2023-05-18 V. B. App/Proposed Ord Exhibit 2 City of Okeechobee Date: �,�1
y-ot�'�+ --Reil.tiaa-No. ,?,3-06.)-77}
General Services Department Fee Paid: N/A Jurisdiction: Plj e�
55 S.E. 3rd Avenue, Room 101 1st Hearing: 5_A_23 2nd Hearing: b_a,0
Okeechobee, Florida 39974-2903
Phone: (863) 763-3372, ext. 218 Publication Dates:
Fax: (863) 763-1686 Notices Mailed: N/P}
APPLICATION FOR TEXT AMENDMENT TO THE LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS
APPLICANT INFORMATION
1 Name of Applicant: th f b e,eechubee.
2 Mailing address: 6A SE 3rd. 14-(2i)U
3 E-mail address:
4 Daytime phone(s):
Do you own residential property within the City? ( ) Yes ( ) No
If yes, provide address(es)
5 N/a
Do you own nonresidential property within the City? ( ) Yes ( ) No
If yes, provide address(es)
6 '''/A
REQUEST INFORMATION
Request is for: ( ) Text change to an existing section of the LDRs
( ) Addition of a permitted use ( ) Deletion of a permitted use
7
( )Addition of a special exception use ( ) Deletion of a special exception use
( )Addition of an accessory use ( ) Deletion of an accessory use
Provide a detailed description of text changes to existing section(s) showing deletions in stcikeeait and
additions in underline format. (This description may be provided on separate sheets if necessary.)
Glee propked o a c u
8
LDR Amendment Application Page 1 of 3
Provide a detailed listing of use(s) to be added or deleted and the zoning district(s) and section(s) to
be changed. (This description may be provided on separate sheets if necessary.)
See IDid posed brdt(YOU_.
9
REQUIRED ATTACHMENTS
Non-refundable application fee of$500
Note: Resolution No. 98-11 Schedule of Land Development Regulation Fees and Charges -
10 When the cost for advertising publishing and mailing notices of public hearings exceeds the
established fee, or when a professional consultant is hired to advise the city on the application,
the applicant shall pay the actual costs.
Confirmation of Information Accuracy
I hereby certify that the information in this application is correct. The information included in this application is
for use by the City of Okeechobee in processing my request. False or misleading information may be
punishable by a fine of up to $500.00 and imprisonment of up to 30 days and may result in the denial of this
application.
Signature Printed Name Date
4—ao 03
For questions relating to this application packet, call General Services Dept. at (863)-763-3372, Ext. 218
•
LDR Amendment Application Page 2 of 3
FINDINGS REQUIRED FOR GRANTING A
CHANGE IN LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS
(Sec. 70-340, LDR page CD70:16 as modified for a text amendment)
It is the Applicant's responsibility to convince the Planning Board/LPA and City Council that approval of the
proposed request is justified. Specifically, the Applicant should provide in his/her application and presentation
sufficient explanation and documentation to convince the reviewing bodies to find that the proposed change
and its likely effects:
I. Are not contrary to Comprehensive Plan requirements.
2. Are compatible with the intent of the LDRs and specifically the intent of the zoning district(s)affected.
3. Will not have an adverse effect on the public interest.
4. Are appropriate for the locations proposed and reasonably compatible with other land uses allowed in the zoning
districts affected, and is not contrary or detrimental to urbanizing land use patterns.
5. Will not adversely affect property values or living conditions, or be a deterrent to the improvement or development of
other properties in the zoning district(s)affected or nearby thereto.
6. Can be suitably buffered from surrounding uses, so as to reduce the impact of any nuisance or hazard to the
neighborhood.
7. Will not create a density pattern that would overburden public facilities such as schools,streets, and utility services.
8. Will not create traffic congestion, flooding or drainage problems, or otherwise affect public safety.
9. Will not inordinately burden properties in the affected zoning districts by unnecessary restrictions.
Your responses to these findings should be as descriptive as possible. Attach additional pages as may be
necessary to adequately make your case. The City will, in the Staff Report, address the request and evaluate
it and the Applicant's submission in light of the above criteria and offer a recommendation for approval or
denial.
