HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-06-2018 Planning Commission Special Meeting Agenda PacketKarin Wilson
Mayor
Councr1 Members
Ke vin G. Boone
Robert A. Brown
lack Burrell, ACMO
Jimmy Conyers
lay Robinson
Lisa A. Hanks, MM C
Ciry Clerk
Deborah A. Smith, CPA
Ciry Treasurer
161 No rth Section Street
P.O. Drawer 429
Fairhope , Alabama 36533
251-928 -2136
2Sl-928-677 6 Fax
www .fairhopeal.go v
Fnfua( on r.:.qckd papt'r
City of Fairhope
Planning Commission
Work Session Agenda
4:00 PM
Council Chambers
August 6, 2018
1. Low Impact Development Amendment -Buford King
2. Subdivision Re-submittal Requirements -Wayne Dyess
3 . Open Space Requirements -Wayne Dyess
4. Subdivision Pre-Application Requirements -Wayne Dyess
Article V Section E.
Planning Design Standards Lot Standards
FAIRHOPE SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS 50
b. Where a subdivision is traversed by a watercourse, drainage way, natural
channel or stream, there shall be provided an easement conforming
substantially to the limits of such water course plus additional width as
necessary for maintenance and future construction.
c. Lots and easements shall be so arranged as to eliminate unnecessary jogs or
off- sets and to facilitate the use of easements for power distribution,
telephone service, drainage, water and sewage collection services.
6. Buffer Strips: In residential
districts, a buffer strip at least
ten feet in width, and in
addition to the minimum
required lot depth, may be
required by Planning
Commission adjacent to all
existing incompatible uses,
such as railroads, limited
access highways, arterial
streets and
commercial/industrial
developments. Such buffer
shall be a part of the platted
lots, but shall be designated on the face of the plat as an easement by imprinting
on the plat the following: "This strip is reserved for planting of trees or shrubs
by owner; placement of structures hereon is prohibited." << Figure 5.21>>
F. STORM WATER STANDARDS:
1. Purpose – These storm water standards shall implement the Comprehensive Plan for the
physical development of the City by setting the location, character and extent of open
spaces and facilities for waterways and storm water runoff, discharge, retention and
detention. This design and arrangement shall promote the health, safety and general
welfare, and promote safety from inundation and erosion caused by storm water runoff.
These standards shall promote the following goals in the Comprehensive Plan:
(a) plan, provide and maintain efficient and effective infrastructure that promotes
orderly growth and environmentally sound practices to meet the future needs of
the community and to support land use goals; (b) promote a sustainable future
that meets today’s needs without compromising the ability of future generations
to meet their needs; and (c) encourage and develop connections between
environmental quality and economic vitality.
2. Liability - The design criteria herein establishes minimum elements of design
which must be implemented with good engineering and good construction
practices. Use of information herein for placement of any structure, for use of
any land, or any design basis shall not constitute a representation, guaranty, or
warranty of any kind by the City of Fairhope or its agents, officers or employees
of the practicability, adequacy or safety of design.
3. Submittal Requirements –
Figure 5.21 – Buffer strip between incompatible uses may be used in the event
that existing incompatible uses may not be adequately addressed by the design
elements required by these regulations.
Article V Section F.
Planning Design Standards Storm Water Standards
FAIRHOPE SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS 51
a. Minimum Requirements - All proposed subdivisions shall demonstrate
compliance with this Section F., these Regulations, and all applicable state
and federal laws and regulations by submitting a minimum of two (2) hard
copies and one (1) electronic copy copies of the following plans and
calculations:
(1) A Drainage Plan adequate provision for storm and flood water control by
channel, conduit or basins, which takes into account the ultimate or
saturated development of the tributary area in which the proposed
subdivision is to be located, and which includes but shall not be limited
to:
(a) Contour map of proposed development areas, with both existing and
finish contours at not greater than two-foot intervals;
(b) Existing drainage systems, including any structures immediately
down stream that may be affected by the project;
(c) Proposed drainage system, including onsite and offsite drainage
areas;
(d) Structure location, type and size, slope, c.f.s., elevations of inlet and
outlet, velocity, headwater elevation, tail-water elevation, etc.,
relative to the overall subdivision and/or staged phase of the
subdivision;
(e) Differential runoff calculations for pre-development and post-
development conditions;
(f) The effect of the subdivision on existing upstream and downstream
facilities outside the area of the subdivision; and
(g) Other pertinent information necessary for review of the drainage
plans as may be required by the Commission.
(h) A drainage narrative, including but not limited to, the following:
1. Any and all historical and existing drainage conditions.
2. Name, location, size of receiving watersheds and any special
considerations required by the watershed.
3. The calculation method and assumptions used.
4. Discussion of adequacy of volume of retention and drainage
design.
5. Method of discharge.
6. And how the design takes into account (Section F paragraph 3 b)
the potential for adverse effect.
(2) An Erosion and Sediment Control Plan which includes, but shall not be
limited to:
(a) Architectural and engineering drawings, maps, assumptions,
calculations, and narrative statements as required to accurately
describe the development and measures taken to meet the objectives
of storm-water management;
(b) Data on historical runoff, developed runoff, detention pond details,
and method of discharge.
(3) Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Plan and Agreement for
maintenance of detention facilities and other storm water quantity and
quality BMPs during development and documents providing for
continued inspection and maintenance after completion of development
and sale of all lots, such documents running as a covenant with the lands.
(a) An Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Agreement signed by the
developer or owner for any required detention facilities or other
Article V Section F.
Planning Design Standards Storm Water Standards
FAIRHOPE SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS 52
storm water quantity and quality BMPs must be submitted with the
proposed plans. The agreement must contain a long-term
maintenance plan prepared by the design engineer for each BMP.
The maintenance plan must include a description of the storm water
conveyance system and its components, inspection priorities,
schematics for each BMP, and inspection schedule for each water
quantity and quality BMP. The O&M Agreement must be recorded
prior to final plans approval. If the final configuration of the storm
water system or BMPs differs from the original design on the
approved plans, the O&M Agreement must be revised, finalized, and
rerecorded. Failure to follow the O&M Agreement could result in
enforcement action.
(b) The long-term maintenance plan within the O&M Agreement
contains the inspection priorities and schedule for the storm water
BMPs. The owner is responsible for inspecting the storm water
system and BMPs according to the schedule and submitting reports
to the Planning Director or his authorized representative every three
(3) five (5) years to document that inspections have been completed
and necessary maintenance has been performed. The first inspection
report is due December 31 of the third year after construction has
been completed. Inspection reports are then due by December 31 of
every third fifth year following submittal of the first report. The
Planning Director or his authorized representative must be notified of
any change in ownership. Failure to file the three five year
inspection reports and perform required maintenance activities could
result in enforcement action.
(c) Prior to the full release of the performance bond for any new or
substantially improved storm water facilities, an Alabama registered
engineer shall submit to the Planning Director or his authorized
representative certification that the proposed storm water
management system and BMPs for the development are complete
and functional in accordance with the approved plans and shall also
provide as-built drawings for the storm water management systems
and BMPs.
(4) Basic Design Data and calculations including routing calculations in
legible tabulated form and proof of adequacy of volume of retention and
sizing computations for low flow structures.
