HomeMy WebLinkAboutORD 2820Amended' by Ordinance No.
ORDINANCE NO. 2820 hlQ1f ^"ol )-4 *,(0€~jL{<JoJ)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF RENTON, WASHINGTON,
ESTABLISHING AND CREATING A "MINING, EXCAVATION
AND GRADING ORDINANCE" TO BE HEREINAFTER KNOWN
AND DESIGNATED AS THE "RENTON MINING, EXCAVATION
AND GRADING ORDINANCE" AS CHAPTER 23, TITLE IV
(BUILDING REGULATIONS) OF ORDINANCE NO. 1628 KNOWN
AS THE "CODE OF GENERAL ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF
RENTON" REGULATING MINING, EXCAVATION, GRADING,
SITE REHABILITATION AND REUSE, STANDARDS, ESTAB-
LISHING PROCEDURES, PRESCRIBING PENALTIES FOR
VIOLATION THEREOF AND REPEALING ANY AND ALL
ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT
THEREWITH.
SECTION
4-2301: Title, Purpose and Scope
4-2302: Definitions
4-2303: 'Procedures, Administering Authority, Appeal
4-2304: Existing Site
4-2305: Permits Required
4-2306: Rehabilitation
4-2307: Applications
.4.-2308: License Fees
4-2309: Bonds
4-2310: Inspection
4-2311: Fencing, Setbacks, Landscaping and Screening
4-2312: Work in Progress
4-2313; Surface Water
4-2314: Top and Toe Setbacks
4-2315: Cuts
4-2316: Fills
4-2317: Solid Waste Fills
4-2318: Drainage
4-2319: Slopes
4-2320: Final Reports
4-2321: Administrative Liability
4-2322: Violations and Penalties
4-2323: Severability
4>»2324: Repealing Conflicting Ordinances
4-2325: Effective Date
4-2301: TITLE, PURPOSE AND SCOPE
Title. This Ordinance shall be hereinafter known as the "Renton
Mining, Excavation and Grading Ordinance," may be cited as such,
will be hereinafter referred to as "this Ordinance," and same
shall be and constitute Chapter 23, Title IV (Building Regula-
tions) of Ordinance No. 1628 known as "Code of General Ordi-
nances of the City of Renton."
2. Purpose. It is the purpose of this Ordinance to:
A. Provide a means of regulating mining, excavation and grad-
ing to promote the health, safety, morals, general welfare
and esthetics in the City of Renton.
B. Promote the progressive rehabilitation of mining, excava-
tion and grading sites to a. suitable new use.
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C. Protect those areas and uses in the vicinity of mining,
excavation and grading activities against detrimental
effects.
D. Promote safe, economic, systematic and uninterrupted mining,
excavation and grading activities within the City of Renton.
3. Scope
A. All mining, excavation and grading activities within the
City of Renton shall be subject to the terms and conditions
of this Ordinance. All such activities shall be further in
compliance with Chapter 78.44 of the Revised Code of Wash-
.ington and subject to the terms of this Ordinance. The owner
or operator of such activities in the City at the time of the
adoption of this Ordinance shall make the initial applica-
tion within thirty (30) days and the entire application with-
in ninety (90) days of the effective date of this Ordinance.
The owner or operator of such activities annexed subsequent
to the adoption of this Ordinance shall make the initial
application within thirty (30) days and the entire applica-
3id^: within; ninety. (90) days from the date of annexation.
All such existing activities shall comply fully with all
provisions of this Ordinance within the period of time
established by this Ordinance except such activities which
are hot existing at. the "date of the addp/fcion of this Ordi-
nance, shall conform to all provisions of this Ordinance prior
to the beginning of their operation.
B. This Ordinance conforms to the requirements of Chapter
78.44 of the Revised Code of Washington which regulates
surface mining in the State of Washington.
4-2302: DEFINITIONS
For the purpose of this Ordinance certain terms, phrases, words and
their derivatives shall be construed as specified in this Section.
Words used in the singular include the plural, and the plural the
singular. The word "shall" is mandatory; the word "may" is
permissive.
1. American Public Works Association. The adopted edition of the
Washington State Chapter of the American Public Works Associa-
tion.
2. As-Graded. The surface conditions existent on completion of
grading.
3. Bedrock. The in-place solid rock.
4. Bench. A relatively level step excavated into earth material
on which fill is to be placed.
5. Borrow. Earth material acquired from an off-site location for
use in grading on a site.
6. Certification. A written engineering or geological opinion
concerning the progress and completion of the work.
7. civil Engineer. A professional engineer registered in the
State to practice in the field of civil works.
8. Civil Engineering. The application of the knowledge of the
forces of nature, principles of mechanics and the properties
of materials to the evaluation, design and construction of
civil works for the beneficial uses of mankind.
9. Compaction. The densification of a fill by mechanical means.
10. Earth Material. Any rock, natural soil or fill and/or any
combination thereof.
11. Engineering Geologist. A geologist experienced and knowledge-
able in engineering geology.
12. Engineering Geology. The application of geologic knowledge
and principles in the investigation and evaluation of naturally
occurring rock and soil for use in the design of civil works.
13. Erosion. The wearing away of the ground surface as a result
of the movement of wind, water and/dr ice.
14. Excavation. The mechanical removal of earth material.
15. Fill. A deposit of earth material placed by artificial means.
16. Grade. The vertical location of the ground surface.
A. Existing Grade. The grade prior to grading.
B. Finish Grade. The final grade of the site which conforms
to the approved plan.
C. Rough .Grade. The stage at which the grade approximately
conforms to the approved plan.
17. Grading. An excavating or filling or combination thereof.
A. Regular Grading. Any grading that involves five thousand
(5,000) cubic yards or less of material.
B. Engineered Grading. Any grading that involves more than
five thousand (5,000) cubic yards of material.
18. Key. A designed compacted.fill placed in a trench excavated
in earth material beneath the toe of a proposed fill slope.
19. site. Any lot or parcel of land or contiguous combination
thereof, under the same ownership, where grading is performed
or permitted.
20. Slope. An inclined ground surface the inclination of which is
expressed as a ratio of horizontal distance to vertical distance.
