HomeMy WebLinkAboutO - Regulating The Use of Sewerage and Stormwater Systems - Ordinance Vol. I ?ac,e ?,35
Ordinance Regulating the Use of
Public and Private SanitarySewerage
and Stormwater Systems
IFS/11011
shburlington
VERMONT
CITY CLERK'S OFFICE
Received i cerrrber 13 2G atb M
Recorded in Vol. 1 on page 355--37y
Of So. Burlington Land Records
Donna S. Kinville, City Clerk
Val Par 3jo
ORDINANCE REGULATING THE USE OF PUBLIC AND PRIVATE 2
SANITARY SEWERAGE AND STORMWATER SYSTEMS
Table of Contents
ARTICLE I -GENERAL 4
1.1 Definitions 4
1.2 Abbreviations 9
ARTICLE II -SANITARY SEWER SYSTEM 10
2.1 Use of Public Sanitary Sewer System Required 10
2.2 Private Sewage Disposal 10
2.3 Building Sewers and Connections 11
2.4 Prohibited Discharges into the Public Sanitary Sewer System 14
2.5 Protection from Damage 19
ARTICLE III -CAPACITY ALLOCATION 19
3.1 Ownership of Capacity 19
3.3 Reserve Capacity Allocation 19
3.4 Preliminary Allocation Determination 20
3.5 Final Capacity Allocation 20
3.6 Final Allocation Conditions 21
ARTICLE IV - SEWAGE DISPOSAL CHARGES, TIME OF PAYMENT THEREOF, AND PENALTIES FOR NON-
PAYMENT 22
4.1 Operation and Maintenance 22
4.2 Sewer Use Rates, Applicability 22
4.3 Annual Charges, Basis 23
4.4 Capital Costs 23
4.5 Collection 23
4.6 Sinking Fund/Set-Asides for Major Expenditures 23
ARTICLE V-STORMWATER SYSTEM 24
5.1 Purpose 24
5.2 Applicability 24
5.3 Required Approvals 24
5.4 Compliance with Existing Permits 25
5.5 Use of the Public Stormwater System: 25
5.6 Best Management Practices 26
City of South Burlington Ordinance
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ORDINANCE REGULATING THE USE OF PUBLIC AND PRIVATE 3
SANITARY SEWERAGE AND STORMWATER SYSTEMS
5.7 Protection from Damage 26
ARTICLE VI -STORMWATER SYSTEM USER FEES 26
6.1 Establishment of Stormwater User Fees 26
6.2 User Fee Credits: 27
6.3 Establishment of ERUs: 28
6.4 Billing and Collection 29
6.5 Expenditures. 29
ARTICLE VII—ACCEPTANCE OR INSPECTION OF REGULATED PRIVATE SYSTEMS 29
7.1 Exclusively Residential Regulated Private Systems 29
7.2 Regulated Private Systems That Are Not Exclusively Residential 31
ARTICLE VIII—MUNICIPAL COST SHARING 34
8.1 Purpose 34
8.2 Applicability 34
8.3 Municipal Share of Stormwater Project Costs 34
ARTICLE IX- INSPECTION AND ENFORCEMENT 36
9.1 Power and Authority of Inspectors 36
9.2 Administrative Enforcement 37
9.3 Judicial Enforcement 38
9.4 Civil Penalty; Waiver Fee 39
City of South Burlington Ordinance
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ORDINANCE REGULATING THE USE OF PUBLIC AND PRIVATE 4
SANITARY SEWERAGE AND STORMWATER SYSTEMS
The Council of the City of South Burlington hereby ordains:
ARTICLE I - GENERAL
1.1 Definitions
The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this Ordinance, shall have the meanings ascribed to
them in this Section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
Affordable Housing shall mean either of the following:
(1) Housing that is owned by its inhabitants, whose gross annual household income does not
exceed eighty percent (80%) of the median income for the Burlington-South Burlington
Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), as defined by the United States Department of Housing and
Urban Development, and the total annual cost of the housing, including principal, interest, taxes
and insurance, is not more than thirty percent (30%)of the household's gross annual income; or
(2) Housing that is rented by its inhabitants whose gross annual household income does not
exceed eighty percent (80%) of the median income for the Burlington-South Burlington
Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), as defined by the United States Department of Housing and
Urban Development, and the total annual cost of the housing, including rent, utilities, and
condominium association fees, is not more than thirty percent (30%) of the household's gross
annual income.
Authorized Person The City Manager, Director of Public Works, Deputy Director of Environmental
Services, Stormwater Superintendent, Wastewater Superintendent and such other persons as they
specifically appoint or authorize to perform duties for the Stormwater Division or Wastewater Division.
Best Management Practices (BMPs) Schedules of activities, prohibitions of practices, general good
housekeeping practices, pollution prevention and educational practices, maintenance procedures, and
other management practices to prevent or reduce the discharge of Pollutants directly or indirectly to
the Stormwater System or waters of the State of Vermont or the United States. BMPs also include
treatment practices,operating procedures,and practices to control site runoff, spillage or leaks,sludge
or water disposal, or drainage from raw materials storage.
Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOO) The quantity of oxygen utilized in the biochemical oxidation of
organic matter under standard laboratory procedure in five(5)days at 20°C expressed in milligrams per
liter.
Building Drain That part of the lowest horizontal piping of a drainage system which receives the
discharge from soil, waste, and other drainage pipes inside the walls of the building and conveys it to
the Building Sewer. The Building Drain extends five feet beyond the outer face of the building wall.
Building Sewer That part of the sewage system which receives the sewage from the Building Drain and
conveys it to the nearest end of the House Connection unless a House Connection is not available,
City of South Burlington Ordinance
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whereby the Building Sewer shall be extended to the nearest available "Y" branch on the Main Sanitary
Sewer.
City Center Sewer Service Area That area of the City shown in Appendix A, City Center Sewer Service
Area, in this Ordinance.
City Center Uncommitted Reserve Capacity shall be established as 150,000 gallons per day upon the
adoption of this amendment, which amount shall be reduced from time to time upon the granting of
final allocations for development within the City Center Sewer Service Area.
City Manager The City Manager of the City of South Burlington, or his authorized deputy, agent, or
representative.
Combined Sewer A sewer receiving both stormwater runoff and sewage.
Committed Reserve Capacity The total amount of Development Wastewater Flow (gallons per day)
from all projects/buildings for which final allocations have been granted but are not yet discharging to
the SEWER.
Construction Activity shall mean activities including, but not limited to clearing and grubbing, grading,
excavating, and demolition.
Connection Fee A one-time fee imposed on applicants to connect to the municipal sewer system.
Credit An ongoing reduction in the stormwater user fee for certain identified and approved qualifying
and ongoing private actions or activities that reduces the potential impact of increased Stormwater
Discharges that result from development of a property.
Department of Public Works Wastewater Division That City department responsible for construction,
operation and maintenance of the sewage works.
Developed Property Any property that is altered from a natural state by construction or installation of
more than five hundred (500) square feet of Impervious Surface.
Developer Any individual, corporation,association, or other organization engaged in land development
or building construction.
Development Wastewater Flow The flow resulting from full use of the development at its peak
capacity, which flow shall be calculated using flow quantities, adopted as rules by the Vermont
Department of Environmental Conservation, as promulgated at the time a connection permit
application is made.
Discharge Permit A permit issued by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation pursuant
to authority granted in 10 V.S.A., Chapter 47, or the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency pursuant to
33 U.S.C. § 1251, et. seq.
Exclusively Residential As used in Article VII of this Ordinance shall mean land development in the City
comprised of properties containing solely residential uses and permitted accessory uses, such as one-
family, two-family and multi-family dwelling units. Land development with commercial, industrial or
other non-residential uses is excluded.
City of South Burlington Ordinance
Vol. lie- ICE
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SANITARY SEWERAGE AND STORMWATER SYSTEMS
Garbage Solid wastes from the domestic and commercial preparation, cooking, and dispensing of food,
and from the handling, storage, and sale of produce.
Hazardous Material Any material, including any substance, waste, or combination thereof, which
because of its quantity, concentration, or physical, chemical, or infectious characteristics may cause, or
significantly contribute to, a substantial present or potential hazard to human health, safety, property,
or the environment when improperly treated, stored,transported, disposed of,or otherwise managed.
House Connection That part of the sewage system that runs from the Main Sanitary Sewer to the
property line and includes all necessary fittings.
Impervious Surface Those manmade surfaces, including, but not limited to, paved and unpaved roads,
parking areas, roofs,driveways,sidewalks,walkways,compacted gravel and soil surfaces,storage areas,
and awnings and other permanent fabric or plastic coverings, from which precipitation runs off rather
than infiltrates.
Illicit Discharge Any direct or indirect Non-Stormwater Discharge to the Stormwater System.
Industrial Activity Activities subject to NPDES Industrial Permits as defined in 40 CFR, Section 122.26
(b)(14).
Industrial Wastes The liquid wastes from an industrial manufacturing process, trade, or business.
Industrial Wastes do not include sanitary sewage.
Main Sanitary Sewer The sewers laid longitudinally along the center line or other part of the streets or
other rights-of-way and which all owners or abutting properties have equal rights and which is
controlled by public authority.
MS4 Permit The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources' General Permit #3-9014, as amended or re-
issued, pursuant to which the City obtained coverage for Stormwater discharges from its municipal
separate storm sewer system.
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Stormwater Discharge Permit A permit
issued by EPA (or by a State under authority delegated pursuant to 33 USC § 1342(b)) that authorizes
the discharge of pollutants to waters of the United States, whether the permit is applicable on an
individual, group, or general area-wide basis.
Natural Outlet Any outlet into a Watercourse, pond, ditch, lake, or other body of surface or
groundwater.
Non Single Family Residence (NSFR) All types of Developed Property in the City except Single Family
Residences.
Non-Stormwater Discharge Any discharge to the Stormwater System that is not composed entirely of
Stormwater or such other waters or materials as are specifically authorized herein. It shall also include
placing or depositing any Hazardous Material or Pollutant in the Stormwater System.
City of South Burlington Ordinance
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On-Site Sewage Treatment and Disposal System A septic tank and leaching field system utilizing natural
soil to treat and disperse sewage in such a manner as to protect public health, and both groundwater
and surface water from contamination.
Permitted Wastewater Flow The maximum Plant Wastewater Flow authorized in the Discharge Permit
on an annual average (365 day average) basis, or on the high seasonal use period as defined in the
Discharge Permit.
Person Any individual, firm, company, association, society, corporation, institution, partnership,
governmental entity, group or other entity.
Plant Wastewater Flow The wastewater passing through the treatment plant in gallons per day on an
annual average basis (365 day average) except where flows vary significantly from seasonal
development. In the latter case, Plant Wastewater Flow is determined as the average throughout the
high seasonal use period, as determined by the BOARD.
Plants Municipal sewage treatment plants owned by the City of South Burlington.
Private Sewage System or Facilities All facilities for collecting, pumping, treating, and disposing of
sewage that is not under the control of nor operated by the City of South Burlington.
Public Sewage System or Facilities All facilities for collecting, pumping,treating and disposing of sewage
and is controlled and operated by the City of South Burlington.
Public Stormwater System All elements of the Stormwater System located in the City of South
Burlington that are controlled and operated by the City of South Burlington or that carry water that
drains from any public property, including street rights-of-way.
