Dearborn, MI Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- Code of Ordinances Art. V, Ch. 19
- Criminal fine
- $1,000/violation/day
- Max jail term
- 93 days
- Civil penalty
- Up to $500/day
- Enforcing agency
- Dept. of Public Works
Summary
Dearborn bans dumping anything but storm water into its storm drain system and requires industrial and construction dischargers to hold an NPDES permit before connecting.
No person shall throw, drain, or otherwise discharge, cause, or allow others under its control to throw, drain, or otherwise discharge into the MS4 any pollutants or waters containing any pollutants, other than storm water... Any person that has violated or continues to violate this article shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be subject to a fine of $1,000.00 per violation per day and/or imprisonment for a period of time not to exceed 93 days.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-07: Code: Updated through: July 22, 2026 | Zoning: Updated through: July 22, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Under Code of Ordinances Article V (Chapter 19), no person may throw, drain, or otherwise discharge any pollutant other than storm water into Dearborn's municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4), and illicit connections to the storm drain system are prohibited outright, including past connections that were once lawful. A short list of discharges is exempt (water line flushing, lawn watering, foundation drains, dechlorinated pool water, and similar). Industrial and construction dischargers must hold an NPDES storm water permit and file proof of compliance with the city before discharging to the MS4. The Director of Public Works administers and enforces the article.
Violations & Fines
Violators are guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $1,000.00 per violation per day and/or up to 93 days imprisonment; the city may also impose civil penalties up to $500.00 per day for unremedied violations and can suspend MS4 access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I connect my sump pump to Dearborn's storm sewer?
What triggers an NPDES permit requirement in Dearborn?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Dearborn
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Stormwater Management in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Wayne County handle stormwater management.