HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-11-26 - ORDINANCES - AMEND UDC 96 001 (2)3D
ORDINANCE NO. 9641J,
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA,
CALIFORNIA, AMENDING THE SANTA CLARITA MUNICIPAL CODE, ADOPTING BY
REFERENCE VARIOUS AMENDMENTS TO THE UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE
(UDC AMENDMENT 96-001)
WHEREAS, the City of Santa Clarita General Plan requires the implementation of
a City of Santa Clarita Unified Development Code to be in compliance with the Governmental
Code of the State of California; and
WHEREAS, the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) of
1970, as amended, Public Resources Code Sections 21000-21774, require the evaluation of the
Negative Declaration for projects such as amendments to the Unified Development Code; and,
WHEREAS, the Unified Development Code Amendment 96-001 includes amendments
to the Zoning and Grading Sections and within the following sub -sections: Definitions,
Zoning, Permitted Use Chart, Residential and Agriculture Standards, Commercial and
Industrial Standards, Specific Development Requirements, Oak Tree Preservation, Parking
Standards, Sign Regulations, and Grading. The amendments are attached and referred to
as "Exhibit A"; and
WHEREAS, this ordinance amending the City's zoning and grading codes is consistent
with the City's General Plan; and
WHEREAS, the proposed amendments further implement the Goals and Policies of
the City's General Plan; and
WHEREAS, a Negative Declaration was prepared, noticed and circulated for public
review in compliance with the provisions of CEQA and the City's Environmental Guidelines;
and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission conducted a study session on the proposed
amendments on September 3, 1996. At this meeting, the Commission reached consensus on
the various amendments, with modifications, and directed staff to schedule the item for a
public hearing; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission conducted a duly noticed public hearing on
October 1, 1996 at City Hall, 23920 Valencia Boulevard, Santa Clarity At this meeting, the
Planning Commission adopted Resolution P96-24, recommending approval of Unified
Development Code Amendment 96-001 to the City Council.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA,
CALIFORNIA, DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The proposed amendments to the Santa Clarita Unified Development
Code (Exhibit Al are consistent with the City of Santa Clarita General Plan and meet the
requirements of the Government Code of the State of California.
SECTION 2. The Zoning and Grading Sections of the Santa Clarita Unified
Development Code shall be amended per the attached exhibit (Exhibit A).
SECTION 3. That the Initial Study and Negative Declaration for this project has been
prepared, reviewed, considered, and found complete in accordance with the provisions of
CEQA and the City's Environmental Guidelines and the City Council adopts the Negative
Declaration prepared for this project.
SECTION 4. That if any portion of this Ordinance is held to be invalid, that portion
shall be stricken and severed, and the remaining portions shall be unaffected and remain in
full force and effect.
SECTION 5. That the City Clerk shall certify to the passage of this ordinance and
shall cause it to be published in the manner prescribed by law.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 26 day of
November 11996 .
lv*
MAYOR
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) §
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA )
I, George Caravalho, City Manager/City Clerk of the City of Santa Clarita, do
hereby certify that the foregoing Ordinance No. 96-20 was regularly introduced and placed
upon its first reading at a regular meeting of the City Council on the 12 day of
November , 19-26—. That thereafter, said Ordinance was duly adopted and
passed at a regular meeting of the City Council on the 26 day of
November , 19 96 by the following vote, to wit:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS:
:W.u\a,d9620.n,
Darcy, Heidt, Klajic, Smyth, Boyer
None
None
EXHIBIT A
Materials Re . m Facility (Mn shall mean a facility where collected materials are sorted
and prepared for recycling. Materials brought to the MRF may already be pre-sorted or may
need to be sorted by machines or people at the MRF.
Recwclinshall mean the separation and/or collection of materials for reuse.
Shared Parkinty shall mean required parking shared between two or more uses.
(contin�edl
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2-7
DEVELOPMENT CODE
City of Santa Clarita, California 818196
CHAPTER 17.13 PERMITTED USE CHARTq
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(continued)
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2-8
DEVELOPMENT CODE
City of Santa Clarita, Cal#ornia 818196
CHAPTER 17.13 PERMPITED USE CHARTS (continued)
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2-11
DEVELOPMENT CODE
City of Santa Clarita, California 818196
CHAPTER 17.13 PERK= .D USE CHARTS (continued)
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2.14
DEVELOPMENT CODE
City of Santa Clarlta, California 818196
C. Not more than 50% of the required rear yard shall be covered by buildings or
other roofed structures.
d. Patios. platforms. landings decks pools and accesq stairs, exceeding an average
height of one foot which do not extend above the level of the first floor, may
extend into a required yard provided:
(1) That such structures shall not be located closer than five feet to any lot
line.
(2) That such structures shall remain unenclosed on at least two sides. This
provision, however, shall not preclude the placement of detachable
screens.
e. Metal Buildings (Accessory) over 300 square feet shall require the submittal and
approval of a Minor Use Permit.
f. Other gtrnctureq shall be permitted in required yards as follows:
(1) Fireplace structures, buttresses, wingwalls, eaves, cantilevered roofs,
awnings, canopies, water heaters, water softeners, and gas or electric
meters may be located in required interior side and rear yards provided
that they are located no closer than 2.5 feet to any lot line.
(2) (around mounted air conditioners, swimming pool pumps, waterfalls (not
exceeding six feet in height), barbeques, heaters, filters and fans may be
located in required rear yards provided that they are located not closer
than 2.5 feet to any lot line.
(3) Unenclosed stairways and balconies above the level of the fust floor may
project a maximum of five feet into a required rear yard; provided,
however, that an open work railing not to exceed 3.5 feet in height may be
installed.
(4) Swimming pools and spas are permitted in required rear yards, provided
that they are located not closer than five feet from any property line. The
setback shall be measured from the water line of a sunken pool or spa or
from the structure of an above -ground pool or spa.
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DEVELOPMENT CODE
City of Santa Clarita, California 818196
1715 020 PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS • A and R ZONES (continued)
I S. Above Ground Utility Boxes. telephone boxes, water lines, backflow preventers, cable boxes or
similar structures within public view shall be screened to the satisfaction of the Director of
Community Development.
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DEVELOPMENT CODE
City of Santa Clarita, California 818196
K. SECOND UNITS AS ACCESSORY STRUCTURES
Lotsize A second unit may be established on a lot or parcel of land having not less
than 1.5 times the required area or 10,000 gross square feet, whichever is less.
2. Height, A second unit shall not exceed one story in height unless such unit is
attached to the main structure on the site.
3. Rout, Second units shall not be rented.
4. Parking- One standard parking space, which maybe uncovered, shall be provided
for the second unit Such parking space shall not be located in the required front or
side setback for the single family residence which is the primary use of the property.
5. Setbacks No second unit shall encroach into the required setback area for the single
family residence which is the primary use of the property and no variance shall be
granted for encroachment into such setback.
6. Primary use of property The lot or parcel of land on which the second unit is
constructed shall contain a legal or pre-existing legal single family residence as the
primary use.
7. Use P=it A second unit of up to 600 square feet shall be subject to the approval
of a minor use permit. A second unit in excess of 600 square feet shall be subject
to the approval of a conditional use permit.
N. NATIONAL POLLUTANT DISCHARGE AND ELIMINATION SYSTEM
1. All existing and proposed development shall be subject to the requirements of the
federally mandated National Pollutant Discharge and Elimination System Permit
(Permit No. CA0061654).
2-24(b)
DEVELOPMENT CODE
City of Santa Chuft, California 4113193
1. Commercial and industrial uses adjacent to or across a street or alley from residentially
zonedpxapcM or property developed with a residential use. shall provide a minimum six
foot high masonry wall along all common lot lines (with the exception of those lot lines
within the required front setback of the commercial or industrial property where the wall
shall be not less than 30 inches nor greater than 42 inches) which blends in with the site's
architecture. In addition, 15 gallon trees shall be installed and maintained along the
inside of the wall in a minimum five foot wide planter. The trees shall be located a
maximum of 20 feet apart for the length of the common lot line or to the satisfaction of
the Director of Parks and Recreation.
2. The required front and street side yards shall be landscaped. All required landscaping
shall be permanently maintained in a healthy and thriving condition free from weeds,
trash, and debris. All plant material shall be irrigated by automatic sprinklers or drip
irrigation systems. Patios, seating areas, parking and circulation spaces can be included
in the setback areas to help buffer adjoining parcels from one another. However, parking
areas shall not be permitted within the required front setback.
3. Corner setbacks. For commercial and industrial uses, no miscellaneous items, products,
equipment, vehicles or signs shall be permitted on any corner formed by intersecting
streets within a triangular area between the property line adjacent to the public right-of-
way and a diagonal line joining points on said property lines 25 feet from their point of
intersection or, in the case of rounded corners, the areas between the tangent to the curve
and a diagonal line adjoining points on such tangents 25 feet from the point of
intersection.
4, r andy=tom, For all new commercial and industrial developments, 10% of the site area
shall be landscaped. A landscape and irrigation plan shall be required for all new
development projects. All landscaping required by the approved plan shall be
maintained in good condition. Any change to the approved landscape plan shall require
the approval of the Directors of Community Development and Parks, Recreation and
Community Services.
