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Orting Overview
Orting, WA Code of Ordinances
CITY CODE of ORTING, WASHINGTON
ORDINANCES PENDING REVIEW FOR CODIFICATION
TITLE 1 ADMINISTRATION
TITLE 2 BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
TITLE 3 REVENUE AND FINANCES
TITLE 4 BUSINESS AND LICENSE REGULATIONS
TITLE 5 PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY
TITLE 6 POLICE REGULATIONS
TITLE 7 TRAFFIC AND MOTOR VEHICLES
TITLE 8 PUBLIC WAYS AND PROPERTY
TITLE 9 WATER AND SEWERS
TITLE 10 BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION
TITLE 11 CRITICAL AREAS AND SHORELINE MANAGEMENT
TITLE 12 SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS
TITLE 13 DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS
TITLE 14 FLOOD CONTROL
TITLE 15 DEVELOPMENT CODE ADMINISTRATION
ORDINANCE DISPOSITION TABLE
ORDINANCES ADOPTED AFTER 1996 RECODIFICATION
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9-5A-4: DEFINITIONS:
The following definitions shall apply in the interpretation and enforcement of stormwater and LID requirements of Title 5 Chapters 1 and 10, Title 6 Chapter 1B, Title 7 Chapters 5 and 6, Title 8 Chapters 2, 4 and 5,Title 9 Chapter 5, Title 10 Chapter 16, Title 11 Chapters 1 and 4, Title 12 Chapters 2 and 10, Title 13 Chapters 2, 3, 5 and 6, Title 14 Chapter 1, Title 15 Chapters 5 and 15 of this code. Any term or phrase not defined herein, or in article B or C of this chapter, shall have the meaning that is given to that term or phrase in this code or the Stormwater Management Manual. When not inconsistent with the context, words used in the present tense include the future, words in the plural include the singular, and words in the singular include the plural. References to governmental entities (whether persons or entities) refer to those entities or their successors in authority. If specific provisions of law, regulation or rule referred to herein be renumbered or recodified, then the reference shall be read to refer to the renumbered or recodified provision:
AKART: All known, available, and reasonable methods of prevention, control, and treatment. See also the state water pollution control act, sections 90.48.010 and 90.48.520 Revised Code Of Washington.
ADJUSTMENT: A variation in the application of a minimum requirement to a particular project. Adjustments provide substantially equivalent environmental protection.
APPLICANT: Any person that owns a site, or has been designated or named in writing by the owner of the site to be the applicant, and executes the necessary forms to procure official approval of a regulated activity in order to carry out development upon a site or any other regulated land disturbing activity.
APPROVAL: The proposed work or completed work conforms to this article in the opinion of the director.
BASIN PLAN: As defined in the 2012 Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington Volume I Appendix G.
BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICE (BMP): Physical, structural, and/or managerial practices that, when used singly or in combination, prevent or reduce pollution of water. BMPs are listed and described in the manual.
   A.   An experimental BMP is a BMP that has not been tested and evaluated by the department of ecology in collaboration with local governments and technical experts.
   B.   A source control BMP is a BMP that is intended to prevent pollutants from entering stormwater. A few examples of source control BMPs are erosion control practices, maintenance of stormwater facilities, constructing roofs over storage and working areas, and directing washwater and similar discharges to the sanitary sewer or a dead end sump.
CFR: Code of federal regulations.
CITY: The city of Orting, a municipal corporation created and existing under the laws of the state of Washington.
CITY STORMWATER DRAINAGE SYSTEM: The entire stormwater drainage system owned by the utility or over which the utility has control or right of use, or any part thereof.
CIVIL ENGINEER: A professional engineer licensed in the state of Washington in civil engineering who is experienced and knowledgeable in the practice of civil engineering.
CLEAN WATER ACT: The federal water pollution control act (33 USC section 1251 et seq.), and any subsequent amendments thereto.
CLEARING: Removal of timber, brush, grass, ground cover, or other vegetative matter from a site that exposes the earth's surface of the site or any actions that disturb the existing ground surface.
COMMERCIAL AGRICULTURE: Those activities conducted on lands defined in Revised Code Of Washington 84.34.020(2), and activities involved in the production of crops or livestock for wholesale trade. An activity ceases to be considered commercial agriculture when the area on which it is conducted is proposed for conversion to a nonagricultural use or has lain idle for more than five (5) years, unless the idle land is registered in a federal or state soils conservation program, or unless the activity is maintenance of irrigation ditches, laterals, canals, or drainage ditches related to an existing and ongoing agricultural activity. Generally, commercial agriculture is exempt from the stormwater requirements of this chapter. However, converting from timberland to agriculture and the construction of impervious surfaces are not exempt.
DETENTION: The release of stormwater runoff from the site at a slower rate than it is collected by the stormwater drainage system, the difference being held in temporary storage.
DETENTION FACILITY: An above or below ground stormwater facility, such as a pond or tank, that temporarily stores stormwater runoff and subsequently releases it at a slower rate than it is collected by the stormwater drainage system. There is typically little or no infiltration of stored stormwater.
DEVELOP: To alter the condition of real property from its natural state for purposes of development.
DEVELOPED: That condition of real property altered from its natural state by the addition to or construction on such property of impervious ground cover or other manmade physical improvements or clearing of native vegetation such that the hydrology of the property or a portion thereof is affected.
DEVELOPER: The person(s) applying for the permits or approvals described in subsection 9-5A-7E of this article.
DEVELOPMENT: New development or redevelopment or both.
DEVELOPMENT COVERAGE:
   A.   All developed surface areas within the subject property including, but not limited to, rooftops, driveways, carports, accessory buildings, parking areas, and any other impervious surfaces.
   B.   During construction, "development coverage" shall include the above in addition to the full extent of any alteration of previously occurring soils, slope or vegetation due to grading, temporary storage, access areas, or any other short term causes.
DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS: The "development code" of the city, as that term is defined in title 1, chapter 13 of this code and such development standards, promulgated by the city from time to time, that contain the review, design and submittal requirements for development projects within the city. The development standards may be modified as required to promulgate the requirements of this title.
