Environmental Rules in Davenport, IA (2026)
5 verified environmental rules for Davenport, Iowa, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Stormwater Management
Davenport regulates stormwater under Municipal Code Chapter 13.34, administered by the Public Works Natural Resources Division. Any development adding 5,000 square feet of impervious surface must retain or infiltrate the full 1.25-inch, 24-hour rainfall event on site.
Davenport Stormwater Management Rules
Some RestrictionsDavenport, IA, Municipal Code § 13.34.310
For new development and redevelopment, structural best management practices shall be designed to provide 80% bacteria reduction, based on current research accepted by the Natural Resources Division of Public Works, and 100% retention or infiltration of the 1.25-inch-in-twenty-four-hour rainfall event.
Erosion Control
Davenport requires erosion and sediment control on construction sites, tied to its stormwater code (Chapter 13.34) and Iowa DNR's NPDES construction permit. Disturbed soil must be retained on site and stabilized, with topsoil restored before final occupancy.
Davenport Erosion & Sediment Control Rules
Some RestrictionsDavenport, IA, Municipal Code § 13.34.320 (Soil quality restoration)
Amend existing site topsoil or subsoil to a minimum rate of 5% organic matter content and a pH from 6.0 to 8.0 or matching the pH of the original undisturbed soil using methods specified in the Iowa Storm Water Management Manual.
Coastal Development
Davenport sits on the Mississippi River, not an ocean coast, so waterway development is governed by its stormwater and floodplain codes. Any project within 50 feet of a waterway triggers stormwater quality review regardless of size.
Davenport Riverfront & Waterway Development Rules
Some RestrictionsDavenport, IA, Municipal Code § 13.34.300
Development and redevelopment projects located within 50 feet of a natural waterway, modified natural waterway, or constructed channel or which include a new storm drain outfall to such waterway, regardless of project size or impervious surface. This requirement is intended to protect environmentally sensitive areas.
Flood Zones
Davenport enforces floodplain rules under Municipal Code Chapter 15.44 for FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas along the Mississippi River. New buildings must sit one foot above base flood elevation, and any development below that elevation needs a floodplain development permit.
Davenport Flood Damage Prevention (Chapter 15.44)
Heavy RestrictionsDavenport, IA, Municipal Code § 15.44.070 (Flood Protection Elevation)
Shall mean the elevation of the base flood or 100-year frequency flood plus one foot of freeboard at any given location in the SFHA.
Grading & Drainage
Davenport controls grading and drainage through its stormwater code (Chapter 13.34) and floodplain code (Chapter 15.44). Detention facilities must limit peak runoff, graded sites must restore soil, and grading in the floodplain needs a development permit.