit; and joint inspections with other agencies inspecting under environmental or safety laws. Inspections may include, but are not limited to, reviewing maintenance and repair records; sampling discharges, surface water, groundwater, and material or water in drainage control facilities and evaluating the condition of drainage control facilities and other stormwater management practices.
The Town of Monroe Stormwater Management Officer may require monitoring and reporting from entities subject to this chapter as are necessary to determine compliance with this chapter.
Where stormwater management and erosion and sediment control facilities are to be operated and maintained by the developer or by a corporation that owns or manages a commercial or industrial facility, the developer, prior to construction, may be required to provide the Town of Monroe with an irrevocable letter of credit from an approved financial institution or surety to ensure proper operation and maintenance of all stormwater management and erosion control facilities both during and after construction, and until the facilities are removed from operation. If the developer or landowner fails to properly operate and maintain stormwater management and erosion and sediment control facilities, the Town of Monroe may draw upon the account to cover the costs of proper operation and maintenance, including engineering and inspection costs.
A. 
After the approval of the application and before the issuance of any permit, the applicant shall, when so required, file with the Town Board surety for the amount of the estimated cost of the project, one of the following performance guaranties:
(1) 
A joint savings account in both the name of the Town of Monroe and the property owner, along with a withdrawal slip endorsed by the property owner.
(2) 
A performance bond which shall be satisfactory to the Town Board and Town Attorney as to form, sufficiency, manner of execution, surety and period of execution.
(3) 
An irrevocable letter of credit from a bank, which letter of credit shall be approved by the Town Board and Town Attorney.
B. 
The Stormwater Management Officer, in approving an application submitted under § 46-3, or the Town Planning Board, whichever shall retain jurisdiction of the application, may grant a waiver of such guaranty if it deems the proposed activities to be of minor scope and to be in full compliance with the intent of this chapter.
C. 
The party or parties filing the performance guaranties shall certify that either upon termination of the permit or the operation, whichever may come first, the project shall be in conformity with both the approved specific requirements of the permit and the provisions of this chapter. In the event of default of such and violation of any other applicable laws, such performance guaranty shall be forfeited to the Town. The Town shall return to the applicant any amount that is not needed to cover the costs of restoration, administration and any other expenses incurred by the Town as a result of the applicant's default. Such performance guaranty shall continue in full force and effect until a certificate of compliance shall have been issued by the Stormwater Management Officer after such consultation with any agencies or individuals as he deems necessary to insure that all provisions of this chapter and of the permit have been met.
Where one or more of the requirements contained herein are not requisite in the interest of health, safety or general welfare or will provide information extraneous to the issuance of a permit, then one or more of the requirements may be waived by either the Planning Board or the Stormwater Management Officer, whichever shall have original jurisdiction.
A. 
If there is any damage due to violation of this chapter, or if there is any damage to adjacent properties, or if any soil, liquid or other material is caused to be deposited upon or to roll, flow or wash upon any public property, private property or right-of-way in violation of this chapter, the person, firm, partnership, corporation or other party responsible shall be notified and shall cause the same to be removed from such property or right-of-way within 36 hours of written notice. In the event of an incident which presents an immediate danger to the public health or safety, notice shall be given by the most expeditious means and the violation shall be immediately remedied by the party responsible for the incident, or at its discretion and when the responsible party fails to adequately remedy the incident in a reasonable time, the Town shall cause such remedy and the cost of such remedy by the Town shall be paid to the Town by the party who failed to so remedy and shall be a debt owed to the Town.
B. 
Any person, firm or corporation, whether as owner, lessee, principal, agent, employee or otherwise, violating any of the provisions of this chapter shall be guilty of a violation, which shall be punishable by a fine of not less than $200 nor more than $350 or imprisonment for a period not to exceed six months, or both, for a conviction of the first offense; for conviction of a second offense, both of which were committed within a period of five years, punishable by a fine of not less than $350 nor more than $700 or imprisonment for a period not to exceed six months, or both; and upon conviction for a third or subsequent offense, all of which were committed within a period of five years, punishable by a fine not less than $700 nor more than $1,000 or imprisonment for a period not to exceed six months, or both.
C. 
Every day that a violation of any of the provisions of this chapter continues after written notice shall have been served upon the owner or his agent, either personally or by registered mail addressed to such person at his last known address, or after three days of having posted notice on the property on which the violation has occurred, shall constitute a separate violation.
D. 
The Stormwater Management Officer, in the administration of his duties contained herein, shall have the authority to issue stop-work orders and appearance tickets for violations of this chapter. The Code Enforcement Officer shall also have the authority to enforce the provisions of this chapter.
Where this chapter imposes greater restrictions than are imposed by the provision of any law, ordinance, regulation or private agreement, this chapter shall control. Where greater restrictions are imposed by any law, ordinance, regulation or private agreement than are imposed by this chapter, such greater restrictions shall control.
Any person aggrieved by an order or decision issued pursuant to this chapter may seek review by the Town of Monroe Zoning Board of Appeals and then may seek judicial review pursuant to Article 78 of the Civil Practice Law and Rules in the Supreme Court for the County of Orange. Such appeals shall be filed within 30 days after the date of a determination on the issuance of a permit or, in the case of a decision by the Planning Board, the filing of the particular order or decision with the Monroe Town Clerk.