Environmental Rules in Midwest City, OK

If you live in Midwest City or are thinking about moving there, environmental rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Midwest City has 4 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of environmental rules, and some of them might surprise you.

Flood Elevation Requirements

Midwest City requires new and substantially improved residential structures in FEMA-mapped special flood hazard areas to elevate the lowest floor one foot above the base flood elevation, a one-foot freeboard margin above FEMA's bare minimum.

Key details: Freeboard requirement: 1 ft above base flood elevation. Applies to: New construction & substantial improvements. Certification required: PE, architect, or land surveyor. Permit fee: $25, nonrefundable. Administrator: City engineer (floodplain administrator).

Building without the required elevation or floodplain development permit is a misdemeanor under § 13-24, with each day of violation a separate offense; the city can also seek an injunction or mandamus in court.

Flood Zones

Midwest City requires a floodplain development permit before any construction or land alteration in areas of special flood hazard, with new and substantially improved structures elevated one foot above base flood elevation.

Key details: Permit required: Before any floodplain development. Elevation standard: Lowest floor 1 ft above BFE. Permit fee: $25 nonrefundable application fee. Variance fee: $100 filing fee. Penalty: Misdemeanor, separate offense per day.

Building or altering a structure in a flood hazard area without the required permit is a misdemeanor; each day of continued violation is a separate offense, and the city may also seek an injunction.

Erosion Control

Midwest City requires a land disturbing permit before grading, clearing or excavation on most sites, with an erosion and sediment control plan reviewed by the stormwater manager.

Key details: Governing law: City Code § 43-437. Permit needed for: Most grading, clearing, excavation. Land disturbing permit fee: $55 per location. State permit trigger: Over 1 acre needs DEQ OPDES permit. Issuing office: Stormwater quality manager.

Conducting land disturbing activity without the permit is unlawful under § 43-437(a); the stormwater manager can also suspend or revoke a permit and issue a stop-work order for noncompliance under § 43-428, with a $500 reinstatement inspection fee.

Stormwater Management

Midwest City bills every developed property a monthly stormwater charge, at least $2.42 per equivalent service unit, to fund drainage system operations, NPDES compliance, and flood-control projects citywide.

Key details: Minimum charge: $2.42 per month per ESU. 1 ESU equals: 2,860 sq ft impervious surface. Exempt: roads, city parks, undeveloped parcels. Rate adjustment: annual CPI increase each May 1. Administered by: city utilities superintendent.

Nonpayment is treated like any other city utility bill: the same deposit, late-charge, and penalty provisions that apply to water and sewer service apply to the stormwater charge (§ 43-404).

The Bottom Line

Midwest City's environmental rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Midwest City is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Midwest City can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.