Milwaukee, WI Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)
Key Facts
- Plan trigger
- 1 acre or more disturbed
- Plan trigger
- 0.5 acre impervious increase
- Enforced by
- Dept. of Neighborhood Services
- Max penalty
- $2,000 per violation
- Default jail
- up to 80 days
Summary
Milwaukee requires a storm water management plan before any development disturbing one acre or more, or adding a half-acre of impervious surface, under Chapter 120.
No person shall proceed with any residential, commercial, industrial or institutional improvement or subdivision of property without having provided for appropriate storm water measures that control or manage runoff from such development or redevelopment... A storm water management plan is required if any of the following criteria are met: a. The development or redevelopment causes a land disturbing activity of one acre or more... c. The development or redevelopment occurring causes an increase of 0.5 acres or more of impervious area.
Full Breakdown
Before starting residential, commercial, industrial or institutional construction or subdividing property, developers must control and manage runoff from the site. A storm water management plan covering runoff quality, quantity or both must be submitted and approved by the city engineer whenever a project disturbs one acre or more, disturbs a cumulative acre over three years, or increases impervious area by half an acre or more. Separately, dumping anything other than storm water into storm sewers or drainage facilities is banned outright, with narrow exemptions like firefighting water and dechlorinated pool discharge.
Violations & Fines
Violating Chapter 120 draws a forfeiture of up to $2,000 per violation plus costs; nonpayment can mean up to 80 days in the county house of correction, with each day of continued violation counted as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Milwaukee require a stormwater management plan for new construction?
Is dumping into a Milwaukee storm drain illegal?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Milwaukee
Compare Milwaukee to another location·View the Wisconsin environmental rules overview
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Stormwater Management in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Milwaukee County handle stormwater management.