(5) Copy of notice of coverage and storm water pollution plan for coverage
under the Alabama Department of Environmental Management for
issuance of NPDES Permit, and permits from any other agency, where
required; and,
(6) Any additional engineering information City of Fairhope Staff or the
Planning Commission deems necessary to make a decision on
subdivisions and other development where adequacy of drainage is
reasonably questioned.
b. Adverse Effects - Where it can be reasonably anticipated that additional
quantity or velocity of runoff from development of a subdivision will
overload existing downstream drainage facilities, approval shall be withheld
until there is submitted to the Commission a plan to mitigate damage to
downstream property which would or might result from the subdivision
under consideration. Downstream drainage structures should be considered
Article V Section F.
Planning Design Standards Storm Water Standards
FAIRHOPE SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS 53
when sizing detention outfall structures, with proof of this submitted to the
Commission. The hydraulic elevations resulting from channel detention
shall not adversely affect adjacent properties.
c. Additional Engineering Plans and Calculations -
(1) In every case where new streets are to be constructed, and in cases where
subdivisions provide frontage only upon existing right-of-way and there
exists in the opinion of the Commission the potential for damage from
uncontrolled storm-water runoff, the project engineer shall include in his
plans the design and calculations required for adequate control of storm-
water.
(2) For projects not exceeding 200 acres, routing calculations shall be in
legible tabulated form. Proof of adequacy of volume of retention and
sizing computations for low flow structures shall be submitted. For
projects exceeding 200 acres, the engineer shall provide detailed,
documented verification of adequacy of design.
(3) No proposals for under-sizing shall be submitted except with plans and
profiles of the entire undersized downstream area with convincing
evidence that the hydraulic gradients proposed will not adversely affect
existing facilities maintained by the City or County.
(4) A special design drawing shall be submitted for any single drainage
structure of 20 square feet in area, or larger.
d. Certifications and Seals –
(1) All plans and design calculations submitted shall bear the seal, original
signature, name, address and telephone number and certification of the
project engineer, who shall be registered to practice as a Professional
Engineer in the State of Alabama and who is qualified by reason of
education and experience in the field of storm water design.
(2) The engineer shall seal and sign each sheet of the plan assembly.
(3) The engineer shall affix his certification to the first sheet of each plan
assembly and design calculation, which certificate shall read
substantially as follows:
"ENGINEER'S CERTIFICATE
I, the undersigned, a Registered Professional Engineer in
the State of Alabama holding Certificate Number _________,
hereby certify that I have reviewed the design herein which was done under
my direct control and supervision and that, to the best of my professional
knowledge and to the best of my belief, conforms to the requirements of the
Fairhope Subdivision Regulations and to all other rules, regulations, laws,
and ordinances applicable to my design.
______________________________
Project Engineer
___________________________
Date
______________________________________________________
Name of Project to which this Certificate Applies
Plans which are certified consist of Page _____ thru_____,
each of which bears my seal and signature."
Article V Section F.
Planning Design Standards Storm Water Standards
FAIRHOPE SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS 54
(4) The calculations, construction plans, and plat shall have the following
statement: “A property owners association (POA) is required to be formed.
The POA is required to maintain any and all storm water facilities and
structures located outside of the publicly accepted right-of-way.
4. Stream Buffers –
a. An undisturbed streamside buffer (buffer) is an area along a shoreline,
wetland, or stream where development and redevelopment is restricted or
prohibited. The primary function of the buffer is to physically protect and
separate a stream, lake, bay, or wetland from future disturbance or
encroachment. Buffers can provide storm water management and sustain the
integrity of stream ecosystems and habitats. Buffers can be applied to new
developments and redevelopment by establishing specific preservation areas
and providing management of the buffers through easements or homeowner’s
associations. For existing developed areas, an easement is typically required
from adjoining landowners. Waivers in accordance with Article VII may be
requested if the developer or landowner can demonstrate hardship or unique
circumstances that make compliance with the buffer requirement difficult.
b. A buffer layer in the City’s GIS system has been developed to show buffer
limits along streams within the City’s planning jurisdiction. The following
Buffer widths used to develop the buffer layer for streams, are shown in the
following table and are measured from the top of bank as defined in Article
II of these subregulations. Buffer widths for ponds, Mobile Bay,
jurisdictional wetlands as determined by the Alabama Department of
Environmental Management and the Army Corps of Engineers, and any
lakes, ponds, and isolated wetlands are also shown in the table. The buffer
requirement applies to streams beginning at a point where the drainage area
is 100 acres or greater.
Feature Buffer Width (feet)
Fish River 100
Other Watersheds 50
Mobile Bay 50
Wetlands (Jurisdictional and Isolated) 30
Ponds/Lakes/Isolated wetlands 30
c. The buffer applies to all properties except those properties that are an
existing lot of record and/or included on an approved preliminary subdivision
plat (as of appropriate date).
d. Allowable uses in the buffer include: flood control structures; utility
easements as deemed necessary and approved by the Planning Director or his
authorized representative; natural footpaths; greenways, paved roadways;
pedestrian and bikeway crossings perpendicular to the streamside including
approaches, dock and ramp access, and other uses as determined by the
Planning Director or his authorized representative. All buffer disturbances
associated with allowable uses shall be to the minimal extent practicable and
all disturbed areas shall be stabilized as soon as possible.
I I
I I
Article V Section F.
Planning Design Standards Storm Water Standards
FAIRHOPE SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS 55
e. The vegetated target for the buffer shall be undisturbed natural vegetation.
Any of the allowable uses shall be designed and constructed to minimize
clearing, grading, erosion, and water quality degradation.
f. Land in the buffer shall not be used for principal structures and accessories,
such as swimming pools, patios, etc. All new platted lots shall be designed
to provide sufficient land outside of the buffer to accommodate primary
structures. Buffers should be delineated before streets and lots are laid out to
minimize buffer intrusion and to assure adequate buildable area on each
platted lot. Land within the buffer can serve to meet the minimum lot
requirements.
g. Buffer impacts are inevitable with development. Modification and
mitigation of the buffer width are available to landowners or developers of
newly platted lots or subdivisions where there are exceptional situations or
physical conditions related to the parcel that pose practical difficulty to its
development and restrict the application of the buffer requirements. The
landowner or his designated representative may prepare and submit for
approval a written request and site plan showing the extent of the impact of
the buffer on the proposed project and specify a proposed buffer mitigation
plan. The Planning Director or his authorized representative will review and
render a decision on the buffer encroachment and proposed mitigation within
30 days after receiving the request. In no case shall the reduced width of the
buffer be less than 25 feet. Applicants can appeal the decision of the
Planning Director or his authorized representative’s decision to the Planning
Commission.
h. In order to maintain the functional value of the buffer: dead, diseased, or
dying trees that are in danger of falling and causing damage to dwellings or
other structures may be removed at the discretion of the landowner; debris in
the buffer that is a result of storm damage may be removed; and, invasive
plant species may be removed if they are replaced by native species. A
buffer restoration plan must be approved by the Planning Director or his
authorized representative.
i. Stream boundaries including each buffer zone must be clearly delineated on
all grading plans, subdivision plats, site plans and any other development
plans. The outside limit of the buffer must be clearly marked on-site with
permanent signs placed every 100 feet prior to any land disturbing activities.
