HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0018.000 1998-2000 ~~vw~
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Stephen K. Yamashiro ;
Muynr Jiro A. Sumach
Deputy Chief Engineer
~3~6'r n~M
(~nuuf~r ~ttfuttii
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
25 Aupuni S[ree[, Room 202 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720-4252
(808) 961-8321 • Faz (808) 961-8630
December 2, 1998
HONORABLE CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS
HAWAII COUNTY COUNCIL
25 AUPUNI STREET
HILO HI 96720
SUBJECT: CHAPTER 10 REVISIONS
We have revised Chapter 10, Erosion and Sedimentation Control, of the Hawaii County Code for
adoption into ordinance. Enclosed are two documents for your review and consideration; one is
the ordinance repealing the present Chapter 10 and adding a new chapter, and the other is the
ordinance in ramseyer format for your perusal.
Should there be any questions concerning this matter, please feel free to contact Casey
Yanagihara in our Engineering Division at 961-8327.
IRO A. UMADA
uty hief Engineer
APPROVED:
CKY:ctc
Enclosures (2) ~ /
8~~' ~ S PHEN ASHIRO
Mayor
(;c.iarr~. No.
F91e No.
blef. ib:
Article 1. General Provisions.
Section 10-1. DeSnitions.
(a) Wherever used in this chapter, the following words shall have the meaning indicated:
(1) "Chief engineer" means the chief engineer, department of public works, County
of Hawaii, or [his] duly authorized representative.
"Comprehensive conservation program" means guidelines adopted by the soil and
water conservation district containing information for the conservation of soil
water, vegetation, and other annlicable natural resources for an area of land
"Conservation nlan" means a plan or document submitted by a landowner or land
user, containing information for the conservation of soil, water vegetation and
other annlicable natural resources for a specific azea of land being_pronosed or
currently being implemented and maintained• com~lyine with the comprehensive
conservation program and approved by the soil and water conservation district
[(2)]u "Designated historic and azchaeological sites" means those sites listed
with the County general plan or the Hawaii or National register of historic
places.
[(3)]~ "Engineer" means a licensed professional civil engineer [(civil or
structural)] registered in the State of Hawaii.
[(4)]~6) "Engineer's soils report" means a report on soils conditions prepared by an
engineer experienced in the practice of soil mechanics and foundations
engineering.
[(5)]u "Erosion" means the weazing away of the ground surface as a result of
action by wind and/or water.
[(6)]~ "Excavation," "cut" or "borrow" means any act by which soil, sand,
gravel, rock or any similar material is cut into, dug, uncovered, removed,
displaced, relocated or bulldozed. State land use commission and County
zoning and other agencies' regulations on shoreline improvements are
made a part hereof by reference.
[(7)]f~ "Fill" means any act by which soil, sand, gravel, rock or any other material
is deposited, placed, pushed, dumped, pulled, transported, or moved to a
new location. State land use commission and County zoning and other
agencies' regulations on shoreline improvements aze made a part hereof by
reference.
[(8)] 10 "Grading" means any excavation or fill or any combination thereof.
[(9)] 11 "Grubbing" means any act by which vegetation, including trees, timber,
shrubbery and plants, is removed, dislodged, uprooted or cleazed from the
surface of the ground.
"Historic Preservation Office" means the office of historic nreservation with the
department of land and natural resources. State of Hawaii.
[(10)](~ "Land surveyor" means a person duly [registered] licensed as a
professional land surveyor in the State[.] of Hawaii.
[(11)](14) "Overburden" means a soil material overlaying another geologic
formation.
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[(12)] 15 "Permittee" means the person or party to whom the permit is issued and
shall include but not be limited to the property owner, his lessee,
developer, agent, or attorney in fact.
[(13)]~ "Plasticity" means the property of a soil which allows it to be deformed
beyond the point of recovery without cracking or appreciable volume
change.
[(14)] 17 "Sedimentation" means the deposition of erosional debris-soil sediment
displaced by erosion and transported by water from a high elevation to an
area of lower gradient where sediments are deposited as a result of slack
water.
[(15)](18) "Soil and water conservation districts" means the legal subdivisions of the
State of Hawaii authorized under chapter 180, Hawaii Revised Statutes.
[(16)](19) "Stockpiling" means the temporary storage of soil, sand, gravel, rock or
other similar material in excess of five hundred cubic yards upon any
premises for the purpose of using the material as fill material at some
future time.
Section 10-2. Hazardous conditions.
