Nicholasville, KY Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)

Chapter 26 of the Nicholasville Code of Ordinances has two articles. Article I covers the municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) and exists, under § 26-1, to regulate non-storm water discharges and comply with the NPDES permit process. Section 26-3 applies it to all water entering the storm drain system from developed and undeveloped lands, and § 26-4 makes the city responsible for administration, with the mayor able to delegate in writing.

Section 26-20(a) is the core rule: no person can discharge into the storm water system or watercourses any materials, including pollutants, that cause or contribute to a violation of applicable water quality standards, other than storm water. The exemptions in § 26-20(b) include water line flushing, landscape irrigation or lawn watering, noncommercial washing of vehicles, firefighting and swimming pool water. Pool water can be discharged only if dechlorinated below 0.1 milligrams per liter, and the code notes this is achieved by discontinuing chlorination for a minimum of forty-eight (48) hours. Dye testing needs written notification to the city before the test, and NPDES-permitted discharges need written approval.

Article II ties storm water control to development. Under § 26-220, no landowner or land operator receives building, grading or other land development permits for land disturbance without first meeting the article. Section 26-221 requires a storm water management plan, a maintenance agreement and nonrefundable review fees, filed with the planning commission. Under § 26-223, the planning commission has thirty (30) business days from a complete application to say whether it is approved, disapproved or needs revision, and the same period applies to a resubmission. Section 26-224 keeps the permit valid until all storm water practices pass final inspection.