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HomeMy WebLinkAboutWSMU_YOUN_WSWP Ordinance_20200819ARTICLE 19 WATERSHED PROTECTION ORDINANCE SECTION 1: GENERAL PROVISIONS 19.1 Title This Ordinance shall be officially known as "The Youngsville Watershed Protection Ordinance", but it may also be referred to as "The Stormwater Ordinance." It may be furthermore referred to herein as "this Ordinance." 19.2 Purpose and Authority The purpose of this Ordinance is to protect, maintain and enhance the public health, safety, environment and general welfare by establishing minimum requirements and procedures to control the adverse effects of issues related to increased stormwater runoff and nonpoint and point source pollution, buffer protection, and illicit discharges into municipal stormwater systems. It has been determined that proper management of construction -related and post -Development stormwater runoff, illicit discharges, and buffer protection will minimize damage to public and private property and infrastructure; safeguard the public health, safety, and general welfare; and protect water and aquatic resources. This Ordinance also applies to all properties within the Town of Youngsville and its extraterritorial jurisdiction, regardless of whether the property is currently being "developed" or not. The Town Board of Commissioners of the Town of Youngsville is authorized to adopt this Ordinance pursuant to North Carolina law, including but not limited to Article 14, Section 5 of the Constitution of North Carolina; North Carolina General Statutes § 143- 214.7 and rules promulgated by the Environmental Management Commission thereunder; Session Law 2004-163; Chapter §160A, §§ 174, 185; as well as Chapter §113A, Article 4 (Sedimentation Pollution Control); Article 21, Part 6 (Floodway Regulation); Chapter § 160A, Article 19 (Planning and Regulation of Development); Article 19, Part 4, Chapter § 160A; G.S. § 160A-372 (Open Space). 19.3 Findings It is hereby determined that: 19.3-1 Development and Re -Development alter the hydrologic response of local watersheds and increase stormwater runoffrates and volumes, flooding, soil erosion, stream channel erosion, nonpoint and point source pollution, and sediment transport and deposition, as well as reducing groundwater recharge; Youngsville Development Ordinance - Article 19 — Page 1 19.3-2 These changes in stormwater runoffcontribute to increased quantities of water -borne pollutants and alterations in hydrology that are harmful to public health and safety as well as to the natural environment; and 19.3-3 These effects can be managed and minimized by applying proper design and well - planned controls to manage stormwater runoff from Development sites. 19.3-4 Further, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1972 ("Clean Water Act") and federal Phase II Stormwater Rules promulgated under it, as well as rules of the North Carolina Environmental Management Commission (EMC) promulgated in response to federal Phase II requirements, compel certain urbanized areas, including this jurisdiction, to adopt minimum stormwater controls such as those included in this Ordinance. Further, the EMC has identified Falls of Neuse reservoir, a water supply reservoir, as nutrient sensitive waters; has identified all or a portion of the reservoir as impaired waters under the federal Clean Water Act due to exceedances of the chlorophyll a standard; and has promulgated rules (the "Falls Rules") to reduce the average annual loads of nitrogen and phosphorus delivered to Falls Reservoir from all point and nonpoint sources of these nutrients located within its watershed, including stormwater from new development in this jurisdiction; 19.3-5 Therefore, the Town of Youngsville Town Board of Commissioners establishes this set of water quality and quantity regulations to meet the requirements of state and federal law regarding control of stormwater runoff and discharge. 19.4 Specific This Ordinance seeks to meet its general purpose through the following specific objectives and means: 19.4-1 Establishing decision -making processes for Development that protects the integrity of watersheds and preserves the health of water resources. 19.4-2 Requiring that new Development and Re -Development maintain the pre -Development hydrologic response in their post -Development state as nearly as practicable for the applicable design storm to reduce flooding, streambank erosion, nonpoint and point source pollution and increases in stream temperature, and to maintain the integrity of stream channels and aquatic habitats; 19.4-3 Establishing minimum post -Development stormwater management standards and design criteria for the regulation and control of stormwater runoffquantity and quality; 19.4-4 Establishing design and review criteria for the construction, function, and use of structural stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs) that may be used to meet the minimum post -Development stormwater management standards; Youngsville Development Ordinance - Article 19 — Page 2 19.4-5 Encouraging the use of better management and site design practices, such as the use of vegetated conveyances for stormwater and the preservation of greenspace, riparian buffers and other conservation areas to the maximum extent practicable; 19.4-6 Establishing provisions for the long-term responsibility for and maintenance of structural and nonstructural stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs) to ensure that they continue to function as designed, are maintained appropriately, and pose no threat to public safety; 19.4-7 Establishing administrative procedures for the submission, review, approval and disapproval of stormwater management plans, for the inspection of approved projects, and to assure appropriate long-term maintenance. 19.4-8 Coordinating site design plans that include open space and natural areas with the Town of Youngsville Development Ordinance and the 2040 Comprehensive Land Use & Master Plan, and any other plans as adopted by the Town of Youngsville. 19.4-9 Controlling illicit discharges into the municipal separate stormwater system. 19.4-10 Controlling erosion and sedimentation from construction activities. 19.4-11 Assigning responsibility and processes for approving the creation and maintenance of adequate drainage and flood damage prevention measures. 19.5 Applicability and Jurisdiction 19.5-1 General. Beginning with and subsequent to its effective date, this Ordinance shall be applicable to all properties in the Town of Youngsville and its extraterritorial jurisdiction, including, but not limited to, site plan applications, subdivision applications, and grading applications, unless exempt pursuant to Subsection 19-5.2 of this Section, Exemptions. Properties need not be "under development" to be subject to the standards of this Ordinance. 19.5-2 Exemptions. The following are exempt from the requirements of this Article. The exemption shall not be construed to permit uses prohibited in the primary and/or overlay zoning district, or otherwise prohibited by this Ordinance. (A.) Single family and duplex residential and recreational development and redevelopment that cumulatively disturbs less than one half acre and is not part of a larger common plan of development or sale is exempt from the provisions of this ordinance. (B.) Commercial, industrial, institutional, multifamily residential or local government development and redevelopment that cumulatively disturbs less than 12,000 square feet and is not part of a larger common plan of development or sale is exempt from the provisions of this ordinance. Youngsville Development Ordinance - Article 19 — Page 3 (C.) Development and redevelopment that disturbs less than the above thresholds are not exempt if such activities are part of a larger common plan of development or sale and the larger common plan exceeds the relevant threshold, even though multiple, separate or distinct activities take place at different times on different schedules. (D.) Development that is exempt from permit requirements of Section 404 of the federal Clean Water Act as specified in 40 CFR 232 (primarily, ongoing farming and forestry activities) are exempt from the provisions of this ordinance. (E.) No lot or property shall be exempt from the buffer protection requirements of this Ordinance. 19.5-3 No Development or re -Development Until Compliance and Permit. No Development or Re -Development shall occur except in compliance with the provisions of this Ordinance or unless exempted. No Development for which a permit is required pursuant to this Ordinance shall occur except in compliance with the provisions, conditions, and limitations of the permit. 19.5-4 Map. The provisions of this Article shall apply within the areas designated on the map titled "Falls Watershed Stormwater Map of the Town of Youngsville, North Carolina " ("the Stormwater Map"), which is adopted simultaneously herewith. The Stormwater Map and all explanatory matter contained thereon accompanies and is hereby made a part of this Ordinance. The Stormwater Map shall be kept on file by the Stormwater Administrator and shall be updated to take into account changes in the land area covered by this Ordinance and the geographic location of all structural BMPs permitted under this Ordinance. In the event of a dispute, the applicability of this Ordinance to a particular area of land or BMP shall be determined by reference to the North Carolina Statutes, the North Carolina Administrative Code, and local zoning and jurisdictional boundary ordinances. 19.5-5 Definitions. Definitions may be found in Article 3 "Definitions." 19.6 Interpretation 19.6-1 Meaning and Intent. All provisions, terms, phrases, and expressions contained in this Ordinance shall be construed according to the general and specific purposes set forth in Section 19.2, Purpose and Authority. If a different or more specific meaning is given for a term defined elsewhere in the Town of Youngsville Development Ordinance, the meaning and application of the term in this Ordinance shall control for purposes of application of this Ordinance. 19.6-2 Text Controls in Event of Conflict. In the event of a conflict or inconsistency between the text of this Ordinance and any heading, caption, figure, illustration, table, or map, the text shall control. Youngsville Development Ordinance - Article 19 — Page 4 19.6-3 Authority for Interpretation. The Stormwater Administrator has authority to determine the interpretation of this Ordinance. Any person may request an interpretation by submitting a written request to the Stormwater Administrator, who shall respond in writing within 30 days. The Stormwater Administrator shall keep on file a record of all written interpretations of this Ordinance. 19.6-4 References to Statutes, Regulations, and Documents. Whenever reference is made to a resolution, ordinance, statute, regulation, manual (including the Design Manuao, or document, it shall be construed as a reference to the most recent edition of such that has been finalized and published with due provision for notice and comment, unless otherwise specifically stated. 