DIRECTOR: The city administrator or his or her designee.
DISCHARGE: To throw, drain, release, dump, spill, empty, emit, or pour forth any matter or to cause or allow matter to flow, run or seep from land or be thrown, drained, released, dumped, spilled, emptied, emitted or poured into water.
EARTH MATERIAL: Any rock, natural soil or fill and/or any combination thereof.
ECOLOGY: The Washington state department of ecology.
EFFECTIVE IMPERVIOUS SURFACES: Those impervious surfaces that are connected via sheet flow or by natural conveyance systems or stormwater facilities to a public or private stormwater drainage system or receiving water. Effective impervious surfaces include those areas from which:
   A.   Stormwater is routed directly to the stormwater drainage systems or receiving water via sheet flow or by natural conveyance systems or stormwater facilities; or
   B.   Stormwater is routed through a public or private stormwater facility prior to routing to the stormwater drainage system or receiving water.
EQUIVALENT ACREAGE UNIT (EAU): Shall mean and be equal to forty three thousand five hundred sixty (43,560) square feet of surface area and shall be used by the utility in assessing service charges against undeveloped property.
EQUIVALENT RESIDENTIAL UNIT (ERU): Shall mean and be equal to two thousand five hundred (2,500) square feet of impervious surfaces and is the measure of impervious ground cover to be used by the utility in assessing services charges and general facilities charges against each parcel of developed property.
EROSION: The wearing away of the land surface by running water, wind, ice, or other geological agents, including such processes as gravitational creep. Detachment and movement of soil or rock fragments by water, wind, ice, or gravity.
EXCAVATION: The mechanical removal of earth material.
EXCEPTION: Relief from the application of a minimum requirement to a project.
EXISTING SITE CONDITIONS:
   A.   Existing site conditions for sites that have not been developed or altered since 1997. If in question, existing site conditions shall be documented by aerial photograph records, or other appropriate means acceptable to the director.
   B.   Existing site conditions for sites that have been developed or altered after 1997 if:
      1.   A building or grading permit was issued and includes a stormwater drainage system that was designed and constructed in accordance with the requirements of this title in effect at the time the permit was issued; or
      2.   A building or grading permit was issued but received an exemption or waiver from the city from compliance with this title in effect at the time the permit was issued.
   C.   Vegetated pervious cover for sites developed or altered after 1997 if:
      1.   A building or grading permit was required but application to the city was not provided; or
      2.   A stormwater drainage system was not designed and constructed in accordance with the requirements of this title in effect at the time of construction; or
      3.   Did not receive an exemption or waiver from the city for compliance with this title in effect at the time of construction.
   D.   Vegetated cover shall be considered one hundred percent (100%) pasture unless the site or portions thereof were wooded or forested prior to site work or the site or portions thereof are covered with a tree canopy.
FILL: A deposit of earth material placed by artificial means.
FLOOD CONTROL ORDINANCE: Title 14 of this code.
FOREST PRACTICE: Any activity conducted on or directly pertaining to forest land regulated under title 222 Washington administrative code, except for class IV general forest practices that are conversions from timberland to other uses. Such nonclass IV general forest practices are exempt from the provisions of this code.
GENERAL FACILITIES CHARGE: That fee authorized by section 9-5C-8 of this chapter and charged by the utility to property which is developed, which charge reflects a proportionate share of the utility's capital costs attributable to the newly developed property.
GROUNDWATER: Water in a saturated zone or stratum beneath the surface of land or a surface water body.
HARD SURFACE: An impervious surface as defined in section 9-5A-4, a permeable pavement, decking that has a minimum 3/16" board spacing, or a vegetated roof.
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS: Any material, including any substance, waste, or combination thereof, which because of its quantity, concentration, or physical, chemical, or infectious characteristics may cause, or significantly contribute to, a substantial present or potential hazard to human health, safety, property or the environment when improperly treated, stored, transported, disposed of, or otherwise managed.
HYPERCHLORINATED: Water that contains more than ten milligrams per liter (10 mg/L) chlorine.
ILLICIT CONNECTION: Any manmade conveyance that is connected to a stormwater drainage system without a permit, excluding roof drains and other similar type connections. Examples include sanitary sewer connections, floor drains, channels, pipelines, conduits, inlets, or outlets that are connected directly to the stormwater drainage system.
ILLICIT DISCHARGE: Any direct or indirect nonstormwater discharge to stormwater drainage systems that cause or contribute to a violation of State water quality, sediment quality or groundwater quality standards including, but not limited to, discharges from sanitary sewer connections, industrial process water, interior floor drains, fuel islands, car washing, and gray water systems. Illicit discharges are further described in subsection 9-5A-9F of this article. Discharges from firefighting activities are not included in this definition.
IMPERVIOUS SURFACE: A non-vegetated surface area which either prevents or retards the entry of water into the soil mantle as under natural conditions prior to development. A non-vegetated surface area which causes water to run off the surface in greater quantities or at an increased rate of flow from the flow present under natural conditions prior to development.
Common impervious surfaces include, but are not limited to, rooftops, canopies, building overhangs, structures, walkways, patios, driveways, parking lots or storage areas, concrete or asphalt paving, gravel roads, packed earthen materials, and oiled, macadam or other surfaces which similarly impede the natural infiltration of stormwater. Open, uncovered retention/detention facilities shall not be considered as impervious surfaces for the purposes of determining whether the thresholds for application of minimum requirements are exceeded. Open, uncovered retention/detention facilities shall be considered impervious surfaces for purposes of runoff modeling.
INTERFLOW: That portion of rainfall that infiltrates into the soil and moves laterally through the upper soil horizons until intercepted by a stream channel or until it returns to the surface for example, in a wetland, spring or seep.
LAND DISTURBING ACTIVITY: Any activity that results in a movement of earth or a change in the existing soil cover (both vegetative and nonvegetative) and/or the existing soil topography. Land disturbing activities include, but are not limited to, clearing, grading, filling, and excavation. Compaction that is associated with stabilization of structures and road construction shall also be considered a land disturbing activity. Vegetation maintenance practices are not considered a land disturbing activity.
