(A) Purpose. The purpose of this section is to provide a mechanism for reviewing applications for grading permits to ensure all grading within the city complies with the standards of this section, § 166.04-05, Stormwater Management, all relevant standards in this ZDO, all other applicable city ordinances, and all other state and federal laws.
(B) Applicability. No grading or other land-disturbing activity, including the addition or installation of any impervious surface, except that exempted by § 162.03-09(C), Exemptions, shall ensue without first having obtained a grading permit pursuant to this section.
(C) Exemptions. The following activities are not required to obtain a grading permit, but shall comply with all requirements in § 166.04-05, Stormwater Management:
(1) Land-disturbing activities exempted from grading permit requirements by the South Carolina Erosion and Sediment Control Act;
(2) Land-disturbing activities undertaken for the purpose of fighting fires; and
(3) Land-disturbing activities taking place on a lot containing a lawfully established single-family dwelling provided such activities are located outside of any sensitive natural areas and provided they are limited to a maximum of 2,500 square feet.
(D) Procedure.
(1) Submission and review of application. The procedures and requirements for submission and review of an application are established in § 162.02, Common Review Procedures.
(2) Action by Public Works Director. The Public Works Director shall review and take action on the application for a grading permit consistent with the standards in § 162.03-09(E), Grading Permit Standards.
(E) Standards. A grading permit shall be approved upon a finding that the application complies with the standards of the South Carolina Erosion and Sediment Control Act, which is adopted and incorporated into this ZDO by reference.
(F) Conditions. In approving a grading permit, the Public Works Director may impose appropriate conditions on the permit approval pursuant to § 162.02-12, Conditions of Approval.
(G) Expiration.
(1) If the work described in any grading permit has not begun within six months from the date of issuance, the grading permit shall expire and be void.
(2) Written notice of the expiration of a grading permit shall be given to the applicant by the Director of Public Works. Such notice shall clarify that land-disturbing activity shall not proceed unless and until a new grading permit is obtained.
(H) Amendments. A grading permit may be amended, extended, or modified only in accordance with the procedures established for its original approval.
(Ord. 05-10, passed 3-23-10)