§ 152.004 EXEMPTIONS.

   (A)   If an applicant has a soil erosion and sediment control plan meeting the requirements of Md. Code, Environment Article, Title 4, Subtitle 1, and approved by the District, no grading permit shall be required for the following:

      (1)   Grading of an individual residential lot where authorized by a valid building permit and where use of a standard erosion and sediment control plan (disturbance from 5,000 to 30,000 square feet) is allowed and has been signed by the owner or builder and filed with the county, and where such document meets the Standards and Specifications. However, if the county determines that grading beyond what is covered under the building permit or standard plan is taking place, the owner or builder shall apply for a grading permit at that time; and

      (2)   Grading or trenching for utility installation on sites covered by an approved soil erosion and sediment control plan within the limits of disturbance and a grading permit.

   (B)   Neither a soil erosion and sediment control plan nor a grading permit will be required for the following:

      (1)   Agricultural land management practices included in a Soil Conservation Water Quality Plan (SCWQP) with the required best management practices (BMPs) implemented concurrent with the specific agricultural practice;

      (2)   Grading activities that disturb less than 5,000 square feet of land area and disturb less than 100 cubic yards of earth; or

      (3)   Clearing or grading activities that are subject exclusively to state approval and enforcement under state laws and regulations.

(2004 Code, § 121-4) (Ord. 2012-09, passed 12-11-2012; Ord. 2018-10, passed 11-29-2018)

§ 152.005 STANDARD EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL PLAN (DISTURBANCE FROM 5,000 TO 30,000 SQUARE FEET).

   The county, in conjunction with the District, shall establish a standard erosion and sediment control plan (disturbance from 5,000 to 30,000 square feet) approved by the Maryland Department of the Environment. This plan shall define standard erosion and sediment control and grading requirements for specific disturbed areas from 5,000 to 30,000 square feet when applying for building or grading permits. A designed soil erosion and sediment control plan is not required where use of the standard erosion and sediment control plan (disturbance from 5,000 to 30,000 square feet) is permitted.

(2004 Code, § 121-5) (Ord. 2012-09, passed 12-11-2012)

§ 152.006 SINGLE-LOT GRADING PLAN REQUIRED.

   A grading plan showing existing and proposed contours of the lot shall be submitted with the building permit application for all lots one acre or less in size. Single-lot grading plans may be required with the building permit application in environmentally sensitive areas and where grading for SWM was approved.

(2004 Code, § 121-6) (Ord. 2012-09, passed 12-11-2012)

§ 152.007 ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS.

   (A)   Grading plans shall be required wherever it is determined by the county that the proposed grading will result in disturbance of environmentally sensitive areas, or state or federal permits are required. Grading plans may also be required in situations when unauthorized disturbances are discovered or when it is necessary to control the potential for off site impacts.

   (B)   All plans submitted for grading approval shall include all environmentally sensitive areas and any easements.

(2004 Code, § 121-7) (Ord. 2012-09, passed 12-11-2012)

§ 152.008 APPLICABILITY.

   This chapter and the changes herein shall be applicable to any plans submitted to the county after January 9, 2013.

(Ord. 2012-09, passed 12-11-2012)

§ 152.009 EFFECTIVE DATE.

   This chapter became effective on December 31, 2012.

(Ord. 2012-09, passed 12-11-2012)

GRADING PERMIT APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS AND FEES

§ 152.020 PERMIT APPLICATION.

   (A)   An approved soil erosion and sediment control plan, and if appropriate, an approved forest conservation plan delineating forest protection practices, shall be required, as specified in §§ 152.022 and 152.023, prior to grading permit approval.

   (B)   The grading permit may not be issued without the approval of all reviewing agencies, payment of the applicable fee, and posting of the required bond.

   (C)   The county permit required under the provisions of this section may not be issued until all state and federal permits or a letter from the engineer outlining the reasons that permits are not required is presented to the county. Any letters from state and federal agencies stating that permits are not required for a particular site shall also be filed with the county.

   (D)   Grading permits may not be issued until the approved erosion and sediment control and forest protection measures are properly installed and have been inspected. These control measures shall be maintained throughout the duration of the permit in accordance with the Standards and Specifications.

   (E)   A grading permit may not be issued until all long-term protection easements as specified in §§ 150.23(E), 153.036, and 154.19 have been conveyed to the county and recorded in the Land Records of Carroll County.

   (F)   An approved soil erosion and sediment control plan, forest conservation plan, and SWM plan with appropriate bonding must be in place prior to issuance of an early grading permit. Other approvals may be required if installation of infrastructure is necessary during the early grading permit process.

(2004 Code, § 121-8) (Ord. 2012-09, passed 12-11-2012)