LDR Amendment Application Page 3 of 3
ORDINANCE NO. 23-
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA; AMENDING PART III OF
THE CITY OF OKEECHOBEE CODE OF ORDINANCES, SUBPART B-LAND
DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS, CHAPTER 78-DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS, ARTICLE
IV. — STORMWATER MANAGEMENT; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR
CODIFICATION; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE
DATE.
WHEREAS,the City Council of the City of Okeechobee, Florida, has adopted Ordinance Number 716, as amended,
known as the Land Development Regulations; and
WHEREAS,the City of Okeechobee, Florida, has a legitimate interest in periodic review of its Ordinances and Land
Development Regulations in order to address certain inconsistencies or outdated regulations contained in
the Codes; to make amendments to meet changing community standards, or to accommodate new
development; and to create new ordinance or regulation to better serve the public and to make the Code a
more consistent and easier to understand document; and
WHEREAS,the Planning Board for the City of Okeechobee, Florida, acting as the Local Planning Agency, reviewed
and discussed the proposed amendments, also known as Land Development Regulation Text Amendment
Application No. 23- - , at a duly advertised Public Hearing held on , 2023, and based on
findings of fact by the Planning Staff, hereby recommends certain changes, amendments or modifications
to the Code of Ordinances, to present to the City Council for ordinance adoption and codification; and
WHEREAS, the City Council for the City of Okeechobee, Florida, considered the recommendations by the Planning
Board and concludes that enacting such amendments to be in the best interest of its citizens of said City,
that said amendments are necessary and appropriate to make the Land Development Regulations more
consistent and responsive to the needs of the City and its citizens; and
WHEREAS,for purposes of this Ordinance, underlined type shall denote additions to and strike through shall denote
deletions from the original text;
NOW, THEREFORE, be it ordained before the City Council of the City of Okeechobee, Florida; presented at a duly
advertised public meeting; and passed by majority vote of the City Council; and properly executed by the
Mayor or designee, as Chief Presiding Officer for the City; that:
SECTION 1: Recitals Adopted. Each of the above stated recitals is true and correct and incorporated herein by
this reference:
SECTION 2: Amendment and Adoption to Chapter 78.
That the City Council for the City of Okeechobee, Florida, amends herein Part II of the Code of Ordinances, Subpart
B-Land Development Regulations, Chapter 78- Development Standards, by replacing Article IV. — Stormwater
Management, in its entirety as follows:
ARTICLE IV.—STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
Sec. 78-101 — Stormwater management.
The City of Okeechobee hereby adopts by reference the stormwater management rules of the South Florida
Water Management District, chapter 40E-4, FAC. Part 78-101 of this Code may be replaced, in whole or in
part, by a technical standards manual incorporated into this Code by resolution of Okeechobee City Council.
Until that time, the technical standards below shall govern. Standards not incorporated into the technical
standards manual shall be as below.
Sec 78-102— Local review and approval of stormwater management system.
The South Florida Water Management District provides exemptions for the need to obtain permits for
development projects and land parcels below their respective minimum area thresholds. Specifically, a
request for exemption for a project with less than ten acres of total land area must, at a minimum, contain
paving and drainage plans and calculations of the project, signed and sealed by a professional engineer,
which denotes the total land area, the total area of impervious surface, the location of any on-site wetlands,
and the location and details of the surface water management system including, but not limited to, any
lakes, culverts, pipes, exfiltration trench, discharge structures, pumps and related facilities. In addition, an
entity requesting an exemption must provide local government approval of the project and an affidavit of
ownership, along with the underlying documentation.
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Therefore, regardless of whether or not stormwater management permits are required by the South Florida
Water Management District, notwithstanding other exemptions cited in Sec. 78-105, all applications for
development are required to submit a stormwater management plan,and erosion and sediment control plan
for review and approval by the City. Those plans are to be based on the standards and criteria of the South
Florida Water Management District.
Sec. 78-103- Specialized definitions.
The following definitions shall apply to Article IV and all sections thereof and subsections thereto.
Alter or alteration. Work done on a stormwater management system other than that necessary to
maintain the system's original design and function.
