HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrd 1591 - 1988 Uniform Building Code (Repealed by Ord 2062)
1770 §2.3, 2.4, 2.6, 6.4 2062
1838 §6.6
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1908
CITY OF TUMILA
WASHINGTON
ORDINANCE NO. /5'9
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA,
WASHINGTON REPEALING THAT PORTION OF
ORDINANCE NO. 1341, SECTION 4 (PART), SPECIFIED IN
THE TUKWILA MUNICIPAL CODE AS CHAPTER 16.54 AND
THAT PORTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 1547 ADOPTING
APPENDIX 70 OF THE 1988 UNIFORM BUILDING CODE,
ESTABLISHING NEW REGULATIONS AND
REQUIREMENTS FOR CONDUCTING LAND ALTERING
ACTIVITIES WITHIN THE CITY OF TUKWILA, AND
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the City of Tukwila maintains several infrastructure systems and numerous
other public facilities and rights -of -way which it must protect from potential adverse impacts,
and
WHEREAS, the City of Tukwila is also responsible for ensuring public health, safety,
and welfare of its citizenry, and
WHEREAS, a considerable amount of land- altering activity which takes place every year
in the City of Tukwila could have a potential impact to public and private property as well as
threaten public safety, and
WHEREAS, the most effective means to protect the public from the impacts of land
altering activity is through the establishment of specific regulations and requirements for the
conduct of such activities, and
WHEREAS, the City of Tukwila Staff and City Council have worked diligently over the
past year to develop regulations and requirements to control land- altering activites as necessary
to protect public and private property and ensure public safety, and
WHEREAS, the City Official responsible for administering the Washington State
Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) has reviewed these regulations and requirements and
determined that the passage of this document presents no significant environmental impacts and
has formally issued a Declaration of Non Significance for this document, and
WHEREAS, a public hearing was held on February 4, 1991 to solicit comments and
concerns on the content of the regulations and requirements for the conduct of land altering
activities as contained in this Ordinance,
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA,
WASHINGTON, DO HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION I. TITLE, PURPOSE, SCOPE, AND DEFINITIONS
1.1 EXCAVATION ORDINANCES UBC APPENDIX 70 REPEALED
City of Tukwila Ordinance No. 1341 Section 4 (part) and Chapter 16.54 TMC,
and that portion of Ordinance No. 1547, Appendix 70 of the 1988 Uniform
Building Code are hereby repealed, effective fifteen (15) days from adoption of
this Ordinance by Tukwila City Council.
1.2 TITLE
This Ordinance shall be known as the City of Tukwila "Land- Altering Ordinance"
and may be so cited.
1.3 PURPOSE
This Ordinance is adopted to:
A. Regulate land altering activity in order to control accelerated erosion and
sedimentation and prevent damage to public or private property and public
storm water systems.
B. Prevent the sediment or sediment- related pollution and other damage to
waters in the City and the region.
C. Provide a supplement to the excavation and fill regulations and
requirements prescribed in the Uniform Building Code.
1.4 SCOPE
This Ordinance sets forth rules and regulations to control all land altering
activities within the City of Tukwila.
1.5 DEFINITIONS
Accelerated Erosion Any increase over the rate of natural erosion as a result of
land altering activity.
Applicant Any person proposing to carry out any land- altering activity within
the city limits of Tukwila (see "Developer
Buffer (Also known as "Sensitive Area Buffer The area contiguous to a
Sensitive Area that is required for the continued maintenance, function, and
structural stability of the Sensitive Area as defined in the City of Tukwila
Sensitive Areas Ordinance.
Clearing Any removal of trees, brush, grass, ground cover or other vegetative
matter from a site which exposes the earth's surface at the site.
Commercial Stockpiling Operations Operations involving the production and/or
storage of unprocessed or processed sand, gravel, soil, soil mixtures, or other
aggregate materials used in the manufacture of asphalt or concrete products or
sold commercially.
Construction Documents The drawings, plans, specifications, contracts and
permits which depict how construction is to occur.
Control Measure A practice or combination of practices to control erosion and
attendant pollution.
Control Zone A strip of land designed to prevent land altering activities from
adversely affecting Sensitive Areas and their Buffers within a site.
Developer A person proposing or actively carrying out land altering activity
(see "Applicant" and "Person
Development Standards The formally adopted standards prescribing the specific
manner in which development is to take place in the City of Tukwila.
Drainage Course Any flow of water through a natural drainage system, man-
made conveyance system or overland drainage.
Earth/Earth Material Naturally occurring rock, soil, stone, dirt, or combination
thereof to exclude: hazardous materials of any type (as defined by the
Washington State Department of Ecology); organic matter in quantities
detrimental to the fill or the site; and materials precluded by the Uniform Building
Code.
Earthwork Any operation involving the excavation, grading or filling of earth
materials.
Engineer A professional engineer licensed by the State of Washington.
Erosion The wearing away of land surface by the action of wind, water, gravity
or any combination thereof. Erosion Control Measure, Structure or Device A
mechanism to control soil movement to the area of soil disturbance and prevent
accelerated erosion and associated transport of sediments.
Excavation The mechanical digging or removal of earth material.
Fill Material A deposit of earth material placed by artificial means.
Filling The act of transporting or placing (by any manner or mechanism) fill
material from, to, or on any soil surface, natural vegetative covering of soil
surface, or fill material (including temporary stock- piling of fill material).
