Stormwater Management: Detroit vs Westland
How do stormwater management rules compare between Detroit, MI and Westland, MI?
Detroit and Westland 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 →Westland, MI
Wayne County
Westland manages stormwater under EGLE MS4 permit requirements. New developments must control runoff, and illicit discharges to storm drains are prohibited with fines up to 10,000 dollars.
View full Westland rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Detroit | Westland |
|---|---|---|
| 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 permit |
| Watershed | - | Lower Rouge River |
| Development trigger | - | 1 acre disturbance |
| Illicit discharge | - | Fines up to 10,000 dollars |
| Contact | - | DPS (734) 467-3200 |
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.
Westland FAQ
Can I wash my car and let soap run into the street?
Not repeatedly. Occasional home car washing is tolerated, but commercial washing runoff is a prohibited discharge.
Where does Westland storm water go?
To the Lower Rouge River via storm drains, untreated. That is why dumping anything into drains is prohibited.
Compare other topics
See how Detroit and Westland compare on other ordinance categories.
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