§ 72-776. Purpose and objectives.

(a)

Statement of purpose. The Volusia County Council has determined that the management of stormwater runoff and the preservation of the water resources of the County of Volusia 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 reasonable restrictions to control stormwater runoff and conserve the water resources of the County of Volusia.

(b)

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

(1)

Protect the quantity and quality of ground and surface waters;

(2)

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

(3)

Perpetuate recharge into the groundwater system;

(4)

Prevent and reduce salt water 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 and damage to adjacent properties;

(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 of Volusia; 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.

(d)

Jurisdiction. This division shall apply in the unincorporated areas of the County of Volusia, Florida. Any municipality in Volusia County, which has previously adopted and implemented a stormwater management ordinance subject to county council approval, reflective of the conditions in the corporate jurisdiction in accordance with the previous Volusia County Ordinance No. 78-32, shall continue in effect, and may amend its ordinance to comply with this division. In the event a municipality has not adopted a stormwater management ordinance in compliance with the previous Volusia County Ordinance No. 78-32, then the County of Volusia will administer this division within such municipality. Within such municipalities which have not adopted said stormwater management ordinance, no permits which may cause a violation of this division shall be issued without having made application, paid required fees, and obtained approval of the stormwater management plan, in accordance with the provisions of this division.

(Ord. No. 88-40, §§ VI, VII, 12-15-88; Ord. No. 2008-25, § III, 12-4-08)