Decatur, AL Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)

Chapter 19.5 of the Decatur City Code, adopted April 18, 2005 as Ordinance No. 05-3824, regulates the municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) to meet the NPDES permit process. Section 19.5-4 gives the city engineering department authority to administer, implement and enforce it. Section 19.5-7 is the core rule: no person shall discharge or cause to be discharged into the storm drain system or watercourses any material, including pollutants or waters containing pollutants that cause or contribute to a violation of water quality standards, other than stormwater.

The exceptions list is specific. It covers water line flushing, landscape irrigation, diverted stream flows, rising and infiltrating ground water, foundation drains, air conditioning condensation, springs, noncommercial washing of vehicles, dechlorinated swimming pool water, fire fighting, street wash water, and dye testing with verbal notice to the city engineer beforehand. Discharges under an NPDES permit are also outside the ban when the discharger is in full compliance and written approval has been granted.

Illicit connections are prohibited outright, including ones made before the chapter was adopted. Section 19.5-12 requires owners and lessees to keep the part of any watercourse on their land free of trash, debris and excessive vegetation. Section 19.5-13 sets spill reporting: a release of hazardous materials is reported immediately through emergency dispatch, a non-hazardous release goes to the city engineer by the next business day, written confirmation follows within three business days, and commercial or industrial operators keep an on-site record for three years.

Enforcement runs through § 19.5-14 notice of violation, with a remediation deadline. An appeal goes in writing to the city clerk within ten days, the council hears it within thirty days, and its decision is final (§ 19.5-15). Uncorrected violations can be abated by the city (§ 19.5-16). Abatement costs are billed within thirty days, and unpaid costs can become a lien after fifteen days (§ 19.5-17).