Chapter VI. Improvement Standards, Land Development Regulations, Chattahoochee

Chattahoochee (Last Updated: August 25, 2014)

Land Development Regulations

Chapter VI. Improvement Standards

Appendix 6.00.00. General Provisions

§ 6.00.01. Purpose

Latest version.

The purpose of this chapter is to establish standards for required development improvements. Theses standards are applicable to all development activity within the incorporated area of the City of Chattahoochee, Florida.

§ 6.00.02. Responsibility for improvements

Latest version.

All improvements required by this chapter shall be designed, installed and paid for by the developer.

Appendix 6.01.00. Transportation Systems

§ 6.01.01. General provisions

Latest version.

Purpose. This section establishes minimum requirements applicable to the development transportation system, including public and private streets, pedestrian ways and access control to and from public streets. The standards in this section are intended to minimize the traffic impacts of development, to assure that all development adequately and safely provides for the storage and movement of vehicles consistent with good engineering and development design practices.

§ 6.01.02. Street classification system

Latest version.

Generally.

Streets in the city are classified and mapped according to function served in order to allow for regulation of access, road and right-of-way widths, circulation patterns and design speed.

Private streets and streets that are to be dedicated to the city are classified in a street hierarchy system with design tailored to function. The street hierarchy system shall be defined by road function and design speed.

When a street continues an existing street that previously terminated outside the subdivision, or is a street that will be continued beyond the subdivision or development at some future time, the classification of the street will be based upon the street in its entirety, both within and outside of the subdivision or development.

The following street hierarchy is established: local, collector, and arterial. All development proposals containing new streets or taking access from an existing street shall conform to the standards and criteria contained in this section.

Local streets. Local streets are primarily suited to providing direct access to residential development, but may give access to limited nonresidential uses. All local streets should be designed to minimize unnecessary and/or speeding traffic. Alleys, which provide a secondary means of access to lots, are normally on the same level in the hierarchy as a residential street. Each local street shall be classified and designed for its entire length to meet the minimum standards. Local streets shall be designed to have a minimum posted speed of not less than 15 mph.

Collector roads. Collector roads provide access to nonresidential uses and connect lower order streets to arterial streets. Design speeds and average daily traffic volumes will be higher than for lower order streets. Collector roads shall be designed to have a minimum posted speed of not less than 30 mph. Design speed may increase depending on conditions and expected traffic volume.

Arterial roads. Arterial roads provide links between communities or to limited-access expressways, limit direct access from abutting properties except for regionally significant uses, and shall be designed for posted speeds up to 55 miles per hour.

Minor arterial. These roads link community districts to regional or state highways. They may also give direct access to regionally significant land uses. These roads may take access from other arterials or freeways and may give access to any lower order nonresidential street type. Minor arterials shall be designed for posted speeds of 45 miles per hour.

Principal arterials. These are major regional highways providing links between communities. These roads may take access from other arterials or freeways and may give access to any lower order nonresidential street type. These roads shall be designed for posted speeds of 55 miles per hour.

Residential street standards. The following table, Table 6.01.02(G), specifies the road surface widths and minimum curb radii for local streets.

Local street standards.

		Minimum Road Surface Width
			Parallel Parking
Roadway Type & Design Speed (MPH)		No Parking	1 Side	2 Sides	Minimum Curb Radii
Local
	15	22;ft;	30;ft;	38;ft;	8;ft;
	20	22;ft;	30;ft;	38;ft;	10;ft;
	25	22;ft;	30;ft;	38;ft;	10;ft;
	30	24;ft;	32;ft;	40;ft;	15;ft;
	35	24;ft;	32;ft;	40;ft;	15;ft;

§ 6.01.03. Street design standards

Latest version.

General design standards.

The street system of the proposed development shall be a network with variations as needed for topographic and environmental design considerations. Particular effort should be directed toward securing the flattest possible grade near intersections.

In order to reduce traffic congestion on the arterial and collector roads surrounding the development and to promote a pedestrian environment within the development, streets shall be laid out to:

Avoid environmentally sensitive areas;

Secure the view to prominent natural vistas;

Minimize the area devoted to motor vehicle traffic;

Promote pedestrian movement so that it is generally more convenient and pleasant to walk short distances than to drive; and

Promote the creation of vista terminations.

The street layout in all new development shall be coordinated with and interconnected to the street system of the surrounding area.

Streets in proposed subdivisions shall be connected to rights-of-way in adjacent areas to allow for proper interneighborhood traffic flow. If adjacent lands are unplatted, stub cuts in the new development shall be provided for future connection to the adjacent unplatted land.

Streets shall intersect as nearly as possible at right angles, and in no case shall the angle of intersection be less than 75 degrees.

New intersections along one side on an existing street shall, where possible, coincide with existing intersections. Where an offset (jog) is necessary at an intersection, the distance between centerlines of the intersecting streets shall be no less than 150 feet.

No two streets may intersect with any other street on the same side at a distance of less than 400 feet measured from centerline to centerline of the intersecting street. When the intersected street is an arterial, the distance between intersecting streets shall be no less than 1,000 feet.