19.6-5 Computation of Time. The time in which an act is to be done shall be computed by excluding the first day and including the last day. If a deadline or required date of action falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday observed by the Town of Youngsville, the deadline or required date of action shall be the next day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or holiday observed by the Town of Youngsville. References to days are calendar days unless otherwise stated. 19.7 Delegation of Authority Any act authorized by this Ordinance to be carried out by the Stormwater Administrator of Town of Youngsville may be carried out by his or her designee. 19.8 Usage 19.8-1 Mandatory and Discretionary Terms. The words "shall," "must," and "will" are mandatory in nature, establishing an obligation or duty to comply with the particular provision. The words "may" and "should" are permissive in nature. 19.8-2 Conjunctions. Unless the context clearly indicates the contrary, conjunctions shall be interpreted as follows: The word "and" indicates that all connected items, conditions, provisions and events apply. The word "or" indicates that one or more of the connected items, conditions, provisions or events apply. 19.8-3 Tense, Plurals, and Gender. Words used in the present tense include the future tense. Words used in the singular number include the plural number and the plural number includes the singular number, unless the context of the particular usage clearly indicates otherwise. Words used in the masculine gender include the feminine gender, and vice versa. Youngsville Development Ordinance - Article 19 — Page 5 19.9 Measurement and Computation Lot area refers to the amount of horizontal land area contained inside the lot lines of a lot or site. Lot area does not include those portions of a lot or tract of land lying within a public street and/or roadway right-of-way existing upon the effective date of this Ordinance. 19.10 Design Manual 19.10-1 References to Design Manual. The Stormwater Administrator shall use the policy, criteria, and information, including technical specifications and standards, in the most recent edition of the NC DWQ Stormwater BMP Manual (hereinafter referred to as the Design Manual) as the basis for decisions about stormwater permits and about the design, implementation and performance of structural and non- structural stormwater BMPs. The Design Manual includes a list of acceptable stormwater treatment practices, including specific design criteria for each stormwater practice. Stormwater treatment practices that are designed, constructed, and maintained in accordance with these design and sizing criteria will be presumed to meet the minimum water quality performance standards of the Falls Rules. 19.10-2 Relationship of Design Manual to Other Laws and Regulations. If the specifications or guidelines of the Design Manual are more restrictive or apply a higher standard than other laws or regulations, that fact shall not prevent application of the specifications or guidelines in the Design Manual. 19.10-3 Changes to Standards and Specifications. If the standards, specifications, guidelines, policies, criteria, or other information in the Design Manual are amended subsequent to the submittal of an application for approval pursuant to this Ordinance but prior to approval, the new information shall control and shall be utilized in reviewing the application and in implementing this Ordinance with regard to the application. 19.11 Relationship to Other Laws, Regulations and Private Agreements 19.11-1 Conflicts of laws. This Ordinance is not intended to modify or repeal any other ordinance, rule, regulation or other provision of law. The requirements of this Ordinance are in addition to the requirements of any other ordinance, rule, regulation or other provision of law. Where any provision of this Ordinance imposes restrictions different from those imposed by any other ordinance, rule, regulation or other provision of law, whichever provision is more restrictive or imposes higher protective standards for human or environmental health, safety, and welfare shall control. Youngsville Development Ordinance - Article 19 — Page 6 19.11-2 Private Agreements. This Ordinance is not intended to revoke or repeal any easement, covenant, or other private agreement. However, where the regulations of this Ordinance are more restrictive or impose higher standards or requirements than such an easement, covenant, or other private agreement, the requirements of this Ordinance shall govern. Nothing in this Ordinance shall modify or repeal any private covenant or deed restriction, but such covenant or restriction shall not legitimize any failure to comply with this Ordinance. In no case shall the Town of Youngsville be obligated to enforce the provisions of any easements, covenants, or agreements between private parties. 19.12 Severability If the provisions of any section, subsection, paragraph, subdivision or clause of this Article shall be adjudged invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, such judgment shall not affect or invalidate the remainder of any section, subsection, paragraph, subdivision or clause of this Ordinance. 19.13 Effective Date and Transitional Provisions 19.13-1 Effective Date. This Article shall take effect on the same date as the larger document, known as the Youngsville Development Ordinance, of which this Article is a part, shall become effective. 19.13-2 Final Approvals. Complete Applications. All Development and Re -Development projects for which complete and full applications were submitted and approved by the Town of Youngsville prior to the effective date of this Ordinance and which remain valid, unexpired, unrevoked and not otherwise terminated at the time of Development or Re -Development shall be exempt from complying with all provisions of this Ordinance dealing with the control and/or management of post -construction runoff, but shall be required to comply with all other applicable provisions, including but not limited to illicit discharge provisions. A phased development plan shall be deemed approved prior to the effective date of this Ordinance if it has been approved by all necessary government units, it remains valid, unexpired, unrevoked and not otherwise terminated, and it shows: (A.) For the initial or first phase of development, the type and intensity of use for a specific parcel or parcels, including at a minimum, the boundaries of the project and a subdivision plan that has been approved. (B.) For any subsequent phase of development, sufficient detail so that implementation of the requirements of this Ordinance to that phase of development would require a material change in that phase of the plan. Youngsville Development Ordinance - Article 19 — Page 7 19.13-3 Violations Continue. Any violation of provisions existing on the effective date of this Ordinance shall continue to be a violation under this Ordinance and be subject to penalties and enforcement under this Ordinance unless the use, Development, construction, or other activity complies with the provisions of this Ordinance. SECTION 2: ADMINISTRATION AND PROCEDURES 19.14 Review and Decision -Making Entities 19.14-1 Stormwater Administrator. Stormwater Administrator shall be designated by the Town of Youngsville Board of Commissioners to administer and enforce this Article. The minimum qualifications of the Stormwater Administrator and/or designated individuals, performing services only in their area of competence, who will be responsible for administering this ordinance and of implementing the Town of Youngsville's Local Stormwater Program, including stormwater plan review and BMP inspection are as follows: (A) A person certified by the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service to approve stormwater management plans or to inspect BMPs (B) Registered North Carolina Professional Engineers with stormwater experience (C) Registered North Carolina Professional Surveyor, Landscape Architect, Soil Scientist, or Aquatic Biologist. 19.14-2 Powers and Duties. In addition to the powers and duties that may be conferred by other provisions of the Town of Youngsville Development Ordinance and other laws, the Stormwater Administrator shall have the following powers and duties under this Ordinance. (A.) To review and approve, approve with conditions, or disapprove applications for approval of plans pursuant to this Ordinance. (B.) To make determinations and render interpretations of this Ordinance. (C.) To establish application requirements and schedules for submittal and review of applications and appeals, to review and make recommendations to the Town Board of Commissioners on applications for Development or Re -Development approvals. (D.) To enforce the provisions of this Ordinance in accordance with its enforcement provisions. (E.) To maintain records, maps, forms and other official materials as relate to the adoption, amendment, enforcement, and administration of this Ordinance. Youngsville Development Ordinance - Article 19 — Page 8 (F.) To provide expertise and technical assistance to the Town Board of Commissioners, upon request. (G.) To designate appropriate other person(s) who shall carry out the powers and duties of the Stormwater Administrator. (H.) To take any other action necessary to administer the provisions of this Ordinance. 19.15 Review Procedures 19.15-1 Permit Required, Must Apply for Watershed Approval or Permit). An approved Watershed Plan (which may be used interchangeably with the term "stormwater permit" or "permit") is required for all development and re -development unless exempt pursuant to this Ordinance. Approval may only be issued subsequent to a properly submitted and reviewed permit application, or plan, pursuant to this section. 19.15-2 Effect of Permit. A stormwater permit shall govern the design, installation, and construction of stormwater management and control practices on the site, including structural BMPs and elements of site design for stormwater management other than structural BMPs. The permit is intended to provide a mechanism for the review, approval, and inspection of the approach to be used for the management and control of stormwater for the Development or Re -Development site consistent with the requirements of this Ordinance, whether the approach consists of structural BMPs or other techniques such as low -impact or low -density design. The permit does not continue in existence indefinitely after the completion of the project; rather, compliance after project construction is assured by the maintenance provisions of this Ordinance. 19.15-3 Authority to File Applications. All applications required pursuant to this Code shall be submitted to the Stormwater Administrator by the land owner or the land owner's duly authorized agent. An original signature of the property owner shall be required on the cover sheet of the site plan submittal or application. 