Tulsa, OK Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing Code
- Title 11-A Tulsa Revised Ordinances
- NPDES Authority
- Oklahoma DEQ
- Fee Basis
- Impervious surface area
- Infrastructure
- 2,800+ miles of storm drains
- Penalty
- Up to $500/day per violation
Summary
Tulsa enforces comprehensive stormwater management under Title 11-A (Stormwater Management and Hazard Mitigation Program) of the Tulsa Revised Ordinances. The city operates under an MS4 NPDES permit from the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ). Tulsa's stormwater program is nationally recognized due to the city's history of severe flooding events.
aws 2007, c. 146, § 5, eff. July 1, 2007.
§27A-2-6-202. Definitions. For purposes of the Oklahoma Pollutant Discharge Elimination
System Act:
1. "Discharge" includes but is not limited to a discharge of a
pollutant or pollutants, and means any addition of any pollutant to waters of the state from any point source regulated by the Department of Environmental Quality;
2. "Effluent limitation" means any established restriction on quantities, rates, and concentrations of chemical, physical,
Oklahoma Statutes - Title 27A. Environment and Natural Resources Page 115 biological, and other constituents which are discharged from point sources into waters of the state, including schedules of compliance;
3. "Organization" means a legal entity, othe
Full Breakdown
Title 11-A requires stormwater management plans for new development and redevelopment. The city charges stormwater utility fees based on impervious surface area. All construction sites must implement erosion and sediment controls. The Tulsa Stormwater Management Department manages over 2,800 miles of storm drain infrastructure. Low Impact Development (LID) practices are encouraged. Development must comply with the city's Stormwater Design Criteria Manual. Illicit discharges to the storm drain system are prohibited.
Violations & Fines
Violations of Title 11-A carry fines up to $500 per day per violation. Illicit discharges may trigger state penalties from ODEQ. The city can issue stop-work orders for construction sites without proper erosion controls. Repeat offenders face escalating penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Tulsa have strict stormwater rules?
How are stormwater fees calculated?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tulsa
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Stormwater Management in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle stormwater management.