Takoma Park, MD Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)

Stormwater management in Takoma Park is governed by Montgomery County Code Chapter 19 (Erosion, Sediment Control and Stormwater Management) and Maryland state stormwater requirements. Any land disturbance of 5,000 square feet or more requires a stormwater management plan approved by Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services before a building permit is issued. Maryland requires environmental site design (ESD) to the maximum extent practicable, meaning developers must use techniques that treat rainfall at the source before resorting to structural stormwater management facilities. Approved ESD techniques include rain gardens, bio-retention areas, permeable pavement, green roofs, dry wells, and conservation landscaping. For smaller residential projects, the county offers simplified stormwater strategies. Takoma Park supplements county requirements with its own environmental programs. The city promotes rain barrel distribution through periodic free programs, encourages native plant landscaping to increase infiltration, and participates in Chesapeake Bay restoration efforts that drive strict stormwater standards. Runoff from impervious surfaces must not be increased beyond pre-development levels. The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) manages public stormwater infrastructure in the area. Contact Montgomery County DPS at 240-777-0311 for stormwater plan review or Takoma Park Public Works at 301-891-7633 for city programs.