Grade The vertical reference or elevation of the ground surface:
a) Existing Grade is the grade prior to grading.
b) Interim Grade is a pre determined staged grade, not the final
grade, which is allowed for a specific period of time.
c) Rough Grade is the stage at which the grade approximately
conforms to the approved plan.
d) Finish Grade is the final grade of the site which conforms to the
approved plan.
Grading Any excavating, filling, clearing, or the creation of impervious surface,
or any combination thereof.
Ground Cover Trees and any other natural vegetative growth or other material
which renders the soil surface stable against accelerated erosion.
Impervious Surface Those hard surfaces which prevent or retard the entry of
water into the soil in the manner that such water entered the soil under natural
conditions pre- existent to development, grading, or alteration of the land. Such
surfaces include, but are not limited to: concrete, Portland Cement Concrete,
bituminous surface, oil -mat, all driving surfaces, and buildings, as defined in
Ordinance No. 1549.
Land Altering Activity Any activity that results in change of the natural cover or
topography or which may cause sedimentation. To include, but not limited to:
clearing, excavation, filling, grading, and stockpiling, as defined herein.
Natural Erosion The wearing away of the earth's surface by water, wind, or other
natural environmental conditions.
Permanent Erosion Control The continuous on -site and off -site control measures
that are needed to prevent accelerated erosion, sedimentation, or related pollution
resulting from land altering activity.
Permittee Any person obtaining a Land- Altering Permit in accordance with this
Ordinance.
Person Any legal entity recognized by the State of Washington for the purpose
of assigning legal responsibility, to include, but not limited to: individuals,
partnerships, firms, associations, commissions, boards, utilities, institutions, and
estates.
Plan A drawing which may be a part of the set of construction documents.
Public Works Director The Director of the Department of Public Works for the
City of Tukwila, or Public Works Department Staff designated by the Director to
discharge the requirements of this Ordinance; provided, however, that any
delegation of the administration and enforcement of this Ordinance shall in no
way absolve the Director of Public Works of his/her responsibility for the actions
taken by Staff pursuant to such delegation.
Runoff Water traveling across the ground surface as a result of precipitation or
other natural source.
Sediment Solid particulate matter, both mineral and organic, that has been or is
being transported by water, air, gravity, or ice, from its original site.
Sedimentation The process by which earth has been transported by land altering
activity and settled onto land or the bed of a creek, stream, river, wetland, pond,
other water body, or artificial facility to convey, collect, or retain water. Also
refers to the deposits resulting from the transportation of earth materials.
Sensitive Area Wetlands, watercourses, landslide hazard areas and abandoned
coal mines as designated or defined by the City of Tukwila Sensitive Areas
Ordinance.
Siltation The process or results thereof, whereby sediment is deposited at a
location.
Site A legally defined section of real property, whose boundaries are recorded
for purposes of assessing taxes with the county Assessor's Office, where land
altering activities are proposed; which may include all contiguous land and/or
water in one ownership, or contiguous land and/or water in diverse ownership
being developed as a unit, although not necessarily at one time.
Slope An inclined earth surface, the inclination of which is expressed as the
ratio of vertical distance over the horizontal distance.
Soils Engineer A professional engineer licensed by the State of Washington,
who is experienced and knowledgeable in soils engineering.
Stockpiling The placement of material with the intent to remove this same
material at a later time.
Storm Drainage Facilities The system of inlets, conduits, channels, ditches and
appurtenances which serve to collect, control, convey, and treat storm water
through and/or from a given drainage area.
Storm Water Precipitation that reaches the surface water system by overland
flow, interflow (a complex transfer of water that occurs just below the surface of
the ground) or via constructed conveyance systems.
Surcharging Depositing earth or other material with the intent of consolidating
or compacting the substrata, also called "preloading
Surface Water The naturally occurring water that flows over or is stored on the
earth's surface.
Surface Water System The network of depressions, swales, channels, wetlands,
ponds, streams, potholes and other features which have formed in the natural
topography over time to convey or store storm or surface water. In some cases,
portions of the natural surface water system have been channelized or otherwise
altered.
Temporary Erosion Control Measures employed to prevent accelerated erosion,
sedimentation, or related pollution during or immediately following land altering
activities at a site.
Uniform Building Code (UBC) The most recently published version of the
Uniform Building Code which has been adopted by the City of Tukwila.
Waste Surplus materials resulting from construction and disposed of at other
locations (off- site).
Watercourse Any course or route formed by nature or modified by man,
generally consisting of a channel with a bed and banks or sides substantially
throughout its length along which surface water flows naturally (other than the
Green/Duwamish River). The channel or bed need not contain water year- round.
This definition is not meant to include irrigation ditches, storm water runoff
devices or other entirely artificial watercourses unless they are used by salmonids
or to convey or re -route stream flows naturally occurring prior to construction of
such devices.
Wetland An area that is inundated or saturated by surface or groundwater at a
frequency and duration sufficient to support and, which under normal
circumstances supports vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil
conditions. Wetlands generally include swamps, bogs and similar areas.
1.6 OTHER LAWS
A. Whenever conflicts exist between federal, state or local laws, ordinances
or regulations, the more restrictive provisions shall apply.
B. Neither this Ordinance nor any administrative decisions made under it:
1. Exempts the permittee from procuring other required permits or
complying with the requirements and conditions of such a permit;
or
2. Limits the right of any person to maintain, at any time, any
appropriate action, at law or in equity, for relief or damages
against the permittee arising from the permitted activity.
