Vancouver, WA Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)

Vancouver's stormwater regulations are codified across VMC Chapters 14.24 (Stormwater Pollution Prevention), 14.25 (Stormwater Control), and 14.26 (Source Control). Under VMC 14.25.100 (Applicability) all new development and redevelopment must comply with the chapter, the city's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Western Washington Phase II Municipal Stormwater Permit, and the manual adopted at VMC 14.25.105, which is the 2019 Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington (SWMMWW) issued by the Washington Department of Ecology under WAC 173-201A and the federal Clean Water Act. The eight minimum technical requirements applied by Vancouver are: (1) preparation of stormwater site plans (VMC 14.24-14.25); (2) construction stormwater pollution prevention plans (VMC 14.24.070, required for sites disturbing one acre or more or otherwise covered by Ecology's Construction Stormwater General Permit); (3) source control of pollution (VMC 14.25-14.26); (4) preservation of natural drainage systems and outfalls (VMC 14.25 and VMC 20.740 critical areas); (5) on-site stormwater management (LID/BMPs); (6) runoff treatment; (7) flow control; and (8) wetlands protection. The city additionally adopts by reference its own Engineering Services General Requirements and Details for the Design and Construction of Water, Sanitary Sewer and Surface Water Systems, used to size detention, treatment, and conveyance facilities. Vancouver's surface water management utility funds inspection and enforcement; rates are set under VMC 14.09.060.