LID: Low Impact Development.
LID MANUAL: The latest edition of the "Low Impact Development Technical Guidance Manual for Puget Sound" as published by the Puget Sound Partnership/Puget Sound Action Team, is hereby adopted by reference as though fully set forth herein as the Low Impact Development Manual for the City of Orting and is hereinafter referred to as the "LID Manual".
LID PRINCIPLES: Land use management strategies that emphasize conservation, use of on-site natural features, and site planning to minimize impervious surfaces, native vegetation loss, and stormwater runoff.
LOW IMPACT DEVELOPMENT (LID): A stormwater and land use management strategy that strives to mimic pre-disturbance hydrologic processes of infiltration, filtration, storage, evaporation and transpiration by emphasizing conservation, use of on-site natural features, site planning, and distributed stormwater management practices that are integrated into a project design.
LOW IMPACT DEVELOPMENT BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES (LID BMPs): Distributed stormwater management practices, integrated into a project design, that emphasize pre-disturbance hydrologic processes of infiltration, filtration, storage, evaporation and transpiration. LID BMPs include, but are not limited to, bioretention, rain gardens, permeable pavements, roof downspout controls, dispersion, soil quality and depth, vegetated roofs, minimum excavation foundations, and water re-use.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: The minimum requirements for stormwater management described in the NPDES Phase II permit. The minimum requirements include:
   Minimum Requirement 1, preparation of stormwater site plans
   Minimum Requirement 2, construction stormwater pollution prevention (SWPP)
   Minimum Requirement 3, source control of pollution
   Minimum Requirement 4, preservation of natural drainage systems and outfalls
   Minimum Requirement 5, on site stormwater management
   Minimum Requirement 6, runoff treatment
   Minimum Requirement 7, flow control
   Minimum Requirement 8, wetlands protection
   Minimum Requirement 9, operation and maintenance
MITIGATION: In the following order of preference, "mitigation" means:
   A.   Avoiding the impact altogether by not taking a certain action or part of an action;
   B.   Minimizing impacts by limiting the degree or magnitude of the action and its implementation by using appropriate technology, or by taking affirmative steps to avoid or reduce impacts;
   C.   Rectifying the impact by repairing, rehabilitating or restoring the affected environment;
   D.   Reducing or eliminating the impact over time by preservation and maintenance operations during the life of the action; and
   E.   Compensation for the impact by replacing, enhancing, or providing substitute resources or environments.
NPDES PHASE II PERMIT: The stormwater permit issued by the Department of Ecology in accordance with the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System as promulgated under the Clean Water Act.
NATURAL CONDITIONS: The conditions that existed prior to development. See definition of predeveloped condition.
NATURAL CONVEYANCE/DRAINAGE SYSTEM: Such natural landscape features that collect, contain and convey stormwater which include, by way of example and not limitation, swales and small drainage courses, streams, rivers, lakes and wetlands. This system circulates water in a complex hydrological cycle.
NEW DEVELOPMENT: Land disturbing activities, including Class IV - general forest practices that are conversions from timberland to other uses; structural development, including construction or installation of a building or other structure; creation of impervious surfaces; and subdivision, short subdivision and binding site plans, as defined and applied in chapter 58.17 Revised Code of Washington. Projects meeting the definition of "redevelopment" shall not be considered new development.
NONSTORMWATER DISCHARGE: Any discharge to the stormwater drainage system that is not composed entirely of stormwater.
OMC: The Orting Municipal Code, as now or may be amended.
ON-SITE STORMWATER MANAGEMENT BMPs: A synonym for Low Impact Development BMPs.
PARCEL: The smallest separately segregated unit or plot of land having an identified owner, boundaries and surface area which is documented for Property Tax purposes and given a tax lot number by the Pierce County Assessor.
PERMANENT STORMWATER QUALITY CONTROL (PSQC) PLAN: A plan which includes permanent BMPs for the control of pollution from stormwater runoff after construction and/or land disturbing activity has been completed. Guidance on preparing a PSQC plan is contained in the manual.
PERMITTED DISCHARGES: The following discharges into any public or private stormwater facilities that discharge to waters of the State are permitted unless the Director determines that the type of discharge, whether singly or in combination with others, is causing or is likely to cause pollution of surface waters or groundwaters:
   A.   Discharges that contain stormwater only after said discharge has been routed through a treatment or flow control facility, where required in accordance with this article;
   B.   Discharges that are not illicit discharges;
   C.   Diverted stream flows;
   D.   Rising groundwaters;
   E.   Uncontaminated groundwater infiltration as defined in 40 CFR 35.2005(20);
   F.   Uncontaminated pumped groundwater;
   G.   Foundation drains;
   H.   Air conditioning condensation;
   I.   Irrigation water from agricultural sources that is commingled with urban stormwater;
   J.   Springs;
   K.   Water from crawl space pumps;
   L.   Footing drains;
   M.   Flows from riparian habitats and wetlands;
   N.   Nonstormwater discharges covered by another NPDES permit; and
   O.   Discharges from emergency firefighting activities.
PERSON: Any individual, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, association, organization, cooperative, public or municipal corporation, agency of the State, or local government unit, however designated, recognized by law and acting as either the owner of a premises or owner's agent.
PERVIOUS SURFACE: Generally, a surface that does not meet the definition of a hard surface. Pervious surfaces are vegetated surfaces over undisturbed soils or soils that have been restored to function to match predeveloped conditions. Vegetation growing in, on, or through a hard surface does not meet the definition of a pervious surface. Vegetated surfaces within open, uncovered retention/detention facilities shall be considered hard surfaces for purposes of runoff modeling.
PLAN: The stormwater management plan for the City of Orting as adopted by the City and as amended from time to time.
PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT: The same meaning as given in title 13 of this Code.