19.15-4 Application Contents and Form. The Stormwater Administrator shall establish requirements for the content and form of all applications and shall amend and update those requirements from time to time. At a minimum, the stormwater permit application shall describe in detail how post -development stormwater runoff will be controlled and managed, the design of all stormwater facilities and practices, and how the proposed project will meet the requirements of this Ordinance. 19.15-5 Submission Schedule. The Stormwater Administrator shall establish a submission schedule for applications. The schedule shall establish deadlines by which complete Youngsville Development Ordinance - Article 19 — Page 9 applications must be submitted for the purpose of ensuring that there is adequate time to review applications, and that the various stages in the review process are accommodated. 19.15-6 Review Fees. The Town Board of Commissioners shall establish review fees as well as policies regarding refund of any fees upon withdrawal of an application, and may amend and update the fees and policies from time to time. Administrative Manual. For applications required under this Article, the Stormwater Administrator shall compile the application requirements, submission schedule, fee schedule, a copy of this Ordinance, and information on how and where to obtain the Design Manual in an Administrative Manual, which shall be made available to the public. 19.15-7 Submittal of Complete Application. Applications shall be submitted to the Stormwater Administrator pursuant to the application submittal schedule in the form established by the Stormwater Administrator, along with the appropriate fee established pursuant to this section. An application shall be considered as timely submitted only when it contains all elements of a complete application pursuant to this Ordinance, along with the appropriate fee. If the Stormwater Administrator finds that an application is incomplete, the applicant shall be notified of the deficient elements and shall be provided with an opportunity to submit a complete application. However, the submittal of an incomplete application shall not suffice to meet a deadline contained in the submission schedule established above. 19.15-8 Review. The Stormwater Administrator shall review the application and determine whether the application complies with the standards of this Ordinance. 19.15-9 Approval. If the Stormwater Administrator finds that the application complies with the standards of this Ordinance, the Stormwater Administrator shall approve the application. The Stormwater Administrator may impose conditions of approval as needed to ensure compliance with this Ordinance. The conditions shall be included as part of the approval. 19.15-10 Application Fails to Comply. If the Stormwater Administrator finds that the application fails to comply with the standards of this Ordinance, the Stormwater Administrator shall notify the applicant and shall indicate how the application fails to comply. The applicant shall have an opportunity to submit a revised application. 19.15-11 Revision and Subsequent Review. A complete revised application shall be reviewed by the Stormwater Administrator after its re -submittal and shall be approved, approved with conditions, or disapproved. If a revised application is not re -submitted within sixty (60) calendar days from the date the applicant was notified, the application shall be considered withdrawn, and a Youngsville Development Ordinance - Article 19 — Page 10 new submittal for the same or substantially the same project shall be required along with the appropriate fee for a new submittal. Up to two (2) re -submittals of a revised application may be submitted without payment of an additional permit review fee. Any re -submittal after the second re - submittal shall be accompanied by an additional review fee, as established pursuant to this Ordinance. 19.16 Applications for Approval 19.16-1 Concept Plan and Consultation Meeting. Before a stormwater management permit application is deemed complete, the Stormwater Administrator or developer may request a consultation on a concept plan for the post -construction stormwater management system to be utilized in the proposed Development project. This consultation meeting should take place at the time of the preliminary plan/plat of subdivision or other early step in the Development process. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the post -construction stormwater management measures necessary for the proposed project, as well as to discuss and assess constraints, opportunities and potential approaches to stormwater management designs before formal site design engineering is commenced. Local watershed plans, the Town of Youngsville Development Ordinance, "2040 Comprehensive Land Use & Master Plan" as amended from time to time, and other relevant resource protection plans should be consulted in the discussion of the concept plan. Fees for such a meeting may be required. To accomplish this goal, the following information should be included in the concept plan, which should be submitted in advance of the meeting. 19.16-2 Conditions / Proposed Site Plans. Existing conditions and proposed site layout sketch plans, which illustrate at a minimum: existing and proposed topography; perennial and intermittent streams; mapping of predominant soils from soil surveys (if available); boundaries of existing predominant vegetation; proposed limits of clearing and grading; and location of existing and proposed roads, buildings, parking areas and other impervious surfaces. 19.16-3 Natural Resources Inventory. A written or graphic inventory of natural resources at the site and surrounding area as it exists prior to the commencement of the project. This description should include a discussion of soil conditions, forest cover, geologic features, topography, wetlands, and native vegetative areas on the site, as well as the location and boundaries of other natural feature protection and conservation areas such as lakes, ponds, floodplains, stream buffers and other setbacks (e.g., drinking water well setbacks, septic setbacks, etc.). Particular attention should be paid to environmentally sensitive features that provide particular opportunities or constraints Youngsville Development Ordinance - Article 19 — Page 11 for Development and stormwater management. 19.16-4 Stormwater Management System Concept Plan. A written or graphic concept plan of the proposed post -Development stormwater management system including: preliminary selection and location of proposed structural stormwater controls; low - impact design elements; location of existing and proposed conveyance systems such as grass channels, swales, and storm drains; flow paths; location of floodplain/floodway limits; relationship of site to upstream and downstream properties and drainages; and preliminary location of any proposed stream channel modifications, such as bridge or culvert crossings. 19.16-5 Stormwater Management Permit Application. The stormwater management permit application shall detail how post -Development stormwater runoff will be controlled and managed and how the proposed project will meet the requirements of this Ordinance, including "Section 3, Standards". All such plans shall be prepared by a qualified registered North Carolina professional engineer, surveyor, or landscape architect, and the engineer, surveyor, or landscape architect shall perform services only in their area of competence, and shall verify that the design of all stormwater management facilities and practices meets the submittal requirements for complete applications, that the designs and plans are sufficient to comply with applicable standards and policies found in the Design Manual, and that the designs and plans ensure compliance with this Ordinance. The submittal shall include all of the information required in the submittal checklist established by the Stormwater Administrator. Incomplete submittals shall be treated pursuant to Section 19.15-10 (Application Fails to Comply). 19.16-6 As -Built Plans and Final Approval. Upon completion of a project, and before a certificate of occupancy shall be granted, the applicant shall certify that the completed project is in accordance with the approved stormwater management plans and designs, and shall submit actual "as built" plans for all stormwater management facilities or practices after final construction is completed. The plans shall show the final design specifications for all stormwater management facilities and practices and the field location, size, depth, and planted vegetation of all measures, controls, and devices, as installed. The designer of the stormwater management measures and plans shall certify, under seal, that the as -built stormwater measures, controls, and devices are in compliance with the approved stormwater management plans and designs and with the requirements of this Ordinance. A final inspection and approval by the Stormwater Administrator shall occur before the release of any performance securities. 19.16-7 Other Permits. No certificate of compliance or occupancy shall be issued by the Town of Youngsville or Franklin County without final as -built plans and a final Youngsville Development Ordinance - Article 19 — Page 12 inspection and approval by the Stormwater Administrator, except where multiple units are served by the stormwater practice or facilities, in which case the Town of Youngsville or Franklin County may elect to withhold a percentage of permits or certificates of occupancy until as -built plans are submitted and final inspection and approval has occurred. 19.16-8 Plans Required for Buffer Encroachments. Site plans, prepared by a licensed professional engineer, professional land surveyor, or landscape architect are required to be submitted to the Town of Youngsville prior to any encroachment into a required buffer. Fees may apply to such a review by the Town of Youngsville. 19.17 Approvals 19.17-1 Effect of Approval. Approval authorizes the applicant to go forward with only the specific plans and activities authorized in the permit. The approval shall not be construed to exempt the applicant from obtaining other applicable approvals from local, state, and federal authorities. 19.17-2 Time Limit/Expiration/Extension. An approved plan shall become null and void if the applicant fails to make substantial progress (i.e. building permits must be open and active) on the site within one year after the date of approval. The Stormwater Administrator may grant a single, one-year extension of this time limit, for good cause shown, upon receiving a written request from the applicant before the expiration of the approved plan. In granting an extension, the Stormwater Administrator may require compliance with standards adopted since the original application was submitted unless there has been substantial reliance on the original permit and the change in standards would infringe the applicant's vested rights. 19.18 Appeals 19.18-1 Filing of Appeal and Procedures. Appeals shall be taken within 30 days by filing a notice of appeal and specifying the grounds for appeal on forms provided by the Town of Youngsville. The Stormwater Administrator shall transmit to the Board of Adjustment all documents constituting the record on which the decision appealed from was taken. The hearing conducted by the Board of Adjustment shall be conducted in the nature of a quasi-judicial proceeding with all findings of fact supported by competent, material evidence. 