21. Soil. A naturally occurring surface deposit overlying bed rock.
22. Soil Engineer. A licensed civil engineer experienced and
knowledgeable in the practice of soil engineering.
23. Soil Engineering. The application of the principles of soil
mechanics in the investigation, evaluation and design of civil
works involving the use of earth or other materials and the
inspection and testing of the construction thereof.
24. Terrace. A relatively level step constructed in the face of a
graded slope surface for drainage and maintenance purposes.
25. Toe of Slope. A point or line of a slope in an excavation or
cut where the lower surface changes to horizontal or meets the
existing ground slope.
26. Top of Slope. A point or line on the upper surface of a slope
where it changes to horizontal or meets the original surface.
A. Top of Excavation or Cut. The upper surface point where
the excavation meets the original ground surface.
B. Top of Enbankment. The upper surface point or line to
which side slope changes to horizontal or meets original
ground surface.
4-2303: PROCEDURES, ADMINISTERING AUTHORITY, APPEAL
1. Procedures and Responsibility.
A. Preliminary Procedures. For advice and assistance before
the application for a special permit from the Planning Com-
mission and an annual license to operate under this Ordinance
from the Planning and Public Works Departments, the appli-
cant, should consult early and informally with the Planning
and Public Works Departments.
B. Responsibility.
(1) Minor Activity. In order to expedite small projects,
any mining, excavation or grading of five hundred (500)
cubic yards or less shall be reviewed jointly by the
Public Works Department and the Planning Department.
These departments may accept, reject, modify or impose
reasonable conditions which shall include but are not
limited to posting of bonds; installation of landscaping
limitation of work hours; control of dust and mud; re-
habilitation; and reuse of the site. Proper application
shall be made to the Public Works Department.
These departments may issue a license for the work. All
work is to be completed within ninety (90) days from the
date of issuance or the license shall be null and void.
If the applicant does not concur with the requirements
of the Public Works and Planning Departments, he has
the prerogative of appealing to the Planning Commission
and abiding by Section 4-2303.(2) below.
(2) Major Activity. For any mining, excavation or grading
in excess of five hundred (500) cubic yards, the Plan-
ning Commission shall review, approve, disapprove, or
approve with conditions the location of the site and
its effect on the surrounding area. The Planning and
Public Works Departments, which are the administering
authorities, shall enforce the requirements of the Com-
mission and the standards established by this Ordinance.
Planning Commission.
A. Special Permit Required. As provided in the Zoning Ordinance,
the Planning Commission may grant a special permit to allow
the drilling, quarrying, mining or depositing of minerals or
materials, including but not limited to petroleum, coal,
sand, gravel, rock, clay, peat and topsoil. A special permit
shall be granted prior to the Public Works Department issuing
any annual license as concurred with by the Planning Depart-
ment and authorized by this Ordinance.
B. Compatibility of Proposed Use. To grant a special permit,
the Planning Commission shall make a determination that the
activity would not be unreasonably detrimental to the sur-
rounding area. The Commission shall consider, but is not
limited to, the following:
(1) Size and location of the activity.
(2) Traffic Volume and patterns.
(3) Screening, landscaping, fencing and setbacks.
(4) Unsightliness, noise and dust.
(5) Surface drainage.
(6) The length of time the application of an existing opera-
tion has to comply with non-safety provisions of this
Ordinance.
C. Reuse of Site. In addition to the above, Planning Commission
approval shall be required of the applicant's proposed use of
the site after termination of the activity and the phasing of
the progressive rehabilitation of the site to the proposed
use of the site. The new use shall be consistent with the
Comprehensive Plan and compatible with the surrounding area.
p.. Change of Site Reuse. If the applicant wishes to change the
proposed reuse of the site, the Commission may approve the
new use provided it conforms to Section 4-2303, 2, C and is
feasible with the physical characteristics of the site.
E. Transferability of Special Permit. The special permit is
transferable to other persons, firms and corporations, and
the special permit shall continue with the activity on the
site unless a new special permit is granted.
F. Permit Expiration. The special permit shall be null and
void if the applicant has not begun activity within six
(6) months after the granting of the permit, unless the
Planning Commission grants an.extension of time.
F. Revocation of Permit. If the annual license has been
revoked; if the annual license has not been issued for a
three (3) year period; or if the applicant has not complied
with the conditions of the special permit, the Planning
Commission may revoke the special permit.
Planning and Engineering Departments.
A. Authority. The Planning and Public Works Departments shall
have jurisdiction of the activities regulated in this Ordi-
nance after a special permit has been granted by the Planning
Commission. For inspection purposes, any duly authorized
member of these departments shall have the right and is
empowered to enter upon any premises at reasonable hours
where activities regulated by this Ordinance are occurring.
These departments are empowered to issue orders, grant,
renew and revoke such licenses as are provided for in
accordance with this Ordinance. Application for the annual
license shall be made to the Public Works Department.
B. Hevocation of Permit. The Planning and Public Works Depart-
ments are authorized to revoke any annual license issued
pursuant to the terms of this Ordinance if after due investi-
gation they determine that the permittee has violated any
of the provisions of this Ordinance. Notice of revocation
shall be in writing and shall advise the licensee of the
violations found. The permittee shall have a reasonable
period of time not to exceed forty-five (45) days in which
to remedy the defects or omissions specified. In the event
the licensee fails or neglects to do so within the time period,
the order of revocation shall be final. A total or partial
stop work order may be issued for good reason.
Board of Appeals. In order to provide for a system of appeals
from administrative decisions in the reasonable interpretation
of the provisions of this Ordinance, the "Board of Adjustment",
provided in Section 4-731, Chapter 7, Title IV (Building Regu-
lations) of the Code of General Ordinances of the City of Renton,
shall upon proper application render a decision consistent with
the provisions of Section 4-731.
4-2304: EXISTING SITE
1. Permits. All existing mining, grading, fill or pit operations
at time of passage of this Ordinance shall have thirty (30)
days in which to apply for a special permit under this Ordinance.
