§ 4.7. Planning for Storage

Storage of storm water may be needed for a proposed development or for the mitigation of an existing flooding problem. There are different storage solutions available to the design engineer. These may include regional storage facility, surface or underground storage facilities, or natural surface areas.

Some of the items that need to be considered during the planning process are:

• Is the development/site within a mandatory detention area?

• Is there a regional detention close to the development/site?

• What are the downstream drainage system capacities/restrictions?

• Is the storage facility private or public?

• Who will maintain the facility? (property owner, homeowners association, or public agency)

• What permits are required?

The following should be considered during the planning process for surface storage facilities.

Where possible, multiple uses of drainage facilities and open space shall be incorporated by the owner or developer of a new subdivision. Alternative uses such as public recreation, horse/bike/hiking trails, walking paths, nature preserves, wildlife habitat areas, etc. are encouraged subject to the approval of the Director of TCI.

Storm water detention facilities shall be located in topographically depressed areas where possible. When necessary, dams may be constructed to detain flows.

For developments that require a subdivision plat and a storage facility is required/needed, the following deferral may be considered with the approval of Director of TCI. The deferral is for the final design and construction of the storage facility to be completed before any additional development occurs on the property.

Full detention basin design may be deferred until the building permit stage IF the property owner submits a "request for detention deferral" demonstrating an understanding of the implications of such design deferral AND the following notes are placed on the subdivision plat AND supporting documentation is provided.

1.

"Storm water detention is required for this property. Building permits for this property shall be issued only in conjunction with necessary storm water detention approved by the City of San Antonio. The property may be eligible to post a fee in lieu of detention (FILO) if offsite drainage conditions allow but only when approved by the City of San Antonio. Maintenance of on-site storm water detention shall be the sole responsibility of the lot owners and/or property owners association and their successors or assignees."

2.

"No building permit shall be issued for this platted property until a storm water detention system design has been approved by the City of San Antonio or Bexar County for commercial properties within the ETJ."