Stream and buffer limits must also be specified on all surveys and recorded
plats and noted on individual deeds. Buffer requirements must be referenced
in property owner’s association documents and shall be labeled on the plat.
j. When a landowner or his representative obtain permits from ADEM or the
Army Corps of Engineers that results in impacting the buffer then approved
mitigation of these impacts based on the permit conditions supersede the
applicable components of the buffer requirements in areas covered by the
permit. The buffer requirements for areas not covered by the permit shall be
applicable to the remainder of the proposed development site.
5. Flow Control –
a. Scope of Design - All subdivisions or other developments shall be provided
with adequate storm water drainage facilities. The project engineer shall
provide a design adequate to control storm water peak flows, runoff volume
and velocity in accordance with paragraph 7 of this section. In general, the
project engineer shall use design storm criteria based on the site-specific
Article V Section F.
Planning Design Standards Storm Water Standards
FAIRHOPE SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS 56
conditions that relate to protection of life and property. Culverts shall
generally accommodate a 25-year storm frequency under arterial roadways;
drainage systems within subdivisions should accommodate a 2 through 25-
year storm frequency; bridges shall accommodate a storm frequency of 50
years. When recommended by City of Fairhope staff deemed necessary, the
Planning Commission may require a storm frequency design as great as 100
years.
(1) There shall be no storm water pumps.
b. Design Standards and Calculations - The method of determining storm water
runoff, plans, and designs shall be based on principles of good engineering
practice and the following standards:
(1) Calculations shall be based on the Rational Method (Q=cia) for small
basins, up to 100 acres, where:
Q=estimated peak discharge in cubic feet per second
c=coefficient of runoff (from table below)
I=rainfall intensity, inches per hour, for a design storm derived from
the time of concentration
tc = time of concentration in minutes, from figure 4-13 of the
Alabama Department of Transportation of Hydraulic Manual,
attached as Appendix D.
a=drainage area in acres
Recommended values for “c” may be found in table 4-2 of the
Alabama Department of Transportation Hydraulics Manual, attached
as Appendix E. It is recommended that the intensity, “I” be obtained
from the Intensity-Duration-Frequency curve for Mobile produced
by the National Weather Service.
(2) When the proposed development lies within a large watershed where
flows from upstream drainage areas are passing through the proposed
development, a rainfall-runoff model such as the Soil Conservation
Service (SCS) technical release 20 (TR-20) should be used to calculate
offsite flow. Flow should calculated using a 25-year, 24-hour rainfall,
the depth of which can be obtained from SCS Technical Release 55 (TR-
55). This flow shall be taken into account when designing detention
outfall structures if the upstream flow passes through the proposed
detention pond. The effects of (and on) upstream and downstream ponds
in the watershed shall be analyzed.
(3) All proposed conduits or channels shall be of sufficient capacity to
accommodate potential runoff from developed area, including the entire
upstream drainage area. The project engineer shall include in his
submittals evidence that he has included in his design the tributary area/s.
If an existing channel runs through a proposed development, the engineer
must consider this flow when designing detention and outfall structures.
(4) In general, inlets shall be provided so that surface water is not carried
across any intersection, or for a distance of more than 600 feet in the
gutter. When calculations indicate that gutter capacities are at maximum,
catch basins shall be used to intercept the flow at that point.
(5) Open channels and ditches shall be so designed as not to create a traffic
hazard or to cause erosion. The minimum slope for paved ditches shall
be 0.5 percent and for non-paved ditches shall be one percent. Maximum
Article V Section F.
Planning Design Standards Storm Water Standards
FAIRHOPE SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS 57
design flow velocities shall conform to the current edition of the
Alabama Highway Department Hydraulics Manual.
(6) Cleanout access shall be provided at a maximum spacing of 300 feet for
pipes 24 inches or less in diameter and 400 feet for pipes exceeding 24
inches. Cleanouts shall also be provided at each change in line and grade.
(7) Concrete box culverts shall be designed and constructed according to
requirements of the Alabama department of Transportation Standard
Specifications for Highway Construction, current and the Alabama
Department of Transportation Special Standard Highway Drawings..
c. Site Facilities –
(1) The developer shall be required to carry away, by pipe or open channel,
any spring or surface water existing prior to or as a result of the
subdivision. Adequate provisions shall be made within each subdivision
for drainage facilities required.
(2) Where a public storm water system is available, the developer shall be
required to connect his facilities thereto. If no public outlet exists, the
project engineer shall recommend means to adequately dispose of storm
water runoff.
(3) The storm and sanitary sewer plans shall be made prior to other utility
plans.
(4) The storm water system shall be separate from and independent of any
sanitary sewer system.
d. Conformity with Other Standards - All drainage facilities shall be
constructed in conformity with state specifications and all other state and
federal laws and regulations.
e. Flood Prone Areas –
(1) Low lying lands along watercourses subject to flooding or overflowing
shall be included in the drainage and shall not be available for
improvements except as specifically authorized by the City’s flood
control ordinance.
(2) Low areas subject to periodic inundation and areas subject to excessive
erosion shall not be developed or subdivided unless and until the
Planning Commission may establish that: The nature of the land use
proposed would not tend to be damaged appreciably by water; The area
may be filled or improved in such a manner as to prevent periodic
inundation; Minimum floor elevations may be established such as to
prevent damage to buildings or structures; There is adequate provision to
eliminate such flooding.
f. Lands Outside the City - Within the extra-territorial jurisdiction of the
Fairhope Planning Commission, all engineering plans shall be subject to the
more restrictive requirement of these provisions or of Baldwin County's
Storm Water Management Plan. In those areas, the County Engineer's review
shall be completed and his certificate of review shall accompany all plans
submitted to the Commission. The following outline is provided to help
insure that certain critical elements of design are in compliance with the
objectives of design:
(1) Volume of retention for entire project
(2) Tributary (Q) peak runoff to basin
(3) Balanced maximum outflow rate from low flow structure
(4) Ratios of inflow to outflow (differential rates)
(5) Sizing of overflow facilities
Article V Section F.
Planning Design Standards Storm Water Standards
FAIRHOPE SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS 58
(6) Stability of dikes
(7) Safety features
(8) Maintenance features
6. Erosion Control -
a. Surface water runoff originating upgrade of exposed areas shall be controlled
to reduce erosion and sediment loss during period of exposure. All land
disturbing activities shall be planned so as to minimize off: site
sedimentation damage.
b. No grading or earth moving operations shall commence until erosion and
sedimentation control measures shall have been implemented.
c. All disturbed areas shall be stabilized as quickly as is practicable with
permanent vegetation and erosion/sediment control measures. The duration
of exposure to erosive elements shall be kept to a minimum.
d. Detention ponds shall be stabilized by means of grassing, sodding, erosion
control netting, or a combination thereof. Sediment shall be removed from
the pond prior to acceptance, and any disturbed areas shall be regrassed. The
use of red clay as a means of stabilizing detention ponds is prohibited.
e. Temporary vegetation and/or mulching shall be provided protect exposed
high-risk erosion areas during development.
f. When the increase in peak rates and velocity of storm water runoff resulting
from a land disturbing activity is likely to cause damaging accelerated
erosion of the receiving channel, plans shall include measures to control
velocity and rate of release so as to minimize damage to the channel.
g. No land disturbing activity shall be permitted in proximity to a lake, natural
watercourse or adjacent property unless a buffer zone is provided along the
boundary thereof to confine visible siltation and to prevent erosion; provided,
however, that this prohibition shall not prevent such activity undertaken as a
part of the construction of such lake or watercourse channel.
h. The angle for graded slopes and fills shall not exceed that which can be
retained by vegetation cover or other adequate erosion control methods.