Private streets may be allowed within developments that will remain under common ownership, provided that they are designed and constructed pursuant to the county's minimum standards.

The terminus of every cul-de-sac shall have an unobstructed ten-foot wide moving lane with minimum outside turning radius of 24 feet.

10.

All streets shall be designed and constructed according to the standards set forth in the State of Florida Manual of Uniform Minimum Standard for Street and Highways.

Stub streets.

Residential access and subcollector stub streets may be permitted only within a subsection of a phased development for which the proposed street in its entirety has received final site plan approval.

Residential collector and higher order stub streets may be permitted or required by the city provided that the future extension of the street is deemed desirable by the city or conforms to traffic circulation element of the comprehensive plan, for the City of Chattahoochee.

Temporary turnarounds shall be provided for all stub streets providing access to five or more lots or housing units. Where four or fewer units or lots are being served, a sign indicating a dead-end street shall be posted.

Clear visibility triangle. In order to provide a clear view of intersecting streets to the motorist, there shall be a triangular area of clear visibility formed by two intersecting streets or the intersection of a driveway and a street. Nothing shall be erected, placed, parked, planted or allowed to grow in such a manner as to materially impede vision between a height of two feet and ten feet above grade. The clear visibility triangle shall be formed by connecting a point on the edge of each street or driveway right-of-way 20 feet from the point of intersection of the street or driveway rights-of-way, and a third line connecting the two points.

Blocks.

Where a tract of land is bounded by streets (excluding alleys) forming a block, said block shall have sufficient width to provide for two tiers of lots of appropriate depths.

The lengths, widths and shapes of blocks shall be consistent with adjacent areas. In no case shall block lengths in residential areas exceed 2,000 feet nor be less than 350 feet, unless topographic considerations make conformance with this standard impracticable.

§ 6.01.04. Rights-of-way

Latest version.

Purpose. The purpose of this section is to assure a safe and efficient traffic circulation system in the city by establishing a right-of-way width for future transportation facilities and by prohibiting encroachment of structures into existing rights-of-way.

Permit required. Except as provided in section 6.01.04(G)[H.][sic], no person shall construct or maintain any structure or facility (including utilities) or make any other use of a public road or future road right-of-way unless and until a permit has been issued by the city approving and authorizing such construction, maintenance or use. All applications for the use of public right-of-way must describe the space to be used and the length of time of such use. Permits may be granted for a period of time not exceeding six months, if the encroachment does not unreasonably restrict the public use of the right-of-way and the encroachment is necessary to accomplish the objective for which it is requested in a reasonable manner.

Minimum right-of-way requirements.

No person shall willfully obstruct any portion of the right-of-way for a new roadway identified in future updates to the future traffic circulation map series established in the traffic circulation element of the comprehensive plan, for the City of Chattahoochee, if any. Further, no person shall construct any structure or facility (including utilities) or make any other use of the right-of-way for a new roadway identified in the future traffic circulation map series unless and until a permit has been issued by the city authorizing and approving such construction, maintenance or use as described in section (B) above.

The following minimum right-of-way depths for new roadways are established in the traffic circulation element of the comprehensive plan, for the City of Chattahoochee:

Arterial roadways—100-foot right-of-way

Collector roadways—60-foot right-of-way

Local roads—50-foot right-of-way

Existing roads constructed prior to 1990 are exempt.

Presumption. Any person who obstructs a public road or future road right-of-way shall be presumed to have done so willfully if the obstruction is allowed to remain on the right-of-way for a period of 24 hours after said person has been notified to remove the obstruction by the city or its authorized official.

No parking areas.

Authority. The city may regulate parking on rights-of-way, and such regulations may include the time and place of parking. No person shall park on any portion of the right-of-way of any public road in the city after it has prohibited the parking thereon in the manner provided in this section or by ordinance.

Exceptions. The following shall be exemptions from the requirements of section 6.01.04(B):

Improvement of a public road by a property owner of such public road adjacent to his property with landscaping, shrubbery or grass which is not inconsistent with the use of the public road for road purposes;

The parking of motor vehicles on that portion of the public road not used as traffic lanes if not otherwise prohibited above;

The replacement of existing utility facilities, such as telephone poles.

[G.

Reserved.]

Nonpermitted structures. Any structure or facility, including utilities constructed or maintained on public roads in violation of this section, shall be removed from such right-of-way and such right-of-way shall be restored to the condition which existed immediately prior to the construction or maintenance of said structure of facility at the expense of the person constructing, maintaining or owning such structure or facility. If such structure or facility has not been removed and the right-of-way restored as required by this section within ten days of written demand by the city to do so, then such structure or facility may be moved by the city at the expense of the person constructing, maintaining or owning such structure or facility. If such person does not pay to the city the cost of removing such structures and facilities and restoring the right-of-way as required by this section within ten days of demand, the city may take appropriate legal action to collect their costs.

§ 6.01.05. Access management

Latest version.

All proposed development shall meet the following standards for vehicular access and circulation:

General standards.

Access points must be able to accommodate all vehicle entrances having occasion to enter the site, including delivery vehicles.

