Louisville, KY Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)
Key Facts
- Enforcing agency
- Louisville/Jefferson County MSD
- Permit required
- Before altering storm drainage facilities
- Funding mechanism
- Storm drainage service charge, most parcels
- Jurisdiction
- MSD's drainage service area, Jefferson County
Summary
MSD holds exclusive jurisdiction over public storm drainage in Jefferson County, requires a permit before anyone alters storm sewers or drainage facilities, and funds the system through a mandatory storm drainage service charge.
MSD shall monitor the design, operation, maintenance, inspection, construction and use of all storm sewers, storm drains and storm water facilities in the drainage service area. MSD shall have exclusive jurisdiction for the design and construction of public storm water facilities in the drainage service area and shall inspect, operate and maintain such facilities.
(B) MSD shall have exclusive jurisdiction for the inspection, maintenance, repair, removal, construction and operation of drainage facilities on all Jefferson County streets, boulevards, alleys, viaducts, sidewalks, curbs, street crossing, grade separation and other public ways and easements, and all drains, ditches, culverts, canals, streams, levees, tunnels and appurtenances thereof. (1994 Jeff. Code, § 32.031) (Jeff. Ord. 31-1986, adopted and effective 12-19- 1986; Lou. Metro Am. Ord. No. 275-2007, approved 12-6-2007)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-47: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ordinances passed by the Council and approved by the Mayor as of July 1, 2026).
Full Breakdown
The Louisville and Jefferson County Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD) has exclusive jurisdiction to design, construct, inspect, operate, and maintain public storm water facilities across the drainage service area, per Louisville Metro Code § 50.71. Anyone removing, constructing, enlarging, altering, repairing, relocating, or demolishing a storm sewer, natural water course, or other drainage facility must first obtain a permit from MSD under § 50.74, and every new improvement must include a storm water system adequate for on-site and incoming flows. MSD funds this work through a storm drainage service charge billed to nearly every parcel in the service area (§ 50.82), with a possible rate reduction for property with qualifying on-site detention.
Violations & Fines
Discharging into or obstructing public drainage facilities, or altering storm sewers/water courses without an MSD permit, is enforced under MSD's Wastewater/Stormwater Discharge Regulations, with each day of non-compliance a separate violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who regulates stormwater drainage in Louisville?
Do I need a permit to alter drainage on my property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Louisville
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