Provision shall be made for planting or otherwise protecting slopes within the
shortest possible time from exposure thereof.
i. Erosion and sedimentation control measures, structures and devices shall
provide control from the calculated post-development peak runoff. Runoff
rates and computations may be calculated from procedures contained in the
“National Engineering Field Manual for Conservation Practices” and shall be
based on rainfall data published by the National Weather Service for the area
and/or official local records.
j. Engineer shall provide for permanent protection of on-site or adjacent stream
banks and channels from the erosive effects of increased velocity and volume
of storm-water runoff resulting from land disturbing activities.
k. Erosion and sediment control plans and details shall be based on the
current edition of the “Alabama Handbook for Erosion Control,
Sediment Control and Storm water Management on Construction Sites
and Urban Areas”. Erosion control plans shall be prepared by a
certified professional in erosion and sediment control such as a Certified
Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control (CPESC).
7. Detention and Retention Facilities -
Article V Section F.
Planning Design Standards Storm Water Standards
FAIRHOPE SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS 59
a. The purpose of storm water retention and detention is to protect downstream
properties from increases in flood heights due to development. A
combination of storage and controlled release of storm water shall be
required for road construction, non-residential developments of one acre or
more, multi-family residential developments of one acre or more, and single
family developments of three acres or more. The requirement for a
combination of storage and controlled release of storm water is not required
for minor subdivisions; however, if the Planning Commission deems that the
intensity of the development could cause off-site storm water flow impacts
during or after development, a combination of storage and controlled release
shall be required. (The effective acreage for a project is not limited to a
fractional part of the total concept; even though developed in phases, it is the
total area of the conceptual plans which governs.) Storage and controlled
release facilities may be required on smaller projects if it is determined in the
Planning Commissions discretion that the intensity of the development could
cause off-site storm water flow impacts during or after development. The
retention or detention (whenever detention requirements are addressed by
these regulations, requirements also apply to retention facilities) facilities
must be designed to control peak flow from the outlet of the site such that
post-development flows are equal to or less than pre-developed peak flows
for the 2-year, 5-year, 10-year, 25-year, 50-year and 100-year design storms.
However, detaining the discharge from a site can sometimes exacerbate
flooding downstream due to peak flow timing and/or the increased volume of
runoff coming from a site. If detention facilities are indiscriminately placed
in a watershed and changes to the peak flow timing are not considered, the
detention facility may result in an increase of the peak flow downstream.
Another impact of new development is an increase in the total runoff volume
of flow. Thus, even if the peak flow is effectively attenuated, the longer
duration of higher flows due to the increased volume may combine with
downstream storm water conveyance systems to increase downstream peak
flows. Applicant must demonstrate through hydrologic analyses that the
detention facility will not exacerbate flooding downstream.
b. Such facilities shall be owned, operated and maintained by the development entities
and shall not be accepted for inspection and maintenance by the City of Fairhope.
The burden shall be on the developer and his engineer to provide evidence in support
of any proposal to alter or modify the requirement for detention. Storm water runoff
from new development or significant redevelopment must not adversely affect
downstream properties. In determining whether runoff from the new development
or significant redevelopment causes an adverse impact, the following procedures will
be used:
(1) Attenuate post-development peak discharges to a level not to exceed the
pre-development discharges for the 2-year through 100-year recurrence
intervals.
(2) Apply the “ten percent” rule. This rule is based on the premise that at a
point downstream of a development site where the drainage area above
the development is 10 percent or less than the total drainage area at a
point downstream of the development; then impacts related to storm
water runoff from the development are minimal from this point
downstream. This rule recognizes that in addition to controlling the
Article V Section F.
Planning Design Standards Storm Water Standards
FAIRHOPE SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS 60
peak discharge from the outlet of a detention facility, these facilities
change the timing of the entire outflow hydrograph for the stream or
river in question. Where required, channel routing calculations must
proceed downstream to a confluence point where the drainage area being
analyzed represents ten percent or less of the total drainage area. At this
point, if the effect of the hydrograph routed through the proposed storage
facility on the downstream hydrograph is assessed and shown not to
increase flows in downstream hydrographs, detention can be waived. If
increased flows are found, then backwater calculations and determination
of flood elevations for the areas impacted by increased flows, if any,
must be prepared. Where downstream increases in peak flows or flood
elevations are shown, detention will be required on site to attenuate
storm water runoff from post-development to pre-development rates. In
the event that the City has developed a Comprehensive Plan for the area,
the recommendations within the Comprehensive Plan will establish the
requirements for detention. The City retains the right to require
detention in areas of known flooding when detention will not exacerbate
downstream flooding.
(3) The release rate from any detention facility should approximate that of
the site prior to the proposed development for the 2-year through 100-
year storm events, with emergency overflow capable of handling at least
the 100-year peak discharge except where waived or altered by the
Planning Commission. Design of the detention pond shall be to insure
that detention facilities will survive overtopping occurring for any
reason, including clogging of controlled outlets for the 100 year storm
event. Detention systems must be constructed during the first phase of
major developments to eliminate damage to adjacent properties during
construction. In this regard, the detention systems shall be designed to
function as sediment traps and cleaned out to proper storage volumes
before completion. If deposition of sediment has occurred, detention
systems must be restored to their design dimensions after construction is
complete and certified as part of the as-built submittal.
c. Detention facilities shall be provided with obvious and effective control
structures. Plan view, sections and details of the structure shall be included in
submittals. Sizing of the low flow pipe shall be by inlet control or hydraulic
gradient requirements. Low flow pipe shall be not smaller than eight inches
in diameter, except in parking lot and roof retention where the size shall be
designed for the particular application as approved by the Commission.
d. The overflow opening or spillway shall be designed to accept the total peak
runoff of the improved tributary area. Proper engineering judgment, with 25-
year, 50-year or greater storm frequencies considered, shall be exercised in
secondary routing of discharge greater than the basic design storm for the
protection of downstream properties.
e. Aerators are required for all retention ponds. The Public Works Director
shall approve the specifications for said aerator.
8. Post Development Water Quality Best Management Practices –
a. Storm water quality BMPs for new development and significant
redevelopment are required for projects that disturb three acres or more or
subdivisions with four or more lots. (The effective acreage for a project is
not limited to a fractional part of the total concept; even though developed in
Article V Section F.
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FAIRHOPE SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS 61
phases, it is the total area of the conceptual plans which governs). The BMPs
must be designed to achieve the goal of removing at least 80% of the average
annual post-construction total suspended solids (TSS) load. The storm water
quality BMPs will be considered in compliance with this requirement if;
(1) BMPs are sized to capture and treat the water quality treatment volume,
which is defined as the runoff volume resulting from the first 1.8 inches
of rainfall from a site; and,
(2) Appropriate structural storm water BMPs are selected, designed,
constructed, and maintained.