POLLUTANT: Anything which causes or contributes to pollution. Pollutants may include, but are not limited to: paints, varnishes, and solvents; oil and other automotive fluids; nonhazardous liquid and solid wastes and yard wastes; refuse, rubbish, garbage, litter, or other discarded or abandoned objects and accumulations, so that same may cause or contribute to pollution; floatables; pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers; hazardous substances and wastes; sewage, fecal coliform and pathogens; dissolved and particulate metals; animal wastes; wastes and residues that result from constructing a building or structure; and, noxious or offensive matter of any kind.
POLLUTION: Contamination or other alteration of the physical, chemical, or biological properties of waters of the State, including change in temperature, taste, color, turbidity, or odor of the waters, or such discharge of any liquid, gaseous, solid, radioactive or other substance into any waters of the State as will or is likely to create a nuisance or render such waters harmful, detrimental or injurious to the public health, safety or welfare, or to domestic, commercial, industrial, agricultural, recreational, or other legitimate beneficial uses, or to livestock, wild animals, birds, fish or other aquatic life.
PREDEVELOPED CONDITION: The native vegetation and soils that existed at a site prior to the influence of Euro-American settlement. The predeveloped condition shall be assumed to be forested land cover unless reasonable, historic information is provided that indicates the site was prairie prior to settlement.
PREMISES: Any building, lot, parcel of land, or portion of land, whether improved or unimproved, including adjacent sidewalks and parking strips.
PROJECT: A site upon which regulated activities will occur.
RCW: Revised Code of Washington.
REDEVELOPMENT: On a site that is already substantially developed (has thirty five percent (35%) or more of existing hard surface coverage), the creation or addition of impervious surfaces; the expansion of a building footprint or addition or replacement of a structure; structural development including construction, installation or expansion of a building or other structure; replacement of hard surface that is not part of a routine maintenance activity; and land disturbing activities.
SERVICE CHARGE: The monthly fee levied by the utility upon all developed and undeveloped real property within the boundaries of the utility as authorized by section 9-5C-6 of this chapter.
SITE: The portion of a piece of a single parcel, or two (2) or more contiguous parcels that are under common ownership or documented legal control, which parcel(s) is directly subject to development, including those areas in which stormwater facilities will be constructed. For projects located primarily within dedicated rights-of-way, "site" includes the entire width and length of that portion of the right-of-way subject to development.
SLOPE: The degree of deviation of a surface from the horizontal; measured as a numerical ratio, percent, or in degrees. Expressed as a ratio, the first number is the horizontal distance (run) and the second is the vertical distance (rise), as two to one (2:1). A two to one (2:1) slope is a fifty percent (50%) slope. Expressed in degrees, the slope is the angle from the horizontal plane, with a ninety degree (90º) slope being vertical (maximum) and forty five degree (45º) being a one to one (1:1) or one hundred percent (100%) slope.
SOIL: The unconsolidated mineral and organic material on the immediate surface of the earth that serves as a natural medium for the growth of land plants.
SOURCE CONTROL BMPS: A structure or operation intended to prevent pollutants from coming into contact with stormwater through physical separation of areas or careful management of activities that are sources of pollutants. Operational source control BMPs are non-structural practices that prevent or reduce pollutants from entering stormwater. Operational source control BMPs generally include activities such as inspection, cleaning, and maintenance. Structural source control BMPs are physical, structural, or mechanical devices or facilities that are intended to prevent pollutants from entering stormwater or provide treatment of stormwater. Source control BMPs generally include physical measures such as coverings and constructed BMPs. Source control BMPs do not exclusively manage or control stormwater.
STORMWATER: Runoff during and following precipitation and snowmelt events, including surface runoff and drainage.
STORMWATER DRAINAGE SYSTEM: Stormwater facilities and natural conveyance systems which function together as a system in or through which stormwater is collected, conveyed, channeled, held, inhibited, retained, detained, infiltrated, diverted, treated, filtered or is returned to the atmosphere through evapotranspiration.
STORMWATER FACILITY: A constructed component of a stormwater drainage system, designed or constructed to perform a particular function, or multiple functions. Stormwater facilities include, but are not limited to, pipes, swales, ditches, culverts, street gutters, detention basins, retention basins, constructed wetlands, infiltration devices, catch basins, oil/water separators, sediment basins, and modular pavement. Stormwater facilities also include low impact development practices which include, but are not limited to, pervious pavement, rain gardens, and bioretention cells.
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT MANUAL (MANUAL OR ECOLOGY MANUAL): The "Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington" prepared by the Department of Ecology and adopted by reference that contains BMPs to prevent or reduce pollution and/or provide flow control.
STORMWATER POLLUTION PREVENTION PLAN (SPPP): A document which describes the BMPs and activities to be implemented by a person to identify sources of pollution or contamination at a premises and the actions to eliminate or reduce pollutant discharges to stormwater, stormwater drainage systems, and/or receiving waters to the maximum extent practicable.
STORMWATER SITE PLAN: A document which includes a Permanent Stormwater Control Plan (PSCP) for permanent BMPs and a Construction Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) for temporary BMPs and meets the minimum requirements set forth in this article. Guidance on preparing a stormwater site plan is contained in the Stormwater Management Manual.
SUBJECT PROPERTY: The lot or lots upon which the site is located that is the subject of the permit and/or approval action, as defined by the full legal description of all lots involved in the proposed development. "Lot" shall have the meaning given in title 13 of this Code. This term shall also include the lot or lots upon which is located or takes place any structure, condition, act or omission which violates any provision of this article.
UNDERGROUND INJECTION CONTROL: The Groundwater Protection Program administered by the Department of Ecology under Washington Administrative Code 173-218, Underground Injection Control Program.
UNDEVELOPED: That condition of real property unaltered by the construction or addition to such property by man of impervious ground cover or physical manmade improvements of any kind which change the hydrology of the property from its natural state.
UTILITY: The City of Orting, Washington, stormwater management utility created pursuant to article C of this chapter.
VARIANCE: See definition of exception.
VEGETATION: All organic plant life growing on the surface of the earth.