Access point design must be such that an entering standard passenger vehicle will not encroach upon the exit land of a two-way driveway. Also, a right-turning exiting vehicle will be able to use only the first through traffic land available without encroaching into the adjacent through lane.

There must be sufficient on-site storage to accommodate queued vehicles waiting to park or exit without using any portion of the street right-of-way or in any other way interfering with street traffic.

Number of access points.

A maximum of one access point shall be permitted to a particular site from each of one or two abutting streets.

When it is in the interest of good traffic circulation, the city council may permit one additional access point along a continuous site with frontage in excess of 300 feet, or two additional access points along a continuous site with frontage in excess of 600 feet.

For the purposes of this section, dual one-way access drives will be considered to be one access point.

Separation of access points.

The separation between access points on state-maintained roads shall be in accordance with Florida department of transportation (FDOT) rules, chapter 14-96 and chapter 14-97.

On roads that are not maintained by the state, the separation between access points onto arterial and collector roadways, or between an access point and an intersection of an arterial or collector with another road, shall be as shown in the following table:

Functional Class of Roadway	Distance Between Access Points
Major arterial	300 feet
Minor arterial	245 feet
Major collector	185 feet
Minor collector	140 feet

The distance between access points shall be measured from the centerline of the proposed driveway or roadway to the centerline of the nearest adjacent roadway or driveway.

The city building official may permit a single access point for a property that cannot be permitted access consistent with the above standards and which has no reasonable alternative access, as determined by the city building official in concurrence with the board of county commissioners.

§ 6.01.06. Private driveway and roadway regulations

Latest version.

Purpose. The regulation and control of private driveway and roadway connections to rights-of-way owned or maintained by the city is necessary to provide for the efficient and safe operation of such roads or highways as may now or hereafter be constructed on such right-of-way, to develop the full potential of the investment in roads and rights-of-way, and for the protection of the recognized access right of owners of property fronting on city-owned or -maintained right-of-way. The purpose of the regulations set forth in this section is to regulate and control the location, construction, design, operation and method of financing of access driveways and roadways and thereby correlate the rights of the road user and the abutting owner and satisfy the needs of each to the fullest extent possible.

Permit required. All driveways connecting to any city-owned or city-maintained right-of-way will be constructed by or under the supervision of the city, or its designee. Where constructed or altered by others, proper permits must be obtained from the city. No one shall enter upon any city-owned or city-maintained right-of-way to construct a driveway or roadway, alter an existing driveway or existing roadway or connect any driveway or roadway except in accordance with section 10.07.03[sic].

Responsibility for construction or alteration. Where driveways or roadways are constructed or altered on any section of city-owned or city-maintained right-of-way, the entire cost of the construction shall be the expense of the property owner; provided that the city may provide, at its expense, the labor necessary to construct one driveway not to exceed 40 feet in width to serve residential property designed to accommodate less than four families when such driveway is required in order to provide access from said residential property to a city-owned or city-maintained right-of-way.

Approval of construction. Unless otherwise specifically provided on a permit issued by the city, all construction on city-owned or city[-maintained] right-of-way shall be performed by a contractor previously approved by the city.

Permit procedures. Permits for the construction or alteration of driveways or roadways on city-owned or city-maintained rights-of-way will be issued in conformity with the procedures set forth in section 10.07.03[sic].

§ 6.01.07. Sidewalks

Latest version.

Residential developments adjacent to or within 1,000 feet of an activity center comprised of commercial, office, service, school or recreation activities shall provide pedestrian access from the development to the activity center. The distance shall be measured from the property line of the residential development to the property line of the activity center.

Pedestrian ways or crosswalks, not less than ten feet wide, may be required by the city to be placed across the roadway in the center of blocks more than 800 feet long where deemed necessary to provide circulation or access to schools, playgrounds, shopping centers, transportation and other community facilities.

§ 6.01.08. Bicycle parking

Latest version.

New shopping centers, developments, office or industrial employment centers and multifamily projects shall provide facilities for bicycle parking.

Appendix 6.02.00. Utilities

§ 6.02.01. Regulation of public and private sewers

Latest version.

Applicability.

Except as hereinafter provided, it shall be unlawful to construct or maintain a septic tank, private sewer system utility, or other facility intended or used for the disposal of sewage.

The owner of all houses, buildings or properties used for human occupancy, employment, recreation or other purposes, situated with and abutting on any street, alley or right-of-way that are served by an individual septic tank system or other alternative individual domestic waste treatment system is hereby required, at his expense, to install suitable toilet facilities therein, and to connect directly to the proper public sanitary sewer of the city in accordance with the provisions of this code, within one year of receiving written notice from the city to do so.

A person who owns or operates a private sewer system utility that serves developments, such as subdivisions, apartments, trailer parks residences, whether multiple or single family, or places of industry, business or assembly, and that is existing and operating on the effective date of this code shall be required to connect directly to the proper public sanitary sewer in accordance with the provisions of this code, within one year of receiving written notice from the city to do so.

