CHAPTER 5
STORMWATER REGULATIONS

ARTICLE A. STORMWATER MANAGEMENT

SECTION:

9-5A-1: Findings Of Fact

9-5A-2: Need

9-5A-3: Purpose

9-5A-4: Definitions

9-5A-5: Abrogation And Greater Restrictions

9-5A-6: Interpretation

9-5A-7: Applicability

9-5A-8: Regulated Activities; Exemptions

9-5A-9: General Requirements

9-5A-10: Approval Standards

9-5A-11: Bonds And Liability Insurance Required

9-5A-12: Facility Responsibilities Of City And Developer

9-5A-13: Development In Special Hazard Areas

9-5A-14: Protection Of Public And Private Roads

9-5A-15: Administration

9-5A-16: Appeals; Variances

9-5A-17: Enforcement

9-5A-18: Administrative Enforcement/Penalty

9-5A-1: FINDINGS OF FACT:

The city council hereby finds that:

   A.   Stormwater pollution is a problem associated with land utilization and development and the common occurrence of potential pollutants such as pesticides, fertilizers, petroleum products, pet wastes and numerous others.

   B.   Land utilization and development is also known to increase both the volume and duration of peak flows. The resulting erosion, scouring, and deposition of sediment affect the ecological balance in surface waters.

   C.   Sedimentation and stormwater pollution can cause diversity of species to decrease and allow more tolerant (and usually less desirable) species to remain.

   D.   Stormwater pollution can cause or contribute to closures or other restrictions on public use of the waters within the city.

   E.   An expanding population and increased development of land have led to:

      1.   Water quality degradation through discharge of nutrients, metals, oil and grease, toxic materials, and other detrimental substances including, without limitation, insect and weed control compounds;

      2.   Drainage and stormwater and surface water runoff problems within the city; and

      3.   Safety hazards to both lives and property posed by uncontrolled water runoff on streets and highways.

   F.   In the future, such problems and dangers will be reduced or avoided if existing properties and future development of private or public properties provide for stormwater quality treatment and flow control.

   G.   Stormwater quality treatment and flow control can be achieved when land is developed or redeveloped by implementing appropriate best management practices (BMPs).

   H.   BMPs can be expected to perform as intended only when properly designed, constructed and maintained.

   I.   Sites protected by levees may become temporary closed depressions because of backwater effects on stormwater drainage systems due to increases in river elevations.

   J.   The city is a permittee under the western Washington phase II municipal stormwater permit issued by the Washington state department of ecology under the federal clean water act and the state of Washington water pollution control law.

   K.   Not providing for stormwater management practices will lead to water quality degradation, erosion, property damage, endangerment of the health and safety of the inhabitants of the city, and/or violation of the provisions of the phase II municipal stormwater permit. (Ord. 911, 8-31-2011)