Last Updated 8/14/2026
Carson City Stormwater Laws and Regulations
Excerpt- Carson City Storm water & Flood Plain Management
If the property is privately owned, the personal owner, developer, homeowners association or property manager designated by property owner is responsible for all maintenance needed for the drainage and storm water facility within property lines. The City is not responsible for the maintenance of private storm water facilities, and the storm water utility funds are not used to maintain private systems. City staff will periodically inspect private facilities to ensure that the system operates properly and maintenance is done.
Excerpt- Carson City Stormwater Homepage
The Storm water Utility Fund is used to construct, operate and maintain the City’s flood protection, storm water infrastructure and protect water quality.
Why is it important to invest in the storm water system? There are three primary reasons why capital investments are necessary to manage storm water today and into the coming years.
- Carson City’s population has increased since the original storm water systems were installed, resulting in new houses, streets, parking lots and other structures to serve a larger population. These hard surfaces repel rainwater, resulting in an increase in the amount of storm water that must be managed.
- New regulations developed to address water quality and pollutants moving through storm water into rivers and streams require that Carson City put in place structures such as filters, water quality ponds and wetlands to reduce or remove pollutants prior to their release into water bodies and improve water quality.
- Much of the infrastructure in Carson City was installed many years ago and is in need of repair or replacement. In addition, older systems often require more frequent maintenance.
The approved stormwater rates became effective on July 1, 2021 and are as follows:
- Single Family Residential $ 6.29 – $ 8.79
- Group Impervious Area Properties $ 30.00 – $60.00
Excerpt- Carson City Code of Ordinances
12.19.080 – Requirement to prevent, control, and reduce storm water pollutants by the use of best management practices.
The department shall adopt requirements identifying best management practices for any activity, operation, or facility which may cause or contribute to pollution or contamination of storm water, the storm sewer system, or waters of the United States. The owner or operator of a commercial or industrial establishment shall provide, at their own expense, reasonable protection from accidental discharge of prohibited materials or other wastes into the municipal storm sewer system or watercourses through the use of these structural and non-structural BMPs. Further, any person responsible for a property or premise, which is, or may be, the source of an illicit discharge, may be required to implement, at said person’s expense, additional structural and non-structural BMPs to prevent the further discharge of pollutants to the municipal separate storm sewer system. Compliance with all terms and conditions of a valid NPDES permit authorizing the discharge of storm water associated with industrial activity, to the extent practicable, shall be deemed in compliance with the provisions of this section. These BMPs shall be part of a stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWPP) as necessary for compliance with requirements of the NPDES permit.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who is responsible for maintaining stormwater facilities on private property in Carson City?
If the property is privately owned, the property owner, developer, homeowners association, or a designated property manager is responsible for all maintenance needed for the drainage and stormwater facility within the property lines.
Does the City of Carson City maintain stormwater facilities on private property?
No. The city is not responsible for maintaining private stormwater facilities, and stormwater utility funds are not used to maintain private systems, that responsibility stays with the property owner.
Does the City of Carson City inspect private stormwater facilities?
Yes. City staff periodically inspect private facilities to confirm the system is operating properly and that required maintenance is being performed.
What happens if a City inspection finds my private stormwater facility isn't being maintained in Carson City?
The publicly available page doesn’t detail a specific penalty or fine structure for maintenance failures found during inspection, so property owners should confirm the city’s enforcement process directly with Carson City Storm Water and Flood Plain Management if a deficiency is found.
How can AQUALIS help with post-construction stormwater compliance in Carson City?
Since maintenance of private facilities is entirely the property owner’s responsibility, and the city doesn’t step in to fund or perform that work, AQUALIS handles the ongoing inspection and maintenance needed to keep a private stormwater facility passing city inspections, and supports BMP documentation and stormwater pollution prevention plan development for properties subject to NPDES requirements.
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.