SECTION II. GENERAL PERMIT PROVISIONS
2.1 MANDATORY STANDARDS
All land altering activity shall be undertaken in accordance with the following
mandatory standards:
A. PERMIT REQUIRED No person shall initiate any land altering activity
under any circumstances as prescribed in this Ordinance without first
obtaining a permit; except as specifically exempted by Section 2.9 herein.
B. PLAN REQUIRED All work must be performed in accordance with a
sequence shown on an approved Land Altering Plan or a revised sequence
as may be determined by the Public Works Director.
C. CONTROL ZONE No land altering activity shall be permitted adjacent
to a Sensitive Area and its Buffer without a control zone which restricts all
siltation and/or other adverse impacts associated with the land altering
activity from intruding upon such Sensitive Area and its Buffer.
D. SEDIMENTATION AND EROSION CONTROL DEVICES If any
land altering activity involves a surface area comprising more than 6,000
square feet, the person conducting the land altering activity shall employ
sedimentation and erosion control devices and practices sufficient to retain
all sediment generated by the land altering activity within the boundaries
of the site during construction.
E. GROUND COVER Within thirty (30) days following the completion of
construction or development on any site, the owner shall plant all required
vegetative cover in quantities sufficient to minimize erosion upon maturity
and complete all non vegetative ground cover.
F. DESIGN STANDARDS Unless specified herein; or in the City
Development Standards; all sediment retention and erosion control
devices shall be designed in accordance with the King County,
Washington Surface Water Design Manual: King County Public Works
Department- Surface Water Management Division; Jan. 1990 or as
amended hereafter.
2.2 PERMIT CONTROL OBJECTIVES
The following are basic control objectives which are to be considered in issuing a
Land- Altering Permit and/or reviewing a Land Altering Plan for approval:
A. IDENTIFY CRITICAL AREA On -site areas which are subject to severe
erosion, and off -site areas which are especially vulnerable to damage from
erosion and/or sedimentation, shall be identified and receive special
attention; and,
B. LIMIT TIME OF EXPOSURE All land altering activity shall be planned
and conducted to limit surface exposure to the shortest feasible time; and,
C. LIMIT EXPOSED AREAS All land altering activity shall be planned
and conducted to minimize the size of the area to be exposed at any one
time; and,
D. CONTROL STORM WATER RUNOFF Storm water runoff originating
upstream of exposed areas shall be controlled to reduce erosion and
sediment loss during the period of exposure; and,
E. MANAGE SITE RUNOFF When the increase in the velocity of storm
water runoff resulting from a land altering activity is sufficient to cause
accelerated erosion of the receiving water body, plans shall include
measures to control the velocity at the point of discharge and prevent off
site accelerated erosion or increased sedimentation of the water body; and,
F. CONTROL SEDIMENTATION All land altering activity shall be
planned and conducted to minimize off -site sedimentation in order to
prevent damage to private and/or public property.
2.3 PERMIT AUTHORITY
The Director of the Public Works Department for the City of Tukwila is the
responsible Administrative Officer of this Ordinance and his/her authority
includes the establishment of Regulations and Procedures to carry out the intent
of this Ordinance.
2.4 APPLICATION FOR PERMIT
The application for a Land Altering Permit shall be submitted on the standard
Utility Permit Application Form provided by the Public Works Department. The
permit may also include the following:
A. Site map and Land- Altering Plan.
B. Interim erosion and sediment control plan.
C. Final erosion and sediment control plan.
D. Maintenance schedules and agreements.
E. Maintenance responsibility.
F. Work schedule and construction cost estimates for each element in the
required plans.
G. Soils engineering report.
H. Environmental checklist.
I. Performance bond or other acceptable security.
J. Any supplemental materials or conditions required by the Public Works
Director.
2.5 EXPLANATION OF APPLICATION ELEMENTS/REQUIREMENTS
A. SITE MAP AND LAND ALTERING PLAN The site map and Land
Altering Plan shall contain all the following information:
1. Existing and proposed topography of the site depicted at a contour
interval sufficiently detailed to define the topography over the
entire site.
a. Two foot intervals shall be the standard unless a greater
number of contours are required to define drainage system
directions of flow.
b. National Geodetic Vertical Datum (1929) shall be used as
the vertical reference.
c. First order leveling shall be applied to site survey work or
the level of survey shall be per FEMA requirements
whichever is less restrictive.
d. Two foot contour intervals which depict topography up to a
maximum of 300 feet off -site, sufficient to show on- and
off -site drainage.
2. Site property lines shown in true location with respect to the plan's
topographic information.
3. Location and graphic representation of all existing and proposed
natural and man made drainage facilities.
4. Detailed plans of all surface and subsurface 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 any
portions of the area served by a storm water facility, calculated
according to run -off design criteria described in the City of
Tukwila's Comprehensive Surface Water Management Plan; as
amended hereafter.
5. Location and graphic representation of proposed excavations and
fills, or on -site storage of soil and other earth material, and any on-
site disposal.
6. Quantity of soil or earth material in tons or cubic yards to be
excavated, filled, stored or otherwise utilized on -site.
7. Location of proposed final surface runoff, erosion and sediment
control measures.
8. Proposed sequence and schedule of excavation, filling and other
land altering activities, together with plans for soil or earth
material storage and disposal.
9. Specifications for materials and the quantities thereof, to be used
as fill on the site.
10. Location of any buildings or structures on the property where the
work is to be performed and the location of any buildings, utilities,
or structures on land adjacent to the site which are within 15 feet
of property lines or which may be affected by the proposed grading
operations (e.g. residual settlement).
