Contact Tim KariKari, Branch Chief Phone Number: (202) 535-2240 Location 51 N Street, NE, 5th floor Washington, DC 20002 Hours of Operation Monday through Friday - 8:15 am to 4:45 pm What Do We Do: The mission of the Sediment and Storm Water Technical Services Branch is to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the residents of the District of Columbia by managing land disturbing activities to prevent accelerated soil erosion and sediment deposition in the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers and their tributaries. The Branch develops and implements programs in storm water management, erosion and sediment control, and floodplain management in support of the regulation of land disturbing activities. The major functions of the Branch are: Review construction and grading plans for storm water management, erosion and sediment control, and floodplain management Coordinate the permit review process with the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs Review environmental impact screening forms (EISFs) and environmental impact studies Review geotechnical reports Develop and upgrade storm water management, erosion and sediment control, and floodplain management regulations, and guidance manuals Provide information on soil types and characteristics Provide information on flood zones in support of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Provide technical assistance on storm water management, erosion and sediment control, and floodplain management issues Why do I need a plan and a permit? Land disturbing activities are regulated under law. As such, no person may engage in any land disturbing activity on any property within the District until that person has secured a construction permit from the District. Approval of a construction permit is based upon the submission by the permit applicant of an erosion and sediment control plan, or a storm water management plan, or both depending on the nature of the development activity. An erosion and sediment control plan is required for 50 square feet of land disturbance. A storm water management plan is required for 5000 square feet of land disturbance. The regulations governing storm water management, erosion and sediment control, and floodplain management are outlined in Chapter 5 of Title 21, and Chapter 31 of Title 20, District of Columbia Municipal Regulations (DCMR). Copies of the DCMR can be purchased at the Office of Documents and Administrative Issuances (ODAI), Room 520 - 441 4th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001. Where can I obtain general information involving the submission of project plans and permit acquisition? The Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) has established a “One Stop Permit and Business Center” on the second floor at 941 North Capitol Street, NE, Washington, DC, to assist businesses, developers, and other permit applicants seeking general information regarding permits, application materials, and technical assistance. The Center is open for business from 8:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Sediment and Storm Water Technical Services Branch has staff persons stationed at the “One Stop Permit Center” to provide assistance to customers to ensure that permit applications, construction plans, and environmental forms and documents that are submitted to acquire a permit, meet regulatory requirements. For enquiries, you may call any of the phone numbers listed below: (202) 442-4568 or (202) 442-4686 or (202) 442-9518.   Where should I submit my application and plan? All plans along with permit applications and other related documents (if required) must be submitted to the “One Stop Permit and Business Center” at 941 North Capitol Street, NE, 2nd floor, for screening. Projects that require immediate approval will be handled at the “One Stop Center” by the Watershed Protection Division staff located at the center. All other projects (file jobs) will be forwarded to the main office of the Sediment and Storm Water Technical Services Branch - Watershed Protection Division ( 51 N Street, NE, 5th Floor, Washington DC 20002) for review. How do I request a pre-development meeting? A preliminary meeting between the developer/designee(s)/applicant and the technical review staff of the Sediment and Storm Water Technical Services Branch is recommended during the conceptual phase of project design to discuss design strategy or issues related to best management practices for storm water management and sediment control. To request and schedule a meeting, please call the Watershed Protection Division’s main line: (202) 535-2240.   What are the plan review and approval procedures? Within 10 to 30 working days of the submission of a plan, the technical review staff of the Sediment and Storm Water Technical Services Branch shall review the plan and make a determination to approve or disapprove the plan. If it is determined that more information is needed or that a significant number of changes must be made before the plan can be approved, the applicant will be informed in writing to make the necessary changes and resubmit the revised plan. All re-submissions must contain a list of the changes made. A new 10 to 30 day review period begins on the date of the re-submission. If plan approval is denied, the reason(s) for the action shall be communicated to the applicant in writing. How do I obtain information on flood zones? If you need to know whether a specific property is located in a flood zone as defined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), you can call the Watershed Protection Division for assistance at (202) 535-2240 How do I obtain information on soil characteristics? If you need to know whether a specific property is located in problem soils in the “Christiana-Sunnnyside Association” as identified by the District of Columbia Soil Survey Manual, which was produced for the District by Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), you can call the Watershed Protection Division for assistance at (202) 535-2240.