Environmental Rules in Waterloo, IA (2026)
3 verified environmental rules for Waterloo, Iowa, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Stormwater Management
In the City of Waterloo, Iowa, every property that discharges runoff into the city's storm sewer system must pay a monthly stormwater user fee, and the whole city is declared a stormwater drainage system district under Iowa Code section 384.84. The City Engineer runs the program under NPDES phase II federal permit rules.
Stormwater Management Rules in Waterloo, Iowa
Some RestrictionsWaterloo City Code § 8-4-2, § 8-4-5, § 8-4-7, § 8-4-14
A. The purpose of this chapter and other ordinances adopted under this chapter is to address mandates of the federal government, including, but not limited to, the clean water act and national pollutant discharge elimination system (NPDES) phase II permit regulations regarding the desired reduction of pollution in stormwater runoff. ... All areas within the city limits of the city are hereby de...
Erosion Control
In the City of Waterloo, Iowa, most new construction needs a local Construction Site Runoff (CSR) permit from the City Engineer, even projects too small for a state NPDES permit. Sites must control erosion, pass a preconstruction check, and reach 70% vegetative cover before closeout, or face a municipal infraction.
Construction Site Erosion Control in Waterloo, Iowa
Significant RestrictionsWaterloo City Code § 8-4B-1, § 8-4B-7, § 8-4B-8, § 8-4B-9
A state permit and SWPPP are not required for construction sites with an area of disturbed land that is less than one acre, provided such land is not part of a larger common plan of development. ... a local construction site runoff permit shall be required for stormwater discharges from all construction sites as identified in subsection 8-4B-7A of this article, even if otherwise exempted from s...
Flood Elevation Requirements
In the City of Waterloo, Iowa, the subdivision code requires any new plat in a flood-prone area to raise the lowest water entry level of every structure at least twelve inches above the 100-year flood elevation, with a ten-foot buffer maintained around the building, and the City Council can flatly refuse to approve subdivision of land the city has designated as floodway.
Flood Elevation Rule for New Subdivisions in Waterloo
Significant RestrictionsWaterloo City Code § 11-5-4
5. Areas Of Poor Drainage: Whenever a plat is submitted for an area which is subject to flooding, the city council may approve such subdivision provided that the applicant fills the affected area of said subdivision to an elevation sufficient to place the "lowest water entry level" as herein defined, of any structure at a minimum of twelve inches (12") above the elevation of the 100-year flood,...
Looking for Black Hawk County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Waterloo city rules.
Environmental Rules in Black Hawk County →