Septic tanks are not permitted in future development plans for installation in wetlands or floodplains and shall not be permitted in conjunction with a commercial or industrial use. Septic tanks must meet all state or county requirements and the density of septic tanks is limited as follows:

Septic tanks with mound drainfield, excessive drained soils density of one unit per five acres.

Septic tanks in other permitted areas density of one unit per 13,000 square feet, providing soils data supports that density, otherwise one unit per acre.

Exemptions. There shall be the following exceptions to the mandatory connection requirement set forth in section 6.02.01(A)(3):

No connection or connections shall be required where said public sewer is more than 200 feet from the property line of an owner utilizing a septic tank system or other alternative individual domestic waste treatment system, the owner shall first obtain a written permit from the city that finds the use of such a system is within the exception and is permissible.

No connection or connections shall be required of a person who owns or operates a private sewer system utility that does not endanger the public health, safety and welfare provided that:

The public sewer line is more than 200 feet from the property line of any owner utilizing the private sewer system; or

The public sewer system does not have adequate capacity, as measured by the sanitary sewer level of service standard adopted in the comprehensive plan for the City of Chattahoochee to expand its service area to include the area served by the private sewer system.

A valid State of Florida, department of environmental regulation [department of environmental protection] permit and evidence that the operation of the private sewer system utility is in compliance with all State of Florida, department of environmental regulation [department of environmental protection] standards, shall be prima facie evidence that said private sewer system utility is operating in a manner that does not endanger the public health, safety and welfare. Any person who owns or operates a private sewer system utility shall allow the city to inspect said utility at reasonable times and in a reasonable manner and shall furnish such information as may be requested by the city sufficient to show said utility is operating in a manner so as to not endanger the public health, safety and welfare.

§ 6.02.02. Sewer construction and connection

Latest version.

Permit required. No unauthorized person shall uncover, make any connections with or opening into, use, alter or disturb any public sewer or appurtenance thereof without first obtaining a written permit from the city.

Permit application procedures. There shall be three classes of building sewer permits:

For residential service,

For commercial service, and

For service to businesses producing industrial wastes.

In each case, the owner or his agent shall make application on a special form furnished by the city. The permit application shall be supplemented by any plans, specifications, or other information considered pertinent in the judgment of the city. A reasonable permit and inspection fee may be established by the city for each class of building sewer permit.

Building sewers. A separate and independent building sewer shall be provided for every building; provided, however, that where one building stands at the rear of another on an interior lot and no private sewer is available or can be constructed to the rear building through an adjoining alley, court, yard or driveway, the building sewer from the front building may be extended to the rear building and the whole considered one building sewer.

Reuse of sewers. Old building sewers may be used in connection with new buildings only when they are found on examination and test by the city, to meet all requirements of this code.

Sewer design. The size, slope, alignment and materials of construction of a building sewer and the methods to be used in excavating, placing of the pipe, jointing, testing and backfilling the trench, shall all conform to the requirements of the building and plumbing code or other applicable rules and regulations of the city.

Sewer placement. When possible, the building sewer shall be brought to the building at an elevation below the basement floor. In all buildings in which any building drain is too low to permit gravity flow to the public sewer, sanitary sewage carried by such building drain shall be lifted by an approved means and discharged to the building sewer.

Prohibition of storm and groundwater connections. No person shall make connections of roof downspouts, exterior foundation drains, areaway drains, swimming pools, air conditioning or heating systems or other sources of surface runoff or groundwater to a building sewer or building drain which in turn is connected directly or indirectly to a public sanitary sewer.

Minimum requirements for connections. The connection of the building sewer into the public sewer shall conform to the requirements of the building and plumbing codes or other applicable rules and regulations of the county or its municipalities. All such connections shall be made gastight and watertight. Any deviation from the prescribed procedures and materials must be approved by the county or its municipalities before installations.

County/municipal supervision. The applicant for the building sewer permit shall notify the city when the building sewer is ready for inspection and connection to the public sewer. The connection shall be made under the supervision of the city.

Protective measures during installation. All excavations for building sewer installation shall be adequately guarded with barricades and lights so as to protect the public from hazard. Streets, sidewalks, parkways and other public property disturbed in the course of the work shall be restored in a manner satisfactory to the city.

§ 6.02.03. Discharge into sewers

Latest version.

Generally. No person shall discharge or cause to be discharged any stormwater, surface water, groundwater, roof runoff, subsurface drainage, uncontaminated cooling water, unpolluted industrial process waters, air conditioning condensate, any discharge from any air conditioning or heating system including heat pumps or swimming pools into any sanitary sewer.

Discharge. Stormwater and all other unpolluted drainage shall be discharged to such sewers as are specifically designated as combined sewers or storm sewers, or natural outlets approved by the city. Industrial cooling water or unpolluted process waters shall be discharged to a storm sewer or natural outlet approved by the city for such purpose.

Prohibition on discharge of pollutants. No person shall discharge or cause to be discharged any of the following described waters or wastes to any public sewers:

Any gasoline, benzene, naphtha, fuel oil or other flammable or explosive liquid, solid or gas.

