Instructions for Residential Building Sites

  1. For the purpose of these instructions, the contractor is defined as any person or firm performing construction work at a construction site, including any general contractor and subcontractors. Also includes, but is not limited to, earthwork, paving, building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, landscaping contractors, and material suppliers delivering materials to the site.
  2. Prior to the beginning of construction, the contractor must determine the erosion control requirements for the site. If the site is located in a new subdivision for which the developer has prepared a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWP3), the contractor must comply with the developers SWP3 as well as these instructions.
  3. The contractor is responsible to ensure that all contractors, sub-contractors, and material suppliers comply with all erosion control requirements at the site.
  4. If the building site is located in a new subdivision, the paving contractor may have installed a back of curb erosion control device at the completion of his work. This is an acceptable back of curb device and no other device may be required at this location so long as the device is protected and properly maintained. At locations where concentrated flow results in sediments overtopping the mat or sod and getting into the street, a supplemental erosion control device must be installed behind the sod or mat. The supplemental devices would normally consist of silt fence or haybale barriers; however other devices shall be approved on a case by case basis.
  5. Black tubing, plywood, or siding as a back of curb BMP is only effective if adequately staked and dug into the ground. If light can be seen at the bottom of the device, it is properly staked or dug into the ground.
  6. The contractor must provide a stabilized construction entrance to access the site and for material delivery.
  7. If the back lot drainage is to be by rear yard swale, the contractor shall install a ditch check erosion control device at the downstream property line. These ditch checks will normally be haybales or silt fence.
  8. If the construction site is immediately adjacent to a stream, lake, or pond, the contractor will be required to install a silt fence or haybale barrier between the site and the drainage feature, unless the developer has already installed such devices.
  9. The contractor shall inform all those working on the site that it is unlawful to remove or destroy an erosion control device. Should it be absolutely necessary to remove a device for access purposes, the device will be properly replaced before the end of each workday.
  10. The contractor will inspect all erosion control devices at least once each week and after each rainfall of 0.5 inches or more and will repair any damaged devices.
  11. Any mud that gets inadvertently tracked from the building site onto an adjacent street must be cleaned up at the end of each day’s work.
  12. Concrete trucks are to wash out only in designated areas, such as pits provided by the developer. If the developer has not provided such facilities, the contractor should provide a washout pit close to the home(s) being built.
  13. The contractor will provide sufficient trash disposal facilities for the work being done. Dumpster lids will be kept closed to minimize blowing trash in the area.