(a) Whenever the chief engineer determines that any existing excavation, fill, grubbing or
stockpiling has become a hazard to property, or adversely affects the safety, use, or
stability of a public way or drainage channel, the owner of the property upon which the
excavation, fill, grubbing or stockpiling is located, or other person or agent in control of
said property, upon receipt of notice in writing from the chief engineer shall within the
period specified therein repair or eliminate the hazard and be in conformance with the
requirements of this chapter.
(b) The chief engineer or [his] duly authorized representatives are hereby authorized to enter
any property to determine or to enforce the provisions of this chapter.
Section 10-3. Exclusions.
(a) All work in this section must conform to the provisions of section [ 10-26] 10-27 and
chapter 27, flood control, of the Hawaii County Code to be considered for exclusion.
(b) This chapter shall not apply to the following:
(1) Mining or quarrying operations regulated by other County ordinance or
governmental agencies.
(2) Grading within the building lines for basements and footings of a building,
retaining wall, or other structure, authorized by a valid building permit[.]~r
excavations and backfill for cesspools and septic systems authorized by the State
deroartment of health.
(3) Grading and grubbing on individual cemetery plots.
(4) Sanitary filling and operation of rubbish dumps.
(5) Agricultural operations, including ranching incidental to or in conjunction with
crop or livestock production and all other operations that are in conformance with
soil conservation practices acceptable to the applicable soil and water
conservation district directors and in accordance with their standard plans and
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specifications, and an actively pursued comprehensive conservation program,
providing:
(A) Such operations do not alter the general and localized drainage patterns
with respect to abutting properties.
(B) A conservation [program] plan for the affected properties acceptable to
and approved by the applicable soil and water conservation district
directors is filed with the soil conservation district.
(C) The conservation [program] plan, with appropriate modifications is
reviewed and re-approved by the soil and water conservation district
directors periodically but not less than once every five years.
Noncompliance b t~pplicant of the conservation plan, by the soil and water
conservation district directors, will result in the enforcement of the violation
provisions of this chapter.
(6) Excavation which does not unreasonably alter the general drainage pattern with
respect to abutting properties, which does not exceed one hundred cubic yards of
material on any one site, and does not exceed five feet in vertical height at its
highest point; provided that the cut meets the cut slopes and the distance from
property lines requirements in article 3 of this chapter.
(7) Fill which does not unreasonably alter the general drainage pattern with respect to
abutting properties, which does not exceed one hundred cubic yards of material on
any one site and does not exceed five feet in vertical depth at its deepest point,
provided that the fill meets the fill slopes and distance from property lines
requirements in article 3 of this chapter.
(8) Grabbing which does not umeasonably alter the general and localized drainage
pattern with respect to abutting properties and does not exceed a total area of one
acre.
(9) Exploratory excavations not to exceed fifty cubic yards under the direction of an
engineer for the purpose of subsurface investigations required by the chief
engineer and provided that the chief engineer has been advised in writing prior to
the start of such excavation.
(10) Clearing, excavation and filling required in conjunction with the installation of
pole lines by electric, telephone and public utilities.
11 Work within a County right-of-way or an isolated and/or self-contained
government controlled area reQUlated by other County permits, ordinances or
other governmental~encies.
12 EmerQency operations by the County. State, or other eovernmental agencies for
the protection of the public and community
13 Cutting or bulldozing of trails for survey boundary lines and access for soil
exploration equ~ment.
Section 10-4. Completion by County; recovery of cost.
(a) In the event that any permittee under this chapter fails to:
(1) Comply with all the terms and conditions of the permit to the satisfaction of the
chief engineer; or
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(2) Complete all of the work authorized under the permit within the time limit
specified in the permit; or
(3) Comply with all special precautions enumerated in section [10-24] 101025 and with
all the requirements of the chief engineer pursuant to section [10-24] 101025; or
Comply with the order of the chief engineer to take corrective action; or
[(4)](5~ Proceed under section [10-15(b);] 10-16 • within thirty days after a
permittee has been served with written notice thereof, either by mail or
personal service, the [council] chief engineer may order the permittee to be
prosecuted as a violator of the provisions of this chapter and may order the
[chief engineer] Die artment of Public Works, or by emergency contract
w~ to proceed with the work specified in such notice. A statement of
the cost of such work shall be transmitted to the [council] office of the
Comoration Counsel who shall cause the same to be paid[.], in addition to
all penalties and fines in conformance to section 10-8. Such cost [shall]
will be charged to the pennittee, contractor, [or] and/or owner [or both] of
the premises involved.