11. Quantities, materials, specifications, and locations of any
additional erosion and sediment control measures and/or facilities
or special requirements prescribed by the Public Works Director.
B. INTERIM EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL PLAN The
following information shall be provided in reference to conditions existing
on the site during land- altering activities:
1. Maximum surface runoff from the site, calculated using the
standards described in the King County, Washington Surface
Water Design Manual; King County Public Works Department
Surface Water Management Division; January 1990 or as amended
hereafter.
2. The Interim Plan shall also contain a delineation and brief
description of the following:
a. Measures to retain sediment on the site, including the
design, specifications, and maintenance schedules for,
sediment detention basins.
b. Surface runoff and erosion control measures to be
implemented, including, but not limited to: types and
methods of applying mulches; designs and specifications
for diverters, dikes and drains; and, a maintenance schedule
for all elements.
c. Vegetative measures to be used, including, but not limited
to: types of seeds and fertilizer; application rates; the type,
location and extent of pre existing and undisturbed
vegetation; and, a maintenance schedule for all elements.
C. FINAL EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL PLAN At the
discretion of the Public Works Director, the following information may be
required in reference to permanent site conditions:
1. Maximum runoff from the site, calculated by a licensed engineer
using the rational method.
2. Requirements shall also include descriptions and specifications of
the following:
a. Sediment and oil retention devices.
b. Surface runoff and erosion control devices.
c. Vegetative measures utilized for erosion control.
3. A graphic representation of the location of all items in Subsection
2, may also be required.
D. MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE AGREEMENTS
1. Prior to the issuance of a Land- Altering Permit the applicant,
developer or owner shall provide a monitoring and maintenance
schedule for permanent erosion control facilities that is binding on
all subsequent owners of land served by the Sediment and Erosion
Control Facilities. Such schedule shall provide for access to such
facilities by the Public Works Director or his/her authorized
representative.
2. The maintenance schedule shall be developed for the life of each
permanent erosion control system element and shall state the
maintenance to be completed, the time period for completion, and
who shall perform the maintenance.
3. The maintenance schedule shall be printed on the Land Altering
Plan and shall refer to the Land Altering Ordinance as currently
modified.
E. MAINTENANCE RESPONSIBILITY
1. The owner of the property on which work has been done pursuant
to this Ordinance, shall maintain in good condition and promptly
repair, restore, or replace all grade surfaces, walls, drains, dams,
structures, vegetation, erosion and sediment control measures, and
other protective devices in accordance with approved plans.
2. The property owner shall also be responsible for the monitoring
and removal of all sedimentation arising from his/her development
and clearing the downstream public /private system.
3. In addition to other enforcement provisions described in Section
2.11, failure to maintain erosion control and sediment retention
facilities in accordance with the approved maintenance schedule
may result in the work being performed at the direction of the
Public Works Director and assessed as a lien against the property
where such facilities are located.
4. The City shall be responsible for routine maintenance and
operation of all public erosion and sediment controls located
within public easements and right -of -ways, following final
acceptance of such facilities by the City.
F. WORK SCHEDULE AND CONSTRUCTION COST ESTIMATES
1. The work schedule shall include the proposed time(s) when all
land alterations will occur and final improvements will be
accomplished. The Applicant must also submit the proposed land
altering schedule, including installation of temporary and
permanent erosion sediment control devices and schedules for
monitoring, operation, and maintenance of these facilities.
2. Construction cost estimates for the sediment and erosion control
facilities required and all land altering activities planned in
accordance with Sections 2.5.A., B., and C. above, shall be
provided in sufficient detail to allow the Public Works Director to
determine the appropriate dollar amounts for required securities
and insurance.
G. SOILS ENGINEERING REPORT A soils engineering report, when
required, shall be based on adequate and necessary test borings, and shall
contain all information listed in this Section. Recommendations included
in the report shall be incorporated into the plans and specifications.
1. Data regarding the nature, distribution, strength and erodibility of
existing soils and of soils to be placed on the site, if any.
2. Conclusions and recommendations for grading procedures.
3. Analysis, conclusions, and design recommendations for interim
soil stabilization devices and permanent soil stabilization, to
include settlement created by the grade and fill operations and
potential effects to structures /utilities both on and off of the site. A
monitoring program to adequately measure settlement until
stability has occurred both on and off of the site shall be required
in all cases where such settlement is likely to impact existing
structures and/or utilities. In all cases involving the likelihood of
settlement, the soils engineer shall provide a risk analysis which
predicts the possible monetary liabilities associated with such
settlement both on and off of the site.
4. Identification of threshold limits for slope stability and settlement
which, when reached, will require the initiation of corrective
measures to mitigate adverse impacts both on and off of the site.
5. Opinions and recommendations addressing the adequacy of the
sites relative to the development proposed in the Land Altering
Permit Application.
6. If any of the Land- Altering Permit activities are undertaken for
structural purposes, the appropriate analysis of the soils shall also
be provided per requirements of the current UBC, including
determination of the bearing strength of the soils. This report,
along with a final soils report by the Soils Engineer of Record,
substantiating that the final product meets the recommendations of
the original soils report (design) shall be provided by the applicant
to the Building Official prior to any building construction at the
site. The Soils Engineer of Record for the project shall also
inspect and provide a final written report on the structural
capabilities of the on -site soils. It is the sole responsibility of the
applicant to enlist the services of the Soils Engineer of Record to
perform any on -site inspections necessary to provide required soils
reports and to substantiate that the land altering activities were
conducted as specified in the original soils design report.
H. ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST The Land Altering Permit
Application will not be processed or issued prior to environmental review
and sign -off from the Department of Community Development indicating
that such review has been conducted and that the proposed land altering
activities are in accordance with applicable City Codes.
PERFORMANCE BOND OR OTHER ACCEPTABLE SECURITY
The Public Works Director may require a performance bond or other
acceptable form of security as provided in Section 2.5.J.3 of this
Ordinance.
J. SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS AND CONDITIONS
1. General. The Public Works Director may require supplemental
studies, inspections, and/or testing by an approved testing agency
at any stage of the application or project. In addition, he /she may
require other conditions deemed necessary to prevent
sedimentation of public or private property, any sewer, storm
drain, or water course, or to prevent the operation from being
conducted in a manner hazardous to life or property, or in a
manner likely to create a nuisance. These conditions may include,
but are not limited to: the erection or installation of walls, drains,
dams, and structures; planting, erosion and sediment control
measures or devices; provision of necessary easements; and,
specific work methods. All conditions must be identified on the
erosion and sediment control plans submitted for approval.
2. Insurance. In addition to the conditions listed above, if in the
opinion of the Public Works Director the nature of the work is
such that it may create a hazard to human life or endanger
adjoining property or property at a higher or lower elevation, or
any street or street improvement, or any other public property, then
the Public Works Director may require the applicant to file a
certificate of insurance. The certificate must show that the
applicant is insured against claims of damages involving personal
injuries and property in an amount not less than specified in
Section 6.3. The amount of insurance shall be prescribed by the
Public Works Director in accordance with the nature of the risks
involved and may be greater than normally required for a Land
Altering Permit.
3. Security. The Public Works Director may require from the
developer a surety or cash bond, irrevocable letter of credit, or
other means of security acceptable to the City, prior to the issuance
of a Land Altering Permit. Any required securities shall be
administered in accordance with Section 6.2.. Construction costs
shall be submitted with the plan and the amount of the security
shall not be less than the total estimated construction cost of the
interim and permanent erosion or sediment control measures. The
security shall not be fully released without final inspection and
approval of completed work by the City, and submission of "as-
built" plans.
2.6 ISSUANCE OF PERMITS
A. Permits are not transferable without the approval of the Public Works
Director.
B. A permit shall not be issued for land- altering activities associated with
building or development that is not consistent with the guidelines set out
in the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (on file in the Department of
Community Development) or not allowed by existing zoning, building,
special exception, variance, or other codes or regulations applicable to the
site. However, if a developer elects to apply for and obtain a Land-
Altering Permit prior to obtaining a Building Permit and/or completing all
land -use review and approval processes, and they achieve compliance
with such approvals through the Land Altering Plan prior to issuance of
the Land Altering Permit, the developer shall assume full liability for
land altering activities conducted pursuant to the Land- Altering Permit
and shall save and hold harmless the City from any claims for damages or
other judgements in law or in equity arising out of later findings regarding
the placement of fill materials or the inability to utilize the site as prepared
through grade and fill operations.
C. The Public Works Director may waive the requirement for any or all plans
or specifications upon finding that the information on the application is
sufficient to demonstrate that the proposed work will conform to the
requirements of this chapter and other laws and ordinances; provided that,
a waiver of the requirement for detailed plans and specifications shall not
be construed as waiving any other requirements of this or related
regulations and the applicant remains bound by all conditions of the
application.
D. PERMIT PROCESSING/TIMING
1. Within 40 days of receipt of an application for permit or waiver
(including required accompanying information), the Public Works
Director shall review the application to determine if the
requirements of this Ordinance are met. The Public Works
Director may request comments from other departments or
agencies.
2. If the requirements of this Ordinance are met, the Public Works
Director shall approve the plan, inform the applicant and issue a
permit.
3. If the requirements are not met, the Public Works Director shall
inform the applicant in writing and may either require additional
information, or disapprove the plan. Within 21 days of the receipt
of any re- submittal, the Public Works Director shall again
determine if the plan meets the requirements of this Ordinance and
shall either approve or disapprove said re- submittal.
4. If the plan is disapproved, the Public Works Director shall inform
the applicant in writing of the reasons for disapproval.
E. Upon review and approval of all required plans, the Public Works
Director, in writing, shall approve the application and issue the permit
upon payment of any applicable fees and the provision of any required
financial assurances or securities.
2.7 PERMIT REQUIREMENTS
In addition to any discretionary conditions placed on the applicant, the following
shall be standard requirements of every Land Altering Permit:
A. Notify the Public Works Director within the 48 hour period prior to
commencing any land altering activity.
B. Notify the Public Works Director of completion of any control measures
within 48 hours after their installation.
C. Obtain permission in writing from the Public Works Director prior to
modifying the control plan.
D. Install all control measures as identified in the approved erosion control
plan.
E. Maintain all road drainage systems, storm water drainage systems, control
measures and other facilities as identified in the control plan.
F. Repair any siltation or erosion damages to adjoining surfaces and drainage
facilities resulting from the land altering activities.
G. Inspect the construction control measures at least once each week and/or
as indicated on the approved inspection schedule required by Section
4.2.A., and make needed repairs immediately.
H. Keep a copy of the control plan on -site.
The permittee shall at all times protect Sensitive Areas, their Buffers, and
improvements to adjacent private properties and public right -of -ways or
easements from damage during grading operations. The permittee shall
restore to the standards in effect at the time of the issuance of the permit,
Sensitive Areas, their Buffers, and public improvements damaged by the
permitteets operations.
