STORMWATER SYSTEM MAINTENANCE - PRIVATE SYSTEMS
(This section applies to condominiums, mobile home parks and private developments discharging to County Drains as adopted by local government agencies for site plan review)

A. Maintenance plans must be submitted with all construction plans not to be under the jurisdiction of a municipal entity and be included as a deed restriction in all projects. These plans must include the following information:

1. An annual maintenance budget itemized in detail by task. The financing mechanism shall also be described. (how monies will be collected from residents to ensure proper funding for future drainage maintenance)

2. A copy of the final approved drainage plan for the development that delineates the facilities and all easements, maintenance access, and buffer areas.

3. A listing of appropriate tasks defined for each component of the system described and a schedule for their implementation. The following areas must be covered:

a. Maintenance of facilities such as pipes, channels, outflow control structures, infiltration devices, berms and other structures.

b. Debris removal from catch basins, channels, berms and basins.

c. Dredging operations for both channels and basins to remove sediment accumulation. Stormwater system maintenance plans shall require that sediment be removed when sediment reaches a depth of equal to 50% of the depth of the forebay or 12 inches, whichever is less.

4. A detailed description of the procedure for both preventative and corrective maintenance activities. The preventative maintenance component must include:

a. Periodic inspections, adjustments and replacements of parts.

b. Record-keeping of operations and expenditures.

5. Provision for the routine and non-routine inspection of all components within the system described:

a. Wet weather inspections of structural elements and inspection for sediment accumulation in detention basins, shall be conducted annually, with as-built plans in hand.

b. Housekeeping inspections, such as checking for trash removal should take place at least twice per year.

c. Emergency inspections on an as-needed basis, upon identification of problems, should be conducted by a professional engineer.

6. A description of ongoing landscape maintenance needs. Landscaping shall consist of native plant species. The proprietor will monitor the viability of plantings for at least two years after establishment and plantings will be replaced as needed. Subsequent monitoring shall be conducted by the landowner or development association.

7. Provision for the maintenance of vegetative buffers by landowner, development associations, conservation groups or public agencies. Buffers must be inspected annually for evidence of erosion or concentrated flows through or around the buffer.

B. All Infiltration systems must be aggressively maintained and protected from clogging by sediment, trash and other obstacles to proper drainage.

1. In the event of clogging by accumulated sediments, partial or total reconstruction of infiltration facilities may be required.

2. Pavement shall be swept a minimum of two times per year. (a Phase II issue)

3. Evidence of a regular service contract for performing these maintenance activities shall be made available upon request.

C. Property deed restrictions or condominium master deed documents must specify the timeframe for action to address needed maintenance of stormwater management facilities. These restrictions or documents will also specify that should the private entity fail to act within this timeframe, the municipal entity may perform the needed maintenance and assess the costs against the property owners:

1. Routine maintenance of stormwater management facilities will be completed per the schedule submitted with the construction plans or within 30 days of receipt of written notification by the Municipal entity that action is required.

2. Emergency maintenance will be completed within 24 hours of written notification unless threat to public health, safety and welfare requires immediate action.

D. The proprietor may fulfill the obligation of the Stormwater maintenance program by establishing a county drainage district, or any other similar mechanism approved by the Municipal entity, to provide for the permanent maintenance of stormwater management facilities and necessary funding.

E. A legally binding maintenance agreement will be executed before final project approval is granted. The agreement shall be included in the property deed restrictions or condominium master deed documents so that it is binding on all subsequent property owners.

F. A sample maintenance plan and annual budget is illustrated in Appendix B.