(b) The County may enforce payment of such cost in any manner provided by law, including
proceedings under chapter 507, part II, Hawaii Revised Statutes. For the purposes of the
operation of part II of chapter 507, HRS, the permittee shall be deemed to come within
the definition of "owner" as defined in said chapter; the County shall be deemed to come
within the definition of "general contractor" as defined in that chapter and the execution
of work specified in the notice shall be deemed a contract between the pennittee and the
County.
If the permittee, contractor, or owner of the property to whom a notice is given fails to
correct the violation within ten days from the date of mailing. the chief engineer may
correct the hazardous condition at the expense of the nermittee, contractor, and/or owner.
If the~ermittee, contractor, or owner fails, neglects, or refuses to take corrective action or
to nay the County the expenses incurred within thirty days, the County makplace a lien
on the owner's property for the expenses incurred, in addition to all penalties and fines in
conformance to section 10-8. The chief engineer may place a notice of noncompliance,
through the State department of commerce and consumer affairs office, on the responsible
contractor's license and/or place a lien on the contractor's license, business or eq~ment.
Section 10-5. Waivers.
In all applicable cases, if a permittee, supported by accompanied engineer's report, finds
that strict adherence to the provisions of this chapter causes undue hardship or practical diffi-
culty, [he] the ~ennittee may seek waivers, in writing, from these provisions and the chief
engineer may grant a waiver, in writing, with conditions if [he] the permittee finds that the
request will not likely create any problems to the adjoining properties nor endanger any life or
limb nor be in conflict with existing ordinances and statutes.
Section 10-6. Appeals.
Any person aggrieved by the decision of the chief engineer in the administration or
application of this chapter, may, within thirty days after the chief engineer's decision, appeal the
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decision to the board of appeals. The board of appeals may affirm the decision of the chief
engineer or it may reverse or modify the decision if the decision is:
(a) In violation of this chapter or other applicable law; or
(b) Clearly erroneous in view of the reliable, probative, and substantial evidence on the
whole record; or
(c) Arbitrary, or capricious, or characterized by an abuse of discretion or clearly unwarranted
exercise of discretion.
The board of appeals shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91, Hawaii Revised Statutes,
necessary for the purposes of this section.
Section 10-7. Liability.
The provisions of this chapter shall not be construed to relieve or alleviate the liability of
any person for damages resulting from performing, or causing to be performed, any grading,
grubbing or stockpiling operation. The chief engineer or any employee chazged with the
enforcement of this chapter, acting in good faith and without malice for the County in the
discharge of [his] their duties, shall not thereby render [himself) themselves liable personally and
[he is] they are hereby relieved from all personal liability for any damage that may accrue to
persons or property as a result of any required act or omission in the dischazge of [his] their
duties.
Section 10-8. Violations and penalty.
(a) No person shall do any act forbidden, or fail to perform any act required by the provisions
of this chapter.
(b) The failure to comply with the requirements set forth under the provisions of this chapter
shall be deemed a new offense for each day of such noncompliance.
(c) Any person violating any of the provisions of this chapter shall, upon conviction, be
punished by a fine not to exceed [$500,] 1 000 or by imprisonment not to exceed [fifty]
thirty days, or both, for each offense.
Rye eat offenders. Any person who is convicted for a violation which occurs within five
yeazs of a prior conviction under this chapter shall be punished by a fine not less than
$1,000 but not exceeding $5,000, or by a term of imprisonment not exceeding sixty days,
or by both, for each offense.
Article 2. Permits.
Section 10-9. Required.
(a) Except as excluded in section 10-3:
(1) No grading work shall be commenced or performed without a grading permit.
(2) No grubbing work shall be commenced or performed without a grubbing permit
except where grubbing concerns land for which a grading permit has been issued.
(3) No stockpiling work shall be commenced or performed without a stockpiling
permit.
(b) No grading, grubbing, or stockpiling permit shall be issued without the chief engineer's
review, in consultation with the planning deparhnent and the historic preservation office.
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of the applicant's compliance with the County general plan or with chapters [6,] ~ 205,
205A and 343, Hawaii Revised Statutes.
Section 10-10. Application.
(a) An applicant for a grading, grubbing, or stockpiling permit shall first file an application
on a form furnished by the County department of public works. Each application shall:
(1) Describe by tax key number or street address the land on which the proposed
work is to be done;
(2) State the estimated dates for the starting and completion of the proposed work;
and
(3) Show the name of the permittee and owner including engineer, if applicable, who
shall be responsible for the work to be performed by the [himself, his] pennittee
and/or contractors and employees and for requesting the inspections required
herein.