Pollutant Any introduced substance which causes or contributes to pollution. Pollutants may include,
but are not limited to: paints, varnishes, and solvents; oil and other automotive fluids; non-hazardous
liquid and solid wastes and yard wastes; refuse, rubbish, garbage, litter, or other discarded or
abandoned objects, ordinances, and accumulations, so that same may cause or contribute to pollution;
floatables; pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers; hazardous substances and wastes; sewage, fecal
coliform and pathogens; dissolved and particulate metals; animal wastes; wastes and residues that
result from constructing a building or structure; and noxious or offensive matter of any kind.
Regulated Private System Those Stormwater Systems located on privately owned property in the City
that are subject to or required to obtain a permit for Stormwater Discharges under federal or state law,
which permits routinely require installation and maintenance of stormwater management or treatment
improvements.
Reserve Capacity The Permitted Wastewater Flow minus the actual Plant Wastewater Flow during the
preceding 12 months.
Sanitary Sewer A sewer which carries sewage and to which storm, surface, and groundwaters are not
intentionally admitted.
City of South Burlington Ordinance
V 1 I Par-34)
ORDINANCE REGULATING THE USE OF PUBLIC AND PRIVATE 8
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Sewage or Wastewater A combination of the water-carried wastes from residences, business buildings,
institutions,and industrial establishments,together with such ground,surface,and stormwaters as may
be present.
Sewage and Stormwater Commissioners(or"Commissioners",or"Board") Members of the City Council
acting as a Board of Sewage and Stormwater Commissioners under 24 V.S.A., Section 3614.
Sewage Treatment Plant Any arrangement of devices and structures used for treating sewage.
Sewer A pipe, culvert, ditch, swale or other conduit for carrying sewage or Stormwater.
Sewer Service Area That area of the City that is within 200 feet horizontally from existing municipal
collection lines and manholes, excluding the City Center Sewer Service Area, as shown on the Sewer
Service Area Map, dated January 3, 2001, located in Map 5, Public Utilities #2, of the South Burlington
Comprehensive Plan. The Sewer Service Area may be altered by adoption of an amendment to this
Ordinance. If there is any conflict between the Sewer Service Area shown on the above-referenced map
and the City Center Sewer Service Area, as defined herein, the area included within the City Center
Sewer Service Area shall control.
Sewers-The sewage collection and transmission system owned by the City of South Burlington.
Shall is mandatory; "may" is permissive.
Single Family Residence (SFR) Detached single family homes, duplexes, and triplexes.
Slug Any discharge of water, sewage, or Industrial Waste which in concentration of any given
constituent or in quantity of flow exceeds for any period of duration longer than fifteen (15) minutes
more than five (5) times the average twenty-four (24) hour concentration or flows during normal
operation.
Storm Drain A sewer intended to carry only stormwater and surface waters.
Stormwater Excess water from rainfall and snow melt that does not evaporate or penetrate into the
ground, which flows overland and is collected and transported to waters of the State of Vermont or the
United States by the Stormwater System, together with any material that becomes dissolved or
suspended in such water during its overland flow before entering the Stormwater System.
Stormwater Appeal Board The City Manager, Public Works Director, and a third person appointed by
the City Council.
Stormwater Discharge Any Stormwater that is transported, naturally or otherwise, from a Developed
Property to the Public Stormwater System or to a Watercourse.
Stormwater Services Division That City division within the Department of Public Works responsible for
construction, operation and maintenance of the Public Stormwater System.
Stormwater System Natural and man-made drainage structures, conveyances, Storm Drains, catch
basins, and any other appurtenant device or structure where Stormwater is collected, transported,
pumped, treated, or disposed of.
City of South Burlington Ordinance
l Pule- 3L4 2)
ORDINANCE REGULATING THE USE OF PUBLIC AND PRIVATE 9
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Stormwater Superintendent That employee of the City of South Burlington who shall be designated
from time to time by the City Manager to oversee the Stormwater Services Division.
Stormwater Upgrade Feasibility Analysis or SUFA Those standards and procedures, as adopted and
amended by City Council, defining the processes of engineering feasibility analysis for upgrade, repair
and maintenance of Stormwater Systems in the City, which shall be incorporated by reference herein.
Subdivision A tract of land, owned or controlled by a Person as defined herein, which has been
partitioned or is intended to be divided for the purpose of sale or lease into two (2) or more lots. The
dividing of a parcel of land by sale, gift, lease, mortgage foreclosure, court ordered partition or filing of
a plot plan on the city records where the act of division creates one or more parcels of land of less than
10 acres in area, but excluding leases subject to the provisions of Chapter 153 of Title 10 relating to
mobile homes. Subdivision shall be deemed to have occurred on the conveyance of the first lot or the
filing of a plot plan on the city records, whichever shall first occur; or the commencement of building
development with intent to subdivide,such that the building development will be located upon a parcel
of land less than 10 acres in size.
Suspended Solids Solids that either float on the surface of, or are in suspension in water, sewage, or
other liquids, and which are removable by laboratory filtering or use of BMPs.
Uncommitted Reserve Capacity That portion of the Reserve Capacity remaining after subtracting the
Development Wastewater Flow of all projects for which a final allocation has been granted but are not
yet discharging to the SEWER and any capacity reserved by the City Council for allocation to
development in the City Center Sewer Service Area.
VSMM The Vermont Stormwater Management Manual, as amended from time to time by the Agency
of Natural Resources, which shall be incorporated by reference herein.
Wastewater Superintendent That employee of the City of South Burlington who shall be designated
from time to time by the City Manager to oversee the Department of Public Works Wastewater Division.
Watercourse A channel in which a flow of water occurs, either continuously or intermittently.
1.2 Abbreviations
ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials.
WPCF Water Pollution Control Federation.
pH The logarithm of the reciprocal of the weight of hydrogen ions in grams per liter of
solution.
Ppm Parts per million.
mg/I Milligrams per liter.
Degrees F Degrees Fahrenheit.
Degrees C Degrees Centigrade.
City of South Burlington Ordinance
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SANITARY SEWERAGE AND STORMWATER SYSTEMS
cm. Centimeter.
m. Meter.
Liter.
ARTICLE II - SANITARY SEWER SYSTEM
2.1 Use of Public Sanitary Sewer System Required
(A) It shall be unlawful for any Person to place, deposit, or permit to be deposited on public or private
property within the City of South Burlington,or in any area under the jurisdiction of said City, any human or
animal excrement, garbage, or other objectionable waste.
(B) It shall be unlawful to discharge to any Natural Outlet within the City of South Burlington, or in any
area under the jurisdiction of said City, any sewage or other polluted waters, except where suitable
treatment has been provided in accordance with provisions of this Ordinance.
(C) Except as hereinafter provided, it shall be unlawful to construct or maintain any privy, privy vault,
septic tank, cesspool, leach field or other facility intended or used for the disposal of sewage.
(D) The owners of all houses, buildings, or properties used for human occupancy, employment,
recreation, or other purposes, situated within the City and abutting on any street, alley, or right-of-way in
which there is located a public sanitary or Combined Sewer of the City, is hereby required at his expense to
install suitable toilet facilities therein, and to connect such facilities directly with the proper public sewer in
accordance with the provisions of this Ordinance, within one hundred and eighty (180) days after date of
official notice to do so, unless specifically exempted from this provision by the City Council.
2.2 Private Sewage Disposal
(A) Where a public sanitary or combined sewer is not available under the provisions of Section 2.1,
paragraph (D), the Building Sewer shall be connected to a Private Sewage System complying with the
provisions of this Section 2.2
(B) Before commencement of construction of a Private Sewage System the owner shall first obtain a
written permit signed by the City Manager. The application for such permit shall be made on a form
furnished by the City, which the applicant shall supplement by any plans, specifications, and other
information as are deemed necessary by the City Manager. A permit and inspection fee of$25.00 shall be
paid to the City at the time the application is filed.
(C) A permit for a Private Sewage System shall not become effective until the installation is completed
to the satisfaction of the City Manager. He shall be allowed to inspect the work at any stage of construction
and, in any event,the applicant for the permit shall notify the City Manager when the work is ready for final
inspection and before any underground portions are covered. The inspection shall be made within 24 hours
of the receipt of notice by the City Manager, excluding Saturday, Sunday, and holidays.
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(D) The type, capacities, location, and layout of a Private Sewage System shall comply with all
recommendations of the Vermont Health Regulations, Chapter 5, Sanitary Engineering, Sub Chapter 10
Wastewater Treatment and Disposal, Individual on-site systems. No septic tank or cesspool shall be
permitted to discharge to any Natural Outlet. Amended 5/5/92.
(E) At such time as a public sewer becomes available to a property served by a Private Sewage System,
as provided in Section 2.1, paragraph (D), a direct connection shall be made to the public sewer in
compliance with this Ordinance,and any septic tanks,cesspools,and similar private sewage thoroughly and
properly cleaned,disinfected, and filled in or removed according to good sanitation practice and under the
inspection and direction of the City Manager or his representative.
(F) The owner shall operate and maintain the Private Sewage Facilities in a sanitary manner at all times,
at no expense to the City.
(G) No statement contained in this Section 2.1 shall be construed to interfere with any additional
requirements that may be imposed by the City of South Burlington Health Officer.
2.3 Building Sewers and Connections
(A) No unauthorized Person shall uncover, make any connections with or opening into, use, alter, or
disturb any public sewer or appurtenance thereof without first obtaining a written permit from the
Wastewater Superintendent. Any Person proposing a new discharge into the system or a substantial change
in the volume or character of Pollutants that are being discharged into the system, shall notify the
Wastewater Superintendent at least 45 days prior to the proposed change or connection. No such change
or connection shall be made without written approval from the Wastewater Superintendent, issued in
accordance with Article III of this Ordinance.
(B) There shall be three (3) classes of Building Sewer permits: (i) for residential, (ii) for commercial
service, and (iii) for service to establishments producing Industrial Wastes. In each case, the owner or the
owner's agent shall make application on a form furnished by the City. The permit application shall be
supplemented by any plans, specifications, or other information considered pertinent in the judgment of
the Wastewater Superintendent. The City Council may establish fees for review and issuance of permits
and approvals, inspections and connections.
(C) All costs and expense incident to the installation, connection, maintenance and repair of the
Building Sewer shall be borne by the owner. The owner shall indemnify the City from any loss or damage
that may directly or indirectly be occasioned by the installation,connection, maintenance,and repair of the
Building Sewer.
(D) A separate and independent Building Sewer shall be provided for every building; except where one
building stands at the rear of another or on an interior lot and no private sewer is available or can be
constructed to the rear building through an adjoining alley, court, yard, or driveway, in which case the
Building Sewer from the front building may be extended to the rear building and the whole considered as
one Building Sewer. Use of private sewers which accept and convey flow from more than one building may
not be used except when found, on examination and test by the City, to be in satisfactory condition and
meeting all requirements of this Ordinance. The burden of proof and all expenses incurred by the City to
City of South Burlington Ordinance
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determine the condition and adequacy of the private sewer shall be borne by the Owner of said private
sewer.
(E) The City may require the Owner of a project or Developer to install a water meter so recorded flow
can be used to determine the yearly wastewater charge. Water saving fixtures or equalization tanks may
be required by the City for projects/buildings and developments connecting to the sewer system.
