A. The purpose of this local regulation is to safeguard persons, protect property, and prevent damage to the environment from the polluted stormwater runoff from construction sites that disturb one acre or more of land in the City of Somerton. This article will also promote the public welfare by guiding, regulating and controlling the design, construction, and use of any development or other activity that disturbs one acre or more within the city's jurisdiction.
B. During construction activities, soil is highly vulnerable to erosion by wind and water. This soil poses a serious threat to endangered species and limited water resources, by reducing water quality and causing the siltation of aquatic habitat for fish, aquatic life, and native riparian vegetation. Eroded soil also results in the accelerated need to clean storm drains, clear and clean ditches, and dredge lakes and river backwaters. In addition, clearing and grading during construction cause the loss of native vegetation necessary for terrestrial and aquatic habitat for retarding and reducing stormwater runoff.
(Res. 926, passed 10-4-2005; Ord. 300, passed 10-18-2005)