DC enforces comprehensive stormwater management regulations under 21 DCMR Chapter 5 (Sections 501-547), administered by the Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE). Projects disturbing 5,000+ sq ft of soil must submit a Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP) and retain stormwater on-site using green infrastructure.
The District's stormwater rules require new development and major redevelopment projects to retain the first 1.2 inches of rainfall on-site through green infrastructure such as bioretention, permeable pavement, green roofs, or cisterns. Projects that cannot fully retain on-site may purchase Stormwater Retention Credits (SRCs) or pay an in-lieu fee. DOEE updated the Stormwater Management Guidebook and finalized regulatory amendments in October 2025 to strengthen retention standards. All properties in DC also pay a stormwater fee based on impervious surface area, with discounts available for voluntary retention measures.
Failure to comply with SWMP requirements can result in stop-work orders, fines up to $25,000 per day per violation, and denial of building permits. DOEE may also require corrective action and restoration of impacted areas.
Washington, DC
Washington DC does not regulate lawn ornaments on private property through a specific ordinance. Statuary, religious displays, and decorative landscape eleme...
Washington, DC
Washington DC has no city ordinance specifically regulating inflatable holiday displays on private property. The primary city concerns are (1) public-space e...
Washington, DC
The District of Columbia does not impose specific install-by or take-down-by dates for holiday lights on private property. City-wide regulation is limited to...
Washington, DC
Washington DC requires Department of Buildings (DOB) permits for built-in outdoor kitchens that involve gas line installation, electrical work, plumbing, or ...
Washington, DC
Washington DC has no smoker-specific ordinance, but smokers and wood-fired ovens are open-flame cooking devices subject to IFC Section 308.1.4 in multi-famil...
Washington, DC
Washington DC adopts the International Fire Code (IFC) as the DC Fire Code (12-G DCMR). IFC Section 308.1.4 prohibits charcoal and other open-flame cooking d...
See how Washington's stormwater management rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.