Best Management Practices (BMPs). Schedules of activities, prohibitions of practices, general
good housekeeping practices, pollution prevention and educational practices, maintenance
procedures, and other management practices to prevent or reduce the discharge of pollutants
directly or indirectly to stormwater receiving waters or stormwater conveyance systems. BMPs also
include treatment practices, operating procedures, and practices to control site runoff, spillage,
leaks, sludge, water disposal, or drainage from raw materials storage.
Construction Activity. Activities subject to NPDES Construction Permits.
Detention. The collection and storage of surface water for subsequent gradual discharge.
Erosion and Sediment Control Plan. A set of plans prepared by or under the direction of a licensed
engineer indicating the specific measures and sequencing to be used to control
sediment and erosion on a site during and after construction.
Hazardous Materials. Any material, including any substance, waste, or combination thereof, which
because of its quantity, concentration, or physical, chemical, or infectious characteristics, may
cause, or significantly contribute to a substantial presence or potential hazard to human, health,
safety, property, or the environment, when improperly treated, stored, transported, disposed of, or
otherwise managed.
Existing. For purposes of the stormwater management provisions of this Code, the average
condition immediately before development or redevelopment commences.
Illicit Connection.
(1)Any drain or conveyance, whether on the surface or subsurface, which allows any illicit
discharge to enter the stormwater system including, but not limited to, any connections to
the storm drain system from indoor drains and sinks; or
(2) Any drain or conveyance connected from a commercial or industrial land use to the
storm drain system which has not been documented in plans, maps, or equivalent records
and approved by an authorized enforcement agency.
Illicit Discharge. A discharge to the storm water system within the City that is not composed entirely
of stormwater as exempted in section 78-108 of this Ordinance.
Impervious surface. A surface that has been compacted or covered with a layer of material so that
it is highly resistant to infiltration by water. It includes, but is not limited to, semi-impervious surfaces
such as compacted clay, as well as most conventionally surfaced streets, roofs, sidewalks, parking
lots and other similar structures.
Maintenance. That action taken to restore or preserve the original design and function of
any stormwater management system.
MS4 or Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System. Publicly owned conveyance or system of
conveyance (i.e. ditches curbs catch basins and underground pipes) designed to discharge
stormwater to surface waters of the State.
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System(NPDES) Stormwater Discharge Permit. A permit
issued by EPA or by a State under authority delegated pursuant to 33 U.S.C. §1342(b)) that
authorizes the discharge of pollutants to waters of the United States, whether the permit is
applicable on an individual, group, or general area-wide basis.
Non-stormwater Discharge. Any discharge to the storm drain system that is not composed entirely
of stormwater.
Natural systems. Systems which predominantly consist of or are used by those communities of
plants, animals, bacteria and other flora and fauna which occur indigenously on the land, in the soil
or in the water.
Pollutant. Anything which causes or contributes to pollution. Pollutants may include but are not
limited to paints, varnishes and solvents; oil and other automotive fluids; nonhazardous liquid and
Ordinance No. Page 2 of 9
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solid wastes and yard wastes; refuse, rubbish, garbage, litter, or other discarded or abandoned
objects; ordinances, and accumulations, so that same may cause or contribute to pollutions
floatables; pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers; hazardous substances and wastes;sewage,fecal,
coliform, and pathogens; dissolved and particulate metals; animal wastes; wastes and residues
that result from constructing a building or structure; and noxious or offensive matter of any kind.
Premises. Any building lot parcel of land or portion of land whether improved or unimproved
including adjacent sidewalks and parking strips.
Rate. Volume per unit of time.
Retention. The collection and storage of runoff without subsequent discharge to surface waters.
Sediment. The mineral or organic particulate material that is in suspension or has settled in surface
or ground waters.
Site. Generally, any tract, lot or parcel of land or combination of tracts, lots, or parcels of land that
are in one ownership, or in diverse ownership but contiguous, and which are to be developed as a
single unit, subdivision, or project.
Stormwater. The flow of water which results from, and that occurs immediately following, a rainfall.
Stormwater management system. The system, or combination of systems, designed to treat
stormwater, or collect, convey, channel, hold, inhibit, or divert the movement of stormwater on,
through and from a site.
Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan. A document which describes the Best Management
Practices (BMP's) and activities to be implemented by a person or business to identify sources of
pollution or contamination at a site and the actions to eliminate or reduce pollutant discharges to
stormwater, stormwater conveyance systems, and/or receiving waters to the maximum extent
practicable.