2.8 AMENDMENT
Application for amendment to a permit shall be in written and/or graphic form
and may be made at any time through the same process as the original
application. Until such time as an amendment is approved by the City, the land
altering activity shall not proceed except in accordance with the Land Altering
Permit as originally approved.
2.9 EXEMPTIONS
The following activities are exempt from the application of this Ordinance and do
not require a Land- Altering Permit; provided they do not occur in a Sensitive
Areas Overlay Zone as defined by the City in the Sensitive Areas Ordinance:
A. Excavations less than five feet in vertical depth or fills less than three feet
in vertical depth and involving the removal, deposit or displacement of not
more than a total of 50 cubic yards of material for the duration of the
entire project.
B. The stockpiling of less than 50 cubic yards of topsoil, peat, sawdust,
mulch, bark, chips or solid nutrients on a site.
C. The creation of impervious surfaces OR clearing a cumulative surface area
of less than 6,000 square feet.
D. Emergency and temporary sandbagging, diking, ditching, filling or similar
work during or after periods of extreme weather conditions when done to
protect life or property; provided that work undertaken after the period of
immediate threat, unless undertaken within a reasonable time and for the
purpose of restoring the property to its pre extreme weather conditions
state, shall not be exempt.
E. Public Works Improvement Projects and Maintenance Programs shall be
exempt from obtaining permits in accordance with this Ordinance but
shall conform in all practices with the intent of this Ordinance.
F. Agriculture.
G. Commercial Stockpiling Operations which are in existence at the time this
Ordinance is enacted and which involve the stockpiling of materials as a
normal part of daily operations shall be exempt from obtaining a Land
Altering Permit; provided that the property owner has obtained written
approval from the Public Works Director.
2.10 PERMIT FEE
A non refundable permit fee will be collected at the time of the issuance of a
Land- Altering Permit. The permit fee will provide for the cost of: plan review;
administration and management of the permitting process; inspections; and,
variance and appeals processing pursuant to this Ordinance. A permit fee
schedule shall be established by the City Council based upon the relative
complexities of land altering projects, and may be amended from time to time.
2.11 PERMIT ENFORCEMENT
If, through inspection, or other means, it is determined that a person engaged in
land altering activity has failed to comply with the approved Land Altering Plan
and/or other permit conditions, any or all of the enforcement actions prescribed in
this Ordinance may be initiated. When permit violations are identified a notice of
violation shall be served upon that person by registered or certified mail or other
means. The notice shall set forth the measures necessary to achieve compliance
with the plan, specify the time period to commence and complete corrections, and
indicate the consequences for failure to correct the violation.
A. Any Land Altering Permit issued by the City may be suspended or
revoked, after written notice is given to the permittee, for any of the
following reasons:
1. Any violation(s) of the conditions of the permit.
2. Changes in site runoff characteristics upon which the permit is
granted.
3. Construction not in accordance with the approved plans.
4. Noncompliance with correction notice(s) or stop work order(s)
issued for erosion or sediment controls.
5. An immediate danger exists in a downstream area or adjacent
property as determined by the Public Works Director.
B. In addition to the action under subsection (A), the Public Works Director
may post a site with a "stop work" order directing that all land altering
activity cease immediately. The issuance of a "stop work" order may
include any "discretionary conditions" or "standard requirements" which
must be fulfilled before work under the Land Altering Permit may
continue.
C. No person shall continue or permit the continuance of work in an area
covered by a stop work order, except work required to correct an
imminent safety hazard as prescribed by the Public Works Director.
D. The cost of any corrective measures shall be borne by the developer,
owner or permittee applicant.
2.12 PERMIT DURATION
From the date of issuance, permits shall be valid for a period of 180 days, or the
length of the building permit or other construction authorization, whichever is
longer, unless otherwise revoked. The Public Works Director may extend the
permit period one or more times up to an additional 180 days. The Public Works
Director may also require additional control measures as a condition of the
extension if they are necessary to meet the requirements of this Ordinance.
SECTION III. CRITERIA AND STANDARDS
3.1 MINIMUM CRITERIA AND STANDARDS
At a minimum, plans for land altering activities shall comply with the most recent
version of the Uniform Building Code and the provisions herein, with the more
restrictive provisions being applicable.
3.2 CLEARING
All clearing of vegetation shall conform to the specifications of this Section and
those set forth in the Development Standards (on file at the Public Works
Department) unless otherwise exempt.
A. Clearing shall be restricted to the extent necessary to develop the site. The
extent of such clearing shall be approved by the Public Works Director
and shall be delineated on the approved site plans.
B. Clearing in a designated Sensitive Area or its Buffer shall conform to the
conditions and restrictions prescribed by review processes in the
Department of Community Development and the City's Development
Standards.
3.3 GRADING
Changes in site topography shall conform to the following restrictions and
objectives and the requirements of the City's Development Standards:
A. Fills in the regulatory floodway shall not be permitted. (As defined in the
current F.I.R.M. on file in the Public Works Department).
B. The project shall be designed to minimize elevation changes, cleared
areas, and volumes of excavation or fill.
SECTION IV. INSPECTION
4.1 INSPECTION ACCESS
Authorized representatives of the Public Works Director may enter for the
purpose of inspection and enforcement of the provisions of this Ordinance, all
properties described in Land Altering Permit documentation.
4.2 INSPECTION SCHEDULE AND REPORTS
A. Prior to issuing a Land Altering Permit, the applicant shall submit to the
Public Works Inspector for approval, a proposed inspection schedule.
B. At the Public Works Director's option, "as- built" certification by a
registered professional engineer licensed in the State of Washington shall
be required to certify that the facility has been constructed as shown on
the "as- built" plans and meets approved plans and specifications. "As-
Built" plans may also be required. When required, these elements shall be
submitted prior to permit sign -off.
C. The Soils Engineer's final report, if required, (e.g. for placement of all
structural fills) shall be resubmitted prior to final inspection and permit
sign -off.
D. Upon completion of all required project elements, the permittee shall
request a final inspection by contacting the Public Works Inspector. The
permit process is complete upon sign -off of the issued permit(s) by the
Public Works Director.
SECTION V. SYSTEM/PROPERTY PROTECTION
5.1 DETERMINATION OF RISK/HAZARD
If the Public Works Director determines that a significant risk of accelerated
erosion or off -site sedimentation exists due to permitted land- altering activities
he /she may require a revised plan. Pending the preparation of the revised plan,
work shall cease or may continue under conditions prescribed by the Public
Works Director.
5.2 EMERGENCY ACTION
Whenever the Public Works Director determines that the act or intended act of
clearing, grading, excavation or fill has become or will constitute a hazard to life
and limb, or endangers property, or adversely affects the safety, use or stability of
a public way, drainage channel, Sensitive Area or Buffer, including siltation and
sedimentation therein, the Public Works Director may initiate all required actions
to prevent or stop any land altering activity. The developer or person conducting
or intending to conduct the land altering activity, upon notification by the Public
Works Director shall, within the period specified therein, terminate such clearing,
grading, excavation, embankment or fill.
SECTION VI. GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS
6.1 LIABILITY.
Liability for any adverse impacts or damages resulting from work performed in
accordance with any permit issued on behalf of the City of Tukwila for the
development of any site within the City limits, shall be the sole responsibility of
the property owner.
6.2 SECURITIES.
For developments which may involve a risk of property damages or possible
hazards, the Public Works Director may require the deposit of a financial security
(bond, note, letter of credit, etc.) with the City to mitigate damages should they
occur. The following provisions shall apply in instances where such securities are
required:
A. Securities shall not exceed the estimated cost of constructing and
maintaining those improvements which are the source of the risk or
potential hazard, provided that, in the case of land altering activities which
do not involve expenditures at least equal to the cost of remedying the
possible adverse impacts of such activities, the required security shall be
equal to City Staffs best estimate of the possible costs directly associated
with remedying the adverse impacts to public or private properties not
associated with the development.
B. The amount of any security shall not serve as a gauge or limit to the
compensation collected from a property owner as a result of damages
associated with any land altering activity.
C. Securities shall be retained until the completion of any project involving
land altering activity or following a prescribed trial maintenance period.
D. Securities and/or financial assurances provided in accordance with this
Ordinance may be redeemed in whole or in part by the City of Tukwila
upon determination by the Public Works Director that any or all of the
following circumstances exist:
1. Failure on the part of the party providing such assurances to fully
comply, within the time specified, with approved plans and/or any
corrective or enforcement actions mandated in accordance with
this Ordinance; or,
2. Damages to public or property arising from the activities for
which the assurance or security was required.
6.3 INSURANCE.
If, in the opinion of the City official designated with the authority to administer a
land -use ordinance, the risks to property or life and limb associated with a
proposed development activity are substantial, said official may require the
property owner to purchase liability insurance coverage in the following
minimum amounts:
A. Bodily injury liability $1 million per occurrence.
B. Property damage liability $1 million per occurrence.
The Public Works Director may require higher policy limits than stipulated above
in those cases where the minimum amounts are deemed insufficient to cover
possible risks. All insurance policies obtained in accordance with these
provisions shall name the City of Tukwila as an "additional insured" and shall be
written by a company licensed to do business in the State of Washington. Neither
issuance of a permit, nor compliance with these provisions or any other
conditions imposed by the City relieves any person from any responsibility for
damage to persons or property otherwise imposed by law; damages in an amount
greater than the insured amount; nor, imposes any liability upon the City for
damages to persons or property arising from activities permitted by the City or
otherwise undertaken by any person.
6.4 VARIANCES
The City may grant a written variance from any requirements of this Ordinance if
there are exceptional circumstances applicable to the site such that strict
adherence to the provisions contained herein will result in unnecessary hardship
and not fulfill the intent of this Ordinance. A written request stating the specific
variances sought and the reasons supporting the approval of such variances shall
be provided to the Public Works Director. The Public Works Director shall then
provide a recommendation to the City Council and the Council shall make the
final determination. The City shall not grant a variance unless and until sufficient
reasons justifying the variance are provided.
6.5 PERMITS
The application for and issuance of permits as prescribed in this Ordinance shall
constitute the administrative mechanism for the enforcement of the provisions
contained herein. Such permits shall be non transferrable absent approval of the
Public Works Director and limited in scope to the specific activities for which
they are granted.
6.6 PENALTIES
The following penalties shall be applied in whole or in part for the violation of
permit conditions contained in this Ordinance or the failure to obtain permits
required for activities regulated by this Ordinance. All remedies shall be
considered cumulative and in addition to any other lawful action. Each day that a
violation of this Ordinance is committed or permitted to continue constitutes a
separate offense to which both the civil and criminal penalties set forth below
shall apply.
