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Davenport, IA Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)

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

Key Facts

Code
Municipal Code Ch. 13.34
Trigger
5,000 sq ft impervious
Water Quality Volume
1.25-inch, 24-hour event
BMP Standard
80% bacteria reduction
Enforcement
Public Works Natural Resources

Summary

Davenport regulates stormwater under Municipal Code Chapter 13.34, administered by the Public Works Natural Resources Division. Any development adding 5,000 square feet of impervious surface must retain or infiltrate the full 1.25-inch, 24-hour rainfall event on site.

For new development and redevelopment, structural best management practices shall be designed to provide 80% bacteria reduction, based on current research accepted by the Natural Resources Division of Public Works, and 100% retention or infiltration of the 1.25-inch-in-twenty-four-hour rainfall event.

Source: Davenport Municipal CodeView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4820400; v43 updated 2026-03-11; through 03-11-2026).

Full Breakdown

Chapter 13.34 requires a stormwater management plan for development or redevelopment that cumulatively creates 5,000 square feet of impervious surface, or any project within 50 feet of a waterway. Structural best management practices must deliver 80% bacteria reduction and 100% retention or infiltration of the 1.25-inch, 24-hour storm, designed to the Iowa Stormwater Management Manual, SUDAS, and the Davenport Stormwater Manual. Post-construction facilities are inspected, maintained by the owner, and no certificate of occupancy is issued until they are built. The city's municipal separate storm sewer system operates under an Iowa DNR NPDES permit that prohibits illicit discharges to storm drains.

Violations & Fines

Enforced by the Public Works Natural Resources Division under Section 13.34.090: stop-work orders, municipal infraction citations, mandatory correction of illicit discharges, and forfeiture of the required 125% completion bond for unfinished stormwater facilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a stormwater plan for my project in Davenport?
Yes if it adds 5,000 square feet or more of impervious surface, or sits within 50 feet of a waterway. Smaller single-family additions are exempt under Section 13.34.300.
What is the 1.25-inch standard?
Davenport's water quality volume: new development must retain or infiltrate on site the runoff from a 1.25-inch rainfall over 24 hours, using rain gardens, bioretention, or infiltration practices.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Davenport

Flood ZonesHeavy RestrictionsErosion ControlSome RestrictionsCoastal DevelopmentSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Exotic PetsHeavy RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage TreesSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Weed OrdinancesSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Tree TrimmingSome RestrictionsSign Regulations: Holiday DisplaysFew RestrictionsSign Regulations: Garage Sale SignsSome Restrictions

All Davenport rules

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