Land Development inspectors perform both random and scheduled site inspections to ensure projects follow the approved plan, infrastructure components are installed correctly, and negative environmental impacts are minimized.
Four types of site development inspections are performed:
- Pre-Construction Meeting/Initial Inspection,
- Random Site Inspections,
- Infrastructure Inspections, and
- Final Site Inspections.
The inspectors also investigate and resolve erosion and drainage related complaints.
Pre-Construction Meeting / Initial Inspection
All land disturbance permittees need to schedule a pre-construction meeting with the Land Development Inspectors prior to any major site activity.
The pre-construction meeting will be held onsite prior to any land disturbance activity or after the initial perimeter sediment controls are installed. If possible, the developer/owner, design engineer and site contractors should be present.
The Land Disturbance Permit (LDP) will be presented after the meeting.
Random Site Inspections
Once a permit is issued and development activities commence, Land Development inspectors conduct random erosion and sediment controls (E&SC) inspections to check the various structural and vegetative best management practices utilized on the site.
Best practices (silt fence, sediment basins, seeding and mulch, etc.) are used to minimize erosion and prevent off-site sedimentation. They must be designed, installed and maintained according to the approved land disturbance or building permit, and the Georgia Manual for Erosion & Sediment Control (the Green Book) in order to avoid an enforcement action.
Land Development inspectors will perform random E&SC inspections until the site has achieved final stabilization, which means that all soil disturbing activities have been completed and that for areas not covered by permanent structures, 100% of the soil surface is uniformly covered in permanent vegetation with a density of 70% or greater.
Infrastructure Inspections
Infrastructure inspections are performed throughout the life of the project. These inspections include road sub-grade and base compaction tests (proof roll), inspection of storm pipes, outlet control structures and other infrastructure components.
Final Site Inspections
Final site inspections are conducted after development is completed. Final Site Inspections are also performed on individual houses or other buildings in order to obtain a certificate of occupancy.