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Stamford, CT Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing chapter
Code Chapter 201, MS4 ordinance
First violation fine
$100
Repeat violation fine
$250, third and up
Enforcement agency
Office of Operations
State permit
NPDES Permit No. CT 0030279

Summary

Stamford bans dumping anything but rainwater into its storm drains under Chapter 201, the city's MS4 ordinance enforcing its DEEP stormwater permit, with fines from $100 up to $250 per violation, escalating each repeat offense.

No person shall discharge or cause to be discharged into the municipal storm drainage 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 stormwater.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 72).

Full Breakdown

Chapter 201 implements Stamford's NPDES MS4 permit (No. CT 0030279, issued June 4, 2013) by prohibiting any discharge to the storm drain system other than stormwater, and banning illicit connections such as sanitary lines tied into storm drains. The Office of Operations' Authorized Enforcement Agency issues written notices of violation and can suspend MS4 access without notice in an emergency. Fines run $100 for a first violation, $200 for a second, and $250 for a third and each subsequent violation, with citations payable within 30 days or contestable at a hearing before a Hearing Officer under the Uniform Administrative Procedure Act.

Violations & Fines

Discharging anything besides stormwater into the MS4, or maintaining an illicit connection, is a separate offense per day; fines climb from $100 to $250 for repeat violations, and MS4 access can be suspended in emergencies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as an illegal discharge in Stamford?
Anything entering the storm drain system that isn't stormwater, paint, wash water, sewage, chemicals, unless it fits a listed exception like uncontaminated groundwater or approved dye testing.
Who enforces Stamford's stormwater rules?
The Authorized Enforcement Agency in the Office of Operations, which can issue notices of violation, citations, and emergency MS4-access suspensions under Chapter 201.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Stamford

All Stamford rules

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Stormwater Management in Nearby Cities

How other cities in this county handle stormwater management.

Bridgeport, CT
Some Restrictions