Last Updated 07/21/2026
The City of Marysville implements multiple inspection programs to reduce pollution in stormwater. These include:
- Public stormwater system inspections
- Private stormwater system inspections
- Business inspections
- Construction site inspections
The City of Marysville inspects treatment and control methods used by developers and property owners to ensure proper function and determine if maintenance is required. Protocol for conducting inspections, and determining maintenance requirements are outlined in the Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington (2019) published by the Washington Department of Ecology, and Title 14 of the Marysville Municipal Code (MMC).
Excerpts from Marysville, Washington Code of Ordinances
Chapter 14.15 Controlling Storm Water Runoff
14.15.050 Minimum requirements.
2: Construction Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)
If BMPs described in the SWPPP are inadequate to stabilize the site the city will require additional BMPs or different BMPs. The SWPPP must be on site during construction and updated as changes are made. If a construction project is required to obtain a construction stormwater general permit from the Department of Ecology then copies of permit submittals shall be provided to the city upon request.
4: Preservation of Natural Drainage Systems and Outfalls
If city records indicate drainage problems at the natural drainage system outfall, the applicant may be required to quantify the extent of the problem. The allowable release rate may be decreased on a case-by-case basis, or additional stormwater treatment and flow control BMPs/facilities may be required due to the constraints in the drainage system downstream.
9: Operation and Maintenance
Private facilities must record a storm water covenant and easement per MMC § 14.15.155 or a document providing equivalent measures as approved by the director.
14.15.065 Contents of a storm water site plan
- Storm Water Site Plan Required. New development and redevelopment projects must submit a storm water site plan, prepared using the Stormwater Manual, for approval by the department.
- Contents of Plan. In addition to the requirements described in the Stormwater Manual, an off-site analysis report shall be required.
14.15.160 Maintenance of drainage facilities by owner
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who is responsible for stormwater maintenance in Marysville?
If the City has not formally assumed operation and maintenance responsibility for a stormwater facility, that responsibility falls entirely on the property owner, and it stays with the property through any future sale or transfer. Heirs, successors, and assigns are all bound by the same obligation.
Private facilities are also required to have a recorded stormwater covenant and easement on file. This document confirms the owner’s maintenance obligation and grants the City the right to inspect the property. Without it, your project cannot meet Marysville’s Minimum Requirement No. 9 for Operation and Maintenance.
AQUALIS can manage your stormwater maintenance obligations on your behalf.
What types of inspections does Marysville conduct?
Marysville operates four separate inspection programs to reduce stormwater pollution.
Public stormwater system inspections cover infrastructure in streets and right of way maintained by the City.
Private stormwater system inspections focus on facilities on private property, including detention ponds, catch basins, and treatment BMPs. The City has authority to enter your property and inspect at any time to confirm your system is functioning correctly.
Business inspections target commercial and industrial properties to identify activities that could contribute pollutants to stormwater runoff.
Construction site inspections monitor active development projects for compliance with the required construction stormwater pollution prevention plan.
AQUALIS recommends maintaining your own inspection records between City visits so you are prepared if an inspector arrives.
How do I know if my Marysville stormwater system is at risk?
Watch for these warning signs.
No stormwater covenant on file. Private facilities in Marysville must have a recorded stormwater covenant and easement. If this document was never recorded, or was not transferred when the property changed hands, that is an active compliance gap.
Water is not draining after rain. Standing water more than 72 hours after a storm suggests your system is not functioning as required under the Stormwater Manual.
Visible deterioration. Sediment buildup in ponds or catch basins, clogged inlets or outlets, and overgrown vegetation around drainage features are signs maintenance is overdue.
Recent property purchase. Maintenance obligations in Marysville follow the property through ownership changes. If you recently bought a commercial property, an AQUALIS assessment can confirm the condition of stormwater facilities and whether the required covenant is properly recorded before any compliance issues become your responsibility.
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.