(b) Each application for a grading permit shall also be accompanied by [two] three sets of
plans and specifications, if applicable, including:
(1) For all areas:
(A) A vicinity sketch or other data adequately indicating the site location;
(B) Boundary lines of the property on which the work is to be performed;
(C) Location of any buildings, structures, or designated historic and
archaeological sites, on the property where the work is to be performed
and location of any building or structure on land of adjacent property
which is within fifteen feet of the property to be graded when the grading
may affect the buildings, structures, or designated historic and
archaeological sites;
(D) Contours showing the topography of the existing ground and extending
five feet into adjacent property when required by the chief engineer. The
scale and contour are to be appropriate to the work in question;
(E) Elevations, dimensions, location, extent and the slopes of all proposed
grading shown by contours and other means;
(F) The area in square feet of the land to be graded and the quantities of
excavation and fill involved. Show sepazately quantities for excavation
within and outside of building lines; and
(G) Any additional plans, drawings, or calculations required by the chief
engineer.
(2) For grading of areas of more than fifteen thousand squaze feet[,] or land aeeas
sloped ¢reater than fifteen percent, a contour map prepared by an engineer or land
surveyor and approved by the chief engineer and showing the contours and ele-
vations ofthe land before and after the completion of the proposed grading. This
map shall include the location of existing large trees, designated historic and
archaeological sites, and definable rock outcroppings, lava tubes, detailed plans,
and specifications of all drainage devices and utilities, including bank protection,
walls, cribbing, dams, silting or sediment basins, landscaping, screen planting,
erosion control planting, or other protective devices to be constructed in
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connection with, or as a part of the proposed work, together with a map showing
the drainage area and estimated runoff of the area served by any drains.
(3) Where a proposed cut or fill is greater than fifteen feet in height, or on land with
slopes exceeding fifteen percent in an area with high plasticity soils, or when any
fill is to be placed over a swamp, pond, gully, or lake, the permittee shall submit
an engineer's soils report which shall include data regazding the nature,
distribution and strength of existing soils and substantiating data from an engineer
regarding the safety of the proposed grading, the fill, and the material to be used,
and describing the cut sections showing the height, cut slope, benches, and
material composing the cut bank.
(c) An applicant for a grubbing permit shall furnish [two] three sets of plot plans showing the
location, the property boundaries, and any other pertinent information as may be required
by the chief engineer. Grubbing or land clearing by bulldozer for the purpose of making
topographic survey shall not be permitted without an authorized grubbing permit. No
permit will be required for cutting or bulldozing of trails for survey boundary lines and
access for soil exploration equipment.
(d) An applicant for a stockpiling permit shall furnish [two] three sets of plot plans showing
the property lines and the location of the proposed stockpile, quantities, height of
stockpile, duration of stockpile, source, and type of the material to be stockpiled and
furnish any other pertinent information as maybe required by the chief engineer to
control the creation of dust, drainage, or sedimentation problems. The plot plan for
stockpiling shall be approved by the chief engineer.
[(e) If no action (approval, disapproval, deferral, or modification) is taken by the chief
engineer within thirty days after submittal of the initial request the permit shall be
deemed approved.]
Section 10-11. Compliance and Distribution.
~ The applicant fora rg ading_ rug
bbine, or stockpiline Hermit shall first check the
application for form and compliance with the department of public works as required
under section 10-10. If the application is not found to be in compliance, it shall be
reiected and returned to the applicant.
After the application has been preliminarily accepted by the department of public
works, the applicant shall be responsible for forwazding the application to the County
planning department and the historic preservation office, if applicable, for their review
and approval. The County planning department and the historic preservation office shall
review the application for compliance under section 10-9(bl.
The applicant shall then be responsible for forwarding_the application to the
department of public works for their review.
Any aeency to which the application is referred shall have thirty calender days from the
date of receipt of the application to submit any comments, conditions, or approvals to the
department of public works for its review and consideration. If no action (approval,
disapproval, deferral, or modification) is taken by the chief engineer within thirty
calender days after forwazdin tg he application to the department of public works, the
permit shall be deemed approved.
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Section [10-11.] 10-12. Fees.
(a) Before issuing a grading permit, the chief engineer shall collect a pennit fee for grading
on the same site based on the volume of excavation or fill, whichever is greater,
according to the following schedule:
Volume of Material Permit Fee
0 - 100 cubic yards [$5.00] 10
101 - 1,000 cubic yazds [$5.00] 10 for the first 100 cubic yards
plus [$2.00] ~ for each additional 100
cubic yards or fraction thereof.