WAC: Washington Administrative Code.
WATER BODY: Surface waters including rivers, streams, lakes, marine waters, estuaries, and wetlands.
WATERSHED: A geographic region within which water drains into a particular river, stream, or body of water as identified and numbered by the State of Washington water resource inventory areas (WRIAs) as defined in Washington Administrative Code 173-500.
WETLANDS: Those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or ground water at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. Wetlands generally include swamps, marshes, bogs, and similar areas. Wetlands do not include those artificial wetlands intentionally created from nonwetland sites, including, but not limited to, irrigation and drainage ditches, grass lined swales, canals, detention facilities, wastewater treatment facilities, farm ponds, and landscape amenities, or those wetlands created after July 1, 1990, that were unintentionally created as a result of the construction of a road, street, or highway. Wetlands may include those artificial wetlands intentionally created from nonwetland areas to mitigate the conversion of wetlands. (Waterbodies not included in the definition of wetlands as well as those mentioned in the definition are still waters of the State.)
(Ord. 911, 8-31-2011; amd. Ord. 2017-1014, 10-11-2017; Ord. 2019-1057, 1-8-2020; Ord. 2020-1063, 8-12-2020; Ord. 2022-1098, 7-27-2022)
9-5A-5: ABROGATION AND GREATER RESTRICTIONS:
It is not intended that this article repeal, abrogate, or impair any existing regulations, easements, covenants, or deed restrictions. However, where this article imposes requirements that provide more protection to human health or the environment, the provisions of this article shall prevail. (Ord. 911, 8-31-2011)
9-5A-6: INTERPRETATION:
The provisions of this article shall be held to be minimum requirements in their interpretation and application and shall be liberally construed to serve the purposes of this article. (Ord. 911, 8-31-2011)
9-5A-7: APPLICABILITY:
   A.   Conflicts: When any other provision of this Code conflicts with this article, that which provides more environmental or human health protection shall apply unless specifically provided otherwise in this article. If any provisions of the manual, the SPPP or the "LID Manual" as adopted conflict with any provisions of this article, those requirements that provide more protection to human health or the environment shall apply unless specifically provided otherwise in this article.
   B.   Procedures: The Director is authorized to adopt written procedures for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this article. Adopted administrative procedures will be made available to the public. Prior to the applicant fulfilling the requirements of this article, the City shall not grant any approval or permission to an applicant to conduct a regulated activity including, but not limited to, the grant or approval of one or more of the following:
      1.   Building permit, commercial or residential;
      2.   Binding site plan;
      3.   Conditional use permit;
      4.   Franchise;
      5.   Right-of-Way permit;
      6.   Right-of-way construction permit;
      7.   Clearing and grading permit;
      8.   Planned unit development; preliminary and final);
      9.   Preliminary plat;
      10.   Shoreline development permit;
      11.   Shoreline variance;
      12.   Shoreline conditional use permit;
      13.   Variance;
      14.   Subdivision vacations and alterations;
      15.   Special use permit;
      16.   Utility and other use permit;
      17.   Flood control development permit;
      18.   Cottage Development permit;
      19.   Short plat;
      20.   Master Plan;
      21.   Boundary Line Adjustment;
      22.   Final Plat;
      23.   Rezone;
      24.   Critical Area Exception;
      25.   Architectural Design Review;
      26.   Manufactured Home Park;
      27.   Site Plan; or,
      28.   Any subsequently adopted permit or required approval not expressly exempted by this article.
   C.   Regulated Activities: Regulated activities shall be conducted only after the Director approves a stormwater site plan which includes one or more of the following as required by this article:
      1.   Erosion and sediment control plan;
      2.   Permanent stormwater quality control (PSQC) plan;
      3.   Calculations; and
      4.   Other information as required by the Director or pursuant to the manual.
   D.   Municipal Corporations And Governmental Entities:
      1.   Site Plan: All Municipal corporations and governmental entities shall be required to submit a stormwater site plan for approval and comply with the terms of this article when development of a site is a regulated activity, including, but not limited to, road building and widening, within the areas of the City.
      2.   Outside Permit Conditions: It is recognized that many other City, County, State and Federal permit conditions may apply to the proposed action and that compliance with the provisions of this article does not constitute compliance with such other requirements.
   E.   Submission Or Resubmission Of Plan:
      1.   All persons, including, without limitation, Municipal corporations and governmental agencies, applying for any of the following permits and/or approvals shall submit for approval of a stormwater site plan with their application and/or request:
         a.   Grading permit;
         b.   Substantial development permit required under Revised Code of Washington 90.58 (Shoreline Management Act);
         c.   Subdivision approval;
         d.   Short subdivision approval;
         e.   Rezones;
         f.   Conditional use permits;
         g.   Building permits where the permit relates to five thousand (5,000) or more square feet of development coverage within the property, or where development is in a critical area;
         h.   Planned unit development;
         i.   Mobile home park;
         j.   Development permit pursuant to title 14, "Flood Control", of this Code; and
         k.   Approval pursuant to title 11, "Critical Areas And Shoreline Management", of this Code.
      2.   The same stormwater site plan submitted during one permit/approval process may be subsequently submitted with further required applications. The stormwater site plan shall be supplemented with such additional information that is requested by the Director or required by the provisions of the currently adopted City of Orting development standards and the Stormwater Management Manual.
   F.   Construction Prohibited: Commencement of construction work under any of the above permits, approvals or applications shall not begin until such time as final approval of the stormwater site plan is obtained in accordance with section 9-5A-15 of this article.
   G.   Exemptions: The stormwater site plan requirement established in this section shall apply except when the applicant demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Director that the scope and nature of the proposed land disturbing activity or development:
      1.   Will neither seriously nor adversely impact the water quality conditions of any affected receiving bodies of water; and
      2.   Will not alter the surface discharge location, alter the drainage pattern on adjoining properties, alter drainage patterns, increase the discharge, nor cause any other adverse effects in the drainage area; and
      3.   Will not alter the subsurface drainage patterns, flow rates and discharge points, nor result in any significant adverse effects to property or residents; and
      4.   Is such that review and approval of a stormwater site plan is not necessary to obtain compliance with this article.
   H.   Stormwater Facilities: Stormwater facilities constructed as required by this article shall be maintained in accordance with article B of this chapter.
