Janesville, WI Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)

Section 32-97 designates the Director of Public Works, referred to as the Director, to administer and enforce Chapter 32's post-construction stormwater article, adopted under Wis. Stats. § 62.234. Section 32-99 then sets the applicability threshold: the article applies to a post-construction site where one acre or more of land-disturbing construction activity occurs. It exempts a site with less than ten percent connected imperviousness where the total impervious area stays under one acre, agricultural facilities and practices, and underground utility construction that doesn't add above-ground structures, though the Director can still reach a smaller site if it is likely to overload existing drainage facilities, cause channel erosion or increase pollution.

The article applies to sites within the City's boundaries and jurisdiction and excludes state agency activities defined under Wis. Stats. § 227.01(1). Section 32-104 requires a responsible party to obtain a post-construction runoff permit, backed by a stormwater management plan, maintenance agreement and non-refundable permit administration fee, before starting covered work, and the Director must approve or deny a complete application within 15 business days. Section 32-106 requires the maintenance agreement to be recorded with the County Register of Deeds so it binds future owners.

Enforcement under Section 32-109 lets the Director issue written notices of noncompliance, post stop-work orders, seek a cease-and-desist order through the City Attorney, and refer violations for the penalties in Article VII of Chapter 10, with each day of violation a separate offense; the City may also bill emergency remediation costs to the responsible party.