Environmental Rules in Richland, WA (2026)
5 verified environmental rules for Richland, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Stormwater Management
In the City of Richland, Washington, RMC § 16.05.020 prohibits discharging anything other than stormwater into the municipal storm drain system or any watercourse, naming trash, petroleum products, pesticides, sediment, and animal waste among banned materials. The Public Works Director administers Chapter 16.05, and violators face administrative fines up to $5,000 per violation or civil penalties up to $5,000 per day under RMC §§ 16.10.040 and 16.10.050.
Richland, WA Stormwater Discharge Rules
Some RestrictionsRichland Municipal Code §§ 16.05.020, 16.10.040, 16.10.050
No person shall discharge or cause to be discharged into the municipal storm drain system or watercourse any materials, 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. Examples of materials whose discharge is prohibited include but are not limited to: ... Trash or de...
Erosion Control
In the City of Richland, Washington, RMC § 16.06.020 requires erosion and sediment control on construction and land-disturbing activity of one acre or more, or on smaller projects that are part of a larger development. RMC § 16.06.030 requires an approved stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWPPP) and BMPs meeting the Stormwater Management Manual for Eastern Washington, with runoff retained for the 25-year, 24-hour storm.
Richland, WA Construction Erosion Control Rules
Some RestrictionsRichland Municipal Code §§ 16.06.020, 16.06.030
This title shall be applicable to all construction activity and land development within the city limits and meeting one or more of the criteria listed below: ... Construction activities, new development and redevelopment on sites of one acre or more; ... General Requirements. All construction activities subject to this title shall be required to comply with the standards and requirements set fo...
Flood Zones
Any construction, fill, grading or other development within Richland's mapped special flood hazard areas needs a development permit from the floodplain administrator before work begins, under RMC §§ 22.16.030 and 22.16.040(A)(1). The permit covers structures, manufactured homes and any activity that could raise flood heights or block floodwater flow.
Richland Floodplain Development Permit
Some RestrictionsRichland Municipal Code § 22.16.030(A), (D); § 22.16.040(A)(1)
A. Lands to Which This Chapter Applies. This chapter shall apply to all special flood hazard areas within the boundaries of the city of Richland, Washington. ... ... D. Penalties for Noncompliance. No structure or land shall hereafter be constructed, located, extended, converted, or altered without full compliance with the terms of this chapter and other applicable regulations. Violations of th...
Boat Dock Permits
Anyone wanting to attach a private mooring or dock to city-owned or city-leased shoreline in Richland must obtain a site permit from the city manager under Municipal Code Section 6.08.010, restricted to private pleasure craft only. The annual fee is $0.50 per foot of riparian frontage, and permit holders must also secure a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permit.
Richland Boat Moorage Site Permit
Some RestrictionsRichland Municipal Code §§ 6.08.010, 6.08.020, 6.08.060
§ 6.08.010. Site permits for boat moorage. The city manager, in the name of the city, is authorized to grant permission to individuals or organizations of the individuals resident in Richland for nonexclusive right of access to and use of boat moorage sites on lands owned or leased by the city and shown on a moorage site map in the office of the finance director of the city, for anchoring or ot...
Flood Elevation Requirements
New construction and substantial improvements in Richland's mapped flood hazard areas must have the lowest floor at least one foot above the base flood elevation, or two feet above the highest adjacent grade where no BFE is set, under RMC § 22.16.050(B).
Richland Base Flood Elevation Freeboard Rule
Some RestrictionsRichland Municipal Code § 22.16.050(B)(1)(a), (B)(3)(a)(i)
1. Residential Construction. ... a. In AE and A1-30 zones or other A zoned areas where the BFE has been determined, new construction and substantial improvement of any residential structure shall have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated one foot or more above the BFE. Mechanical equipment and utilities shall be waterproofed or elevated at least one foot above the BFE. ... ... i. In A...
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