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Carroll County, MD Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing chapter
Stormwater Management, Carroll County Code Ch. 151
Enforcing agency
Bureau of Resource Management
Design standard
2000 Maryland Stormwater Design Manual plus county supplement
Maximum criminal fine
$50,000 and up to 1 year jail
Civil penalty cap
Up to $10,000 per day
Appeal deadline
30 days from notice of violation

Summary

Carroll County regulates stormwater runoff from new development under Chapter 151, adopted pursuant to Maryland's Environment Article, Title 4, Subtitle 2. Section 151.001 requires environmental site design to the maximum extent practicable and applies to all development in the unincorporated county, enforced by the county itself.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Carroll County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

(A) The purpose of this chapter is to protect, maintain, and enhance the public health, safety, and general welfare by establishing minimum requirements and procedures to control the adverse impacts associated with increased stormwater runoff. ... (B) This chapter is adopted pursuant to the Md. Code, Environment Article, Title 4, Subtitle 2, and shall apply to all development occurring within the unincorporated areas of the county. ... This county shall be responsible for the coordination and enforcement of this chapter.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-15: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through July 30, 2026).

Full Breakdown

001(A) states the chapter's purpose is to protect, maintain, and enhance the public health, safety, and general welfare by establishing minimum requirements and procedures to control the adverse impacts associated with increased stormwater runoff, using environmental site design (ESD) to the maximum extent practicable (MEP) before resorting to structural best management practices. 001(B) applies the chapter to all development occurring within the unincorporated areas of the county and makes the county responsible for the coordination and enforcement of the chapter. 001(C): overbank flood control, stream channel erosion, waterborne pollution, and groundwater recharge. 080. 067. 002). This rule applies only outside incorporated towns; Westminster, Taneytown, and Carroll's other municipalities administer their own stormwater programs.

Violations & Fines

When the county finds a violation of an approved SWM plan or the chapter, Section 151.125(B) authorizes a written notice with a posted stop-work order, withholding of bonds, denial of further permits, and civil or criminal prosecution. Convictions carry a fine of up to $50,000 or up to a year in jail under Section 151.999(A), and the county may separately seek a civil penalty of up to $10,000 per day of continued violation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Carroll County require a stormwater permit for new construction?
Yes, outside incorporated towns. Section 151.065(A) bars a grading permit unless an approved stormwater management plan is on file, along with any required recorded maintenance agreement and security guaranty, and the same requirements apply to building permits when no grading permit is needed.
What stormwater impacts does Carroll County's ordinance actually target?
Section 151.001(C) lists four: overbank flood control, stream-bank erosion capacity, waterborne pollutant quality, and groundwater recharge, all addressed first through environmental site design measures and only through structural best-management practices when ESD alone cannot meet the standard.
What happens if a builder violates the stormwater ordinance in Carroll County?
The county can post a stop-work order, withhold bonds, and deny future permits under Section 151.125(B). A conviction can bring a fine up to $50,000 and a year in jail under Section 151.999(A), and the county may pursue a separate civil penalty of up to $10,000 per day.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Carroll County

Fence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingLight RestrictionsErosion ControlSignificant RestrictionsFlood ZonesHeavy RestrictionsFlood Elevation RequirementsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: Propane StorageSome Restrictions

All Carroll County rules

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