2. Safety Provisions. Within one (1) year from the date of adoption
of this Ordinance or of annexation, the applicant shall conform
to the safety provisions of this Ordinance.
4-2305: PERMITS REQUIRED
1. City Requirements. No person shall do any mining, excavation
or grading without first having obtained a special permit from
the Planning Commission and an annual license issued by the
Public Works Department with the concurrence of the Planning
Department, except for the following:
A. An excavation below finished grade for basements and foot-
ings of a building, retaining wall or other structure
authorized by a valid building permit. This shall not
exempt any fill made with the material from such excavation
nor exempt any excavation having an unsupported height
greater than five (5) feet after the completion of such
structure.
B. Cemetery graves.
C. Excavations for water wells or tunnels or installation of
service utilities by public and private utilities.
D. An excavation which (a) is less than two (2) feet in depth,
or (b) which does not create a cut slope greater than five
(5) feet in height and steeper than one and one-half(1-1/2)
horizontal to one (1) vertical, or which does not exceed
fifty (50) cubic yards on any one lot and does not obstruct
a drainage course..
E. A fill less than one (1) foot in depth, and placed on natural
terrain with a slope flatter than five (5) horizontal to one
(1) vertical or less than three (3) feet in depth, not
intended to support structures, which does not exceed fifty
(50) cubic yards-bri any one lot and does not obstruct a
drainage course.
F. The construction or maintenance of on-site roads in remote
areas; or excavation or grading for farming purposes; or on-
site construction. In cases of on-site construction, the
plans for such activities shall require the prior written
approval of the City.
2. Other Requirements. Issuing a permit under this Ordinance does
not relieve the holder from requirements of other government
agencies.
4-2306: REHA3I1.ITAT-ION
1. Approval. The Planning Commission shall approve the reuse of
the site and the phasing to achieve the reuse.
2. Progressive Rehabilitation. In the event that a permit is
granted, excavation, removal or fill shall be permitted only
in accordance with the plan approved by the Planning Commission.
Rehabilitation shall take place in accordance with the approved
plan and in a logical sequence so that satisfactory conditions
shall be maintained on the premises. Rehabilitation shall be
done in stages compatible with continuing operations. The
Commission may require the drafting of rehabilitation plans by
a licensed landscape architect.
3. Final Approval. After the applicant has completed the approved
amount of excavation, fill or other activity, the final grading
of the site, and the applicant or another developer begins to
develop or construct the new use of the site, the Planning and
Public Works Departments shall relinquish their jurisdiction of
this Ordinance provided they are satisfied that reasonable
progress is occurring on the new use.
4-2307: APPLICATIONS
1. Permits Required. Except as exempted in Section 4-2305 of this
Ordinance, no person shall do any work without first obtaining
the required special permit and license. Separate special
permits and licenses shall be required for each site and may
cover both excavations and fills. Licenses granted by the
Public Works Department shall be issued for not more than one
(1) year and may be renewed if the operation is progressing
according to the approved plans. Special permits are valid
until the approved plans have been satisfactorily completed.
2. Nwnfeer of Applications.
A. Special Permit. At least five (5) copies of the application
plus plans and specifications shall be submitted to the
Planning Department. Additional copies may be required
for good reason. The Public Works Department, the Planning
Department and the City Clerk shall retain a set of plans.
One (1) set shall be returned to the applicant and one (1)
set shall be forwarded to the Department of Natural Re-
sources .
B. Annual License. At least four (4) copies of the applica-
tion plus plans and specifications shall be submitted to
the Public Works Department. The Public Works Department
and the Planning Department shall retain a set of plans.
A set shall be returned to the applicant, and a set shall
be forwarded to the Department of Natural Resources.
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3. Quantity and Time. The application shall state the estimated
quantities of material involved and the time of completion.
4. Application Preparation. The Public Works Department or the
Planning Department may require the plans and specifications
be prepared and signed by a licensed civil engineer. Such
special reports by experts may be required in cases.where such
project is of substantial size, or contains unusual topographic
conditions, or involves matters of public safety, or contains
one (1) or more of said or similar conditions. A soil engi^
neering report and an engineering geology report may be required.'•
A. Special Permit. Adequate information shall be submitted
for the entire project which may include work over several
years.
B. Annual License. Adequate information shall be submitted
for the activities proposed for no longer than one (1) year.
5. Map Scale, Information on Plans and Specifications. Plans shall
be drawn on twenty-two (22) by thirty-four (34) inch sheets with
a vertical scale of one (1) inch representing forty (40) hori-
zontal feet and one (1) inch representing ten (10) vertical feet.
All plans shall be of sufficient clarity to indicate the nature
and extent of the work proposed and show in detail that they will
conform to the provisions of this Ordinance and all relevant laws,
ordinances, rules and regulations. The first sheet of each set
of plans shall give the location of the work and the name and
address of the owner and the person (s) by whom they were.pre- ,
pared and approved. The plans shall include the following inform-
ation :
A. Vicinity Map. General vicinity of the proposed site showing
adjacent land uses on a one (1) inch representing six
.: hundred (600) or eight hundred (800) foot scale map.
B. Property and Contour Lines. Property limits and accurate
contours of at least ten (10) foot intervals of existing
ground and details of terrain and area drainage. Such
contours shall be referenced to the United States Coast
and Geodetic Survey Datum.
C. Finished Contours. Limiting dimensions, elevations and
finished contours of at least ten (10) foot intervals to
be achieved by the grading, and proposed drainage channels
and related construction. Such contours shall be referenced
to the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey Datum.
D. Existing Natural Drainage System. Existing natural drainage
systems including both perennial and intermittent streams
and the presence of bordering vegetation.
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E. Drainage Control. Detailed plans of all surface and sub-
surface drainage devices, walls, cribbing, dams and other
protective devices to be constructed with, or as a part of,
the proposed work, together with a map showing the drainage
area and the estimated runoff of the area served by any
drains, and measures to be taken to control erosion and
the estimated time of planting or installation of controls.
F. Location of Structures. Location of any buildings or
structures on the property where the work is to be per-
formed and the location of any buildings or structures on
land of adjacent owners which are within fifteen (15) feet
of the property or which may be affected by the proposed
grading operations.