1,001 -10,000 cubic yards [$25.00] 50 for the first 1,000 cubic yards
plus [$2.00] ~ for each additional 1,000
cubic yazds or fraction thereof.
10,001 cubic yards or more [$41.00] 100 for the first 10,000 cubic
yazds plus [$2.00] ~5 per 1,000 cubic yards
or fraction thereof.
(b) Before issuing a grubbing permit, the chief engineer shall collect a permit fee of [$5] 10
for grubbing in excess of one acre, plus [$2] ~ for each additional five acres or fraction
thereof.
(c) Before issuing a stockpiling permit the chief engineer shall collect a permit fee of [$5] 10
for stockpiling in excess of the first five hundred cubic yazds plus [$2] ~ for each
additional one thousand cubic yards or fraction thereof.
(d) Where work for which a permit is required by this chapter is started or proceeded prior to
obtaining the permit, the fees specified shall be [doubled,] ten times the fee, but the payment
of such [double] fee shall not relieve any person from fully complying with the
requirements of this chapter in the execution of the work nor from any other penalties
prescribed herein.
(e) When grading, grubbing, or stockpiling is performed by or on behalf of the County, State,
or Federal government, the chief engineer [shall] may waive the collection of any permit fee
required in subsections (a), (b), and (c) above.
(f) All permit fees shall be [deposited in] made pavable to the director of finance, County of
Hawaii and submitted to the department of public works for deposit into the general fund.
~ Permit fees for which inspection fees are paid in conformance to chapter 23, subdivisions,
of the Hawaii County Code, shall be a sum amount of $10.
Section [10-12.] 10-13. Conditions and limitations.
(a) The issuance of a grading permit shall constitute an authorization to do only that work
which is described on the permit and on the plans and specifications approved by the chief
engineer.
(b) Permits issued under the requirements of this chapter shall not relieve the owner of
responsibility for securing required permits for work to be done which is regulated by any
other code, department or division of the governing agency.
(c) In granting any permit, the chief engineer may attach such conditions as may be reasonably
necessary to prevent creation of [a nuisance] nuisances or [hazard] hazards to public or
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private property[.], health, or welfare. Such conditions may include, but shall not be limited
to:
(1) [Improvement] Imnrovements of any existing grading to bring it up to the standards of
this chapter;
(2) Requirements for fencing of excavations or fills which otherwise would be hazardous;
(3) Screen planting, landscaping, erosion control planting, or other treatments to maintain
good appearance of graded area and reduce the detrimental impact on adjacent
properties of the community;
(4) Cleaning up the azea; and
(5) Days and hours of operation[.] as noted in section 10-28.
Notwithstanding the provisions of this chapter, neither the application for nor the issuance
of a retroactive permit shall relieve an~nerson from civil or criminal penalties for violation
of this chapter.
Section [10-13.] 10-14. Expiration.
(a) Every grading or grubbing permit shall expire and become void unless the work permitted
herein is started within ninety days after the date of issuance or within ninety days after the
completion date specified thereon but not later than one year after the date of issuance.
Extension of time maybe granted if, in the judgment of the chief engineer, the work
authorized under the permit would not be exceeded. In such cases, no additional fee will be
imposed.
(b) Every stockpiling permit shall expire and become void one year after the date of issuance.
All stockpiled material temporarily stored on the premises shall be removed from the
premises or used on the premises as fill material under a grading permit for fill prior to the
expiration date. Extension of time may be granted if, in the judgment of the chief engineer,
the work authorized under the permit would not be exceeded. In such cases, no additional
fee will be imposed.
Every rg adin~ rubbing or stockpiling_permit will expire and become void. and no
extension of time maybe granted, no later than two years after the date of issuance. The
applicant may apply for a new permit and the appropriate fee will be assessed.
Section [10-14.] 10-15. Denial.
(a) If the chief engineer finds that the work as proposed by the applicant is likely to endanger
any property or public way or structure or endanger the public health or welfaze, [he] the
chief en ig Weer shall deny the grading, grubbing or stockpiling permit. Factors to be
considered in determining probability of hazardous conditions shall include, but not be
limited to, possible saturation of the ground by rains, earth movements, geological or flood
hazards, undesirable surface water runoff, subsurface conditions such as the stratification
and faulting of rock and the nature and type of soil or rock.
(b) Failure of the chief engineer to observe or recognize hazardous conditions or [his] failure to
deny the grading, grubbing or stockpiling permit shall not relieve the permittee [or his
agent] from being responsible, or cause the County, its officers or agents, to be held
responsible for the conditions or damages resulting therefrom.
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Section [10-15.] 10-16. Suspension or revocation.
