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Code Review Checklist_9 8 14Pioneer Valley Green Infrastructure Code Review Checklist NDPES MS4 Community: Y/N SECTION 1: NPDES MS4 Permit Compliance Stormwater Management Program (NPDES Draft permit 1.10) Illicit Connections (NPDES Draft Permit 2.4.4) Erosion and Sediment Control/Construction Site SW Runoff Control (NPDES Draft permit 2.4.5) Y/N Post Construction Stormwater Management/Stormwater Management in New Development and Redevelopment (NPDES Draft Permit 2.4.6) Y/N Y/N SECTION 2: Street Standards in Subdivision Regulations Street Design and Parking Lot Guidelines (NPDES Draft permit 2.4.5) Perform assessment of current street design and parking lot guidelines and other local requirements that affect the creation of impervious cover. This assessment shall be used to provide information to determine if changes to design standards for streets and parking lots can be modified to support low impact design options. (Document cited by EPA: http://www.mapc.org/resources/lowimpact-dev-toolkit/roadway-lot-design ) Please report the town's street requirements on the Street Standards Sheet Roadway Width and Length Right of Ways Sidewalks Cul de Sacs Other SECTION 3: Parking Requirements in Zoning Regulations SECTION 4: Local Regulations and Feasibility of Green Infrastructure (NPDES Draft permit 2.4.6.8) SECTION 5: Development Policies in Subdivision Regulations SECTION 6: Development Policies in Zoning Regulations Please report the municipality's dimensional standards on the Dimensional Standards Worksheet SECTION 7: Board of Health Bylaw and Regulations SECTION 8: Wetlands Bylaw and Regulations SECTION 9: Municipal Policies and Programs Checklist Item Is there an adequate funding source for the implementation of the stormwater management program (adequate funding means that a consistent source of revenue exists for the program)? Is there an ordinance/bylaw that prohibits all non stormwater discharges into the MS4? See allowable exemptions in part 1.4 of draft permit. (NPDES Draft permit 2.4.4) Is there an ordinance/bylaw for construction site erosion and sediment control to reduce pollutants in any stormwater runoff discharged to the MS4 from construction activities that result in a land disturbance of greater than or equal to one acre (disturbances less than one acre if that disturbance is part of a larger common plan of development or sale). Does the regulation have provisions for smaller development projects under 1 acre? Does the regulation require the use of sediment and erosion control practices at construction sites? Does the regulation include written procedures for site inspections and enforcement of sediment and erosion control measures at construction sites, including who is responsible for site inspections and who has authority to implement enforcement procedures? Does the regulation require sediment and erosion control program where land disturbance activities result in stormwater discharges to the MS4 (program shall include BMP appropriate for the conditions at the construction site. May include references to BMP design standards in state manuals. Examples of appropriate sediment and erosion control measures for construction sites include local requirements to: i. minimize the amount of disturbed area and protect natural resources; ii. stabilize sites when projects are complete or operations have temporarily ceased; iii. protect slopes on the construction site; iv. protect all storm drain inlets and armor all newly constructed outlets; v. use perimeter controls at the site; vi. stabilize construction site entrances and exits to prevent off-site tracking; vii inspect stormwater controls at consistent intervals; and viii. size stormwater controls to control or manage a specific volume of runoff (e.g. design sediment and erosion control measures to manage 1 inch of runoff or a specific rain event such as the 2 year 24-hour rain event) Checklist Item Does the regulation include requirements to control wastes, including but not limited to discarded building materials, concrete truck wash out, chemicals, litter, and sanitary wastes (these wastes may not be discharged to the MS4)? Does the regulation include written procedures for site plan review. Site plan review shall include a review by the permittee of the site design, the planned operations at the construction site, planned BMPs during the construction phase, and the planned BMPs to be used to manage runoff created after development. The review procedure shall incorporate procedures for the consideration of potential water quality impacts; procedures for pre-construction review; and procedures for receipt and consideration of information submitted by the public. Site plan review procedure shall include evaluation of opportunities for use of low impact design and green infrastructure. When the opportunity exists, the permittee shall encourage project proponents to incorporate these practices into the site design. Is there an ordinance/bylaw that addresses post construction stormwater runoff from new development and redevelopment projects that disturb one or more acres and discharge into the MS4 (disturbances less than one acre if that disturbance is part of a larger common plan of development or redevelopment)? What are the provisions for redevelopment of existing properties? The following are amendments that will be required with new permit. Do these currently exist? a. For new development projects that disturb one or more acres and upon completion results in two or more acres of impervious surfaces, the MS4 shall require compliance with Standards 3, 4, 5, and 6 of the Massachusetts Stormwater Management Standards, regardless of the proximity to resource areas or their buffer zones under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act. (The standards presented below are not exact wordings of the state standards. The standards are summarized at: http://www.mass.gov/dep/water/laws/strmreg.pdf