Last Updated 08/05/2026
City of Pierre stormwater ordinances
City Ordinance Chapter 4: Utilities Article 6: Storm Drainage
Section 4-6-307 Requirements to Prevent, Control, and Reduce Storm Water Pollutants by the Use of Best Management Practices (BMPs).
The City of Pierre will require BMPs for any activity, operation, or facility which may cause or contribute to pollution or contamination of storm water, the storm drain system, or Waters of the State. 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 drain system or watercourses through the use of these structural and non-structural BMPs. Further, any person responsible for a property or premises, 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 MS4. Compliance with all terms and conditions of a valid NPDES or SD Surface Water Discharge permit authorizing the discharge of storm water associated with industrial activity, to the extent practicable, shall be deemed as compliance with the provisions of this section. These BMPs shall be part of a SWPPP as necessary for compliance with requirements of the NPDES or SD Surface Water Discharge permit.
Section 4-6-503 Inspection of Permanent BMPs.
All storm sewers, open channel drainage ways, detention/retention ponds, post construction water quality BMPs, and any other element of the storm drainage management system shall be subject to inspection by the City Engineer or designees.
Section 4-6-603 BMP Design Requirements.
The design and application or utilization of all temporary and permanent BMPs shall conform to the SDDOT Water Quality Enhancement Program Design Manual, which can be downloaded from the SDDOT website.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does the City of Pierre require BMPs on commercial or industrial properties?
Yes. Pierre requires best management practices (BMPs) for any activity, operation, or facility that may cause or contribute to pollution of stormwater, the storm drain system, or waters of the state. Commercial and industrial property owners or operators must provide reasonable protection against accidental discharge of prohibited materials into the municipal storm drain system, at their own expense, through structural and non-structural BMPs.
Can the City of Pierre require additional BMPs on my property?
Yes. If your property is, or may be, the source of an illicit discharge, the city can require you to implement additional structural or nonstructural BMPs to prevent further pollutants from reaching the municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4), again at your own expense. AQUALIS can help property owners in Pierre, South Dakota identify and implement BMPs that satisfy this requirement.
Can the City of Pierre inspect stormwater facilities on my property after construction?
Yes. Storm sewers, open channel drainage ways, detention and retention ponds, post construction water quality BMPs, and other elements of the stormwater management system are all subject to inspection by the city engineer or a designee.
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.