Stormwater runoff. That portion of the stormwater that flows from the land surface of a site either
naturally, in manmade ditches, or in a closed conduit system.
Surface water. Water above the surface of the ground whether or not flowing through definite
channels, including the following:
(1) Any natural or artificial pond, lake, reservoir, or other area which contains water and
which has a discernible shoreline; or
(2)Any natural or artificial stream, river,creek,channel,ditch,canal,conduit,culvert,drain,
waterway, gully, ravine, street, roadway, swale or wash in which water flows in a definite
direction and which has a definite flow route; or
(3) Any wetland.
Wetland. Land that is inundated or saturated by surface water or groundwater at a frequency and
duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances do or would support, a
prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. The term includes,
but is not limited to, swamp hammocks, hardwood swamps, riverine cypress, cypress ponds,
bayheads and bogs, wet prairies, and freshwater marshes.
Sec. 78-104- Relationship to other stormwater management requirements.
In addition to meeting the requirements of this Code, the design and performance of all
stormwater management systems shall comply with applicable state regulations regarding stormwater
quality(chapter 17-25 and chapter 17-302, Florida Administrative Code)or rules of the South Florida Water
Management District as appropriate.
Sec. 78-105- Exemptions.
The following development activities are exempt from these stormwater management requirements,except
that steps to control erosion and sedimentation must be taken for all development.
(1) The construction of a single-family or duplex residential dwelling unit and accessory structures
on a single parcel of land.
(2)Any development within a subdivision if each of the following conditions have been met:
(a) Stormwater management provisions for the subdivision were previously approved and
remain valid as part of a final plat or development plan; and
(b)The development is conducted in accordance with the stormwater management
provisions submitted with the final plat or development plan.
(3) Maintenance activity that does not adversely affect the quality, rate, volume or location of
stormwater flows on the site or of stormwater runoff.
(4)Action taken under emergency conditions to prevent imminent harm or danger to persons,or to
protect property from imminent fire, violent storms, hurricanes or other hazards.
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Sec. 78-106. - Stormwater management requirements.
(1) Performance standards. All development must be designed, constructed and maintained) to meet the
following performance standards:
(a) While development activity is underway and after it is completed, the characteristics of
stormwater runoff shall approximate the rate, volume, quality, and timing of stormwater runoff that
occurred under the site's natural unimproved or existing state, except that the first one inch or the
total runoff of 2.5 times the percentage impervious, whichever is greater, of stormwater runoff shall
be retained in an off-line dry or wet retention system or according to other best management
practices.
(b) The proposed development and development activity shall not violate the water quality
standards as set forth in chapter 17-3, Florida Administrative Code.
(c)All commercial or industrial development shall provide 0.5 inches of stormwater pretreatment in
a dry retention area in addition to subsection 1, above.
(d) Dry retention and detention systems shall be designed with the wet season water table at least
one foot below the bottom surface of the treatment area.
(e) Wet detention systems shall have water depths no more than ten feet, unless specifically
accepted by the City, and side slopes of 4:1 from proposed finished grade to two feet below the
control elevation.
(2) Design standards, systemwide. To comply with the foregoing performance standards the
proposed stormwater management system shall conform to the following design standards:
fa) Detention and retention systems shall be designed to comply with the appropriate standards
set out in the South Florida Water Management District's Permit Information Manual, Volume IV,
Management and Storage of Surface Waters.
(b) The proposed stormwater management system shall be designed to accommodate the
stormwater that originates within the development and stormwater that flows onto or across the
development from adjacent lands.
(c) The proposed stormwater management system shall be designed to function indefinitely if
properly maintained and shall comply with subsections 78-107(A) and 78-107 (B) of this Code.
(d)The design and construction of the proposed stormwater management system shall be certified
as meeting the requirements of this Code by a professional engineer registered in the State of
Florida.
(e) A Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan certified as meeting the requirements of this Code by
a professional engineer registered in the State of Florida shall be submitted with the
proposed stormwater management system.
(f) No surface water may be channeled or directed into a sanitary sewer.
