Dixmont, ME Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)

Section 9.7 of the Dixmont Site Plan Review Ordinance requires adequate provisions for the collection and disposal of all stormwater that runs off proposed streets, parking areas, roofs and other surfaces, through a stormwater drainage system and maintenance plan. Item 1 tells the developer to retain stormwater on the site using natural features to the extent possible. Item 2 caps the rate of flow from the site after development at the predevelopment rate. Item 3 makes the applicant demonstrate that on- and off-site downstream channel or system capacity can carry the flow without adverse effects, including flooding and erosion of shoreland areas, or accept responsibility for the improvements needed. Item 4 preserves natural drainage ways at their natural gradients and bars filling them or converting them to a closed system unless approved as part of the site plan review.

Items 5 through 7 add design and water quality duties: no damage to streets, adjacent or downstream properties, soils and vegetation; provision for upstream runoff passing through the site; and no degradation of the biological and chemical properties of receiving waters. Oil and grease traps in manholes, on-site vegetated waterways, vegetated buffer strips and reduced use of deicing salts and fertilizers can be required, especially where discharge reaches a gravel aquifer area, another water supply source or a great pond.

The standard binds only projects that need site plan approval. Section 2.1 sends new nonresidential buildings over 2,500 square feet, expansions of more than 2,500 square feet, new nonresidential uses and paved areas of more than 2,500 square feet to the Planning Board. Section 2.2 exempts a single family or two-family dwelling and its accessory buildings.

In the shoreland zone, Section 15(J) of the Shoreland Zoning Ordinance separately requires new construction to minimize runoff in excess of natural predevelopment conditions, to keep features such as berms, swales, terraces and wooded areas, and to maintain runoff control systems. Its note adds that the State's Stormwater Management Law requires a full DEP permit for 20,000 square feet or more of impervious area. Solar projects in Dixmont carry their own stormwater plan under the Solar Ordinance.