A.

Drainage Improvements Required

Drainage Systems which may include but are not limited to culverts, storm sewer piping, catch basins, drop inlets, junction boxes, headwalls, gutter, swales, channels, and ditches, shall be provided for the protection of public right-of-way and private properties adjoining project sites and/or public rights-of-way. Drainage systems that are designed to carry runoff from more than one (1) parcel, existing or proposed, shall meet the requirements of these regulations.

B.

Standard Specifications

Unless otherwise specifically set forth herein, all of the materials, methods of the construction, and workmanship for the work covered in reference to drainage system construction shall conform to the most recent Standard Specifications of the Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT). For roads constructed with public funds, either wholly or in part, or for roads classified as Major Collectors or Arterials, materials which meet the Georgia DOT design standards shall be used unless an alternative is specifically approved by the Walton County Road Department.

C.

Design Criteria—General

1.

All drainage system design calculations shall be certified by a Registered Professional Engineer or Landscape Architect, licensed in the State of Georgia.

2.

The methods utilized in calculating storm water runoff and peak flows from any drainage basin or basins, shall be appropriately selected based on the relative size of each basin and best engineering practice. Recommended hydrologic methods and basin size limitations are presented below.

3.

All portions of a drainage system, which drain areas falling within a specific category above, shall be analyzed using the same methodology.

4.

Run-off coefficients used for the Rational Method and runoff Curve Numbers used for the SCS Method shall be consistent with those shown in the Manual for Erosion and Sediment Control in Georgia, latest edition.

5.

Culverts carrying live streams shall extend to where the crown of the pipe intersects the roadway slope. Pipes that do not carry live streams shall extend at least fifty (50) feet beyond the front building setback lines, and may be required to extend farther where necessary to provide an adequately protected building site on the property. In nonresidential subdivisions, these pipes may temporarily end at the right-of-way line, but shall be extended as part of a subsequent development permit approved for the individual site. The length requirement, however, shall be subject to requirements for maintaining stream buffers in accordance with Georgia law or County regulations.

6.

No drainage system piping shall be installed beneath or within the load bearing soil strata supporting and building or structure.

D.

Design Criteria—Cross Drain Culverts (Streams or Major Drainage Channels)

1.

Cross drain culverts or pipe systems designed to convey water from one side of a public right-of-way to the other shall be designed to pass the fully developed peak flow associated with a 100-year storm with at least one and one-half (1.5) feet of freeboard between the 100-year ponding elevation and the centerline of the road, without raising the 100-year flood elevation on upstream properties. Fully developed flows shall be based on the Future Land Use Plan adopted by the Board of Commissioners.

2.

The 100-year ponding limits at and upstream of the culvert shall be shown on the Development Plans and on the Final Plat (if applicable).

3.

The minimum allowable culvert diameter shall be eighteen (18) inches. Culvert design shall include a thorough analysis of both inlet and outlet control conditions.

E.

Design Criteria—Longitudinal Storm Sewer Piping

1.

The preliminary design (initial pipe sizing and profile design) of longitudinal pipe collection systems shall be based upon conveyance of the peak flows associated with a fully developed 25-year storm with the hydraulic grade line (HGL) being one (1) foot or more below the top of each structure, gutter line or proposed final ground surface elevation, whichever is lowest. All longitudinal piping within a FEMA identified floodplain shall be sized to adequately convey the 100-year frequency storm event.

2.

The minimum allowable pipe diameter shall be eighteen (18) inches.

3.

Storm sewer inlets or catch basins shall be provided and spaced so that the gutter spread for a ten-year design flow shall not exceed the following, as measured from the face of the curb:

a.

Four (4) feet or less based on the requirements of the Georgia DOT Drainage Manual, if the street is classified as a Major Collector or Arterial Street;

b.

Six (6) feet if the street is classified as a Minor Collector; or

c.

Fourteen (14) feet at any given section, but in no case greater than eight (8) feet on one side of the street, if the street is classified as a Local Street.

4.

Gutter spread calculations shall be submitted to the Planning and Development Department for review and approval.

5.

Complete pipe sizing, flow, velocity, and hydraulic grade line computations, shall be provided for all portions of a piped collection system. Hydraulic grade lines shall be shown on the storm drainage profiles contained with the Development Plans for the 25-year storm.

F.

Energy Dissipation—Piped Systems and Culverts

1.

