Last Updated 07/15/2026
Excerpt from City of Aberdeen Municipal Code
Chapter 13 Storm and Surface Water Management
13.70.130 Low Impact Development (LID)
The city’s preferred approach to site development includes low impact development (LID) best management practices (BMPs) as an alternative to conventional stormwater management systems that rely on closed conveyance. LID is intended to manage stormwater runoff close to the source of generation and to mimic the predeveloped hydrologic condition of a site.
13.70.150 Maintenance Agreement
Prior to issuance of a storm and surface water utility permit, the city shall require the applicant to execute an inspection and maintenance agreement binding on all subsequent owners of land served by the private storm and surface water drainage system. The maintenance agreement shall be recorded by the city. Such agreement shall provide for access to the system at reasonable times for regular inspection by the city or its authorized representative to ensure that the facility is maintained in proper working condition to meet design standards and any provisions established. The agreements shall include the right of the city to access the system to take such action as necessary to protect the public safety and health in any instance where the owner fails to make the appropriate correction. Such agreement may contain provisions for regular or special assessments.
13.70.170 Preventative Maintenance
13.70.180 Penalties
Any person convicted of violating the provisions of this chapter shall be guilty of a gross misdemeanor. Each day that the violation continues shall be a separate offense.
Chapter 14.14 Stormwater Quality
14.14.030 Stormwater Quality
The city works to improve the quality of stormwater runoff by requiring developers and property owners to utilize effective stormwater management principles and proven best management practices (BMPs) when proposing development projects. The goal of these requirements comes in the form of the following:
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Low Impact Development and why does Aberdeen require it?
Low Impact Development (LID) is Aberdeen’s preferred approach to managing stormwater at or near the point where rain falls, rather than routing it through conventional closed conveyance systems. Under Aberdeen Municipal Code Section 13.70.130, LID best management practices (BMPs) are the preferred alternative to traditional stormwater infrastructure. The goals of LID include managing stormwater as close to the source as possible, mimicking natural infiltration and evapotranspiration processes, preserving natural vegetation, minimizing effective impervious surfaces, and slowing stormwater transportation by promoting natural water movement. Properly applied, LID reduces flood risk, minimizes erosion, and helps the City maintain water quality in its receiving waters including Fry Creek, Grays Harbor, and the Chehalis River.
Who is responsible for maintaining private stormwater facilities in Aberdeen?
Under Aberdeen Municipal Code Section 13.70.170, it is the responsibility of the developer or property owner to maintain all infiltration systems, retention facilities, detention facilities, and other storm and surface water drainage structures that were constructed as part of a storm and surface water utility permit. This responsibility runs with the land and transfers to subsequent owners. The City conducts annual inspections of these private stormwater structures. If an inspection reveals improper maintenance, unsafe conditions, or danger to public health or safety, the City will notify the property owner and provide a schedule for required remediation. The cost of remediation is the sole responsibility of the property owner.
Is a maintenance agreement required for private stormwater systems in Aberdeen?
Yes. Under Aberdeen Municipal Code Section 13.70.150, before the City issues a storm and surface water utility permit, the applicant must execute a maintenance agreement that is binding on all current and future owners of land served by the private drainage system. This agreement is recorded by the City and runs with the property title. It grants the City the right to access the stormwater system at reasonable times for regular inspection, and it gives the City the right to take corrective action at the property owner’s expense if the owner fails to properly maintain the system. The agreement may also contain provisions for regular or special assessments related to the stormwater facility.
How is the stormwater fee calculated for commercial properties in Aberdeen?
Commercial and non-residential stormwater fees in Aberdeen are calculated based on the total impervious surface area on the property. The greater the amount of pavement, rooftop coverage, and other hard surfaces, the higher the stormwater fee. Unlike residential properties, which are typically billed at a flat rate, commercial properties are assessed based on measured impervious area. The stormwater unit finance charge is also applied per 1,000 square feet of impervious surface. Property owners who believe their impervious area calculation is incorrect should contact the City of Aberdeen Public Works Department to request a review.
Does the City of Aberdeen inspect private stormwater systems?
Yes. Under Aberdeen Municipal Code Section 13.70.170, the City is required to annually inspect all infiltration systems, retention facilities, detention facilities, and other storm and surface water drainage structures on private property. The City has the right under its recorded maintenance agreements to access private stormwater systems at reasonable times for these inspections. The City may also inspect properties under the NPDES permit to verify compliance with stormwater quality requirements. Property owners may not refuse inspection access once a maintenance agreement is in place.
What are the penalties for stormwater violations in Aberdeen?
Under Aberdeen Municipal Code Section 13.70.180, any person convicted of violating the provisions of Chapter 13.70 is guilty of a gross misdemeanor. Each day that a violation continues constitutes a separate offense. In Washington State, a gross misdemeanor carries a maximum penalty of up to 364 days in jail and a fine of up to $5,000 per offense. In addition to criminal penalties, the City may enter a property and perform required corrective work at the property owner’s expense if the owner fails to comply with a remediation schedule following inspection. Property owners are strongly encouraged to address any stormwater deficiencies identified during City inspection before enforcement action is initiated.
What stormwater services does AQUALIS provide for properties in Aberdeen?
AQUALIS provides comprehensive stormwater management services for commercial properties, HOAs, and institutional facilities in Aberdeen and throughout Washington State. Services include annual stormwater inspections and maintenance documentation that satisfy Aberdeen Municipal Code Section 13.70.170 requirements, catch basin cleaning and repair, storm drain jetting and vactor services, CCTV pipe inspection, stormwater facility condition assessments, NOV response and corrective action documentation, and best management practice installation and maintenance. AQUALIS documentation is prepared to meet the standards required by the City of Aberdeen’s Public Works Department. Contact AQUALIS to get started.
Where can I find official Aberdeen stormwater resources?
The City of Aberdeen’s official stormwater resources are maintained by the Public Works Department. The Stormwater Code page is available at aberdeenwa.gov/207/Stormwater-Code and the Stormwater Division page is at aberdeenwa.gov/226/Stormwater-Division. The Aberdeen Municipal Code, current through Ordinance 6735 passed December 10, 2025, is available at aberdeen.municipal.codes. The 2025 Stormwater Management Plan is linked from the Stormwater Division page. Permit applications, the Stormwater Requirement Worksheet, and engineering fee schedules are available through the City of Aberdeen Public Portal at ci-aberdeen-wa.smartgovcommunity.com.
The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Regulations change frequently — AQUALIS makes no warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of this content, and any reliance on it is at your own risk. Consult a qualified professional or your local regulatory authority to confirm requirements applicable to your specific property.