   I.   Illicit Discharge Detection And Elimination Program: The City's Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination Program will be implemented in accordance with this article and article B of this chapter.
   J.   Penalties; Charges And Fees: Except as may be otherwise provided herein, monetary penalties, charges and fees to administer these regulations shall be in accordance with article C of this chapter.
(Ord. 911, 8-31-2011; amd. Ord. 2019-1057, 1-8-2020)
9-5A-8: REGULATED ACTIVITIES; EXEMPTIONS:
   A.   Regulated Activities: Land disturbing activities that meet the thresholds under the manual for application of the minimum requirements, new development and redevelopment are regulated activities and shall provide for stormwater management consistent with the minimum requirements unless exempted in subsection B of this section. The Director has the authority to approve or disapprove stormwater facilities required based on the minimum requirements; provided that, compliance with the minimum requirements and related regulations, standards and manuals adopted by the City does not necessarily mitigate all impacts to human health and the environment. In such cases, the applicant must implement additional mitigation to protect human health and the environment.
      1.   Roadway Redevelopment: The following roadway maintenance practices are considered redevelopment and are subject to the requirements of this article:
         a.   Removing and replacing a paved surface to base course or lower, or repairing the roadway base.
         b.   Extending the pavement edge without increasing the size of the road prism, or paving graveled shoulders. These are considered new impervious surfaces.
         c.   Resurfacing by upgrading from dirt to gravel, asphalt, or concrete; upgrading from gravel to asphalt, or concrete; or upgrading from a bituminous surface treatment ("chip seal") to asphalt or concrete. These are considered new impervious surfaces.
   B.   Exemptions: The following activities are exempt from the requirements of this article:
      1.   Commercial Agriculture Practices: Commercial agriculture practices involving working the land for production are generally exempt. However, the conversion from timberland to agriculture, and the construction of impervious surfaces are not exempt.
      2.   Forest Practices: Forest practices regulated under Washington Administrative Code title 222, except for Class IV general forest practices that are conversions from timberland to other uses, are exempt from the provisions of this article.
      3.   Regulations: Development undertaken by the Washington State Department of Transportation in State highway rights-of-way is regulated by Washington Administrative Code 173-270, the Puget Sound Highway Runoff Program.
      4.   Road Maintenance: The following road maintenance practices are exempt: pothole and square cut patching, overlaying existing asphalt or concrete pavement with asphalt or concrete without expanding the area of coverage, shoulder grading, reshaping/regrading stormwater drainage systems, crack sealing, resurfacing with in kind material without expanding the road prism, and vegetation maintenance.
      5.   Underground Projects: Underground utility projects that replace the ground surface with in kind material or materials with similar runoff characteristics. However, stormwater management in accordance with Minimum Requirement 2, construction stormwater pollution prevention, is still required.
      6.   Exemptions From Flow Control: New development or redevelopment projects may be exempt from flow control subject to subsection 9-5A-9E of this article.
      7.   New Development/Redevelopment: All other new development and redevelopment are subject to the general requirements, as a minimum, in section 9-5A-9 of this article.
   C.   Exempt Applicants: An applicant receiving an exemption or whose activities are exempt from the requirements of this article:
      1.   Is not authorized to cause illicit discharges, including spills, of oil or hazardous substances;
      2.   Is not relieved from responsibilities and liabilities under State and Federal laws and regulations pertaining to those illicit discharges; and
      3.   Is not authorized to allow discharges that would violate standards in the NPDES Phase II permit. (Ord. 911, 8-31-2011)
9-5A-9: GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:
   A.   Stormwater Management Manual Adopted: The Department of Ecology 2019 “Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington”, together with the 2019 City of Orting Stormwater Management Manual Amendment, are hereby adopted by reference, as though fully set forth herein, as the Stormwater Management Manual for the City of Orting and is hereinafter referred to as the “manual” or the “Stormwater Management Manual”.
   B.   Low Impact Development Manual Adopted: The Volume 5 of the Ecology 2019 (Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington” is hereby adopted by reference as though fully set forth herein as the Low Impact Development Manual for the City of Orting and is hereinafter referred to as the “LID Manual”.
   C.   Rain Garden Handbook: The June 2013 “Rain Garden Handbook for Western Washington” as published by the Washington State Department of Ecology is hereby adopted by reference as though fully set forth herein as the Rain Garden Handbook for the City of Orting and is hereinafter referred to as the “Rain Garden Handbook”.
   D.   The following hierarchy shall be used in the order listed to determine applicable requirements:
      1.   The 2019 City of Orting Stormwater Management Manual Amendment;
      2.   The 2019 “Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington”;
      3.   The currently adopted City of Orting Development Standards;
      4.   The 2012 “Low Impact Development Technical Guidance Manual for Puget Sound”;
      5.   The 2013 “Rain Garden Handbook for Western Washington”.
   E.   Low Impact Development (LID) Practices:
      1.   Projects shall implement LID BMPs and on-site stormwater management
BMPs where such projects exceed the thresholds identified in the Stormwater Management Manual and Minimum Requirement 5 must be addressed. Constraints that make LID BMPs or on-site stormwater management BMPs infeasible must be documented in the project’s Permanent Stormwater Site Plan. The Permanent Stormwater Site Plan, including constraints to the implementation of LID BMPs or on-site stormwater management BMPs, are required to be submitted for review for approval by the City in accordance with applicable submittals required under OMC Titles 10, 12, 13 and 15.
      2.   Constructed LID BMPs: Constructed LID BMPs for stormwater management shall be considered based on the order of preference identified in the Stomwater Management Manual.
      3.   Stormwater BMPs: If LID BMPs are infeasible as documented in the Permanent Stormwater Site Plan approved by the City, BMPs in subsection D of this section shall be used.