B. APPURTENANCES
1, All ;round mounted mechanical cqui=ent and trash areas shall be completely screened
from surrounding properties by use of a parapet, wall or fence, or shall be enclosed
within a building. Exposed gutters, downspouts, vents, louvers, and other similar
elements shall be painted to match the surface to which they are attached unless they are
used as part of the design theme.
�•-2-31
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DEVELOPMENT CODE
City of Santa Clarita, California 818196
2. Air conditioners. antennas. beating. cooling, ventilating equipment, and all other
mechanical, lighting or electrical devices shall be operated so that they do not disturb the
peace, quiet and comfort of adjacent and neighboring occupants, and shall be screened,
shielded and/or sound buffered from surrounding properties and streets. All equipment
shall be installed and operated in accordance with all other applicable ordinances. Said
equipment, excluding antennas, shall not exceed the maximum height of the zone in
which it is located.
3. All utility connections shall be designed to coordinate with the architectural elements of
the building(s) and/or site so as not to be exposed except where necessary. Pad -mounted
transformers and/or meter box locations shall be included in the site plan with any
appropriate screening treatment. Power lines and overhead cables less than 34 KV shall
be installed underground.
4. Above ground utilities boxes, telephone boxes, water lines, backflow preventers, cable
boxes or similar structures within public view shall be screened to the satisfaction of the
Director of Community Development.
5. All light cis shall be directed downward and shielded from streets or adjoining
properties. Illuminators should be integrated within the architecture of the building.
' 6. Electrical Vehicle Churging Stations may be required for new commerciallindustrial
developments at the discretion of the Director of Community Development.
7. Childcare fees may be required for new commerciallindustrial developments at the
discretion of the Director of Community Development.
C. PARIONG AND CIRCULATION
1. Reciprocal ingress and egress, circulation, and parldng arrangements shall be required
where possible and feasible to facilitate ease of vehicular movement between adjoining
properties and to limit unnecessary driveways.
2. Driveway acs ss for commercial and industrial uses shall be located no closer than 150
feet (lot size permitting) from the beginning of a curve of a street corner.
D. OUTDOOR DISPLAY OF MERCHANDISE
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DEVELOPMENT CODE
City of Santa Clarita, California 818196
5. For any use with more than 50 fullim employ=-. a Transportation Demand
Management (TDM) program shall be submitted to and approved by the Director of
Community Development and/or the South Coast Air Quality Management District
(SCAQMD). Programs should include but are not limited to carpooling, vanpooling,
public and/or private transit, alternative work hours, walk to work, and telecommuting.
I6. Accessory =cling vying machines shall be maintained in a clean and orderly
manner.
7. Recycling collection trucks and bins shall be removed daily and shall not be visible from
the public right of way nor shall they block fire lanes or required parking (per City
parking requirements).
8. Outdoor dual collection lots and, greenwastefa is lities shall be prohibited on an I or IC
zoned property within 300' of a residence or residential zone.
L NATIONAL POLLUTANT DISCHARGE AND ELIMINATION SYSTEM
1. All existing and proposed development shall be subject to the requirements of the
federally mandated National Pollutant Discharge and Elimination System Permit
(Permit No. CA0061654).
A. Electrical Disturbance. Heat and Cold, Glare. No use except a temporary construction operation
shall be permitted which creates changes in temperature or direct glare. No use shall be
permitted which creates electrical disturbances that affect the operation of any equipment
beyond the boundaries of the site.
B. Odor. No use shall be permitted which creates odor in such quantities as to be readily detectable
beyond the boundaries of the site.
C. Vibration. No use, except a temporary construction operation, shall be permitted which
generates inherent and recurrent ground vibration perceptible without instruments at the
boundary of the lot on which the use is located.
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DEVELOPMENTCODE
City of Santa Cko*a, California 818196
A. EMose. The purpose of this section is to detail specific development requirements for certain uses
within the City which have characteristics and performance requirements which are not covered by
the property development requirements of the zones. These standards are in addition to the property
development requirements of this Chapter.
B. Automobile service stations. All new automobile service stations shall conform to the following
requirements:
1. All buildings shall maintain a setback distance of not less than 30 feet from any public street
right-of-way line, except for pump island canopies, unless modified by the Director of
Community Development due to physical constraints of the property.
2. Mechanical servicing or greasing of trucks less than one and one-half ton capacity or industrial
equipment of any type or character shall be,pemiitted. Service for trucks greater than one and
one-half ton capacity shall not be permitted.
3. Sale of merchandise, clearly incidental to the automotive industry shall be permitted only within
an enclosed building. Merchandise display shall be permitted on each pump island provided that
the aggregate display area on each island shall not exceed 12 square feet.
4. Parking area shall not be permitted to block ingress to or egress from pump islands or service
bays.
5. There shall be no more than one driveway to any one street for each development site, unless
modified by the Director.
6. The outer radius of any turning area to all pump islands shall be a minimum of 25 feet.
7. Self service automated car washes shall be permitted as accessory uses to automobile service
stations and shall be located no closer than 50 feet from a residential zone unless modified by
the Director of Community Development.
8. Public restrooms shall be provided.
9. Propane tanks are allowed an an accessory use to a gas station. They shall be screened or
landscaped, and set back from any right of way in a location that is satisfactory to the Director
of Community Development.
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DEVELOPMENT CODE
City of Santa Clarita, California 818196
C. Car washes_ All new full and self service car washes shall conform to the following requirements:
1. The wash rack and any other enclosed work space shall be constructed and arranged so that
entrances, exits and openings therein shall not face any property in any residential zone, or shall
be adequately screened and noise buffered from the residential zone.
2. There shall be no more than one driveway to any one street for each development site unless
modified by the Director of Community Development.
3. Except for self-service car washes, a queue waiting area for incoming cars of not less than 2,000
square feet shall be provided. An area beyond the exit end of the washing equipment of not less
than 3,000 square feet shall be provided for the hand finishing of the washing process.
4. Self-service car washes shallprovide a minimum three car stacking area for the washing, drying
and vacuuming of cars. These stacking areas shall be in the rear of the site and screened from
the public right of way to the satisfaction of the Director of Community Development.
5. Servicing,of motor vehicles, other than cleaning, polishing and the dispensing of fuel and oil
shall not be allowed unless the facility also meets all requirements for a service station.
6. Wash and rinse water shall be fully reclaimed and recirculated at full service car washes.
Additional non -reclaimed water required to account for losses due to evaporation, water carried
out on vehicles as a result of their having been washed, and similar losses is permitted. The
reclamation and recirculation system shall be designed by a professional engineer registered in
the State of California to practice in the field of mechanical engineering.
7. Provisions shall be made to prevent area water from the site from flowing over any public
sidewalk.
8. Self service automated car washes shall be permitted as accessory uses to automobile service
stations and shall be located no closer than 50 feet from a residential zone unless modified by
the Director of Community Development.
9. Public restrooms shall be provided.
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DEVELOPMENT CODE
City of Santa Clarita, California 818196
L. Vehicle rep it gam= All new vehicle repair garages shall conform to the following requirements:
1. All activities must be conducted within an enclosed building. All goods and equipment shall
be stored, and activities maintained or carried on inside a building. There shall be no hoists or
wheel alignment racks outside of a building.
2. Work stations used for the repair of vehicles may not be counted toward meeting the off-street
parking requirement.
3. Servicing of trucks equal to or less than one and one-half ton capacity shall be permitted.
Servicing of trucks greater than one and one-half ton capacity shall not be permitted.
4. All hazardous waste must be stored within an enclosed building or underground tank.
5. Service bays shall not open towards residentially zoned property unless adequately screened to
the satisfaction of the Director of Community Development.
6. Each lube station is required to provide a minimum three car stacking area. This stacking
area shall be screened from the public right-of-way to the satisfaction of the Director of
Community Development.
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DEVELOPMENT CODE
City of Santa Clwita, California 818196
Community Development Department. The applicant shall be credited with the value of any
replacement oak trees which may be required. Such fees shall be utilized for the purpose of
furthering the preservation and regeneration of oak trees, the identification and official
designation of Heritage Oak Trees, the purchase, monitoring, and ongoing maintenance of oak
trees, landscaping and other habitat refurbishment, and for educational and informational
programs related to oak trees and their preservation. As an alternative to the payment of all or
a portion of the fees described above, an applicant may also be credited with the value of any
accepted dedications of property within the City which are suitable for the planting and
survival of oak trees. Fees imposed under this section may be reduced as mitigated by specific
circumstances and corrective measures undetected by the property owner.
1. Reimbursement. The City's Oak Tree Consultant or the Director's designee shall review the
information submitted with the oak tree permit request and make appropriate recommendations and
site inspections. All consultant and/or staff time costs expended in connection with such review,
including, but not limited to, review of submitted reports, plans, meetings, site inspections, and
monitoring shall be billed on an hourly basis and reimbursed by the applicant when the cost of
services exceeds the cost covered by the permit fee. Nothing in this ordinance or within the Oak
Tree Preservation and protection Guidelines shall be deemed to impose any liability for damages or
a duty of care and maintenance upon the City or upon any of its officers or employees. The person
in possession of any public property or the owner of any private property shall have a duty to keep
the oak trees upon the property and under their control in a safe, healthy condition. Except as
provided in this Code, any person who feels a tree located on property possessed, owned or
controlled by them is a danger to the safety of themselves, others or structural improvements on-site
or off-site shall have an obligation to secure the area around the tree or support the tree, as
appropriate to safeguard both persons and improvements from harm.