(F) Old Building Sewers may be used in connection with new buildings only when they are found, on
examination and test by the Wastewater Superintendent,to meet all requirements of this Ordinance.
(G) The size,slope, location,alignment, materials of construction,of a Building Sewer,and the methods
to be used in excavating, placing of the pipe,jointing,testing,and backfilling the trench, shall all conform to
the requirements of the building and plumbing code or other applicable rules and regulations of the City
and shall also conform to the rules and requirements of the Wastewater Division and the State of Vermont.
In the absence of code provisions or in amplification thereof, the materials and procedures set forth in
appropriate specifications of the ASTM and the latest edition of the WPCF Manual of Practice No. 9 shall
apply.
(H) Whenever possible, the Building Sewer shall be brought to the building at an elevation below the
basement floor. No Building Sewer shall be laid parallel to or within three (3)feet (91.4 cm) of any bearing
wall which might thereby be weakened. The depth shall be sufficient to afford protection from frost. The
Building Sewer shall be laid at uniform grade in the direction from the main sewer to the building and in a
straight alignment insofar as possible. Change in direction shall be made only with properly curved pipe
and fittings with suitable clean-outs or flush holes as described in paragraph (R) of this Section. In all
buildings in which any Building Drain is too low to permit gravity flow to the public sewer, sanitary sewage
to be carried by such sewer shall be lifted by an approved artificial means and discharged to the Building
Sewer. Such lifting devices shall be located outside the building foundation and have no access or
ventilation through the building.
(I) No Person shall make connection of roof downspouts, exterior and interior foundation drains,
areaway drains, basement sumps or other sources of surface runoff or groundwater to a Building Sewer or
Building Drain which in turn is connected directly or indirectly to a public Sanitary Sewer. All such
connections which exist shall be disconnected by the owner, at his expense within thirty (30) days upon
receipt of notification by the City.
(J) The connection of the Building Sewer into the public sewer shall conform to the requirements of
the building and plumbing code or other applicable rules and regulations of the City and the State of
Vermont, and shall also conform to the rules and requirements of the Wastewater Division, or the
procedures set forth in appropriate specifications of the ASTM and the latest edition of the WPCF Manual
of Practice No. 9. All such connections shall be made gas tight and water tight. Any deviation from the
prescribed procedures and materials must be approved by the Wastewater Superintendent before
installation.
(K) Prior to any connection to the House Connection "Y" or to the main sewer, the City shall be given
two working days notice in order that they may supervise such work. If the City has not been properly
notified,they may require the completed work to be uncovered for examination, at the owner's expense.
City of South Burlington Ordinance
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(L) The diameter of the Building Sewer shall not be less than four (4) inches (10.2 cm). The Building
Sewer shall be laid on a uniform grade,wherever practicable, in a straight alignment, of at least one-fourth
(1/4) of an inch per foot (2%). Where, in special cases, a minimum grade of one-fourth (1/4) inch per foot
cannot be maintained, a grade of one-eighth (1/8) inch per foot (1%) may be permitted, but only after the
City gives their written approval for the specific connection.
(M) When installing the Building Sewer, the trenches shall be dug in a careful manner and properly
sheathed where required. The excavated materials shall be placed in a separate pile from road materials
and shall be piled in a compact heap so placed as to cause the least possible inconvenience to the public.
Proper barricades and lights must be maintained around the trench to guard against accidents.
(N) In backfilling, the material under, around and for two (2) feet (61 cm) immediately over the pipe
shall be selected so it contains no stones capable of damaging the installation. This must be carefully
tamped,the balance of the trench to be backfilled in a workmanlike manner,tamping and filling in eight(8)
inch (20.3 cm) layers so as to avoid excessive settlement. When the trench has been filled to the proper
height,the road material is to be replaced and heavily tamped or rolled.
(0) Where the trench is excavated in rock, the rock must be carefully excavated to a depth of six (6)
inches(15.2 cm) below the bottom of the sewer and the trench brought to the proper elevation with gravel
or other material satisfactory to the City. The remainder of the trench must be backfilled with suitable
material as described in paragraph (N) of this Section.
(P) Where subsurface-soil conditions warrant,special precautions must be taken as may be directed by
the City. In quicksand, all pipes must be laid out on pressure treated planking two (2) inches(5.1 cm)thick
by at least six(6) inches(15.2 cm)wide.
(Q) The connection of the Building Sewer to the main sewer shall be made at the house connection at
the property line or, if no House Connection exists, connection shall be made at the nearest available "Y"
connection on the main sewer. The City will designate the position of the end of the House Connection at
the property line or the "Y" connection on the main sewer, whichever is appropriate. If it becomes
necessary to cut into the main sewer,when no other source of connection is available,then such connection
shall be made as directed by and under the supervision of the City. The dead-ends of all pipes not
immediately connected with the house plumbing system must be securely closed by a water-tight cover of
imperishable material and properly marked and located.
(R) The use of clean-outs on the Building Sewer shall be made by installing a "Y" and one-eighth (1/8)
bends. The clean-outs shall ordinarily be installed at the point of connection between the Building Sewer
and the outside part of the house plumbing system, at all curves on the Building Sewer and on the straight
part of the house sewer to the main sewer. The clean-out shall be brought up from the Building Sewer to
four (4) inches (10.2 cm) below ground level and properly capped. Locations of all clean-outs shall be
recorded and turned over to the City. Where the distance from the building to the point of connection at
the main sewer is less than fifty (50)feet (15.2 m), at least one (1) clean-out twenty (20) feet (6.1 m) from
the house shall be provided. Clean-outs shall be of the same diameter as the Building Sewer.
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(S) Before any portion of an existing Building Sewer or the house plumbing system outside of the
building is connected to the main sewer,the owner shall prove,to the satisfaction of the City,that it is clean
and conforms in every respect to this Ordinance and all joints are gas tight and water tight.
(T) Where pipe is installed for Building Sewers, such work shall be performed by a licensed plumber.
(U) The City shall apply appropriate tests to the pipes. The plumber and contractor, at their own
expense, shall furnish all necessary tools, labor, materials and assistance for such tests and shall remove or
repair any defective materials when so ordered by the City.
(V) Any Person performing work on public property for the purpose of installing a Building Sewer shall
file with the City evidence of adequate insurance coverage for liability and property damage. Minimum
amounts of coverage will be established by the City and posted in the City Clerk's Office.
(W) All work shall be adequately guarded with barricades and lights so as to protect the public from
hazard. Streets, sidewalks, curbs, and other public property disturbed in the course of the work shall be
restored in a manner satisfactory to the City and other authorities having jurisdiction.
(X) The Contractor shall not block any driveway, street or road at any time without permission of the
City and other controlling agencies. Every effort shall be made to permit the movement of vehicular traffic
at all times. Whenever it becomes necessary to cross or interfere with roads, walks or drives, whether
public or private, the Contractor shall maintain, at his own expense and subject to the approval of the City,
safe bridges or other means of egress.
(Y) Maintenance of all Private Sewage Disposal Facilities including, but not limited to, (1) house
plumbing systems, (2) Building Sewers to the main sewer, (3) House Connections, (4) sewers and (5)
appurtenances shall be the responsibility of the owner, at his or her expense. The owner shall be solely
responsible for continually maintaining such facilities in satisfactory operating condition. Maintenance shall
include, but not be limited to, (1) maintaining flow, (2) clearing obstructions, (3) maintaining all joints gas
and water-tight, (4) repair or replace collapsed, deteriorated or defective materials, and (5) all other work
which is necessary and essential to maintaining proper operation and preserving the structural integrity and
water-tightness of the system.
(Z) The owner is obligated by sewer and any other permits to construct the
project/building/development to meet all specifications for which the permits/approvals were issued. The
building inspector or some Authorized Person will inspect existing buildings and construction sites from time
to time during each construction phase to assure permit specifications are being met. A final inspection
shall be made prior to the connection from the building to the main sewer line by the City.
2.4 Prohibited Discharges into the Public Sanitary Sewer System
(A) No Person shall discharge or cause to be discharged any Stormwater, surface water, groundwater,
roof runoff, subsurface drainage, uncontaminated cooling water, or unpolluted industrial process waters to
any Sanitary Sewer.
(B) No Person shall discharge or cause to be discharged any of the following described waters or wastes
to any public Sanitary Sewers:
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(1) Any gasoline, benzene, naphtha, fuel oil, or other flammable or explosive liquid, solid or gas.
(2) Any waters or wastes containing toxic or poisonous solids,liquids,or gases in sufficient quantity,
either singly or by interaction with other wastes, to injure or interfere with any sewage treatment
process,constitute a hazard to humans or animals,create a public nuisance,or create any hazard in the
receiving waters of the sewage treatment plant.
(3) Any waters or wastes having a pH lower than 5.5, or higher than 9.5 or having any other
corrosive property capable of causing damage or hazard to structures,equipment,and personnel of the
Public Sewage Facilities.
(4) Solid or viscous substances in quantities or of such size capable of causing obstruction to the
flow in sewers, or other interference with the proper operation of the Public Sewage Facilities such as,
but not limited to, ashes, cinders, sand, mud, straw, shavings, metal, glass, rags, feathers, tar, plastics,
wood, unground garbage, whole blood, paunch manure, hair and fleshings, entrails and paper dishes,
cups, milk containers,etc.either whole or ground by garbage grinders.
(C) No Person shall discharge or cause to be discharged the following described substances, materials,
waters, or wastes if it appears likely in the opinion of the Wastewater Superintendent that such wastes can
harm either the sewers, sewage treatment process, or equipment, have an adverse effect on the receiving
stream, or can otherwise endanger life, limb, public property, or constitute a nuisance. In forming his
opinion as to the acceptability of these wastes, the Wastewater Superintendent will give consideration to
such factors as the quantities of subject wastes in relation to flows and velocities in the sewers, materials
of construction of the sewers, nature of the sewage treatment process, capacity of the sewage treatment
plant, degree of treatability of wastes in the sewage treatment plant, and other pertinent factors. The
substances prohibited are:
(1) Any liquid or vapor having a temperature higher than one hundred fifty (150)°F (65°C).
(2) Any water or wastes containing fats,wax grease,or oils,whether emulsified or not, in excess of
one hundred(100)mg/I or containing substances which may solidify or become viscous at temperatures
between thirty-two (32) and one hundred fifty(150)°F and (0 and 65°C).
(3) Any garbage that has not been properly shredded. As used herein "properly shredded" means
that the wastes from the preparation,cooking, and dispensing of food that have been shredded to such
a degree that all particles will be carried freely under the flow conditions normally prevailing in public
sewers, with no particle greater than one-half (%) inch (1.27 centimeters) in any dimension. The
installation and operation of any garbage grinder equipped with a motor of three-fourths (3/4)
horsepower(0.76 hp metric) or greater shall be subject to the review and approval of the Wastewater
Superintendent.
(4) Any waters or wastes containing strong acid iron pickling wastes, or concentrated plating
solutions whether neutralized or not.
(5) Any waters or wastes containing settleable solids, iron, chromium, copper, zinc, and similar
objectionable or toxic substances;or wastes exerting an excessive chlorine demand,exerting an unusual
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chemical oxygen demand or containing any other material or constituent in concentrations which
exceed the limits established by the Wastewater Superintendent for such materials.
