Harrisburg, PA Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)

Chapter 9-903 of the Harrisburg Codified Ordinances, adopted 5-14-2013 as Ord. No. 6-2013, is the stormwater management chapter for the City of Harrisburg. Section 9-903.1(A) requires, for all regulated activities not specifically exempted in Section 9-903.2, preparation and implementation of an approved SWM site plan. No regulated activity shall commence until the City issues written approval of the plan. The plan must demonstrate adequate capacity to meet the volume and rate control requirements of Sections 9-903.3 and 9-903.4, and the approved plan must be on site throughout the regulated activities.

Earth disturbance adds erosion and sediment control best management practices (BMPs) designed to meet Title 25 of the Pennsylvania Code, including Chapter 102, and the Clean Streams Law. Impervious area is measured across the whole proposed development, even if built in stages. Where diffused flow is concentrated and discharged onto adjacent property, the applicant must document adequate downstream conveyance and provide an executed easement. Where watercourses cross a site, drainage easements with a minimum width of 20 feet are required. Roof drains shall not be connected to streets, sanitary or storm sewers, or roadside ditches, though the City can permit a direct connection case by case.

Chapter 9-913 bans illicit discharges. Under Section 9-913.1, any drain or conveyance that lets a nonstormwater discharge, including sewage, process wastewater and wash water, enter the City's separate storm sewer system or waters of the commonwealth is prohibited. Listed exceptions include firefighting discharges, lawn watering, uncontaminated groundwater, dechlorinated swimming pool discharges and water from individual residential car washing, unless found to be significant contributors to pollution. Section 9-913.3 bars altering any existing stormwater BMP without written City approval.

The Department of Public Works and the City Engineer enforce the chapter under Section 9-921.2. Appeals go to the City within 30 days of its action, then to the Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas within 30 days of the decision, under Section 9-921.6.