Any waters or wastes containing toxic or poisonous solids, liquids, gases in sufficient quantity, either singly or by interaction with other wastes, to injure or interfere with any sewage treatment process, constitute a hazard to humans or animals, create a public nuisance or create any hazard in the receiving waters of the sewage treatment plant, including but not limited to cyanide in excess of two mg/l as cyanide (CN) in the wastes as discharged to the public sewer.

Any waters or wastes having a pH lower than 5.5, or having any other corrosive property capable of causing damage or hazard to structures, equipment and personnel of sewage works.

Solid or viscous substances in quantities or of such size capable of causing obstruction to the flow in sewers, or other interference with the proper operation of the sewage [sewer] works such as, but not limited to, ashes, cinders, sand, mud, straw, shavings, metal, glass, rags, feather, tar, plastics, wood, unground garbage, whole blood, paunch manure, hair and fleshings, entrails and paper dishes, cups, milk containers, etc., either whole or ground by garbage grinders.

Any industrial waste or septic tank pump-out unless approved for discharge by the city.

Prohibition on discharge of certain wastes. No person shall discharge or cause to be discharged the following described substances, materials, waters or wastes if it appears likely in the opinion of the city that such wastes can harm either the sewers, sewage treatment process, or equipment, have an adverse effect on the receiving stream or can otherwise endanger life, limb, public property or constitute a nuisance. In forming the opinion as to the acceptability of these wastes, the city will give consideration to such factors as the quantities of subject wastes in relation to flows and velocities in the sewers, materials of construction of the sewers, nature of the sewage treatment process, capacity of the sewage treatment plant, degree of treatability of wastes in the sewage treatment plan, and other pertinent factors. The substances prohibited are:

Any liquid or vapor having a temperature higher than 150;deg; F (65;deg; C).

Any water or waste containing fats, wax, grease or oils, whether emulsified or not, in excess of 100 mg/l or containing substances which may solidify or become viscous at room temperatures between 32;deg; and 150;deg; F (0;deg; and 65;deg; C).

Any garbage that has not been properly shredded. The installation and operation of any garbage grinder equipped with a motor of three-fourths horsepower (0.76 hp metric) or greater shall be subject to the review and approval of the city.

Any water or wastes containing strong acid iron pickling wastes, or concentrated plating solutions whether neutralized or not.

Any waters or wastes containing iron, chromium, copper, zinc and similar objectionable or toxic substances; or wastes exerting an excessive chlorine requirement, to such degree that any such material received in the composite sewage at the sewage treatment works exceeds the limits established by the city for such materials.

Any waters or wastes containing phenols or other taste- or odor-producing substances, in such concentrations exceeding limits which may be established by the city as necessary, after treatment of the composite sewage, to meet the requirements of the state, federal of other public agencies of jurisdiction for such discharge to the receiving waters.

Any radioactive wastes or isotopes of such half-life or concentration as may exceed limits established by the city in compliance with applicable state or federal regulations.

Any waters or wastes having a pH in excess of 9.5.

Materials which exert or cause:

Unusual concentration of inert suspended solids (such as, but not limited to, fuller's earth, lime slurries and lime residues) or of dissolved solids (such as, but not limited to, sodium chloride and sodium sulfate).

Excessive discoloration (such as, but not limited to, due [sic] wastes and vegetable tanning solution).

Unusual BOD, chemical oxygen demand or chlorine requirements in such quantities as to constitute a significant load on the sewage treatment works.

Unusual volume of flow or concentration of wastes constituting ``slugs'' as defined herein.

10.

Waters or wastes containing substances which are not amenable to treatment or reduction by the sewage treatment processes employed, or are amenable to treatment only to such degree that the sewage treatment plant effluent cannot meet the requirements of other agencies having jurisdiction over discharge to the receiving waters.

Remedies. If any waters or wastes are discharged, or are proposed to be discharged to the public sewers, which waters contain the substances or possess the characteristics enumerated in section 6.02.03(D), and which in the judgment of the city may have a deleterious effect upon the sewage [sewer] works, processes, equipment or receiving waters, or which otherwise create a hazard to life or constitute a public nuisance, the city may:

Reject the wastes,

Require pretreatment to an acceptable condition for discharge to the public sewers,

Require control over the quantities and rates of discharge,

Require payment to cover the added cost of handling and treating the wastes not covered by existing taxes or sewer charges, and/or

If the city permits the pretreatment of equalization of waste flows, the design and installation of the plants and equipment shall be subject to the review and approval of the city and subject to the requirements of all applicable codes, ordinances and laws.

Grease, oil and sand interceptors. Grease, oil and sand interceptors shall be provided when, in the opinion of the city, they are necessary for the proper handling of liquid wastes containing grease in excessive amounts or any flammable wastes, sand or other harmful ingredients; living quarters or dwelling units. All interceptors shall comply with the Standard Plumbing Code, shall be of a type and capacity approved by the city, and shall be located as to be readily available and easily accessible for cleaning and inspection.

Maintenance of facilities. Where preliminary treatment or flow-equalizing facilities are provided for any waters or wastes, they shall be maintained continuously in satisfactory and effective operation by the owner at his expense.