(6) Any waters or wastes containing phenols or other taste-or-odor-producing substances, in such
concentrations exceeding limits which may be established by the Wastewater Superintendent as
necessary, after treatment of the composite sewage, to meet the requirements of the State, Federal,
and other public agencies of jurisdiction for such discharge to the receiving waters.
(7) Any radioactive wastes or isotopes of such half-life, or concentration as may exceed limits
established by the Wastewater Superintendent in compliance with applicable State or Federal
regulations.
(8) Any chemicals or chemical compounds of the following nature or characteristics or having
similarly objectionable characteristics: alcohols, arsenic and arsenicals, phenols or cresols,
formaldehydes, iodine, manganese, cyanide, heavy metals and other metal finishing or plant wastes,
acid pickling waste, mercury and mercurials, silver and silver compounds, sulfonamides, toxic dyes
(organic or mineral), zinc, all strong oxidizing agents such as chromates, dichromates, permanganates,
peroxide and the like, compounds producing hydrogen sulfide, or any other toxic, inflammable or
explosive gases, either upon acidification, alkalization, oxidation or reduction, strong reducing agents
such as nitrites,sulphides,sulphites,and the like, radioactive materials or isotopes,whether neutralized
or not.
(9) Materials which exert or cause:
(a) Unusual concentrations of inert Suspended Solids(such as, but not limited to, Fullers earth,
lime slurries, and lime residues) or of the dissolved solids (such as, but not limited to, sodium
chloride and sodium sulfate).
(b) Excessive discoloration (such as, but not limited to, dye wastes and vegetable tanning
solutions).
(c) Unusual BOD, chemical oxygen demand, or chlorine requirements in such quantities as to
constitute a significant load on the sewage treatment works which may cause the effluent
limitations of the Discharge Permit to be exceeded.
(d) Unusual volume of flow or concentration of wastes constituting a Slug as defined herein.
(10) Waters or wastes containing substances which are not amenable to treatment or reduction by
the sewage treatment processes employed,or are amenable to treatment only to such degree that the
sewage treatment plant effluent cannot meet the requirements of its Discharge Permits or of other
agencies having jurisdiction over discharge to the receiving waters.
(11) Any waters or wastes containing Suspended Solids of such character and quantity that unusual
attention or expense is required to handle such materials at the wastewater treatment plant.
(12) Any noxious or malodorous gas or substance capable of creating a public nuisance.
(13) Any waters or wastes if it appears likely, in the opinion of the Wastewater Superintendent,that
such waste can harm either the sewers, treatment plant process or equipment, would have an adverse
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effect on waters of the State of Vermont or the United States, or could otherwise endanger human or
animal life, limb, public property or constitute a nuisance.
(D) The admission into the public Sanitary Sewers of any waters or wastes having(a)a five (5) day BOD
greater than 400 mg/I or (b) containing more than 400 mg/I of Suspended Solids or (c) containing any
quantity of substances having the characteristics described in paragraph (C) and (D) above, having an
average daily flow greater than two percent (2%) of the average daily sewage flow received at the sewage
treatment plant shall be subject to the review and approval of the Wastewater Superintendent. The
Wastewater Superintendent may:
(1) Reject the wastes, or,
(2) Require control over the quantities and rates of discharge, or
(3) Require payment to the City to cover the added cost of handling, treating and disposing of the
wastes not covered by sewer charges established under the provisions of Article IV of this Ordinance,
or
(4) Require pretreatment to an acceptable condition for discharge to the public sewers, or
(5) Require any combination of the foregoing.
If the City Manager permits the pretreatment or equalization of waste flows, the design, plans,
specifications and any other pertinent information relating to proposed equipment and facilities
shall be submitted for the approval of the City Manager and the Agency of Natural Resources and
no construction of such facilities shall be commenced until said approvals are obtained in writing.
Further, such pretreatment facilities must be consistent with the requirements of any state
pretreatment permit issued to the industry.
(E) Grease, oil, and sand interceptors shall be provided when, in the opinion of the Wastewater
Superintendent, they are necessary for the proper handling of liquid wastes containing grease in excessive
amounts, or any flammable wastes, sand, and or other harmful ingredients. Such interceptors shall not be
required for private living quarters. All interceptors shall be of a type and capacity approved by the
Wastewater Superintendent, and shall be located as to be readily and easily accessible for cleaning and
inspection. Such interceptors shall be inspected, cleaned and repaired regularly, as needed, by the user at
their expense.
(F) The user shall maintain records(which are subject to review by the Wastewater Superintendent)of
the dates and means of disposal of accumulated interceptor wastes. Any removal and hauling of the
collected materials not performed by the user's personnel must be performed by currently licensed waste
disposal firms
(G) To facilitate compliance with this Section,the user shall apply for a permit and furnish as part of the
permit application a plan and description of the device. Where grease, oil or sand interceptors or similar
appurtenances are involved, approval must be granted from both the Wastewater Superintendent and the
Public Works Director.
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(H) Grease and oil interceptors shall be constructed of impervious materials capable of withstanding
abrupt and extreme changes in temperature. They shall be of substantial construction and equipped with
easily removable covers which, when bolted in place, shall be gas-tight and water-tight.
(I) Where installed, all grease, oil, hair, and sand interceptors shall be maintained by the owner, at
his/her expense, in continuously efficient operation at all time. Materials collected shall not be introduced
into the Public Sewage System.
(J) Where preliminary treatment or flow-equalizing facilities are provided for any waters or wastes,
they shall be maintained continuously in satisfactory and effective operation by the owner at his/her
expense.
(K) All industries discharging into a public sewer shall perform such monitoring of their discharges as
the Wastewater Superintendent may reasonably require, including installation, use, and maintenance of
monitoring equipment, keeping records and reporting the results of such monitoring to the Wastewater
Superintendent. Where industrial pretreatment permits are issued by the State of Vermont, monitoring
records must also be submitted to the appropriate agency in accord with such permit. Such records shall
be made available upon request by the Wastewater Superintendent to the State agency or to other agencies
having jurisdiction over discharges to the receiving waters. Records of any monitoring will be supplied by
the Wastewater Superintendent to the Vermont Secretary of the Agency of Natural Resources on request.
(L) All measurements, tests, and analyses of the characteristics of waters and wastes to which
reference is made in this Ordinance shall be determined in accordance with the latest edition of"Standard
Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater," published by the American Public Health
Association, and shall be determined at the control manhole provided, or upon suitable samples taken at
said control manhole. In the event that no special manhole has been required, the control manhole shall
be considered to be the nearest downstream manhole in the public sewer to the point at which the Building
Sewer is connected. Sampling shall be carried out by customarily accepted methods to reflect the effect of
constituents upon the sewage works and to determine the existence of hazards to life, limb, and property.
The particular analyses involved will determine whether a twenty-four (24) hour flow composite of all
outfalls of a premise is appropriate or whether a grab sample or samples should be taken. Normally, but
not always, BOD and Suspended Solids analyses are obtained from 24-hr proportioned composites of all
outfalls whereas pH's are determined from periodic grab samples.
(M) Any industry held in violation of the provisions of this Ordinance may have its disposal authorization
terminated.
(N) When required by the Wastewater Superintendent,the Owner of any property served by a Building
Sewer carrying Industrial Wastes shall install a suitably controlled manhole in the Building Sewer to facilitate
observation, sampling and measurement of the wastes. Such manhole, when required, shall be accessible
and safely located and shall be constructed in accordance with plans approved by the Wastewater
Superintendent. The manhole shall be installed by the Owner,at his/her expense,and shall be maintained
by the owner so as to be safe and accessible at all times.
(0) Scavenger waste consists of septage, sludge or other forms of waste brought to the wastewater
facility for treatment and disposal. The waste must meet all article II requirements.
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(1) The discharge of scavenger wastes at designated septage receiving areas at the City's
wastewater treatment facilities may be permitted. The discharge of scavenger wastes from sources
outside of the City may be permitted with approval of the Wastewater Superintendent of Wastewater
Division.
(2) There will be a fee charged each time a load of scavenger waste is discharged at the City's
wastewater treatment facilities. Such fee will be determined by the City Council and will be based upon
the quantity and quality of the discharged waste.
(P) No statement in this Ordinance shall be construed as preventing any special agreement or
arrangement between the City and any industrial concern whereby an Industrial Waste of unusual strength
or character may be accepted by the City for treatment, subject to payment therefore, by the industrial
concern, provided that such agreements do not contravene any requirements of existing Federal laws and
are compatible with any user charge and industrial cost recovery system in effect.
2.5 Protection from Damage
No Person shall maliciously, willfully or negligently break, damage,destroy, uncover, deface,or tamper with
any structure,appurtenance,or equipment which is a part of the public sanitary sewage system. Any Person
violating this provision shall be subject to immediate arrest under the charge of unlawful mischief as set
forth in Title 13, Section 3701 of the Vermont Statutes Annotated.
ARTICLE III - CAPACITY ALLOCATION
3.1 Ownership of Capacity
(A) The City of South Burlington owns and operates sewage treatment and disposal plants (PLANTS)
and a sewage collection and transmission system (SEWERS) as defined in 24 V.S.A., Section 3501(6) and
3601. The PLANTS have a permitted capacity, and are operated in accord with discharge permits issued by
the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation under authority granted in 10 V.S.A., Chapter 47.
The City is obligated by law to comply with conditions of those permits, and to operate and manage the
PLANTS and SEWERS as governmental functions under and pursuant to 24 V.S.A., Chapters 97 and 101.
(B) The permitted capacity of the PLANTS and SEWERS is the property of the City of South Burlington.
3.3 Reserve Capacity Allocation
(A) Determination of Amount of Allocation. All allocations to projects shall be based on the
Development Wastewater Flow. Any differential between actual flows and Development Wastewater Flows
that occurs is not available to the development owner for reallotment to another project or a project
expansion.
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(B) Application Process. Persons seeking an allocation of Uncommitted Reserve Capacity or City Center
Uncommitted Reserve Capacity of the PLANTS and SEWERS, shall apply to the Wastewater Superintendent
for a preliminary allocation on a form prescribed by the Wastewater Division. Such application shall:
(1) Be accompanied by a calculation of the Development Wastewater Flow to be generated by the
project/development;
(2) Include calculations for the volume, flow rate, strength and any other characteristics
determined appropriate by the Wastewater Superintendent;
(3) Unless waived by the Wastewater Superintendent all calculations required in (1)and (2) above
for developments generating over 1000 gpd shall be certified by a Vermont registered engineer.
3.4 Preliminary Allocation Determination
(A) Upon receipt of the application for capacity allocation and supportive documents, the Director of
Public Works shall make a preliminary determination regarding allocation of Uncommitted Reserve Capacity
or City Center Uncommitted Reserve Capacity. The Director of Public Works shall award a preliminary
allocation upon making affirmative findings that:
(1) The proposed wastewater is of domestic, sanitary origin or,the proposed wastewater is not of
domestic sanitary origin and that sufficient evidence has been presented by the applicant to
demonstrate that the flow and character of the wastewater is compatible with the proper operation of
the PLANTS and SEWERS and that the proposed wastewater will not alone or in combination with other
wastes cause a violation of the discharge permit, pass through the PLANTS without treatment, interfere
with or otherwise disrupt the proper quality and disposal of PLANT sludge or be injurious in any other
manner to the PLANT or SEWERS and that there is sufficient Uncommitted Reserve Capacity to
accommodate the strength and volume of the proposed development;
(2) There is sufficient Uncommitted Reserve Capacity or City Center Uncommitted Reserve Capacity
as of the date of the application to accommodate the Development Wastewater Flow of the proposed
development.
