Bowie, MD Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- New and redevelopment projects since 2010
- Design incorporated
- City Design Manual, MD 378 Pond Code
- Permit needed before
- Any building permit issues
- Maximum penalty
- $5,000 fine or 1 year, per violation
- Appeal route
- Circuit Court, Prince George's County
Summary
Chapter 21B requires new and redevelopment projects in Bowie to control stormwater runoff using environmental site design to the maximum extent practicable, restoring pre-development runoff characteristics before the City will issue a stormwater management permit. Violations are misdemeanors carrying up to $5,000 in fines and a year in jail per violation.
The purpose of this chapter is to protect, maintain, and enhance the public health, safety, and general welfare by establishing minimum requirements and procedures that control the adverse impacts associated with increased stormwater runoff. The goal of this chapter is to manage stormwater by using environmental site design (ESD) to the maximum extent practicable (MEP) to maintain after development, as nearly as possible, the pre-development runoff characteristics, and to reduce stream channel erosion, pollution, siltation and sedimentation, and local flooding, and use appropriate structural best management practices (BMPs) only when necessary. ... It is the intent of this chapter to restore, enhance, and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of streams, minimize damage to public and private property, and reduce the impacts of land development. ... Any person convicted of violating the provisions of this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be subject to a fine of not more than $5,000 or imprisonment not exceeding one year, or both for each violation. Each day that the violation continues shall be a separate offense.
Full Breakdown
Adopted in 2010, Chapter 21B applies to new and redevelopment projects that had not received final erosion, sediment, and stormwater plan approval by May 3, 2010 (§ 21B-1D), and incorporates the City's Design Manual and the Maryland 378 Pond Code by reference (§ 21B-2). Under § 21B-10, the City will not issue a stormwater management permit until the property owner submits an approved plan, required easements or land dedications, a maintenance agreement, performance and payment bonds, evidence of insurance, and the permit fee, which § 21B-11 sets as a percentage of the estimated construction value of the facility.
No building permit may issue until the stormwater permit is obtained, and an expired stormwater plan or permit revokes any other City permits tied to the development (§ 21B-10F). The permit can be suspended or revoked on 10 days' written notice for plan violations, changed site runoff characteristics, or noncompliance with a stop-work order (§ 21B-12), and an aggrieved permit holder may appeal the City Manager's action to the Circuit Court for Prince George's County within 30 days (§ 21B-19).
Violations & Fines
Under § 21B-20A, violating Chapter 21B is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 or imprisonment of up to one year, or both, per violation, with each day of continuing violation a separate offense. The City may also seek injunctive relief and issue stop-work orders in addition to those criminal penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bowie
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