Lawrence, KS Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)
Key Facts
- Basic prohibition
- Only uncontaminated stormwater may discharge
- Vehicle washing exception
- RS-1/RS-2 zoned lots only
- Owner duty
- Maintain private drainage systems
- Spill reporting
- Nonhazardous release: by 5 p.m. next business day
- Minimum fine
- $250.00, judge cannot suspend it
- Enforcing office
- Director, Municipal Services and Operations
Summary
In the City of Lawrence, releasing anything but uncontaminated stormwater into the storm drainage system is unlawful, and property owners have ongoing maintenance duties to keep pollutants out. Lawrence City Code § 9-1102 bans illicit discharges and connections, and separately requires owners to maintain private drainage systems, clean paved lots, and manage pet waste and pesticides.
(a)Prohibitions.(1)No person shall release or cause to be released into the storm drainage system any discharge that is not composed entirely of uncontaminated stormwater, except as allowed in subsection (b) of this section. Common stormwater contaminants include trash, yard waste, lawn chemicals, pet waste, wastewater, oil, petroleum products, cleaning products, paint products, hazardous waste and sediment. ... (c)Requirements applicable to certain dischargers.(1)Private drainage system maintenance. The owner of any private drainage system shall maintain the system to prevent or reduce the discharge of pollutants. This maintenance shall include, but is not limited to, sediment removal, bank erosion repairs, maintenance of vegetative cover, and removal of debris from pipes and structures.
Full Breakdown
Section 9-1102 prohibits releasing into the storm drainage system any discharge that is not entirely uncontaminated stormwater, naming trash, yard waste, lawn chemicals, pet waste, wastewater, oil, petroleum products, cleaning products, paint products, hazardous waste, and sediment as common contaminants. It separately bans any illicit connection to the storm drain system, including connections made in the past regardless of whether they were legal when installed, and bans connecting a sanitary sewage line to the storm system. A short list of exemptions covers things like uncontaminated waterline flushing, infrequent landscape irrigation runoff, and occasional noncommercial vehicle washing, but only on properties zoned RS-1 or RS-2.
Beyond the prohibitions, subsection (c) imposes affirmative duties: owners of private drainage systems must maintain them, including sediment removal and bank erosion repairs; owners of paved parking lots, streets, and drives must clean them to prevent pollutant buildup; pet waste must be disposed of as solid waste or sewage in a timely manner; and owners along open drainage channels must keep their portion free of trash, debris, and obstacles. of the next business day, while hazardous releases trigger state and federal reporting duties as well.
Violations & Fines
Under Lawrence City Code § 9-1104(g), violating the stormwater article is a municipal offense punishable by a fine of at least $250.00 and up to $1,500.00, and the municipal court judge has no authority to suspend any part of the minimum fine. Each separate day a violation continues or is committed is its own offense, and the city attorney may separately pursue an injunction or damages in district court against a persistent discharger.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wash my car in my driveway in Lawrence?
Who enforces Lawrence's stormwater ordinance?
Do I have to clean my parking lot?
What's the penalty for an illegal stormwater discharge?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lawrence
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