Storm water quality BMPs may be required on smaller projects if it is
determined in the Planning Commission’s discretion that the intensity of the
development could cause off-site storm water impacts during or after
development.
b. The storm water quality treatment goal is designed to capture 85% of the
annual storm water runoff. Storm water quality BMPs must be designed to
treat the runoff from the first 1.8 inches of rainfall. Each site’s storm water
quality treatment volume is also based on its percent impervious cover. The
treatment standard is the same for all sites unless other secondary pollutant
reduction goals are established by ADEM; for instance, through the
establishment of Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs). The storm water
quality treatment methodology to determine treatment volume is as follows:
A
WQv = P × Rv ×
12
Where:
WQv = water quality treatment volume, acre-feet
P = rainfall for the 85% storm event (1.8 inches)
Rv = runoff coefficient (see below)
A = drainage area in acres
Rv = 0.015 + 0.0092I
I = drainage area impervious cover in percent (50% imperviousness would be 50)
c. This storm water quality treatment goal is designed to give the developer
flexibility in meeting the 80% TSS reduction goal on each site. BMPs may
be selected to meet the storm water quality requirements in numerous ways
through the application of low-impact site design and layout, non-structural
BMPs, and structural BMPs.
d. The City encourages use of low-impact site design practices that reduce the
impact of development on storm water quality and quantity. Low-impact site
design practices are meant to:
(1) Minimize the impervious cover on a site,
(2) Preserve the natural infiltration ability of the site,
(3) Route storm water to “micro controls,” such as rain barrels, rain gardens, etc. that
treat small portions of site storm water from the site, and,
Article V Section F.
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(4) Minimize long-term BMP maintenance by preserving and using natural features
of the site.
e. A developer should consider low impact site design practices early in the
design process in an effort to reduce the overall water quality treatment
volume requirement. These practices tie directly into the storm water quality
program, the WQv calculation, and/or the storm water treatment volume.
These practices should only be implemented when not in conflict with other
City regulations.
f. Structural storm water controls, or Best Management Practices (BMPs), are
engineered structures designed to treat storm water or mitigate the impact
from storm water runoff. The following table presents a pre-approved listing
of structural BMP practices. These BMPs have been assigned a TSS
removal capability, based upon existing research, and can be used by
developers to meet the pollutant reduction goal of 80% TSS removal. The
structural BMPs have been divided into two categories:
(1) General application BMPs are assumed to achieve the 80% TSS reduction.
(2) Limited application BMPs which have to be used in combination with other
BMPs to achieve the 80% reduction goal. These BMPs may not be applicable
for certain sites and require frequent intensive maintenance to function properly.
Pre-Approved BMPs
BMP Removal Efficiency for
Total Suspended Solids (TSS)
Structural Control TSS Removal (%)
General Application BMPs
Wet Pond 80
Storm water Wetland 80
Bioretention Area 80
Sand Filter 80
Enhanced Swale 80
Limited Application BMPs
Filter strip 50
Grass Channel 50
Organic Filter 80
Underground Sand Filter 80
Submerged Gravel Wetland 80
Infiltration Trench 80
Gravity (Oil/Grit Separator) 40
Proprietary Structural Control Varies
Dry Detention Basin 60
g. The increase in the frequency and duration of bankfull flow conditions in
stream channels due to development is the primary cause of accelerated
streambank erosion and widening and downcutting of stream channels.
Therefore, streambank protection criterion applies to all development sites
for which there is an increase in the natural flows to downstream feeder
streams, channels, ditches, and small streams. On-site or downstream
improvements may be required for streambank protection, easements or
right-of-entry agreements also may need to be obtained.
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FAIRHOPE SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS 63
h. The developer should determine if existing downstream streambank cover is
adequate to convey storm water velocities for post-development conditions.
This can be accomplished by first obtaining post-developed velocities for the
“Streambank Protection” 2-year storm event in the downstream conveyance
system. These velocities are then compared to the allowable velocity of the
downstream receiving system. If the downstream system is designed to
handle the increase in velocity as a result of the proposed development, the
developer should provide all supporting calculations and/or documentation to
demonstrate that the downstream storm water conveyance system will not be
compromised as a result of the development.
(1) If the increased velocities are higher than the allowable velocity of the
downstream receiving system, then the developer may choose to
reinforce/stabilize the downstream conveyance system. The proposed
modifications must be designed so that the downstream post-development
velocities for the 2-, 5-, 10-, and 25-year storm events are less than or equal to
either the allowable velocity of the downstream receiving system or the pre-
development velocities, whichever is higher. The developer must provide
supporting calculations and/or documentation that downstream velocities do not
exceed the allowable range once the downstream modifications are installed.
(2) The developer may use on-site controls to keep downstream post-development
discharges at or below allowable velocity limits. The developer must provide
supporting calculations and/or documentation that the on-site controls will be
designed such that downstream velocities for the three (3) storm events are
within an allowable range once the on-site controls are installed.
(3) Another approach to meet the stream bank protection requirement is to provide
24 hours of extended detention on-site, for post-developed storm water runoff
generated by the 1-year, 24-hour rainfall event (4.5 inches) to protect
downstream channels. The required volume for extended detention is referred to
as the Streambank Protection Volume (SPV). The reduction in the frequency and
duration of bankfull flows through the controlled release provided by extended
detention of the SPV will reduce the bank scour rate and severity.
i. Stormwater BMPs with either a permanent pool of water or that will hold
storm water for an extended period of time can potentially provide mosquito-
breeding habitat. However, if structural BMPs are properly designed,
installed, and maintained, mosquito problems can be minimized. BMPs with
open water (such as storm water ponds) shall require aeration for mosquito
control. The Public Works Director shall approve the specifications for the
aerator.
9. Location and Easements -
a. Drain-ways, whether conduit or open channel, shall be located within the
right-of-way insofar as is practicable.
b. Where topography or other conditions render impracticable the inclusion of
drainage within road rights-of-way, perpetual unobstructed easements not
less than fifteen (15) feet in width shall be provided across the property with
access to the road right-of-way. Such easements shall be clearly delineated
on the plat as areas dedicated to public use as drainage easements, with
provision for maintenance by the landowners. The City shall not maintain
such easements.
Article V Section F.
Planning Design Standards Storm Water Standards
FAIRHOPE SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS 64
c. Off premises drainage easements and improvements lying outside the
proposed subdivision may be required of the Owner to handle runoff into a
natural drainage channel.
d. Where a subdivision or development is traversed by a watercourse, drain-
way, channel or stream, there shall be provided a storm-water easement
conforming substantially to the lines of such water course and of such width
and construction as is adequate for the intended purpose, including
maintenance operations.
e. No storm water detention shall be located in public right-of-way for any
private development.