(B) A preliminary determination by the Director of Public Works allocating capacity shall not constitute
a binding commitment of capacity to the applicant and may be revoked by the Director of Public Works
before a final allocation of capacity is granted if Uncommitted Reserve Capacity ceases to be available. A
preliminary determination may be used by an applicant as evidence that a proposed development has
sufficient sewer capacity available.
3.5 Final Capacity Allocation
(A) An applicant who holds a preliminary allocation of capacity granted pursuant to Section 3.4 above,
may apply for a final allocation upon occurrence of the following:
(1) Obtained site plan, conditional use and/or variance approval(s), if such approvals are the only
approvals, except a zoning permit, required for the proposed development under City zoning and
subdivision regulations then in effect; or
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(2) Obtained final approval for a Subdivision, PUD or PRD if such approvals are the only approvals,
except a zoning permit, required for the proposed development under City zoning and subdivision
regulations then in effect; or
(3) Obtained all approvals required under sub-paragraphs (1) and (2) above, if such approvals are
required for the proposed development under City zoning and subdivision regulations then in effect;or
(4) Obtained a zoning permit if that is the only approval required under City zoning and subdivision
regulations then in effect; or
(5) Does not require any approvals under City zoning and subdivision regulations then in effect.
(B) Upon receipt of an application for final allocation, the Director of Public Works shall grant a final
allocation upon determination that the applicant has a preliminary allocation which has not been revoked
and that sufficient Uncommitted Reserve Capacity is available for the development.
(C) A grant of final allocation shall constitute a binding commitment of sewer capacity to the applicant
subject to applicant's compliance with all conditions imposed on such allocation.
3.6 Final Allocation Conditions
(A) A final allocation shall specify the allowed volume, flow rate, strength frequency and any other
characteristics of the proposed discharge determined appropriate by the Director of Public Works.
(B) The capacity allocation is not transferable to any other Person or development, except a successor
in interest of the development for which the allocation has been granted.
(C) The construction of the connection and, if necessary, the municipal SEWER extension, must be
overseen to assure compliance with the plans and specifications and good construction practice in a manner
acceptable to the City.
(D) A final capacity allocation shall expire on the first to occur of the following events unless prior to
such date the development for which the allocation has been granted has commenced discharging into the
SEWER:
(1) the date that any approval required for grant of the final allocation, as identified in Section 3.5
above, expires, unless prior to such date the applicant has applied for any required zoning permit(s)to
construct the development;
(2) the date that any zoning permit authorizing construction of improvements for which the
allocation has been granted expires;
(3) ten (10)years from the date the final allocation is granted, for any development that requires
any approval under the City zoning or subdivision regulations, or two (2) years from the date the final
allocation is granted, for any development that does not require approval under the City zoning or
subdivision regulations.
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ORDINANCE REGULATING THE USE OF PUBLIC AND PRIVATE 22
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(E) An Applicant for development involving a single use or unit shall pay one hundred (100%) percent
of all Connection Fees prior to grant of a final allocation. If the development involves multiple uses and/or
units that will connect to the SEWER,the applicant shall pay fifty(50%)of all Connection Fees prior to grant
of final allocation and the remaining fifty percent(50%)will be prorated based on the development flow for
each use or unit. The prorated payment for a use or unit shall be payable upon issuance of a zoning permit
for construction of improvements for the use or unit. If the development is an Affordable Housing project,
one hundred percent (100%) of all Connection Fees will be prorated based on the number of uses and/or
units. Except as provided for under subsection (i), the prorated portion for a use or unit shall be payable
upon issuance of a zoning permit for construction of improvements for the use or unit. If the development
does not require issuance of a zoning permit, applicant shall pay one hundred percent (100%) of all
Connection Fees prior to grant of a final allocation.
(1) Payment of connection fees may be paid after the issuance of any permits under the Zoning
Regulations of the City of South Burlington for construction and development but prior to the issuance
of a Certificate of Occupancy provided the following two criteria are met:
(a) The project is for the development of housing that is no less than 50%of the dwelling units
perpetually affordable, with "affordable" being defined by the City's Land Development
Regulations; and
(b) The City has made some prior financial contribution to the development in the form of a
grant from the City's general or housing trust fund or by means of a Vermont Community
Development Fund/Community Development Block Grant or other such State or Federal grants or
loans in which the City is a transactional party.
ARTICLE IV - SEWAGE DISPOSAL CHARGES, TIME OF PAYMENT THEREOF, AND
PENALTIES FOR NON-PAYMENT
4.1 Operation and Maintenance
An annual charge, which shall be determined by the City Council, is hereby imposed upon every Person
having a building or structure on their premises and who are served by the municipal Public Sewage System
where sewage may be collected for the use of the premises by the owners, or other users of real property
within the City of South Burlington. The annual charge shall be for the purpose of the payment associated
with the costs or operating, maintaining and repairing said system. The City Council may establish annual
charges separately for bond payments, for fixed operating and maintenance costs not dependent on actual
or estimated use and for variable operations and maintenance costs dependent on actual or estimated use.
The charges and/or connector fees shall be set by resolution of the City Council.
4.2 Sewer Use Rates, Applicability
The sewer use rates established in Section 4.1 and defined hereinafter shall be charged whether or not the
property is occupied,when the property is connected to the Public Sewage System by the necessary Building
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ORDINANCE REGULATING THE USE OF PUBLIC AND PRIVATE 23
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Sewer as required under the terms of this ORDINANCE. The rate structure shall incorporate the
requirements of 40 CFR, §35.935-13 or§35.2140, as applicable.
4.3 Annual Charges, Basis
The annual charges stipulated in Section 4.1 shall be based upon a water meter measurement. The City
Council will determine the actual charge from measurements of each user so as to yield charges which are
approximately in proportion to the strength and quantity of waste discharged. If the City Council establishes
annual charges separately for bond repayment and fixed operations and maintenance costs, no user will be
billed less than the average single family charge for the fixed charges, plus flow related charges.
4.4 Capital Costs
The design, construction and development costs of all Public Sewage System expansions and extensions
which have been approved by the Development Review Board shall be borne by the Developers and
property owners requiring, requesting or directly benefitting from such extensions and/or expansions,
unless alternative funding method is approved by the City Council.
4.5 Collection
Collection of the delinquent sewer use rates may be enforced by the City pursuant to 24 V.S.A., Chapter
129; 24 V.S.A., Section 3612; and 24 V.S.A., Section 3615. In the event any sewer rent is not paid within
thirty (30) days from the billing date, a late penalty charge will be added to the sewer rent together with
interest charges. The amount of the late penalty charge and the interest rate on the overdue accounts shall
be the same as those applied to delinquent taxes. If such payment is not made, such sewer rent shall be a
lien upon such real estate and shall be collected according to the procedures allowed for in 24 V.S.A. §§
3504 and 3612. Any payment made to the City for utility fees shall first be allocated to delinquent water,
then delinquent sewer, then delinquent stormwater fees. The remaining amount of the payment shall first
be allocated to current water,then current sewer,then current stormwater fees.
4.6 Sinking Fund/Set-Asides for Major Expenditures
The following provides for and restricts the use of set-aside (sinking) funds to finance future major
maintenance/replacement costs and plant expansion costs.
(A) A separate sinking fund may be utilized for major maintenance/ replacement expenditures and for
expansion/upgrading expenses associated with the wastewater facility in the City of South Burlington.
Sinking fund establishment for maintenance/ replacement expenditures shall be through written policy of
the City. Any sinking fund policy shall contain at least the following in writing: major maintenance/
replacement identification,estimated expenditures,estimated year of expenditure, payment amount,type
of account used to accumulate sinking fund assets, source of funding and when payments are to stop. All
sinking funds shall be established and maintained in accord with 24 V.S.A., Section 3616.
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(B) City reserves the right to increase,decrease,stop and/or maintain regular deposits to a sinking fund
not exceeding 15%of the normal total budgeted expenses for maintenance/replacement in that year.The
fees charged for expansion cost shall be deposited into a separate account and a record shall be kept to
show payment date, person making payment and payment amount. The City Council holding office have
the authority to withdraw sinking fund amounts only for the purpose of paying for major expenditures/plant
expansion for which the fund was established.
(C) sinking fund assets are not disbursed fully for major maintenance/replacement expenditures and/or
plant expansion, excess money shall remain in the sinking fund for future related expenditures similar in
nature. Revenues established for plant expansion dedicated funds may be generated from
connection/impact fees paid by prospective users to defray and pay expansion costs. This fund shall not
exceed the estimated future expansion cost for the wastewater treatment facility. When the City so votes,
the expansion/upgrade sinking fund may be used to finance major maintenance/replacement expenditures,
but under no circumstances shall the major maintenance replacement sinking fund be used to finance
wastewater expansion/upgrade expenses.
ARTICLE V- STORMWATER SYSTEM
5.1 Purpose
The purpose of this Article is to provide for the health, safety, and general welfare of the citizens of South
Burlington through the regulation of Stormwater Discharges to the Stormwater System.
5.2 Applicability
Any discharge of Stormwater from Developed Property in the City shall be subject to the provisions of this
Article.
5.3 Required Approvals
(A) No owner of Developed Property in the City shall change or alter,or allow to be changed or altered,
the discharge of Stormwater from such property occurring on the effective date of this Article without first
obtaining any permit or approval required under this or any other City Ordinance, state law,or federal law.
As used herein, change or alter shall mean an act done which will result in a direct or indirect impact on the
contribution of Stormwater into the Public Stormwater System.
(B) No unauthorized person shall uncover, make any connections with or opening into, use, alter, or
disturb any public Storm Drain or appurtenance thereof without first obtaining a written permit from the
Stormwater Superintendent. The owner shall indemnify the City for any loss or damage directly or indirectly
occasioned by the construction or installation of the private drain or storm sewer system,including damages
from back flow from the municipal storm sewer system.
City of South Burlington Ordinance
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ORDINANCE REGULATING THE USE OF PUBLIC AND PRIVATE 25
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5.4 Compliance with Existing Permits
It shall be a violation of this Article for any owner of Developed Property that is subject to any local, state,
or federal permit requirements regarding the discharge of Stormwater to fail to comply with such permit
requirements.