and available at: http://www.mass.gov/dep /water/laws/310c10p.pdf and http://www.mass.gov/dep/water/laws/314c9p.pdf.) i. Standard 3 – Loss of annual groundwater shall be eliminated or minimized through the use of infiltration measures including environmentally sensitive site design, low impact development techniques, stormwater best management practices, and good operation and maintenance. At a minimum, the annual recharge from the post-development site shall approximate the annual recharge from pre-development conditions based on soil type. In an effort to facilitate implementation of the requirements in Part 2.4.6.8, and Parts 2.2.1(c), (d), (f) and (g), if applicable, and the goal of this standard, the permittee is encouraged to require the capture of at least the 1 inch (90th percentile) storm event. The term “capture” includes practices that infiltrate, evapotranspire, and/or harvest and reuse rainwater. This means that 100 percent of the volume of water from events less than or equal to the 90th percentile event shall not be discharged. In Massachusetts, the 90th percentile storm event is a 1 inch storm event Checklist Item ii. Standard 4 – Stormwater management systems shall be designed to remove 80 percent of the average annual post construction load of Total Suspended Solids. iii. Standard 5 – For land uses with higher potential pollutant loads, source control and pollution prevention shall be implemented to eliminate or reduce the discharge of stormwater from such land uses. iv. Standard 6 – Stormwater discharges within the Zone II or Interim Wellhead Protection Area of a public water supply, and stormwater discharges near or to any other critical area, require the use of the specific source control and pollution prevention measures and the specific structural stormwater practices determined by MassDEP to be suitable for managing discharges to such areas. b. For redevelopment projects that upon completion results in two or more acres of impervious surfaces, the permittee shall require compliance with Standard 7 of the Massachusetts Stormwater Management Standards regardless of the proximity to resource areas or their buffer zones under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act as follows: i. Redevelopment of a previously developed parcel with two or more acres of impervious surfaces, which upon completion does not increase the amount of impervious surface must meet the Stormwater Standard 3 and the pretreatment and structural stormwater best management practices of Standards 4, 5 and 6 only to the maximum extent practicable[1] and improve existing conditions. ii. Redevelopment of a previously developed parcel which upon completion contains two or more acres of impervious surface and results in an increase in the area of the site covered by impervious surfaces must fully meet Standards 3 through 6 of the Massachusetts Stormwater Standards with regard to the increase in impervious surfaces and must meet the requirements of Part 2.4.6.4.b.i above with regard to the total area of the impervious surfaces that are undergoing redevelopment and that existed prior to the start of redevelopment. For pre-existing impervious surfaces, there must be an improvement of existing conditions. c. For projects that are exempt from the MassDEP stormwater standards, the permittee’s ordinance or other regulatory mechanism may apply the Massachusetts Stormwater Standards to the “maximum extent practicable”, as defined in the Massachusetts Stormwater Management Standards. Are there procedures to ensure that any stormwater controls or management practices for new development and redevelopment will prevent or minimize impacts to water quality. These procedures may include: requirements to avoid development in areas susceptible to erosion and sediment loss; requirements to preserve areas in the municipality that provide important water quality benefits; requirements to implement measures for flood control; and requirements to protect the integrity of natural resources Requires submission of as-built drawings within 90 days of completion of construction projects (See more detail under 2.4.6.6) The as-built drawings must depict all on site controls, both structural and nonstructural, designed to manage the stormwater associated with the completed site (post construction stormwater management). Checklist Item Requires procedures to ensure long-term operation and maintenance of stormwater management practices that are put in place after the completion of a construction project. (May include the use of dedicated funds or escrow accounts for development projects or the acceptance of ownership by the permittee of all privately owned BMPs. May also include development of maintenance contracts between the owner of the BMP and the permittee. Maintenance contract shall include verification of maintenance practices by the owner, allow the municipality to inspect the maintenance practices and perform maintenance if inspections indicate neglect by the owner. Alternatively, these procedures may include the submission of an annual certification documenting the work that has been done over the last 12 months to properly operate and maintain the stormwater control measures. Procedures to require submission of as-built drawings and ensure long term operation and maintenance shall be a part of the SWMP.) Is paved roadway width standard set for LID purposes in low density residential developments with less than 500 daily trips? (LID standard: 18-22 feet) At higher densities are parking lanes allowed to also serve as traffic lanes (i.e., queuing streets)? Do street standards promote the most efficient street layouts so as to reduce the overall street length? Is the minimum right of way width less than 45 feet for a residential street? Does the code allow utilities to be placed under the paved section of the ROW? Does the code allow utilities to be placed immediately adjacent to the paved section of the ROW? Do the