Stormwater Management: Detroit vs Livonia
How do stormwater management rules compare between Detroit, MI and Livonia, MI?
Detroit and Livonia have similar restriction levels.
Detroit, MI
Wayne County
Detroit's Post-Construction Stormwater Ordinance (adopted 2018) and the DWSD drainage-charge program govern stormwater on private property. Regulated development and redevelopment projects must submit a Post-Construction Stormwater Management Plan to the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department and install controls that manage runoff volume and flow rates. Non-residential parcels also pay a drainage charge based on impervious area, with credits available for on-site detention or disconnection.
View full Detroit rules →Livonia, MI
Wayne County
Livonia operates a regulated MS4 stormwater system under EGLE, with a city ordinance banning illicit discharges to storm drains. New development over one acre must provide detention per Wayne County standards.
View full Livonia rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Detroit | Livonia |
|---|---|---|
| Local Rule | Detroit Post-Construction Stormwater Ord. (2018) | - |
| Administered By | Detroit Water and Sewerage Dept. (DWSD) | - |
| Trigger | Regulated development / redevelopment | - |
| Required Plan | Post-Construction Stormwater Mgmt Plan | - |
| Drainage Charge | Non-residential, by impervious area | - |
| Credit Programs | Detention, downspout disconnect, green infra | - |
| Regulator | - | EGLE MS4 NPDES permit |
| Threshold | - | 1 acre disturbance |
| Design storms | - | 2, 10, and 100 year |
| Watershed | - | Rouge River tributaries |
| Illicit discharges | - | Prohibited |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Detroit FAQ
Does Detroit's stormwater ordinance apply to my home renovation?
The 2018 Post-Construction Stormwater Ordinance is aimed at regulated development and redevelopment projects (typically commercial/multi-family above a size threshold). Routine single-family home renovations usually do not trigger a Stormwater Management Plan, but the project still needs standard permits and must not direct runoff onto neighbors.
What is Detroit's drainage charge?
DWSD bills non-residential parcels a monthly drainage charge based on measured impervious area (roofs, parking, paving). Owners can earn credits by installing on-site detention, disconnecting downspouts from the combined sewer, or other approved green-infrastructure measures.
Who enforces stormwater rules in Detroit?
The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) reviews and approves Post-Construction Stormwater Management Plans and runs the drainage-charge program. BSEED and EGLE handle construction-phase erosion and sediment control under Michigan's Part 91 rules.
Livonia FAQ
Can I drain my pool to the street?
Only after dechlorination and with care to prevent erosion. Heavily chlorinated water is an illicit discharge under the stormwater ordinance.
Who maintains detention basins?
Private basins are maintained by the property owner or HOA under the post-construction ordinance. Failing basins are enforced by Public Works.
Compare other topics
See how Detroit and Livonia compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool