<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<baltimore-city-law heading="Subtitle 32 – Erosion and Sediment Control Plans">
  <section prefix="§" num="32-1" heading="Definitions.">
    <para num="(a)" heading="In general.">In this subtitle, the following terms have the meanings indicated.</para>
    <para num="(b)" heading="Approval.">
      <para num="(1)" heading="In general.">“Approval” means a documented action by the Department following a comprehensive review to determine and acknowledge that submitted materials demonstrate compliance with the requirements of a specified stage in a project’s development process.</para>
      <para num="(2)" heading="Exclusions.">“Approval” does not include an acknowledgment by the Department that material has been received for review.</para>
    </para>
    <para num="(c)" heading="Drainage area.">“Drainage area” means an area, measured in a horizontal plane, that:<para num="(1)">contributes runoff to a single point; and</para>
      <para num="(2)">is enclosed by a ridge line.</para>
    </para>
    <para num="(d)" heading="Stabilization.">“Stabilization” means the protection of exposed soils from erosion by the application of seed and mulch, seed and matting, sod, other vegetative measures, or structural means.</para>
    <annotation type="History">Ord. 13-095</annotation>
  </section>
  <section prefix="§" num="32-2" heading="Plans required.">
    <text>Except as otherwise provided in this Division III, no person may grade land without erosion and sediment control plans approved by the Department.</text>
    <annotation type="History">Ord. 13-095</annotation>
  </section>
  <section prefix="§" num="32-3" heading="Review and approval of plans.">
    <para num="(a)" heading="Review and comment.">
      <para num="(1)">The Department must comprehensively review erosion and sediment control plans for each phase of the site design to determine compliance with this Division III.</para>
      <para num="(2)">For each plan phase, coordinated comments will be provided that reflect input from all appropriate agencies, including Planning, Zoning, and Public Works.</para>
      <para num="(3)">At each phase of project design, comments from the Department and other appropriate agencies must be addressed by the applicant and approval received before subsequent submissions.</para>
    </para>
    <para num="(b)" heading="Conditions.">In approving a plan, the Department may impose conditions that the Department considers necessary or appropriate to ensure:<para num="(1)">compliance with this Division III; and</para>
      <para num="(2)">the preservation of public health and safety.</para>
    </para>
    <para num="(c)" heading="Notification.">After the Department has completed its comprehensive review for each phase of site design, the Department must notify the applicant of either:<para num="(1)">the Department’s approval of the plan;</para>
      <para num="(2)">the Department’s disapproval of the plan, together with:<para num="(i)">the reasons for disapproval; and</para>
        <para num="(ii)">any modifications that the Department requires for approval; or</para>
      </para>
      <para num="(3)">if no decision has been made:<para num="(i)">the status of the review process; and</para>
        <para num="(ii)">the anticipated date of completion.</para>
      </para>
    </para>
    <para num="(d)" heading="Endorsement.">
      <para num="(1)">The final erosion and sediment control plan may not be considered approved without the inclusion of the Department’s dated signature on the plan.</para>
      <para num="(2)">Approved plans remain valid for 2 years from the date of approval, unless extended or renewed by the Department.</para>
    </para>
    <para num="(e)" heading="“Grandfathering” of approved plans.">
      <para num="(1)">Any plans that receive final approval after January 9, 2013, must be in compliance with the requirements of this Division III and the Standards and Specifications.</para>
      <para num="(2)">A plan that receives final approval on or before January 9, 2013, may be reapproved under its existing conditions, except for stabilization requirements, if grading activities begin on the site on or before January 9, 2015.</para>
      <para num="(3)">Stabilization practices on all sites must be in compliance with the requirements of this Division III and the Standards and Specifications on or before January 9, 2013, regardless of when an approved erosion and sediment control plan was approved.</para>
    </para>
    <annotation type="History">Ord. 13-095</annotation>
  </section>
  <section prefix="§" num="32-4" heading="Contents of plans.">
    <para num="(a)" heading="Submission.">An applicant is responsible for submitting erosion and sediment control plans that meet the requirements of the Department, this Division III, and all other applicable provisions of the Baltimore City Code.</para>
    <para num="(b)" heading="Tenor of plans.">The plans must include sufficient information to evaluate:<para num="(1)">the environmental characteristics of the affected areas;</para>
      <para num="(2)">the potential impacts of the proposed grading on water resources; and</para>
      <para num="(3)">the effectiveness and acceptability of measures proposed to minimize soil erosion and off-site sedimentation.</para>
    </para>
    <para num="(c)" heading="Minimum information.">At a minimum, applicants must submit the following information for the concept, site development, and final erosion and sediment control phases of project design:<para num="(1)">a letter of transmittal or application;</para>
      <para num="(2)">a vicinity map indicating north arrow, scale, site location, and other information necessary to easily locate the property;</para>
      <para num="(3)">plan submittals as specified in § 32-5 {“Concept plan”}, § 32-6 {“Site development plan”}, and § 32-7 Final ... plans”}; and</para>
      <para num="(4)">the name, address, and telephone number of:<para num="(i)">the owner of the property where the grading is proposed;</para>
