Flint, MI Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)
Key Facts
- Core rule
- Non-storm-water discharge to storm sewers banned
- Authorization
- NPDES permit or City use permit
- Civil fine
- Up to $5,000 per day
- Criminal exposure
- Misdemeanor for willful violations
- Enforcement
- City Enforcement Officer, Water Pollution Control
Summary
The City of Flint bans any discharge to its storm sewer system that is not entirely storm water, requiring an NPDES permit, permit-by-rule status, or a City use permit for anything else.
Unless exempted from regulation under § 46-130 or authorized under § 46-131: (a) Any discharge to the storm sewer system that is not composed entirely of storm water is prohibited and declared an illicit discharge; and (b) Any connection to the storm sewer system conveying discharges to the system not comprised entirely of storm water is prohibited and declared an illicit connection.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2016 Code: Local legislation current through Ordinance 3821, passed 3-1-2012).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 46-127 declares any non-storm-water discharge to the storm sewer system, and any connection carrying one, an illicit discharge or illicit connection, unless exempted under § 46-130 or authorized under § 46-131. Section 46-131 automatically authorizes storm water tied to an active NPDES permit or MDEQ no-exposure certification, filed with the City Director within 30 days, and lets the Director require interim or individual use permits for other discharges. Violations under § 46-135 are municipal civil infractions carrying civil fines up to $5,000 per violation per day, and § 46-137 makes willful violations a misdemeanor, each day a separate offense.
Violations & Fines
Civil fines up to $5,000 per violation per day (§ 46-135); willful or knowing violations, including falsified monitoring records, are misdemeanors under § 46-137, each day a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Flint property owner discharge anything besides rainwater into the storm sewer?
What happens if someone dumps pollutants into Flint's storm sewer system?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Flint
Compare Flint to another location·View the Michigan environmental rules overview
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