J. Enforcement
1. Any person who owns and/or cuts, damages, moves or removes any oak tree within the City,
unlawfully encroaches into the protected zone of an oak tree or who fails to comply with
conditions of approval or pay required fees or does any other act in violation of the Oak Tree
Preservation Ordinance or a permit issued pursuant hereto shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
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DEVELOPMENT CODE
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1. Where parking facilities are located adjacent to a street or alley, a solid decorative
masonry wall or landscaped earthen berm, not less than 36 inches nor more than 42
inches in height, shall be constructed at the edge of the ultimate street right-of-way
adjacent to the parking area unless otherwise provided in this section or to the
satisfaction of the Director of Community Development. If landscaping is substituted for
a wall, it needs to provide proper blockage upon installation. Landscaping shall be
continually maintained and shall not exceed 42 inches in height.
2. Where parking facilities are located adjacent to residential or agricultural zones or
property developed with a residential use, the wall shall be increased to a minimum of six
feet in height except within the required front setback of the commercial or industrial use
where it shall not exceed 42 inches in height.
,•
Where parking facilities are located adjacent to a street right-of-way line, a minimum
five foot wide landscaped area shall be provided adjacent to such right-of-way line,
except at driveways and walkways. Such landscaped area shall be increased to a
minimum of 10 feet when abutting a major or secondary highway. The area shall be
landscaped and permanently maintained with trees, shrubs and groundcover, and shall
incorporate earthen berms to the satisfaction of the Director of Community Development.
2. Where more than 10 automobile parking spaces exist on a lot or parcel of land, areas not
used for vehicle parking or maneuvering, or for the movement of pedestrians to and from
vehicles shall be used for landscaping. At least 5% of the gross area of the parking lot
shall be landscaped, including a minimum of one 15 gallon tree per each 5 spaces. The
required trees shall be distributed throughout the parking lot, so as to maximize the
aesthetic effect and compatibility with adjoining uses. This regulation shall not apply to
parking areas on the roofs of buildings, nor to parking areas within a building.
3. All landscaping materials and sprinkler systems shall be clearly indicated on the required
site plans and shall be subject to the approval of the Director of Community
Development.
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DEVELOPMENT CODE
City of Santa Clarita, California 818196
MIMMUNMIMO I" \ R@ n=4 I
All non-residential parking lots accessible to the public, with the exception of parking
lots providing 100% valet parking with an approved parking permit, shall provide
parking spaces designated for use by handicapped persons, in the number indicated by
the following table:
Total Number of Parking Spaces
Number of Parking Spaces Required for
the Handicapped
1-25
1
26-50
2
51-75
3
76-100
4
101-150
5
151-200
6
201-300
7
301-400
8
401-500
9
501-1,000
2 percent of total
1.001 and over
20 plus 1 for each 100 or fraction. thereof over
1,001
2. When fewer than five parking spaces are provided, one shall be 14 feet wide and striped
to provide a nine foot parking area and a five foot loading and unloading area. However,
there is no requirement that the space be reserved exclusively or identified for use by the
handicapped only.
3. The provisions of the City's Building Code relating to parking for handicapped persons
shall apply to parking facilitites. Where the provisions of the City's Building Code
require additional, or greater, standards for parking for handicapped persons, the Building
Code provisions shall prevail.
2-140
DEVELOPMENT CODE
City of Santa Clarita, California 818196
K"
Senior citizen/handicapped Guest parking shall be provided in the ratio of one parking space
person housing (cont.) for each eight units. These spaces shall be marked as guest
parking. The parking for senior citizens and handicapped persons
housing developments may be further reduced if a minor use
permit is approved pursuant to Section 17.03.040.
Commercial Uses Except as otherwise provided in this section, every lot or parcel of
land which is used for a use permitted in the CC Zone except an
electrical substation or similar public utility in which there are no
offices or other places visited by the public, shall provide one
parking space plus adequate access thereto for each 250 square feet
of floor area of any building or structure so used.
Billiard Halls 1112 parking spaces are required per each table. Floor area not
used for tables shall be calculated per parking requirements
contained in this code.
Bowling alleys Every building containing one or more bowling alleys which are
used commercially shall provide three automobile parking spaces
plus adequate access thereto for each bowling lane.
Day care facilities Every adult day care facility, child care center and large family
day care home shall have one parking space for each staff member
and any motor vehicle used directly in conducting such use and,
for every family day care home caring for more than six children,
one parking space for each 20 children for whom a license has
been issued by the State of California. A specific area shall be
designated for off-street drop-off/pickup of children.
Entertainment, assembly & The parking requirement for that portion of a business
dining: described in Section 1 that is conducted outside of a building shall
be calculated in accordance with the method of determining the
occupant load contained in the Building Code.
Conference rooms 1 parking space for each three persons based on the occupant load
as determined by the City Engineer.
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DEVELOPMENT CODE
City of Santa Clarita, California 818196
U116 W DI *111) 01 114 001111 Zi DI INIZISIX9
Exhibit rooms, stages, 1 parking space for each 3 persons based on the
lounges & similar uses occupant load as determined by the City Engineer
Mortuaries 1 parking space for each 3 persons based on the
occupant load as determined by the City Engineer
Business establishments Minimum of 10 parking spaces
other than those described
above, containing a use or
uses enumerated in this
section
Eating establishments 1 parking space for each 250 sq. ft. where expressly
selling food for off-site allowed by a variance approved in accordance with
consumption & having with Section 17.03.050
no seating or other areas
for on-site consumption
Fast food restaurants 1 parking space per each 60 sq. ft. of gross floor area of
any building, structure or outdoor eating area so
used
Furniture stores 1 parking space for every 400 square feet of floor area
Golf courses 10 parking spaces per hole plus additional parking for all other
buildings with the exclusion of the starter offices, comfort stations
and locker -shower rooms. Miniature golf courses are excluded
from this section.
Health Clubs 1 parking space for each 45 square feet offloor loor activity area
(aerobics, weights, machines, etc.) plus I parking space for every
250 square feet of other floor area (courts, lockers, etc.)
Hotels 1 parking space for each guest room or suite
2-148
DEVELOPMENT CODE
City of Santa Clarita, California 818196
3. The layout of carport areas incorporates design variations to avoid a long, linear and
monotonous appearance;
4. The exterior building materials of such carports are of similar quality and architectural
style to that of the main building onsite; and
5. Roof pitches are generally consistent or compatible with those of the main buildings
onsite.
C. Shared Parking. Shared parking shall be allowed with a conditional use permit in commercial
and industrial zones for parking adjustments over 20%. A parking analysis shall be required in
conjunction with the submittal of an application for a parking adjustment or shared parking.
A. It shall be unlawful to park a commercial vehicle, as defined in the Vehicle Code, on any street
in a residential zone, as defined in this Development Code, at any time, except that the following
shall be permitted:
1. Vehicles with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of less than 12,000 pounds;
2. Vehicles while in the act of loading or unloading passengers, material, or merchandise;
3. Vehicles when necessarily in use for construction work being performed in the
immediate vicinity; and
4. Vehicles engaged in performing a service activity on the adjacent lot or parcel of land.
B. The parking of any commercial vehicle, as defined in the Vehicle Code, having a gross vehicle
weight (GVW) of greater than 12,000 pounds, on any property zoned for residential uses, is
prohibited, with the exception of the following:
Vehicles while in the act of loading or unloading passengers, materials, or merchandise;
2. Vehicles engaged in performing a service activity on the adjacent lot or parcel of land;
and
3. Vehicles when necessarily in use for construction work being performed in the
immediate vicinity.
2-154
DEVELOPMENT CODE
City of Santa Cku*a, California 818196
2. Conditions of approval for the erection or maintenance of a sign on a vacant lot may
include, but are not limited to, the applicant's installation of appropriate sidewalks,
landscaping, and irrigation;
B. The total sign face shall not exceed 300 square feet;
C. The height shall not exceed 35 feet measured from the ground level at the base of the sign. Each
sign shall allow for a minimum of 8 feet clearance between the ground level and the structural
portion of the sign designed to contain the advertising display;
D. Signs shall not be erected or maintained within a 1,000 foot radius of any other outdoor
advertising sign or within a 1,000 foot radius of any residential zone;
E. Signs shall not be permitted having a message face visible from and within a distance of 1,000
feet of the edge of right-of-way of a freeway or scenic highway, measured horizontally along a
line normal or perpendicular to the centerline of such freeway or scenic highway, if designed to
be viewed partially or primarily by persons traveling thereon;
F. Signs shall not be permitted on a roof, and none of the length of the structure of a freestanding
sign shall extend over a roof,
G. Signs shall not encroach over public rights-of-way;
H. Signs may only have a single face for the display of copy, and shall have no moving lights,
moving parts, tri -vision or reader boards. No additional face may be added to an existing sign.
