Kokomo, IN Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit trigger
- One or more acres disturbed, or part of a multi-lot project
- Review deadline
- 28 days to approve, condition, or deny
- Single-family fee
- $325 site development permit
- Warning period
- 48 hours to correct written violation
- Appeal window
- 30 days to Board of Public Works and Safety
- Maximum penalty
- $2,500 fine, misdemeanor, per day
Summary
In the City of Kokomo, any land-disturbing construction activity needs a site development permit and an approved Pollution Prevention Plan under Chapter 161 before grading begins, and separate MS4 rules in Chapter 54 ban illicit discharges into the storm drain system. The city's MS4 operator reviews, inspects and can suspend permits for noncompliance.
§ 161.03 PERMITS. ... (A) No responsible party may commence a land disturbing construction activity subject to this chapter without first receiving prior approval of a site development permit. ... (C) No developer shall be granted a site development permit without the approval of a Pollution Prevention Plan by the city MS4 operator, or designated representative for land-disturbing activity that: (1) Would require the uncovering of one or more acres of land, except individual building lots that contain less than one acre ... § 161.08 STORMWATER PERMIT FEES. ... Residential Single-family dwelling $325 ... § 161.99 PENALTY. No person shall construct, enlarge, alter, repair, or maintain any grading, excavation, or fill, or cause the same to be done, contrary to or in violation of any terms of this chapter. Any person violating any of the provisions of this chapter shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and each day during which any violation ... is committed, continued, or permitted, shall constitute a separate offense. Upon conviction ... , such person, partnership, or corporation shall be punished by a fine of not more than $2,500 for each offense.
Full Breakdown
Kokomo Code of Ordinances Chapter 161 requires a site development permit before any land-disturbing construction activity, per § 161.03(A). No permit issues without an approved Pollution Prevention Plan for projects uncovering one or more acres, including individual lots under an acre that are part of a larger multi-lot project, per § 161.03(C). The MS4 operator or designated representative must approve, conditionally approve, or disapprove an application within 28 days under § 161.04, and developers must forward IDEM's Notice of Intent within 48 hours before disturbing land.
Fees run from $325 for a single-family dwelling site development permit under § 161.08. Inspectors document compliance and violations in writing under § 161.05, and § 161.06 lets the MS4 operator issue a 48-hour written warning or a stop-work order and permit revocation for violations that endanger public welfare; developers may appeal penalties to the Board of Public Works and Safety within 30 days, with a Board decision due within 60 days. Separately, Chapter 54 prohibits discharging anything but stormwater into the municipal storm drain system or watercourses and bars illicit connections, with the city empowered to suspend MS4 access for violators.
Violations & Fines
Section 161.99 makes it a misdemeanor to construct, enlarge, alter, repair or maintain grading, excavation or fill in violation of Chapter 161, with each day of continuing violation a separate offense; conviction carries a fine of not more than $2,500 for each offense, plus liability for the city's remediation costs. Chapter 54 illicit-discharge violations can trigger suspension or termination of MS4 access under § 54.06, and unreasonable delay in allowing inspection access under § 54.07 is itself a violation of the discharger's stormwater permit and the subchapter.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Kokomo require a stormwater site development permit?
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Sources & Official References
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