§ 50-103. Purpose, objectives and intent.

(a)

Purpose. The county council has determined that the preservation of the water resources of the county is critical to the public health, safety and welfare. Uncontrolled stormwater runoff causes erosion, sedimentation and flooding and prevents recharge of the aquifer upon which the public depends for potable, fresh water. The county council finds it is necessary to impose these minimum standards to control stormwater runoff and conserve the water resources of the county.

(b)

Objectives. The requirements in this division will allow landowners reasonable use of their property while promoting the following objectives:

(1)

Protect the quantity and quality of groundwater and surface water;

(2)

Prevent the lowering of existing groundwater table elevations to the detriment of these other stated objectives;

(3)

Perpetuate recharge into the groundwater system;

(4)

Prevent and reduce saltwater intrusion;

(5)

Minimize the production of nuisance and disease vectoring mosquitoes;

(6)

Discourage reliance on drainage systems which depend on the use of electrical energy or petroleum fuels to move water, remove pollutants or maintain the systems;

(7)

Reduce wind- or water-caused erosion, loss of valuable topsoils and subsequent sedimentation of surface waterbodies;

(8)

Alleviate downstream flood hazards;

(9)

Prevent significant loss of life and property due to runoff from any foreseeable rainfall event;

(10)

Reduce the capital expenditures associated with floodproofing and the installation and maintenance of storm drainage systems;

(11)

Minimize the adverse impact of development on the water resources of the county; and

(12)

Maximize protection of class II waters.

(c)

Intent. This division is intended to allow landowners reasonable use of their property provided stormwater runoff peak rates and volumes and the quality of stormwater retained after development shall approximate existing predevelopment conditions and precautions will be taken to prevent erosion, sedimentation and flooding.

(Ord. No. 88-15, §§ 200.01—200.04, 5-19-88)