Energy dissipation devices, such as splash pads, rip-rap, stilling basins, etc., shall be provided at the outlet of every culvert and piped collection system. Outlet protection shall be in accordance with the Manual for Erosion and Sediment Control in Georgia, latest edition.

2.

Energy dissipation devices shall be located entirely within the project site no closer than twenty (20) feet from any property line, and shall not encroach upon any required buffer.

3.

When uniform, graded stone rip-rap is used for energy dissipation, ultraviolet resistant filter fabric (200-pound test) shall be used between the stone layers.

G.

Pipe Material Specifications

Pipe materials shall be provided in accordance with the Selection Guidelines for Storm Sewer Piping, based on application, traffic and flow conditions (See Standard Design and Construction Details).

1.

Corrugated steel pipe and pipe arches shall conform to the requirements of AASHTO M-36, and shall be Aluminized Type II or Galvanized.

a.

Galvanized corrugated steel pipe shall have a minimum zinc coating of two (2) ounces per square foot, with an additional full bituminous coating. A zinc coating or four (4) ounces per square foot or greater, may be provided in lieu of a full bituminous coating.

b.

Aluminized Type II coated steel pipe shall comply with AASHTO M274 for coating requirements, and AASHTO M-36 for the pipe fabrication

c.

No corrugated steel pipe may be utilized in a flowing stream application, with the exception of minor limited applications as provided in the Selection Guidelines for Storm Sewer Piping (See Standard Design and Construction Details).

d.

The gauge, diameter, and corrugation configurations for corrugated steel pipe and pipe arches shall be in accordance with Georgia DOT Standard 1030-D.

e.

Each end of each pipe section, to be joined by a coupling band, shall have a minimum of two (2) annular corrugations. Coupling bands shall be so constructed as to lap on an equal portion of each of the pipe sections to be connected. The connecting bands shall have a minimum of four (4) annular corrugations and shall fully engage, over the entire pipe periphery, two (2) corrugations on each pipe end. Bands shall be fabricated from the same material as is the pipe, and the gauges shall be as specified in Section 9.2 of AASHTO M-36.

f.

Gaskets may be required as determined by the County Inspector in the field and shall be either sleeve type or O-ring type, and shall meet the requirements for gaskets as specified in Section 9.3 of AASHTO M-36.

g.

Corrugated steel pipe laid at slopes of less than one percent (1%) shall have a paved invert.

h.

Reinforced concrete pipe joints shall be not less than eight-foot in length. All joints shall be bell and spigot type, using an O-ring gasket conforming to ASTM C-443. Pipe shall be manufactured in accordance with AASHTO M170 and/or ASTM C-76. Class of pipe and wall thickness shall be in accordance with Georgia DOT 1030-D.

i.

Corrugated aluminum alloy pipe shall comply with AASHTO M196 for material and fabrication.

(1)

The gauge, diameter, and corrugation configurations for corrugated aluminum alloy pipe and pipe arches shall be in accordance with Georgia DOT Standard 1030-D.

(2)

Each end of each pipe section, to be joined by a coupling band, shall have a minimum of two (2) annular corrugations. Coupling bands shall be so constructed to lap on an equal portion of each of the pipe sections to be joined. The connecting bands shall have a minimum of four (4) annular corrugations and fully engage, over the entire pipe periphery, two (2) corrugations on each pipe. Bands shall be fabricated from the same material as the pipe. The minimum band gauges for aluminum alloy pipe shall be as specified in AASHTO M196, Section 19.

(3)

Gaskets may be required as determined by the County Inspector in the field, and shall be either sleeve type or O-ring type and shall meet the requirements for gaskets as specified in AASHTO M-36, Section 9.3.

j.

Structural plate drainage structures shall conform to the following specifications:

(1)

Corrugated steel structural plate pipe, pipe arches, and arches shall consist of galvanized plates, bolts and nuts of the size, shape and thickness as shown on the approved plans. These structures shall conform to the requirements of AASHTO M167.

(2)

Corrugated aluminum alloy structural plate pipe, pipe arches and arches shall consist of aluminum plates and galvanized bolts and nuts of the size, shape and thickness as shown on the approved plans. These structures shall conform to the requirements of AASHTO M219.

k.

Corrugated High Density Polyethylene Pipe—Smooth Lined Type "S".