10. Maintenance -
a. Acceptance for maintenance by the public of lakes or ponds which constitute a part
of storm water drainage control is generally prohibited by storm water provisions
herein. Any decision to the contrary must originate with the City Council.
b. Maintenance outside the street right-of-way shall be the responsibility of the
legal entity established by the developer for the continued maintenance of
common areas. No formal acceptance of streets and utilities shall be made by
the City Council and no building permits shall be issued until developer has
made provisions for continued maintenance of such common areas, including
off-street drainage and detention. As part of the final plat submittal, the
owner/developer shall verify in writing that a legal entity shall be responsible
for continual maintenance. In the extra-territorial jurisdiction where street
acceptance is the County's responsibility, the County Engineer may decline
to sign approval for recording of plat unless maintenance provisions meet his
approval.
c. All erosion and sedimentation protection facilities shall be regularly
maintained as required to insure that they function effectively.
d. Means for perpetual and periodic maintenance of the facilities shall be
established by the owner of the development as a condition prerequisite to
approval of the development by the Commission.
11. Required Use of Low Impact Development (LID) Techniques -
a. The use of the below LID techniques is required and is to be determined from an
entire site development perspective by the engineer of record for the project. The
design and integration of the below LID techniques shall promote the health, safety,
and general welfare of the community and shall be designed to work in a
complimentary fashion with the drainage plan for the proposed development. The
LID techniques are required within the municipal limits of the City of Fairhope and
the planning jurisdiction of the City of Fairhope based on the rain events experienced
in the area, geology, slopes, and other natural features. The design engineer is
encouraged to submit additional LID based techniques to be utilized in the proposed
development.
b. At a minimum the use of 10 (ten) of the below LID techniques is required in any and
all proposed developments where the stormwater regulations apply. The design
engineer shall rely on verifiable professional engineering judgment on which LID
techniques to deploy in each proposed development based on the particular
characteristics of the subject property. The intent of the requirements for the use of
LID techniques is that the development shall implement as many LID techniques as
practical and appropriate for the development. Plans and calculations shall show the
efficacy of each LID technique and include a quantitative analysis of their
Article V Section F.
Planning Design Standards Storm Water Standards
FAIRHOPE SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS 65
performance. Plans shall clearly identify each LID technique on a grading and
drainage plan with appropriate details and cross-references to the drainage
calculations. A proposed development may use more than 10 (ten) LID techniques as
appropriate.
c. If a project, due to the natural characteristics of the property, cannot successfully
implement any 10 (ten) of the LID techniques below the applicant may submit a
waiver request for consideration. The waiver request shall be submitted at the time
of the application and provide verifiable engineering documentation that 10 (ten) LID
techniques cannot be used. The City shall have the right, but not the obligation, to
engage such third party engineers, consultants and other professionals as necessary
and appropriate to advise the City as to whether a particular application complies
with and is otherwise in concert with this subsection 10 (a “Third Party
Professional”). In the event the City engages a Third Party Professional in
connection with a particular application, the City will forward all application
materials to the Third Party Professional along with a request for a cost estimate from
the Third Party Professional for his/her role in the review of such application. Upon
presentation by the Third Party Professional of a cost estimate to the City, the City
shall provide same to the applicant, and the applicant shall deposit with the City a
cash sum equal in amount to the cost estimate of the Third Party Professional (the
“Cash Deposit”). Upon completion of all work by the Third Party Professional
relative to such application and payment by the City of all fees and expenses of the
Third Party Professional from the Cash Deposit, if any portion of the Cash Deposit
remains, the City shall refund it to the applicant. If the Cash Deposit is insufficient to
pay the fees and costs of the Third Party Professional, the applicant shall immediately
remit to the City such funds as are necessary to make up any shortfall.
d. The Third Party Professional shall submit a finding report to the City Planning
Department. The City Planning Department shall forward a copy of the finding to
the applicant or the applicant’s agent. The City Planning Department shall include,
as part of the application materials to the Planning Commission a recommendation
regarding the waiver.
e. The Planning Commission shall consider the waiver, the applicant’s documentation,
and Third Part Professional finding and City Planning Department recommendation
and make a final determination as to the waiver request.
f. The following LID techniques are available for use by applicants given the particular
circumstances and characteristics of the proposed subdivision:
(1.) Wet Basins: The City finds the potential benefits of wet basins are, among
other items, allowing sedimentation to fall out of stormwater, attenuating
flows, assisting in evapotranspiration, and improving the stormwater quality.
Special design considerations are: groundwater elevations, large surface
areas are encouraged, special attention should be given in pervious soil,
surface area of the basin should take into account nutrient loading from
lawns for example in order to treat and improve stormwater quality to the
maximum extent possible, ensuring that an adequate base flow is provided to
maintain water levels, they are not recommended to be constructed in an in-
line facility, utilize low slopes, the use of forbays are recommended,
upstream and downstream areas shall be considered in the design in
accordance with Fairhope standards.
Recommended characteristics are: The approach slopes should be 4:1 or less
around the perimeter, side slopes 3:1 or less (below the water level, beyond
Article V Section F.
Planning Design Standards Storm Water Standards
FAIRHOPE SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS 66
the safety bench), safety bench just below water elevation (4’ wide, 6”-12”
deep), energy is dissipated prior to entering the basin, can be excavated
below the ground surface.
(2.) Rain Gardens: The City finds the potential benefits of rain gardens are,
among other items, small scale flow attenuation, infiltration, limited
evapotranspiration, allowing sediments to be trapped, and water quality
treatment.
Special design considerations are: Typically smaller areas and drainage
areas are used for rain garden design, special attention should be given in
pervious soils, recommended for use in hydrologic soil groups A and B, not
recommended in high swell soils.
Recommended characteristics are: Small scale and frequent use in drainage
areas, the choice of landscaping materials, soil mix, and other characteristics
are crucial to the success of a rain garden. Rain gardens can be highly visible
and utilized as a visual amenity in a proposed development.
(3.) Permeable Pavement Systems: The City finds the potential benefits of
permeable pavement systems are, among other items, flow attenuation,
infiltration, and filtration of stormwater. There are many products and
strategies that can be utilized and the City is open to the use of varied
products in accordance with manufacture recommendations. Consultation
with the city prior to design of the product to be utilized is suggested.
Special design consideration are: Use in areas with hydrologic soil groups A
and B, special attention should be given in pervious conditions, not
recommended in areas with high swell soils, ground water tables should not
impact the ability of water to infiltrate, the technique works best in low
slopes.
(4.) Sand Filter: The City finds that the potential benefits of sand filters are,
among other items, flow attenuation, infiltration, reducing sedimentation, and
providing filtration of storm water.
Special design considerations are: Best used in small drainage areas, special
attention should be given in pervious soils, recommended use in areas with
soils with good permeability in hydrological soil groups A and B, not
recommended in high swell soils.
(5.) Grass Swales: The City finds that the potential benefits of grass swales are,
among other items, in straining stormwater, providing limited quality
treatments, while providing some moderate flow attenuation.
Special design considerations are: Typically work best in smaller drainage
areas where volumes are reduced, special consideration should be given in
pervious soils, not recommended with high swell soils, should have low
slopes, adjacent areas and layout should be considered in the design.
Article V Section F.
Planning Design Standards Storm Water Standards
FAIRHOPE SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS 67
Suggested characteristics where topography, soils, and slope permit
vegetated open channels and spaces should be considered as a significant or a
primary means of stormwater conveyance.
