Last Updated 08/21/2026
Excerpt from Sterling Heights Stormwater Management Standards
An executed Stormwater Management Operations and Maintenance Agreement for the proposed stormwater system shall be submitted to the City prior to granting engineering site plan approval. The Stormwater Management Operations and Maintenance Agreement shall include but not limited to the following:
A. The locations of all the stormwater system components, structures and BMPs.
B. Specific maintenance requirements for the stormwater components including the required inspection cycle, personnel, training, inspection activities, and preventative maintenance required to ensure that the stormwater system functions properly.
C. The owner shall retain the services of a qualified individual, which may include a Licensed Professional Engineer, Certified Professional in Storm Water Quality (CPSWQ), NICET Certified Engineering Technologist in Stormwater and Wastewater System Inspection, or EGLE Certified Stormwater Operator (NPDES construction sites) to provide inspection and maintenance services.
D. A log of all inspections, maintenance activities and repairs are required. The log must provide, the date of activity, name of person performing activity and the description of activity performed. E. Provisions for establishing and maintaining vegetation that is integral to the proper functioning of the stormwater system.
F. Identify the entity responsible for the maintenance and/or repair of the stormwater system, including modifying or reconstructing the system, if the system does not function as designed.
G. A schedule for implementing the activities necessary for proper functioning of the system.
H. A maintenance agreement must allow the City, including all elected and appointed officials, employees, volunteers and other individuals working on behalf of the City, the right to access, inspect, and maintain the stormwater system. The maintenance agreement shall allow the local community to complete the following:
1. Inspect the structural or vegetative BMPs.
2. Perform necessary maintenance or corrective actions neglected by the BMP owner.
3. Track the transfer of the operation and maintenance responsibility of the BMP in the event ownership of the property changes.
I. A copy of the Stormwater Management Operations and Maintenance Agreement or Memorandum of Stormwater Management Operations and Maintenance Agreement shall be recorded at the Register of Deeds.
J. An example of the Agreement is included in the Appendix G.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When does a Sterling Heights property need a Stormwater Management Operations and Maintenance Agreement?
The agreement must be submitted to the city before engineering site plan approval is granted. It has to identify the location of every stormwater system component, structure, and BMP on the property, along with a maintenance schedule and the entity responsible for keeping the system functioning as designed.
Who is qualified to inspect a stormwater system in Sterling Heights?
The property owner must retain a qualified individual for inspection and maintenance services. Acceptable qualifications include a licensed professional engineer, a Certified Professional in Storm Water Quality, a NICET-certified engineering technologist in stormwater and wastewater system inspection, or an EGLE-certified stormwater operator for NPDES construction sites.
What recordkeeping does Sterling Heights require for stormwater maintenance?
A log must be kept of every inspection, maintenance activity, and repair performed on the system. Each entry needs the date of the activity, the name of the person who performed it, and a description of what was done.
Can the City of Sterling Heights access a property to inspect or maintain its stormwater system?
Yes. The maintenance agreement must grant the city, including elected officials, employees, volunteers, and others working on its behalf, the right to access, inspect, and maintain the stormwater system. This includes the authority to perform corrective action if the property owner neglects required maintenance.
What happens to a Sterling Heights stormwater maintenance agreement if the property is sold?
The agreement must include provisions for tracking the transfer of operation and maintenance responsibility if ownership of the property changes. A copy of the agreement, or a memorandum of it, has to be recorded at the Register of Deeds, so the obligation follows the property regardless of who owns it.
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.
