Vermont Stormwater Permitting and Three-Acre Rule

Under 10 V.S.A. Section 1264 and the Vermont Stormwater Management Rule, properties with one or more acres of disturbed earth during construction or three or more acres of existing impervious surface in designated stormwater-impaired watersheds must obtain a state stormwater permit. The Agency of Natural Resources reviews plans, requires treatment practices, and enforces water quality standards adopted statewide. Municipalities may adopt complementary ordinances and operate municipal separate storm sewer systems under MS4 permits, but state authority preempts inconsistent local rules and applies the same technical standards uniformly across Vermont.

Discharging without a permit or violating permit conditions may result in administrative penalties up to $42,500 per violation under 10 V.S.A. Section 8221 and required corrective restoration.