City of Bozeman

Bozeman Stormwater Regulations

Bozeman is one of Montana’s MS4 municipalities, and post-construction BMP guidance and maintenance requirements come from the state level.

Excerpts from City Ordinances

Sec. 40.04.050. – City stormwater master plan

The city’s Stormwater Master Plan provides additional policy, criteria and information including specifications and standards for the proper implementation of the requirements of this article and is incorporated by reference herein. Design and construction of stormwater facilities shall meet minimum water quality performance standards that are outlined in the city’s design standards that are separate from the Stormwater Master Plan.

Sec. 40.04.060. – Ultimate responsibility of discharger

The standards set forth in and promulgated pursuant to this article are minimum standards. This article does not intend nor imply that compliance by any person will ensure that there will be no contamination, pollution or unauthorized discharge of pollutants into waters of the state caused by that person. This article shall not create liability on the part of the city, or any city agent or employee for any damages that result from any discharger’s reliance on this article or any administrative decision lawfully made pursuant to this article.

Sec. 40.04.220. – Parking lots and similar structures

A. Persons owning or operating a paved parking lot, gas station pavement, paved private street, road, alley, or similar structure or persons conducting routine building wash downs, shall clean and maintain those structures or areas prior to discharging to a storm drain.

B. Newly constructed and/or significantly remodeled covered parking garages or other covered structures shall be drained into a stormwater system in accordance with this article and other city ordinances or design standards. The owner and operator of a private stormwater collection system may be required to construct control structures to ensure the pre-treatment of such discharges prior to entry into the stormwater system. Existing structures are exempt unless deemed by the city to be a significant contributor of pollution to the stormwater system.

Sec. 40.04.230. – Outdoor storage areas; commercial and industrial facilities

In outdoor areas, no person shall store grease, oil or other pollutants including restaurant grease bins in a manner that will or may result in such substances entering a stormwater system. In outdoor areas, no person shall store motor vehicles, machine parts, or other objects in a manner that may leak grease, oil, or other hazardous substances to a storm drain. To prevent the discharge of hazardous substances to the MS4, the city may require the installation of a spill containment system. Spill containment systems may consist of a system of dikes, walls, barriers, berms, or other devices as required. No person shall operate a spill containment system such that it allows incompatible liquids to mix and thereby create a hazardous condition.

Sec. 40.04.720. – Maintenance of stormwater facilities

A. Stormwater facilities shall be maintained by the owner or other responsible party in a condition so that the facilities will function as designed.

B. Waste shall be disposed of from maintenance of facilities in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations.

C. The owner or other responsible party shall create and maintain records of installation and maintenance and repair for the life of the development and shall be made available to the engineering department upon request.

D. Any failure to maintain facilities or to correct deficiencies at facilities within a reasonable time after receiving written notice from the enforcement agent may result in criminal or civil penalties. The city may perform corrective or maintenance work the owner or responsible person fails or refuses to perform within a reasonable time at the owner’s expense.

Links

Bozeman City Ordinances

Bozeman Stormwater Homepage