G. Rehabilitation Plan. A plan shall be submitted setting
forth the proposed rehabilitation of the tract to the
approved new use. A rehabilitation contour plan shall
be included indicating the general grades and slopes to
which excavated areas are to be graded. A description of
the methods and materials proposed for restoration of top
soil shall be provided. The rehabilitation plan shall also
include a schedule indicating how and when restoration will
occur before, during, and after excavation operations.
Rehabilitation shall be planned in stages compatible with
continuing operations. The rehabilitation schedule shall
include ' specific information relating to regrading, drain-
age, landscaping, erosion, sediment control, backfilling,
removal of machinery and buildings, and closing of access
roads. Also, the proposed use or uses shall be included.
H. Setbacks. Setbacks and those areas that are not to be
disturbed.
I. Landscaping and Screening. Landscape and screening plans
". for both around office (if any) and along the periphery of
the site. The landscaping plan shall conform to the
requirements of the Planning Department.
j. Work Methods. Measures to be implemented to minimize dust,
mud, noise and other noxious characteristics.
6. Construction and Material Requirements. Specifications shall
contain information covering construction and material require-
ments .
7. Soil Engineering Report. The soil engineering report, if re-
quired by Section 4-2307,4, shall include data regarding the
nature, distribution and strength of existing soils, conclusions
and recommendations for grading procedures and design criteria
for corrective measures when necessary, and opinions and rec-
ommendations covering adequacy of sites to be developed by
the proposed grading.
8. Engineering Geology Report. The engineering geology report,
if required by Section 4-2307,4, shall include an adequate
description of the geology of the site, conclusions and recom-
mendations regarding the effect of geologic conditions on the
proposed development.
9. Non-city Review. In addition to the requirements of the State
Surface Mined Reclamation Act, review by other interested city,
county, state and federal organizations may be requested.
10. Issuance of License. The plans and reports shall be approved
by both the Public Works Department and Planning Department
before a license is issued.
4-2308: LICENSE FEES
1. Plan Checking Fee. For excavation and fill on the same site, the
fee shall be based on the volume of the excavation and fill.
Before accepting a set of plans and specifications for checking,
the Public Works Department shall collect a plan checking fee.
The amount of the plan checking fee for grading plans shall be
as set forth in the table Below:
PLAN CHECKING FEES
50 cubic yards or less $ 5.00
51 to 100 cubic yards 10.00
101 to 1,000 cubic yards 15.00
1,001 to 10,000 cubic yards 20.00
10,001 to 100,000 cubic yards - $20.00 for the first
10,000 cubic yards plus $10.00 for each additional
10,000 cubic yards or fraction thereof
100,001 to 200,OOO cubic yards - $110.00 for the first
100,000 cubic yards plus $6.00 for each additional
10,000 cubic yards or fraction thereof
200,001 cubic yards or more - $170.00- for the first
200,000 cubic yards plus $3.00 for each additional
10,000 cubic yards or fraction thereof
The plan checking fee for solid waste fills shall be one and
one-half (1-1/2) times the plan checking fee listed above.
The fee for a grading license authorizing additional work to
that under a valid license shall be the difference between the
fee paid for the original license and the fee shown for the
entire project.
2. Grading fees. A fee for each grading license shall be paid
to the Public Works Department as set forth in the table below:
GRADING LICENSE FEES
50 cubic yards or less.... $10.00
51 to 100 cubic yards 15.00
101 to 1,000 cubic yards - $15.00 for the first
100 cubic yards, plus $7.00 for each additional
100 cubic yards or fraction thereof
1,001 to 10,000 cubic yards - $78.00 for the first
1,000 cubic yards plus $6.00 for the first
1,000 cubic yards or fraction thereof
10,001 to 100,000 cubic yards - $132.00 for the first
10,000 cubic yards plus $27.00 for each additional
10,000 cubic yards or fraction thereof
100,001 cubic yards or more - $375.00 for the first
100,000 cubic yards plus $15.00 for each additional
100,000 cubic yards or fraction thereof
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The fee for annual licenses of solid waste fills shall be one
and one-half (1-1/2) times the grading license fee listed above.
The fee for a grading license authorizing additional work to
that under a valid license shall be the difference between the
fee paid for the original license and the fee shown for the
entire project. Any unused fee may be carried forward to the
next year. If any work is done before the license is issued,
the grading license fee shall be doubled.
4-2309: BONDS .
1. The Public Works Department and Planning Department shall require
bonds amounting to one and one-half (1-1/2) times the estimated
cost of rehabilitation to assure that the work if not completed
or proceeding in accordance with the approved plans and specifi-
cations shall be corrected. Such a bond shall be approved by
the City Attorney and filed with the City Clerk. In lieu of a
surety bond, the applicant may file a cash bond or instrument
of credit with the City Clerk in an amount equal to that which
would be required in the surety bond. The bond shall be
conditioned upon the faithful performance of the requirements
as set forth in this Ordinance. Any reclamation bonds posted
with the State Department of Natural Resources for surface mining
permits may be applied on the bond requirements, insofar as they
pertain to the reclamation provisions of this Ordinance.
4-2310: INSPECTION
1. General; All operations regulated by this Ordinance shall be
subject to inspection by authorized Public Works Department and
Planning Department inspection personnel. When extraordinary
or special problems or conditions are involved, extra inspection
of grading operations and special tests may be ordered by the
City.
2. Engineering Grading Requirements.
A. Civil Engineer. For purposes of preparing and/or approving
engineered grading plans, the civil engineer shall meet the
requirements specified in Section 4-2302. The civil engineer
shall be responsible for the plans, any special soil engineer-
ing and testing reports, design of drainage facilities and
structures, and be competent to recommend and obtain special
tests, survey data, and geological or hydraulic reports should
they be necessary. The civil engineer shall provide an accept-
able plan and report based on good engineering practices and
the requirements designated by the Public Works Department. He
shall, upon return of his plans, provide any corrections nec-
essary and corrected copies for use of the City in reviewing the
grading work. The civil engineer shall be responsible for
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reporting monthly or more frequently on forms provided by
the Public Works Department.
