Environmental Rules in Bowling Green, KY (2026)
4 verified environmental rules for Bowling Green, Kentucky, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Stormwater Management
Bowling Green is a Phase II MS4 community under the Kentucky Division of Water's KPDES MS4 General Permit (KYG20) and runs its local stormwater program out of Chapter 21 of the Code of Ordinances. Because Bowling Green sits on top of a karst aquifer with sinkholes, caves, and underground streams, every drop of stormwater eventually finds the groundwater — so the City treats stormwater quality as a groundwater protection program, not just a surface-water program. The program is administered by Public Works Stormwater Management at 1011 College Street, (270) 393-3628.
Stormwater Management in Bowling Green
Heavy RestrictionsErosion Control
Bowling Green requires Erosion Prevention and Sediment Control (EPSC) measures on every land-disturbing activity of 750 square feet or more under City Ordinance 21-2.03. An EPSC plan signed by a City Certified EPSC Contractor must accompany the permit application. Sites disturbing one acre or more must also develop a full Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) and enroll in the Kentucky KPDES Construction Stormwater General Permit (KYR10) administered by the Kentucky Division of Water.
Erosion Control in Bowling Green
Heavy RestrictionsFlood Zones
Bowling Green is a participant in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and the Community Rating System (CRS) for flood-insurance discounts. Floodplain administration is run jointly with Warren County through the Warren County City County Planning Commission, with Floodplain Manager Jacob Merriman at 1141 State Street, (270) 842-1953. Regulated areas are the FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) along the Barren River, Drakes Creek, and the city's many karst tributaries and interior streams. Any development inside the SFHA requires both a local floodplain development permit and a Kentucky Division of Water Stream Construction Permit under KRS 151.250.
Flood Zones in Bowling Green
Heavy RestrictionsGrading & Drainage
Grading and drainage in Bowling Green is regulated through Chapter 21 of the City Code and Appendix B (Stormwater Management Guide) of the Warren County Subdivision Regulations. The CRITICAL rule is Section 21-3.01(b): any alteration that changes stormwater flow into a sinkhole, drainage crevice, dry well, ditch, closed system, catch basin, or other drainage facility — natural or constructed — requires prior written approval from the Public Works Director or designee. Detention and retention basins must be sized for the 100-year storm.
Grading and Drainage in Bowling Green
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for Warren County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Bowling Green city rules.
Environmental Rules in Warren County →