This chapter shall be known as the "Borough of Ridley Park Stormwater Management Ordinance." This chapter shall become effective June 13, 1995.
The governing body of the Borough of Ridley Park finds that:
A. 
Inadequate management of accelerated stormwater runoff resulting from development throughout a watershed increases flood flows and velocities, contributes to erosion and sedimentation, overtaxes the carrying capacity of existing streams and storm sewers, greatly increases the cost of public facilities to convey and manage stormwater, undermines floodplain management and flood reduction efforts in upstream and downstream communities, reduces groundwater recharge and threatens public health and safety.
B. 
A comprehensive program of stormwater management, including reasonable regulation of development and activities causing accelerated erosion, is fundamental to the public health, safety, welfare and the protection of the people of the Borough of Ridley Park and all the people of the commonwealth, their resources and the environment.
The purpose of this chapter is to promote health, safety and welfare within the Borough of Ridley Park by minimizing the damages described in § 177-2A of this chapter through provisions designed to:
A. 
Manage accelerated runoff and erosion and sedimentation problems at their source by regulating activities that cause these problems.
B. 
Utilize and preserve the existing natural drainage systems.
C. 
Encourage recharge of groundwater where appropriate and prevent degradation of groundwater quality.
D. 
Maintain existing flows and quality of streams and watercourses in the Borough and the commonwealth.
E. 
Preserve and restore the flood-carrying capacity of streams.
F. 
Provide proper maintenance of all permanent stormwater management facilities that are constructed in the Borough.
G. 
Provide performance standards and design criteria for stormwater management and planning.
The Borough is empowered to regulate land use activities that affect runoff by the authority of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, Act 247 of 1968, as amended by Act 170 of 1988, as further amended by Act 209 of 1990 and Act 131 of 1992, 53 P.S. § 10101.
A. 
This chapter shall only apply to permanent stormwater management facilities constructed as part of any of the regulated activities listed in this section. Stormwater management and erosion and sedimentation control during construction activities are specifically not regulated by this chapter, but shall continue to be regulated under existing laws and ordinances.
B. 
The following activities are defined as "regulated activities" and shall be regulated by this chapter:
(1) 
Land development.
(2) 
Subdivision.
(3) 
Construction of new or additional impervious or semipervious surfaces (driveways, parking lots, etc.).
(4) 
Construction of new buildings or additions to existing buildings.
(5) 
Diversion or piping of any natural or man-made stream channel.
(6) 
Installation of stormwater management facilities or appurtenances thereto.
Approvals issued pursuant to this chapter do not relieve the applicant of the responsibility to secure required permits or approvals for activities regulated by any other applicable chapters, codes, rules, acts or ordinances.