Jefferson County, AL Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)

Article 13 of the Jefferson County Subdivision and Construction Regulations governs erosion and sedimentation control across the unincorporated county. , and with Act No. 95-775 of the Alabama Legislature (Code of Alabama 1975, § 11-89C-1 through -14), which authorizes county erosion ordinances (Sec. 11). Before any non-exempt land-disturbing activity begins, the owner or agent must register an erosion and sedimentation control plan with the Jefferson County Department of Inspection Services (Sec. 21), and must give the Department at least five business days' notice before work starts (Sec.

40(b)). Agriculture, silviculture, minor residential yard grading, minor utility work under 1,000 linear feet, and digging of water wells are exempt from registration, though those activities remain subject to other law (Sec. 22). Under Sec. 32, structural controls must be engineered to handle peak runoff from a ten-year frequency storm using National Weather Service rainfall data, buffer zones must be left along lakes and natural watercourses to confine siltation, and graded slopes must receive ground cover, mulch, or erosion-control structures within 14 days of final grading (cross-referenced at Sec.

40(d)). A copy of the accepted plan must stay on the job site along with any monthly or accidental-discharge reports filed with ADEM. Landowners remain responsible for maintaining permanent erosion controls after construction until vegetative cover is established, as determined by the Director of Inspection Services.