19.18-2 Review by Superior Court. Every decision of the Board of Adjustment shall be subject to Superior Court review by proceedings in the nature of certiorari. Petition for review by the Superior Court shall be filed with the Clerk of Superior Court within thirty (30) days after the latter of the following: (A.) The decision of the Board of Adjustment is filed; or Youngsville Development Ordinance - Article 19 — Page 13 (B.) A written copy of the decision is delivered to every aggrieved party who has filed a written request for such copy with the Chair of the Board of Adjustment at the time of its hearing of the case. SECTION 3: STANDARDS 19.19 General Standards All development and redevelopment to which this ordinance applies shall comply with the standards of this section. The approval of the stormwater permit shall require an enforceable restriction on property usage that runs with the land, such as a recorded deed restriction or protective covenants, to ensure that future development and redevelopment maintains the site consistent with the approved project plans. NITROGEN AND PHOSPHORUS LOADING (a) Nitrogen and phosphorus loads contributed by the proposed new development shall not exceed the following unit -area mass loading rates: 2.2 and 0.33 pounds per acre per year for nitrogen and phosphorus, respectively. (b) Notwithstanding 15A NCAC 2B.104(q), redevelopment subject to this ordinance that would replace or expand existing structures or improvements and would result in a net increase in built -upon area shall have the option of either meeting the loading standards identified in subsection (a) or meeting a loading rate that achieves the following nutrient loads compared to the existing development: 40 percent and 77 percent reduction for nitrogen and phosphorus, respectively. (c) The developer shall determine the need for engineered stormwater controls to meet these loading rate targets by using the approved accounting tool. NITROGEN AND PHOSPHORUS STANDARD IS SUPPLEMENTAL The nitrogen and phosphorus loading standards in this ordinance are supplemental to, not replacements for, stormwater standards otherwise required by federal, state or local law, including without limitation any riparian buffer requirements applicable to the location of the development. This includes, without limitation, the riparian buffer protection requirements of 15A NCAC 213.0233 and .0242. Youngsville Development Ordinance - Article 19 — Page 14 CONTROL AND TREATMENT OF RUNOFF VOLUME Stormwater systems shall be designed to control and treat the runoff generated from all surfaces by one inch of rainfall. The treatment volume shall be drawn down pursuant to standards specific to each practice as provided in the Design Manual. To ensure that the integrity and nutrient processing functions of receiving waters and associated riparian buffers are not compromised by erosive flows, stormwater flows from the development shall not contribute to degradation of waters of the State. At a minimum, the development shall not result in a net increase in peak flow leaving the site from pre -development conditions for the one-year, 24-hour storm event. PARTIAL OFFSET OF NUTRIENT CONTROL REQUIREMENTS Development subject to this ordinance shall attain nitrogen and phosphorus loading rate reductions on -site that meet the following criteria prior to using an offsite offset measure: 1. 30 percent or more reduction in both nitrogen and phosphorus loading from the untreated conditions for any single-family, detached and duplex residential development disturbing one half acre but less than one acre. 2. 50 percent or more reduction in both nitrogen and phosphorus loading from the untreated conditions for any single-family, detached and duplex residential development disturbing more than one acre. 3. 30 percent or more reduction in both nitrogen and phosphorus loading from the untreated condition for other development, including multi -family residential, commercial and industrial development disturbing 12,000 square feet but less than one acre. 4. 50 percent or more reduction in both nitrogen and phosphorus loading from the untreated condition for other development, including multi -family residential, commercial and industrial development disturbing more than one acre. 5. 30 percent or more reduction in both nitrogen and phosphorus loading from the untreated condition for proposed redevelopment activities in a designated downtown area that would replace or expand structures or improvements that existed as of December 2006. A developer subject to this Ordinance may either achieve the additional reductions in nitrogen and phosphorus loading required by this Article by making offset payments to the NC Ecosystem Enhancement Program contingent upon acceptance of payments by that Program, or may use an offset option provided by the Town of Youngsville. A Youngsville Development Ordinance - Article 19 — Page 15 developer may propose other offset measures to the Town of Youngsville, including providing his or her own offsite offset or utilizing a private seller. All offset measures permitted by this ordinance shall meet the requirements of 15A NCAC 02B .0282 and 15A NCAC 02B .0240. 19.20 Standards for Stormwater Control Measures 19.20-1 Evaluation According to Contents of Design Manual. All stormwater control measures and stormwater treatment practices (also referred to as Best Management Practices, or BMPs) required under this Ordinance shall be evaluated by the Stormwater Administrator according to the policies, criteria, and information, including technical specifications and standards and the specific design criteria for each stormwater practice, in the Design Manual. The Stormwater Administrator shall determine whether proposed BMPs will be adequate to meet the requirements of this Ordinance. Youngsville Development Ordinance - Article 19 — Page 16 19.20-2 Determination of Adequacy; Presumptions and Alternatives. Stormwater treatment practices that are designed, constructed, and maintained in accordance with the criteria and specifications in the Design Manual will be presumed to meet the minimum water quality and quantity performance standards of this Ordinance. Whenever an applicant proposes to utilize a practice or practices not designed and constructed in accordance with the criteria and specifications in the Design Manual, the applicant shall have the burden of demonstrating that the practice(s) will satisfy the minimum water quality and quantity performance standards of this Ordinance. The Stormwater Administrator may require the applicant to provide the documentation, calculations, and examples necessary for the Stormwater Administrator to determine whether such an affirmative showing is made. 19.20-3 Nitrogen and Phosphorus loading (A)Nitrogen and phosphorus loads contributed by the proposed new development shall not exceed the following unit -area mass loading rates: 2.2 and 0.33 pounds per acre per year for nitrogen and phosphorus, respectively. (B) Notwithstanding 15A NCAC 2B.104(q), redevelopment subject to this ordinance that would replace or expand existing structures or improvements and would result in a net increase in built -upon area shall have the option of either meeting the loading standards identified in subsection (a) or meeting a loading rate that achieves the following nutrient loads compared to the existing development: 40 percent and 77 percent reduction for nitrogen and phosphorus, respectively. (C) The developer shall determine the need for engineered stormwater controls to meet these loading rate targets by using the approved Falls Rules accounting tool. Youngsville Development Ordinance - Article 19 — Page 17 19.20-4 NITROGEN AND PHOSPHORUS STANDARD IS SUPPLEMENTAL The nitrogen and phosphorus loading standards in this ordinance are supplemental to, not replacements for, stormwater standards otherwise required by federal, state or local law, including without limitation any riparian buffer requirements applicable to the location of the development. This includes, without limitation, the riparian buffer protection requirements of 15A NCAC 213.0233 and .0242. 19.20-5 CONTROL AND TREATMENT OF RUNOFF VOLUME Stormwater systems shall be designed to control and treat the runoff generated from all surfaces by one inch of rainfall. The treatment volume shall be drawn down pursuant to standards specific to each practice as provided in the Design Manual. To ensure that the integrity and nutrient processing functions of receiving waters and associated riparian buffers are not compromised by erosive flows, stormwater flows from the development shall not contribute to degradation of waters of the State. At a minimum, the development shall not result in a net increase in peak flow leaving the site from pre -development conditions for the one-year, 24-hour storm event. 19.20-6 PARTIAL OFFSET OF NUTRIENT CONTROL REQUIREMENTS Development subject to this ordinance shall attain nitrogen and phosphorus loading rate reductions on -site that meet the following criteria prior to using an offsite offset measure: 1. 30 percent or more reduction in both nitrogen and phosphorus loading from the untreated conditions for any single-family, detached and duplex residential development disturbing one half acre but less than one acre. 2. 50 percent or more reduction in both nitrogen and phosphorus loading from the untreated conditions for any single-family, detached and duplex residential development disturbing more than one acre. 3. 30 percent or more reduction in both nitrogen and phosphorus loading from the untreated condition for other development, including multi -family residential, commercial and industrial development disturbing 12,000 square feet but less than one acre. 4. 50 percent or more reduction in both nitrogen and phosphorus loading from the untreated condition for other development, including multi -family residential, commercial and industrial development disturbing more than one acre. 5. 30 percent or more reduction in both nitrogen and phosphorus loading from the untreated condition for proposed redevelopment activities in a designated downtown area that would replace or expand structures or improvements that existed as of December 2006. Youngsville Development Ordinance - Article 19 — Page 18 A developer subject to this ordinance may achieve the additional reductions in nitrogen and phosphorus loading required by this ordinance by making offset payments to the NC Ecosystem Enhancement Program contingent upon acceptance of payments by that Program. A developer may use the offset option provided by the Town of Youngsville in Section 19.21 of this article. A developer may propose other offset measures to the Town of Youngsville, including providing his or her own offsite offset or utilizing a private seller. All offset measures permitted by this ordinance shall meet the requirements of 15A NCAC 02B .0282 and 15A NCAC 02B .0240. 