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Clark County, IN Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)

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

Key Facts

Illicit discharge
Non-stormwater to MS4 banned, § 53.07
Permit trigger
1+ acre land disturbance, § 51.01
No-disturbance buffer
25 ft from waterway bank
Waterway buffer
50 ft, or 25 ft past FEMA floodplain
Max first-offense penalty
$10,000, unpermitted development
Appeal deadline
10 days, $500 cost bond

Summary

Unincorporated Clark County bans nearly all non-stormwater discharges into its MS4 storm sewer system under Code § 53.07, and any development disturbing one acre or more of land must file a post-construction Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan under § 51.01 before the county will issue a Stormwater Quality Management Permit.

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

(2) Except as hereinafter provided, all non-stormwater discharges into the MS4 are prohibited and declared to be unlawful.

(3) It is unlawful for any person to connect any pipe, open channel or any other conveyance system that discharges anything except stormwater or unpolluted water, which is approved by the county based on exemptions listed in division (B) below, to the stormwater system.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2019 S-0: Code: Local legislation current through Ordinance 31-2014, passed 12-18-2014).

Full Breakdown

Clark County regulates two linked stormwater programs in unincorporated areas. 07(B)). 02). 03). 06). 09).

Violations & Fines

Civil penalties under § 53.99(D) are capped by offense type: up to $10,000 for developing without a required permit, $5,000 for development inconsistent with an approved permit, $5,000 for violating a permit condition, $5,000 for an illicit discharge, and $500 for improper disposal of ordinary household products that reach the MS4. Each repeat offense by the same person adds 25% to the prior penalty (§ 53.99(A)).

Frequently Asked Questions

What can't I dump into a storm drain in unincorporated Clark County?
Under § 53.07, anything besides stormwater or county-approved unpolluted water is banned from the MS4, including industrial and commercial waste, sewage, garbage, yard waste, petroleum products such as used motor oil, and animal wastes. Violators must disconnect the illegal source and reimburse the county for cleanup and testing costs.
Do I need a stormwater permit to build on unincorporated county land?
Yes, if the project disturbs one acre or more, including a smaller lot that is part of a larger common development plan. Section 51.01 requires a post-construction Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan reviewed and accepted by the county before a Stormwater Quality Management Permit is issued.
How big a fine can Clark County issue for a stormwater violation?
Section 53.99(D) sets maximum civil penalties by offense: $10,000 for building without a required permit, $5,000 for work inconsistent with an approved permit or for an illicit discharge, and $500 for improperly disposing of ordinary household products. Repeat offenses add a 25% surcharge to the prior penalty amount.
Can I appeal a Clark County stormwater violation notice?
Yes. Section 53.10 gives you 10 days from the violation notice to file a written appeal with the county, and if the county does not respond within 10 days the violation stands. A further appeal to the Stormwater Appeals Committee requires a written request and a $500 cost bond within 10 days of that decision.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Clark County

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsErosion ControlSome RestrictionsFlood ZonesSignificant RestrictionsFlood Elevation RequirementsSignificant RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsLight Restrictions

All Clark County rules

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