(6.) Grass Buffers: The City finds that the potential benefits of grass buffers are,
among other items, in straining stormwater, providing limited quality
treatments, while providing some moderate flow attenuation.
Special design considerations are: Typically work best in smaller drainage
areas where volumes are reduced, special consideration should be given in
pervious soils, not recommended with high swell soils, should have low
slopes, adjacent areas and layout should be considered in the design.
Suggested characteristics where topography, soils, and slope permit
vegetated open channels and spaces should be considered as a significant or a
primary means of stormwater conveyance.
(7.) Constructed wetland channels or wetlands: The City finds that the potential
benefits of constructed wetland channels or wetlands are, among other
items, flow attenuation, buffering of flooding events, evapotranspiration,
sedimentation, and treatment of stormwater quality.
Special design considerations are: Not recommended in high swell soils, low
slope, forebay is recommended, primary benefit of pollutant removal, not
volume reduction, adjacent areas should be considered in the design.
(8.) Step Pool Stormwater Conveyance Structures: The City finds that a step
pool stormwater conveyance structure may attenuate stormwater flows,
provides evapotranspiration, reduce sediment transport, and water quality
treatment.
Special design considerations are: Not recommended in high swell soils.
Adjacent areas should be taken into consideration in order to ensure long
term viability of step pool structures and adjacent erosion.
(9.) In-line stormwater storage: The City finds that in-line storage may provide
for attenuation and limits sedimentation.
Special design considerations are: Designed to be self-cleaning where
possible or suitable clean out access is provided and designed into the
system, designed to surcharge non-sensitive areas with no flooding in
parking lots, structures, or other typically occupied spaces.
(10.) Site design for habitat, wetland, and water body conservation: The City finds
that site design that incorporates the natural features of the property can help
to minimize erosion and reduce stress on natural water conveyance and
attenuation systems by preserving a natural vegetated state of native plants,
water courses, and flood prone areas.
Suggested characteristics are: The technique may be used in conjunction with
the City’s planned unit development or village subdivision processes to
Article V Section F.
Planning Design Standards Storm Water Standards
FAIRHOPE SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS 68
propose alternative street layouts and design so that impervious areas and
other improvements are sited with due regard to the natural elements of the
property.
Special design considerations: To consider adjacent areas in the design since
important natural features that utilize this LID technique often extends past
property lines or the phases of proposed development.
(11.) Restoration of Habitat or Wetlands and Water Bodies: The city finds that the
restoration of habitat or wetland and water bodies can be productive to
improve the environment by minimizing erosion and reducing stress on
natural water conveyance and attenuation systems by preserving a natural
vegetated state of native plants, water courses, and flood prone areas.
Suggested characteristics are: This technique may be used in conjunction
with the City’s planned unit development or village subdivision processes to
propose alternative street layouts and design so that impervious areas and
other improvements are sited with due regard to the natural elements of the
property. Use only native plants in the development process and take special
consideration to restore portions of the site to predevelopment native
ecological communities, water bodies or wetlands with more than 10% of the
development footprint.
Special design considerations: To consider adjacent areas in the design since
important natural features that utilize this LID technique often extend past
property lines or the phases of proposed development
(12.) Greenways: The City finds that greenways provide for beneficial use of LID
for potentially active and passive recreation opportunities and wildlife
corridors. This technique allows for the creative integration into a
development proposal that is frequently linked with other natural or
recreation systems that extend past the property lines of the proposed
development.
Suggested characteristics: Typically greenways are easier to integrate into a
development proposal on larger acreages. They are frequently utilized as
linear parks and often include sensitive wetland areas, steep slopes, gullies or
other natural land forms, creeks, and unique wildlife habitat for protected
species.
(13.) Restoring Channel Morphology and Natural Function: The City finds that
restoring channel morphology and natural function provides for flow
attenuation, infiltration, and reduces sedimentation.
Special considerations are: Typically works most effectively in larger
development proposals where a substantial linear footage of channel can be
restored. It is important to consider the upstream and downstream current
and future characteristics so conversation of land use in accounted for in the
design.
Article V Section F.
Planning Design Standards Storm Water Standards
FAIRHOPE SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS 69
(14.) Bio-Retention: The City finds that bio-retention provides for flow
attenuation, infiltration, limited evapotranspiration, reduced sedimentation,
and stormwater quality treatment.
Suggested characteristics are: To be used as both a stormwater and aesthetic
feature frequently throughout developments. Special attention should be
given to plant and ground cover considerations given the volume and
duration of the designed stormwater.
Special design considerations are: Typically work best in small drainage
areas with frequent use and distribution, special attention is required in
pervious soils and should be used in areas with high permeable soils
(hydrologic soils groups A and B), not recommended in high swell soils.
(15.) Level Spreader: The City finds that level spreaders can be an effective tool
to evenly distribute flows and return volumes and velocity to a
predevelopment distribution pattern. There are limited stormwater straining
and water quality improvements.
Suggested characteristics are: Level spreaders are intended to work in a
complimentary fashion with other LID techniques such as, but not limited to,
sand filters and grass buffers.
Special design considerations are: Typically level spreaders are used
downstream of an outfall and have a low slope with stabilized and vegetated
buffers both up and downstream. They typically are installed a suitable
distance from the property line (30’-35’ is suggested) so that flow energy is
dissipated, and predevelopment sheet flow characteristics are generated.
Special consideration should be given in areas with highly erodible soils.
(16.) Additional information regarding LID techniques is included in the
document Planning For Stormwater, Developing a Low Impact Solution, a
publication of the Alabama Cooperative Extension Service. This document is
available for download from the Alabama Cooperative Extension Service
website.
G. UPSIZING:
1. Purpose – These upsizing standards shall implement the Comprehensive Plan for the
physical development of the City by setting the location, character and extent of adequate
public utilities. This design and arrangement shall promote the wise and efficient
expenditure of public funds and establish the extent to which water and sewer and other
utility mains, piping or other facilities shall be installed as condition precedent to the
approval of the plat.
These standards shall promote the following goals in the Comprehensive Plan: (a) define
priority growth areas that will guide the future extension of public infrastructure; (b)
prioritize projects that “pay their way” through covering the cost of necessary support
services; (c) require that the location and alignment of infrastructure systems are efficient
Proposed Amendment to the City of Fairhope Subdivision
Regulations
4. Planning Commission Decision -
a. After review of the proposed prelimina,y plat by the Planning Commission,
the Planning Commission may:
(1) Approve the preliminary p lat;
(2) Approve the preliminary plat with conditions;
(3) Deny the prelimi11ary plat with stated reason(s) for denial; or
(4) Table the application for further study and additional information .
b. Preliminary plat approval shall not constitute final acceptance of the
su bdivision and the approval shall not be endorsed upon the plat. As
provided by state law, these regulations require tentative or preliminary
approval of a subdivision before in stallation of streets and utilities.
c. There is no provision for automat ic preliminary approval upon the failure or
refusal of the commission to act on a preliminary plat. The applicant's
alternative in such case is to finalize the plat, post a financial guaranty as
provided by law to ensure installation of improvements and then to app ly for
final plat approval.
d. Upon approva l of the preliminary plat, the sub-divider may apply for a Preconstruction
Conference and install all required improvements in substantial
conformity of all requirements of the regulations, applicable codes, and laws, and
apply for final plat approval
e. When the flanning Commission denies a preliminary plat, no further subdivision
applications -affecting the same parcel or a portion thereof will be considered by the
Commission within 6 months 180 days from the date of such denial, unless all of the following
occur:
1. A new preliminary plat application is submitted which clearly corrects, resolves, or
mitigates all of the design standard deficiencies and/or other reasons which were the
basis of the original preliminary plat denial; and
2. A new, complete application and fees are submitted.
f. Upon the decision rendered by the Planning Commission, the Planning Department
will issue a letter to the applicant regarding the official decision of the Planning
Cmrunission.