(a) The chief engineer may, in writing, suspend or revoke a permit issued under the provisions
of this chapter whenever:
(1) The permit has been issued on the basis of incorrect or insufficient information
supplied by the pennittee;
(2) The grading, grubbing, or stockpiling is not being performed in accordance with the
terms, conditions, and provisions of the permit; or
(3) The grading, grubbing, or stockpiling discloses objectionable or unsafe conditions.
(b) When a permit has been suspended or revoked, the petmittee may submit detailed plans and
proposals for compliance with the provisions of this chapter and for correcting the
objectionable or unsafe conditions. [Upon] The chief en ing eer, upon approval of such plans
and proposals [by the chief engineer, he] may authorize the permittee in writing, to proceed
with the work.
~ When a permit has been suspended, or revoked, and the permittee fails to take corrective
action specified above within thirt~alendar days, and after prover notice to the permittee,
the department of public works may correct the deficiencies and the nermittee shall be liable
for all costs thereof.
Section [10-16.] 10-17. Construction prohibited prior to grading.
No construction of any structure upon the premises involved shall be permitted until the
chief engineer has received the notice of completion that the grading, grubbing, or stockpile work
has been completed in accordance with the grading permit.
Section [10-17.] 10-18. Inspections.
(a) Each permit issued under this chapter shall be deemed to include the right of the chief
engineer [or his authorized representatives] to enter upon and to inspect the grading,
grubbing, or stockpiling operations.
(b) The permittee shall notify the chief engineer at least two workine days before the permittee
[or his agent] begins any grading, grubbing or stockpiling. A copy of the permit, approved
plans and specifications for grading, grubbing, or stockpiling shall be maintained at the site
during the progress of any work. Where it is found by inspection that the soil or other
conditions are not the same as stated or shown in the application for grading, grubbing, or
stockpiling permit, the chief engineer may stop the grading, grubbing, or stockpiling until
revised plans, based upon the existing conditions, are submitted by the permittee and
approved by the chief engineer. Approval or disapproval of applicant's revised plan shall be
made within fourteen days from the date of receipt by the chief engineer.
(c) If the chief engineer [or his representative] finds that the work is not being done in
conformance with this chapter or the plans and specifications approved by the chief
engineer, [he] the chief en ineer shall immediately notify the person in charge of the
[grading] work of the nonconformity and immediately notify the responsible party of need
for corrective measures to be taken. Gradine~grubbinQ, or stockpiling operations shall cease
until corrective measures satisfactory to the chief engineer have been taken.
(d) When a perutittee has been served with a written notice, either by mail or personal service,
for failure to comply with any provision of this chapter, or when a permittee has had [his] a
permit suspended or revoked by the chief engineer, the permittee and any person connected
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with execution of the work authorized by the permit shall be denied a grading, grubbing, or
stockpiling permit for such work until the permittee has complied and initiated action
satisfactory to the chief engineer to comply with the provisions of this chapter.
Article 3. Conditions and Specifications.
Section [10-18.] 10-19. Conditions of permit.
(a) The requirements of this section may be waived by the chief engineer after the permittee
submits an engineer's soils report substantiating data regarding the stability of the cut or fill
slopes without complying with any of the requirements therein.
(1) Height. Where a cut or fill is greater than fifteen feet in height, terraces or benches
shall be constructed at vertical intervals of fifteen feet except that where only one
bench is required, it shall beat the midpoint. The minimum width of such terraces or
benches shall be eight feet or as determined by the chief engineer, based upon the type
of material encountered and shall have suitable drainage provisions to control erosion
on the slope face.
(2) Cut Slopes. Under the following soil conditions, no cut may be steeper in slope than
the ratio of its horizontal to its vertical distance as shown below:
horizontal to 1 vertical in unweathered rock;
1% horizontal to 1 vertical in decomposed rocks or rock and soil mixture;
2 horizontal to 1 vertical in low plasticity soils;
3 horizontal to 1 vertical in high plasticity soils for cuts up to five feet in vertical
depths. Slopes for cuts exceeding this depth shall be as recommended in the engineer's
soils report.
(3) Fill Slopes. Under the following soil conditions, no fill may be steeper in slope than
the ratio of its horizontal to its vertical distance as shown below:
1% horizontal to 1 vertical in rock and soil mixture;
2 horizontal to 1 vertical in low plasticity soils;
3 horizontal to 1 vertical in high plasticity soils for fills up to five feet in vertical
height. Slopes for fills exceeding this height shall be as recommended in the engineer's
soils report.
Section [10-19.J 10-20. Distance from property line of cut or fill slope.