(1)

This specification is applicable to nominal sizes eighteen (18) inches through thirty-six (36)) inches diameter. Requirements for test methods, dimensions, and markings of pipe sizes eighteen (18) inches through thirty-six (36)) inches diameter are those found in AASHTO Designation M294. HDPE pipe manufacturers shall be approved by the Georgia Department of Transportation.

(2)

Pipe and fittings shall be made of polyethylene compounds that meet or exceed the requirements of Type III, Category 4 or 5, Grade P33 or P34, Class C per ASTM D-1248 with the applicable requirements defined in ASTM D-1248. Corrugated fittings may be either molded or fabricated by the manufacturer. Fittings supplied by manufacturers other than the supplier of the pipe shall not be permitted without prior approval from Walton County.

(3)

Joints shall be made with split couplings, corrugated to engage the pipe corrugations, and shall engage a minimum of four (4) corrugations, two (2) on each side of the pipe joint. Where required by Walton County, a neoprene gasket shall be utilized with the coupling to provide a soil tight joint. Gaskets shall conform to ASTM F-477.

(4)

Installation shall be in accordance with ASTM Recommended Practice D-2321 or as specified by Walton County. Certification from the manufacturer that the product was manufactured, tested, and supplied in accordance with this specification shall be furnished to Walton County upon request.

H.

Pipe Installation Standards

Reinforced concrete pipe, corrugated steel and aluminum alloy pipe shall be bedded and backfilled in the same manner. Corrugated high-density polyethylene pipe shall be bedded and backfilled in accordance with the Georgia DOT Standard Specifications. In addition, prior to approval of a Final Plat, the County may require the submittal of certification from a mandrel testing agency indicating that any HDPE pipe installed does not exceed seven and one-half percent (7.5%) deflection.

1.

Pipe Bedding — All piping and structures shall be placed on stable earth or fine granular foundation, the characteristics of which would be expected to provide long-term stability. In all live stream pipe installations, in areas of low bearing solid or non-uniform foundations, in areas where rock is encountered at the foundation level, or in other locations where conditions warrant, a minimum of six (6) inches of crushed stone bedding is required, (maximum size of stone shall be three-quarter (¾) inches). Geo-textiles or geo-grids may also be required by the County Inspector in unstable materials.

2.

Backfilling — Backfill on all pipe installations shall be constructed using foundation backfill material Type I or Type II, as specified in Georgia DOT Standards 812.01 and 812.02 respectively. These materials shall be placed in layers of not more than six (6) inches loose. Compaction of these materials shall be accomplished by hand tamping or machine tamping. Required compaction levels are as follows:

a.

Backfill within all street rights-of-way shall be compacted to ninety-eight percent (98%) maximum

b.

Backfill in all other areas shall be compacted to ninety-five percent (95%) maximum density, tested using the AASHTO Method T-99.

3.

Construction Loads and Minimum Cover — The minimum cover for any pipe or culvert shall be two (2) feet or one-half the inside diameter plus six (6) inches, whichever is greater. Minimum cover shall be measured from subgrade elevations, to ensure adequate pipe protection from construction loads.

4.

Inspection of Pipe Installation — All pipe shall be installed in a straight approach in strict accordance with the lines and grades shown in the approved construction drawings. The County Inspector shall provide periodic inspections of all drainage system installation, to ensure compliance with these Regulations. No cross drain piping or piping under the proposed paved surface shall be completely backfilled prior to the inspection of all pipe joints, bedding, initial backfill and compaction up to the pipe center line. A final inspection and approval of all pipe installation shall be required at the completion of construction activities, and prior to Final Plat approval.

I.

End Finish

Headwalls or other end treatments are required on all culverts (except under residential driveways) and at the outlet of all piped collection systems.

1.

Headwalls shall be pre-cast concrete or poured-in-place, with adequate steel reinforcement and concrete footings. Headwalls shall be required at any pipe inlet where erosion protection and slope stabilization is required.

2.

Flared end sections shall be concrete or zinc coated metal only, in accordance with Georgia DOT Standard 1120. Tapered end cuts on metal pipe may be permitted in lieu of flared end sections, at the discretion of the Planning and Development Department.

J.

Junction Boxes and Catch Basins

1.

General Requirements — A junction box, catch basin or other approved drainage structure shall be provided at all points where a change in the horizontal or vertical alignment of any pipe segment occurs, or at intervals not to exceed three hundred (300) feet. The change in directional flow in any junction box or catch basin shall not be greater than ninety (90) degrees.