Control manholes required. When required by the city the owner of any property serviced by a building sewer carrying industrial wastes shall install a suitable control manhole together with such necessary meters and other appurtenances in the building sewer to facilitate observation, sampling and measurement of the wastes. Such manhole, when required, shall be accessibly and safely located, and shall be constructed in accordance with plans approved by the city. The manhole shall be installed by the owner at his expense, and shall be maintained by him so as to be safe and accessible at all times.

Measurements, tests and analyses. All measurements, tests and analyses of the characteristics of waters and wastes to which reference is made in this section shall be determined in accordance with the latest edition of ``Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater,'' published by the American Public Health Association, and shall be determined at the control manhole, or upon suitable samples taken at said control manhole. In the event that no special manhole has been required, the control manhole shall be considered to be the nearest downstream manhole in the public sewer to the point at which the building sewer is connected. Sampling shall be carried out by customarily accepted methods to reflect the effect of constituents upon the sewage [sewer] works and to determine the existence of hazards to life, limb and property. (The particular analyses involved will determine whether a 24-hour composite of all outfalls of a premises is appropriate or whether a grab sample or samples should be taken. Normally, but not always, BOD/5 and suspended solid analyses are obtained from 24-hour composites of all outfalls whereas pH's are determined from periodic grab samples.)

Inspection. Duly authorized employees or agents of the city bearing proper credentials and identification shall be permitted to enter all properties at reasonable times and in a reasonable manner for the purposes of inspection, observation, measurement, sampling and testing in accordance with the provisions of this code.

Appendix 6.03.00. Stormwater Management

§ 6.03.01. Purpose

Latest version.

The purpose of this section is to protect the surface water, groundwater and other natural resources by ensuring that the stormwater runoff peak discharge rates, volumes and pollutant loadings are managed to minimize the adverse impacts of erosion, sedimentation, flooding and water pollution. This section establishes design and performance standards for stormwater management systems. Its purpose is to ensure stormwater management systems are established that minimize flooding, minimize erosion and sedimentation, protect and enhance water resources, and where possible preserve natural features.

(Ord. No. 533, § 5(Exh. A), 9-16-09)

§ 6.03.02. Relationship to other stormwater management requirements

Latest version.

In addition to meeting the requirements of this code, the design and performance of all stormwater management systems for new development shall comply with chapter 62-25, Regulations of Stormwater Discharge, Florida Administrative Code. In all cases, the strictest of the applicable standards shall apply. The city will condition final development orders to restrict the commencement of development activity until all applicable stormwater permits from Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Northwest Florida Water Management District have been issued. In addition to compliance with the standards of this section, development shall also comply with applicable state and Northwest Florida Water Management District (NWFWMD) regulations.

(Ord. No. 533, § 5(Exh. A), 9-16-09)

§ 6.03.03. Exemptions

Latest version.

Pursuant to F.S. § 373.4145(3)(c), requirements for stormwater discharge set out in this Code are waived for the activities listed below:

Construction of a single-family dwelling unit on a lot or parcel of record, provided that the singe family dwelling unit is not part of a larger common plan of development or sale.

Construction of one duplex, provided that the duplex is not part of a larger common plan of development or sale.

Construction of one triplex residential structure, provided that the triplex is not part of a larger common plan of development or sale.

Construction of one quadruplex residential structure provided that the quadruplex is not part of a larger common plan of development or sale.

Construction of a storage building, shed, swimming pool or other accessory structure to subsection A., B., C. or D. above.

Performance of maintenance work on existing mosquito control drainage canals for the purpose of health and welfare.

Performance of maintenance work on existing drainage canals, utilities or transportation systems, provided such maintenance work does not alter the purposes, historical utilization and intent of the drainage system as constructed.

Maintenance to an existing structure.

Does not involve surface waters of the state.

Are not part of a larger common plan of development or sale.

Any development within a subdivision if each of the following conditions have been met.

Stormwater management provisions for the subdivision were previously approved and remain valid as part of a final plat or development plan; and

The development is conducted in accordance with the stormwater management provisions submitted with the construction plan.

Action taken under emergency conditions to prevent imminent harm or danger to persons, or to protect property from imminent fire, violent storms, hurricanes, or other hazards. A report of the emergency action shall be made to the city council, NWFWMD and the FDEP as soon as practicable.

Discharge into a stormwater discharge facility exempted or permitted by the department which has sufficient capacity and treatment capability as specified in this and is owned, maintained or operated by a city, county, special district, with drainage responsibility, or water management district; however, this exemption does not authorize discharge to a facility without the facility owner's prior written consent.

(Ord. No. 533, § 5(Exh. A), 9-16-09)

§ 6.03.03(a). 6.03.03(a). - Activities below thresholds

Latest version.

The construction, alteration, operation and maintenance of a whole and complete project that meets all the following thresholds and is not part of a larger common plan of development or sale is exempt from the requirements to obtain a permit under F.A.C. ch. 62-346:

Less than or equal to 4,000 ft² of impervious and semi-impervious surface area subject to vehicular traffic, such as roads, parking lots, driveways and loading zones.