19.20-7 Surface Water Buffers. Perennial and Intermittent Surface Water Buffers Required: A surface water buffer shall be maintained with a minimum width as specified in Table 19.20-9 (Surface Water Buffers) below and measured landward from the normal pool elevation of water supply impoundment and from the bank of each side of perennial and intermittent streams, lakes and ponds. These waters are indicated on the most recent version of either the United States Geological Survey 1:24,000 scale (7.5 minute quadrangle) topographic maps or the Soil Survey maps developed by the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service. In addition, other site specific evidence may indicate to the NC Division of Water Quality the presence of waters not shown correctly on either of these two maps. Where these two maps show waters where no actual stream or waterbody exists, or where waters exist that are not shown on these maps, a developer may submit site -specific evidence in support of such claim to the Planning, Zoning & Subdivision Administrator. If the Committee determines that a discrepancy exists, the evidence may be submitted to the NC Division of Water Quality for a determination in water supply watersheds. For streams in non -water supply watersheds, the Committee will use the maps referenced above or a classification study in accordance with the U.S Army Corps of Engineers or the N.C. Division of Water Quality methodology to determine stream classification. All surface water buffers shall be depicted as provided for in the stormwater guidelines for water quality and flood control. Youngsville Development Ordinance - Article 19 — Page 19 Tahl e 19 20-9 Surface Water Buffers 15A NCAC 02B .0233 NEUSE RIVER BASIN: NUTRIENT SENSITIVE WATERS MANAGEMENT STRATEGY: PROTECTION AND MAINTENANCE OF EXISTING RIPARIAN BUFFERS Classification Required Buffer Perennial Surface Waters 50 feet (Streams, Lakes, and Zone 1 Zone 2 Ponds) 30 Feet 20 Feet Intermittent Surface Waters 50 Feet (Streams, Lakes and Ponds) Zone 1 Zone 2 30 Feet 20 Feet Buffer Zones: Under 15A NCAC 02B .0233, required surface water buffers consist of two zones as shown in Table 19.20-9. Zone 1 shall be the first 30 feet landward from the top of the stream bank or mean high water line of other water bodies. Zone 2 shall begin at the outer edge of Zone 1 and extend landward a minimum of 20 feet. Zones 1 shall be undisturbed except as designated in 15A NCAC 02B .0233 of the State's Rules on Riparian Buffers. Zone 2 may be "maintained" but only if the landowner has obtained proper permits from NC DENR. (A.) Channelization: Channelization of perennial or intermittent streams shall be prohibited, except for access crossings, erosion control devices and runoff control devices. (B.) New Lots in the Surface Water Buffer: No new single-family or two-family residential lots shall be created which are entirely or partly contained within the surface water buffer. (C.) Removing vegetation in Buffers: Removal of trees, shrubs, or other vegetation from required undisturbed buffers may result in a Notice of Violation. This violation need not occur in conjunction solely with new development. Encroachment, unless Youngsville Development Ordinance - Article 19 — Page 20 approved by the Town of Youngsville, the US Army Corp of Engineers, the NCDENR Division of Water Quality, or any combination of these entities, shall be deemed a violation of this Ordinance. Violators are required to reestablish trees, shrubs, and vegetation as required by the Town of Youngsville. Trees and shrubs shall be replanted at the rate of 320 stems per acre. If disturbed areas were previously grassed areas, those areas may be reestablished with grass. Guidelines for reestablishment of riparian buffers may be obtained from NCDENR Division of Water Quality. 19.21 Regional Stormwater Control 19.21-1 Participation in a Regional Stormwater Control Program (A.) Public Regional Stormwater Control Program: (1.) Where a regional stormwater control program has been established by one or more local governments, or by an authority operating on behalf of one or more local governments, a development shall participate in said program in lieu of certification of stormwater control required by this Article, provided that: (a.) The development is within an area covered by a public regional stormwater control program; (b) Stormwater from the development drains to an existing or funded public regional engineered stormwater control structure (BMP) which is proposed to be built and is part of said program; (c) Participation is in the form of contribution of funds, contribution of land, contribution of engineered stormwater control structure (BMP) construction work, or a combination of these, the total value of which shall be in accordance with a fee schedule adopted by the Town or in accordance with an intergovernmental agreement; and (d) The Planning, Zoning & Subdivision Administrator finds that the watershed development plan is in compliance with all other applicable requirements of this Ordinance. (2.) Developments participating in a public regional stormwater control program are required to maintain pre -development hydrology at the project site. (3.) Use of Contributions: Each contribution from a development participating in a public regional engineered stormwater control structure (BMP) program shall be used for acquisition, engineering, construction and/or maintenance of one or more such structures in the same water supply watershed in which development lies. The use of contributions for these purposes does not preclude the use or imposition of other revenue sources for these purposes. (B.) Private Regional Stormwater Control Program: Youngsville Development Ordinance - Article 19 — Page 21 (1.) Where Permitted: Participation in a private regional engineered stormwater control program is permitted where a private off -site stormwater control program (BMP) has been established by one or more property owners and approved by the Planning, Zoning & Subdivision Administrator. A development may participate in said program in lieu of any certification of runoff control required by this Article, provided that: (a.) The development is within an area covered by an off -site engineered stormwater control structure; (b) Runoff from the development drains to an existing engineered stormwater control structure; (c.) The parties agree to share the cost of any required maintenance and/or construction; (d) The agreement runs with the property; (e.) The agreement is recorded with the county Register of Deeds in accordance with this Article; (f) The Stormwater Administrator finds that the watershed development plan is in compliance with all other applicable requirements of this Ordinance. (2.) Developments participating in a private regional stormwater control program are required to maintain pre -development hydrology at the project site. 19.22 Variances and Modifications 19.22-1 Watershed Variances (A.) Any person may petition the Town of Youngsville for a variance granting permission to use the person's land in a manner otherwise prohibited by this Ordinance. To qualify for a variance, the petitioner must show all of the following: (1.) Unnecessary hardships would result from strict application of this Ordinance. (2.) The hardships result from conditions that are peculiar to the property, such as the location, size, or topography of the property. (3.) The hardships did not result from actions taken by the petitioner. (4.) The requested variance is consistent with the spirit, purpose, and intent of this Ordinance; will secure public safety and welfare; and will preserve substantial justice. (B.) The Town of Youngsville may impose reasonable and appropriate conditions and safeguards upon any variance it grants. (C.) Minor Variances. The Planning, Zoning & Subdivision Administrator (PZ&SD) shall review and decide Youngsville Development Ordinance - Article 19 — Page 22 requests for minor variances to the standards and restrictions pertaining to Watershed Protection. In order to approve a requested minor variance, the Planning, Zoning & Subdivision Administrator shall make findings of fact showing that: (1.) There are practical difficulties or unnecessary hardships that would result from carrying out the strict letter of this Ordinance; (2.) The variance is in harmony with the general purpose and intent of this Ordinance and preserves its spirit; and (3.) The granting of the variance assures the public safety and welfare and does substantial justice. The Planning, Zoning & Subdivision Administrator may attach conditions to the minor variance approval that support the purpose of this Ordinance. In addition, in the case of water supply watersheds, the Town shall notify and allow a reasonable comment period for all other local governments having jurisdiction in the applicable designated watershed and the entity using the water supply for consumption where the minor variance is being considered. (D.) Major Variances. Requests for major variances to the standards and restrictions pertaining to Article 19 (Watershed Protection) shall be to the N.C. Environmental Management Commission (EMC), following review and favorable recommendation by Town Board of Commissioners and after review and recommendation by the Planning, Zoning & Subdivision Administrator in accordance with the procedure set forth above. The major variance request shall be forwarded to the EMC with a report containing the findings of fact for Town Board of Commissioners' favorable recommendation, conclusions of law, a recommended decision, recommended conditions and a record of the Board of Commissioners' hearing of the request. Requests for major variances that do not receive a favorable recommendation shall be deemed denied and shall not be forwarded to the EMC. (E.) Annual Report of Watershed Variances. The Stormwater Administrator shall keep a record of all watershed variances and this record shall be submitted for each calendar year to the North Carolina Division of Water Quality in accordance with Section 19.22, Watershed Variances and Modifications. (F.) Conditions. In approving a watershed variance, the Planning, Zoning & Subdivision Administrator may prescribe such reasonable and appropriate conditions and safeguards as will assure that the use of the property will be compatible with surrounding properties and will not alter the essential character of the neighborhood. Violations of conditions and safeguards that are part of the terms of a variance shall be deemed a violation of this Ordinance. Youngsville Development Ordinance - Article 19 — Page 23 (G.) Appeals. Appeals may be made pursuant to Section 19.18, Appeals. (H.) Duration. An approved watershed variance is part of an approved plan and shall have the same duration as the plan approval. SECTION 4: MAINTENANCE 19.23 General Standards for Maintenance (A.) Function of BMPs As Intended. The owner of each structural BMP installed pursuant to this Ordinance shall maintain and operate it so as to preserve and continue its function in controlling stormwater quality and quantity at the degree or amount of function for which the structural BMP was