(1) Extent and location of grading.
(2) All tests made or taken in conjunction with the
grading operation.
(3) Extent of drainage, structure, and safety activity
report on the project.
(4) Any special testing, as-built plans, or revised
requests necessary.
In addition, he shall certify to the safety and stability of
the slopes, safety earthwork operation, and special problems
which might occur.
B. Reports. Soil engineering and engineering geology reports
shall be required as specified in Section 4-2307. During
grading all necessary reports, compaction data and soil
engineering and engineering geology recommendations shall
be submitted to the civil engineer and the Public Works
Department by the soil engineer and the engineering geologist.
The Public Works Department may waive reports for minor grad-
ing operations.
C. Soil Engineer. The soil engineer's area of responsibility
shall include but need not be limited to the professional
inspection and certification concerning the preparation -of
ground to receive fills, testing for required compaction,
Stability of all finish slopes and the design of buttress
fills, where required, incorporating data supplied by the
engineering geologist.
D. Engineering Geologist. The engineering geologist's area of
responsibility shall include but need not be limited to pro-
fessional inspection and certification of the adequacy of
natural ground for receiving fills and the stability of cut
slopes with respect to geological matters, and the need for
sub-drains or other ground water drainage devices. He shall
report his findings to the soil engineer and the civil eng-
ineer for engineering analysis.
E. Public Works Department. The Public Works Department
shall inspect, the project at frequent intervals to deter-
mine that adequate control is being exercised by the opera-
tor and the civil engineer. Should hazardous conditions
occur, the Public Works Department inspector shall have
the responsibility and authority to issue a partial or
total stop work order.
3. Regular grading Requirements. Inspection and testing by an
approved testing agency including certification of the exca-
vated or filled areas may be required by the Public Works Depart-
ment at any time the City's authorized inspectors believe
problems may occur. Should special problems be indicated in
regular grading, the Public Works Department may require the
owner or operator to submit engineering reports similar to engi-
neered grading and may specify a time period for compliance to
prevent undue hazard. Should hazardous conditions occur in either
engineered grading or regular grading, the Public Works Depart-
ment inspector shall have the responsibility and authority to
issue a partial or total stop work order.
4. Notification of Non-Compliance. It shall be the responsibility
of the certifying engineer on any grading project to advise im-
mediately any discrepancies, hazardous conditions or problems
affecting safety and stability of the project to the person in
charge of the grading work and subsequently in writing to the
grading operator and to the Public Works Department. Recommenda-
tions for corrective measures, if necessary, shall be provided
in the correction notice.
5. Transfer of Responsibility for Work. If at any time the grading
operator changes the certifying engineer or a different owner-
ship or responsible party occurs, the operator shall notify the
Public Works Department in writing within ten (10) days and shall
specify the new civil engineer or owner. The owner or grading
operator shall not be relieved of any responsibility relative
to the safety and conduct of a grading operation by virtue of
changing engineering advisors.
4-2311: FENCING
1. Specifications. A fence six (6) feet in height with openings
no larger than two (2) inches (other than gates) may be required
for safety reasons completely around any area worked upon for
which a permit is "issued for engineered grading prior to com-
mencing any other work. All gates shall be locked when not in use
and shall bear a sign denoting danger.
2. Setbacks.
A. ' General. Engineered grading sites may. be required to have a
peripheral area a maximum of seventy-five (75) feet in width
which shall be retained in its natural topographic condition.
The setback area shall be used for, but is not limited to,
access roads, planting, fencing, landscaped berms for screen-
ing purposes, employee and visitor parking, offices, directional
signs and business signs identifying the occupant.
B„ Landscaping. Existing vegetation in any required setback
shall be preserved or landscaping shall be planted to prevent
erosion and reduce the dust, mud and noise generated on the
site. Around the periphery of the site, except where the
proposed reuse of the site requires, the lack of vegetation,
the applicant shall landscape in such a manner as to result
in reasonable screening. Trees planted shall be at least
four (4) feet in height. In those areas that have been
rehabilitated and are designated to be planted according
to the proposed reuse of the site, the appropriate plantings
shall be done as soon as possible to provide mature plants
for the new use.
3* Screening. With the exception of offices, every effort shall
be made to screen effectively all structures and activities to
minimize detrimental effects on adjacent property. Screening
may include but is not limited to landscaping, berms with
landscaping, and a screening fence.
4-2312; WORK IN PROGRESS
1. Slopes. No slopes greater than one (1) horizontal to one (1)
vertical will be permitted during excavations that exceed ten
(10) feet in height without physical restraint by timbering or
approval by the Public Works Department of an engineering or
geologist report assuring slope will maintain its shape without
undue risk of failing.
2. Safety. Workmen shalll.be allowed in the vicinity of the toe or
top of slope only after close visual inspection of slope to
assure safety against breakage or sliding.
3. Tops of Slopes. All trees, timber, stumps, brush or debris
shall be cleared to a point at least ten (10) feet back from
the top of any slope involving cuts greater than ten (10) feet.
After excavation, the top of all slopes shall be rounded to
prevent a sheer breaking point.
4. Property and Setback Location. Property location and approved
setbacks must be established and stakes set under the super-
vision of a registered land surveyor. These stakes must be
maintained in place until final inspection of work so that the
inspector can determine at any time if the excavation is
properly located as related to the property lines.
-16V
5. Allowable Noise. Noise levels at all operations shall be
controlled to prevent undue nuisance to the public, Maximum
allowable daytime sound pressure as measured in any residen-
tial zone shall not exceed the following at least ninety (90)
percent of the time between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and
8:00 p.m.
SOUND PRESSURE LEVELS .
SOUND PRESSURE LEVEL
FREQUENCY BAND IN IN DECIBELS re 0.0002
CYCLES/SECOND MICROBAR
25 - 300 80
300 - 2400 70
Above - 2400 60
6. Permitted Work Hours. All work done in residential areas shall
be between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., Monday through
Saturday, except repairs to machinery. The Public Works Direc-
tor is authorized to grant an extension of working time during
an emergency. An emergency shall include but is not limited
to natural and man-made disasters.
