§ 30-176. Minimum requirements to reduce pollutant discharges.

(a)

Application for a clearing or grading permit shall be made to the director on forms furnished by him prior to commencing any development activities which direct stormwater runoff or other discharges to the city's separate storm sewer system. Such application may require plans prepared by a registered professional engineer or other qualified professional to be submitted in triplicate drawn to scale showing the nature, location, dimensions, and elevations of the development vicinity; existing and proposed structures; existing and proposed drainage systems; and proposed activities on the site. Specifically, the following information is required:

(1)

A plan to reduce, to the maximum extent practicable, the discharge of pollutants to the city's separate storm sewer system from areas of new development. Plans may include but are not limited to structural and source control measures to reduce pollutants in stormwater runoff, management practices, or other appropriate provisions approved by the director.

(2)

Plans shall also address controls to reduce pollutants in discharges to the city's separate storm sewer system after construction is completed.

(3)

A plan to ensure that the postdeveloped peak stormwater runoff rate is no greater than the predeveloped peak stormwater runoff rate and minimize downstream erosion and property damage. The director may waive this requirement if appropriate information is submitted that documents downstream impacts are not significant.

(b)

The following activities are exempt from obtaining a development permit unless such activities are identified by the director as possible pollutant sources.

(1)

Surface mining, as the same is defined in O.C.G.A. § 12-4-72;

(2)

Granite quarrying and land clearing for such quarrying;

(3)

Minor land-disturbing activities such as home gardens and individual home landscaping, repairs, maintenance work, and other related activities;

(4)

The construction of single-family residences; provided that construction of any such residence conforms to the minimum standards as set forth in article V of chapter 30 of this Code;

(5)

Agricultural activities;

(6)

Any project carried out under the technical supervision of the Soil Conservation Service of the United States Department of Agriculture;

(7)

Construction or maintenance projects, or both, undertaken or financed in whole or in part, or both, by the department of transportation, the state highway authority, or the state tollway authority; or any road construction or maintenance project, or both, undertaken by any county or municipality; construction and maintenance, or either, by any water or sewerage authority established by the General Assembly of the state; provided however, that such projects shall conform to the minimum requirements relating to soil erosion and sedimentation control as set forth in article V, chapter 30 of this Code, and that such standards may be enforced by the issuing authority;

(8)

Any land-disturbing activities conducted by any electric membership corporation or municipal electric system or any public utility under the regulatory jurisdiction of the public service commission.

(Ord. No. 95-5, § I(11-72), 4-20-95)