2.

Junction boxes, catch basins, inlets, and all other accessible drainage structures shall be constructed of pre-cast reinforced concrete, minimum four (4) feet in diameter or larger. Structures shall be properly sized (diameter) and pre-cored (inlets and outlets) based on the diameter(s) of piping to be connected. All pre-cast drainage structures with a finished depth greater than four (4) feet, shall be provided with accessible polypropylene composite steps spaced at not more than twelve (12) inches vertically on center. All pre-cast drainage structures shall include a metal ring and cover, to provide access for maintenance personnel. Junction boxes shall require a Standard 310 (traffic rated) ring and cover, which shall either be cast in or grouted to the cone section.

3.

Catch basins shall be constructed in accordance with Georgia DOT Standards 1033D (Single Wing) or 1034D (Double Wing). All catch basins located along the radius of any cul-de-sac shall be constructed in accordance with Georgia DOT Standard 1033F or 1034F (Off Set). Catch basins shall require a reinforced pre-cast "round to square" adapter set at a depth of not less than six (6) inches below the gutter elevation, to provide additional gutter clearance and throat support. The throat and top of each catch basin shall be cast in place, and the edge of the top facing the travel lane shall include chamfered edges to prevent possible tire damage. The vertical opening of any catch basin, measured at the gutter line, shall not be less than six (6) inches or greater than eight (8) inches. Each catch basin top shall include a metal ring and cover (Standard 1033) to provide access for maintenance personnel.

4.

Curb Inlets — The use of hood and grate curb inlets, in accordance with Georgia DOT Standard 1019, may be used along curb radii less than twenty-five (25) feet, but shall not be used in any cul-de-sac turn around or at the low point of any sag vertical curve draining more than three hundred (300) linear feet of road surface.

5.

Finish — Drainage structures shall be set at the proper location, and installed plumb. The tops of all drainage structures shall match final grade. The pipe end at the connection to any drainage structure shall not extend more than six (6) inches past the interior wall of the structure, when measured at the centerline of the pipe. All pipe end connections shall be adequately sealed with a non-shrink grout. All sediment and debris shall be removed from each structure prior to final inspection and approval. All drainage structures that are damaged during construction activities, shall be repaired and or replaced, at the discretion of the County Inspector.

K.

Special Structures

The use of special structures such as natural bottom arches and box culverts are subject to the review and approval of the Director. Special structures may be permitted in accordance with the latest Standard Specifications of the Georgia Department of Transportation.

L.

Drainage Ditches and Swales

1.

Ditches, swales, or channels shall be designed and constructed to convey at least the fully developed 25-year storm, with freeboard equal to twenty percent (20%) of the design flow depth. All channels which lie within a FEMA indicated flood plain, shall be designed to adequately convey the 100-year frequency storm event.

2.

Transition channels shall be provided at the inlet and outlet ends of all culverts and pipe systems, unless otherwise provided herein.

3.

The maximum flow rate and velocity at the project site's downstream property line shall not exceed the pre-developed flow rate and velocity.

4.

In cases of potential erosion due to irregular channel alignment, extreme velocities, or excessive slopes, a paved ditch or concrete valley gutter may be required. However, if, in the opinion of Director, the expected long-term maintenance of an open or surface drainage system could prove impractical, a closed or piped drainage system design may be required.

5.

The cross-sectional shape of channels shall be as found in the Standard Design and Construction Details. "V" shaped cross-sections are not permitted in grassed channels.

6.

If the channel will be affected by backwater from culverts, bridges, other structures or floodplains, backwater curves shall be shown in profiles of the channel.

7.

Construction Standards: Ditches and Channels shall be constructed to the line, grade and cross section specified on the approved plans, and shall be free of gullies or other irregularities. Protective cover in grassed channels shall be installed as soon as practical, to prevent possible erosion. All ditches or channels constructed in fill material shall be lined with appropriately sized coarse aggregate or other approved materials, based on design velocities.

M.

Easement Requirements

1.

Easements, where required shall have a minimum width of ten (10) feet on either side of lot line where pipes outlet between lots.

2.

Drainage easements for improved ditches, pipe construction, and detention facilities shall be cleared, opened and stabilized at the time of development to control surface water run-off. Run-off slope and side-slopes are to be specified by the Developer's engineer, according to good engineering practice. Drainage easements shall be provided according to the minimum requirements found in the Table given below, and shall conform to County Standards.

