Oregon Statewide Rule

Oregon DEQ Statewide NPDES Stormwater Permit Program

Heavy RestrictionsApplies statewide across Oregon (2026)

Oregon DEQ administers federally delegated NPDES stormwater permits statewide. Construction sites disturbing one or more acres and regulated MS4 cities must comply with DEQ's 1200-C and Phase I/II MS4 permits regardless of local rules.

Key Facts

Statute: ORS 468B.050
Construction trigger: 1 acre disturbed
Permit form: 1200-C general permit
Regulator: Oregon DEQ
Max penalty: $25,000 per day

Source: Oregon Public Law

Full Breakdown

Under ORS 468B.050 and OAR Chapter 340 Division 45, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality issues the 1200-C Construction Stormwater General Permit for projects disturbing one or more acres, the 1200-Z Industrial permit, and Phase I/II MS4 municipal permits to designated cities and counties. Permittees must file a Notice of Intent, prepare an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan, install best management practices, conduct inspections, and submit Discharge Monitoring Reports. Local stormwater codes can add requirements but cannot weaken DEQ's federally delegated minimums. Discharges of pollutants without coverage violate ORS 468B.025 and the federal Clean Water Act.

Violations & Penalties

Discharging stormwater without a 1200 permit or violating BMP conditions exposes operators to DEQ civil penalties up to $25,000 per day under ORS 468.140 plus potential federal enforcement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a state stormwater permit for a small home build?

Only if construction disturbs one or more acres, or is part of a larger common plan of development. Smaller sites still must follow local erosion controls but skip the DEQ 1200-C.

Can my city's stormwater rules override DEQ's permit?

No. Local programs may add stricter standards but cannot weaken or replace DEQ's federally delegated NPDES minimums under ORS 468B.050 and 33 USC 1342.

Sources

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Full Breakdown

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a state stormwater permit for a small home build?

Only if construction disturbs one or more acres, or is part of a larger common plan of development. Smaller sites still must follow local erosion controls but skip the DEQ 1200-C.

Can my city's stormwater rules override DEQ's permit?

No. Local programs may add stricter standards but cannot weaken or replace DEQ's federally delegated NPDES minimums under ORS 468B.050 and 33 USC 1342.