4.2. PRSR 04-26-1999 �r ICI #4.2.
\;4Memorandum
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41k • TO: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
River
FROM: STEPHEN ROHLF,BUILDING AND
ZONING ADMINISTRATOR
DATE: APRIL 26, 1999 672-
SUBJECT: EROSION CONTROL FOR SINGLE
FAMILY HOME CONSTRUCTION ON
URBAN LOTS
Excessive dirt in city streets caused by home construction activities is not only a nuisance
to residents already living in a subdivision, it can plug storm sewers and fill up retention
ponds. Currently,the city requires silt fences be erected by builders next to the street
prior to footing inspections. After backfilling a house, a rock driveway is required
(maximum 20 foot wide)before additional inspections are conducted. The rock is
suppose to help remove dirt from vehicle tires prior to them entering the street.
This current policy is not working well. Abundant dirt is still finding its way onto the
streets. The enforcement of these requirements is an extra burden on the inspectors who
are already taxed for time. Subcontractors who are not necessarily responsible for the
problem are suffering when an inspection is denied, and builders are paying for materials
(rock)that are of little value.
No matter what controls are in place to avoid dirt from entering city streets, home
construction by its nature is going to cause a mess. This mess can be reduced, but not
eliminated. Another fact is that certain aspects of home construction require accessing a
home from other than the 20 foot wide driveway currently allowed. Ready-mix trucks,
block trucks, etc. require access to all sides of a home. Gaining this access is tough on
small urban lots with dirt piled up from the basement excavation.
Staff is recommending the following revised policy regarding erosion control for single
family home construction on urban lots:
• The developer places two rows of sod next to the curb throughout the plat. In
addition,the developer is responsible for silt fence being placed at the R-O-W line of
lots that have a steep grades to the street. The City Engineer will determined what
lots require silt fence. Silt fence and sod will be identified on the plans and
specifications for the plat, and considered a plat improvement. The sod and silt fence
referenced must be in place prior to general building permits being issued for the
development. In the case of a model home permit, typically issued before the plat
improvements are completed,the builder is responsible for these requirements. Silt
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13065 Orono Parkway • P.O. Box 490 • Elk River,MN 55330 • TDD &Phone: (612)441-7420 • Fax: (612)441-7425
fence and/or sod for model homes must be in placed prior to the issuance of the
building permit.
• On lots that require silt fence,the builder is responsible for determining where a 20
foot opening to the lot will be placed. However, when necessary,the silt fence may
be temporarily taken down by a builder to gain access around the house, but it must
be properly replaced by them.
• Silt fence and sod disturbed by others due to plat improvements, such as utilities, is
the responsibility of the developer to see that it is repaired. The City Engineer's
inspector will order these corrections. If silt fence and/or sod is disturbed for the
construction of a house or providing utilities to a house, it is the builder's
responsibility to see that they are repaired. The building inspectors will order these
corrections.
• Rock driveways or the equivalent will only be required for lots that need silt fence
(steep lots). The builder is responsible for the rock driveway. These driveways are to
be in place immediately after backfilling. The building inspectors will deny
inspections until this accomplished.
• Developers reimburse the city for cost of sweeping streets as needed until 75% of the
certificates of occupancy for homes in the plat are issued. The Building and Zoning
Department will keep tack of the certificates of occupancies. The Street Department
determines when sweeping is needed. The developer is also responsible for cleaning
storm sewer, storm ponds, etc., if needed, during this same period.
• These requirements will be made part of the developer agreement for a plat and
covered under the letter of credit. A letter of credit in a sufficient amount to cover a
estimated year's worth of sweeping will remain in place until 75% of the certificates
of occupancy are issued.
• Builders who's site is excessively dirty will be identified so the developers can
determine if they want to pass the additional cost of cleaning the streets on to them or
not. A site that is considered excessive is one where mechanical equipment is needed
to remove dirt prior to it being swept. In addition, the building inspectors will order
the builder to clean the street if it is excessively dirty and will deny inspections if the
order is not followed.
• The policies listed will be placed on lots in new plats. Builders will still be required
to erect silt fence on existing lots, unless the plat has sod in place next to the curb.
Enforcement of clean up in front of existing lots will continue to be the denial of
inspections. However, rock driveways will no longer be required unless the lot has a
steep grade to the street.
This recommended policy is realistic about the fact dirt is going to find its way to the
streets and that home construction requires a lot to be accessed from more than one point.
This policy also still protects the storm sewer systems and clearly identifies who is
responsible for what.
The Planning, Street, and Building and Zoning Departments all endorse the
recommended changes to the erosion control policies. In addition, staff sought input •
• from several prominent developers in the area, the Suburban Northwest Builders
Association, and the City Engineer when considering our recommendation. Staff
recommends this new policy is reviewed at the end of one year to see if it adequately
addresses the issue.
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