Frederick, MD Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)

City Code § 28-7 requires stormwater management measures for any development that disturbs land in Frederick, unless the project is exempt because it disturbs 5,000 square feet or less, involves agricultural land management, or is regulated directly by the Maryland Department of the Environment. Section 28-14 requires an applicant to submit a stormwater management plan to the City Engineer through a three-step review: a concept plan, a development plan, and a final stormwater management plan that includes a final erosion and sediment control plan, with the City Engineer coordinating comments from the Soil Conservation District and the Department of Public Works at each phase.

Under § 28-15, the City Engineer may not issue a grading or building permit unless the final erosion and sediment control and stormwater plans are approved, required easements for the facility and its access are recorded in the Frederick County land records, a maintenance agreement is submitted, and the applicant has documented permission from any adjacent property owners affected by the design. Section 28-16 also requires the owner to post security, such as an irrevocable letter of credit, equal to the estimated construction cost of the stormwater facilities before a permit issues; the City releases the security in stages, finishing only after a final inspection and approved as-built plans.

Retention ponds over 1,000 square feet with water more than 18 inches deep must be fenced at least 42 inches high under § 28-17, unless the pond uses benching or 4:1 slopes instead. The Director may suspend or revoke a grading or building permit under § 28-15(b) for plan violations, unapproved construction changes, or an immediate downstream danger.