(q) The proposed stormwater management system shall be compatible with the stormwater
management facilities on surrounding properties or streets, taking into account the possibility that
substandard systems may be improved in the future.
jh) The banks of detention and retention areas should be sloped to accommodate and should be
planted with appropriate vegetation.
(i) Natural surface waters shall not be used as sediment traps during or after development.
(I) For aesthetic reasons and to increase shoreline habitat,the shorelines of detention and retention
areas shall be sinuous rather than straight.
Jk) Water reuse and conservation shall, to the maximum extent practicable, be achieved by
incorporating the stormwater management system into irrigation systems serving the development.
(I) Vegetated buffers of sufficient width to prevent erosion shall be retained or created along the
shores, banks or edges of all natural or manmade surface waters.
(m) In phased developments the stormwater management system for each integrated stage of
completion shall be capable of functioning independently as required by this Code.
(n) All detention and retention basins, except natural water bodies used for this purpose, shall be
accessible for maintenance from streets or public rights-of-way.
(o)All drainage systems will provide best management practices (BMP) for water quality.
(3) Design standards, streets and swales.
(a) Valley curb. Valley curb shall be 24 inches wide with a minimum thickness of six inches at the
center, with a three-inch rise to the back of the curb and one inch to the pavement edge, 3,000 psi
concrete used throughout. Design to be submitted to the City for approval.
(b) Curb and gutter. Curb shall be 12 inches deep, five-inch top width with a six-inch-deep, one-
inch-wide reveal on the face. Gutter shall be six inches deep, 18 inches wide with a slope of one
inch to one foot, 3,000 psi concrete used throughout. Design to be submitted to the City for
approval.
(c) Vertical curb. Vertical curb without gutters shall be six inches wide, 18 inches deep with six-inch
curb above pavement, 3,000 psi concrete used throughout. Design to be submitted to the City for
approval.
(d) Culvert pipe. Culvert pipe shall be reinforced concrete pipe, asphalt coated corrugated metal
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pipe, aluminum pipe, or approved equivalent. Culvert pipe not subjected to wheel traffic loads may
be of nonreinforced concrete, asphalt coated corrugated metal pipe or such aluminum pipe
conforming to specifications of AASHTO.
(e) Headwalls. All culverts under roadways shall have headwalls made of reinforced concrete or
concrete block with reinforcement, or other approved structures. Where shallow swale ditches
intersect deeper drainage ditches, erosion control shall be provided by use of culvert pipes,
concrete swales, sandbag riprap, headwalls with spillways, or other suitable means approved to by
the City.
a. Sandbag riprap. The sandbag riprap mixture shall contain at least one part cement to
five parts of clean sand. Construction methods shall comply with FDOT standards
b. The proposed design of reinforced concrete headwalls shall be submitted for approval
of the City.
c. The proposed design of reinforced concrete block headwalls shall be submitted for
approval of the City.
6. Manholes and junction boxes. All manholes or junction boxes shall be a minimum of four feet
inside diameter at the base with straight walls or corbelled a maximum of four inches in one foot,
with steps and suitable cover for access. All inverts are to be formed to a minimum of one-half the
pipe diameter. Proposed designs shall be submitted for approval of the City.
7. Catchbasins. All catchbasins shall have a minimum inside area of ten square feet with straight
walls and suitable access either through removable grates or manhole covers. Proposed designs
shall be submitted for approval of the City.
8. Valley crossings in streets. Valley crossings in streets shall not be permitted.
9. Underdrains.
a. Underdrains for curb and gutter construction. Where road construction incorporates
curbs and gutters, underdrains shall be installed if the bottom of the curb is less than 24
inches above the existing water table unless the lack of such underdrains is demonstrated
to meet the standard specifications on subsurface drainage of the Okeechobee County
department of engineering. The underdrains shall be 18 inches outside of the street line or
curb and a minimum of 18 inches below the bottom of the base or curb with a slope to a
positive outfall.
b. Underdrains for roadside swale construction. Where road construction incorporates
swale construction, underdrains shall be installed if the water table is less than 24 inches
below the invert of the swale unless the lack of such underdrains is demonstrated to meet
standard specifications on subsurface drainage of the Okeechobee County department of
engineering,
c. Underdrain specifications. Pipe used for underdrains shall have a minimum diameter of
four inches. Suitable plastic,vitrified clay, bituminous fiber,concrete, asphalt coated metal,
or other pipes approved by the City. Underdrain pipe construction shall be suitable for the
purpose and the rock, slag or other materials used for pipe beds shall be as approved by
the City.
