HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance 02-2011Ordinance No. 02 -1 1
An ordinance amending the subdivision ordinance of the City of Brookings and
pertaining to erosion and the preservation of topsoil for the purposes of
administration of the subdivision ordinance
Be it ordained by the governing body of the City of Brookings, South Dakota that the
Subdivision Ordinance shall be amended as follows:
Section I.
ARTICLE 1. IN GENERAL
51.5 Definitions
Hardpan: A layer of densely packed subsoil or other organic material that severely
restricts the infiltration of water
Intermediate soil: A layer of transitional soil composed of mostly topsoil down to
mostly subsoil. It may contain nutrients and organic matter and is usually sufficient to
support some root growth.
Planting basin: An area in the boulevard that extends to within 12 inches of any abutting
sidewalk, driveway or curb.
Subsoil: A layer of mostly inorganic clay or gravel, which may include hardpan, that
normally does not support vegetative growth
Topsoil: The uppermost layer of soil that has a high concentration of organic matter
from which plant roots take their nutrients. The depth can be measured from the
surface to the intermediate layer of subsoil.
ARTICLE VI. SUBDIVISION IMPROVEMENTS AND DESIGN STANDARDS
51.65 Land Design and Improvements
(9) Erosion
Wherever possible, development plans should coincide with the existing topography in order
to create the least erosion potential. Stripping of vegetation, regrading, and cut and fill
operations should be kept to a minimum. If these activities occur to any degree within a
subdivision where soil is exposed to erosion, all exposed land that has existed or will exist for a
period of more than one year shall be reseeded with an appropriate perennial protective
vegetative cover that will remain until the land is developed. Erosion from developments or
individual building sites shall be prevented from being deposited on public streets or other
adjacent property. Ditches and drainageways shall not be disturbed without prior approval of
the City Engineer.
(II) Preservation of topsoil
All boulevards shall have a uniform, minimum planting basin depth of 12 inches of top soil or a
combination of topsoil and intermediate soil at the time of final grading. In addition, all yard
areas reserved for grass and landscape plantings shall have a minimum of 6 inches of topsoil or a
combination of topsoil and intermediate soil at the time of final grading.
Section 2.
Any or all ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed.
First Reading: February 22, 20I I
Second Reading: March 8, 2011
Published: March I I, 201 I
ari hornes, City Cler
CITY OF BROOKINGS, SD
Tim Reed, Mayor