§ 22.52.120. Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan Required.

A.

Requirements. An erosion and sedimentation control plan shall be required year-round for the following types of projects:

1.

Construction and grading. All construction and grading permit projects.

2.

Site disturbance activities. Any site disturbance activities involving removal of one-half acre or more of native vegetation in any of the following areas:

a.

Geologically unstable areas.

b.

On slopes in excess of 30 percent.

c.

On soils rated by the National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) as being highly erodible.

d.

Within 100 feet of any watercourse shown on the most current 7-1/2 minute USGS quadrangle map.

B.

Exceptions. Projects exempt from grading permit submittal as set forth in Section 22.52.070 and projects proceeding under alternative review as set forth in Section 22.52.080 are not required to prepare an erosion and sedimentation control plan. For other projects, an exception to the requirement for an erosion and sedimentation control plan may be authorized by the Building Official or Public Works Director only when all the following site characteristics exist in the area to be disturbed; and all work will be completed, and no portion of the site will remain disturbed between October 15 and April 15:

1.

Site disturbance is located in an area that has a maximum slope of less than 10 percent.

2.

Site disturbance is not located within geologically unstable areas.

3.

Site disturbance is located on soils rated as being not highly erodible by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (unless the building inspector or Public Works Director is aware of the potential for erosion problems in the area).

4.

Site disturbance is located more than 300 feet from the top bank of any blue line watercourse or water feature shown on the most current 7 ½ minute USGS quadrangle map.

5.

The grading will not cause organic or earthen materials from logging, construction or other land disturbance activities to be carried into a swale, drainage way, watercourse, or onto adjacent properties by rainfall or runoff.

6.

The project will create minimal site disturbance from combined activities.

C.

Stormwater Control Plan (SWCP). All erosion and sedimentation control plans shall be accompanied with a complete SWCP application, if required by Section 22.10.155.

D.

Erosion and sedimentation control plan content. An erosion and sedimentation control plan shall address pre-construction, during construction, and post-construction measures. Measures shall be in place to control erosion and sedimentation prior to the commencement of grading and site disturbance activities unless the Director of Planning and Building or the Public Works Director determines temporary measures to be unnecessary based upon location, site characteristics or time of year.

Plans may be incorporated into and approved as part of a grading or drainage plan, but must be clearly identified as an erosion and sedimentation control plan. Erosion and sedimentation control plans are reviewed and approved by the Director of Planning and Building or the Public Works Director. The plan shall be prepared by a certified sediment and erosion control specialist, a registered civil engineer, registered architect or landscape architect, certified California nurseryman, licensed landscape contractor, Resource Conservation District or USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Specialist, or other qualified persons acceptable to the Department of Planning and Building with competence and experience in erosion control plan preparation and implementation.

The plan shall consist of graphic and narrative information of sufficient clarity to indicate the nature, extent, location and placement recommendations (including installation procedures and requirements) of the erosion and sedimentation control measures proposed and show in detail that they will conform to the provisions of this Chapter. The location of all practices, methods and devices shall be shown on the grading plan, or on a separate plan at the discretion of the Director. If separate, it shall be attached to the grading plan used in the field. The plan shall contain, but need not be limited to, all the following information unless some of the information is waived by the Director of Planning and Building or the Public Works Director as not needed for the review of a particular site and its characteristics:

1.

Grading limits shall be graphically defined on the plan and staked out before site disturbance begins.

2.

An outline of the areas of soil disturbance, cut, or fill which will be left exposed during any part of the rainy season, representing areas of potential soil erosion where erosion and sedimentation control BMPs are required to be used during construction.

3.

Estimates of sediment yields before, during, and after construction of the project for a three year period or until revegetation is established. (One acceptable method is the "Universal Soil Loss Equation" developed by the USDA Agricultural Research Service.)

4.

Proposed methods and a description of the BMPs to be used to protect exposed erodible areas during construction, including temporary mulching, seeding, or other recognized surface stabilization measures.

5.

Proposed pre-construction, during construction, and post-construction methods and a description of the practices to be used for cut or fill slopes to prevent erosive surface runoff, including earth or paved interceptors and diversions, energy absorbing structures, or devices and techniques to reduce the velocity of runoff water.

6.

When revegetation is required for smaller disturbed areas near habitats identified at the state and/or federal levels as sensitive (e.g. near creeks or wetlands, coastal scrub), propose an alternative "native-friendly" mix of seeds and/or cuttings that are compatible with the sensitive habitat. The alternative mix to be used shall: a) grow reasonably quickly; b) be from locally- or commercially-available native seed or plant stock; c) be compatible with the surrounding native habitat and climate; and d) be free from noxious weed seed of local and statewide importance (as identified by the Agricultural Commissioner's Office). Where larger areas are to be reseeded, the applicant should consult with a qualified botanist or other qualified expert of native plants to survey the site and determine the best mix of native species.

7.

Proposed methods and description of the temporary and final practices to retain sediment on the site, including sediment basins and traps, vegetative filter strips, or other recognized BMPs, a schedule for their maintenance and upkeep, and provisions for responsibility of maintenance. Include design criteria for the trapping efficiency and storage capacities of sediment basins for flows from a 10-year storm.

8.

Proposed methods, application technique, seed and fertilizer rate, sequence, and description of final erosion control practices for revegetation of all surfaces disturbed by vegetation removal, grading, haul roads, or other construction activity, unless covered with impervious or other improved surfaces authorized by the approved plans. A schedule for maintenance and upkeep of revegetated areas shall be included. Erosion control methods may include a combination of approved mechanical or vegetative measures.

9.

The type, location, and extent of pre-existing and undisturbed vegetation on the site, including an outline of the areas of vegetative soil cover or native vegetation onsite which will remain undisturbed during the construction project.

10.

A description of the BMPs and control practices to be used for both temporary and permanent erosion control measures.

11.

A description of the BMPs to reduce wind erosion at all times, with particular attention paid to stock-piled materials.

12.

A proposed schedule for the implementation of erosion control measures.

13.

An estimate of the cost of implementing and maintaining all erosion and sedimentation control practices where bonds or other financial assurances are proposed or required.

14.

A statement signed by the individual preparing the plan certifying that the amount of site disturbance proposed has been reduced to the maximum extent practicable.

15.

Descriptions and graphic representation of proposed methods to limit access routes and stabilize all access points, and to delineate clearing limits, easements, setbacks, sensitive areas, buffer areas, and drainage courses.

16.

Other additional plans, drawings, calculations, photographs, or other information which are necessary to adequately review, assess, and evaluate proposals and to show that they comply with the requirements of this Chapter.

17.

A statement signed by the preparer of the plan certifying that the plan complies with all applicable standards in this Chapter, including those standards in Section 22.52.150C (Erosion and Sedimentation Control standards).

E.

Field and weather conditions. If field or weather conditions warrant, the Director may require erosion and sedimentation control devices be installed in addition to what is required by the approved plans.

[Amended 1999, Ord. 2863; 2010, Ord. 3188; 2013, 3253] [22.05.038]