No sign shall be illuminated so that it is visible at night;
I. Signs shall only be erected on a single post, which shall not exceed 18 inches in diameter. No
wooden post supporting any sign may be converted to a more durable material. All surfaces
shall be covered with no exposed structural material. All backs of signs shall be covered, as
shall all parts of a sign's superstructure;
J. All provisions of the City's building Code shall be applicable to signs. If any utility lines are
required for the sign, such lines shall be underground;
2-160
DEVELOPMENT CODE
City of Santa Clarita, California 818196
17.19.090 WALL. BUSINESS STGNS Continued)
7. Each business establishment located on a second floor and facing the street or highway
shall be permitted a maximum of 10 square feet of sign area as a wall business sign.
8. In all listed zones, each business establishment located on the ground, or second floor
having no building frontage, shall be permitted a maximum of one square foot of sign
area facing the street or highway.
9. All business wall signs shall be placed on the business frontagels as defined by this code.
B. . to ,p SSlQpi_nP Roofs. That portion of any actual or false roof varying 45 degrees or less from a
vertical plane may be considered an extension of the building wall for the purpose of wall
business -sign placement.
C. Height permitted. Wall business signs shall not extend above the highest point, exclusive of any
roof structures, of the roof or parapet.
D. Lighting, Wall business signs maybe internally or externally lighted.
E. Dimensions. The maximum vertical dimensions of a wall sign box and/or the sign copy shall not
exceed two feet, except that the Director may approve taller vertical dimensions for signs located
on buildings occupied by large single tenant occupancies and/or for initial capital letters or logos.
If a site plan is first submitted and approved by the Director, as provided in this Code, signs
greater than a two -foot vertical dimension may be permitted subject to the Director's review and
approval of the sign.
Monument signs shall be permitted in commercial and industrial zones subject to the following:
1. Only one monument sign may be permitted on any lot or parcel of land having a
minimum of 100 feet of continuous street or highway frontage. For the purposes of
calculating frontage on a corner lot, frontage shall include the total linear distance of said
lot of each of the streets.
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DEVELOPMENT CODE
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DIVISION 3
GRADING
CHAPTER 17.20
A. This chapter sets forth regulations for the control of excavation, grading and earthwork
construction, including fills or embankments.
B. These regulations establish minimum standards and are not intended to prevent the use of
alternate materials, methods, or means of conforming to such standards, provided such
alternate has been approved.
C. The City Engineer shall approve such an alternate provided he finds that the alternate is
for the purpose intended, at least the equivalent of that prescribed in this Code in quality,
strength, effectiveness, durability and safety.
D. The City Engineer shall require that sufficient evidence or proof be submitted to
substantiate any claims regarding the alternate.
CHAPTER 17.21 PERMITS
17.21.010 PERMITS_ A person shall not perform any grading without first obtaining a grading
permit to do so from the City Engineer. A separate permit shall be obtained for each site.
EXCEPTIONS: A grading permit shall not be required for:
1. An excavation which is less than three feet in depth below the existing ground
surface, measured vertically downward from natural grade to the deepest point of
the excavation.
2. A fill not intended to support structures and which does not obstruct a drainage
course if such fill (a) is placed on natural grade that has a slope not steeper than
five horizontal to one vertical and is less than one foot deep, or (b) is less than
three feet in depth at its deepest point, measured vertically upward from natural
grade to the surface of the fill, and does not exceed 50 cubic yards, or (c) does not
exceed 20 cubic yards on any one lot;
3-1
DEVELOPMENT CODE
City of Santa Clarita, California 811196
3. An excavation below finish grade for basements and footings of structures
authorized by a valid building permit or trench excavations for the purpose of
installing underground utilities;
4. Grading within property dedicated or used for cemetery purposes where such
grading is more than 100 feet from the property line is not intended to support
structures. No permit shall be required for the excavation or filling of graves at
any location within such property;
5. Mining, quarrying, excavating, processing, and stockpiling of rock, sand, gravel,
aggregate, or clay, where established and provided for by law, provided that such
operations do not affect the lateral support in increase the stresses in, or pressure
upon, any adjacent or contiguous property;
6. Grading in an isolated, self-contained area if the City Engineer finds that the
grading operations cannot result in danger to private or public property;
7. The depositing or rubbish or other materials at any refuse -disposal facility
operated under a permit granted according to the "Solid Waste," provisions of this
Code;
8. An excavation or fill in connection with the making of an earth fill dam, reservoir
or levee when the quality of such work is regulated by other laws, statutes or
ordinances;
9. An excavation, fill, and/or measures approved by the Soil Conservation District
or cooperative agency of the Department of Agriculture;
10. An excavation or fill for a road or slope purposes and shown on plans that are
approved by the Department of Building & Engineering Services as being
necessary for the support, construction or maintenance of a public road.
11. Exploratory excavations under the direction of soils engineers or engineering
geologists; and
12. Grading for an oil and/or gas drilling site which is located in an existing oil field
as designated by the State Division of Oil and Gas and is 1,000 feet from a public
highway and 500 feet from the nearest residence. The proposed grading must not
result in the deposition of silt and debris onto downstream property.
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Permits will not be issued for parcels of land with an average slope of 10% or greater unless the
proposed grading complies with the provisions of the Ridgeline Preservation and Hillside
Development Ordinance, Chapter 17.80 of this Code. (Permits for less than 100 cubic yards are
exempt from this requirement).
17.21.020 AVAmABILITY OF PERMIT AT SITE. No person shall perform any grading for
which a permit is required under this chapter unless a copy of the grading permit is in the
possession of a responsible person and available at the site.
17,21.030 UNPERMI7TED GRADING. A person shall not own, use, or occupy or maintain
any site containing unpermitted grading.
For the purposes of this code, unpermitted grading shall be defined as any grading that was
performed at any point in time, without the required permit(s) having first been obtained from
the City Engineer.
CHAPTER 17.22 EXISTING GRADING
A. Hazardous Conditions. Whenever the City Engineer determines that any existing
excavation, embankment, or fill has become a hazard to life and limb, or endangers
structures, or adversely affects the safety, use or stability of a public way or drainage
channel, the owner of the property upon which the excavation, embankment, or fill is
located, or other person or agent in control of said property, upon receipt of notice in
writing from the City Engineer shall within the period specified therein repair,
reconstruct or remove such excavation, embankment, or fill so as to eliminate the hazard.
I B. Maintenance of Protective Devices and Rodent ontrol, The owner of any property on
which grading has been performed pursuant to a permit issued under the provisions of
this Code, or any other person or agent in control of such property, shall maintain in
good condition and repair all drainage structures and other protective devices including
dust prevention and control and burrowing rodent control when shown on the grading
plans filed with the application for grading permit and approved as a condition precedent
to the issuance of such permit.
C. Correlation With Other Sections. The provisions of this section are independent of the
provisions of the City Building Code relating to building and property rehabilitation.
This section may be invoked even though the same facts have been the reason for a
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5. Location of any existing buildings or structures on the property where the work is
to be performed, and the location of any buildings or structures on adjacent land
which are within 15 feet of the property line;
6. Accurate contours showing the topography of the existing ground and all existing
and proposed public improvements and utilities adjacent to the site.
7. Elevations, location, proposed pads, extent and slope of all proposed grading
shown by contours, cross sections or other means and location of any rock
disposal areas, buttress fills or other special features, if such are proposed to be
included in the work;
8. A statement of the quantities of material to be excavated and/or filled and the
amount of such material to be imported to, or exported from the site;
9. A statement of the estimated starting and completion dates for work covered by
the permit;
10. A statement signed by the owner acknowledging that a field engineer,
geotechnical engineer and engineering geologist, when appropriate, will be
employed to perform the services required by this code, whenever approval of the
plans and issuance of the permit are to based on the condition that such
professional persons be so employed. These acknowledgments shall be on a form
furnished by the City. Engineer;
11. The recommendations in the soil engineering and engineering geology reports
shall be incorporated in the grading plans;
12. Detailed plans of all drainage devices, walls, cribbing, or other protective devices
to be constructed in connection with, or as a part of, the proposed work, together
with a map showing the drainage area and estimated runoff of the area served by
any drains. Suitable access shall be provided to permit proper cleaning and
maintenance;
13. Plans, pad dimensions, maximum horizontal straight slope dimensions, and slope
heights must comply with the Ridgeline Preservation and Hillside Development
Ordinance, Chapter 17.80, where applicable. All necessary Commission,
Council, or staff reviews pursuant to this ordinance must be obtained prior to
issuance of permit;
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17.23.010 GRADING PERM REQ TiRFNMN" (continued)
14. A drainage plan for that portion of a lot or parcel to be utilized as a building site
(building pad) including elevations of floors with respect to finish site grade and
locations of proposed stoops, slabs and fences that may affect drainage; and
15. Stormwater provisions are required to be shown on the plan.
16. The dates of the soils engineering and/or engineering geology (geotechnical)
reports together with the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the firms or
individuals who are in charge of preparing the reports.
17. A landscape and irrigation plan subject to approval by the Parks and Recreation
Department shall be incorporated into the plan for all slopes requiring
landscaping.
' 18. Any additional plans, drawings or calculations deemed necessary by the City
Engineer to show conformance of the proposed work with the requirements of
this Code or related ordinances.