designed. (B.) Annual Maintenance Inspection and Report. Generally, the Town of Youngsville will make an annual inspection of structural BMP's to ensure compliance with this Ordinance. However, some existing BMP's are not accessible by the Town of Youngsville. In this case, the person responsible for maintenance of any structural BMP installed pursuant to this Ordinance may be required to submit to the Stormwater Administrator an inspection report from one of the following persons performing services only in their area of competence: a qualified registered North Carolina professional engineer, surveyor, landscape architect, soil scientist, aquatic biologist, or person certified by the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service for stormwater treatment practice inspection and maintenance. The inspection report shall contain all of the following. (1.) The name and address of the land owner; (2.) The recorded book and page number of the lot of each structural BMP; (3.) A statement that an inspection was made of all structural BMPs; (4.) The date the inspection was made; (5.) A statement that all inspected structural BMPs are performing properly and are in compliance with the terms and conditions of the approved maintenance agreement required by this Ordinance; and (6.) The original signature and seal of the engineer, surveyor, or landscape architect. All inspection reports shall be on forms supplied by the Stormwater Administrator. An original inspection report shall be provided to the Stormwater Administrator beginning one year from the date of as -built certification and each year thereafter on or before the date of the as -built certification. Youngsville Development Ordinance - Article 19 — Page 24 19.24 Operation and Maintenance Agreement (A.) In General. Prior to the conveyance or transfer of any lot or building site to be served by a structural BMP pursuant to this Ordinance, and prior to issuance of any permit for Development or Re -Development requiring a structural BMP pursuant to this Ordinance, the applicant or owner of the site must execute an operation and maintenance agreement that shall be binding on all subsequent owners of the site, portions of the site, and lots or parcels served by the structural BMP. Until the transference of all property, sites, or lots served by the structural BMP, the original owner or applicant shall have primary responsibility for carrying out the provisions of the maintenance agreement. Agreements made for the purpose of assigning responsibility for operations and maintenance to anyone other than the original applicant and/or owner shall be three party agreements requiring the approval by the Town of Youngsville prior to assignment. Assignment of responsibilities without prior approval are a violation of this Ordinance and shall be deemed null and void for the purposes of the requirements of this Ordinance, unless authorized and executed by the Town of Youngsville. The operation and maintenance agreement shall require the owner or owners to maintain, repair and, if necessary, reconstruct the structural BMP, and shall state the terms, conditions, and schedule of maintenance for the structural BMP. In addition, it shall grant to the Town of Youngsville a right of entry in the event that the Stormwater Administrator has reason to believe it has become necessary to inspect, monitor, maintain, repair, or reconstruct the structural BMP; however, in no case shall the right of entry, of itself, confer an obligation on the Town of Youngsville to assume responsibility for the structural BMP. The operation and maintenance agreement must be approved by the Stormwater Administrator prior to plan approval, and it shall be referenced on the final plat and shall be recorded with the county Register of Deeds upon final plat approval. A copy of the recorded maintenance agreement shall be given to the Stormwater Administrator within fourteen (14) days following its recordation. (B.) Special Requirement for Homeowners' and Other Associations. For all structural BMPs required pursuant to this Ordinance and that are to be or are owned and maintained by a homeowners' association (HOA), property owners' association (POA), or similar entity, the required operation and maintenance agreement shall include all of the following provisions. Youngsville Development Ordinance - Article 19 — Page 25 (1.) Acknowledgment that the association shall continuously operate and maintain the stormwater control and management facilities. (2.) Establishment of an escrow account, which can be spent solely for sediment removal, structural, biological or vegetative replacement, major repair, or reconstruction of the structural BMPs. If structural BMPs are not performing adequately or as intended or are not properly maintained, the Town of Youngsville, in its sole discretion, may remedy the situation, and in such instances the Town of Youngsville shall be fully reimbursed from the escrow account. Escrowed funds may be spent by the association for sediment removal, structural, biological or vegetative replacement, major repair, and reconstruction of the structural BMPs, provided that the Town of Youngsville shall first consent to the expenditure. (3.) The Town of Youngsville requires that both developer contribution and annual membership funds fund the escrow account. Prior to plat recordation or issuance of construction permits, whichever shall first occur, the developer shall pay into the escrow account an amount equal to fifteen (15%) per cent of the initial construction cost of the structural BMPs, based on a cost estimate from a professional engineer (signed and sealed by the engineer). Two-thirds (2/3) of the total amount of fund budget shall be deposited into the escrow account within the first five (5) years and the full amount shall be deposited within ten (10) years following initial construction of the structural BMPs. Funds calculated to meet these funding thresholds shall be deposited each year into the escrow account. A portion of the annual membership assessments of the association shall include an allocation into the escrow account. Any funds drawn down from the escrow account shall be replaced in accordance with the schedule of anticipated work used to create the fund budget. (4) The percent of developer contribution and lengths of time to fund the escrow account may be varied by the engineer's cost estimate, depending on the design and materials of the stormwater control and management facility. (5.) Granting to the Town of Youngsville a right of entry to inspect, monitor, maintain, repair, and reconstruct structural BMPs. (6.) Allowing the Town of Youngsville to recover from the association and its members any and all costs the Town of Youngsville expends to maintain or repair the structural BMPs or to correct any operational deficiencies. Failure to pay the Town of Youngsville all of its expended costs, after forty-five days written notice, shall constitute a breach of the agreement. In case of a deficiency, the Town of Youngsville shall thereafter be entitled to bring an action against the association and its members to pay. Failure to pay shall be a lien against the real property upon which the cost was incurred, which lien shall be filed, have the same priority, and be collected as the lien for special assessment provided in Article 10 Youngsville Development Ordinance - Article 19 — Page 26 of Chapter 160A of the General Statutes of North Carolina. (7.) A statement that this agreement shall not obligate the Town of Youngsville to maintain or repair any structural BMPs, and the Town of Youngsville shall not be liable to any person for the condition or operation of structural BMPs. (8.) A statement that this agreement shall not in any way diminish, limit, or restrict the right of the Town of Youngsville to enforce any of its ordinances as authorized by law. (9.) A provision indemnifying and holding harmless the Town of Youngsville for any costs and injuries arising from or related to the structural BMP, unless the Town of Youngsville has agreed in writing to assume the maintenance responsibility for the BMP and has accepted dedication of any and all rights necessary to carry out that maintenance. (10.) HOA and POA documents shall also address how the required buffers shall be maintained and preserved. 19.24-1 Inspection Program. Inspections and inspection programs by the Town of Youngsville may be conducted or established on any reasonable basis, including but not limited to routine inspections; random inspections; inspections based upon complaints or other notice of possible violations; 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 BMPs; and evaluating the condition of BMPs. The Town of Youngsville reserves the right to require owners to hire a registered professional engineer licensed to practice in the state of North Carolina for the purposes of inspecting devices in the event that the Town of Youngsville cannot access the BMP or for the purposes of certified sediment levels, soil medium efficiency, or other requirements to ensure that the BMP is operating as designed. If the owner or occupant of any property refuses to permit such inspection, the Stormwater Administrator shall proceed to obtain an administrative search warrant pursuant to NCGS 15-27.2 or its successor. No person shall obstruct, hamper or interfere with the Stormwater Administrator while carrying out his or her official duties. 19.24-2 Performance Security for Installation and Maintenance The Town of Youngsville may, at its discretion, require the submittal of a performance security or bond with surety, cash escrow, letter of credit or other acceptable legal arrangement prior to issuance of a permit in order to ensure that the structural BMPs are: (A.) installed by the permit holder as required by the approved stormwater management Youngsville Development Ordinance - Article 19 — Page 27 plan, and/or (B.) maintained by the owner as required by the operation and maintenance agreement. The amount of an installation performance security shall be the total estimated construction cost of the BMPs approved under the permit, plus a contingency amount to be determined by the Town of Youngsville, not to exceed 150% of the total project cost. The amount of a maintenance performance security shall be the present value of an annuity of perpetual duration based on a reasonable estimate of the annual costs of inspection, operation and maintenance of the BMPs approved under the permit, at a discount rate that reflects the jurisdiction's cost of borrowing minus a reasonable estimate of long-term inflation. This estimate shall be based on a cost estimate prepared (and signed and sealed) by a professional engineer licensed to operate in North Carolina. The performance security shall contain forfeiture provisions for failure, after proper notice, to complete work within the time specified, or to initiate or maintain any actions which may be required of the applicant or owner in accordance with this Ordinance, approvals issued pursuant to this Ordinance, or an operation and maintenance agreement established pursuant to this Ordinance. Upon default of the owner to construct, maintain, repair and, if necessary, reconstruct any structural BMP in accordance with the applicable permit or operation and maintenance agreement, the Stormwater Administrator shall obtain and use all or any portion of the security to make necessary improvements based on an engineering estimate. Such expenditure of funds shall only be made after requesting the owner to comply with the permit or maintenance agreement. In the event of a default triggering the use of installation performance security, the Town of Youngsville shall not return any of the unused deposited cash funds or other security, which shall be retained for maintenance. If the Town of Youngsville takes action upon such failure by the applicant or owner, the Town of Youngsville may collect from the applicant or owner the difference between the amount of the reasonable cost of such action and the amount of the security held, in addition to any other penalties or damages due. Within sixty days of the final approval, the installation performance security shall be refunded to the applicant or terminated, except any amount attributable to the cost (plus % contingency) of ongoing construction associated with the BMPs covered by the security (i.e.