Charleston, WV Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)
Key Facts
- LDA plan trigger
- 5,000 sq ft disturbance
- Impervious-area trigger
- 1,000 sq ft new impervious area
- Minimum fine
- $500 per day, misdemeanor
- Illicit connection grace period
- 6 months to remove
- Enforcing office
- City Engineer stormwater compliance officers
Summary
Charleston bans illicit discharges into its municipal storm sewer system (MS4) and requires an approved erosion and sediment control plan for construction disturbing 5,000+ square feet, enforced by City Engineer's Office stormwater compliance officers under Chapter 102, Article VIII.
Except for stormwater, no person shall discharge or cause to be discharged into the MS4 or waters of the state any materials, including, but not limited to, Pollutants or waters containing any Pollutants that cause or contribute to a violation of applicable water quality standards or any other federal, state, or local regulations.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 56).
Full Breakdown
Under Code of Ordinances Ch. 102, Art. VIII, no one may discharge anything but stormwater into the city's MS4, and illicit connections must be removed within six months of the ordinance's effective date. Separately, any construction project involving land disturbing activity over 5,000 square feet (or 1,000+ square feet of new impervious area) must get city engineer/building department approval of an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan before a building permit issues, per the city's Stormwater Management Guidance Manual. Compliance officers can inspect sites, issue notices of violation, and seek injunctions.
Violations & Fines
Violations are a criminal misdemeanor with a fine of not less than $500.00; each day a violation continues is a separate offense, and unresolved conditions can be declared a public nuisance with abatement costs liened against the property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to disturb land in Charleston?
What can't go into Charleston's storm drains?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Charleston
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