C. pose. Grading permit and plan -checking fees shall be as most recently established per
Ordinance 90-17 and Resolution 90-130 of the City.
D. Engineering Geological Rcpo c The City Engineer may require an engineering
geological investigation and report, based on the most recent grading pian. The
engineering geological report shall include an adequate description of the geology of the
site and conclusions and recommendations regarding the effect of geologic condition on
the proposed development.
E. Soil Reports. The City Engineer may require a soils investigation and report based on
the most recent grading plan. Such reports shall include data regarding the nature,
distribution and strength of exiting oils; recommendations for grading procedures and
design criteria for corrective measures, if required.
F. Review of Repos All reports shall conform with the requirements of the City Building
Code and shall be subject to review by the City Engineer. Supplemental reports and data
may be required as he may deem necessary. Recommendations for grading procedures
and design criteria for corrective measures, if required.
G. Pre -Plan Check M InIpectinn When the City Engineer finds that a visual inspection of
the site is necessary to establish drainage requirements for the protection of property,
existing buildings or the proposed construction, a site inspection shall be made prior to
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A. Hazards, The City Engineer shall not issue a grading permit in any case where he finds
that the work, as proposed by the applicant, is likely to adversely affect the stability of
adjoining property or result in the deposition of debris on any public way or interfere
with any existing drainage course, or be in an area determined to be subject to geological
hazard under the provisions of the City Building Code.
If it can be shown to the satisfaction of the City Engineer that the hazard can be
essentially eliminated by the construction of retaining structures, buttress fills, drainage
'devices or by other means, the City Engineer may issue the permit with the condition that
such work be performed.
B. Land Use- The City Engineer shall not issue a grading permit for work on the site unless
the proposed uses shown on the grading plan for the site will comply with the provisions
of Title 22, entitled "Planning and Zoning," of this Code.
CHAPTER 17.24 SECURITY
A. Security Required. A permit shall not be issued for grading involving more than 1,000
cubic yards unless the owner shall first post with the City Engineer security in one of the
following forms:
1. A bond furnished by a corporate surety authorized to do business in this state;
2. A cash bond;
3. Savings and loan certificates or shares deposited and assigned to the City as
provided in this Code;
4. An instrument of credit from a financial institution subject to regulation by the
state or federal government and pledging that the funds necessary to carry out the
grading are on deposit and guaranteed for payment, or a letter of credit issued by
such a financial institution; or
5. The City Engineer may require that up to 10% of any security be submitted in the
form of a cash deposit. The cash deposit may be utilized by the City to insure
that adequate safeguards for the prevention of erosion and sedimentation are in
place when needed.
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3. The method to be used in the removal or destruction of vegetation and the
sequence of such operation; and
4. A requirement that the area cleared be replanted with approved plants to provide
protection against erosion damage.
E. Violation _,penalty. Any person violating any of the provisions of this chapter shall be
deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and each such person shall be deemed guilty of a
separate offense for each and every day or portion thereof during which any violation of
any of the provisions of this chapter is committed, continued or permitted, and upon
conviction of any such violation such person shall be punishable by a fine of not more
that $500 or by imprisonment for not more than six months, or by both such fine and
imprisonment.
1. If any portion of the ordinance codified in this chapter or the application thereof
to any person or circumstances is held in valid, the remainder of the ordinance
and the application of such provision to other persons or circumstances shall not
be affected thereby.
2. Should any exception to the provisions of the ordinance coded in this chapter
be held invalid, such exception shall be eliminated from the ordinance.
A. No grading permit shall be issued for work to be commenced between October 1 of any
year and April 15 of the following calendar year, unless the plans for such work include
a stormwater management plan with details of protective measures, including desilting
basins or other temporary drainage or control measures, or both, as may be necessary to
protect adjoining public and private property from damage by erosion, flooding or the
deposition of mud or debris or construction related pollutants which may originate from
the site or result from such grading operations.
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B. If grading is begun prior to. November 1, all protective measures shall be installed prior
to November 1. If grading is begun on or after November 1, all protective measures shall
be installed before grading begins. As grading progresses, all protective measures shall
be maintained in good working order to the satisfaction of City Engineer until April 15th
of the following year unless final grading approval has been granted by the building
official prior to that date and all permanent drainage and erosion control systems, if
required, are in place.
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17.25.040 STORM DAMAGF PEFCAUTIONS, INCOMPLETE TF WORK Where a grading
permit is issued and the work is commenced after April 15th and before October 1st of any year
and the plans for such work do not include details of the protective measures described in
Section 17.25.020, and it appears that the grading and installation of the permanent drainage
devices as authorized by the permit will not be completed prior to November 1 st, then on or
before October 1st the owner of the site which the grading is being performed shall file or cause
to be filed with the City Engineer revised plans which include details of the protective measures
described in and in all other respects follow the provisions of Section 17.25.020.
The revised plans required by this section shall be accompanied by an application for plan -
checking services and plan -checking fees equal in amount to 10% of the original grading permit
fee.
17.25.0511 STORMWATFR MANAGEMENT PLAN (EROSION CONTROL).
Should the owner fail to submit the plans or fail to provide the protective measures required by
Section 17.25.020 or 17.25.030 by the dates specified therein, it shall be deemed that a default
has occurred under the conditions of the grading permit security. Thereupon, the City Engineer
may enter the property for the purpose of installing, by City forces or by other means, the
drainage and erosion control devices shown on the approved plans, or if there are no approved
plans, as he may deem necessary to protect adjoining property from storm damage, or the City
Engineer may cause the owner of the site to be prosecuted as a violator of this Code, or he may
take both actions. The City Engineer shall have the authority to collect the penalties imposed by
Section 1725.050 upon determining that the requirements of this section have not been complied
with. Payment of penalty shall not relieve any persons from fully complying with the
requirements of this code and the execution of the work.
In addition to the above actions, the following penalties shall be imposed:
L If a designed erosion control plan is not submitted as prescribed in Section
1725.030.
Grading Permit Volume
Penalty
1-10,000 cubic yards.....................................$50.00
per day
10,001-100,000 cubic yards..........................$250.00
per day
More than 100,000 cubic yards .....................$500.00
per day
2. If protected devices for erosion control are not installed as prescribed in Section
1725:030 and approved by the City Engineer:
Grading Permit Volume
Penalty
1-1.000 cubic yards......................................$100.00
per day
10,001-100,000 cubic yards..........................$250.00 per day
More that 100,000 cubic yards ......................$500.00
per day
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IA. Costs and Penalties
The penalties imposed by Section 1725.050, if not paid within 30 days
from the date of the notice, shall become a special assessment against the
property.
' B. Notice of Violation
1. General. The building official may record a notice of violation with
the County Recorder's Office when a property is in violation of Section
1725.030 of this code. Recordation of such notice shall be subject to the
provisions of Subsections (2) and (3) of this section. The remedy provided
by this section is cumulative to any other enforcement action permitted by
this code.
2. Recordation. If (1) the building official determines that any property
in violation of Section 1725.050 of this code; and if (2) the building
official gives written notice as specified below of said violation; and if (3)
within 30 days of said notice, the property is not brought into compliance
with this code, the building official may, in his sole discretion, at any time
thereafter, record with the County Recorder's Office a notice that the
property is in violation of this code.
3. Contents of Notice. The written notice given pursuant to this section
shall indicate:
a. The nature of the violation(s); and
b. That if the violation is not remedied to the satisfaction of the building
official within 30 days, the building official may, at any time thereafter,
record with the County Recorder's Office a notice that the property is in
violation of this code.
The notice shall be posted on the property and shall be mailed to the
owner of the property as indicated on the last equalized county assessment
roll. The mailed notice may be registered, certified or first class mail.
The 30 -day period for achieving compliance with this code shall run from
the date the property is posted or from the date of the mailing of the
notice, whichever is later.
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d. Rescission. Any person who desires to have recorded a notice
rescinding the notice of violation may present evidence of compliance and
payment of penalty fees and costs to the building official. The costs
incurred by the building official in the investigation ofsuch violations and
the processing of the notice and notification of concerned parties shall be
determined by the building official. If the building official determines that
such fees have been paid and such costs have been recovered by the city,
or that such fees and costs have been placed on the tax rolls as a special
assessment pursuant to Section 25845 of the Government Code, the
building official shall record a notice rescinding the prior notice of
violation.
CHAPTER 17.26 IMPORT AND EXPORT
17.26.010 IMPORT A1V I EXPORT OF EARTH MATERIALS Grading shall be balanced
on site whenever possible. Import and export of earth materials shall be subject to the following:
A. The point or points of access to the public street or streets for export or import shall be
shown on the grading plan and shall be located as approved by the Director of
Community Development;
B. The last 50 feet of the outhaul road immediately adjoining the street if downgrade to the
street has a grade no steeper than three percent;
C. An unobstructed sight distance of not less than 300 feet in each direction up and down
the public.
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A. Compliance with Plans androde- The permittee or his agent shall carry out the
proposed work in accordance with the approved plans and specifications and in
compliance with all the requirements of this Code.
