Salem, OR Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)

Salem's stormwater outfalls discharge to local creeks and the Willamette River and are regulated under a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit issued by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, with the current permit effective October 1, 2021. The city must implement a Stormwater Management Program that reduces pollutant discharges to the maximum extent practicable. Locally, SRC Chapter 71 (Stormwater) is the implementing ordinance: SRC 71.080 requires green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) for all land divisions, and at the time of development on each lot, the applicant must design and construct a stormwater management system that meets SRC Chapter 71 and the Public Works Design Standards. Site plan review submittals must include a description of proposed stormwater management with pre- and post-construction conditions. The Public Works Design Standards implement SRC, the city's Infrastructure Master Plans, NPDES permit conditions, and ORS requirements. Property owners are required to maintain on-site stormwater control facilities and any open-space areas required by an approved stormwater control plan. Confirm specific land-disturbance permit thresholds and erosion-control submittal requirements with Salem Public Works.