3.

All engineering design items for storm drainage and erosion control and sedimentation control and delineation of the intermediate regional flood plains shall meet the applicable minimum requirements of published design standards of Walton County, Part 10-4 of this Article, Flood Damage Prevention, and those of FEMA. Rainfall intensities used in hydrologic computations shall not be less than shown by applicable rainfall curves published by the National Weather Service for the affected area.

4.

Where a subdivision is traversed by a stream, watercourse, drainage way or channel, there shall be dedicated an access and maintenance easement measuring not less than twenty (20) feet in width or at least ten (10) feet on each side of the top of bank, whichever is greater.

A.

The design and construction of bridges and concrete box culverts shall comply with all applicable standards of the Georgia Department of Transportation and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO).

B.

The review and inspection of bridge and concrete box culvert design and construction are subject to additional fees as imposed by the Planning and Development Department. Said fees shall cover the costs of an independent structural review and supplemental inspections performed on behalf of the County, at the Discretion of the Director, by an independent Registered Professional Engineer.

C.

At the completion of bridge and/or concrete box culvert construction, the Designer and Engineer of Record shall provide written certification that the structure was constructed in accordance with the approved plans, all applicable standards of the Georgia Department of Transportation, and that the bridge or concrete box culvert is complete, structurally sound and safe to accommodate traffic.

Editor's note— Ord. No. OA24060019-14, adopted Nov. 5, 2024, repealed § 10-1-120, which pertained to walls and fences, and derived from the original Code. Please see § 6-1-350.5 for current provisions relating to fences and retaining walls.

A.

Utility and drainage easements shall be required in subdivisions when it is found to be necessary and desirable to locate drainage ways and public utility lines in other than street rights-of-way. The Developer shall dedicate such easements to Walton County.

B.

Easements shall not be less than twenty (20) feet in width and, where possible, shall be centered on rear or side lot lines.

A.

All utilities shall be located and constructed in accordance with the Typical Utility Location Plan (see Standard Design and Construction Details).

B.

After grading is completed and approved and before any base is applied, all of the under ground work within the street right-of-way — water mains, gas mains, etc. — shall be installed completely and approved throughout the length of the project in accordance with this Part. At the same time, all service connections shall be stubbed out to each lot.

C.

After final grading is completed and approved, and before the graded aggregate base course is applied, all utility crossings under the proposed edge of pavement shall be installed, properly back filled, compacted and approved. It shall be the Developer's responsibility to coordinate the installation of casings or conduits to accommodate future utility installation following base course construction. After the placement and compaction of the graded aggregate base course is complete, any and all subsequent utility installation under the road bed shall be completed by jack and bore, as approved by the County Inspector.

D.

No other underground utilities, such as private lawn sprinkler systems, yard lighting, etc., shall be installed within a public right-of-way or easement except by authorization of Department. Such authorization, if issued, shall require the applicant to assume all repair costs of the applicant's facilities should they be damaged during the course of installation, maintenance or repair of any of the public utilities authorized to occupy said right-of-way or easement.

If a public water supply is available to any proposed subdivision (to include open-ditch and rural public road developments) or development and connection is permitted or required, the developer shall install all required water mains, fire hydrants, and connections from the existing water main to each lot in accordance with the standards and specifications of the public utility providing service. Connection to an operational public water system shall be required when any proposed subdivision or development lies within one thousand five hundred (1,500) feet from the nearest point on the property to an existing public water main (at least six (6) inches in size), provided that there is an adequate water supply to serve the proposed development.

(Ord. No. OA24060019-15, 11-5-2024)

Any proposed subdivision or development, which is not required to connect to public water systems under the provisions of Section 10-2-120 of this Part, may use community water supply systems, provided the systems are approved and permitted by the Environmental Protection Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, and all system components, including installed fire hydrants, are inspected and found to fully comply with the design and construction standards of the Walton County Water Department or provider for public water systems. Such systems must be operated by licensed personnel until such time as Walton County accepts such systems to be connected and dedicated to the Walton County Water Department or provider.

When a public water supply is not available and a community water system is not proposed, the developer shall carefully consider the capability and suitability of the general area of the subdivision or development to support individual groundwater well systems for each lot. Plans should consider the location of primary and secondary well systems for each lot. Subdivision developments supported by individual groundwater well systems shall have a maximum of thirty-five (35) lots. A minimum lot size of two (2) acres shall be required on seventy percent (70%) of the lots. A minimum lot size of three (3) acres shall be required on thirty percent (30%) of the lots.

