Howard County, IN Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)
Key Facts
- Release rate limit
- 0.3 cfs per acre for 100-year storm
- Triggers permit
- 1+ acre disturbed, new/redevelopment
- Enforcing agency
- Dept. of Storm Water Management (MS4 Operator)
- Appeal window
- 15 days to appeal notice of violation
- Max fine
- $7,500 per violation, per day
- Protected buffer
- 75 ft of regulated drains/drain tile
Summary
In unincorporated Howard County, new development or redevelopment disturbing one or more acres must limit post-construction runoff to 0.3 cubic feet per second per acre for the 100-year storm. The County Department of Storm Water Management reviews permits, and the Stormwater Board can fine violators up to $7,500 per day under Howard County Code Chapter 154.
(C) Applicability. The performance standards herein must be met at all new development and redevelopment areas that disturb one or more acres of land or disturbances of less than one acre of land that are part of a larger common plan of development or sale if the larger common plan will ultimately disturb one or more acres of land within the county area. ... (A) Allowable storm water release rate (Q100 post to 0.3cfs per acre - critical duration storm). The developer shall submit detailed computations of runoff after development, redevelopment or new construction, which demonstrates sufficient storm water storage to ensure that the 100-year return period storm of critical duration does not exceed a release rate of 0.3 cubic feet per second per acre of development. ... If the Stormwater Board finds by a preponderance of the evidence that a violation of this chapter has occurred, it may impose fines upon the responsible person in an amount not to exceed $7,500, all in accordance with I.C. 36-1-6-9(d), and/or issue orders to correct violations.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 154 of the Howard County Code sets performance standards for any new development, redevelopment, or new construction in the county area that disturbs one or more acres of land, or a smaller phase of a larger common plan that will ultimately disturb an acre or more. 3 cubic feet per second per acre of development. 03(C) designates floodways, FEMA flood boundary areas, and land within 75 feet of a regulated drain or drain tile as protected 'impact drainage areas' where impervious surfaces must be minimized and 70% vegetative cover maintained.
01(C) cover developments under one acre standing alone, logging and agricultural activity, additions to existing single-family homes, and activities under the County Surveyor's jurisdiction, or a waiver granted by the Board. 08. 03(D) so runoff carries no visible petroleum sheen.
Violations & Fines
The MS4 Operator issues a written notice of violation by certified mail describing the problem and required corrective schedule; the responsible person may appeal to the Board within 15 days of service (§ 154.09). Construction must halt under a stop-work order until compliance is confirmed, and emergency stop-work orders can issue by phone or email for immediate threats to water quality. Under § 154.99, the Stormwater Board can impose fines up to $7,500 per violation, with each day of continued violation counted separately, or the county can seek a court injunction under I.C. 34-28-5-1(b); appeals of a fine order go to court within 60 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Howard County stormwater ordinance apply to a small home addition?
Who reviews stormwater permits in unincorporated Howard County?
What happens if I don't fix a stormwater violation after notice?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Howard County
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