St. Clair County, IL Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit threshold
- 10,000 sq ft impervious or 1 acre disturbed
- Permitting agency
- Building and Zoning Department
- Review window
- 30 days, extendable 30 more
- Permit expires
- 180 days if work not started
- Maximum fine
- $1,000 per day of violation
- Appeals body
- County Environment Committee
Summary
Unincorporated St. Clair County requires a Stormwater Management and Erosion Control Permit from the Building and Zoning Department before any new development or redevelopment that disturbs land. The threshold trips at 10,000 square feet of impervious surface or one acre of disturbed land, and violators face fines up to $1,000 per day.
This Code shall apply to all new development and redevelopment in the County as set forth herein: (A) Any new development or redevelopment that will include an area that will meet or exceed ten thousand (10,000) square feet of total impervious surface (i.e., streets, roof, patio or parking area or any combination thereof); or that involves one (1) acre or more of land... Any person who violates, disobeys, omits, neglects or refuses to comply with, or who resists enforcement of, any provision of this Code, or any condition in any permit issued pursuant to this Code, shall be subject to a fine not in excess of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) for each offense. Each calendar day a violation continues to exist shall constitute a separate offense.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 33 of the county code, the Stormwater Control Code (effective January 4, 2010, revised May 1, 2017 by Ord. 2, 5/5-1063, 5/5-1104, 5/5-1113, 5/5-12001 and 5/5-15001, plus 415 ILCS 5/43 and 35 Ill. Adm. Code Subtitle C, to control drainage changes, flooding and erosion caused by development. Under Sec. 33-1-3, no person, firm, corporation, or government agency may begin development or redevelopment activity without first getting a permit from the Building and Zoning Department once the project meets or exceeds 10,000 square feet of total impervious surface (streets, roofs, patios, parking, or any combination) or disturbs one acre or more of land.
Applications go to the Building and Zoning Department on the county's form, must name the owner, developer, contractor and any consulting firm, and must include the filing fee set by Building Regulations Sec. 7-1-53; a simplified form exists for single-family residential projects. Under Sec. 33-3-2, the department has 30 days to approve, conditionally approve, disapprove, or request a further 30 days for complex projects. A permit expires under Sec. 33-3-3 if work has not started and been actively pursued within 180 days, or is not completed by the date stated on the permit, though extensions are available on written request before expiration. Anyone aggrieved by a department decision can appeal to the county Environment Committee under Sec. 33-3-4.
Violations & Fines
Sec. 33-7-3 sets a fine of up to $1,000 for each offense, and every calendar day a violation continues counts as a separate offense. Property owners, occupants, developers and contractors doing the work are jointly and severally liable. The Director of Building and Zoning can pursue any legal or equitable action needed to enforce the Code, including an immediate injunction where the violation poses substantial danger to the environment, public health, or safety. Violators can also be ordered to restore the site to its pre-violation condition or pay the cost of restoration.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do I need a stormwater permit in unincorporated St. Clair County?
How long does the county take to review a stormwater permit application?
What happens if I violate the Stormwater Control Code?
Can I appeal a stormwater permit decision?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in St. Clair County
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