        <para num="(ii)">the developer; and</para>
        <para num="(iii)">the applicant.</para>
      </para>
    </para>
    <annotation type="History">Ord. 13-095</annotation>
  </section>
  <section prefix="§" num="32-5" heading="Concept plan.">
    <para num="(a)" heading="In general.">The applicant must submit a concept plan that provides sufficient information for an initial assessment of the proposed project and whether erosion and sediment control can be provided according to this Division III.</para>
    <para num="(b)" heading="Minimum contents.">Plans submitted for concept approval must include:<para num="(1)">a map, at a scale specified by the Department, showing:<para num="(i)">the proposed limit of disturbance;</para>
        <para num="(ii)">topography;</para>
        <para num="(iii)">existing natural resources;</para>
        <para num="(iv)">wetlands;</para>
        <para num="(v)">floodplains;</para>
        <para num="(vi)">water bodies;</para>
        <para num="(vii)">highly erodible soils;</para>
        <para num="(viii)">natural drainage patterns; and</para>
        <para num="(ix)">any other sensitive areas to be protected during construction;</para>
      </para>
      <para num="(2)">a general description of the predominant soil types on the site, as described by the appropriate soil survey information available through the local soil conservation district or the USDA Natural Resources Soil Conservation Service;</para>
      <para num="(3)">the anticipated location of all:<para num="(i)">impervious areas;</para>
        <para num="(ii)">buildings;</para>
        <para num="(iii)">roadways;</para>
        <para num="(iv)">parking;</para>
        <para num="(v)">sidewalks;</para>
        <para num="(vi)">utilities; and</para>
        <para num="(vii)">other site improvements; and</para>
      </para>
      <para num="(4)">any other information that the Department requires.</para>
    </para>
    <annotation type="History">Ord. 13-095</annotation>
  </section>
  <section prefix="§" num="32-6" heading="Site development plan.">
    <para num="(a)" heading="In general.">Unless otherwise directed by the Department, after approval of the concept plan, the applicant must submit site development plans that reflect comments received during the previous review phase.</para>
    <para num="(b)" heading="Minimum contents.">Plans submitted for site development approval must be of sufficient detail to allow site development to be reviewed and must include:<para num="(1)">all information provided during the concept plan review phase;</para>
      <para num="(2)">drainage area maps that show, at a minimum scale of 1" = 200':<para num="(i)">existing, interim, and proposed topography;</para>
        <para num="(ii)">proposed improvements;</para>
        <para num="(iii)">standard symbols for proposed sediment control features; and</para>
        <para num="(iv)">pertinent drainage information, including provisions to protect downstream areas from erosion for a minimum of 200 feet downstream or to the next conveyance system;</para>
      </para>
      <para num="(3)">a proposed erosion and sediment control plan that contains:<para num="(i)">the existing and proposed topography and improvements, at a scale between 1" = 10' and 1" = 50' with 2 foot contours or other approved contour interval;</para>
        <para num="(ii)">interim contours for projects with more than minor grading, if required by the Department;</para>
        <para num="(iii)">scale, project, and sheet title, and north arrow on each plan sheet;</para>
        <para num="(iv)">the limit of disturbance, including:<para num="A.">limit of grading (grading units, if applicable); and</para>
          <para num="B.">initial, interim, and final phases;</para>
        </para>
        <para num="(v)">storm drainage features, including:<para num="A.">existing and proposed bridges, storm drains, culverts, outfalls, etc.;</para>
          <para num="B.">velocities and peak flow rates at outfalls for the 2-year and 10-year frequency storm events; and</para>
          <para num="C.">site conditions around points of all surface water discharge from the site;</para>
        </para>
        <para num="(vi)">any phasing necessary to limit earth disturbances and impacts to natural resources; and</para>
        <para num="(vii)">an overlay plan that shows the types and locations of stormwater practices and erosion and sediment control practices to be used;</para>
      </para>
      <para num="(4)">a narrative that indicates how proposed erosion and sediment control practices will be integrated with proposed stormwater management strategy using environmental site design in accordance with Division II of &lt;cite data-path="|7"&gt;this article&lt;/cite&gt;; and</para>
      <para num="(5)">any other information that the Department requires.</para>
    </para>
    <annotation type="History">Ord. 13-095</annotation>
  </section>
  <section prefix="§" num="32-7" heading="Final erosion and sediment control and stormwater management plans.">
    <para num="(a)" heading="In general.">After site development plan approval, the applicant must submit final erosion and sediment control plans and stormwater management plans that reflect the comments received during the previous review phase.</para>
    <para num="(b)" heading="Minimum contents.">Plans submitted for final approval must be of sufficient detail to allow all approvals and permits to be issued and must include:<para num="(1)">all information provided during the concept and site development plan review phase;</para>
      <para num="(2)">erosion and sediment control practices to minimize on-site erosion and prevent off-site sedimentation, including:<para num="(i)">the salvage and reuse of topsoil;</para>
        <para num="(ii)">phased construction and implementation of grading unit(s) to minimize disturbances, both in extent and duration;</para>
        <para num="(iii)">location and type of all proposed sediment control practices;</para>