The Walton County Water Department or provider or other Municipal water service provider shall be responsible for determining the adequacy of the proposed water supply and pressure.

A.

Location of Fire Hydrants

1.

In rural areas fire hydrants shall be spaced at a distance not to exceed five hundred (500) feet.

2.

Fire hydrants in all other residential and commercial areas shall be spaced at a distance not to exceed five hundred (500) feet.

3.

Fire hydrants shall be generally located in the back five (5) feet of the right-of-way, at the nearest property corner.

4.

Fire hydrant locations are also subject to more stringent requirements of the public utility providing service and by the Fire Marshal.

B.

Fire Flow Test

1.

A fire flow test must be conducted on the water line for any new subdivision or development prior to submitting design drawings for approval, to determine the adequacy of water supply for the project. The Applicant or Developer shall request, coordinate, and pay all necessary fees to the public water service provider for required fire flow tests on existing water mains. Use of a fire flow test by more than one (1) project is prohibited.

2.

The test shall consist of a fire hydrant flow test and a 24-hour flow and pressure test. Test information provided by the developer shall consist of:

a.

Static pressure;

b.

Residual pressure and flow rate (GPM);

c.

Projected flow in GPM at twenty (20) psi;

d.

Twenty-four (24) hour pressure chart (for commercial sites only);

e.

Site map including fire hydrant locations.

3.

Fire flow test results and 24-hour pressure chart must be included in the water plans prior to approval of the plan by the Walton County Planning and Development Department. The water supply should meet the instantaneous fire flow and peak domestic water demand requirements for the existing service area plus the proposed development.

4.

Minimum recommended flow in gallons per minute at twenty (20) psi for the duration in minutes, is required to be as follows:

a.

Residential:

b.

Multi-Family, Commercial, Institutional: one thousand five hundred (1,500) GPM for thirty (30) minutes.

C.

Fire Main Size

1.

Single-Family Residential: Water main diameter shall be a minimum of eight (8) inches.

2.

Multi-Family, Commercial, Institutional: Water main diameter shall be a minimum of eight (8) inches, and final sizing shall be based on project demands.

(9-4-2007)

A.

Public Sewer System

When connection to a public sewer system is permitted or required by sub-section C, the developer shall install and connect to the public sewage collection system within the proposed subdivision or development, or feasible portion thereof, in accordance with the standards and specifications of the County or provider of other Municipal sewer service provider.

B.

Required Sewer Connections

Connection to an operational public sewer system shall be mandatory in new subdivisions or developments which are located within the distances outlined in the following table. Distance shall be measured from the nearest point on the property to an operational sanitary sewer located in the same or adjacent drainage basin.

C.

System Design and Placement

Prior to issuance of a building permit, the developer shall coordinate the design and placement of public sewer infrastructure with the Walton County Water Department or provider.

D.

On-Site Septic Systems

When an individual septic system is proposed for each lot within a subdivision, the developer shall provide appropriate soil survey data and information in compliance with the regulations of the Walton County Health Department. Each lot shall have suitable soils and sufficient area to accommodate the installation and proper operation of both a primary and secondary (replacement) septic drain field. A separate permit must be obtained from the Walton County Health Department, for each individual lot located within any development.

All other utilities including but not limited to telephone, power, cable, gas, etc., shall be subject to the requirements of this Ordinance. The installation of all utilities shall be in accordance with this Part, and the operation of such utilities with Walton County Right-of-Way shall be subject to the requirements of Section 10-2-190 of this Part.

A.

Any public or private utility proposing to construct, improve, relocate, repair, maintain or alter and utility system within any public right-of-way of Walton County, shall first complete and submit a Utility Permit Application for such activities to the Walton County Planning and Development Department for review and approval.

B.

The payment of all applicable Utility Permit fees, as currently established by the Board of Commissioners, shall be paid upon submission of any application, to cover review and inspection costs related to the proposed activities.

C.