5.5 Use of the Public Stormwater System:
(A) The following may be discharged into the Public Stormwater System, subject to obtaining and
complying with any required permit:
(1) Stormwater;
(2) Water line flushings; landscape irrigation or lawn watering, provided all pesticides, herbicides,
and fertilizers have been applied in accordance with the approved labeling;diverted stream flows;rising
ground water; uncontaminated ground water; uncontaminated pumped ground water;discharges from
potable water sources; foundation or footing drains where flows are not contaminated with process
materials, and to which there are no floor drain, septic wastewater, or grey water connections;
uncontaminated condensate from air conditioners, coolers/chillers, and other compressors and from
the outside storage of refrigerated gasses or liquids; uncontaminated water from crawl spaces;
irrigation water; spring water; flows from riparian habitats and wetlands; swimming pools (if
dechlorinated - typically less than one PPM chlorine); discharges from emergency/unplanned fire-
fighting activities; fire hydrant flushing; pavement and external building wash waters to which no
detergents or other chemicals have been added; incidental windblown mists; and any other water
source not containing Pollutants;
(3) Discharges specified in writing by an Authorized enforcement Person as being necessary to
protect public health and safety;
(4) Dye testing is an allowable discharge, but requires a verbal notification to the authorized
enforcement agent prior to the time of the test;
(5) Any non-stormwater discharge permitted under an NPDES permit, waiver, or waste discharge
order issued to the discharger and administered under the authority of the United States Environmental
Protection Agency,provided that the discharger is in full compliance with all requirements of the permit,
waiver,or order and other applicable laws and regulations,and provided that written approval has been
granted for any discharge to the Storm Drain system.
(B) It shall be a violation of this Ordinance for any Person to cause or allow to occur any Illicit Discharge
to the Public Stormwater System or allow any Illicit Discharge existing on the date this Article becomes
effective to continue regardless of whether such existing discharge was permissible under law or practices
applicable or prevailing at the time the discharge commenced.
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ORDINANCE REGULATING THE USE OF PUBLIC AND PRIVATE 26
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5.6 Best Management Practices
(A) The Stormwater Superintendent will adopt requirements identifying Best Management Practices
(BMPs) for any activity, operation, or facility which may cause or contribute to an Illicit Discharge to the
Stormwater System. The owner or operator of a commercial or industrial establishment shall provide, at
their own expense, reasonable protection from an accidental Illicit Discharge into the Public Stormwater
System. Further, any Person responsible for a property or premises, which is, or may be, the source of an
Illicit Discharge to the Public Stormwater System, may be required to implement, at said Person's expense,
additional BMPs to prevent or discontinue the Illicit Discharge.Compliance with all terms and conditions of
a valid NPDES permit authorizing the discharge of Stormwater associated with Industrial Activity, to the
extent practicable, shall be deemed in compliance with the provisions of this Section.
(B) Every Person owning property through which a Watercourse passes, or such Person's lessee, shall
keep and maintain that part of the Watercourse within the property free of trash, debris, excessive
vegetation, and other obstacles that would pollute, contaminate, or significantly retard the flow of water
through the Watercourse. In addition,the owner or lessee shall maintain existing privately owned structures
within or adjacent to a Watercourse, so that such structures will not become a hazard to the use,function,
or physical integrity of the Watercourse.
(C) Notwithstanding other requirements of law, as soon as any Person responsible for a facility or
operation, or responsible for emergency response for a facility or operation has information of any known
or suspected release of materials which are resulting or may result in an Illicit Discharge into the Stormwater
System,said Person shall take all necessary steps to ensure the discovery,containment,and cleanup of such
release. In the event of a release of Hazardous Materials, said Person shall immediately notify emergency
response agencies of the occurrence via emergency dispatch services. In the event of a release of non-
hazardous materials, said Person shall notify the Stormwater Superintendent in person or by phone or
facsimile no later than the next business day. Notifications in person or by phone shall be confirmed by
written notice addressed and mailed to the Stormwater Superintendent within three business days of the
phone notice. If the Illicit Discharge emanates from a commercial or industrial establishment,the owner or
operator of such establishment shall also retain an on-site written record of the discharge and the actions
taken to prevent its recurrence. Such records shall be retained for at least three years.
5.7 Protection from Damage
No person shall maliciously,willfully or negligently break,damage,destroy, uncover,deface,or tamper with
any structure, appurtenance, or equipment which is a part of the Public Stormwater System.
ARTICLE VI - STORMWATER SYSTEM USER FEES
6.1 Establishment of Stormwater User Fees
(A) A user fee based on an Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU) shall be imposed on every owner of non-
exempt Developed Property within the City. An ERU shall equal that square footage that represents the
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median of the area of Impervious Surface for all Single Family Residences in the City. The City Council shall,
by resolution, establish the square footage that constitutes one ERU on a periodic basis.
(B) The City Council shall have the authority to set and modify the user fee rates so that the total
revenue generated by said charges, and any secondary sources of revenue, shall be sufficient to fund the
City's stormwater program.
(C) The City council shall establish by resolution the monthly rate for each ERU. The monthly user fee
for a specific property is determined by multiplying the rate per ERU times the number of ERUs allocated to
the property.
6.2 User Fee Credits
(A) The Stormwater Superintendent shall prepare for the City Council's approval, a "Stormwater User
Fee Credit Manual" specifying the design and performance standards of on-site stormwater systems,
facilities, activities and services which qualify for application of a user fee credit and the method of
calculating Credits. The City Council shall have the authority to approve, modify and approve or disapprove
the Credit Manual.
(B) Following approval of a Credit Manual, the Stormwater Superintendent may, at the request of a
property owner, reduce the user fee established for any property by awarding a Credit based on the policies
and conditions set forth in the Manual. No Credit shall exceed fifty percent(50%)of the applicable monthly
user fee for a given property. Any property owner may appeal the Stormwater Superintendent's
determination regarding an award of a Credit by filing a written notice of appeal with the Stormwater
Appeal Board within ten(10) business days of the Superintendent's decision. The Stormwater Appeal Board
shall review such appeal at a meeting preceded by fifteen (15) calendar days written notice of the meeting
date to the property owner. Following the meeting, the Stormwater Appeal Board shall issue its decision
on the appeal in writing,which decision shall be final.
(C) Credits shall be applied to user fees on the next billing period after the completed credit application
is approved.
(D) Any award of Credit shall be conditioned on continuing compliance with the City's design and
performance standards as stated in the "Stormwater User Fee Credit Manual" and/or upon continuing
provision of the systems, facilities, services, and activities provided, operated, and maintained by the
property owner or owners upon which the Credit is based. The Stormwater Superintendent may revoke or
reduce a Credit at any time for non-compliance by providing thirty (30) days written notice of a non-
complying condition and intent to revoke or reduce the Credit to the property owner. If the non-compliance
is not cured within the thirty(30) day period,the Stormwater Superintendent shall eliminate the Credit for
user fee bills issued to the property owner after such period. A property owner may appeal the Stormwater
Superintendent's determination regarding Credit revocation or reduction in the same manner set forth in
paragraph (B), above.
City of South Burlington Ordinance
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6.3 Establishment of ERUs
(A) Each SFR shall be allocated one (1) ERU.
(B) The ERUs allocated to NSFR properties, except City owned roads, shall be determined in the
following manner:
(1) The amount of Impervious Surface on each parcel shall be divided by the gross area of the parcel
resulting in the percent of imperviousness for the parcel.
(2) Based on the percent imperviousness, a "tier factor" shall be determined, based on the following
categories:
IMPERVIOUS PERCENTAGE TIER FACTOR
1 to 10.99% * See Below
11 to 20.99% 0.15
21 to 30.99% 0.25
31 to 40.99% 0.35
41 to 50.99% 0.45
51 to 60.99% 0.55
61 to 70.99% 0.65
71 to 80.99% 0.75
81 to 90.99% 0.85
91 to 100% 0.95
*Fee will be based on actual amount of Impervious Surface, measured in square feet.The gross area of
the parcel shall be multiplied by the tier factor, and then divided by the ERU. The resulting value is
rounded up to the nearest whole number which is the number of ERUs for the property.
(C) The ERUs allocated to properties comprised solely of City owned roadways shall be determined by
dividing two-thirds of the total Impervious Surface for the property by the ERU. The resulting value is then
rounded up to the nearest whole number which is the number of ERUs for the property.
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6.4 Billing and Collection
(A) Stormwater user fees will be billed quarterly and shall be reflected on the water and sewer bills for
each property owner, where applicable. The bill shall also state the ERUs allocated to each property.
(B) A property owner may appeal an allocation of ERUs to the Stormwater Superintendent by
submitting a written notice of appeal to the Stormwater Superintendent within fifteen (15) calendar days
of the mailing date of the bill. The Stormwater Superintendent shall promptly meet with the property owner
and issue a decision of the allocation of ERUs. A property owner may appeal the Stormwater
Superintendent's determination regarding Credit revocation in the same manner set forth in Section 6.2(B).
The filing of an appeal shall not relieve a property owner of the obligation to pay the user fee when due.
(C) In the event any stormwater user fee is not paid within thirty (30) days from the billing date, a late
penalty charge will be added to the fee together with interest charges. The amount of the late penalty
charge and the interest rate on the overdue accounts shall be the same as those applied to delinquent taxes.
If such payment is not made, such stormwater user fee shall be a lien upon such real estate and may be
collected in the manner provided in 24 V.S.A., §§ 3504 and 3612. Any payment made to the City for utility
fees shall first be allocated to delinquent water, then delinquent sewer, then delinquent stormwater fees.
The remaining amount of the payment shall first be allocated to current water, then current sewer, then
current stormwater fees.
6.5 Expenditures
(A) The user fees, as well as any secondary sources of revenue, shall be used to fund the City's efforts
to manage Stormwater. Acceptable expenditures include, but are not limited to, capital construction,
maintenance and operations, engineering and planning, regulation and enforcement, water quality
programs, special services, administration and management, coverage requirements, reserve funds, staff
or labor costs, vehicle and equipment purchases and miscellaneous overhead costs.
(B) Excess revenues will be placed into a sinking fund,and may be retained and expended in the manner
set forth in Section 4.6.
ARTICLE VII -ACCEPTANCE OR INSPECTION OF REGULATED PRIVATE SYSTEMS
7.1 Exclusively Residential Regulated Private Systems
(A) Subject to the terms and conditions of this Ordinance, the City may accept conveyance of and
assume responsibility for Regulated Private Systems that serve Exclusively Residential development in the
City, provided the Owner of such Regulated Private System meets the following conditions:
(1) The Regulated Private System shall comply with the VSMM and the City Ordinance:Stormwater
Upgrade Feasibility Analysis ("SUFA").
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(2) Regulated Private Systems shall satisfy the goals outlined in any Agency of Natural Resources-
approved plan for the City to meet MS4 Permit requirements (e.g., Flow Restoration Plan, Phosphorus
Control Plan, etc).
(3) The Superintendent determines that allowing the Regulated Private System to obtain coverage
under the City's MS4 Permit would not place an undue burden on the City.
(B) The Owner of any Regulated Private System listed in Section (A), above, may offer to convey such
system to the City by:
(1) Applying to the Stormwater Superintendent, using forms developed by the Stormwater
Superintendent;
(2) Paying the applicable fee as determined from time to time by the South Burlington City Council;
and
(3) Agreeing to reimburse the City for any reasonable costs, fees, expenses and other charges the
City incurs in evaluating the Regulated Private System's design and inspecting the Regulated Private
System's Stormwater management and treatment improvements prior to acceptance of such Regulated
Private System.
(C) Upon receipt of a complete application described in Section (B), above, the Stormwater
Superintendent shall determine whether the Regulated Private System meets the applicable standards
which determination shall be final.