7. Pollution Control Agencies. Discharge of materials into the
air or water shall be subject ;to the requirements of the
appropriate governing agency.
8. Control of Dust and Mud. Activities shall be operated so as
to reduce dust and mud to a minimum. Unless otherwise speci-
fied by the Public Works and Planning Departments, operations
shall be conducted in accordance with the following standards:
A. Access Roads. Access roads shall be maintained in a con-
dition that confines the mud and dust to the site. Such
roads shall be improved to a width sufficient to permit
the unhindered movement of emergency vehicles. One (1)
way roads shall have by-pass routes to permit the move-
ment of emergency vehicles.
B. Work Procedures. Dozing, digging, scraping and loading
of excavated materials shall be.done in a manner which
reduces to the minimum level possible the producing of
dust and mud.
9. Appearance. All activities under the jurisdiction of this
Ordinance shall be operated and maintained in a neat and
orderly manner, free from junk, trash, or unnecessary debris.
Buildings shall be maintained in a sound condition, in good
repair and appearance. Salvageable equipment stored in a
non-operating condition shall be suitably screened or
garaged. Landscaping adjacent to and around the main en-
trance (s) and office shall be sufficiently watered and cared
for to insure its health and well-being.
-17-
10. Soil Erosion and Sedimentation. Soil erosion and sedimentation
shall be confined to the site by such means as a temporary cover
of vegetation, mulches, diversions, sedimentation ponds or other
acceptable methods. No toxic materials shall be allowed to
wash from the site or be discharged into receiving water courses.
4-2313: SURFACE WATER
1. Prohibited Conditions. Under no circumstances shall stagnant
or polluted waters be permitted in any site. Should these
waters accumulate, remedial measures such as draining or back-
filling shall be taken as corrective action. Backfill material
shall be placed to a point one (1) foot above the water table.
2. Lakes,. Lakes formed in areas which may be used for recreational
purposes shall be of such depth that shall inhibit the growth of
vegetative matter in the water-.. A minimum two (2) foot depth
of water shall be maintained in these areas. The restoration
of any site which results in the formation of a lake shall be
the result of careful planning and shall take into consider-
ation all factors which contribute to. the ultimate ecology of
the site.
3. Bank' Slopes. All banks, adjacent to any body of water created,
shall be sloped or steppsdas follows to permit a person to
escape from the water:
A. Unconsolidated Material. Soil, sand, gravel and other
unconsolidated materials shall be sloped to two (2) feet
below the low ground water line at a slope no steeper than
one and one-half (1-1/2) feet horizontal to one (l)'foot
vertical.
B. Consolidated Material. Solid rock or other consolidated
materials shall be stepped or otherwise constructed to
maintain a safe- condition.
4. Natural Stream Courses. Every effort shall be made to preserve
perennial and intermittent streams and their surrounding vege-
tation.
4-2314: TOPS AND TOES SETBACKS
1. General. The tops and toes of cut and fill slopes shall be set
back from setback lines as far as necessary to preserve the set-
back for the safety and benefit of adjacent properties, the
adequacy of foundations, and to prevent damage as a result of
water runoff or erosion of the slopes.
,fl8-
2. Minimum Setbacks. Setbacks shall be no less than the following:
A. Tops of Slopes. Distance to the setback line for the top
of slopes shall be a minimum of ten (10) feet.
B. Structures. Distance to structures, if any structures on
the site, shall be as follows:
Slope Height Top Toe
Less than 11 feet 5 feet 3 feet
11 - 30.9 feet 7 feet . Height/2 feet
31 feet and over 10 feet 15 feet
4-2315: CUTS ,
1. General. Unless otherwise recommended in the approved soil
engineering and/or engineering geology report, cuts shall
conform to the provisions of this Ordinance.
2. Slope. The slope of cut surfaces shall be no steeper than is
safe for the intended use. Cut slopes shall be no steeper than
a ratio of two (2) horizontal to one (1) vertical.
3. Drainage and Terracing. Drainage and terracing shall be provided
as required by Section 4-2318..
4-2316: FILLS
1. General. Unless otherwise recommended in the approved soil
engineering report, fills shall conform to the provisions of
this Section. In the absence of an approved soil engineering
report these provisions may be waived for minor fills not in-
tended to support structures. For minor fills or waste areas,
humps, hollows or water pockets shall be graded smooth with
acceptable slopes.
2. Fill Location.. Fill slopes shall not be constructed on natural
slopes steeper than two (2) horizontal to one (1) vertical or
where the fill slope toes out within twelve (12) feet horizon-
tally of the top of existing or planned cut slopes.
3. Preparation of Ground. The ground surface shall be prepared
to receive fill by removing vegetation, non-complying fill,
topsoil and other unsuitable materials . as: determined,.by, the
soil engineer, and where the slopes are five (5) to one (1)
or steeper, by benching into sound .bedrock or other competent
material.
4. • Fill' Material. Earth materials shall have no more than minor
amounts of organic substances and shall have no rock or similar
irreducible material with a maximum dimension greater than
eight inches.
5" ' Compaction. All fills shall be compacted to a minimum of
ninety-five (95) percent of maximum density as determined by
American Public. Works Association (APWA) specifications. Field
density shall be determined in accordance with APWA standards.
-19-
6. Slope. The slope of fill surfaces shall be no steeper than is
safe for the intended use. Fill slopes shall be no steeper
than two (2) horizontal to one (1) vertical.
7. Drainage and Terracing. Drainage and terracing shall be pro-
vided and the area above fill slopes- and the surfaces of ter-
races shall be as required by Section 4-2318.