B. Coordinator. The permittee shall act as the coordinator between the consultants,
contractor and City Engineer. The permittee shall present to the City Engineer the names
of all consultants prior to obtaining a grading permit. In the event of changed
conditions, the permittee shall be responsible for informing the City Engineer such
change and shall provide revised plans and reports for approval.
C. Inspections. It shall be the responsibility of the permittee to notify the City Engineer
when the work is ready for the inspections required by Section 17.29.010. The
notification shall be at least one working day in advance of the inspection.
D. Protection of Utilities. The permittee shall be responsible for the prevention of damage
to any public utilities or services.
E. Protection of Adjacent Prop=- The permittee is responsible for the prevention of
damage to adjacent property and no person shall excavate on land sufficiently close to
the property line to endanger any adjoining public street, sidewalk, alley, or other public
or private property without supporting and protecting such property from settling,
cracking or other damage which might result. Grading designs that serve to avoid
disruption to adjacent property shall be utilized as governed by the Ridgeline
Preservation and Hillside Development Ordinance, Chapter 17.80.
1 F. Stormwater Control Measures_ The permittee shall put into effect and maintain all
precautionary measures necessary to protect adjacent watercourses and public or private
property from damage by erosion, flooding, and deposition of mud, debris, and
construction -related pollutants originating from the site during grading and related
construction activities.
IG. Termination of Consultants. The permittee shall notify the City Engineer within 48 hours
if any consultant resigns or is terminated.
H. Best Management Practices- The permittee shall maintain the site in such a manner as to
minimize the impacts of storm water and construction -related pollutants due to the
grading and related construction activities on adjacent public and private property and
drainage courses. The required best management practices shall include, but not be
limited to, those identified in this section.
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1 1. All equipment used for grading and related activities shall be stored, serviced, and
refueled in a designated area specifically designed to prevent waste oils, fuels,
solvents, and other pollutants from contaminating the soil or being conveyed by
storm water.
' 2. All fuels, solvents, oil, and other foreign substances and their containers shall be
stored in accordance with their listing and protected from the weather in such a
manner as to prevent them from contaminating the soil or being conveyed by storm
water.
i3. A covered receptacle shall be available onsite for collection of trash and debris to
be disposed of offsite. The site shall be maintained in such a manner as to prevent
the deposition of trash and debris onto adjacent public and private property.
' 4. All vehicles or equipment shall be free of mud and debris before leaving the site so
as not to track or deposit such material onto the public way when accidental
depositions occur.
' L Pr �i t Site Maintenance
' L Cleanup and D ict ontral. Throughout all phases of construction, including
suspension of waste, and until final certification the permittee shall keep the site
free from rubbish and debris. The permittee shall also abate dust nuisance by
cleaning, sweeping, and sprinkling water, or other means as necessary. The use of
water resulting in mud on public streets will not be permitted as a substitute for
sweeping or other methods. Care shall be taken to prevent spillage on haul routes.
Any such spillage shall be removed immediately and the area cleaned.
I2, vermin .antral At the time offinal certification the area graded under the permit
shall be free of rodents, insects, vermin, and pests. Necessary extermination work
shall be arranged and paid for by the permittee. The permittee shall be
responsible for the elimination of offensive odors resulting from extermination
operations.
r3. Sanitation, The permittee shall provide and maintain enclosed toilets for the use
of employees engaged in the grading operation. These accommodations shall be
maintained in a neat and sanitary condition. They shall also comply with all
applicable laws, ordinances, and regulations pertaining to public health.
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tJ. Protection and Restoration of Existing Improvements. The permittee shall be responsible
for the protection of public and private property adjacent to the site, and shall exercise
due caution to avoid damage to such property.
L
Traffic and Access. The permittee's operations shall not cause an unnecessary
inconvenience. The access rights to the public shall be considered and maintained
at all times.
I 2. Storage fEquI5nment and Materials in Public Streets. Construction equipment
shall not be stored at the worksite for more than five days after it is no longer
needed.
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CHAPTER 17.27 EXCAVATIONS AND FILLS
17.27.010 EXCAVATIONS
A. Maximum Slone Cuts shall not be steeper in slope than two horizontal to one vertical.
The City Engineer may allow a slope greater than 2:1 for special circumstances or site
conditions. In this case the owner mustfurnish a geotechnical engineering or an
engineering geology report, or both, conforming with the requirements of the City
Building Code, stating that the site has been investigated and giving an opinion that a cut
at a steeper slope will be stable and not create a hazard to public or private property.
Substantiating calculations and supporting data may be required where the City Engineer
determines that such information is necessary to verify the stability and safety of the
proposed slope.
B. ape Surface Protection- All slopes must be stabilized against surface erosion.
Stabilization may be accomplished through the application of erosion control blankets,
soil stabilizers or other means as approved by the City Engineer.
C. Drainave. Drainage, including drainage terraces and overflow protection, shall be
provided as required by Chapter 17.28.
A. Compaction Fill shall be compacted throughout their full extent to a minimum of 90%
percent of maximum density as determined by ASTM Soil Compaction Test D 1557-91,
where applicable; where not applicable a test acceptable to the City Engineer shall be
used. Field density shall be determined by a method acceptable to the City Engineer.
Fill slopes steeper than two horizontal to one vertical shall be constructed by the
placement of soil a sufficient distance beyond the proposed finish slope to allow
compaction equipment to operate at the outer surface limits of the final slope surface.
The excess fill is to be removed prior to completion or rough grading. Other
construction procedures may be utilized when it is fust shown to the satisfaction of the
City Engineer that the angle of slope, construction method and other factors will
accomplish the intent of this section.
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City of Santa Clarita, California 811196
1. Fills not intended to support structures need not be compacted to these standards if
the City Engineer determines that such compaction is unnecessary as a safety
measure. In maldng this determination, the City Engineer may require that an
investigation be made by a soils engineer to establish the characteristics of the soil,
the amount of settlement to be expected and the susceptibility of the soil to erosion
or slippage.
2. Slope surfaces may be prepared for planting by scarifying, by the addition of top
soil, or by other methods, provided such slopes when so prepared otherwise
comply with he requirements of this section.
IB. Emparation of Ground. The existing ground surface shall be prepared to receive fill by
removing vegetation, noncomplying fill pr other incompetent material. Where the slope
of the existing ground surface is five horizontal to one vertical or steeper, the fill shall be
supported on level benches cut into competent material. The bench under the toe of a fill
on a slope steeper than five to one shall be at least ten feet wide. The area beyond the toe
of fill shall be sloped for sheet overflow or a paved drain shall be provided. When fill is
to be placed over a cut, the bench under the toe of fill shall be at least ten feet wide but
the cut shall be made before placing the fill and before acceptance by the geotechnical
engineer or engineering geologist or both as a suitable foundation for fill. Daylight lines
indicating a transition between fill and natural ground or fill and excavation shall not be
allowed within the building area of a graded pad unless approved by the City Engineer
based on special circumstances or site conditions. Except where recommended by the
geotechnical engineer or geologist as not being necessary, subdrains shall be provided
under all fills placed in natural drainage courses and in other locations where seepage is
evident. Such subdrainage systems shall be of a material and design approved by the
geotechnical engineer and acceptable to the City Engineer. The permittee shall provide
continuous inspection during the process of subdrain installation to conform with
approved plans and geotechnical engineer's recommendation. Such inspection shall be
done by the soil testing agency. The location of the subdrains shall be shown on a plan
by the geotechnical engineer.
Excavations for the subdrains shall be inspected by the geologist when such subdrains are
included in the recommendations of the geologist.
' C. FillShope. The City Engineer may allow a slope of steeper than 2:1 for special
circumstances or site conditions. The steepness of fill slopes shall be determined by a
soil engineer who shall submit soil test data and engineering calculations to substantiate
to the satisfaction of the City Engineer the 'stability of the fill slope and slope surface
under conditions of saturation.
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D. Fil] Ma Arial. Detrimental amounts of organic material shall not be pemnitted in fills.
Soil containing small amounts of roots may be allowed providing that the roots are in a
quantity and distributed in a manner that will not be detrimental to the future use of the
site and the use of such material is approved by the soil engineer. No rock or similar
irreducible materials with a maximum dimension greater than 12 inches shall be buried
or placed in fills except as recommended by the soil engineer, approved by the City
Engineer and meeting the following requirements:
1. The oversized material shall be placed 10 feet or more below finish grade;
2. A representative of the soil engineer shall be present while the oversized material
is placed and covered;
3. The reports submitted by the soil'•engineer shall acknowledge the placement of
the oversized material and whether the work performed is in accordance with his
recommendations and the approved plans; and
4. The location of oversized rock dispersal areas shall be shown on the as -built plan.
' S. Stockpiled soil, sand or gravel shall be covered or stabilized as to prevent
erosion by wind or water.
E. Drainage. Drainage, including drainage terraces and overflow protection, shall be
provided as required by Chapter 17.28.
F. Slopes to Rill Where fill is to be placed above the top of an existing slope
steeper than three horizontal to one vertical, the toe of the fill shall be set back from the
top edge of the slope a minimum distance of six feet measured horizontally or such other
distance as may be specifically recommended by a soil engineer or engineering geologist
and approved by the City Engineer. Fills shall not toe out on slopes steeper than two
horizontal to one vertical.
