Portland, ME Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)

Under Chapter 32, Article III of the Code of Ordinances, no applicant for a development project that needs a stormwater management plan under Section V of the City's Technical Manual can receive project approval unless the post-construction stormwater management plan and its BMPs are also approved (Sec. 32-37). Once built, the owner or operator of a BMP must maintain it per the approved plan. That means hiring a professional Qualified to perform Post-Construction BMP Annual Inspections to inspect BMPs -- parking areas, catch basins, drainage swales, detention basins and ponds, pipes and related structures -- at least annually (Sec.

32-38(a)). If a BMP needs maintenance, repair or replacement, the owner must report the deficiency and corrective action to the Department of Public Works (DPW) within 60 days of identifying it, or DPW sets an expeditious repair schedule if 60 days isn't workable (Sec. 32-38(b)). By June 30 of each year, the owner must have that same qualified professional file a signed certification with DPW confirming the BMPs are adequately maintained and functioning, along with a filing fee DPW sets to cover its administrative and technical review costs (Sec. 32-38(c)-(d)). DPW may enter the property at reasonable hours, with the owner's, occupant's or agent's consent, to inspect the BMPs (Sec. 32-38(e)).