Elyria, OH Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)

Chapter 960 of the Elyria Codified Ordinances, Storm Water Management, was enacted by City Council in Ord. 2008-18 (passed 2-19-08) to control pollutants entering the MS4 in compliance with the NPDES permit process and to protect the Black River watershed (Section 960.02). Section 960.14(a) says no person shall discharge or cause to be discharged into the MS4 or watercourses any materials other than storm water, including pollutants or waters containing pollutants that cause or contribute to a violation of applicable water quality standards.

Section 960.14(b)(1) exempts water line flushing or other potable water sources, landscape irrigation or lawn watering, rising ground water, uncontaminated pumped ground water, foundation or footing drains, crawl space pumps, air conditioning condensation, springs, non-commercial washing of vehicles, natural riparian habitat or wetland flows, fire fighting activities, and any other water source not containing pollutants. The City Engineer can approve other discharges in writing as necessary to protect public health and safety. Dye testing is allowed, but requires verbal notification to the City Engineer twenty-four hours prior to the test.

Related sections add duties. Section 960.15 prohibits illegal connections to the MS4. Section 960.17 requires a non-hazardous release to be reported to the City Engineer no later than the next business day, with written confirmation within three business days. Section 960.18 requires a permit from the City Engineer for earth-disturbing activity that disturbs one or more acres or moves 500 cubic yards or more of earth, and the permit becomes void if work does not start within one year. Section 960.13 requires owners to keep a watercourse on their property free of trash, debris and excessive vegetation.