(a) The horizontal distance from the top of a cut slope or the bottom of a fill slope to the
adjoining property line shall be as follows:
Height of Cut or Fill Distance from Property Line
(in feet)
Zero feet to 4 feet 2
More than 4 feet to 8 feet 4
More than 8 feet to 15 feet 6
More than 15 feet 8
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These requirements may be modified by the chief engineer when cuts or fills are
supported by retaining walls, approved by the [building department,] denartment of public
works or when the permittee submits an engineer's soils report stating that the soil
conditions will permit a lesser horizontal distance without causing damage or danger to the
adjoining property.
(b) A retaining wall of six feet and over shall be designed by a licensed professional civil or
structural engineer, or architect. [when deemed necessary by the chief engineer.] in
accordance with the Uniform Building Code as ado to ed by the County building
department. Setback requirements of the County zoning ordinance are referenced herein and
the State land use commission and County zoning ordinance and other agencies'
requirements on shoreline improvements shall be complied with.
Section [10-20.] 10-21. Maximum cleared area.
The maximum area of land that may be cleared for grading or grubbing is twenty acres. The
area of land that may be cleared maybe increased or reduced by the chief engineer to control
pollution and minimize storm damage. Additional area shall not be cleared for grading or
grubbing until measures to prevent dust or erosion problems in the area already graded or
grubbed have been completed.
Section [10-21.] 10-22. Fill materials.
The fill material may consist of rock, gravel, sand, soil, or a mixture thereof. Except for
slopes, the fill shall be compacted to ninety percent of maximum density as determined by the
ASTM soil compaction test D1557, as amended. The chief engineer [shall inspect the work and]
may require [adequate inspection and], at the nermittee's expense, compaction control
substantiated by test results by an engineer qualified to prepare an engineer's soils report. These
requirements may be modified by the chief engineer if the permittee submits an engineer's soils
report substantiating with appropriate investigation and analysis that the required ninety percent
compaction density may be lowered without causing excessive settlement, creep, or stability
problems.
Section [10-22.] 10-23. Preparation of ground surface; vegetation.
(a) Before placing fill or stockpiling, the natural ground surface shall be prepared by removing
the vegetation and, if required by the chief engineer, shall be keyed by a series of benches.
No fill shall be placed over any water spring, marsh, refuse dump, nor upon a soggy or
springy foundation, provided that this requirement may be waived by the chief engineer if
the permittee submits an engineer's soils report substantiating data regarding the safety of
the fill.
(b) Whenever feasible natural vegetation should be retained. If removed, trees, timber, plants,
shrubbery, and other vegetation, after being uprooted, displaced, or dislodged from the
ground by excavation, clearing, or grubbing, shall not be stored or deposited along the
banks of any stream, river, or natural water course. After being uprooted, displaced or
dislodged, such vegetation shall be disposed of and removed from the site within a
reasonable time, but not to exceed three months. Exceptions providing for burial in open
areas may be allowed as determined by the chief engineer. Anv_ burial of vegetation may be
considered as rg ading and a rg adingpermit maybe required
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Section [10-23.] 10-24. Report after grading; notiScation on completion.
(a) When grading involves cuts or fills for which an engineer's soils report is required, the
permittee shall submit a report summarizing the construction technique and inspection data
as well as a statement regarding conformity to this chapter and the project specifications.
Failure to submit this reroort shall be deemed a violation of the provisions of this chapter
(b) The permittee [or his agent] shall notify the chief engineer [or his representative] when the
grading operation is ready for final inspection. Final approval shall not be given until all
work including installation of all drainage [structures] improvements and their protective
devices have been completed and [the required reports have been submitted.] a certificate of
completion has been iven by the department of public works. Failure to eet this
certification shall be deemed a violation of the provisions of this chapter
~ Should there be any_su_rplus of graded material in excess of the minimum provisions of this
chapter, the permittee shall specify to the department of public works where this material
will be properlyposed. The prover disroosal of this material shall be in conformance to
the provisions of this chanter. Failure to do so will be deemed a violation of the provisions
of this chapter.
Section [10-24.] 10-25. Special conditions and requirements.
(a) Any person performing or causing to be performed an excavation or fill shall, at [his] their
own expense, provide the necessary means to prevent the movement of earth of the
adjoining properties, to protect the improvements thereon, and to maintain the existing
natural grade of adjoining properties.