      4.   Underground Injection Control (UIC): Projects that implement LID BMPs or permanent Stormwater BMPs that result in a facility considered an underground injection control well based on 173-218 WAC shall be registered by the project applicant with the Washington State Department of Ecology. The Permanent Stormwater Site Plan shall document, based on the requirements of the Stormwater Management Manual, whether or not LID BMPs or permanent Stormwater BMPs are UIC wells and documentation that UIC wells have been registered.
   F.   Stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs):
      1.   General: Where LID practices are not feasible or approved, BMPs shall be used to control stormwater pollution and/or flow rates and volumes. BMPs shall be used to comply with the standards in this article. BMPs are in the manual.
      2.   Experimental BMPs: In those instances where appropriate BMPs are not in the manual, experimental BMPs should be considered. Experimental BMPs are encouraged as a means of solving problems in a manner not addressed by the manual in an effort to improve stormwater quality technology. Experimental BMPs must be approved in accordance with the approval process outlined in the manual.
   G.   Flow Control: Flow control, where required, shall provide the following control:
      1.   Flow rates and durations for fifty percent (50%) of the 2-year through the 50-year flow frequency event for the following conditions:
         a.   Direct connection or connection through a series of stormwater facilities or natural conveyance systems that discharge to the City stormwater drainage system that has existing capacity limitations; and
         b.   There are no existing flooding problems between the project site and the discharge point of the existing City stormwater drainage system.
      2.   Flow rates and durations for fifty percent (50%) of the 2-year through the 50-year frequency event, flow rates for the 100-year frequency event, and provide a twenty percent (20%) safety factor for the following conditions:
         a.   Direct connection or connection through a series of natural conveyance systems or stormwater facilities that discharge to the City stormwater drainage system that has existing capacity limitations; and
         b.   There are existing flooding problems between the project site and the discharge point of the existing City stormwater drainage system that may be aggravated by the proposed project.
      3.   Complete on site stormwater management must be provided for the following:
         a.   Infiltration of all stormwater if there is no existing City stormwater drainage system to connect to and if the site does not currently drain to the existing City stormwater drainage system.
         b.   An outfall into a flow control exempt waterbody may be constructed by the project proponent subject to the following requirements:
            (1)   A hydraulic project approval (HPA), if required, is applied for by the project proponent and is issued by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife;
            (2)   The outfall does not violate any stormwater diversions as documented in appendix 1E of volume I of the manual;
            (3)   The project proponent obtains all other permits required by Federal, State and local laws and regulations; and
            (4)   The project proponent enters into an operations and maintenance agreement with the City. The operations and maintenance agreement will be waived provided that the outfall is permitted under the Department of Ecology’s industrial stormwater general permit or other individual permit that requires the ongoing maintenance and monitoring of the outfall.
      4.   Projects are exempt from flow control, if the flow control thresholds for new or redevelopment projects are exceeded; provided that:
         a.   The project has a direct connection or connection through a series of manmade conveyance systems or stormwater facilities that discharge to the City stormwater drainage system that has adequate capacity, i.e., does not exceed the then existing limitations upon capacity as determined by the City; and
         b.   There are no existing flooding problems between the project site and the discharge point of the existing City stormwater drainage system.
      5.   Project sites that are located in areas regulated under the flood control ordinance (codified at title 14 of this Code) and for which flow control is provided shall set the regulated structure elevations based on the higher of:
         a.   The elevation required by title 14 of this code, or
         b.   The backwater elevation at the flow control facility caused by the receiving water. The backwater elevation in the flow control facility shall be based on:
            (1)   The tailwater elevation based on the 100-year floodplain elevation in the receiving water floodway published by the federal emergency management agency for an unbreached levee;
            (2)   Flow rate for the 100-year frequency event through the stormwater drainage system from the site point of connection to the discharge location. The flow rate shall include the site and any other contributing areas; and
            (3)   Flow rate for the 100-year frequency event from the site point of connection back through the flow control riser.
   H.   Illicit Discharges: Illicit discharges to stormwater drainage systems, surface water or groundwater are prohibited. “Permitted discharges” are defined in section 9-5A-4 of this article. Sites are subject to inspection for illicit discharges in accordance with section 9-5B-10 of this chapter. The following are prohibited discharges to any public or private stormwater drainage system or natural conveyance system that discharge to surface or ground waters of the state:
      1.   Discharges from potable water sources, including water line flushing, hyperchlorinated water line flushing, fire hydrant system flushing, and pipeline hydrostatic test water that are not dechlorinated to the limits identified herein. Planned discharges shall be dechlorinated to a concentration of 0.1 ppm or less, pH adjusted, if necessary, and volumetrically and velocity controlled to prevent resuspension of sediments in the stormwater drainage system.
      2.   Discharges from lawn watering and other irrigation runoff that are not minimized.
      3.   Swimming pool discharges that are not dechlorinated to the limits identified herein. The discharges shall be dechlorinated to a concentration of 0.1 ppm or less, pH adjusted and reoxygenized if necessary, volumetrically and velocity controlled to prevent resuspension of sediments in the stormwater drainage system. Swimming pool cleaning wastewater and filter backwash shall discharge to sanitary sewer system.
      4.   Street and sidewalk wash water, water used to control dust, and routine external building wash down that does not use detergents that are not minimized. At active construction sites, street sweeping must be performed prior to washing the street.
      5.   Nonstormwater discharges covered by another NPDES permit unless the permittee is in full compliance with all permit requirements, waiver or order and other applicable laws and regulations, and that written approval by the director has been granted for the discharge into the city’s stormwater drainage system.
      6.   Other nonstormwater discharges. The discharges shall be in compliance with the requirements of the stormwater pollution prevention plan approved by the director, which addresses control of construction site dewatering discharges by applying AKART to prevent contaminants from entering surface water or groundwaters.
   I.   Prohibition Of Illicit Connections:
      1.   The construction, use, maintenance, or continued existence of illicit connections to a stormwater drainage system is prohibited.