The applicant shall provide all information requested on the application, and attach permit drawings no larger than eleven by seventeen inches (11" × 17"), which adequately depict the nature of the proposed activities, including at a minimum the following information:

•

Name and address of applicant

•

State Highway of County road name and number

•

Description of proposed utility work (including size, type and length)

•

Location of activities with reference to nearest intersections or landmarks

•

Signature and date of authorized utility representatives

•

Construction drawings (minimum three (3) copies)

•

Roadway dimensions including right-of-way and pavement width

•

Distance from edge of pavement, back of curb, and/or right-of-way

•

Depth of cover

•

Size, method and repair of pavement cuts (if approved)

•

Method of installation

•

Detailed reasoning for any variations of installing utilities in locations other than the back five (5) feet of the right-of-way

•

Locations of manholes, poles, pedestals, or other above ground appurtenances (include distance form edge of pavement and/or right-of-way)

•

Location and depth of bore pits

•

Location of material and equipment storage areas

•

Vertical clearance for overhead installations

•

Indicate all facilities that are proposed to be removed or abandoned

•

Location map showing the location of all proposed activities

•

Traffic control plan

D.

Utility installation, repair and maintenance shall be performed in accordance with the following general standards:

1.

All utilities shall be installed within the back five (5) feet of any public right-of-way, unless otherwise approved by the County

2.

All fire hydrants, poles, pedestals, manholes and other appurtenances shall be installed at property corners where possible

3.

No pavement cuts shall be permitted without the prior approval of Walton County. All pavement cuts shall be repaired within twenty-four (24) hours, in accordance with the Standard Construction Details.

4.

No trench or bore pit shall be located closer than ten (10) feet from the edge of pavement, or at a distance of one (1) horizontal foot for each vertical feet of depth, whichever is greater.

5.

All jack and bore road crossings shall be installed with a welded steel casing for a distance of ten (10) feet on either side of the traveled surface, in accordance with Georgia DOT Standards.

6.

No utility installation shall be permitted in any drainage channel or ditch maintained by the County unless approved by the Director. Where utility installation disturbs any established drainage ditch or channel, the contractor or utility company shall install geotextile matting for the full length of such disturbance to ensure proper stabilization.

7.

It shall be the Contractor or Utility Company's responsibility to provide, install and maintain all required traffic control measures during the course of construction, in accordance with Georgia DOT and MUTCD Regulations.

8.

If at any time during the course of utility construction, repair or maintenance, it is determined that the Contractor or Utility Company is in violation of any part of these Regulations, the County Inspector shall issues a Stop Work Order to cease and desist all operations until the project is brought into substantial compliance and further work is approved by the County.

9.

All abandoned facilities must be removed by the Utility Company, if requested by Walton County.

Should any roadway, street, intersection, or right-of-way thereof be realigned, widened, altered or improved by Walton County or the Georgia Department of Transportation, and require the relocation of any public or private utility line or system located within any public right-of-way of Walton County, such public or private utility line or system shall be relocated within the new or existing right-of-way to a location approved by the County, at the sole expense of the owner or utility company and must installed as per the Walton County Standard Designs.

Street lights may be extended into new or existing residential subdivisions in accordance with the provisions of Part 10-3 of this Article. Street lights are required for all new developments except A, A1 and A2 zoning districts.

A.

The Walton County Board of Commissioners shall provide and be responsible for the construction, establishment, maintenance and operation of lighting fixtures for the illumination of public streets and roads (hereinafter sometimes referred to collectively as "public rights-of-way") situated within the unincorporated area of Walton County, Georgia, in the manner and in accordance with the standards set forth in this Ordinance. No persons, firms or entities shall be permitted to establish lighting of public rights-of-way in any portion of the unincorporated area of Walton County, Georgia, without first complying with the provisions of this Ordinance.

B.

The Board of Commissioners shall be authorized to enter into and make contracts with public utility companies and other firms, entities or persons for the purpose of carrying out and effecting the provisions of this Ordinance.

C.

The Director shall administer the street lighting program and shall:

1.

Advise prospective petitioners for proposed street lighting districts of the procedures required for the inclusion of such district pursuant to this Ordinance.

2.

Provide standard form petitions for use by prospective petitioners.

3.

Advise petition originators of estimated fees for owners of property lying within proposed street lighting district.

4.

Examine all filed petitions for accuracy and for compliance with the provisions of this Ordinance.

5.

Submit petitions to the Board of Commissioners together with estimated assessment rates to owners of property lying within such district and with such recommendations as the Director may deem appropriate.

6.

Coordinate the installation of lighting fixtures within such districts upon final approval by the Board of Commissioners.

7.