Less than or equal to 5,000 ft² of building area or other impervious area not subject vehicular traffic;

Less than or equal to on acre total project area; and

The activities in A. through C. must also meet all the following criteria:

There is not direct discharge into OUTSTANDING FLORIDA WATERS as listed in F.A.C. 62-202.700. For purposes of F.A.C. ch. 62-346, a discharge is not direct if it enters another water body or is located outside of the boundary of the Outstanding Florida water body or is located outside of the boundary of the Outstanding Florida Water, provided that, in either case, there is sufficient mixing to prevent a lower of the existing ambient water quality in the Outstanding Florida Water.

Will not cause adverse water quantity impacts to receiving waters and adjacent lands;

Will not cause adverse flooding to on-site or off-site properties;

Will not cause adverse impacts to existing surface water storage and conveyance capabilities;

Will not cause violation of the water quality standards set forth in F.A.C. chs. 62-4, 62-302, 62-520, 62-522 and 62-550, including the provisions of F.A.C. 62-4.243, 62-4.244 and 62-4.264, the antidegradation provisions of F.A.C. 62-4.242(1)(a) and (b), subsections 62-4.242(2) and (3); and F.A.C. 62-302.300, and any special standards for Outstanding Florida Waters and Outstanding National Resource Waters set forth in F.A.C. 62-4.242(2) and (3); and

Will not cause adverse secondary impacts to the water resources. Until the adoption of phase II rules by the NWFWMD, this shall be limited to not causing a violation of water quality standards and not lowering or raising seasonal water levels in adjacent surface waters of the state to an extent that prevents the stormwater management system from functioning as designed, to adversely altering normal water levels fluctuations in adjacent surface waters of the state to an extent that prevents the stormwater management system from functioning as designed, not adversely altering normal water level fluctuations in adjacent surface waters of the state and not otherwise adversely impacting the maintenance of surface or groundwater levels or flows or surface water flows established pursuant to F.S. § 373.042.

(Ord. No. 533, § 5(Exh. A), 9-16-09)

§ 6.03.04. Stormwater management requirements

Latest version.

The following local design criteria shall be used in the City of Chattahoochee:

Performance standards.

Discharge. A storm event of 24-hour duration and 25-year return frequency shall be used in computing allowable off-site discharge. Off-site discharge shall be limited to predevelopment levels or the first one inch of rainfall, whichever is less, unless an engineering analysis using professionally-accepted methodologies demonstrates that a differing discharge rate should be used. The city may require a lesser rate of discharge. In requesting the larger rate of discharge, the burden of analysis shall be the responsibility of the developer.

Stormwater facilities. All development shall provide stormwater facilities that provide retention, or detention with filtration of the runoff from the first one inch of rainfall; or as an option for the retention, or detention with filtration of the first one-half inch of runoff.

Design standards.

F.A.C. 62-25, regulations of stormwater discharge, shall be used in the design and construction of stormwater management facilities.

Dredging, clearing of vegetation, deepening, widening, straightening, stabilizing or other wise altering natural waters shall be minimized.

Natural surface waters shall not be used as sediment traps during or after development.

A vegetated buffer or at least 30 feet shall be retained or created along the shores, banks or edges of all manmade or natural surface waters, unless other standards are provided in section 4.03.01 of this Code.

Any development that discharges into an Outstanding Florida Water shall include an additional level of treatment equal to 50 percent of the treatment criteria specified in F.A.C. 62-25.035(1)(b), or 62-25.040.

Low impact design.

Best practices.

Bio-retention cells are encouraged to be used. Bio-retention cells typically consist of grass buffers, sand beds, a ponding area for excess runoff storage, organic layers, planting soil and vegetation. Their purpose is to provide a storage area, away from buildings and roadways, where stormwater collects and filters into the soil. Permanent ponds can be incorporated into the design as management and landscaping features. Bio-retention areas have also been called rain gardens since they are typically landscaped with native plants and grasses, selected according to their moisture requirements and ability to tolerate pollutants. Annual maintenance of bio-retention cells must be planned in order to replace mulching materials, remove accumulated silt, or revitalize soils as required. If bio-retention is to be used in stormwater management plans, then a maintenance plan must be provided as part of the overall stormwater management plan.

Vegetated swales are encouraged to be used as they function as an alternative to curb and gutter systems. Vegetated swales are good low density subdivisions and usually work well along residential streets or highways. Vegetated swales utilize grasses or other vegetation to reduce runoff velocity and allow filtration, high-volume flows are channeled away safely to a quantity management facility. Features like plantings may be incorporated to further reduce water velocity and encourage filtration. Walkways are either separated from roadways by swales, or relocated to other areas.

Filter strips can be designed as landscape features within parking lots or other areas to collect flow from large impervious surfaces. Filter strips direct water into vegetated quantity detention areas or special sand filters that capture pollutants and gradually discharge water over a period of time.

Disconnected impervious areas direct water flows collected from structures, driveways, or street sections into separate localized detention cells instead of combining it in drain pipes with other runoff. Disconnecting the flow limits the velocity and overall amount of conveyed water that must be handled by end-of-pipe water quality and quantity facilities.

