§ 14-105. Definitions.

The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

Applicant means a person responsible for regulated construction activity on a development site who is seeking to obtain stormwater construction approval.

Best management practice , or BMP , means a practice or combination of practices that have been determined by the city to be the preferred method of preventing, minimizing, or reducing pollution and other effects of stormwater runoff.

Construction activity means a human made activity, including without limitation, clearing, grading, excavating, construction and paving, that results in an earth change or disturbance in the existing cover or topography of land, including any modification or alteration of a site or the "footprint" of a building that results in an earth change or disturbance in the existing cover or topography of land.

County drains are open or closed drains within the jurisdiction of Wayne County pursuant to Act 40 of 1956 (Drain Code), MCL 280.1 et seq., as amended.

Development site means the property on which regulated construction activity will occur or is occurring or has occurred.

Director means the director of the city department of public works.

Permit section means the "permit section" of the city department of public works, and the city engineer.

Regulated construction activity means a construction activity that is subject to the provisions of this chapter or a rule promulgated pursuant to this chapter.

Stormwater means water resulting from a period of precipitation, including without limitation rain, snow, and snowmelt.

Stormwater construction approval means an approval issued pursuant to this chapter and rules promulgated pursuant to this chapter.

Stormwater management program consists of ordinances, orders, rules, regulations, and other mechanisms that provide for the management of stormwater to prevent flooding and to ensure the restoration and/or protection of rivers, lakes, and streams in the city. The stormwater management program consists of the requirements of this chapter and any rules or regulations promulgated under this chapter, and activities mandated by the certificate of coverage issued by MDEQ to the city pursuant to the Michigan Voluntary Stormwater General Permit No. MIG610000.

Stormwater management system means any structure, feature or appurtenance subject to this chapter or a rule promulgated pursuant to this chapter that is designed to collect, retain, treat, or convey stormwater runoff, including without limitation buffer strips, swales, gutters, catchbasins, closed conduits, detention basins, wetland, pavement, unpaved surfaces, structures, watercourses, or any surface from which stormwater drains off the site or directly or indirectly drains to the water of the state.

Stormwater runoff means the excess portion of precipitation that does not infiltrate the ground, but runs off and reaches a stream, water body, or storm sewer.

(Ord. No. 295, § 2.1, 3-24-2003)