G. inspection of Fill. For engineered grading, the soil engineer shall provide sufficient
inspections during the preparation of the natural ground and the placement of compaction
of the fill to be satisfied that the work is being performed in accordance with the
conditions of plan approval and the appropriate requirements of this chapter. In addition
to the above, the soil engineer shall be present during the entire fill placement and
compaction of fills that will exceed a vertical height or depth of 30 feet or result in a
slope surface steeper than two horizontal to one vertical.
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H. Testing of Fills. Sufficient tests of the fill soils shall be made to determine the density
thereof and to verify compliance of the soil properties with the design requirements,
including soil types and shear strengths in accordance with the standards established by
the City Engineer.
The results of such testing shall be included in the report required by this chapter.
Grading where average slopes are greater than 10% and involving more than 100 cubic yards is
subject to the Ridgeling Preservation and Hillside Development Ordinance. For specific
requirements involving view corridors, scenic vistas, significant ridge lines, grading on slopes
exceeding 50%, and maximum slope heights, refer to the Ridgeling Preservation Ordinance and
the Hillside Development Guidelines.
17.27.040 SLOPE SETBACKS
' A. General. Cut and fill slopes shall be set back from site boundaries in accordance with
this section. Setback dimensions shall be horizontal distances measured perpendicular
to the site boundary. The grading design shall be such that the property line between
adjacent lots will be at the apex of the berm at the top of the slope. Property lines
between adjacent lots cannot be located on a graded slope equal to S horizontal to I
vertical or steeper. For the placement of buildings, structures or pools on or adjacent
to slopes, see the City Building Code Section entitled "Foundations on or Adjacent to
Slopes."
B. Top of Cwt Slope. The top of cut slopes shall not be made nearer to a site boundary line
than one-fifth of the height of cut with a minimum of two feet and a maximum of ten
feet. The setback may need to be increased for any required intercepter drains.
C. Toe of Fill Slone. The toe of a fill slope shall not be made nearer to the site boundary
line than one-half of the height of the slope with a minimum of two feet and a maximum
of 20 feet. Where a fill slope is to be located near the site boundary and the adjacent
off-site property is developed to such grading, special precautions shall be incorporated
in the work as the City Engineer deems necessary to protect the adjoining property from
damage as a result of such grading. These precautions may include but are not limited
to:
1: Additional setbacks;
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17.27.040 SLOPE SETBACKS (continued)
2. Provision for retaining or slough walls;
3. Mechanical or chemical treatment of the fill slope surface to minimize erosion;
4. Provisions for the control of surface waters.
D. Modification of 91QPe I nation The setback and other restrictions imposed by this
section may be increased where unusual soil or geologic conditions make such increase
necessary for safety or stability or may be modified upon investigation and
recommendation by a soil engineer or geologist where such modification will provide
equivalent safety, stability and protection, and the City Engineer so finds.
17,27,050SLOPES SUB FECT TO THE HYLISYDF D VF OPD' 1V^ nRDA'AN�F
Grading where slopes are greater than 10% and involving more than 100 cubic yards is subject
to the Ridgeling Preservation and Hillside Development Ordinance, Chapter 17.80. For
specific requirements for grading involving slopes greater than 2:1 adjacent to public right-of-
ways and fill slopes exceeding 100 feet in horizontal length, refer to the Ridgeline Preservation
and Hillside Development Guidelines.
CHAPTER 17.28 DRAINAGE AND TERRACING
A. General- The drainage structures and devices required by this chapter shall conform to
the provisions of this section as well as recognized principles of hydraulics.
i B. D2isposa1. Drainage facilities shall be designed to carry surface waters to the nearest
practical street, storm drain, or natural watercourse approved by the City Engineer or
other appropriate governmental agency as a safe place to deposit such waters. Desilting
basins, filter barriers or other methods, as approved by the City Engineer, shall be
utilized to remove sediments from surface waters before such waters are allowed to
enter streets, storm drains or natural watercourses. If the drainage device discharges
onto natural ground, riprap or a similar energy dissipator may be required.
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C. Site Drainage. Graded building sites (building pads) shall have a minimum slope of two
percent toward a public street or drainage structure approved to receive storm waters. A
lesser slope may be approved by the City Engineer for sites graded in relatively flat
terrain, or where special drainage provisions are made, when he fords such modification
will not result in unfavorable drainage conditions. The grading shall provide for
drainage around proposed buildings and their appurtenances.
D. Drainag . Terraces q ni Required- The requirements for drainage terraces shall apply to all
cut or fill slopes steeper than three horizontal to one vertical. For slopes not steeper
than three horizontal to one vertical, the City Engineer may require a drainage and
terrace design to be submitted. Suitable access to permit proper cleaning and
maintenance shall be provided for all drainage terraces. Cut or fill slopes more than 30
feet in height shall have drainage terraces provided vertical intervals not exceeding 25
feet except that where only one terrace is required, it shall be at midheight. Such
terraces shall be not less than eight feet in width (measured horizontally from the
outside edge). When the total slope height exceeds 100 feet, one terrace near midheight
shall be not less than 20 feet in width. (measured horizontally from the outside edge).
In lieu of the above, for cut and fill slopes greater than 120 feet in height, the applicant
may submit a drainage and terrace design by a civil engineer to be approved by the City
Engineer.
E. Drainage Terraces Construction- Drainage terraces shall have a longitudinal grade of
not less than five percent nor more than twelve percent and a minimum depth of one
foot at a flow line. There shall be no reduction in grade along the direction of flow
unless the velocity of flow is such that the slope debris will remain in suspension on the
reduced grade. Such terraces shall be paved with concrete not less than three inches
thick reinforced with six-inch X six-inch No. 10 X No. 10 welded wire fabric or
equivalent reinforcing centered in the concrete slab. Drainage terraces exceeding eight
feet in width need only be so paved for a width of eight feet provided such pavement
provides a paved channel at least one foot in depth. Downdrains or drainage outlets
shall be provided at approximately 300 foot intervals along the drainage terrace or at
equivalent locations. Downdrains and drainage outlets shall be of approved materials
and of adequate capacity to convey the intercepted waters to the point of disposal as
defined in subsection (B) of this section.
F. Overflow Protection. Berms, swales or other devices shall be provided at the top of cut
or fill slopes to prevent surface waters from overflowing onto the damaging face of the
slope. Gutters or other special drainage controls shall be provided where the proximity
of runoff from buildings or other structures is such as to pose a potential hazard to slope
integrity.
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SwaleS used for slope protection shall conform with Subsection H. Berms used for
slope protection shall be not less than 12 inches above the level of the pad and shall
slope back at least four feet from the top of the slope.
G. Subsurface Drainn= Cut and fill slopes shall be provided with subsurface drainage as
necessary for stability. Any required subsurface drainage facilities will be passive in
design and require no on going monitoring to insure site stability.
H. Interceptor Drains_ paved interceptor drains shall be installed along the top of all cut
slopes where the height of the cut is greater than five feet measured vertically.
Interceptor drains shall be paved with a minimum of three inches of concrete or gunite
and reinforced as required for drainage terraces. They shall have a minimum depth of 12
inches and a minimum paved width of 30.inches measured horizontally across the drain.
The slope of the drain shall be approved by the City Engineer.
L Drainag . Guidelines All drainage devices which collect from the slopes shall be
screened by means ojunderground pipes, diagonal curvilinear drains, rock -lining,
colored concrete or other approved materials to blend with the natural topography in
character, color or design. Down -drains shall be non -centralized to avoid a repetitive
pattern. Where feasible, underground drains shall be utilized. On hillside projects, all
drainage devices shall be consistent with the City's Ridgeline Preservation and Hillside
Development Guidelines unless special circumstances are established to the satisfaction
of the City Engineer.
A. Slopes, The faces of cut and fill slopes shall be prepared and maintained to control
erosion. This control must consist of effective planting as described elsewhere in this
section, or other devices satisfactory to the City Engineer.
Erosion control (slopes s, ' at to the Ridgeline Preservation and Hillside D v lapment
Ordinance). Erosion control for grading where average slopes are greater than 10% and
involving more than 100 cubic yards is subject to the Ridgeline Preservation and Hillside
Development Ordinance. For specific recommendations for phasing the project to
promote prompt revegetation, leaving undeveloped pads longer than 30 to 90 days and
clearing of brush or vegetation, refer to the Ridgeline Preservation and Hillside
Development Guidelines.
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CHAPTER 17.29 GRADING DESIGNATION AND LOCATION
A. General- Grading involving a fill intended to support structures, or the development of
more than one lot or parcel of land, or in excess of 5,000 cubic yards of material, or
grading where the City Engineer determines special conditions or unusual hazards exist
shall conform with Subsection D entitled, "Engineered Grading Requirements." Grading
other than "Engineered Grading" shall be designated "Regular Grading."
B. Regular Grading Requirements- The grading shall be inspected by the City Engineer as
set forth in Subsection C "Inspection of Excavation and Fills."
The City Engineer may require inspection and testing by a soil testing agency. If
required, the soil testing agency's responsibility shall include, but need not be limited to,
approval concerning the inspection of cleared areas and benches to receive fill, and the
compaction of fills.