(b) Any person performing or causing to be performed, any excavation or fill shall be
responsible for the maintenance or restoration of street pavements, sidewalks, curbs, and
improvements of public [utilities] facilities which maybe affected. The maintenance or
restoration of street pavements, sidewalks and curbs shall be performed in accordance with
the requirements of the County and the maintenance and restoration of improvements of
public [utilities] facilities shall be in conformity with the standards of the [public utilities
companies affected.] department of public works.
(c) Any person depositing or causing to be deposited, any silt or other debris in ditches, water
courses, drainage facilities, and public roadways, shall remove such silt or other debris. In
case such person shall fail, neglect, or refuse to comply with the provisions of this section
within [forty-eight] twenty-four hours after [written] verbal notice, [served upon him, either
by mail or by personal service,] the chief engineer may proceed to remove the silt and other
debris or to take any other action [he] the chief en ig Weer deems appropriate. The costs
incurred for any action taken by the chief engineer shall be paid by such person[.] or their
surety. Failure to pav the costs incurred shall be deemed a violation of the provisions of this
chapter.
(d) At any stage of the grading, grubbing or stockpiling work, if the chief engineer finds that
further work as authorized by an existing permit is likely to create soil erosion problems or
to endanger any life, limb, or property, [he] the chief en
ig Weer may require safety
precautions, which may include but shall not be limited to the construction of more gradual
slopes, the construction of additional silting or sediment basins, drainage facilities or
benches, the removal of rocks, boulders, debris, and other dangerous objects which, if
dislodged, are likely to cause injury or damage, the construction offences or other suitable
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protective barriers, the planting and sodding of slopes and bare areas and the performance of
additional soil compaction. All planted or sodded areas shall be maintained. An irrigation
system or watering facilities may be required by the chief engineer. Failure to incomorate
these changes shall be deemed a violation of the provisions of this chanter
(e) At any stage of the grading, grubbing, or stockpiling operations, if the chief engineer finds
that further work as authorized by an existing permit is likely to create dust problems which
may jeopardize health, property, or the public welfare, the chief engineer, in consultation
with the State department of health under section 10-29 may require additional dust control
precautions and, if these additional precautions are not effective in controlling dust, may
stop all operations. These additional dust control measures may include such items as
sprinkling water, applying mulch treated with bituminous material, or applying hydro
mulch. Failure to incorporate these changes shall be deemed a violation of the provisions of
this chanter.
Section [10-25.] 10-26. Drainage.
(a) Adequate provisions shall be made to prevent surface waters from damaging the cut face of
an excavation or the sloping surfaces of a fill. All drainage provisions shall be designed to
carry surface waters to a street, storm drain, natural water course, or other area, approved by
the chief engineer as a safe place to deposit and receive such waters. The chief engineer may
require such drainage structures and pipes to be constructed or installed, which in [his] the
chief en ing eer's opinion, are necessary to prevent erosion damage and to satisfactorily carry
off surface waters.
(b) Whenever the surface of a lot is excavated or filled, positive drainage shall be provided to
prevent the accumulation or retention of surface water in pits, gullies, holes, or similar
depressions which may create a hazard or nuisance.
(c) The flow of any existing and known natural underground drainage shall not be impeded or
changed so as to cause damage to [adjoining] ~ property.
Section [10-26.] 10-27. Erosion and sedimentation control.
~ All grading, grubbing, and stockpiling permits and operations shall conform to the erosion
and sedimentation control standards and guidelines established by the department of public
works in conformity with chapter 180C of the Hawaii Revised Statutes.
In the event that an area is more than one acre or a cut or fill is greater than fifteen feet in
height, in addition to the requirements of this chapter, a drainage and erosion control plan
shall be submitted for approval to the department of public works prepared by an en ineer
Hydraulic and hvdrolog1y calculations shall be based on standards approved b,~the
department of public works.
Section 10-28. Hours of operation.
No grading, grubbing, or stockpiling work shall be done on Saturdays, Sundays and
holidays without prior approval, in writing, from the department of public works Gradine,
grubbing, or stockpiling work on normal working days shall be between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to
4:30 p.m.
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Section 10-29. Water, noise and air pollution control.
~ All grading grubbing or stockpiling activities shall conform with the applicable nrovisions
of the Hawaii Administrative Rules. title 11, chanter 55, water yollution control. and
chapter 54, water quality standards, and to the erosion and sediment control standards and
guidelines.
All rg adin~grubbing, or stockpiling activities shall conform with the applicable provisions
of the Hawaii Administrative Rules. title 11, chanter 46, community noise control.
u All gradine, rugr bbing, or stockpiling activities shall conform with the air nollution control
rules of the State department of health, Hawaii Administrative Rule 11-60 1. fueitive dust.
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