Cistern collection systems often called "rain barrels" can be used and designed to store rainwater for dry-period irrigation rather than channeling it to streams. Some collection systems are designed to be installed directly under permeable pavement areas, allowing maximum water storage capacity while eliminating the need for gravel beds.

Site design. It is encouraged to limit and decrease impervious surfaces during development. This can be a simple strategy to address water quality and avoid problems from stormwater runoff and water table depletion by reducing surfaces that prevent natural filtration. Methods may include:

Reducing roadway surfaces can retain more permeable land area. In some cases, planners have reduced pavement needs by up to 40 percent by using longer, undulating roads that create more available lot frontage, instead of wide shorter streets with more intersections. Other options may include shared driveways, "flag" lots with reduced street frontage, landscaped detention islands within cul-de-sacs, or alternate designs for turn-around areas.

Permeable pavement surfaces can be constructed from a variety of materials, including traditional asphalt and concrete, gravel or pavers. Permeable roadway or parking areas allow water to flow through, replenishing soil areas directly beneath. However, the sub-base underneath permeable pavements must be engineered to accommodate both filtration and quantity water storage. In many cases, permeable surfaces can reduce or eliminate the need for traditional stormwater structures. Further information is available in a separate PATH Technology Inventory article titled "Permeable Pavement".

Vegetative roof systems create a lightweight, permeable vegetative surface on an impervious roof area. Moss, grass, herbs, wildflowers, and native plants can be used, creating an aesthetically pleasing roof landscape. The systems start with a high-strength rubber membrane placed over the base roof structure. Various layers above the rubber may contain insulation, filter and drainage media, separation fabrics, lightweight growth media, vegetation, and wind erosion fabric. Some systems even incorporate rain barrel runoff collection, pumping, and irrigation equipment. These systems are more costly than standard roofs and have not been used on a large scale for residential development in the U.S.

Planning site layout and grading to natural land contours can minimize grading costs and retain a greater percentage of the sand's natural hydrology. Contours which function as filtration basins can be retained or enhanced for water quality and quantity and incorporated into the landscaping design.

Natural resource preservation and use of native drought-resistant plants can be used to minimize the need for irrigation systems and enhance property values. Riparian, or stream bank, areas are particularly crucial to water quality and, in most areas, subject to federal or state regulations. Preserving existing wooded areas, mature trees, and natural terrain can give new developments a premium "mature landscape" appearance and provide residents with additional recreational amenities. Both of these features can improve marketability. Xeriscaping refers to landscaping with plants native to area climate and soil conditions. These plants thrive naturally, requiring less maintenance and irrigation than most hybrid or imported varieties. For more information, refer to the separate PATH Technology Inventory article on this subject. Xeriscape is a registered trademark of Denver Water, Denver, CO.

Clustering homes on slightly smaller lot areas can allow more preserved open space to be used for recreation, visual aesthetics, and wildlife habitat. Clustering can reduce infrastructure costs to the builder since fewer feet of pipe, cable, and pavement are needed, and maintenance costs are reduced for homeowners.

(Ord. No. 533, § 5(Exh. A), 9-16-09)

§ 6.03.05. Dedication or maintenance of stormwater management systems

Latest version.

Dedication. If a stormwater management system that complies with this subsection is proposed to function as an integral part of the city's stormwater management system, as determined by the superintendent of public works, these facilities may be dedicated to the city in a form recommended by the city attorney and approved by the city council.

Maintenance by an acceptable entity. All stormwater management systems that are not dedicated to the city shall be operated and maintained by one of the following entities:

A local governmental unit including a school board, special district, or other governmental unit.

A regional water management agency or an active water control district created pursuant to F.S. ch. 298, or drainage district created by special act, or special assessment district created pursuant to F.S. ch. 170.

A state or federal agency.

An officially franchised. licensed, or approved communication, water, sewer, electrical or other public utility.

The property owner or developer if:

Written proof is provided through either a letter or resolution, that a governmental entity as set forth in subsections 1. through 4. above, will accept the operation and maintenance of the stormwater management and discharge facility at a time certain in the future.

A surety bond or other assurance of continued financial capacity to operate and maintain the system is submitted and approved by the city council. The developer shall maintain and repair all improvements that these stormwater management standards require the developer to construct. The developer shall post a maintenance bond to cover at least ten percent of the estimated costs of all required stormwater improvements for a period of not less than three years.

For-profit or non-profit corporations, including homeowners' associations, property owners' associations, condominium owners' associations or master associations if:

The owner or developer submits documents constituting legal capacity and a binding legal obligation between the entity and the city in which the entity affirmatively takes responsibility for the operation and maintenance of the stormwater management facility.

If an association is used, the association has sufficient powers reflected in its organizational or operational documents to:

Operate and maintain the stormwater management system as permitted by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the NWFWMD Environmental Resource Permit Applicant's Handbook;

ii.

Establish rules and regulations;

iii.

Assess members;

iv.

Contract for services; and

Exist perpetually with the articles of incorporation providing that if the association is dissolved, the stormwater management system will be maintained by an acceptable entity as described above.

(Ord. No. 533, § 5(Exh. A), 9-16-09)