(A) The purpose of this chapter is to diminish threats to public health, safety and welfare caused by runoff of excessive stormwater from new development and redevelopment. This excessive stormwater could result in the inundation of damageable properties, the erosion and destabilization of downstream channels, and the pollution of valuable stream and lake resources.
(B) The cause of increases in stormwater runoff quantity and rate and impairment of quality is the development and improvement of land and as such this chapter regulates these activities to prevent adverse impacts.
(C) This chapter is adopted to accomplish the following objectives:
(1) To assure that new development does not increase the drainage or flood hazards to others, or create unstable conditions susceptible to erosion;
(2) To protect new buildings and major improvements to buildings from flood damage due to increased stormwater runoff;
(3) To protect human life and health from the hazards of increased flooding on a watershed basis;
(4) To lessen the burden on the taxpayer for flood control projects, repairs to flood-damaged public facilities and utilities, correction of channel erosion problems, and flood rescue and relief operations caused by increased stormwater runoff quantities from new development;
(5) To protect, conserve, and promote the orderly development of land and water resources;
(6) To preserve the natural hydrologic and hydraulic functions of watercourses and floodplains and to protect water quality and aquatic habitats;
(7) To preserve the natural characteristics of stream corridors in order to moderate flood and stormwater impacts, improve water quality, reduce soil erosion, protect aquatic and riparian habitat, provide recreational opportunities, provide aesthetic benefits and enhance community and economic development.
(Ord. 04-02, § 158.010, passed 4-5-04)