      2.   This prohibition expressly includes, without limitation, illicit connections made in the past, regardless of whether the connection was permissible under law or practices applicable or prevailing at the time of connection.
      3.   In addition to violations resulting from other illicit connections, a person is considered to be in violation of this article if the person connects a line conveying sewage to a stormwater drainage system, or allows such a connection to continue.
   J.   Stormwater Source Control:
      1.   The businesses or activities Listed in Table 1, when permitted by the City, shall implement stormwater source control Best Management Practices (BMPs) when such business or activities are performed outdoors subject to rainfall and runoff of pollutants.
   Table 1. Businesses or Activities Subject to Stormwater Source Control:
Business or Activity
Standard Industrial Code (SIC) Major Group
SIC Industry Group No.
North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Major Group
Business or Activity
Standard Industrial Code (SIC) Major Group
SIC Industry Group No.
North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Major Group
Support Activities for Animal Production
074, 075
1152xx,
Construction of Buildings
15
236
Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction
16
237
Specialty Trade Contractors
17
238
Beverage, Food, and Tobacco Manufacturing
20
311, 312
Wood Product Manufacturing
24
321
Paper Manufacturing
26
3221xx, 3222xx
Printing and Related Support Activities
27
323
Chemical Manufacturing
28
325
Petroleum and Coal Products Manufacturing
29
3241xx
Plastics and Rubber Product Manufacturing
30
326
Leather and Allied Product Manufacturing
31
316
Nonmetallic Mineral Product Manufacturing
32
327
Primary Metal Manufacturing
33
331
Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing
34
332
Machinery, Computer, and Electronic Product manufacturing
35
333, 334
Electrical Equipment, Appliance, and Component Manufacturing
36
335
Transportation Equipment Manufacturing
37
336
Rail Transportation
40
482
Transit and Ground Passenger Transportation
41
485
Truck Transportation and Warehousing
42
484, 493
Support Activities for Transportation
473, 474, 478
4881xx, 4882xx, 4884xx, 4889xx,
Utilities
49
2211xx
Wholesale Trade - Durable Goods
501, 503, 505,506, 507, 509
423140, 423930, 423110, 4233xx, 4237xx, 4238xx,
Wholesale Trade - Nondurable Goods
514, 515, 516,517, 518, 519
424930, 4244xx, 4246xx, 4247xx, 4248xx,
Building Materials, Hardware, Garden Supplies Dealers
521, 523, 526
444
Food and Beverage Stores
54
445
Automotive Dealers and Gasoline Service Stations
55
441, 447
Food Services and Drinking Places
58
722
Rental and Leasing Services
735
5321xx, 5324xx
Repair and Maintenance
75
811192, 8111xx, 8112xx, 8113xx, 8114xx,
Ambulatory Health Care Services and Hospitals
806, 807
621910,
Educational Services
82
6111xx, 6112xx, 6113xx, 6115xx
Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions
842
712
 
   Notes:
   Listing is from Washington State Department of Ecology Western Washington Phase II Municipal Stormwater Permit, Appendix 8 - Urban Land Uses and Pollutant Generating Sources, August 2019. Listing is for consistency with NPDES Permit and does not imply the business or activity will be permitted by the City.
   2.   Source control BMPs for new businesses or activities Listed in Table 1 shall be identified in permit application packages. Source control BMPs shall be identified in the Stormwater Site Plan (SSP) for projects triggering a SSP.
   3.   No later than August 1, 2022, existing businesses or activities listed in Table 1 shall begin implementing operational source control BMPs where operational BMPs are not currently provided. The basis of operational source control BMPs shall be provided to the City if the City finds that the selected source control BMPs or their implementation are not effective in preventing or reducing pollutant runoff. Selection and implementation of structural source control BMPs may be required by the City subject to the enforcement provisions of Chapters 9-5B-11 and 9-5B-12 OMC. Source control BMPs for existing businesses or activities listed in Table 1 shall be fully compliant as required by Chapter 9-5B-11 OMC.
   4.   Source control BMPs shall be selected, implemented and maintained in accordance with the adopted stormwater manual identified in Chapter 9-5A-9.A OMC.
   5.   Source control BMPs not identified in the adopted stormwater manual but which may still be appropriate may be submitted for an adjustment or variance in accordance with Chapter 9-5A.16 OMC provided that such source control BMPs provide equivalent protection to the BMPs identified in the adopted stormwater manual. Permit applications shall document proposed source control BMPs, identify why BMPs in the adopted stormwater manual are not applicable or suitable, and state that the proposed BMPs will provide equivalent or better protection.
   6.   Structural source control BMPs, or treatment BMPs/facilities, or both, shall be required for pollutant generating sources if operational source control BMPs do not prevent illicit discharges or violations of surface water, groundwater, or sediment management standards because of inadequate stormwater controls. (Ord. 911, 8-31-2011; amd. Ord. 2017-1014, 10-11-2017; Ord. 2019-1057, 1-8-2020; Ord. 2022-1096, 6-29-2022; Ord. 2022-1098, 7-27-2022)
9-5A-10: APPROVAL STANDARDS:
   A.   The development standards set forth the minimum standards for approval of the submitted stormwater site plan.
   B.   The stormwater site plan shall provide additional stormwater control measures where the need has been identified through a basin plan, the watershed ranking process through the Puget Sound partnership under Revised Code Of Washington 90.71, a total maximum daily load (TMDL) allocation has been determined for waters listed under section 303(d) of the clean water act, or through growth management act planning.
   C.   The stormwater site plan shall be prepared by the applicant in accordance with volume I chapter 3 of the manual and shall include the following:
      1.   Collect and analyze information on existing conditions.
      2.   Prepare preliminary development layout.
      3.   Perform off site analysis.
      4.   Determine applicable minimum requirements.
      5.   Prepare a permanent stormwater control plan.
      6.   Prepare a construction stormwater pollution prevention plan.
      7.   Complete the stormwater site plan.
      8.   Check compliance with all applicable minimum requirements. (Ord. 911, 8-31-2011)
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