Des Moines requires stormwater management plans for development sites disturbing one acre or more, plus permanent post-construction best management practices to control runoff into the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers.
Under DSM Municipal Code Ch. 102 stormwater provisions and Iowa NPDES Phase II rules, projects disturbing 1+ acres must submit a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) and install permanent BMPs such as bioretention, detention basins, or permeable pavement. Public Works Engineering reviews plans and inspects construction. The city follows Iowa Stormwater Management Manual standards, with Bioswale and rain garden incentives. Residential lot grading must direct runoff away from neighbors. Illicit discharges into storm sewers are prohibited.
Violations carry stop-work orders and civil penalties up to $750 per day; illicit discharges incur cleanup costs.
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines Chapter 42, Article XI requires grading permits for land-disturbing activities meeting specific size thresholds, especially near floodplains and w...
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines requires a grading permit and erosion and sediment control plan for most land-disturbing activities. Chapter 42, Article XI governs stormwater man...
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines has significant flood risk areas along the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers. The city participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). A ...
See how Des Moines's stormwater management rules stack up against other locations.
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