Greenwich, CT Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- Code Ch. 6, Art. 2, §§ 6-206, 6-211
- Enforcing officer
- Commissioner of Public Works
- Public-land drainage
- requires express prior approval
- Water courses
- must be preserved, not blocked
- Fine range
- $10 to $100 per violation
Summary
In the Town of Greenwich, Code of Ordinances Chapter 6, Article 2 bars any excavation, grading or filling that interferes with surface water flow, drainage or natural water courses, and requires Commissioner of Public Works approval before connecting drainage to public land or facilities.
It is hereby found and declared to be necessary for the promotion of the health, safety and general welfare of the community to regulate the relocation, excavation, filling and removal of soil, rock and earth materials in order to prevent interference with surface water flow and drainage ... creation of stagnant water pools, interference with mean high tidal water on shoreline properties and depreciation of the value of property in general ... No excavation, grading or filling shall be ... permitted which would interfere with the natural drainage of the general area surrounding the site. All existing water courses shall be preserved, except that such water courses may be relocated or piped, provided that there will not thereby be created any interference with the riparian and drainage rights or easements of other property owners; and provided, that no drainage shall be made onto public land or connected with public facilities without the express approval of the Commissioner of Public Works, except with respect to land controlled by the Board of Education.
Full Breakdown
Section 6-206 declares it Town policy to regulate excavation, filling and grading in order to prevent interference with surface water flow and drainage, creation of stagnant water pools, and interference with mean high tidal water on shoreline properties, permitting such work only as necessary for uses allowed under the Building Zone Regulations, Subdivision Regulations, town ordinances and applicable statutes. Section 6-211 then sets the operative drainage rule: no excavation, grading or filling may interfere with the natural drainage of the general area surrounding the site, and existing water courses must be preserved.
A water course may be relocated or piped only if doing so does not interfere with the riparian and drainage rights or easements of other property owners, and no drainage may be connected onto public land or public facilities without the express approval of the Commissioner of Public Works (or the Board of Education for land it controls). Applicants must also submit, under § 6-213(a)(10), the details of any drainage system to be installed to provide proper surface drainage both during and after the work, and the Commissioner reviews that plan under § 6-216 before issuing a permit, considering the § 6-206 policy factors directly.
Violations & Fines
Section 6-221 makes any violation of Article 2, including the drainage rules of § 6-211, punishable by a fine of $10 to $100 per violation, with each day a violation continues after written notice from the Commissioner of Public Works counted as a separate offense. The Commissioner is authorized to bring civil proceedings to enjoin a violation or force compliance, on top of the fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I redirect a stream or drainage ditch on my Greenwich property?
Do I need approval to run drainage onto a public street or Town facility?
What has to be shown on a grading application regarding drainage?
Sources & Official References
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