Dayton, OH Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)
Key Facts
- Max administrative fine
- $1,000 per violation/day
- Criminal penalty
- Up to $1,000, 6 months
- Enforced by
- Dept. of Water Director
- Governing chapter
- R.C.G.O. Ch. 54
Summary
Dayton's stormwater ordinance bars dumping sewage, industrial waste, oil, pesticide runoff, or any other pollutant into the city's storm sewer system (MS4), enforced by the Department of Water Director with fines up to $1,000 per day.
No person shall: (1) Place, cause to be placed, or maintain any material in the MS4 that obstructs or pollutes the flow in any part thereof; excluding leaves during leaf collection periods; ... (6) Cause or permit any illicit discharge to the MS4; (7) Discharge, spill, or dump sewage, industrial wastes, or other wastes into stormwater or into any water of the state, or streets, driveways, sidewalks, parking lots or other areas that drain into the MS4 ...
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 35).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 54 was adopted to keep the city in compliance with its federal Clean Water Act stormwater discharge permit and protect surface and groundwater from erosion and pollution. It flatly bars placing or maintaining any material in the storm sewer system that obstructs or pollutes it, making illicit connections, and discharging sewage, industrial waste, or other pollutants into stormwater or anything that drains to it: covering streets, driveways, sidewalks, and parking lots that feed the system. The Director of the Department of Water enforces it and can issue notices of violation, administrative fines up to $1,000 per violation per day, and stop-work orders.
Violations & Fines
Violations are a public nuisance and a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine up to $1,000 and up to six months in jail, plus administrative fines up to $1,000 per day and liability for the city's cost of abatement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I dump anything into a Dayton storm drain?
Who enforces Dayton's stormwater rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Dayton
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