Westfield, IN Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing article
- Chapter 62, Article IV - Stormwater Management
- Regulatory framework
- Clean Water Act, IDEM Rule 13 and Rule 5
- Permit trigger
- Construction disturbing 1/4 acre or more
- First offense fine
- Up to $1,000.00
- Subsequent offense fine
- Up to $10,000.00
- Appeal window
- 10 days to city council
- Hearing deadline
- Within 30 days of appeal
Summary
The City of Westfield, Indiana bans illicit discharges into its Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) under City Code Sec. 62-100, enforcing federal Clean Water Act and Indiana Rule 13/Rule 5 requirements. Violators face civil fines up to $1,000 for a first offense and $10,000 for repeat offenses, with each day counted separately under Sec. 62-116.
Sec. 62-91. - Purpose and intent. The purpose of this article is to provide for the health, safety, and general welfare of the citizens of the city through the regulation of non-stormwater discharges to the maximum extent practicable as required by federal and state law. ... ... Sec. 62-100. - Discharge prohibitions. (a)Prohibition of illicit discharges.(1)No entity shall discharge directly or indirectly or cause to be discharged into the storm drainage system, MS4, or receiving waters any materials, including but not limited to, pollutants or non-stormwater discharges that cause or contribute to a violation of applicable water quality standards, other than stormwater. ... ... Sec. 62-116. - Penalties for violations. (a)Any person found in violation of any provisions of this article shall be responsible for a civil infraction and subject to a maximum fine of $1,000.00 for the first offense, and a maximum of $10,000.00 for a subsequence offense, plus cost, damages, and expenses. Each day such violation occurs or continues shall be deemed a separate offense and shall make the violator liable for the imposition of a fine for each day.
Full Breakdown
Article IV of Chapter 62 regulates stormwater in the City of Westfield, Indiana to control what enters the city's MS4 under the Clean Water Act and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management's Rule 13 (327 IAC 15-13) and Rule 5 (327 IAC 15-5), per Sec. 62-91. Sec. 62-100 prohibits any entity from discharging, directly or indirectly, pollutants or non-stormwater into the storm drainage system, MS4, or receiving waters where that discharge would violate water quality standards. Exempted discharges include water line flushing, landscape irrigation and lawn watering runoff, diverted stream flows, groundwater infiltration, footing and foundation drains without active dewatering, air conditioning condensation, dechlorinated swimming pool water, noncommercial vehicle washing, and firefighting activity.
Illicit connections to the MS4 are separately banned, including ones made in the past under different rules, and continuing an illicit connection after a notice of violation is itself a violation. Construction disturbing a quarter-acre or more needs a stormwater management permit under Sec. 62-108, with a notice of intent, construction plans, and a stormwater pollution prevention plan filed with the city and IDEM. The city can enter and inspect any regulated premises under Sec. 62-103, and unreasonable refusal of access is its own violation.
Sec. 62-113 lets the city issue a notice of violation, a stop-work order, or suspend MS4 access when a discharge presents imminent danger; Sec. 62-114 gives the entity ten days to appeal to the city council, which must hold a hearing within 30 days.
Violations & Fines
Sec. 62-116 makes any violation of the stormwater article a civil infraction carrying a maximum fine of $1,000.00 for a first offense and up to $10,000.00 for a subsequent offense within 12 months, plus costs, damages, and expenses, with each day of a continuing violation treated as a separate offense. Anyone who aids or abets a violation faces the same penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as an illicit discharge in Westfield?
Does the city need a warrant to inspect my property?
What's the fine for an illegal stormwater discharge?
Do I need a permit before construction disturbs my lot?
Can I appeal a stormwater notice of violation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Westfield
Compare Westfield to another location·View the Indiana environmental rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.