Wichita enforces comprehensive stormwater management under Chapter 16.32 of the Municipal Code and the City of Wichita/Sedgwick County Stormwater Manual. The city operates under a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) NPDES permit issued by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. All development must manage post-construction stormwater runoff.
New development and redevelopment projects must comply with the city's Stormwater Manual, which requires detention and water quality treatment for sites disturbing one acre or more. A Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) is required for regulated construction activities. Property owners must maintain drainage ditches and ponds that empty into the city's storm system, including removing excessive silt buildup, repairing bank erosion, maintaining vegetative cover, and cleaning inlet and outlet works. The city charges stormwater utility fees to fund the system.
Illicit discharges to the municipal storm sewer system violate Chapter 16.32 and are subject to municipal fines. The city may issue stop-work orders for construction sites lacking proper stormwater controls. Failure to maintain private drainage facilities can result in the city performing the work and assessing the cost to the property owner.
Wichita, KS
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Wichita, KS
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Wichita, KS
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Wichita, KS
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Wichita, KS
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Wichita, KS
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See how Wichita's stormwater management rules stack up against other locations.
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