All land use and building permit applications for new structures or additions to existing structures in Cambria are required by county ordinance to have drainage plan approval before the permit can be issued. The drainage plan must provide for the protection from storm water runoff. This requirement applies to projects within the area shown on the attached map, unless the County Engineer determines that the building site will neither experience nor create drainage problems. Drainage plans must be prepared and will be processed as required by Section 23.05.040 through 23.05.050 of the Coastal Zone Land Use Ordinance.
Developments Subject to Drainage Plan Requirements: As per CZLUO, Section 23.05.042, and more specifically pertaining to the situation in Cambria, a drainage plan is required for a project that is located in an area identified by the County Engineer as having a history of flooding or erosion that may be further aggravated by or have a harmful effect on the project. When reviewing drainage plans submitted by applicants, the Engineering Department will use the following guidelines for site drainage:
Drainage Plan Requirements: Any new structure built should be safe from flooding.
Basic Drainage Plan Contents: All drainage plans shall include the following information about the site:
(1) Flow lines of surface waters onto and off of the site.
(2) Existing and finished contours at two-foot intervals or other topographic information approved by the County Engineer.
(3) Building pads, finished floor and street elevations, existing and proposed.
(4) Existing and proposed drainage channels including drainage swales, ditches and berms.
(5) Location and design of any proposed facilities for storage or for conveyance of runoff into indicated drainage channels, including sumps, basins, channels, culverts, ponds, storm drains and drop inlets.
(6) Estimates of existing and increased runoff resulting from the proposed improvements.
(7) Proposed erosion and sedimentation control measures.
(8) Proposed flood proofing measures where determined to be necessary by the County Engineer.
Engineered Plan Content: Engineered drainage plans are to include an evaluation of the effects of projected runoff on adjacent properties and existing drainage facilities and systems in addition to the information required above. Most sites in the West Lodge Hill portion of Cambria will require an engineered plan.
Drainage Plan Review and Approval: All drainage plans are subject to the approval of the County Engineer, however, these plans are to be submitted first to the Department of Planning and Building together with other plans required for a development permit. The Department of Planning and Building transmits the drainage plan to the County Engineer for review and approval.
In some cases, where there are major drainage facilities affected or proposed, or the facilities are being proposed as part of a development plan review, a plan check and inspection agreement is to be entered into with the County Engineer and the drainage facilities inspected and approved before a certificate of occupancy is issued. You will be notified at the time the initial plan check is made as to whether or not a separate agreement is required.
Standards for Design and Construction: Drainage systems and facilities subject to drainage plan review and approval that are to be located in existing or future public rights-of-way are to be designed and constructed as set forth in the County Engineering Department Standard Improvement Specifications and Drawings. Other systems and facilities subject to drainage plan review and approval are to be designed in accordance with good engineering practices.
Site Grading: Final grading of lots shall be in conformance with Chapter 70 of the Uniform Building Code and Sections 23.05.036 of the Coastal Zone Land Use Ordinance.
The Public Works Department, Office Division, can be contacted at (805) 781-5252 to answer questions about drainage requirements.