- Landscaping). Any such ongoing construction or landscaping shall be inspected within six (6) months after installation for compliance with the approved plans and specifications and, if in compliance, the portion of the financial security attributable to landscaping shall be released. Youngsville Development Ordinance - Article 19 — Page 28 19.24-3 Notice to Owners The applicable operations and maintenance agreement, conservation easement, or dedication and acceptance into public maintenance (whichever is applicable), pertaining to every structural BMP and required buffers shall be referenced on the final plat and shall be recorded with the county Register of Deeds upon final plat approval. If no subdivision plat is recorded for the site, then the operations and maintenance agreement, conservation easement, or dedication and acceptance into public maintenance, whichever is applicable, shall be recorded with the county Register of Deeds so as to appear in the chain of title of all subsequent purchasers under generally accepted searching principles. 19.24-4 Records of Installation and Maintenance Activities. The owner of each structural BMP should keep records of inspections, maintenance, and repairs for at least five years from the date of creation of the record and shall submit the same upon reasonable request to the Stormwater Administrator. 19.24-5 Nuisance. The owner of each stormwater BMP, whether structural or non-structural BMP, shall maintain it so as not to create or result in a nuisance condition. 19.24-6 Maintenance Easement Every structural BMP installed pursuant to this Ordinance shall be made accessible for adequate maintenance and repair by an access easement. The easement shall be recorded on a final plat at the Franklin County Register of Deeds. SECTION 5: ENFORCEMENT AND VIOLATIONS 19.25 General (A.) Authority to Enforce. The provisions of this Ordinance shall be enforced by the Stormwater Administrator, his or her designee, or any authorized agent of the Town of Youngsville. Whenever this section refers to the Stormwater Administrator, it includes his or her designee as well as any authorized agent of the Town of Youngsville. (B.) Violation Unlawful. Any failure to comply with an applicable requirement, prohibition, standard, or limitation imposed by this Ordinance, or the terms or conditions of any permit or other Development or Re -Development approval or authorization granted pursuant to Youngsville Development Ordinance - Article 19 — Page 29 this Ordinance, is unlawful and shall constitute a violation of this Ordinance. (C.) Each Day a Separate Offense. Each day that a violation continues shall constitute a separate and distinct violation or offense. (D.) Responsible Persons/Entities. Any person who erects, constructs, reconstructs, alters (whether actively or passively), or fails to erect, construct, reconstruct, alter, repair or maintain any structure, BMP, practice, or condition in violation of this Ordinance shall be subject to the remedies, penalties, and/or enforcement actions in accordance with this section. Persons subject to the remedies and penalties set forth herein may include any architect, engineer, builder, contractor, developer, agency, or any other person who participates in, assists, directs, creates, causes, or maintains a condition that results in or constitutes a violation of this Ordinance, or fails to take appropriate action, so that a violation of this Ordinance results or persists; or an owner, any tenant or occupant, or any other person, who has control over, or responsibility for, the use or Development of the property on which the violation occurs. For the purposes of this article, responsible person(s) shall include but not be limited to: (1.) Person Maintaining Condition Resulting In or Constituting Violation. An architect, engineer, builder, contractor, developer, agency, or any other person who participates in, assists, directs, creates, causes, or maintains a condition that constitutes a violation of this Ordinance, or fails to take appropriate action, so that a violation of this Ordinance results or persists. (2.) Responsibility for Land or Use of Land. The owner of the land on which the violation occurs, any tenant or occupant of the property, any person who is responsible for stormwater controls or practices pursuant to a private agreement or public document, or any person, who has control over, or responsibility for, the use, Development or Re -Development of the property. 19.25-1 Remedies and Civil Penalties. The remedies and penalties provided for violations of this Ordinance, whether civil or criminal, shall be cumulative and in addition to any other remedy provided by law, and may be exercised in any order. (A.) Remedies Youngsville Development Ordinance - Article 19 — Page 30 (L) Withholding of Certificate of Occupancy. The Stormwater Administrator or other authorized agent shall withhold a certificate of occupancy (CO) for the building or other improvements constructed or being constructed on the site and served by the stormwater practices in question until the applicant or other responsible person has taken the remedial measures set forth in the notice of violation or has otherwise cured the violations described therein. (2.) Disapproval of Subsequent Permits and Development Approvals. As long as a violation of this Ordinance continues and remains uncorrected, the Stormwater Administrator or other authorized agent shall withhold, and the Town of Youngsville Planning Board, Town Board of Commissioners, and/or PZ&SD may disapprove, any request for permit or Development approval or authorization provided for by this Ordinance or the Town of Youngsville Development Ordinance for the land on which the violation occurs. (3.) Injunction, Abatements, etc. The Stormwater Administrator, with the written authorization of the Town Board of Commissioners, may institute an action in a court of competent jurisdiction for a mandatory or prohibitory injunction and order of abatement to correct a violation of this Ordinance. Any person violating this Ordinance shall be subject to the full range of equitable remedies provided in the General Statutes or at common law. (4.) Correction as Public Health Nuisance, Costs as Lien, etc. If the violation is deemed dangerous or prejudicial to the public health or public safety and is within the geographic limits prescribed by North Carolina G.S. § 160A-193, the Stormwater Administrator, with the authorization of the Town Board of Commissioners, may cause the violation to be corrected and the costs to be assessed as a lien against the property. (5.) Stop Work Order. The Stormwater Administrator may issue a stop work order to the person(s) violating this Ordinance. The stop work or "notice of violation" order shall remain in effect until the person has taken the remedial measures set forth in the notice of violation or has otherwise cured the violation or violations described therein. The stop work order may be withdrawn or modified to enable the person to take the necessary remedial measures to cure such violation or violations. (B.) Civil Penalties Violations of this Ordinance may subject the violator to a civil penalty to be recovered in a civil action in the nature of a debt if the violator does not pay the penalty within 30 days after notice of the violation is issued by the Stormwater Administrator. Civil penalties may be assessed up to the full amount of penalty to Youngsville Development Ordinance - Article 19 — Page 31 which the Town of Youngsville is subject for violations of its Phase II Stormwater permit, or if no Phase II Stormwater permit exists for the jurisdiction, civil penalties may be assessed up to the full amount allowed by law. 19.25-2 Procedures. (1.) Initiation/Complaint. Whenever a violation of this Ordinance occurs, or is alleged to have occurred, any person may file a written complaint. Such complaint shall state fully the alleged violation and the basis thereof, and shall be filed with the Stormwater Administrator, who shall record the complaint. The complaint shall be investigated promptly by the Stormwater Administrator, Public Works Engineer, and/or by the Zoning Enforcement Officer. (2.) Inspection. The Stormwater Administrator shall have the authority, upon presentation of proper credentials, to enter and inspect any land, building, structure, or premises to ensure compliance with this Ordinance. (3.) Notice of Violation and Order to Correct. When the Stormwater Administrator finds that any building, structure, or land is in violation of this Ordinance, the Stormwater Administrator shall notify, in writing, the property owner and/or other person violating this Ordinance. The notification shall indicate the nature of the violation, contain the address or other description of the site upon which the violation is occurring, order the necessary action to abate the violation, and give a deadline for correcting the violation. If civil penalties are to be assessed, the notice of violation shall also contain a statement of the civil penalties to be assessed, the time of their accrual, and the time within which they must be paid or be subject to collection as a debt. The Stormwater Administrator may deliver the notice of violation and correction order personally; by the Zoning Enforcement Officer; by first class mail; by certified or registered mail with return receipt requested, or by any means authorized for the service of documents by Rule 4 of the North Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure. If a violation is not corrected within a reasonable period of time, as provided in the notification, the Stormwater Administrator, Public Works Engineer, and/or by the Zoning Enforcement Officer may take appropriate action under this Ordinance to correct and abate the violation and to ensure compliance with this Ordinance. (4.) Extension of Time A person who