Environmental Rules in Decatur, AL (2026)
4 verified environmental rules for Decatur, Alabama, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Stormwater Management
In the City of Decatur, Alabama, no person may discharge anything other than stormwater into the municipal storm drain system or watercourses, and illicit connections are prohibited even if they predate the ordinance. The city engineering department enforces, with a 10-day appeal to the city council.
Decatur, AL Stormwater Discharge Prohibitions
Some RestrictionsDecatur City Code § 19.5-7
No person shall discharge or cause to be discharged into the municipal storm drain system or watercourses any material, including, but not limited to, pollutants or waters containing any pollutants that cause or contribute to a violation of applicable water quality standards, other than stormwater. (1)Exceptions to illegal discharge prohibition. The commencement, conduct or continuance of any i...
Erosion Control
In the City of Decatur, Alabama, construction disturbing one acre or more needs an ADEM general stormwater permit, a copy filed with city engineering before work starts, and a construction best management practices plan. A nonconforming site faces a stop-work order and a fine of up to $500.00 per day.
Decatur, AL Construction Erosion and Sediment Control
Some RestrictionsDecatur City Code § 25-163
(6)Erosion and sediment control - Minimum requirements. Construction which disturbs one (1) acre or more of ground surface within the city limits of Decatur will require a general permit for stormwater runoff control. This permit will be obtained from ADEM (Alabama Department of Environmental Management) by the owner/developer of the property. A copy of the approved permit will be submitted to ...
Flood Zones
In the City of Decatur, Alabama, the floodplain ordinance in City Code §§ 25-29 through 25-34 covers all FEMA special flood hazard areas and any other areas the city designates, and requires an approved floodplain development permit before any development begins. Violations are misdemeanors with fines up to $500 and up to six months in jail.
Decatur, AL Floodplain Development Rules
Significant RestrictionsDecatur City Code § 25-30
(a)Lands to which this ordinance applies. This ordinance shall apply to all FEMA SFHAs and any additional areas designated by the City of Decatur (city) as floodplains or areas subject to flooding within the jurisdiction of Decatur, Alabama.(b)Basis for special flood hazard areas. The SFHAs identified by FEMA in the city's Flood Insurance Study (FIS), dated August 16, 2018, with accompanying Fl...
Flood Elevation Requirements
In the City of Decatur, Alabama, City Code § 25-32(b)1 requires the lowest floor, including the basement, of new construction and substantial improvements in A, AE and AH flood zones to be elevated no lower than one foot above the base flood elevation, which the code calls the design flood elevation. Non-residential buildings can be dry floodproofed to the same level.
Decatur, AL Base Flood Elevation and Freeboard
Significant RestrictionsDecatur City Code § 25-32
(b)Specific technical standards. In all special flood hazard areas designated as A, AE, AH (with engineered or estimated BFE), the following provisions are required:1.Residential and non-residential structures. Where BFE data is available, new construction, reconstruction or repairs made to a repetitive loss structure, and substantial improvement of any structure or manufactured home shall have...