Yakima, WA Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)
Key Facts
- Threshold
- 1 acre disturbed
- Requires
- Stormwater site plan
- Design standard
- Eastern WA Stormwater Manual
- Applies to
- New development & redevelopment
Summary
New development or redevelopment in Yakima that disturbs one acre or more must submit a stormwater site plan and install permanent BMPs meeting the state's Eastern Washington design manual before building.
This chapter shall be applicable to all land development or redevelopment, including, but not limited to, subdivision applications and grading applications, unless exempt pursuant to YMC § 7.83.040. These provisions apply to any new development or redevelopment site within the city that meets one or more of the following criteria:
(1) New development that disturbs one acre or more.
(2) Redevelopment that disturbs one acre or more.
(3) Development activities that are smaller than the minimum applicable criteria set forth above if such activities are part of a larger common plan of development, even though multiple, separate and distinct land development activities may take place at different times on different schedules. (Ord. 2010-08 § 1 (part), 2010)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4980636; v1 updated 2026-08-03; through 08-03-2026).
Full Breakdown
Yakima Municipal Code § 7.83.030 applies post-construction stormwater management rules to any new development or redevelopment, including subdivisions and grading, that disturbs one acre or more, counting the cumulative area of phased or common-plan projects even if each phase is smaller. Covered projects must submit a stormwater site plan under § 7.83.130 with the final plat, site plan, or construction plan, and permanent BMPs must meet the Stormwater Management Manual for Eastern Washington. The rules implement the city's NPDES Phase II municipal stormwater permit and apply within Yakima, Washington's city limits and its jointly managed urban growth area.
Violations & Fines
Building on a covered site without an approved stormwater site plan or required BMPs violates YMC Chapter 7.83, subjecting the developer to stop-work orders, civil penalties, and cost-recovery for city enforcement action.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Yakima require a stormwater management plan?
What design standard do Yakima stormwater facilities have to meet?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Yakima
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