The purpose of the Township's Stormwater Management Ordinance is to protect public health, safety and general welfare, property and water quality by implementing drainage and stormwater management practices, criteria, and provisions for land development, construction and earth disturbance activities.
The Pennsylvania Stormwater Management Act of 1978 (PA Act 167) requires counties to prepare stormwater management plans for all watersheds within the county. Chester County prepared the County-wide Act 167 Stormwater Management Plan and it was approved July 2, 2013 by the PA Department of Environmental Proctection (PA DEP). The PA DEP, through Act 167, required that all Chester County municipalities adopt the ordinance requirements included in the Plan. West Caln Township adopted the County's model ordinance, West Caln Township Stormwater Management Ordinance, on April 21, 2014.
All projects that involve adding 1000 square feet or more of impervious surface or disturbing more than 5000 square feet of earth are subject to the Storm Water Management Ordinance. Projects between 1000-2000 square feet may use the Simplified Approach, which does not require the services of an engineer. There are more specific requirements, including cumulative projects, and exemptions within the Ordinance and we recommend reviewing the following documents and contacting the Township office with specific questions regarding your plans.
Stormwater requirements must be met and approved by the township engineer before a
Building or Zoning Permit will be issued.