regulations limit clearing within the right-of-way to the minimum necessary? Do regulations require clearing and grubbing of entire right of way? Are street trees required for new streets? If yes, is this shown in the street cross section that may be provided? Do street standards permit LID stormwater management approaches (i.e. allow swales or other such BMP instead of curb and gutter) or are curbs and gutters REQUIRED improvements? Where curbs are necessary/required, are perforated curbs that allow runoff into swales or other stormwater BMPs allowed? Does the town have criteria for design of roadside swales? Where curb and gutter systems are installed, are inlets / drains required to have a notice regarding discharge to receiving waters? Where curb and gutter streets are required, are sidewalks required to be disconnected from the stormwater system (e.g. by a green strip)? In low density neighborhoods, are sidewalks permitted on only one side of the road? Is sidewalk width standard set for LID purposes? (LID standard 4 feet or less) In low density neighborhoods, can alternate pedestrian networks be substituted for sidewalks (e.g. trails through common areas) Are dead ends discouraged by the regulations? (e.g. by encouraging or requiring connected streets or one-way loop streets)? Is minimum radius for a cul de sac set for LID purposes (LID standard: 35 feet)? Is curbing required for cul de sacs? Is a landscaped island permitted for cul-de-sacs? Are alternative turnarounds such as hammerhead allowed on short streets in low density residential developments? Are there provisions indicating that roadways ought to be located so as to protect important natural features, avoiding low areas and steep slopes? Are developers required to rehabilitate soils that have been compacted by construction vehicles? Please report the town's parking requirements on the Parking Standards Sheet Are parking maximums used in any instances (to prevent too much parking)? Does town require more than 3 off street parking spaces per 1,000 sq. ft. of gross floor area for office uses? Does town require more than 4.5 off street parking spaces per 1,000 sq. ft. of gross floor area for shopping centers? Does town vary parking requirement by zone to reflect places where more trips are on foot or by transit? Does town have reduced off-street parking requirements for its downtown zoning district? Does the town have lower parking requirements for properties near transit stops? Does the town allow reduced parking requirements for properties within walking distance to multiple services? Does the town have lower parking requirements for properties in the more densely developed residential districts? Does town require more than 2 off-street parking spaces per residential unit? Does town require 2 off-street parking spaces per residential unit? Does town require less than 2 off-street parking spaces per residential unit? Does town require more than 1 off-street parking space for an accessory dwelling unit? Does the town have lower parking requirements for smaller residential units? Does the town have provisions allowing for shared parking to reduce parking requirements? Are the town's shared parking provisions by right? Does the town provide model shared parking arrangments for private use? Does the town allow alternative measures such as custom parking demand calculations, transportation demand management or in-lieu payments to reduce required parking? Does the town allow for common driveways? If yes, are they allowed by right? Is requirement for standard parking lot stall consistent with LID purposes? (LID Standard: 9 feet or less by 18 feet or less) Is requirement for residential driveway width consistent with LID purposes? (LID Standard: 9 feet wide for one lane / 18 feet wide for two lanes) For larger commercial parking lots, are there provisions requiring compact car spaces? If yes, are at least 30% of parking spaces required to have smaller dimensions for compact cars? Is there a minimum perncentage of a parking lot required to be landscaped? Do commercial landscaping requirements for parking areas allow for vegetated areas with bioretention functions? Do commercial landscaping requirements for parking areas encourage vegetated areas with bioretention functions? Is the use of bioretenion islands and other stormwater practices within landscaped areas or setbacks allowed (versus requirement for curb and gutter)? Is the use of bioretenion islands and other stormwater practices within landscaped areas or setbacks encouraged? Can porous surfacing materials be used for parking stalls, spillover parking areas, shoulders, etc.? Is the use of porous surfacing materials for parking stalls, spillover parking areas, shoulders, etc encouraged? Are the following practices allowable when appropriate site conditions exist: i. Green roofs; ii. Infiltration practices such as rain gardens, curb extensions, planter gardens, porous and pervious pavements, and other designs to manage stormwater using landscaping and structured or augmented soils; and iii. Water harvesting devices such as rain barrels and cisterns, and the use of stormwater for nonpotable uses. If no, please describe impediments: __________________________________ Are regulations that govern stormwater within the subdivision code consistent with the Stormwater Management/LID ordinance/bylaw? (see controlling standards, drainage, and other relevant sections) Do the site development standards explicitly permit LID stormwater management approaches? Do planning processes encourage an LID approach? (preliminary plans) Do regulations address context sensitive development measures? (indicate all that apply) Reducing Cut and Fill Minimizing disturbanc to hillsides and/or ridgelines Requiring or encouraging preservation of natural vegetation or topography? Do landscaping regulations promote the planting of street trees in private and public development projects? Are there any regulations requiring limits