Jessamine County, KY Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)

Chapter 156 of the Jessamine County Code, adopted by Ord. passed 4-30-2013, ties stormwater to the permit process. Section 156.003 applies the chapter to all subdivision or site plan applications unless an exemption or waiver applies, and to land development smaller than 1 acre when it is part of a larger common plan of development. The Fiscal Court (JCFC) performance standards apply to any construction activity disturbing 1 or more acre of land. Listed exemptions include logging and agricultural activity consistent with an approved soil conservation plan or timber management plan, additions or modifications to existing single-family and duplex structures, and developments that do not disturb more than 1 acre and are not part of a larger plan.

Section 156.020 is the gate: no property owner or developer receives any of the building, grading or other land development permits required for land disturbance without first meeting the chapter. The application goes to the Planning Commission with 2 copies of the stormwater management plan, 2 copies of the maintenance agreement and the review fees set by the Fiscal Court. Staff tell the applicant within 21 business days of a complete application whether the plan is approved, and a resubmission restarts a 21 business day clock. A final plan must be signed by a licensed professional engineer.

The design standard is the 80th percentile precipitation event, which the chapter sets at 0.58 inches for Jessamine County. Before final plats are recorded, the Planning Commission requires a letter of credit or subdivision bond payable to the JCFC for the total estimated construction cost of the approved plan plus 25%, released only after as-built plans and an engineer's certification.

A separate Chapter 152 bans illicit discharges and connections into the storm drain system on lands outside Wilmore and Nicholasville, with a notice of violation appealable within 15 days of the notice.