Section 10-A605. E-1.3 CONSERVING SOIL AND REDUCING EROSION 605

 

605.1Soils in the District of Columbia affect the suitability of land for buildings, roads and infrastructure, community gardening, and tree planting. Even in a built out city like Washington, soil and underlying geologic characteristics must be considered when designing foundations, basements, and other structures. Good soil management also involves the control of erosion resulting from natural forces like rain and wind. Erosion can undermine foundations, destabilize hillsides, and lead to sedimentation of streams. Measures to reduce erosion are particularly important during construction, when soil is disturbed and exposed to the elements. 605.1

 

605.2Policy E-1.3.1: Preventing Erosion

 

Ensure that public and private construction activities do not result in soil erosion or the creation of unstable soil conditions. Support the use of retaining walls and other “best management practices” that reduce erosion hazards. Erosion requirements should be implemented through building permit and plan reviews, and enforced through the permitting and regulatory processes. 605.2

 

605.3Policy E-1.3.2: Grading and Vegetation Removal

 

Encourage the retention of natural vegetation and topography on new development sites. Grading of hillside sites should be minimized and graded slopes should be quickly revegetated for stabilization. 605.3

 

605.4Policy E-1.3.3: Reducing Sedimentation

 

Prevent sedimentation of rivers and streams by implementing comprehensive stormwater management measures, including regular maintenance of storm drains and catch basins and the use of sedimentation ponds where appropriate. 605.4

 

605.5Policy E-1.3.4: Restoring Eroded Areas

 

Abate soil erosion problems in developed areas, particularly where erosion has resulted from poor site design, aging streets and alleys, or deferred maintenance. 605.5

 

notation

The provisions of Title 10, Part A of the DCMR accessible through this web interface are codification of the District Elements of the Comprehensive Plan for the National Capital. As such, they do not represent the organic provisions adopted by the Council of the District of Columbia. The official version of the District Elements only appears as a hard copy volume of Title 10, Part A published pursuant to section 9a of the District of Columbia Comprehensive Plan Act of 1994, effective April 10, 1984 (D.C. Law 5-76; D.C. Official Code § 1 -301.66)) . In the event of any inconsistency between the provisions accessible through this site and the provisions contained in the published version of Title 10, Part A, the provisions contained in the published version govern. A copy of the published District Elements is available www.planning.dc.gov.