to disturbance on a construction site? Are there any regulations controlling tree clearance or removal of mature trees / forest stands? Does the town have a tree protection or landscaping ordinance (If yes, please get copy) Are regulations that govern stormwater within the zoning code consistent with the Stormwater Management/LID ordinance/bylaw? Do planning processes encourage an LID approach? (site plan approval) Are bioretention areas, rain gardens, filter strips, swales and constructed wetlands allowed in setback areas? Does language on screening and buffers indicate that these areas could be used for stormwater management? Are there any special districts or regulations that permit cluster development? Is open space (cluster) development permitted by right? Are the submittal or reeview requirements for open space / cluster developments greater than for conventional development? Are there any flexible site design regulations that permit reductions in dimensional requirements to allow cluster development? Are there any regulations that permit reductions in dimensional requirements to increase flexibility in building placement? What counts towards meeting open space requirements? (indicate all that apply) Stormwater management areas (e.g. bioretetention areas) Wetland aras and water bodies Green roofs Can open space requirements be reduced if improved stormwater management facilities /open spaces are provided? Do regulations exceed Title 5 requirements, requiring oversized septic systems or larger setback distances? Do regulations require reserve septic fields to be cleared at the time of development? Do regulations permit the use of low impact stormwater structures (e.g. bioretention areas) within the buffer zone of wetland resource areas? Do regulations increase the required buffer above beyond the 50' required by state law (e.g. to 100 feet or more) Does the municipality have a plan for water efficiency or reuse? Does the town have a program to address stormwater runoff and/or LID? Does town provide information brochures / manual for homeowners describing rainwater harvesting and stormwater management techniques? Does the town have any LID demonstration projects? (please list) Does the town have policies that promote complete streets or LID considerations within capital improvement plans or in ranking road construction projects? Do town policies require new street trees as part of road reconstruction projects? Do capital improvement plans include tree planting as part of project budgets? Has there been any review of emergency services policies or building and fire regulations to ensure that they allow LID techniques? Has there been any review of local building codes to ensure that they permit LID techniques (e.g. permeable paving) and use of harvested rainwater for interior non-potable uses? Who manages stormwater BMPs after construction? If the town has responsibilities, how are dollars secured for long-term maintenance? If the developer or the new property owner has the responsibilities, has the DPW established mechanisms for enforcement of maintenance agreements for stormwater facilities (e.g. fines)? Notes (include location in code and any standards) Notes (include location in code and any standards) Notes (include location in code and any standards) Notes (include location in code and any standards) Identify how you would do this (frontage requirements, etc.) Note: Reductions in frontages would allow for reduced road length/paved area, perhaps where appropriate such as in open space residential developments, at the outside sideline of curbed streets, and around cul de sacs Note: They should not require additional setbacks or classify stormwater structures so as to increase minimum setback distances (e.g. some towns require dry wells and bioretention areas to meet the same setbacks as a septic system) Note: Projects under 1 acre in jurisdictional areas would be regulated here for stormwater management. Street Standards Worksheet Roadway widths indicated in code Minimum right of ways Minimum radius for a cul de sac Minimum sidewalk width Comparison of Parking Standards Dimensions for a parking space Dimensional Standards What is min. requirement for front setbacks for a 1/2 acre residential lot? What is the min. requirement for rear setbacks for a 1/2 acre residential lot? What is min requirement for side setbacks for a 1/2 acre residential lot? What is min. frontage distance for a 1/2 acre residential lot? LID standard (CWP) 20 feet or less 25 feet or less 8 feet or less less than 80 feet Municipal Policies and Programs Does the town have a program to address stormwater runoff and/or LID? Does town provide information brochures / manual for homeowners describing rainwater harvesting and stormwater management techniques? Does the town have any LID demonstration projects? (please list) Does the town have policies that promote complete streets or LID considerations within capital improvement plans or in ranking road construction projects? Do town policies require new street trees as part of road reconstruction projects? Do capital improvement plans include tree planning as part of project budgets? Has there been any review of emergency services policies or building and fire regulations to ensure that they allow LID techniques? Has there been any review of local building codes to ensure that they permit LID techniques (e.g. permeable paving) and use of harvested rainwater for interior non-potable uses? Who manages stormwater BMPs after construction? If the town has responsibilities, how are dollars secured for long-term maintenance? If the developer or the new property owner has the responsibilities, has the DPW established mechanisms for enforcement of maintenance agreements for stormwater facilities (e.g. fines)? Does the DPW have policies for minimizing street width in road reconstruction projects (for LID or traffic calming purposes)? Does the communmity have an urban forestry program? Other: