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Cedar Rapids, IA Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)

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

Key Facts

Governing chapter
Municipal Code Ch. 72
Plan required
before any development, unless exempt
On-site detention
nonresidential lots ≥ 1 acre
Reviewing office
Development Services Division
Funding mechanism
Stormwater Utility Charge per ERU

Summary

Cedar Rapids requires an approved Stormwater Management Plan before any development, with on-site detention mandatory for larger nonresidential lots and a citywide Stormwater Utility Charge funding the system.

(a)Unless otherwise exempt, no development may occur without an approved Stormwater Management Plan. For purposes of obtaining approval of a Stormwater Management Plan, a plan for the site meeting the requirements established in the Design Standards shall be submitted to Development Services Division for review and approval. All design criteria and plan details shall be in conformance with the Design Standards.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 24).

Full Breakdown

Under Chapter 72 of the Municipal Code, no development in Cedar Rapids may proceed without a Stormwater Management Plan approved by the Development Services Division, built to the City's Design Standards. Nonresidential lots of one acre or more must provide on-site stormwater detention; lots between a half-acre and one acre must use a private detention basin, tie into a shared basin, or apply water-quality best management practices. Every lot in the City, developed or not (unless exempt), is billed a Stormwater Utility Charge based on its impervious surface area.

Violations & Fines

Noncompliant sites get a City Stormwater Official order to comply with a deadline and stated penalties for continued noncompliance; violations may also be pursued as a municipal infraction under Iowa Code 364.22.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does every property in Cedar Rapids pay the stormwater charge?
Yes, unless exempt under § 72.304: city-owned property, public streets/rights-of-way, railroad track, and undeveloped land are excluded; everything else is billed by impervious surface area.
When must a project get a Stormwater Management Plan approved?
Before foundation or building permits are issued, per § 72.203(c); the Development Services Division must review and approve the plan first, absent an exemption under § 72.201.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Cedar Rapids

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All Cedar Rapids rules

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