Last Updated 07/27/2026
SALT LAKE CITY STORM WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN
7.0 LONG-TERM STORM WATER MANAGEMENT IN NEW DEVELOPMENT AND REDEVELOPMENT (POST-CONSTRUCTION STORM WATER MANAGEMENT)
New development and redevelopment areas can impact storm water quality because of increased runoff and resulting higher flow velocities. The Long-Term Storm Water Management in New Development and Redevelopment Program addresses post construction storm water runoff to the MS4 from new development and redevelopment construction sites disturbing greater than or equal to one acre, including projects less than one acre that are part of a common plan of development or sale with the intent to control flow and improve water quality by requiring post construction storm water controls to limit the discharge rate to mirror the pre-development hydrology of the previously undeveloped site.
7.1 DESCRIPTIONS & BMPs
Salt Lake City will address long-term storm water management in accordance with the Construction Site Storm Water Runoff Control Program by employing the following major components:
• an ordinance and other regulatory mechanisms requiring post-construction controls (4.2.5.1. & 4.2.5.2.)
• plan review for new development and redevelopment sites, with requirements for detention, retention, and use of GI and LID practices, where able (4.2.5.3.)
• an inspection and enforcement program to ensure proper installation and ongoing maintenance, which includes an incentive program for proper maintenance (4.2.5.2. & 4.2.5.4.)
• an inventory and mapping of post-construction storm water controls (4.2.5.4.)
• and a training program for applicable personnel (4.2.5.5.)
Progress towards measurable goals will be detailed in the Annual Report
7.1.3 LONG-TERM STORM WATER MANAGEMENT INSPECTION AND ENFORCEMENT
Objective: Inspect long-term storm water management measures to ensure adequate long-term operation and maintenance.
Description: Continue to inspect post-construction storm water management measures, enforce against violations of ordinance, and implementation of SOPs. The following BMPs and procedures have been designed to meet 2021 Permit requirements for this program component, and will continue to be implemented
Permit Requirement: Part 4.2.5.2., 4.2.5.2.3., 4.2.5.2.4., 4.2.5.2.5., 4.2.5.2.6., & 4.2.5.4.2. – Long-term Stormwater Management in New Development and Redevelopment
Long-term Storm Water Management Inspections (Permit Requirement 4.2.5.2., 4.2.5.2.3., 4.2.5.2.4., 4.2.5.2.5. & 4.2.5.2.6.): The City shall continue to inspect all applicable permanent structural BMPs at least once during installation and once after completion, then once every five years thereafter. Inspections and records will continue to be documented and maintained. Inspections shall include the following documentation:
- Inspection Date
- Name and signature of inspector
- Project location
- Current owner information
- A description of the condition of the storm water control measure including the quality of: vegetation and soils; inlet and outlet channel structures; catch basins; spillways; weirs, and
other control structures; and sediment and debris accumulation in storage as well as in and around inlet and outlet structures; and - Specific maintenance issues or violations found that need to be corrected by the property owner or operator along with deadlines and reinspection dates.
Ordinance Provision for Inspections on Private Property (Permit Requirement 4.2.5.2., 4.2.5.2.4): Title 17, Chapter 17.84.500 – Inspection Right of Entry, grants legal authority for the City to be
allowed access to applicable sites during construction and post-construction phases for inspections of long-term storm water BMPs as outlined in the ordinance.
Long-Term Storm Water Management Enforcement (Permit Requirement 4.2.5.2.1., 4.2.5.2.3., 4.2.5.2.4., 4.2.5.2.5. & 4.2.5.2.6.): Title 17, Chapter 17.87, addresses violations in the ordinance to
any long-storm water management issues that may adversely affect storm water quality. Enforcement of violations may also include the removal of any storm water impact fee discount the owner/operator may be receiving as part of the post-construction incentive program.
Inspection and Enforcement SOPs (Permit Requirement 4.2.5.5): Salt Lake City will continue to revise and implement an SOP that details the inspection and enforcement process for Long-Term
Storm Water Management.
7.1.6 LONG-TERM STORM WATER BMP INVENTORY
Objective: Maintain an inventory of post-construction structural storm water control measures.
