Stormwater Management: Foster Center vs Providence
How do stormwater management rules compare between Foster Center, RI and Providence, RI?
Foster Center and Providence have similar restriction levels.
Foster Center, RI
Providence County
Providence County Phase II MS4 communities enforce stormwater rules under RI DEM general permit and RIGL §45-61.2. Providence Code Ch. 23 Art. X requires stormwater management plans for new development disturbing 1+ acre and LID retrofits.
View full Foster Center rules →Providence, RI
Providence County
Providence requires stormwater best management practices for new development and redevelopment exceeding one acre, consistent with RI DEM regulations and the city's MS4 stormwater permit obligations under federal Clean Water Act provisions.
View full Providence rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Foster Center | Providence |
|---|---|---|
| State Permit | RIPDES MS4 General Permit | - |
| Threshold | 1 acre disturbance | - |
| Standard | RI Stormwater Manual (2015) | - |
| Retention | 1 inch rainfall on-site | - |
| Max Penalty | $25,000/day (RIGL §46-12) | - |
| Trigger | - | 1+ acre disturbance |
| Permit | - | MS4 federal stormwater |
| Plan required | - | SWPPP filing |
| Regulator | - | DPW + RI DEM |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Foster Center FAQ
When do I need a stormwater permit in Providence?
For construction disturbing 1 acre or more, or smaller sites in a common plan of development, a SWPPP compliant with the RI Stormwater Design Manual is required under Providence Code Ch. 23.
What is the RIPDES MS4 permit?
The Rhode Island Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System General Permit, administered by RI DEM, requires urbanized municipalities to manage and reduce stormwater pollution.
Providence FAQ
Do small home projects need a SWPPP?
No. Single-family work under one acre of disturbance is exempt, though sediment control on slopes is still expected.
Where do I report illegal dumping into storm drains?
Call Providence DPW or RI DEM's Office of Compliance and Inspection. The MS4 program treats illicit discharges as priority violations.
Compare other topics
See how Foster Center and Providence compare on other ordinance categories.
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