HomeMy WebLinkAbout1981-03-10; City Council; info; Carlsbad Erosion Control Procedure7,
MEMORANDUM
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TO: CITY MANAGER
FROM: CITY ENGINEEI
DATE: MARCH &, 1981
SUBJECT: CARLSBAD EROSION CONTROL PROCEDURE
As noted in Fish and Game letter of February 13, 1981, the City has the necessary
ordinance to control most erosion problems in the City, but enforcement has been
a problem.
The Grading Ordinance, adopted by Council in August, 1931, provides for control
of both new grading and existing cuts or fills.
Section 11.06.040 of the Grading Ordinance deals with hazards. It allows the City
Engineer to order the correction of any existing excavation, embankment, or fill
on private property which has become a hazard to life and limb or endangers
property or adversely affects the safety use or stability or a public way or drainage
channel.
Section 11.06.140 states that no grading permit will be issued for work between
November 16th and April 14th unless plan for such work includes details of protective
measures. Such measures may include desilting basins, retention basins, or other
control measures.
For the most part contractors and property owners have been willing to comply
with installation of erosion control measures. In some cases, the erosion control
protection has not been properly maintained or proved to be inadequate in a major
storm. In all cases, the Engineering Department inspectors have followed up on
erosion problems and the protective measures have been more and more effective as both
the City and the contractors learn more about effective erosion control.
The City is now requiring retention/desi1 at ion basins in all new subdivisions which
drain to natural water courses; sandbags have been replaced with gravel bags;
landscaping is required on all slopes over five feet in height immediately after
grading; and inspectors are becoming more and more conscious of potential erosion
problems. This is the City's first year under its new ordinance and not all our efforts
to implement it have been successful. With the recent heavy rains, we've been able
to advance further along the learn i ng curve and both our enforcement and the developers
protective measures are becoming more effective.
LE:tQ;:
C: Assistant City Manager/Developmental Services
Council Action: 3-10-81 Council requested a report from staff addressing the City's
existing grading ordinance and how it relates to keeping basins open and possibility
of charging developers when emergency work is needed to be accomplished by the City.