Last Updated 08/21/2026
Excerpts from the Town of Olive Branch Stormwater Ordinance
Sec. 42-263. – Design requirements.
Grading, erosion control practices, sediment control practices, and waterway crossings shall meet the design criteria set forth in the Stormwater Design Manual, and shall be adequate to prevent transportation of sediment from the site to the satisfaction of the City of Olive Branch’s AEA.
(a) Clearing and grading. Clearing and grading of natural resources, such as forests and wetlands, shall not be permitted, except when in compliance with all other chapters of this article.
Clearing techniques that retain natural vegetation and retain natural drainage patterns, as described in Stormwater Design Manual, shall be used to the satisfaction of the AEA.
Phasing may be required on all Sites disturbing greater than 20 acres, with the size of each phase to be established at plan review and as approved by the AEA.
Sec. 42-282. – Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) requirements.
The Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) must follow, at a minimum, the outline of the plan listed in the facility’s NPDES Storm Water Permit language.
The AEA will adopt requirements identifying best management practices for any activity, operation, or facility which may cause or contribute to pollution or contamination of stormwater, the storm drain system, or waters of the U.S. Compliance with all terms and conditions of a valid NPDES permit authorizing the discharge of storm water associated with industrial activity, to the extent practicable, shall be deemed compliance with the provisions of this section. These BMPs shall be part of a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) as necessary for compliance with requirements of the NPDES permit.
Sec. 42-323. – Stormwater management facilities maintenance.
(a) Requirements for maintenance covenants. All stormwater management facilities must undergo, at the minimum, an annual inspection to document maintenance and repair needs and ensure compliance with the requirements of this article and accomplishment of its purposes. These needs may include; removal of silt, litter and other debris from all catch basins, inlets and drainage pipes, grass cutting and vegetation removal, and necessary replacement of landscape vegetation. Any maintenance needs found must be addressed in a timely manner, as determined by the AEA, and the inspection and maintenance requirement may be increased as deemed necessary to ensure proper functioning of the stormwater management facility.
(b) Records of installation and maintenance activities. Parties responsible for the operation and maintenance of a stormwater management facility shall make records of the installation and of all maintenance and repairs, and shall retain the records for at least three years. These records shall be made available to the AEA during inspection of the facility and at other reasonable times upon request.
View State Page
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Olive Branch restrict clearing natural resources for development?
Yes. Clearing and grading of natural resources like forests and wetlands isn’t permitted except when done in compliance with all other chapters of the town’s development code. Where clearing is allowed, developers must use techniques that retain natural vegetation and preserve natural drainage patterns, following the standards in the town’s Stormwater Design Manual.
Do large development sites in Olive Branch need to be built in phases?
Sites disturbing more than 20 acres may be required to phase construction, with the size of each phase established during plan review and approved by the town’s Authorized Enforcement Authority. This keeps the amount of exposed, disturbed ground manageable at any one time on larger projects.
Does a property with an NPDES permit still need to follow Olive Branch's stormwater rules?
Yes, both apply together. Anyone subject to an industrial or construction activity NPDES stormwater discharge permit must comply with all of that permit’s provisions, and the town may require proof of compliance before allowing discharges to its MS4. Following the terms of a valid NPDES permit is generally treated as compliance with the town’s own stormwater ordinance, to the extent practicable.
How often must stormwater facilities be inspected in Olive Branch?
At minimum, annually. Inspections need to document maintenance and repair needs, which commonly include removing silt, litter, and debris from catch basins, inlets, and drainage pipes, along with grass cutting, vegetation removal, and replacing landscape vegetation as needed. The town can require more frequent inspections if necessary to keep a facility functioning properly.
How long must Olive Branch property owners keep stormwater maintenance records?
Records of installation, maintenance, and repairs must be kept for at least three years and made available to the town’s enforcement authority during inspections or upon reasonable request at other times.
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.