receives a notice of violation and correction order, or the owner of Youngsville Development Ordinance - Article 19 — Page 32 the land on which the violation occurs, may submit to the Stormwater Administrator a written request for an extension of time for correction of the violation. On determining that the request includes enough information to show that the violation cannot be corrected within the specified time limit for reasons beyond the control of the person requesting the extension, the Stormwater Administrator, Public Works Engineer, and/or by the Zoning Enforcement Officer may extend the time limit as is reasonably necessary to allow timely correction of the violation, up to, but not exceeding 180 days. The Stormwater Administrator, Public Works Engineer, and/or by the Zoning Enforcement Officer may grant 30- day extensions in addition to the foregoing extension if the violation cannot be corrected within the permitted time due to circumstances beyond the control of the person violating this Ordinance. The Stormwater Administrator, Public Works Engineer, and/or by the Zoning Enforcement Officer may grant an extension only by written notice of extension. The notice of extension shall state the date prior to which correction must be made, after which the violator will be subject to the penalties described in the notice of violation and correction order. (5.) Enforcement After Time to Correct. After the time has expired to correct a violation, including any extension(s) if authorized by the Stormwater Administrator, Public Works Engineer, and/or by the Zoning Enforcement Officer, the Stormwater Administrator, Public Works Engineer, and/or by the Zoning Enforcement Officer shall determine if the violation is corrected. If the violation is not corrected, the Stormwater Administrator, Public Works Engineer, and/or by the Zoning Enforcement Officer may act to impose one or more of the remedies and penalties authorized by this Ordinance. (6.) Emergency Enforcement. If delay in correcting a violation would seriously threaten the effective enforcement of this Ordinance or pose an immediate danger to the public health, safety, or welfare, then the Stormwater Administrator, Public Works Engineer, and/or by the Zoning Enforcement Officer may order the immediate cessation of a violation. Any person so ordered shall cease any violation immediately. The Stormwater Administrator, Public Works Engineer, and/or by the Zoning Enforcement Officer may seek immediate enforcement, without prior written notice, through any remedy or penalty authorized by this article. Youngsville Development Ordinance - Article 19 — Page 33 SECTION 6: ILLICIT DISCHARGES Illicit Discharges and Connections, Spills and Nuisance The federal EPA Phase II rule specifies that local communities shall prohibit any discharge to a municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) unless it: -consists of a discharge pursuant to an NPDES permit; or -consists of a discharge from firefighting activities; or -consists of a discharge in any of the following categories, and the operator of the small MS4 has not identified that category as a significant contributor of pollutants to its small MS4: Water line flushing; landscape irrigation; diverted stream flows; rising ground waters; uncontaminated ground water infiltration (as defined at 40 CFR 35.2005(20)); uncontaminated pumped ground water; discharges from potable water sources; foundation drains; air conditioning condensation; irrigation water; springs; water from crawl space pumps; footing drains; lawn watering; individual residential car washing; flows from riparian habitats and wetlands; dechlorinated and/or salivated swimming pool discharges; and street wash water. 19.25-3 Illicit Discharges. No person shall cause or allow the discharge, emission, disposal, pouring, or pumping directly or indirectly to any stormwater conveyance, the waters of the State, or upon the land in manner and amount that the substance is likely to reach a stormwater conveyance or the waters of the State, any liquid, solid, gas, or other substance, other than stormwater; provided that non-stormwater discharges associated with the following activities are allowed and provided that they do not significantly impact water quality. (1.) Water line flushing; (2.) Landscape irrigation; (3.) Diverted stream flows; (4.) Rising ground waters; (5.) Uncontaminated ground water infiltration (as defined at 40 CFR 35.2005(20)); (6.) Uncontaminated pumped ground water; (7.) Discharges from potable water sources; (8.) Foundation drains; (9.) Air conditioning condensation; (10.) Irrigation water; Youngsville Development Ordinance - Article 19 — Page 34 (11.) Springs; (12.) Water from crawl space pumps; (13.) Footing drains; (14.) Lawn watering; (15.) Individual residential car washing; (16.) Flows from riparian habitats and wetlands; (17.) Dechlorinated swimming pool discharges; (18.) Street wash water; and (19.) Other non-stormwater discharges for which a valid NPDES discharge permit has been approved and issued by the State of North Carolina, and provided that any such discharges to the municipal separate storm sewer system shall be authorized by the Town of Youngsville. Prohibited substances include but are not limited to: oil, anti -freeze, chemicals, animal waste, paints, garbage, and litter. 19.25-4 Illicit Connections (L) Connections to a stormwater conveyance or stormwater conveyance system that allow the discharge of non-stormwater, other than the exclusions described in subsection (A) above, are unlawful. Prohibited connections include, but are not limited to: floor drains, waste water from washing machines or sanitary sewers, wash water from commercial vehicle washing or steam cleaning, and waste water from septic systems. (2.) Where such connections exist in violation of this section and said connections were made prior to the adoption of this provision or any other ordinance prohibiting such connections, the property owner or the person using said connection shall remove the connection within one year following the effective date of this Ordinance. However, the one-year grace period shall not apply to connections which may result in the discharge of hazardous materials or other discharges which pose an immediate threat to health and safety, or are likely to result in immediate injury and harm to real or personal property, natural resources, wildlife, or habitat. (3.) Where it is determined that said connection: (a.) May result in the discharge of hazardous materials or may pose an immediate threat to health and safety, or is likely to result in immediate injury and harm to real or personal property, natural resources, wildlife, or habitat, or (b) The Stormwater Administrator shall designate the time within which the connection shall be removed. In setting the time limit for compliance, the Youngsville Development Ordinance - Article 19 — Page 35 Stormwater Administrator shall take into consideration: (i) The quantity and complexity of the work, (ii.) The consequences of delay, (iii.) The potential harm to the environment, to the public health, and to public and private property, and (iv.) The cost of remedying the damage. 19.25-5 Spills. Spills or leaks of polluting substances released, discharged to, or having the potential to released or discharged to the stormwater conveyance system, shall be contained, controlled, collected, and properly disposed. All affected areas shall be restored to their preexisting condition. Persons in control of the polluting substances immediately prior to their release or discharge, and persons owning the property on which the substances were released or discharged, shall immediately notify the Town of Youngsville Public Works Engineer, Town Board of Commissioners, or Fire Department of the release or discharge, as well as making any required notifications under state and federal law. Notification shall not relieve any person of any expenses related to the restoration, loss, damage, or any other liability which may be incurred as a result of said spill or leak, nor shall such notification relieve any person from other liability which may be imposed by State or other law. 19.25-6 Nuisance. Illicit discharges and illicit connections which exist within the Town of Youngsville and/or its extraterritorial planning jurisdiction are hereby found, deemed, and declared to be dangerous or prejudiced to the public health or public safety and are found, deemed, and declared to be public nuisances. Such public nuisances shall be abated in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Ordinance, the Town of Youngsville Development Ordinance, the General Codes of the Town of Youngsville, or any other applicable laws, rules, or regulations. 19.26 Additional Standards for Special Situations 19.26-1 Pet Waste. (A.) Pets At Large Prohibited It shall be unlawful for the owner of any pet to allow the animal to be off the premises of his owner in the Town of Youngsville. (B.) Restrictions on Pet Waste Youngsville Development Ordinance - Article 19 — Page 36 (1.) It shall be unlawful for the owner or custodian of any pet to take it off the owner's own property limits without the means to properly remove and dispose of the pet's feces from any public or private property. (2.) It is the responsibility of a pet's owner or custodian to clean up the pet's feces from any public or private property outside of the pet's owner's own property limits. Such property includes, but is not limited to, parks, rights -of -way, paths, and public access areas. (3.) "Means to properly remove and dispose of feces" shall consist of having on or near one's person a device such as a plastic bag, or other suitable plastic or paper container, that can be used to clean up and contain pet waste until it can be disposed of in an appropriate container. Such a device must be produced and shown, upon request, to anyone authorized to enforce these ordinances. (4.) This provision shall not apply to handicapped persons assisted by trained guide or assistance pets. (5.) "Public nuisance" is defined to include "a pet which deposits feces on public property or on private property without the consent of the owner or person in lawful possession of the private property, and the person owning, possessing, harboring or having the care, charge, control or custody of the pet fails to remove the feces so deposited. Provided, however, this definition shall not apply to any pet assisting a handicapped person. 19.26-2 Onsite Wastewater Septic Systems. (A.) Standards for Operation and Maintenance Onsite systems for domestic wastewater covered by this Ordinance shall be operated and maintained so as to avoid adverse effects on surface water and groundwater, including eutrophication of surface water and microbial or nitrate contamination of groundwater. Septic tank residuals shall be pumped whenever necessary to assure the proper operation of the system to meet these standards, and the septage shall be reused or disposed of in a manner that does not present significant risks to human health, surface water or groundwater. Youngsville Development Ordinance - Article 19 — Page 37