{MB311424.l}
Strike Through represents deletions, underline in bold represents additions
FAIRHOPE SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS
Article V Section D.
C. GREENSPACE STANDARDS:
1. Purpose ‐ These greenspace standards shall implement the Comprehensive Plan for the physical
development of the City by setting the location, character and extent of playgrounds, squares, parks,
and other public grounds and open spaces to promote good civic design and arrangement. This design
and arrangement shall ensure adequate and convenient open spaces for recreation.
These standards shall promote the following goals in the Comprehensive Plan:
(a) create focal points for new and existing neighborhoods by providing appropriately located parks,
schools, parkways, and other amenities; (b) support development of recreational opportunities; (c) link
village centers to neighborhoods with a parks and trail system; (d) provide public gathering places; and
(e) include open spaces (plaza, parks, greenspace) for social activity and recreation in new infill
development.
2. Applicability and Requirements ‐ The regulations in this Section C. shall apply to any development as
dense or denser than the City R‐1 Residential Zoning District, whether or not in the City Limits.
Greenspace shall be provided as follows: 10% 15% Greenspace is required.
3. Eligible Greenspace ‐ Greenspace eligible for meeting the requirements of this section shall:
a. be usable land for public active or passive recreation purposes.
b. be located in FEMA FIRM map zones AO, A99, D, or VO.
c. not be located in any wetland areas as defined by the Federal Government.
d. not include any retention, detention or similar holding basins.
e. not include any right‐of‐way.
4. Design Requirements ‐ All eligible greenspace shall conform to the following design requirements:
a. Maximize public exposure and public access to greenspace.
b. Streets shall align adjacent to greenspace.
c. Greenspace land must be contiguous but may be bisected by local streets, sidewalks, and
pedestrian paths.
d. Greenspace must be centrally located in at the rear edge or interior of the development.
e. Greenspace shall not be located adjacent to a collector or arterial street.
f. Due regard shall be shown for all natural features such as lakes, ponds, water courses, historic
sites and other similar features which, if preserved, will add attractiveness and value to the
property.
Strike Through represents deletions, underline in bold represents additions
5. Street Design – The following are minimum standards. All construction, radii, and other specifications
of the city are required to be met.
<< Figure 5.1 >>
a. In those locations that a public street is adjacent to the required greenspace, it is permissible to
construct a street according to the following standards:
(1) ROW: 50 feet
(2) Paved: 18 feet minimum
(3) On Street Parking: Posted one side; minimum width of 7 feet for parking; spaces must be
painted on the paved surface.
(4) Signage: The street must be posted as a one‐way street.
b. In those instances where it is permissible to construct a smaller street the following design guidelines
must be adhered to:
1) There shall be no cul‐de‐sac;
Figure 5.1 – One‐way street adjacent to greenspace.
2) The street must provide thru access; and
3) Valley gutter, roll down, or saucer type curbs designed and constructed to City standards may
be used adjacent to the park area.
6. Phased Project ‐ Where a project is proposed to be phased, all or part of the greenspace areas may be
located at the edge of the first phase as long as additional greenspace from future phases will be
contiguous and in addition to that required on the first phase. All of the design requirements indicated
above shall be applicable to any and all phased development. The percentage of greenspace shall be
calculated on a cumulative basis in order to ensure that the greenspace requirement is met. Previously
dedicated greenspace shall be subtracted from the minimum total percentage to ensure that the
minimum percentage required by City is not exceeded.
7. Greenspace Maintenance ‐ All required greenspace shall be indicated on the recorded plat as a public
access and use easement. The plat must also have a note that the property is not dedicated to the City
of Fairhope and that the City of Fairhope is not responsible for maintenance of any or all required
greenspace. Lakes, ponds, watercourses or similar sites will be accepted for maintenance only if
sufficient land is dedicated as a public recreation area, park or open space. Such areas must be approved
by the Recreation Board and accepted by the City Council before approval of the plat.
8. Hardship ‐ Where there are unique and inherent characteristics of the land proposed for
development, the Planning Commission may, by vote, reduce the greenspace requirements in whole or
part. The Commission, however, may not require additional land area as is stated in Section C 2.
However, a reduction of the greenspace requirements is totally contingent on the unique qualities of
the land that are inherent, not man made, and would deprive a property owner of a reasonable return
on the use of the land. It is the sole responsibility of the property owner to portray any and all
“hardships” to the Planning Commission for final determination.
Strike Through represents deletions, underline in bold represents additions
FAIRHOPE SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS
Article IV Section H. Procedure for Plat Approval Multiple Occupancy Projects
H. MULTIPLE OCCUPANCY PROJECTS:
1. Any project that will involve or otherwise result in three (3) or more units (whether contiguous or
otherwise) being constructed on real property for occupancy, regardless of the form or type of use of
said units, unless otherwise regulated by these Regulations in another Article and/or Section hereof,
shall comply with the following terms and conditions of this Section H.
2. The Subdivider shall submit to the Planning Commission via the City of Fairhope Planning Department
a site plan for such project, which site plan must, at a minimum, comply with the following
requirements:
(a) Each site plan shall comply with the storm water requirements of Article V, Section F hereof.
(b) Each site plan shall comply with the traffic requirements of Article IV, Section C 1(h) hereof.
(c) Any and all improvements constructed in connection with the project shall be constructed
strictly in accordance with Article VI hereof.
(d) The minimum set back for any building(s) constructed in connection with a project from the
property lines shall be twenty feet (20’) on all sides for unzoned property. Property within City
of Fairhope’s corporate limits shall comply with the minimum set back requirements of the City
of Fairhope Zoning Ordinance.
(e) No building or other improvement to be constructed in connection with a project shall exceed thirty‐
five feet (35’) in height for unzoned property. The 20 foot minimum setback requirement may be
increased by the Planning Commission based on the size of the building, the location of the driveways,
and other factors. Property within the City of Fairhope corporate limits shall comply with the height
requirements of the City of Fairhope Zoning Ordinance.
(f) Each site plan shall otherwise conform to the terms of Article I, Section A hereof.
(g) Each residential Multiple Occupancy Project must conform to the standards Article V Section D. C.
Greenspace Standards.
3. Each site plan shall be submitted in accordance with the requirements of Section C and Section D of
Article IV hereof relating to preliminary and final plat submittals, respectively; provided, however, that a
Subdivider may make application for simultaneous preliminary and final plat approval.
4. The filing fee for any project regulated in accordance with this Section H of this Article IV shall be the
same as any filing fee assessed against an application for a Minor Subdivision.