Cincinnati, OH Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)

Cincinnati Municipal Code Chapter 720, the Stormwater Management Code, makes it unlawful under Sec. 720-29 to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, relocate, or demolish a storm sewer, natural watercourse, or other drainage facility without first filing an application and obtaining a permit from the utility division; only minor repairs defined in the rules and regulations are exempt. Permits are specifically required for connecting into the public stormwater system, for improvements that are or will become public facilities, for work in dedicated but unimproved street rights-of-way, and for any improvement requiring retention or detention facilities.

Every improvement must be provided with a stormwater system able to handle runoff both generated on site and flowing in from adjoining areas, and foundation drains must discharge to the surface drainage system directly or through a sump pump. Under Sec. 720-31, applicants submit three sets of plans and two sets of specifications along with calculations showing how site runoff will be controlled, and under Sec. 720-29 the Deputy Director has 30 days after filing to approve or reject the plan; rejected plans may be revised and resubmitted, and no permit issues until the plan is approved or the requirement is waived.

Sec. 720-33 requires the design to fit the city's existing or planned drainage system and, for work touching state highways, to satisfy Ohio Department of Transportation requirements. Under Sec. 720-35, a permit expires if work has not started within 180 days, though one 180-day renewal is available on written request and payment of the Sec. 720-37 fee; a permit is revoked if work stops for a year. Connections into a storm sewer may only be made by sewer tappers licensed by the city or Greater Cincinnati Water Works who have posted a $5,000 bond with the city.

Property owners who disagree with a ruling can petition the Board of Appeals under Sec. 720-75 within 30 days for a $50 filing fee, and the board can affirm, modify, reverse, or grant a variance.