Perform any and all other acts or duties necessary or proper for the attainment of the purpose herein set out.

A.

The owners of lots within an existing subdivision, who have existing street lights, will automatically be billed on the property tax bill.

B.

The developer of property lying within a proposed subdivision, with lots less than two (2) acres in size, of land shall be required to construct and install lighting fixtures for illumination of public rights-of-way to be located within such proposed subdivision, subject to the provisions of this Ordinance.

C.

The Developer shall submit plans and specification which shall be approved by the public utility company which will provide electric service to the proposed subdivision and shall include, but not be limited to, a preliminary plat of the proposed subdivision showing the approved location of the lighting fixtures within the subdivision as required by the appropriate public utility, and a description of the fixtures, poles, and other components approved for use by such utility company.

D.

The construction and installation of such lighting fixtures shall not commence until the Department has issued a Development Permit. The Developer shall be responsible for payment of monthly streetlight fees until the end of the year in which the fee is added to the tax digest.

E.

The owners of lots within an existing major subdivision, who do not have existing street lights, may submit to the Director a petition to have lighting fixtures for the illumination of public right-of-way to be installed and operated. The petition must contain the signatures of at least sixty-six percent (66%) of the owners of the property lying within the proposed street lighting districts in favor of such designation and must contain the tax map and parcel numbers as used by the Walton County Tax Assessor and the Walton County Tax Commissioner. The Director shall submit such petition to the Board of Commissioners for final approval. Unless one hundred percent (100%) of the lot owners have signed the petition, a public hearing shall be scheduled and advertised one (1) time in the official organ of the county; and signs shall be posted in the proposed street lighting district giving notice of the hearing, at least ten (10) days before the public hearing. The number and size of the signs shall be such as is required by Section 4-4-120.

F.

The owners of lots within an existing major subdivision, who have existing street lights, may submit to the Director a petition to have their subdivision exempt from the Street Lighting Ordinance. The homeowners will be responsible for paying appropriate electrical company the fees for their street lights. The petition must contain the signatures of at least sixty-six percent (66%) of the owners of the property lying within the existing subdivision who are in favor of such exemption and must contain the tax map and parcel numbers as used by the Walton County Tax Assessor and the Walton County Tax Commissioner. The petition shall be heard between January 1 and May 31, to ensure that the request is recorded in the Tax Assessors office prior to their deadlines for the next year. The Director shall submit such petition to the Board of Commissioners for final approval. This ordinance should have no effect on subdivisions recorded after September 1, 1995.

(12-2-2003)

A.

The cost of providing and maintaining service in street lighting districts created pursuant to the Ordinance shall be the average cost of the energy used plus the average cost of poles plus a sum to cover administrative expenses. Each property owner shall be responsible for and pay their pro rata share of such costs which shall be prorated among all lot owners. The construction costs incurred in the installation of lighting fixtures shall be retired in the manner set out by agreement between the public utility or other person or entity to whom the indebtedness is owed.

B.

For purposes of this Part, the term "lot" shall be defined as any single tract of land which falls within any of the zoning classifications as defined by the Zoning Regulations of Walton County, Georgia, adopted January 1973, as amended, and shall include both improved and unimproved property.

C.

Any other provision of this Ordinance to the contrary notwithstanding, the Board of Commissioners shall be authorized to establish, by resolution duly adopted, the cost of providing and maintaining service in street lighting district created pursuant to the provisions of this Ordinance as the Board of Commissioners may deem necessary or proper.

D.

The Tax Commissioner of Walton County, Georgia, shall be responsible for the collection and receipt of monies in payment of the cost of illuminating public rights-of-way from the owners of property lying within each street lighting district. The cost of such service shall be added to the tax statement issued annually to each such property owner. In addition to any other rights of collection for late or unpaid charges, the county shall have the rights available under the laws of the state for assessment, the creation of a lien upon the property of the owner receiving the service provided, together with all rights of execution, levy, foreclosure and sale. The Board of Commissioners shall be authorized to establish, by resolution duly adopted, such other manner or method of billing, accounting, collecting and receiving of monies in payment of the cost of providing and maintaining street lighting district as the Board of Commissioners may deem necessary or proper.

The American National Standard Practice of Roadway Lighting of the Illuminating Engineering Society, as approved by the American Standards Institute, as amended from time to time, is hereby adopted as the standard for the installation and operation of lighting in the unincorporated area of Walton County, Georgia.