Permit Requirement: Part 4.2.5.4., 4.2.5.4.1. & 4.2.5.4.2. – Long-term Storm water Management in New Development and Redevelopment
Description: Salt Lake City will continue to maintain an inventory of all public and private long-term storm water control measures installed and implemented at sites that disturb greater than or equal to 1- acre, including projects less than 1-acre that are part of a common plan of development or sale disturbing at least 1-acre of land. The City will update this inventory as necessary, per inspections. The inventory will include the following information:
• Project name;
• Owner name and contact information;
• Location;
• Start and end date;
• Description of each storm water control measure/BMP (type, number, design or performance specifications);
• Description of inspection and maintenance requirements (frequency of required maintenance and inspections); and
• Inspection information (date, findings, follow-up activities, prioritization of follow-up activities, compliance status).
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is stormwater compliance in Salt Lake City?
Stormwater compliance in Salt Lake City means following the City’s stormwater ordinance and its Long-Term Storm Water Management Program, which governs post-construction stormwater runoff from new development and redevelopment sites. The program applies to construction projects disturbing one acre or more, and to projects disturbing less than one acre that are part of a larger common plan of development or sale that in total disturbs at least one acre.
The goal is to control flow and improve water quality by requiring post-construction stormwater controls designed to limit discharge rates to mirror the pre-development hydrology of the site. Property owners are responsible for the ongoing maintenance of those controls, and the City actively inspects private stormwater facilities and enforces against violations of the ordinance.
Who is responsible for long-term stormwater maintenance in Salt Lake City?
Property owners and operators are responsible for the maintenance of all permanent structural stormwater BMPs on their property. Salt Lake City maintains a formal inventory of all public and private long-term stormwater control measures installed at qualifying sites, which includes owner contact information, BMP type and design specifications, and inspection and maintenance requirements for each facility.
Being in the City’s inventory means your facility is subject to periodic inspections. If you are unsure whether your property is in the inventory or what maintenance requirements apply to your specific BMP, AQUALIS can help you confirm your compliance status and establish a maintenance program.
How often does Salt Lake City inspect stormwater facilities?
Salt Lake City inspects all applicable permanent structural BMPs at least once during installation and once after construction is complete, then at minimum once every five years thereafter. Each inspection is documented and maintained in the City’s records and must include the inspection date, the name and signature of the inspector, the project location, current owner information, a description of the condition of the stormwater control measure including vegetation and soils, inlet and outlet structures, catch basins, spillways, weirs, and sediment accumulation, and any specific maintenance issues or violations found along with deadlines and reinspection dates.
If violations are identified, enforcement can include removal of any storm water impact fee discount the owner or operator may be receiving through the City’s post-construction incentive program. AQUALIS recommends conducting your own inspection before the City’s five year review so deficiencies are identified and addressed in advance.
How do I know if my Salt Lake City stormwater system is at risk of failure or safety violation?
Watch for these warning signs.
Your project disturbed one acre or more and you are unsure whether post-construction controls were required or installed. Salt Lake City’s program applies to all qualifying development and redevelopment sites. If controls were required but not properly installed or documented, that is an active compliance gap the City can act on during an inspection.
Your facility is in the City’s BMP inventory but has not been maintained. The City tracks all private stormwater facilities subject to its program. If your property is in the inventory and the facility is in poor condition, a scheduled inspection could result in a violation finding and loss of any fee discounts.
Water is not draining or ponding persists after rain. A post-construction BMP that cannot manage runoff as designed is not meeting the City’s performance standards and will likely be identified as a maintenance deficiency during the next inspection.
Visible sediment buildup, clogged inlets or outlets, or deteriorated vegetation. These are all specifically documented during City inspections. Addressing them proactively is far preferable to receiving a notice with a correction deadline and reinspection date.
Recent property purchase. Post-construction stormwater obligations stay with the property. If you recently acquired a commercial property and are unsure what BMPs are on site or whether they are in the City’s inventory, an AQUALIS assessment can clarify your obligations before the City’s next inspection.
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.
