Last Updated 07/15/2026
Excerpt from Anacortes Municipal Code
Chapter 18
18.40.040 Maintenance Required
- Owners and operators of stormwater facilities must operate and maintain those facilities to ensure the performance achieves the intended purpose of the facility.
- Owners of property for which a stormwater BMP has been required by the City must continually maintain that BMP.
- Maintenance must be performed consistent with the conditions of approval and the approved maintenance plan. Unless a more restrictive provision applies, when an inspection identifies an exceedance of the maintenance standard, the owner must perform maintenance:
1. Within twelve months for typical maintenance of facilities, except catch basins;
2. Within six months for catch basins;
3. Within twenty-four months for maintenance that requires capital construction of less than twenty-five thousand dollars
18.40.060 Inspections of Stormwater Facilities
80.40.070 Enforcement
A. Violation of this chapter is a public nuisance
B. The director may impose a civil penalty of up to one hundred dollars per day per violation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who is responsible for maintaining private stormwater facilities in Anacortes?
Under AMC Section 18.40.040, owners and operators of stormwater facilities are responsible for operating and maintaining those facilities to ensure they continue to achieve their intended purpose. If the City required a stormwater best management practice (BMP) as a condition of project approval, the property owner must continually maintain that BMP in accordance with the conditions of approval and the approved maintenance plan. This obligation transfers with the property to all subsequent owners.
What are the maintenance timeframes for private stormwater facilities in Anacortes?
AMC Section 18.40.040 establishes specific timeframes for completing maintenance after an inspection identifies a deficiency. Typical maintenance of stormwater facilities, other than catch basins, must be completed within twelve months of identification. Catch basin maintenance must be completed within six months. Maintenance work that requires capital construction of less than $25,000 must be completed within twenty-four months. If a more restrictive provision applies under the conditions of approval for a specific project, that more restrictive standard takes precedence.
How often does the City inspect private stormwater facilities in Anacortes?
Under AMC Section 18.40.060, the City is required to inspect stormwater facilities at least annually, or less frequently if permitted by the City’s NPDES permit conditions. The City may also conduct additional inspections whenever there is cause to believe that a violation of Chapter 18 has occurred or is occurring. Property owners must provide access for these inspections. AQUALIS provides annual stormwater inspection and maintenance services for commercial properties in Anacortes to help owners meet these requirements before a City inspection identifies deficiencies.
What is the current stormwater fee for residential and commercial properties in Anacortes?
Under the City of Anacortes Unified Fee Schedule adopted by Resolution 3205 effective March 1, 2026, the monthly stormwater charge is $21.87 per ERU for both single-family residential and commercial properties. Single-family residential properties are charged a flat rate of $21.87 per month and are counted as one ERU, which reflects the average impervious surface area of approximately 3,600 square feet on a single-family parcel based on City aerial photo surveys. Commercial and multi-family properties are charged based on their actual impervious surface area, with a minimum charge of one ERU. Properties located in the HM and LM1 zones receive a phased rate reduction that decreases by 10 percent annually until full rates apply effective January 1, 2029.
Is there a stormwater utility discount program in Anacortes?
Yes. The City of Anacortes offers a Utility Discount Program that provides a 30 percent discount on stormwater charges, along with water, sewer, solid waste, recycling, organics, and fiber charges, for eligible low-income residential customers. Eligibility is based on household income and must be renewed annually by May 31 of each year. Applicants must be the homeowner at the service address or designated by the property owner to pay the utility bill with their name on the City utility account. For application assistance, contact the City at (360) 293-1909 during regular business hours.
What happens if I violate Anacortes stormwater requirements?
Under AMC Section 18.40.070, a violation of Chapter 18 is classified as a public nuisance. The director may impose a civil penalty of up to $100 per day per violation. Enforcement may also proceed under AMC Title 20, which covers civil enforcement and penalties. In addition to civil penalties, the City may conduct inspections and take corrective action at the property owner’s expense if required maintenance is not performed within the timeframes specified in AMC Section 18.40.040. Property owners who receive a notice of violation should respond promptly and contact AQUALIS for assistance preparing corrective documentation accepted by the City.
What is the process if the City finds a stormwater violation on my property?
Under AMC Section 18.40.060, whenever the City has cause to believe a violation has occurred or is occurring, it may conduct an inspection in accordance with AMC Title 20. If a violation is identified, the City will notify the property owner of the deficiency and the required corrective action, including the applicable maintenance timeframe from AMC Section 18.40.040. Failure to complete maintenance within the required timeframe can result in civil penalties of up to $100 per day and additional enforcement action. AQUALIS can assist property owners with rapid corrective action documentation and maintenance services to address identified violations.
What stormwater best management practices are required in Anacortes?
The City of Anacortes requires all property owners with approved stormwater BMPs to continually maintain those practices in accordance with AMC Section 18.40.040. BMPs required by the City as conditions of project approval may include detention or retention facilities, infiltration systems, bioretention cells, permeable pavement, grassed swales, oil-water separators, and other stormwater treatment and flow control measures. The City’s stormwater standards are based on the Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington (SWMMWW) and must be followed for all new and redevelopment projects. Property owners who are unsure what BMPs were required for their property should contact the City’s Engineering and Development Services Department to review the conditions of their stormwater approval.
What stormwater services does AQUALIS provide for properties in Anacortes?
AQUALIS provides comprehensive stormwater management services for commercial properties, HOAs, and institutional facilities in Anacortes and throughout Washington State. Services include annual stormwater inspections and maintenance documentation that satisfy AMC Section 18.40.040 and 18.40.060 requirements, catch basin cleaning within the required six-month timeframe, stormwater facility condition assessments, storm drain jetting and vactor services, CCTV pipe inspection, NOV response and corrective action documentation, and BMP installation and maintenance. AQUALIS documentation is prepared to meet the standards required by the City of Anacortes Engineering and Development Services Department. Contact AQUALIS to get started.
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.
