Douglas County stormwater management is governed by Omaha's NDEE MS4 permit and Omaha Municipal Code Ch. 31. New construction requires stormwater management plans. Papillion Creek and Missouri River watersheds are primary receiving waters. Post-construction BMP maintenance required.
The City of Omaha operates its municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) under a permit issued by the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) implementing the federal Clean Water Act. Omaha Municipal Code Chapter 31 establishes stormwater management standards. New construction and major redevelopment projects must submit stormwater management plans addressing both water quantity (detention/retention) and water quality (first-flush treatment). Low-impact development techniques — rain gardens, bioswales, permeable pavers, green roofs — are encouraged or required depending on site conditions. Primary receiving waters include Papillion Creek (and its branches: Big Papio, Little Papio, West Papio), the Missouri River, Carter Lake, and various Douglas County tributaries. Erosion and sediment control plans are required during construction under NDEE Construction Stormwater General Permit NPDES requirements (Notice of Intent for sites disturbing 1+ acre). Post-construction stormwater facilities (detention basins, rain gardens) must be maintained by property owners, with deed-recorded operation & maintenance agreements for private facilities. The Papio-Missouri River Natural Resources District partners with Omaha on regional stormwater and flood control.
Failure to implement stormwater plan: stop-work order and fines $500 to $10,000 under Omaha Muni Code Ch. 31 and NDEE civil penalties. Illicit discharge to storm drains: $500 to $25,000 per day. Failure to maintain post-construction BMPs: notice and fines after non-compliance.
Douglas County, NE
Douglas County EV charger installations require an electrical permit. Omaha has no specific EV-ready new construction mandate as of 2025, but OPPD offers res...
Douglas County, NE
Omaha does not impose a blanket overnight street parking ban but enforces a 24-hour continuous parking limit and activates emergency snow routes. Vehicles pa...
Douglas County, NE
Omaha requires a 4-foot minimum barrier around residential pools, spas, and hot tubs per IRC Appendix G/V as adopted via NRS §71-6403. Gates must be self-clo...
Douglas County, NE
Douglas County fence materials are governed by Omaha Municipal Code §55 (Zoning) and Douglas County Zoning Resolution. Wood, vinyl, composite, wrought iron, ...
Douglas County, NE
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission discourages feeding deer and other wildlife and prohibits baiting for hunting under most circumstances. Omaha Municipal Co...
Douglas County, NE
Douglas County allows backyard chickens in Omaha under Omaha Municipal Code §6-55, with a permit required and a limit of typically 3 hens (no roosters). Coop...
See how Douglas County's stormwater management rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.