Subject:
Title
Ordinance adopting a revised Stormwater Manual which is incorporated in the Pinellas County Land Development Code by Section 154-52.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approve an Ordinance adopting a revised Stormwater Manual which is incorporated in the Pinellas County Land Development Code by Section 154-52 (Pinellas County Stormwater Manual).
• Stormwater Management standards for unincorporated areas updated as part of the revision.
• Development Review Services, Public Works, and private development community were engaged in providing comment helping shape Stormwater Manual updates.
• The proposed updated Stormwater Manual was presented at the August 9, 2021 Development Review Committee (DRC) meeting, and DRC members approved.
• Proposed updated Stormwater Manual was presented at the Local Planning Agency (LPA) hearing on September 17, 2021. LPA recommendation is attached.
• Newspaper Public Notice advertisement required.
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Strategic Plan:
Ensure Public Health, Safety, and Welfare
2.1 Provide planning, coordination, prevention, and protective services to ensure a safe and secure community
Practice Superior Environmental Stewardship
3.1 Implement green technologies and practices where practical
3.3 Protect and improve the quality of our water, air, and other natural resources
3.5 Foster a sustainable and resilient community that is prepared for sea level rise and a changing climate
Foster Continual Economic Growth and Vitality
4.3 Catalyze redevelopment through planning and regulatory programs
Deliver First Class Services to the Public and Our Customers
5.3 Ensure effective and efficient delivery of County services and support
5.4 Strive to serve the needs of all Pinellas County residents and customers
Summary:
Summary
The updated Stormwater Manual is more user-friendly and improves the flexibility of stormwater management requirements, also adding tools for designers, applicable to both private and public projects within unincorporated Pinellas County. The Stormwater Manual and the Floodplain Management Ordinance in Chapter 158 together establish drainage standards, approved methods, and processes.
This Legistar item is a companion item to Legistar items No. 21-1907A and No. 21-1903A. No. 21-1907A is a resolution for the Pinellas County Construction Licensing Board (PCCLB) to approve local technical amendments to the Florida Building Code, pertaining to floodplain management and flood damage prevention. No. 21-1903A is an Ordinance amending Part III of the Pinellas County Code, Land Development Code, Chapter 158 Floodplain Management, providing the basis for all development that is wholly or partially in a flood hazard area.
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Background Information:
On February 21, 2017 the Board of County Commissioners adopted the Stormwater Manual, with an effective date of April 1, 2017, outlining the requirements for stormwater management within unincorporated Pinellas County in both public and private projects. The Stormwater Manual is also intended to promote urban regeneration, incentivize more sustainable stormwater management practices, such as green infrastructure, improve water quality, and provide enhanced flexibility for meeting the requirements.
Over the past four (4) years since its initial implementation, staff and external stakeholders noted elements of the Stormwater Manual where additional clarification and flexibilities would be beneficial. A few redundancies and internal inconsistency issues were also discovered. The purpose of this Ordinance proposing the adoption of a revised Stormwater Manual is to address and correct these issues and create a more user friendly format.
Chapter 154-Site Development, Right-of-Way Improvements, Subdivisions, and Platting, Article II Drainage Requirements, of the Pinellas County Land Development Code, is intended to plan for, to address, and to maintain drainage to protect the general health, safety, and welfare of the people of Pinellas County. Additionally, it is the purpose and intent to guard against flooding, protect hydrology, and ensure water quality. The county is a built-out urban environment and most future land activity will occur as redevelopment.
Fiscal Impact:
N/A
Staff Member Responsible:
Kelli Hammer Levy, Director, Public Works
Partners:
Pinellas County Development Review Services
Attachments:
Ordinance 21-
Hyperlink to Revised Stormwater Manual
LPA recommendation