Environmental Rules in Bowie, MD (2026)
3 verified environmental rules for Bowie, Maryland, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Stormwater Management
Chapter 21B requires new and redevelopment projects in Bowie to control stormwater runoff using environmental site design to the maximum extent practicable, restoring pre-development runoff characteristics before the City will issue a stormwater management permit. Violations are misdemeanors carrying up to $5,000 in fines and a year in jail per violation.
Stormwater Management Rules in Bowie
Heavy RestrictionsBowie City Code §§ 21B-1, 21B-20
The purpose of this chapter is to protect, maintain, and enhance the public health, safety, and general welfare by establishing minimum requirements and procedures that control the adverse impacts associated with increased stormwater runoff. The goal of this chapter is to manage stormwater by using environmental site design (ESD) to the maximum extent practicable (MEP) to maintain after develop...
Erosion Control
Bowie enforces its own soil erosion and sediment control chapter for any land grading in the City, adopting the Maryland Standards and Specifications for Soil Erosion and Sediment Control and COMAR 26.17.01 by reference. A violation is a misdemeanor punishable by up to $1,000 and six months in jail per violation, on top of civil penalties tied to the cost of correction.
Soil Erosion Control Rules in Bowie
Heavy RestrictionsBowie City Code §§ 21A-1, 21A-32
The purpose of this article is to protect, maintain, and enhance the public health, safety, and general welfare by establishing minimum requirements and procedures to control the adverse impacts associated with land disturbances. The goal is to minimize soil erosion and prevent off-site sedimentation by using soil erosion and sediment control practices designed in accordance with the Code of Ma...
Flood Zones
Bowie will not issue a stormwater management permit for a project whose facilities sit in the 100-year floodplain unless the developer first dedicates land or grants an easement broad enough to keep grading and construction out of that floodplain area. The requirement is part of the City's stormwater permit conditions under Chapter 21B, not a standalone floodplain code.
Floodplain Development Rules in Bowie
Significant RestrictionsBowie City Code §§ 21B-10, 21B-19
Upon approval by the Department and, where required, the District, of a stormwater management plan meeting the requirements of this chapter, and subject to the requirements of this section, the City shall issue a stormwater management permit. The permit shall not be issued unless the property owner has submitted to the City: ... Where a stormwater management system includes property located in ...
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County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Bowie city rules.
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