Fort Wayne, IN Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)
Key Facts
- Enforcing agency
- Dept. of Stormwater Management
- Max civil penalty
- $2,500 per violation per day
- Illegal connections
- Banned, even if pre-existing
- Watercourse upkeep
- Owner must clear trash/debris
Summary
Fort Wayne bans dumping anything but stormwater into its storm drains, ditches and rivers, with fines up to $2,500 per violation per day.
No person shall discharge or cause to be discharged to Fort Wayne's municipal separate storm sewer system, watercourse, or water body, directly or indirectly, any discharge that is not composed entirely of stormwater except permitted discharges per 40 CFR 122.26(b)(2)... Any person that has violated or continues to violate this Chapter shall be liable to civil penalties to the fullest extent of the law, and shall be subject to a fine of up to $2,500 dollars per violation per day.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-60: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. G-19-26, passed 7-14-26, and Res. 83-19, passed 12-17-19 State legislation current through Legislative Service, 2025 Acts, Pamphlet No. 3).
Full Breakdown
The city's Department of Stormwater Management regulates the municipal separate storm sewer system under Chapter 53. No one may discharge or connect anything other than stormwater to the storm sewer, watercourse or water body, and illegal connections are banned even if they predate the rule. Dumping pollutants into the St. Marys, St. Joseph or Maumee Rivers, their tributaries, or any street, storm sewer, ditch or drainage way is a violation. Property owners along a watercourse must keep it clear of trash, debris and obstructions.
Violations & Fines
Civil penalty up to $2,500 per violation per day; each day a violation continues is a separate offense, plus recoverable attorneys' fees and enforcement costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I connect my sump pump or downspout to the storm sewer in Fort Wayne?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fort Wayne
Compare Fort Wayne to another location·View the Indiana environmental rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.