10. Swale ditches.
a. Swale ditch geometry. Swale drainage will have a maximum side slope of one to four.
The minimum shoulder width shall be five ft. on both sides. Ditches shall be located within
the rights-of-way, except that provided a backslope of one to four has been allowed for in
the right-of-way, a flatter backslope extending beyond the right-of-way may be permitted.
Minimum bottom width of swale shall be one-foot, minimum depth of swale shall be eight
inches.
b. The minimum road right-of-way where roadside swale drainage is to be employed may
be computed by the following formula:
W = P + 2(8D + 1) +2B
Where:
W= Right-of-way width in feet
P = Width of paving in feet
B = Width of shoulder(berm) in feet
D = Maximum width of swale in feet
c. Swale ditch erosion protection. Swale ditches shall be provided with permanent erosion
protection. Such protection may be turf, using an approved type grass, or approved type
of pavement liner may be utilized. When turf, using an approved type protection is used,
the swale ditches shall be sodded, sprigged or seeded a lateral distance extending from
within one foot of the road pavement to the top of the swale ditch backslope. Mulching in
accordance with the Okeechobee County department of engineering standards shall be
acceptable.
d. Driveways across swale ditches. Driveways across swale ditches shall be constructed
to conform to the swale profile.
e. Swales for drainage in subdivisions shall have bottoms two feet above high water table.
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Sec. 78-107 - Dedication or maintenance of stormwater management systems.
A. Dedication. If a stormwater management system approved under this Code will function as an integral
part of the City-maintained regional system, as determined by the City, the City shall have the option of
requiring that the facilities be dedicated to the City. In no event shall any stormwater management system,
including lakes, canals, and waterways, be granted, conveyed or dedicated to the City without the consent
of the Okeechobee City Council.
B. Maintenance by an acceptable entity.
1. All stormwater management systems that are not dedicated to the City shall be operated and
maintained by one of the following entities:
a. An active water control district created pursuant to F.S. ch. 298 or drainage district
created by special act,or community development district created pursuant to F.S.ch. 190,
or special assessment district created pursuant to F.S. ch. 170.
b. A state or federal agency.
c.An officially franchised, licensed or approved communication, water, sewer, electrical or
other public utility.
d. The property owner or developer if:
(1) Written proof is submitted in the appropriate form by either letter or resolution,
that a governmental entity or such other acceptable entity, as set forth in
paragraphs a—c above, will accept the operation and maintenance of
the stormwater management and discharge facility at a time certain in the future.
(2) A bond or other assurance of continued financial capacity to operate and
maintain the system is submitted.
e. For-profit or nonprofit corporations including homeowners' associations, property
owners' associations, condominium owners' associations or master associations if:
(1) The owner or developer submits documents constituting legal capacity and a
binding legal obligation between the entity and the City affirmatively taking
responsibility for the operation and maintenance of the stormwater management
facility.
(2) The association has sufficient powers reflected in its organizational or
operational documents to:
(a) Operate and maintain the stormwater management system as
permitted by the City.
(b) Establish rules and regulations.
(c) Assess members.
(d) Contract for services.
(e) Exist perpetually, with the articles of incorporation providing that if the
association is dissolved, the stormwater management system will be
maintained by an acceptable entity as described above.
2. If a project is to be constructed in phases, and subsequent phases will use the same stormwater
management facilities as the initial phase or phases, the operation/maintenance entity shall have
the ability to accept responsibility for the operation and maintenance of
the stormwater management systems of future phases of the project. In any event, the
backbone stormwater management system shall be constructed for the entire protect.
3. In phased developments that have an integrated stormwater management system, but employ
independent operation/maintenance entities for different phases, the operation/maintenance
entities, either separately or collectively, shall have the responsibility and authority to operate and
maintain the stormwater management system for the entire project. That authority shall include
cross easements for stormwater management and the authority and ability of each entity to enter
and maintain all facilities,should any entity fail to maintain a portion of the stormwater management
system within the project.