4-2317: SOLID WASTE' FILLS :
1- General. Reports by an engineer qualified in solid and sanitary
waste fills shall be required. Such reports shall include but
are not limited to design; insect and vermin control; physiological
considerations; sight, noise and odor control of material; special
ingress and egress control for equipment; and special drainage
requirements. These reports shall be in addition to those re- .
quired elsewhere in this Ordinance. The engineering reports
submitted shall include plans, and means of preventing and
eliminating any health hazards and visual problems. All phases
of sanitary landfill operations and solid waste fills shall be
provided in the engineering report, including type, nature, and
amount'of equipment, manpower, special precautions, chemical
useage and availability of granular material for the coverage
of the cell material. Bonding requirements; restrictions on
noise, dust and mud; special fencing requirements; special
precautions required; and availability of twenty-four (24)
hour inspection and correction of hazards shall be provided
by operator agreement with the City prior to any consideration
for either a sanitary landfill or solid waste fill. Unless
specific, requirements are mentioned in this Section, the re-
quirements of Section 4-2316 shall be followed.
2. Location. Special attention shall be given to solid waste
and/or sanitary fill location to prevent undue hazard.
3. Cell Cover. Cell construction on any solid waste fill shall
consist of at least a six (6) inch non-contaminated uniformly
graded granular cover material covering the entire area of
the cell construction. Each cell shall be covered the same
day it is constructed.
4. Compaction. Compaction of the solid waste or sanitary fill
material and mixture of the material shall be such as to pro-
vide a relatively uniform density with no extreme soft spots.
Density of compacted cellular solid waste material shall be as
high as possible in accordance with good mixing compacting
standards and shall at no time be less than forty (40) percent
of the density of a similar sample of material compacted under
ideal conditions by providing a fifty (50) pound per square
foot surcharge-on'• a -one(1) cubic foot sample of the material.
'-20-
A. Bulk Items. Solid waste materials of bulk items involving
metallic units similar to refrigerators, stoves, car bodies,
water tanks, heavy timber items and similar items shall be
placed in the lower portion of a cell with sufficient cover
and compaction of cover to preclude any dangerous voids.
B. Building Debris and Flammable Material. Broken wood,
building material and related debris from structure
removal (exclusive of brick and concrete) shall be satis-
factorily broken and crushed to provide a reasonable com-
pacted cell when covered by granular material. Protection
shall be provided for any wood or burnable material to
prevent fire either on the surface of sub-surface. The
earth cover on any cell containing flammable material
including paper, wood, or vegetable products shall be
sufficiently covered to prevent spread of flames should
combustion occur in any cell due to spontaneous combustion.
C. Stabilization. Brick, broken concrete, crushed building
materials, not including extensive wooden or flammable
matter, may be utilized in enbankment where they may be
of assistance in preventing undue sliding, water scouring
or voids which might harbor vermin. This material shall be
sufficiently mixed or covered with suitable granular .'material
to prevent unsightly effects.
D. Animal Waste. Animal waste shall be provided with suitable
cover and sterilization to prevent decay odors, buildup of
flammable gases, or possible leaching of putrescible
material. Chemical treatment shall be provided to prevent
insect habitation.
E. ' Treated Fill. Materials such as hay, straw, tree limbs and
brush, vegetable farm waste, feathers, rubber tires, wood
pulp, chemical substances, industrial waste, and sileage
type material may need special treatment before utilization
in a solid waste or sanitary landfill. Special request and
reports shall be made on waste materials of the foregoing
types prior to placement in landfills.
F. Prohibited Fill. No materials of appreciable volume of an
extremely harmful nature to environment shall be placed in
any solid waste or sanitary landfill. This includes, but
is not limited to, any form of demolition material of an
explosive nature; any volatile or liquid petroleum product;
any chemical salts or soluble material which would conta-
minate storm water, surface water or air; and any animal
-21-
meat or semi-solid fruit or grain products which might
become rancid, putrescible or harmful. No provisions
of the sanitary landfill or solid waste fill require-
ments shall preclude the use of non-harmful native clay,
sand, rock, or normal fill type materials in filling
operations covered under other sections of this Ordi-
nance.
"5. Drainage. Special attention shall be provided drainage in any
solid waste or sanitary landfill to prevent leaching of noxious
or putrescible materials, decaying nuisance, any contamination
of normal water courses. Where water might leach through the
construction cells, subdrains, lateral collectors and storage
ponds shall be provided. Leach water from solid waste shall
not be permitted to percolate downward, into the water table.
Leach water shall be collected and conveyed to a sewage treatment
plant.
6. Water Disposal. Any leach water.coming from covered sanitary
or solid waste fill cells shall be collected, stored and de-
contaminated by suitable chemical or other means and then dis-
posed of in a sanitary sewer. Should suitable collection facili-
ties, sand filters and chemical cleaning be provided to prevent
any toxicity and reduce the leach water to an equivalent of
normal storm flow, the Public Works Department may permit
disposal through normal storm water facilities. Frequent
samples of all water collected shall be taken, and flow condi-
tions shall be controlled to prevent contamination or overloading
of either the sanitary or storm water facilities. Surface runoff
in any sanitary pit or solid waste landfill shall be maintained
separately to prevent contamination by leaching.
7. Special Considerations. Special paving, surface protection, and
related health requirements may be imposed on sanitary landfill
and solid waste operations.
8. Prohibited Activities. No junk picking or field salvaging of
any solid waste or sanitary landfill items shall be allowed in
the vicinity of the landfill. Any separation of materials for
salvage shall be provided at the collection point or an approved
transfer site prior to disposal at the landfill site.
'•• -22-
4-2318: DRAINAGE
1. ' General. Unless otherwise indicated on the approved grading
plan, drainage facilities and terracing shall conform to the
provisions of this Section. Special drainage protection work
may be ordered in case of emergency or serious potential flood-
ing conditions, and the grading operator required to have
available an employee to be called in times of potential seri-
ous emergency hazards.
2. Terrace. Terraces at least eight (8) feet in width shall be
established at no more than twenty-five (25) foot intervals
to control surface runoff. Suitable access shall be provided
to permit cleaning and maintenance.
A. Swales. Swales or ditches on the back side of the terrace
shall have a maximum longitudinal gradient of two (2) per-
cent unless protected by special paving, use of corrugated
metal or other scour prevention devices. Drainage shall
be designed to minimize trapping of excessive water which
might endanger the terrace. Terraces shall slope toward
the back or cut face at a minimum of ten (10) percent
slope to keep water from overtopping.
