Last Updated 08/14/2026
Dayton, OH Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)
In compliance with the issuance of the NPDES permit, the City of Dayton began implementation of a system-wide SWMP in 1997. The SWMP provides comprehensive planning procedures, which involve intergovernmental coordination, to reduce the discharge of pollutants to the maximum extent practicable. Using best management practices (BMPs), defined as: “Schedules of activities, prohibitions of practices, maintenance procedures, control techniques, system design and engineering methods,” where appropriate, prevent and reduce the pollution of waters of the State. BMPs also include treatment requirements, operating procedures, and practices to control facility site runoff, spillage or leaks, sludge or waste disposal, or drainage from raw material storage.
The City of Dayton has implemented the SWMP to manage the quality of urban storm water discharged to waters of the state through the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4). The City of Dayton encompasses 56.4 square miles. The City owns and operates the MS4 which has almost 600 miles of storm sewers, 21,000 catch basins, 15,000 manholes, 15 storm pumping stations, and over 500 storm water outfalls.
Best Management Practices, when used singularly or in combination prevent or reduce the release of pollutants and other adverse impacts to surface waters. The objective of BMPs is to control the quality and/or quantity of stormwater in order to reduce the adverse impact of storm water on Dayton’s local receiving waters:
TABLE #1: DAYTON’S RECEIVING WATERS | |
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Dayton’s SWMP includes BMPs which have been developed and implemented by various departments and divisions throughout the City organization. Storm Water Management is a coordinated effort by a diverse group of professionals. The SWMP is managed by the Department of Water, Division of Environmental Management (DEM). To optimize implementation of BMPs to meet the SWMP goals, responsibilities are delegated to the department with direct control.
As a requirement of the City’s NPDES permit, Dayton enacted a stormwater ordinance in 1997 and has since amended the chapter to include the stormwater utility fee. This established fee, the Municipal Stormwater Fund, shall be used solely for the construction, operation and maintenance, and pollution prevention and elimination activities of the municipal separate storm sewer system. All owners of real property in Dayton must pay this fee based on the amount of impervious area on their property. The ordinance also requires the owner of private drainage facilities from a building or an inlet structure to the MS4 to be responsible for all maintenance associated with such facilities. Failure to maintain private stormwater controls and facilities can result in a notice of violation and large fines.
DAYTON, OHIO MUNICIPAL CODE
Sec. 54.03. – Stormwater utility.
For the protection of the public health, safety, welfare, and convenience of the city and its inhabitants a stormwater utility is hereby established to manage, maintain, operate, repair, construct, reconstruct, and enlarge the city’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System. The stormwater utility is administered by the Director.
Sec. 54.04. – Stormwater charges.
- There is hereby charged and imposed upon all real property having an impervious surface area located within the city, whether publicly or privately owned, a fee for benefits occurring from the stormwater utility. All owners of such real property are responsible for payment of fees charged their properties. A Municipal Stormwater Fund is established to receive all fees collected pursuant to this chapter.
- All fees collected for stormwater service shall be placed in the Municipal Stormwater Fund and shall be used solely for the construction, operation and maintenance, and pollution prevention and elimination activities of the municipal separate storm sewer system. Funds shall not be used for private purposes or to extend storm sewer services to unsewered areas. The first priority for the expenditure of this fund shall be to address the specific requirements of the city’s stormwater discharge permit for the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System.
- Public streets and airports owned and operated by the city are not subject to the stormwater fees.
- Unpaid stormwater service fees shall constitute a lien against the property. Unpaid stormwater service fees may be certified to the County Auditor for collection with the property owner’s real property tax payment.
- Stormwater fees may be appealed to the Director. Decisions of the Director may be appealed to the Board of Water and Sewer Charge Appeals in accordance with the procedures set forth in R.C.G.O. §§ 50.20 through 50.28. The respective boards shall have such powers with respect to stormwater fees as they have with respect to water and sanitary sewer service charges.
Sec. 54.07. – Private drainage facilities.
The owner of private drainage facilities from a building or an inlet structure to the MS4 is responsible for all maintenance associated with such facilities.
The owner shall maintain the following:
- Dry wells. Any existing dry wells are required to have a routine maintenance plan to prevent overflow and cause an illicit discharge to the MS4.
- Private Drainage Facilities. The owner shall maintain the private drainage facilities and post-construction controls, on their property in a condition to not cause flooding of stormwater to the city MS4, and to keep the flow free from litter and debris, other waste, and other pollutants.
- Floor Drains. All floor drains within a commercial or industrial facility that connect to the MS4 are considered a point source and shall be covered by an National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit or shall be reconnected to the sanitary sewer system or plugged at the owner’s expense.
- Storm Sewer Systems including Laterals. All existing or new storm sewer laterals that require a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit may also require a stormwater pollution prevention plan to prevent illicit discharges to the MS4.
- Storm Ditches and Swales. The owner shall maintain the storm ditches and swales on their property in a condition to not cause flooding of stormwater to the MS4, and to keep the flow free from litter and debris, other waste, and other pollutants.
