Springfield, MO Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required for
- site-plan construction improvements
- Issued by
- Director of Public Works
- Building permit blocked until
- stormwater permit issued
- Governing manual
- Flood Control & Water Quality Manual
Summary
Springfield, Missouri requires a stormwater permit before construction covered by its Flood Control and Water Quality Protection Manual, and withholds building permits until it issues.
A stormwater permit shall be required for construction of improvements which are necessary to comply with the flood control and water quality protection manual for site plans submitted pursuant to section 36-360. Upon approval of site plans the director of public works shall issue a stormwater permit. No building permit for a site plan subject to the flood control and water quality protection manual shall be issued prior to issuance of a stormwater permit. The director of public works may require that stormwater improvements be constructed prior to issuance of a building permit when necessary to protect downstream properties from adverse stormwater impacts. A stormwater permit shall also be required for any alteration of any portion of an existing privately-owned stormwater control measure or stormwater drainage system, except routine maintenance or repair.
(G.O. No. 6445, § 1, 4-9-2018)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 23 Update 2 | Land Development Code: Supplement 9 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Under City Code § 96-11, Springfield, Missouri (Greene County) requires a stormwater permit for construction of improvements needed to comply with the city's Flood Control and Water Quality Protection Manual, covering site plans reviewed under the land development code. The director of public works must approve site plans and issue the stormwater permit before any building permit for that site plan can be issued, and may require stormwater improvements be built before construction begins to protect downstream properties. A separate permit is also required to alter an existing privately-owned stormwater control measure or drainage system, apart from routine maintenance.
Violations & Fines
Violating Chapter 96's stormwater provisions is an ordinance violation under § 96-5, enforced through notices of violation, stop-work orders, and penalties set by § 1-7.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Springfield, Missouri require a stormwater permit for new construction?
Can I alter an existing stormwater system without a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Springfield
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