4. The applicant shall be an acceptable entity and shall be responsible for the operation and
maintenance of the stormwater management system from the time begins until
the stormwater management system is dedicated to and accepted by another acceptable entity.
C. Off-site stormwater conveyance systems. Where a private off-site stormwater management or
conveyance system is required to obtain a final development order pursuant to the provisions of this Code,
perpetual easements shall be obtained by the developer. The easements required by this subsection shall
provide the City with the right, but not the obligation to maintain the conveyance or stormwater management
system located thereon.
Sec. 78-108- Prohibition of Illicit Discharge
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A. No person shall directly or indirectly cause an illicit discharge to enter the stormwater system.
Categories of illicit discharges include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. Petroleum products including, but not limited to, oil, gasoline, and grease
2. Solid waste or sanitary sewage
3. Chemicals including, but not limited to, fertilizers and pesticides
4. Paints, solvents, or degreasers
5. Concrete slurry
6. Laundry wastes or soaps
7. Antifreeze and other automotive products
8. Soil
9. Leaves, branches, and other yard/landscaping waste
10. Construction materials
11. Toxic or poisonous solids or liquids
12. Solids or suspended solids in such quantities or of such size capable of causing
interference or obstruction to the flow in the stormwater system.
B. The following categories of non-stormwater discharges are exempt from discharge prohibitions
established by this Section provided they do not cause a violation of water quality standards as determined
by the State of Florida:
1. Water line flushing
2. Irrigation water
3. Diverted stream flows
4. Rising ground waters
5. Uncontaminated groundwater infiltration as defined at 40 CFR 35,2005(20), its
amendments,or its successor statutes, currently defined as"Water other than wastewater
that enters a sewer system (including sewer service connections and foundation drains)
from the ground through such means as defective pipes, pipe joints, connections, or
manholes. Infiltration does not include, and is distinguished from, inflow(.)"
6. Discharges from potable water sources
7. Foundation drains
8. Air conditioning condensate
9. Springs
10. Water from crawl space pumps
11. Footing drains
12. Lawn watering runoff
13. Water from individual residential car washing
14. Flows from riparian habitats and wetlands
15. Dechlorinated swimming pool discharges
16. Residual street wash water
17. Discharges from bona fide agricultural activities that conform to
18. best management practices
19. Discharges or flows from firefighting activities
20. Discharges specified in writing by the City as being necessary to protect public health,
safety and welfare.
21. Discharge(s) pursuant to a NPDES permit.
Sec. 78-109- Prohibition of Illicit Connections
The construction, use, maintenance or continued existence of illicit connections to the stormwater system is
prohibited.
Sec. 78-110 - Reporting of Illicit Discharges and Illicit Connections
Upon discovery of an illicit discharge or an illicit connection,the person(s)responsible for the illicit discharge
or the illicit connection shall report his or her findings immediately to the City.
Sec. 78-111 - Enforcement, Penalties, and Liability for Pollution Abatement
A. The provisions of this Ordinance shall be enforced as provided in Chapter 18 of the City of
Okeechobee Code of Ordinances and any amendment(s) thereto.
B. No person shall oppose, obstruct or resist any enforcement officer, designated City staff, or any
person authorized by the enforcement officer or designated City staff in the discharge of his or her duties,
as provided in this Ordinance.
C. Any person responsible for an illicit connection, or an illicit discharge, to the stormwater system, is
subject to fine(s) and shall be responsible to pay both the necessary expenses incurred in evaluating,
Ordinance No. Page 7 of 9
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treating, and disposing of pollutant materials and also the reasonable cost of repairs. A lien may be placed
against the land on which the violation exists and upon any other real or personal property owned by the
violator.
D. The remedies and penalties provided in this Ordinance are not exclusive, and the City may seek
whatever other remedies are authorized by statute, at law, or in equity against any person who violates the
provisions of this Ordinance.
Sec 78-112—Accidental Discharges
A. Notwithstanding other requirements of law, as soon as any person responsible for a facility or
operation, or responsible for emergency response for a facility or operation has information of any known
or suspected release of materials which are resulting or may result in illegal discharges or pollutants
discharging into stormwater, the storm drain system or waters of the U.S. said person shall take all
necessary steps to ensure the discovery, containment, and cleanup of such release. In the event of such a
release of hazardous materials said person shall immediately notify emergency response agencies of the
occurrence via emergency dispatch services 911. In the event of a release of hazardous materials, said
person shall notify the authorized enforcement agency in person or by phone or facsimile no later than the
next business day.
