4.2. SR 04-26-1999 - Laserfiche WebLink

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rC; ---'\J ( ); ~l}{ ITEM #4.2. Memorandum TO: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL FROM: STEPHEN ROHLF, BUILDING AND ZONING ADMINISTRATOR APRIL 26, 1999 ~ /2.. DATE: SUBJECT: EROSION CONTROL FOR SINGLE F AMIL Y 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 . 13065 Orono Parkway - P.O. Box 490 - Elk River, MN 55330 - TDD & Phone: (612) 441-7420 - Fax: (612) 441-7425