A. CIVIL PENALTIES
1. The violation of or failure to comply with any of any lawful order
or requirement of the permit made in accordance with the
provisions of this Ordinance is a civil violation. The provisions of
T.M.C. Chapter 8.22 shall be used to enforce this chapter in
addition to any other procedures authorized by the T.M.C.
2. It shall not be a defense to the prosecution for failure to obtain a
permit required for this Ordinance, that a contractor, subcontractor,
person with responsibility on the site, or person authorizing or
directing the work, erroneously believed a permit had been issued
to the property owner or any other person.
B. CRIMINAL PENALTIES.
Any person who knowingly or willfully violates any provision of this
Ordinance, or any rule or other adopted or issued regulations pursuant to
this Ordinance, or who knowingly or willfully initiates or continues any
activity for which a permit is required, except in accordance with the
terms, conditions, and provisions of an approved plan, shall be guilty of a
misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment not to exceed 90 days or by a
fine not to exceed $5,000, or both, at the discretion of the court.
6.7 ABATEMENT.
Any structures, work, facilities, excavations, fills or other activities which are
constructed, reconstructed, operated, or performed in violation of this Ordinance
or any lawful order or requirement of the Public Works Director pursuant to this
Ordinance, shall be deemed to be a public nuisance and may be abated in the
manner provided by T.M.C. Chapter 8.28.
6.8 INJUNCTIVE RELIEF.
A. Whenever the governing body has reasonable cause to believe that any
person is violating or threatening to violate this Ordinance or any rule or
other provisions adopted or issued pursuant to this Ordinance, it may
either before or after the institution of any other action or proceeding
authorized by this Ordinance, institute a civil action in the name of the
City for injunctive relief to restrain the violation or threatened violation.
Such action shall be brought in King County Superior Court.
B. The institution of an action for injunctive relief under this section shall not
relieve any party to such proceedings from any civil or criminal penalty
prescribed for violations of this Ordinance.
6.9 APPEALS.
A. APPEALS TO DIRECTOR Any person aggrieved by the action of any
Public Works Staff designated to enforce or administer any provision of
this Ordinance may appeal such action to the Director of the Department
of Public Works for the City of Tukwila. Such appeals may be in person
or in writing and shall be made within fourteen (14) days from the date
that the action subject to appeal was initiated. No appeals to City Council,
as described below, shall be heard without prior determination on the
subject of such appeal by the Director of the Department of Public Works
of the City of Tukwila.
B. APPEALS TO COUNCIL Any person aggrieved by the action of the
Director of Public Works, as a result of the disapproval of a properly filed
application for a permit variance, a written notice of violation, an alleged
failure to properly enforce the Ordinance in regard to a specific
application, or the denial of an appeal to the Director of Public Works,
may appeal that decision to the City Council. That appeal shall be made
in writing to the City Clerk within ten (10) days of the Public Works
Director's decision and shall state the reasons for the appeal. The City
Council shall affirm, deny, or modify the decision of the Public Works
Director within ninety days of the filing of the appeal. Prior to making its
decision, the City Council may hold a public hearing. Appeals of
decisions made by the Building Official in reference to the application of
this Ordinance shall be made in accordance with Section 204 of the
U.B.C.
SECTION VII. SEVERABILITY
If any portion of this Ordinance, as now or hereafter amended, its application to any person or
circumstances is held invalid or unconstitutional, such adjudication shall not affect the validity of
the Ordinance as a whole, or any section, provision, or part thereof not adjudicated to be invalid
or unconstitutional and its application to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected.
SECTION VIII. EFFECTIVE DATE
This Ordinance shall take effect fifteen (15) days from the date of publication of the attached
summary which is hereby approved.
PASSED BY THE CITY COUN IL OF THE OF TUKWILA, WASHINGTON, at a
Regular Meeting thereof this day of 1991.
(P
GaI L' Van Dusen, Mayor
A' r1'E S T /AUTHENTICATED:
e E. Cantu, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
OFFICE OF THE CITY ATTORNEY:
.714-4„e
FILED WITH THE CI,IY CLERK: 8 7
PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL; a3-
PUBLISHED: D GI
EF'F'ECTIVE DATE: a S
ORDINANCE NO.: /5
SUMMARY OF ORDINANCE NO. /5
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF TUKWILA,
WASHINGTON, REPEALING THAT PORTION OF
ORDINANCE NO. 1341, SECTION 4 (PART), SPECIFIED IN
THE TUKWILA MUNICIPAL CODE AS CHAPTER 16.54 AND
THAT PORTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 1547 ADOPTING
APPENDIX 70 OF THE 1988 UNIFORM BUILDING CODE,
ESTABLISHING NEW REGULATIONS AND
REQUIREMENTS FOR CONDUCTING LAND ALTERING
ACTIVITIES WITHIN THE CITY OF TUKWILA, AND
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
On /9 the City Council of the City of Tukwila passed
Ordinance No. /59/ repealing Ordinance No. 1341 Section 4 (part) and a
portion of Ordinance No. 1547, Appendix 70 of the 1988 Uniform Building Code; establishing
requirements for land altering activities, and establishing an effective date.
The full text of this ordinance will be mailed without charge to anyone who submits a
written request to the City Clerk of the City of Tukwila for a copy of the text.
APPROVED by the City Council at its meeting of 9
(yie E. Cantu, City Clerk
Published: Valley Daily News SUNDAY, MARCH 10, 1991 a