Notifications in person or by phone shall be confirmed by written notice addressed and mailed to City of
Okeechobee within three business days of the phone notice. If the discharge of prohibited materials
emanates from a commercial or industrial establishment, the owner or operator of such establishment shall
also retain an on-site written record of the discharge and the actions taken to prevent its recurrence. Such
records shall be retained for at least three years.
Sec 78-112- Erosion and Sediment Control Plan
A. No person may engage in construction activity until a plan has been submitted for erosion and
sediment control and such plan has been approved by the City Public Works Department or designee. The
plan must address all applicable BMPs for erosion control and shall include a statement that any land
clearing construction or development involving the movement of earth shall be in accordance with the
Erosion and Sediment Control Plan and that a certified contractor shall be on site on all days when land
disturbing activity takes place
Sec 78-113— Erosion Control Standards
A. Clearing except that necessary to establish sediment control devices shall not begin until all
sediment control devices have been installed and have been stabilized Clearing techniques that retain
natural vegetation and drainage patterns shall be implemented to the satisfaction of the City Public Works
Department or designee.
B. Grading erosion control practices sediment control practices and waterway crossings shall be
adequate to prevent transportation of sediment from the site and be maintained to project completion to the
satisfaction of the City Public Works Department or designee.
C. The angle for graded slopes and fills shall not be greater than the angle which can be retained by
vegetative cover or other adequate erosion control devices or structures generally 41or less Slopes left
exposed will within ten 10 working days of completion of any phase of grading be planted or otherwise
provided with ground cover devices or structures sufficient to prevent erosion.
D. Groundcover sufficient to restrain erosion must be planted or otherwise provided within ten 10
working days on portions of cleared land upon which further construction activity is not being undertaken
within thirty 30 days of clearing.
E. Vegetative cover or other erosion control devices or structures used to meet these requirements
shall be properly maintained during and after construction.
F. Temporary seeding or sodding adequate covering or chemical application on exposed soils
including stockpiles of topsoil sand or other construction fill shall be used where delays in construction of
more than seven 7 days are anticipated.
G. The operator of any construction project that disturbs one acre or more or is part of the larger
common plan of development or sale which disturbs one acre or more is required to obtain the proper
stormwater permit from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and to comply with all the terms
and conditions of the permit in addition to any City requirements. The operator shall maintain a copy of the
permit on-site for review by any authorized official upon request.
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H. Waste generated onsite including but not limited to discarded building materials concrete truck
wash out chemicals litter and sanitary waste must be stored secured or otherwise controlled to the
maximum extent practicable to prevent adverse impacts to water quality.
Sec 78-114—Exemptions
A. Any emergency activity necessary for the protection of life property or natural resources maintenance and repair work
to the City's MS4 permitted mining operations and existing nursery and agricultural operations conducted as a permitted main or
accessory use provided such activities do not contribute to any on site generated erosion or degradation of lands or water beyond
the boundaries of the property or area are exempt from this chapter.
SECTION 3: CONFLICT. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.
SECTION 4: INCLUSION IN THE CODE. It is the intention of the City Council, and it is hereby ordained that the
provisions of this Ordinance shall become and be made a part of the Code of the City of Okeechobee.
SECTION 5: SEVERABILITY. If any provision or portion of this ordinance is declared by any court of competent
jurisdiction to be void, unconstitutional, or unenforceable, then all remaining provisions and portions of this
ordinance shall remain in full force and effect.
SECTION 6: EFFECTIVE DATE. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon its passage.
INTRODUCED for First Reading and set for Final Public Hearing on this day of
Dowling R. Watford, Jr., Mayor
ATTEST:
Lane Gamiotea, CMC, City Clerk
PASSED AND ADOPTED after Second and Final Public Hearing this day of 2023.
Dowling R. Watford, Jr., Mayor
ATTEST:
Lane Gamiotea, CMC, City Clerk
REVIEWED FOR LEGAL SUFFICIENCY:
John J. Fumero, City Attorney
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