C. inspection of Excavation and Fill R_ The City Engineer, upon notification from the
permittee or his agent, shall inspect the grading at the following stages of the work and
shall either approve the portion then completed or shall notify the permittee or his agent
wherein it fails to comply with the requirements of this Code.
1. Initial- When the site has been cleared of vegetation and unapproved fill and it
has been scarified, benched or otherwise prepared for fill. No fill shall have been
placed prior to this inspection.
2. Rough. When approximate final elevations have been established; drainage
terraces, swales and other drainage devices graded ready for paving; berms
installed at the top of the slopes; and the statements required have been received.
3. Einal- When grading has been completed; all drainage devices installed; slope
planting established, irrigation systems installed; and the as -graded plans and
required statements and reports have been submitted.
In addition to the called inspections specified above, the City Engineer may make such
other inspections as he may deem necessary to determine that the work is being
performed in conformance with the requirements of this Code. Investigation and reports
by an approved soil testing agency, soils engineer and/or engineering geologist may be
required.
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17.29.010 GRADING, DFSI('NATTON A INSP CTTON (= in ed)
D. Fpeineered Grading Requirements For engineered grading, it shall be the responsibility
of the persons listed below to perform the designated functions and provide reports as set
forth in Section 17.29.020. These responsibilities and functions are in addition to those
of the City Engineer as set forth in Subsection C above:
D&Sign—an h r The design engineer shall prepare the grading plans and shall
incorporate recommendations from the soil engineering geology reports on such
plans.
2. Fi .ld .ng neer The responsibilities of the field engineer shall include the
establishment and approval of line, grade and surface drainage. The design
engineer and field engineer need not be the same person. At the completion of
the rough grading and final grading, the field engineer shall submit the statements
and reports required by Section 1.7.29.020.
3. &R .ngin= The soil engineer shall provide professional inspection within
such engineer's area of technical specialty, which shall include observation
during grading and testing for required compaction. The soil engineer shall
provide sufficient observation during the preparation of the natural ground and
placement and compaction of the, fill to verify that such work is being performed
in accordance with the conditions of the approved plan and the appropriate
requirements of this code. Revised recommendations relating to conditions noted
during grading and dffering from the approved Soils Engineering and
Engineering Geologic reports shall be coordinated with the Engineering
Geologist and submitted to the permittee, the Building Official.
I4. Engineering Geologist The Engineering Geologist shall provide professional
inspection within such geologist's area of technical specialty, which shall include
professional inspection of bedrock excavation or excavations of subdrains,
butress fills, and shear keys to determine that conditions encountered are in
conformance with the approved report. Revised recommendations relating to
conditions differing from the approved geology reports shall be submitted to the
soils engineer.
5. Grading Contractor The grading contractor shall submit the statement required
by at the completion of rough grading.
6. Plantingna d irrigation When planting and irrigation is required by Section
17.28.020, the statement required by Section 17.29.020 shall be submitted prior
to the final approval of the grading by the City Engineer.
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Reports that reflect conditions which are not in agreement with the approved grading
plans shall be submitted to the field engineer and the City Engineer by the appropriate
consultants.
E. Non -Inspected Grading. No person shall own, use, or maintain any non -inspected
graded property. For the purposes of this code, non -inspected grading shall be defined
as any grading for which a grading permit was first obtained, but which has progressed
beyond any point requiring inspection and approval by the City Engineer without such
Inspection and approval having been obtained.
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17.29.020 REPORTS AND STATEMENTS, ENCINFERFD GRAT) G(continued)
B. Field Engineer. At the completion of rough grading and final grading, the field engineer
shall submit a statement that work is in conformance with the approved plans. A final
contour map (as -built plan) shall be submitted unless the work has been completed in
close agreement with the approved plan.
C. Soil Enpineer At the completion of rough grading, the soil engineer shall submit a
statement that the portion of the work concerning the preparation of the existing ground
surface and the placing and compaction of fill is in conformance with the approved plans
and the appropriate provisions of the section entitled "Fills."
The soil engineer shall submit a report which shall include the recommended soil -bearing
capacity, a finding as to the expansive qualities of the soil, the location of subdrains and a
summary of tests. The location of such tests and the limits of the compacted fill shall be
shown on a final plan which shall also show by plan and cross section the location of any
rock disposal areas and/or buttress fills, is such were involved in the grading.
D. Geologist- When a site inspection by the geologist was required under Section
17.29.010, a report based on an "as -built" geologic map shallbe submitted by the
geologist. The report shall be submitted at the completion of rough grading and shall
include specific approval of the grading as affected by geological factors. Where
necessary, such report shall include geologic cross sections and recommendations
regarding the location of buildings or sewage disposal systems.
E. Planting and Irrigation. At completion of final grading, a landscape architect or a field
engineer shall submit a statement that the slope planting has been established and the
irrigation system has been installed in conformance with the approved plans.
F. Grading Contractor. At the completion of rough grading, the grading contractor shall
submit a statement that the work under the direction of the grading contractor was
performed in accordance with the approved plans and the appropriate requirements of
this chapter or that such work was not in accordance with such plans and chapter.
17.29.030 APPROPRIATE. CFRIMI ATIONC Any project subject to the Ridgeline
Preservation and Hillside Development Ordinance and involving less than 5,000 cubic
yards of earth may also require the reports, statements, or certifications set forth by this
Code.
CHAPTER 17.30 DUST PREVENTIONAND CONTROL
17 30.010 DEIST P FVENTION AND CONTROLPROUSYONS. To protect the health,
safety, and general welfare, all construction sites must make all reasonable efforts to
prevent or control blowing dust and debris. Property owners shall be responsible for
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maintaining their property in such a manner that dust and other wind borne debris
transported to adjacent properties are kept to reasonable minimal levels. In the case of
site grading and other construction operations, it will also be the responsibility of the
permittee to make all reasonable efforts to control blowing dust and debris onto
adjacent properties. When grading operations involve the hauling of dirt from one site
to another, it is also the permittee's responsibility to maintain the public streets in a
clean condition and limit any spillage which would generate dust or other blowing
debris.
I
17,30.020 DUST PREVEN7710NAND CONTROL PLAN.
A.. Required. A Dust Prevention and Control Plan shall be submitted in conjunction with
a grading plan or other plan involving the movement of dirt. The City Engineer may
also require the submittal of a Dust Prevention and Control Plan for other
development deemed necessary.
B. plan. The plan shall demonstrate that the discharge of dust from the construction site
will not occur or can be controlled to anacceptable level depending on the particular
site conditions and circumstances. The plan shall address site conditions during
construction operations, after normal working hours, and during various phases of
construction. The Plan shall include the name and the 24 hour phone number of a
responsible party in case of emergency. If the importing or exporting of dirt is
necessary as demonstrated by the cut and fill quantities on the grading plan, the plan
shall also include the procedures necessary to keep the public streets and private
properties along the haul route free of dirt, dust, and other debris. When an entire
project is to be graded and the subsequent construction on the site is to be completed in
phases, the portion of the site not under construction shall be treated with dust
preventive substance or plant materials and an irrigation system. All phased projects
shall submit a plan demonstrating that dust will not be generated from future phase
areas.
IC. Plan Review. The City Engineer shall be responsible for the review and approval of the
Dust Prevention and Control Plan. This plan shall be incorporated into the grading
plan and constructive notice shall be placed on the grading plan to notify the owner
and contractors of the need to comply with the Dust Prevention and Control Plan.
17. 0.040 ZN AUATE DUST EBMTZMM AND CONTROL MEASURES,
A. Site Investigation..If an investigation of the prgfect site indicates that dust prevention
and control measures are inadequate, the, City Engineer or his authorized
representative may limit or halt all activities on the site until adequate dust
prevention and control measures are achieved. The City Engineer may charge the
property owner and /or contractor for reasonable costs related to providing the
necessary site inspections to determine the adequacy of the dust control plan.
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B. Notice Ing =nate Dust Prevention and ontroMeasures- If it is determined that a
property in violation of section 17.30.010, the property owner and /or contractor will
have 24 hours to brim the site into compliance. If after 24 hours, the site is not
brought into compliance or an extension of time has not been granted by the City
Engineer, the Building Official may, at any time thereafter, determine the site to be
Substandard Property and give written notice of said violation. As Substandard
Property, the site will be subject to all the provisions of Chapter 99 of the latest edition
of Title 26 of the Los Angeles County Building Code as adopted by the City.
Thereupon, the City Engineer may enter the property for the purposes of installing, by
City forces or by other means, adequate dust prevention and control measures (the cost
of which shall be borne by the property owner), or the City Engineer may cause the
owner of the site to be prosecuted as a violator of this Code, or the City Engineer may
take both actions.
C. R=Unnsibility for Ad=utzte Dust. Prevention and Control. The approval of a Dust
Prevention and Control Plan does not relieve the owner or contractors of the
responsibility to implement whatever additional measures may be required to properly
prevent and control dust as outlined in section 17.30.010 hereon.
17 40 040 COMP , A NCE WITFT NPD TO 'ORMWATER F Ii ATION The Dust
Prevention and Control Plan and any additional measures that may be necessary for
the adequate prevention and control of dust shall not be in violation of the NPDES
Stormwater Regulations as adopted by the City.
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