B. Scouring. Single run of swale or ditch 'shall not collect
runoff from a- tributary area exceeding thirteen thousand
five hundred (13,500) square feet of the area of the face
of the slope without discharging into a down drain. Down
drains shall terminate into a catch basin or other ap-
proved receiver to prevent scouring at the outfall.
C. Capacity. Designed capacity for terraces shall be a
twenty-four (24) hour, twenty-five (25) year storm as
published by the U. S. Weather Bureau. Design velocity
shall be such as to avoid water transporting colloidal
silts in the stream. Should request be made for vari-
ation from the twenty-four (24) hour, twenty-five (25)
year storm by the engineering designer, sufficient data
shall be submitted in an engineering report to analyze
the requested variation. When accumulated flows are
such that the water is capable of transporting colloidal
silts or other particles in suspension down drains, pipe
or lined ditches shall be incorporated to dispose of the
runoff safely. Energy dispersing structures shall be
used to prevent erosion.
D. Settling Ponds. Where storm water and ground conditions .
appear to warrant, special holding and settling ponds,
storm water storage reservoirs, or other means maybe
required to prevent overload or unusual bypass of storm
flow water to areas off the owner's site and control.
3. Subsurface Drainage. Cut and fill slopes shall be provided
with subsurface drainage as necessary for stability.
4. Disposal. All drainage facilities shall be designed to carry
waters to the nearest practicable drainage way approved by the
City and/or other appropriate jurisdiction as a safe place to
deposit such waters. Silt and other debris shall be removed
prior to the disposal of such water. If drainage facilities
discharge onto natural ground, riprap may be required.
A. Grade. At least two (2) percent gradient toward approved
drainage facilities from building pads will be required
unless waived by the Public Works Department for non-hilly
terrain. Exception: The gradient from the building pad
may be one (1) percent where building, construction, and
erosion control will be completed before hazardous condi-
tions can occur.
B. Drainage Releases. The property owner or his authorized
agent shall submit acceptable copies of drainage releases
from downstream owners or other government agencies concerned
whenever drainage is interrupted, diverted or changed from
natural surface or subsurface drainage patterns.
C. Stream Acceptance. The volume and rate of water released
shall not exceed the receiving stream's: or watercourse's
ability to accept the water without erosion.
5. . overland Runoff. Runoff from areas of higher elevation shall
be safely routed around or through the extraction or fill area.
4-23T9 •;' 1 SLOPES
1. ' General. The faces of cut and fill slopes'shall be.provided
and maintained to control against erosion. This control may
consist of effective planting. The protection for the slopes
shall be installed as soon as practicable and prior to calling
for final approval. Where cut slopes are not subject to erosion
due to the erosion-resistant character of the materials, such
protection may be omitted with the permission of the Public Works
Department, provided that this protection is not required by
the rehabilitation plan.
2. Other Devices. Where necessary check dams, cribbing, riprap or
other devices or methods shall be employed to control erosion
and sediment, provide safety, and control the rate of water
runoff.
4-2320: FINAL REPORTS
1. Upon completion of the rough grading work and at the final com-
pletion of the work, the Public Works Department may require*'"
the following reports and drawings and supplements thereto:
A. As-Graded Grading Plan. An as-graded grading plan pre-
pared by the civil engineer including original ground
surface elevations, as-graded ground surface installations,
lot drainage patterns and locations and elevations of all
surface and subsurface drainage facilities. The civil
engineer shall provide certification that the work was
done in accordance with the final approved grading plan.
B. Soil Grading Report. A soil grading report prepared by
the soil engineer including locations and elevations by
field density tests, summaries of field and laboratory
tests and other substantiating data and comments on any
changes made during grading and their effect on the
recommendation made in the soil engineering investigation
report. The soil engineer shall provide certification as
to the adequacy of the site for the intended use.
C. Geologic Grading Report. A geologic grading report pre-
pared by the engineering geologist including a final
description of the geology of the site including any new
information disclosed during the grading and the! effect of
same on recommendations incorporated in the approved grading
plan. The engineering geologist shall provide certification
as to the adequacy of the,site for the intended use as
affected by geologic factors.
2. Notification of Completion. The permittee or his agent shall
notify the Public Works Department when the grading operation
is ready for final inspection. Final approval shall not be
given until all work including installation of all drainage
facilities and their protective devices and all erosion control
measures have been completed in accordance with the final ap-
proved grading plan and the required reports have been submitted.
~23-
4-2321: ADMINISTRATIVE LIABILITY
No officer, agent or employee of the City shall render himself
personally liable for any damage that may accrue to persons or
property as a result of any act required or permitted in the dis-
charge of his duties under this Ordinance. Any suit brought against
any officer, agent or employee of the City as a result of any act
required or permitted in the discharge of his duties under this
Ordinance shall be defended by the City Attorney until the final
determination of the proceedings therein.
4-2322: VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES
Every person violating any of the provisions of this Ordinance shall
be punishable upon conviction by a fine not exceeding five hundred
(500) dollars, or by imprisonment not exceeding ninety (90) days
or by both such fine and imprisonment, and each day's violation
shall constitute a separate offefise punishable under this Ordinance.
4-2323: SEVERABILITY
If any section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase
of this Ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid or uncon-
stitutional such invalidity or unconstitutionality shall not affect
the validity or consitutionality of the remaining portions of this
Ordinance, it being herein expressly declared that this Ordinance
and each section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause and phrase
thereof would have been adopted irrespective of the fact that any one
or more other sections, sub-sections, paragraphs, sentences, clauses
or phrases be declared invalid or unconstitutional.
4-2324: REPEALING CONFLICTING ORDINANCES
Any and: all ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith
are hereby repealed*-.
-26-
4-2325: EFFECTIVE DATE
This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect five days from
and after its passage, approval and legal publication.
PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL THIS 14 DAY OF January , 19 74
r..)j f»+Js<L> G« . ...
Delores A. Mead, City Clerk
APPROVED BY THE MAYOR THIS 14 DAY OF January , 19 74
WeryGarSett, Mayor
Approved as to form:
Gerard M. Shellan, City Attorney
Date of Publication 1-18-74