Fair Haven City Zoning Code
§ 30-14.8
Safety Standards for Stormwater Management Basins.
[Amended 11-24-2025 by Ord. No. 2025-19]
a.
This section sets forth requirements to protect public safety through the proper design and operation of stormwater management BMPs. This section applies to any new stormwater management BMP.
b.
The provisions of this section are not intended to preempt more stringent municipal or county safety requirements for new or existing stormwater management BMPs. Municipal and county stormwater management plans and ordinances may, pursuant to their authority, require existing stormwater management BMPs to be retrofitted to meet one or more of the safety standards in subsections 30-14.8c1, 30-14.8c2, and 30-14.8c3 for trash racks, overflow grates, and escape provisions at outlet structures.
c.
Requirements for Trash Racks, Overflow Grates and Escape Provisions.
1.
A trash rack is a device designed to catch trash and debris and prevent the clogging of outlet structures. Trash racks shall be installed at the intake to the outlet from the Stormwater management BMP to ensure proper functioning of the BMP outlets in accordance with the following:
(a)
The trash rack shall have parallel bars, with no greater than six-inch spacing between the bars;
(b)
The trash rack shall be designed so as not to adversely affect the hydraulic performance of the outlet pipe or structure;
(c)
The average velocity of flow through a clean trash rack is not to exceed 2.5 feet per second under the full range of stage and discharge. Velocity is to be computed on the basis of the net area of opening through the rack; and
(d)
The trash rack shall be constructed of rigid, durable, and corrosion resistant material and designed to withstand a perpendicular live loading of 300 pounds per square foot.
2.
An overflow grate is designed to prevent obstruction of the overflow structure. If an outlet structure has an overflow grate, such grate shall meet the following requirements:
(a)
The overflow grate shall be secured to the outlet structure but removable for emergencies and maintenance.
(b)
The overflow grate spacing shall be no greater than two inches across the smallest dimension.
(c)
The overflow grate shall be constructed and installed to be rigid, durable, and corrosion resistant, and shall be designed to withstand a perpendicular live loading of 300 pounds per square foot.
3.
Stormwater management BMPs shall include escape provisions as follows:
(a)
If a stormwater management BMP has an outlet structure, escape provisions shall be incorporated in or on the structure. Escape provisions include the installation of permanent ladders, steps, rungs, or other features that provide easily accessible means of egress from stormwater management BMPs. With the prior approval of the municipality pursuant to subsection 30-14.8c, a free-standing outlet structure may be exempted from this requirement;
(b)
Safety ledges shall be constructed on the slopes of all new stormwater management BMPs having a permanent pool of water deeper than 2 1/2 feet. Safety ledges shall be comprised of two steps. Each step shall be four to six feet in width. One step shall be located approximately 2 1/2 feet below the permanent water surface, and the second step shall be located one to 1 1/2 feet above the permanent water surface. See subsection 30-14.8e for an illustration of safety ledges in a stormwater management BMP; and
(c)
In new stormwater management BMPs, the maximum interior slope for an earthen dam, embankment, or berm shall not be steeper than three horizontal to one vertical.
4.
The recharge or filtration system, to include simple dry wells, seepage pits, or recharge trenches, shall meet the following criteria:
(a)
Minimum of one cubic foot of storage volume exclusive of the perimeter stone shall be provided for each 12 square feet of additional roof area tributary to the dry wells.
(b)
The calculation should include stone used for the system, which shall be calculated as a 40% yard space.
Additional recharge systems or capacity may be required by the Borough Engineer, the Planning Board or Zoning Board, so as to comply with the intent of this ordinance based on a) the nature and extent of the proposed drainage from the renovation/addition, or b) due to existing storm water problems in the vicinity of the proposed development.
d.
Variance or Exemption from Safety Standard. A variance or exemption from the safety standards for stormwater management BMPs may be granted only upon a written finding by the municipality that the variance or exemption will not constitute a threat to public safety.
e.
Safety Ledge Illustration.
Elevation View — Basin Safety Ledge Configuration  |