        <para num="(iv)">design details and data for all erosion and sediment control practices; and</para>
        <para num="(v)">specifications for temporary and permanent stabilization measures, including at a minimum:<para num="A.">the “Standard Stabilization Note” on the plan stating:
“Following initial soil disturbance or re-disturbance, permanent or temporary stabilization must be completed within:<para num="1.">3 calendar days as to the surface of all perimeter dikes, swales, ditches, perimeter slopes, and all slopes steeper than 3 horizontal to 1 vertical (3:1); and</para>
            <para num="2.">7 calendar days as to all other disturbed or graded areas on the project site not under active grading.”;</para>
          </para>
          <para num="B.">details for areas requiring accelerated stabilization; and</para>
          <para num="C.">maintenance requirements as defined in the Standards and Specifications;</para>
        </para>
      </para>
      <para num="(3)">a sequence of construction that:<para num="(i)">describes the relationship between the implementation of controls and the maintenance of controls, including permanent and temporary stabilization, and the various stages or phases of earth disturbance and construction; and</para>
        <para num="(ii)">includes the following, at a minimum:<para num="A.">request for a pre-construction meeting with the Department;</para>
          <para num="B.">clearing and grubbing as necessary for the installation of perimeter controls;</para>
          <para num="C.">construction and stabilization of perimeter controls;</para>
          <para num="D.">remaining clearing and grubbing within installed perimeter controls;</para>
          <para num="E.">road grading;</para>
          <para num="F.">grading for the remainder of the site;</para>
          <para num="F.">utility installation and connections to existing structures;</para>
          <para num="G.">construction of buildings and roads;</para>
          <para num="H.">other construction;</para>
          <para num="I.">final grading, landscaping, and stabilization;</para>
          <para num="J.">installation of stormwater management measures;</para>
          <para num="K.">obtaining approval by the Department before removal of sediment controls; and</para>
          <para num="L.">removal of sediment controls and stabilization of areas that are disturbed by the removal;</para>
        </para>
      </para>
      <para num="(4)">a statement requiring the owner, developer, or representative to contact the Department or its agent at the following stages of the project or in accordance with the approved erosion and sediment control plan, grading permit, or building permit:<para num="(i)">before the start of earth disturbance;</para>
        <para num="(ii)">after the installation of perimeter erosion and sediment controls is complete, but before proceeding with any other earth disturbance or grading;</para>
        <para num="(iii)">before the start of another phase of construction or the opening of another grading unit; and</para>
        <para num="(iv)">before the removal of sediment control practices;</para>
      </para>
      <para num="(5)">certification by the owner or developer that:<para num="(i)">any clearing, grading, construction, or development will be done pursuant to the approved erosion and sediment control plan; and</para>
        <para num="(ii)">the responsible personnel involved in the construction project will have, before the project begins, a Certificate of Training from an MDE approved training program for the control of erosion and sediment; and</para>
        <para num="(iii)">the City Department of Public Works, City Department of Housing and Community Development, and Maryland Department of the Environment will be allowed right of entry for periodic on-site evaluation; and</para>
      </para>
      <para num="(6)">if required by the Department or the Maryland Department of the Environment, certification by a professional engineer, land surveyor, landscape architect, architect, or forester (for forest harvest operations only) registered in the State that the plans have been designed in accordance with erosion and sediment control laws, regulations, and standards; and</para>
      <para num="(7)">any additional information considered appropriate by the Department.</para>
    </para>
    <annotation type="History">Ord. 13-095</annotation>
  </section>
  <section prefix="§" num="32-8" heading="Modifications to plans.">
    <para num="(a)" heading="In general.">The Department may approve modifications to approved plans as necessary.</para>
    <para num="(b)" heading="Who may request.">Modifications may be requested by the owner or developer or by the Department.</para>
    <para num="(c)" heading="Minor modifications.">
      <para num="(1)">The Department may include in its Erosion and Sediment Control Manual a list of minor modifications that the Department may approve as field revisions.</para>
      <para num="(2)">The Maryland Department of the Environment must approve the list before its implementation.</para>
    </para>
    <annotation type="History">Ord. 13-095</annotation>
  </section>
  <section prefix="§" num="32-9" heading="Standard erosion and sediment control plan.">
    <para num="(a)" heading="Department may adopt.">The Department may include in its Erosion and Sediment Control Manual a standard erosion and sediment control plan for activities with minor earth disturbances, such as single-family residences, small commercial and other similar building sites, minor maintenance grading, and minor utility construction.</para>
    <para num="(b)" heading="Requirements.">
      <para num="(1)">A standard erosion and sediment control plan must meet the requirements of this Division III and the Standards and Specifications.</para>
      <para num="(2)">The Maryland Department of the Environment must approve the standard plan before its adoption.</para>
    </para>
    <annotation type="History">Ord. 13-095</annotation>
  </section>
</baltimore-city-law>
