5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in District of Columbia, District of Columbia.
Verified from official government sources
DC has some of the most aggressive stormwater rules in the US. DOEE's 2013 Stormwater Regulations (21 DCMR 5) require any project disturbing 5,000+ square feet of land or 50% of an existing site to retain 1.2 inches of runoff on-site through green infrastructure. The Stormwater Retention Credit (SRC) Trading Program lets developers offset requirements by buying credits from BMP-rich properties.
DC requires Erosion and Sediment Control (ESC) plans for all land-disturbing activity exceeding 50 square feet, one of the strictest thresholds in the US. DOEE administers the program under 21 DCMR Chapter 5 Section 540 and the Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Act of 1977. Silt fencing, stabilized construction entrances, and inlet protection are standard. A Responsible Person must be designated for every site.
DC's waterfront development on the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers is subject to federal Army Corps of Engineers Section 404/10 permits, DOEE wetland regulations, National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) review, and the Anacostia Waterfront Initiative. Riparian buffers of 25-50 feet apply along tributaries. The Tidal Basin, Washington Channel, and Anacostia are tidal waters with additional USCG and NPS oversight.
DC's floodplain management is administered by DOEE under 20 DCMR Chapter 31. A 2025 rule expanded the regulated area to include the 500-year floodplain in addition to the 100-year floodplain. DC participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Key flood-risk areas include the Anacostia River corridor, Potomac waterfront, and Rock Creek watershed.
DC grading work is regulated under the DC Construction Codes (12-A and 12-G) and requires a Department of Buildings Excavation and Sheeting & Shoring permit for any excavation. Grading must not redirect runoff onto neighboring properties. Retaining walls over 4 feet require engineering sealed drawings. DOEE SESC and stormwater rules stack on top of DOB permits.
1 cities in District of Columbia have their own environmental rules rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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