Salt Lake City, UT Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- City Code ch. 17.84
- Enforcing department
- Dept. of Public Utilities
- Max administrative fine
- $10,000 per violation/day
- Permit required for
- Non-stormwater discharges
Summary
Salt Lake City bans dumping anything but stormwater into its storm drains, backed by fines up to $10,000 per violation per day.
No person shall discharge or cause to be discharged into the municipal storm sewer system or watercourses any materials, including but not limited to pollutants or waters containing any pollutants that cause or contribute to a violation of applicable water quality standards, other than storm water. The commencement, conduct or continuance of any illegal discharge to the storm drain system is prohibited except as described as follows...
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-21: Code current through: Ord. 40-26, passed June 16, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Under City Code § 17.84.100, only stormwater and a short list of exempt flows (irrigation runoff, groundwater, dechlorinated pool water, firefighting water, and similar) may enter the municipal storm sewer or watercourses. Any other discharge, plus illicit physical connections to the storm drain system, is unlawful without a city discharge permit. The Department of Public Utilities enforces the rule and can order responsible parties to install and maintain best management practices to prevent accidental discharges under § 17.84.200.
Violations & Fines
Up to $10,000 per violation per day (§ 17.87.350); dumping stormwater or discharge onto another's property under § 17.84.900 is capped at a class B misdemeanor fine instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wash my car and let the water run into the street?
What if my sump pump discharges groundwater to the curb?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Salt Lake City
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Stormwater Management in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Salt Lake County handle stormwater management.