Omaha, NE Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- Omaha Municipal Code Ch. 32
- Enforcement
- Public Works director
- Max fine
- $500 per day/offense
- Private system upkeep
- Owner's responsibility, incl. ROW portion
Summary
Omaha prohibits dumping anything but stormwater into its storm sewer system, and puts upkeep of private drainage lines on the property owner.
No person shall cause the discharge of non-stormwater runoff to enter the municipal separate storm sewer system unless the discharge is one of the following: (a) Authorized by a NPDES permit... (c) Authorized by the City of Omaha... The owner of a property where a private storm water conveyance system is located shall be responsible for the maintenance and repair, and proper operation of the private storm water conveyance system... Any person who is found to have violated an order provided for in this article... shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be fined an amount that does not exceed $500.00... Each day any such violation... shall continue, shall constitute a separate offense.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 32 of the Omaha Municipal Code bars discharging non-stormwater, pool water, car-wash runoff, paint, grease, sediment, into the municipal storm sewer system unless it falls on a short exempt list (firefighting flows, foundation drains, lawn watering, residential car washing, dechlorinated pool water). Property owners must maintain any private stormwater conveyance system on their land, even the part sitting in the public right-of-way; a malfunctioning private system that fouls the street or storm sewer becomes an abatable nuisance under Chapter 18. The Public Works director administers the program citywide, in coordination with Douglas County.
Violations & Fines
Violating Chapter 32 is a misdemeanor: up to $500 per offense, with each day a violation continues counted as a separate offense. The director can also order removal of an illicit connection after 30 days' notice and recover the city's costs from the owner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wash my car on my Omaha driveway?
Who fixes a broken private drain pipe that floods the street?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Omaha
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