The owner must retain the services of a licensed plumber and obtain a city permit to perform any repairs to private laterals beyond the owner’s property line in the right-of-way or easement. The owner or designated representative (such as the plumbing contractor) must contact the City of Dayton, Department of Water prior to cutting into in a dedicated street or alley for the purpose repairs to private laterals. Unless otherwise authorized by the city, all excavations, repairs, and restoration in a dedicated street or alley will be performed by the city in cooperation with the contractor being billed for such work. The owner must obtain the requisite city permits for any work on a private lateral; and inspections will be performed on all such work.
Sec. 54.08. – Inspections.
- Authorized representatives of the Director may enter at reasonable times upon any property to conduct on-site inspections or investigations, obtain samples, and examine records to determine compliance with this chapter, approved construction plans, or an approved SWP3. Upon refusal the Director or authorized representative may apply for a search warrant to enter upon the property.
- No person shall obstruct or interfere with inspection of any premises or the sampling of any discharge by the Director.
- The Director may collect and analyze samples of discharges to the MS4, install and require the installation of stormwater sampling and measurement devices, and examine records concerning discharges to the MS4. Where adequate facilities do not exist for the installation of stormwater sampling and measurement devices, the Director may order the owner of the property to install such facilities.
Sec. 54.10. – Enforcement.
- [Notice of Violation:] Whenever the Director finds a violation of a provision or failure to meet a requirement of § 54.01 through 54.09, and prior to taking any action under paragraphs (B), (C), or (F) of this section, the Director shall order compliance by written notice of violation to the person responsible for the violation.
- Cost of abatement of the violation: Any person who violates any provision of this chapter, or regulation, permit, license, or other directive pursuant to § 54.01 through 54.09 shall be responsible for all costs incurred by the city to abate the violation, including investigation and administrative costs.
- Administrative fines: Upon failure to comply with a notice of violation, the Director may charge administrative fines not to exceed $1,000.00 per violation against any person who violates any provision of this chapter or any regulation, permit, license, or other directive pursuant to § 54.01 through 54.09. Each day a violation occurs shall be considered a separate violation. This fine may be charged separate from the abatement costs. Unpaid administrative fines may be certified to the County Auditor for collection with the responsible party’s real property tax payment.
THE CITY OF DAYTON- ENGINEERING DESIGN STANDARDS
APPENDIX B: POST CONSTRUCTION STORM WATER REQUIREMENT DESIGN GUIDANCE
These design standards, in conformance with established practice by the City of Dayton, apply to all commercial, residential, multi-family developments, and capital improvements involving the construction, modification, addition, or removal of public infrastructure including, but not limited to the water distribution system, sanitary collection system, storm water collection system, storm water management and erosion control (both temporary and permanent).
Appendix B functions as a tool to help developers and designers implement the City of Dayton’s post-construction storm water management program. This section includes 1) guidance on how to select nonstructural post construction storm water best management practices (BMPs) and 2) guidance on how to select, design, and maintain structural post construction storm water BMPs. Temporary soil erosion and sedimentation control BMPs are also discussed in this section.
To incorporate storm water management effectively into a site design, it is essential to consider storm water during the early planning stages and during design to successfully implement storm water BMPs during construction and after construction.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What stormwater regulations apply to properties in Dayton, Ohio?
Properties in Dayton are governed by Chapter 54 of the Dayton Municipal Code, administered by the Division of Environmental Management within the city’s Department of Water. Dayton operates under NPDES Permit No. 1 PI00003*CD and has implemented its stormwater management program since 1997, covering a 56.4 square mile service area that drains to the Great Miami River, Mad River, Stillwater River, and Wolf Creek and their tributaries.
Who enforces stormwater compliance in Dayton?
The Director of the Division of Environmental Management enforces Dayton’s stormwater ordinance, including issuing notices of violation, reviewing subdivision and earth disturbing activity plans, and authorizing inspections of private property.
What private drainage facilities are property owners responsible for maintaining in Dayton?
Owners of private drainage facilities running from a building or inlet structure to the MS4 are responsible for all associated maintenance. This includes keeping dry wells on a routine maintenance plan to prevent overflow, keeping private facilities in a condition that doesn’t cause flooding, and keeping flow free of litter and debris.
What happens if I violate Dayton's stormwater ordinance?
The Director issues a written notice of violation requiring compliance. Administrative fines of up to 1,000 dollars per violation can apply, and each day a violation continues counts as a separate violation. Violators are also responsible for the city’s costs to investigate and abate the violation.
Does the City of Dayton have the right to inspect my property or install monitoring equipment?
Yes. Authorized representatives may enter a property at reasonable times to conduct inspections, take samples, and examine records. The Director can also install stormwater sampling and measurement devices, or require the property owner to install them.
How can AQUALIS help with stormwater compliance in Dayton?
AQUALIS helps property owners maintain private drainage facilities to Dayton’s standards, supports SWP3 development for earth disturbing and subdivision projects, assists with floor drain and storm lateral permitting, and provides inspection, maintenance, and recordkeeping so property owners can avoid administrative fines, liens, and violation notices.
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.