(D) Upon a determination that a Regulated Private System meets applicable standards,the Stormwater
Superintendent, working with the City Attorney or the City Attorney's designee, shall direct the Owner of
the Regulated Private System to prepare all documents, using forms developed by the Stormwater
Superintendent, the City Attorney, or the City Attorney's designee, necessary to convey the Regulated
Private System, free and clear of all encumbrances, to the City and transfer any applicable permit to the
City. The Stormwater Superintendent, City Attorney or the City Attorney's designee shall review such
documents to determine their accuracy and completeness.
(E) Upon an Owner of the Regulated Private System's satisfactory completion of the work required
under paragraphs (A) through (D) above, and payment of any sums due under paragraph (B) above, the
Stormwater Superintendent shall submit to the City Council the Owner's offer to convey the Regulated
Private System to the City. The City Council may accept such offer if it determines that such acceptance is
in the best interests of the City.
(F) Upon acceptance of a Regulated Private System pursuant to paragraph (E) above,the City shall be
responsible for operating, maintaining, and repairing, the Regulated Private System to comply with any
applicable permit and for renewing or obtaining any permit required for operation and maintenance of the
Regulated Private System, except that the Former Owner of the Regulated Private System shall be
responsible for all costs, fees, charges and expenses for:
(1) Remedying damage caused by the Former Owner of the Regulated Private System; or
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(2) In the event that an extreme unforeseen circumstance requires extraordinary repair and
reconstruction measures unique to the Regulated Private System. As used herein, an "extreme
unforeseen circumstance" shall mean an act, event, cause or condition that is beyond the City's
reasonable control such as a fire, storm, earthquake, flood, lightening, landslide, hurricane, tornado,
war, strike,terrorism, riot or insurrection.
(G) For a period of twenty (20) years from the date the City accepts a Regulated Private System and
other than the User Fee described in Article VI hereof,the City shall not impose an assessment or surcharge
that is unique to the Former Owner of such accepted Regulated Private System to cover all or a portion of
the cost of performing the City's duties outlined in paragraph (F) above, unless the City imposes a similar
assessment or surcharge on other Former Owners of other similar Regulated Private Systems, or in the
event of a need to remedy damage described in subparagraphs (F)(1) and (F)(2) above, or to reconstruct
the system as described in subparagraph (F)(3) above.
(H) For purposes of this Article VII, the phrase "Former Owner" includes the successors in interest of
Owners of Regulated Private Systems that have been accepted by the City pursuant to the procedures
outlined in paragraphs(B)through(G)of this Section 7.1 If a"Former Owner"is a membership organization,
company,corporation or other entity,whether for profit or not-for-profit,the phrase "Former Owner"shall
also include its officers, members, directors and their respective successors in interest.
7.2 Regulated Private Systems That Are Not Exclusively Residential
(A) Subject to the terms and conditions of this Ordinance, the City may, , allow Regulated Private
Systems that serve properties with non-residential uses to obtain permit coverage under the City's MS4
Permit provided the Owner of such Regulated Private System meets all of the following conditions:
(1) The Regulated Private System shall comply with the VSMM and the Stormwater Upgrade
Feasibility Analysis("SUFA").
(2) Regulated Private Systems shall satisfy the goals outlined in any Agency of Natural Resources-
approved plan for the City to meet MS4 Permit requirements (e.g., Flow Restoration Plan, Phosphorus
Control Plan, etc).
(3) The Owner of a Regulated Private System enters into an agreement with the City obligating the
Owner of the Regulated Private System to maintain the Regulated Private System in accordance with
the MS4 Permit, the VSMM, and the SUFA, as applicable to that Regulated Private System, and grants
the City access by license:
(a) To monitor and inspect the Regulated Private System at regular intervals to confirm
compliance with the MS4 Permit,the VSMM, and the SUFA, as applicable to that Regulated Private
System; or
(b) To maintain the Regulated Private System only in the event the Superintendent determines
that the Owner of the Regulated Private System has failed to perform maintenance of the Regulated
Private System in accordance with the VSMM or the SUFA, as applicable to that Regulated Private
System and that the public good requires the City to perform such maintenance on the Regulated
City of South Burlington Ordinance
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ORDINANCE REGULATING THE USE OF PUBLIC AND PRIVATE 32
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Private System. The City's performance of maintenance on a Regulated Private System shall be
performed at its sole discretion and shall not relieve the Owner from complying with the MS4
Permit, the VSMM, and the SUFA, as applicable. If the City chooses to perform such maintenance
after the Owner's failure or refusal to do so, the Owner shall reimburse the City for its costs, fees,
expenses and other charges it incurs as a result of the Owner's failure or refusal to perform such
maintenance. If the Owner refuses to reimburse the City within thirty days of the City's mailing of a
bill for such charges, such charges shall be a lien on the Owner's property in accordance with 24
V.S.A. § 3504.
(4) The Superintendent determines that allowing the Regulated Private System to obtain coverage
under the City's MS4 Permit would not place an undue burden on the City.
(B) The Owner of a Regulated Private System meeting the requirements of paragraph (A), above, may
request coverage under the City's MS4 Permit by:
(1) Applying to the Superintendent, using forms developed by the Stormwater Superintendent;
(2) Paying the applicable fee as determined from time to time by the South Burlington City Council;
(3) Submitting a plan for maintenance and repair of the Regulated Private System to ensure
compliance with the MS4 Permit, the VSMM, and the SUFA, as applicable to that Regulated Private
System; and
(4) Agreeing to reimburse the City for any reasonable costs, fees, expenses and other charges the
City incurs in evaluating the Regulated Private System's design and inspecting the Regulated Private
System's Stormwater management and treatment improvements prior to the City accepting coverage
of such Regulated Private System under its MS4 Permit.
(C) Upon receipt of a complete application as described in paragraph (B) above, the Superintendent
shall determine whether the Regulated Private System meets the VSMM and the SUFA, as applicable to that
Regulated Private System.The Superintendent's determination shall be final.
(D) Upon determination that a Regulated Private System satisfies the VSMM and the SUFA, as
applicable to that Regulated Private System, the Stormwater Superintendent, working with the City
Attorney or the City Attorney's designee, shall direct the Owner of the Regulated Private System to prepare
all documents, using forms developed by the Stormwater Superintendent, the City Attorney or the City
Attorney's designee, necessary for the Regulated Private System to obtain coverage under the City's MS4
Permit. The Stormwater Superintendent, City Attorney or the City Attorney's designee shall review such
documents to determine their accuracy and completeness.
(E) Upon an Owner of the Regulated Private System's satisfactory completion of the work required by
paragraphs (A) through (D) above, and payment of any sums due under paragraph (B) above, the
Stormwater Superintendent shall submit to the City Council the Regulated Private System Owner's request
to obtain coverage under the City's MS4 Permit.The City Council may approve such request if it determines
that such approval is in the best interests of the City.
(F) Upon allowing a Regulated Private System to obtain coverage under the City's MS4 Permit pursuant
to paragraph (E) above, the City shall periodically monitor, inspect and report on the Regulated Private
City of South Burlington Ordinance
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System per the City's MS4 Permit requirements. Notwithstanding such coverage, the Owner of the
Regulated Private System remains responsible for all costs,fees, charges and expenses for:
(1) Operation, maintenance, repair, improvement or replacement of the Regulated Private System
to ensure compliance with the MS4 Permit and with the VSMM and the SUFA, as applicable to that
Regulated Private System;
(2) Remedying damage caused by the Owner of the Regulated Private System; and
(3) In the event that an extreme unforeseen circumstance requires extraordinary repair and
reconstruction measures unique to the Regulated Private System. As used herein, an "extreme
unforeseen circumstance" shall mean an act, event, cause or condition that is beyond the City's
reasonable control such as a fire, storm, earthquake, flood, lightening, landslide, hurricane, tornado,
war, strike,terrorism, riot or insurrection.
(G) For a period of twenty(20)years from the date the City allows a Regulated Private System to obtain
coverage under the City's MS4 Permit and other than the User Fee described in Article VI hereof, the City
shall not impose an assessment or surcharge that is unique to the Owner of such Regulated Private System
to cover all or a portion of the cost of performing the City's duties outlined in paragraph (F) above unless
either:
(1) The City imposes a similar assessment or surcharge on Owners of other similar Regulated
Private Systems;
(2) In the event of a need to remedy damage caused by negligence or malfeasance on the part of
the Owner;
(3) In the event that an extreme unforeseen circumstance requires extraordinary repair and
reconstruction measures unique to the Regulated Private System; or
(4) If the City deems in the reasonable exercise of its discretion that the Owner has failed to
maintain, repair or improve the Regulated Private System to comply with the City's MS4 Permit and
such maintenance, repair or improvement is necessary, as determined by the Stormwater
Superintendent's sole discretion,to ensure compliance with the City's MS4 Permit.
(H) For purposes of this Section 7.2,the term "Owner" includes the successors in interest of Owners of
Regulated Private Systems that have obtained coverage under the City's MS4 Permit. If an "Owner" is a
membership organization, company, corporation or other entity, whether for profit or not-for-profit, the
phrase"Owner"shall also include its officers,members,directors and their respective successors in interest.
(I) In addition to the rights and remedies for non-compliance with this Ordinance provided in Article
VIII below, if the Owner of the Regulated Private System fails to operate, improve, inspect, maintain, repair
and replace its Regulated Private System in accordance with the City's MS4 Permit,the VSMM or the SUFA,
as applicable to that Regulated Private System, then the Superintendent in his sole discretion and at any
time may terminate the agreement described in Section 7.2(A)(3), above, provided the Superintendent
mailed a notice of termination to the Owner thirty(30) days in advance of such termination.
City of South Burlington Ordinance
VL . I Pas. Nod
ORDINANCE REGULATING THE USE OF PUBLIC AND PRIVATE 34
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ARTICLE VIII - MUNICIPAL COST SHARING
8.1 Purpose
The Purpose of this article is to establish a City policy regarding cost sharing of upgrading or improving
Stormwater Treatment Practices that are required by the MS4 Permit, Flow Restoration Plans (FRPs),
Phosphorus Control Plans(PCPs)or any other future MS4 permit requirement.
8.2 Applicability
(A) This section shall apply to stormwater system upgrades or improvements as required by Article VII
of this document.
8.3 Municipal Share of Stormwater Project Costs
(A) The City shall share in the cost of upgrading or improving Stormwater Treatment Practices(STPs)
that are required by the MS4 Permit, Flow Restoration Plans (FRPs),and/or Phosphorus Control Plans
(PCPs) as follows:
(1) The City shall contribute funds from the stormwater utility budget for the construction of
upgrades or improvements to STPs on a pro rata basis. Cost sharing shall be determined by the
percentage of impervious surface area that is publicly owned and covered by the existing stormwater
permit as compared to the total impervious surface area covered by the existing stormwater permit;
(a) Areas outside of the existing stormwater permit that drain to the STP will not be included
in this calculation unless the additional off-site area is routed to the STP as part of the upgrade or
improvement. If offsite areas are being redirected to the STP as part of the upgrade or
improvement,then these areas will be included as part of the City's impervious surface area in the
cost sharing calculation.
(2) The City's share of funding for upgrades or improvement of any particular STP will be
determined on a schedule established by and at the discretion of the City. The City will update this
schedule on an annual basis, as needed, to ensure that expenditures are budgeted in a way that is
sustainable for the stormwater utility sinking fund, stormwater utility rate payers and permit required
objectives.
(3) The City will cost share in the upgrade or improvement of an STP to the minimum design
requirements that achieve the stormwater treatment necessary to satisfy FRPs, PCPs and Vermont
Stormwater Management Manual (VSMM).Work included as part of any upgrade or improvement
that is beyond the minimum necessary to meet the minimum design requirements will be the
responsibility of the Owner of the Regulated Private System.The City will not share in the cost of any
work undertaken that is not directly related to the STP.
City of South Burlington Ordinance
V \ ip ,e- 510ci
ORDINANCE REGULATING THE USE OF PUBLIC AND PRIVATE 35
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(4) The City shall review and will share in the costs of any change orders during construction until
the total of change order requests exceeds 10%of the estimated total project cost. Change order
requests seeking cost increases beyond 10%of the estimated total project cost will be borne by the
Owner of the Regulated Private System, unless otherwise agreed to by the City and is in the
Stormwater Superintendent's sole and complete discretion.
(5) The City shall not contribute funds for engineering or design services incurred as part of
upgrades or improvements to STPs unless;
(a) The City obtains grant or other outside funding for the engineering or design project and a
signed stormwater system improvement agreement with the Owner of the Regulated Private
System that addresses engineering or design cost sharing is in place;
(b) The City will not be responsible for engineering or design costs that were incurred prior to
the effective date of a stormwater system improvement agreement for the upgrade or
improvement to the STP.
(6) The City will provide its pro rata share of STP upgrade or improvement costs only after the
Stormwater Superintendent or the Stormwater Superintendent's designee has inspected the
stormwater treatment system and the STP upgrade or improvement and certified that it has been
constructed in accordance with the previously approved project plans.
(7) The City is not required to obtain grants or other outside funding for any individual project.
Grants will be obtained at the discretion of the Stormwater Superintendent based on staff availability
and other factors.
(8) If a grant or outside funding is obtained by the City for a STP upgrade or improvement project,
such grant or outside funding will first be applied to offset the City's pro rata share of the STP upgrade
or improvement costs. Any amount in exceedance of the City's pro rata share may be applied to the
Regulated Private System Owner's pro rata share of the STP upgrade or improvement project costs at
the discretion of the Stormwater Superintendent.
(9) STP upgrade or improvement projects that are eligible for City cost sharing must follow the
process outlined for inclusion of the stormwater treatment system under the City's MS4 Permit as
established in Sections VII of this document.
(a) If a Regulated Private System Owner performs an upgrade or improvement to an STP, but
does not intend to obtain coverage under the City's MS4 Permit and instead obtains permit
coverage directly from the State of Vermont,they may still obtain cost sharing from the City
pursuant the requirements of this Article. In order to be eligible,these projects must:
(i) Submit engineering and design plans for STP upgrade or improvement to the
Stormwater Superintendent and obtain written approval of these plans prior to incurring any
costs that would be eligible for cost sharing; and
City of South Burlington Ordinance
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(ii) Sign a stormwater system improvement agreement with the City that establishes pro
rata cost sharing for all parties involved; and
(iii) Obtain the Stormwater Superintendent's written confirmation that the STP upgrade
or improvement was constructed in conformance with the approved plans once construction
is complete.
ARTICLE IX - INSPECTION AND ENFORCEMENT
9.1 Power and Authority of Inspectors
(A) Any Authorized Person bearing proper credentials and identification shall be permitted to enter all
properties subject to regulation under this Ordinance for the purposes of inspection, observation,
measurement, sampling, and testing in accordance with the provisions of this Ordinance. Authorized
Persons shall have the right to set up such devices as are necessary to conduct monitoring and/or sampling
of any regulated discharge from the property. Authorized Persons may also examine and copy records
required to be kept under any permit subject to this ordinance. Authorized Persons shall have no authority
to inquire into any processes including metallurgical, chemical, oil, refining, ceramic, paper, or other
industries beyond that point having a direct bearing on the kind and source of discharge to the public
sanitary and stormwater systems.
(B) Any Authorized Person bearing proper credentials and identification shall be permitted to enter all
private properties through which the City holds an easement for the purposes of, but not limited to,
inspection, observation, measurement, sampling, repair, and maintenance or any portion of the Public
Sewage System or Public Stormwater System lying within said easement. All entry and subsequent work, if
any, on said easement, shall be done in full accordance with the terms of the easement pertaining to the
private property involved.
(C) If a property owner has security measures in force which require proper identification and clearance
before entry into onto the property, the owner shall make the necessary arrangements to allow access to
any Authorized Person.
(D) Any temporary or permanent obstruction to safe and easy access to any property to be inspected
and/or sampled shall be promptly removed by the property owner at the written or oral request of any
Authorized Person and shall not be replaced. The costs of clearing such access shall be borne by the
property owner.
(E) Causing an unreasonable delay in allowing an Authorized Person access to a property subject to
regulation under this Ordinance is a violation of this Ordinance.
(F) If an Authorized Person is refused access to any part of the property containing facilities, records or
discharges subject to regulation under this Ordinance, and if the Authorized Person is able to demonstrate
probable cause to believe that there may be a violation of this Ordinance,or that there is a need to inspect
and/or sample as part of a routine inspection and sampling program designed to verify compliance with this
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ORDINANCE REGULATING THE USE OF PUBLIC AND PRIVATE 37
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Ordinance or any order issued hereunder,or to protect the overall public health, safety,and welfare of the
community,then the Authorized Person may seek issuance of a search warrant from any court of competent
jurisdiction.
(G) While performing the necessary work on private properties referred to in this Section, Authorized
Persons shall observe all safety rules applicable to the premises established by the property owner and the
property owner shall be held harmless for injury or death to the City employees and the City shall indemnify
the property owner against loss or damage to its property for personal injury or property damage asserted
against the property owner and growing out of the gauging and sampling operation, except as may be
caused by negligence or failure of the property owner to maintain safe conditions as required by law.
9.2 Administrative Enforcement
(A) Any condition caused or permitted to exist in violation of any of the provisions of this Ordinance is
a threat to public health,safety,and welfare,and is declared and deemed a nuisance,and may be summarily
abated or restored at the violator's expense,and/or a civil action to abate,enjoin,or otherwise compel the
cessation of such nuisance may be taken.
(B) Any Person found to be violating any provision of this ordinance shall be served by the City with
written notice stating the nature of the violation and providing a reasonable time limit for the satisfactory
correction thereof. Such notice may require without limitation:
(1) The performance of monitoring, analyses, and reporting;
(2) The elimination of Illicit Discharges;
(3) The cessation of improper practices and operations and implementation of proper practices
and operations;
(4) The abatement or remediation of any contamination of the public sewage or Stormwater
System and waters of the State of Vermont or the United States and restoration of any property
impacted by such contamination;
(5) Establishment of time limits for the completion of all required work;
(6) Payment of a fine; and
(7) State that the Notice may be appealed in the manner set forth in paragraph (F), below.
(C) The City has the right to require a property owner found to be in violation of this Ordinance to install
monitoring equipment and maintain such equipment in proper operating condition, including proper
calibration, all at the property owner's expense.
(D) If a violation has not been corrected pursuant to the requirements set forth in the Notice of
Violation, the City or persons retained by the City may enter upon the subject property to take any and all
measures necessary to abate the violation and/or restore the property. It shall be unlawful for any Person,
owner, agent or Person in possession of any premises to refuse to allow the City or designated persons to
enter upon the premises for the purposes set forth above.
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(E) Within thirty (30) days after abatement of the violation, the owner of the property will be notified
of the cost of abatement, including administrative costs. The property owner may file a written protest
objecting to the amount of the assessment within fifteen (15) days. If the amount due is not paid within a
timely manner as determined by the decision of the City Manager or the City Manager's designee ("City
Manager"), or by the expiration of the time in which to file an appeal, the charges shall constitute a lien on
the property for the amount of the assessment and shall bear interest at the rate of one percent (1%) per
month, or portion thereof.
(F) The City Manager may,without prior notice, suspend stormwater or sewer system discharge access
to a Person when such suspension is necessary to stop an actual or threatened discharge which presents or
may present imminent and substantial danger to the environment, or to the health or welfare of persons,
or to the Stormwater System, sewer system or waters of the State of Vermont or the United States. If the
violator fails to comply with a suspension order issued in an emergency, the City Manager may take such
steps as deemed necessary to prevent or minimize damage to the Stormwater System, sewer system or
waters of the State of Vermont or United States,or to minimize danger to persons.
(G) Any Person discharging to the stormwater or sewer system in violation of this ordinance may have
their stormwater system or sewer system access terminated if such termination would abate or reduce an
Illicit Discharge.The City Manager will notify a violator of the proposed termination of its stormwater system
or sewer system access. The violator may appeal the City Manager's determination to the City Council by
filing a written notice of appeal with the City Manager within ten (10) business days of the Manager's
decision. The City Council shall review such appeal at a meeting of the Council preceded by fifteen (15)
calendar days written notice of the meeting date to the Violator. Following the meeting, the Council shall
issue its decision on the appeal in writing,which decision shall be final.
(H) A Person commits an offense if the Person reinstates stormwater system or sewer system access to
premises terminated pursuant to paragraph (F), above, without the prior approval of the City Manager.
9.3 Judicial Enforcement
(A) This ordinance shall constitute a civil ordinance within the meaning of 24 V.S.A.Chapter 59. Any Person
who violates a provision of this Ordinance or who violates any condition of a permit issued hereunder shall
be subject to a civil penalty of up to $800 per day for each day that such violation continues. Any law
enforcement officer or the Director of Public Works, City Engineer, Deputy Director of Public Works, or
Stormwater Superintendent may act as an Issuing Municipal Official and issue and pursue before the Judicial
Bureau a municipal complaint for any violation of any provision of this Ordinance.
(B) In addition to the enforcement procedures available before the Judicial Bureau, the City Manager
is authorized to commence a civil action to obtain injunctive and other appropriate relief, or to pursue any
other remedy authorized by law. Nothing herein shall be construed to limit other rights, remedies or
penalties available by law.
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9.4 Civil Penalty; Waiver Fee
(A) An Issuing Municipal Official is authorized to recover civil penalties in the following amounts for
each violation:
First offense $160
Second offense $320
Third offense $480
Fourth offense $640
Fifth and subsequent offenses $800
(B) An Issuing Municipal Official is authorized to recover a waiver fee, in lieu of a civil penalty, in the
following amounts,for any Person who declines to contest a municipal complaint and pays the waiver fee:
First offense $100
Second offense $250
Third offense $400
Fourth offense $550
Fifth and subsequent offenses $700
Each day the violation continues shall constitute a separate violation.
9.5 Severability
If any portion of this Ordinance is held to be invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, such finding shall
not invalidate any other part of this Ordinance.
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City of South Burlington Ordinance
ORDINANCE REGULATING THE USE OF PUBLIC AND PRIVATE 40
SANITARY SEWERAGE AND STORM WATER SYSTEMS
Adopted at South Burlington,Vermont this � day of/1 is ,2022,and to be effective upon adoption.
SOUTH BURLINGTON CITY COUNCIL
Helen Riehle, Chair Matt Cota
v
Meaghan mery,Vice Chair Thomas Chittenden
je,"
Tim Barritt,Clerk
Received and recorded this i day o - nb ' 2022.
Donna Kinville, City Clerk
END OF DOCUMENT
City of South Burlington Ordinance