Stormwater Division

Stormwater is runoff that occurs when rainwater falls onto surfaces like roads, roofs, driveways and parking lots and does not soak into the ground. Our division makes sure that the City of Durham's stormwater system works for both our residents and also Durham's natural environment. 


Under the Federal Clean Water Act, Durham is required to have a 
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitto discharge stormwater into streams. Since storm drains flow directly to streams without any treatment, all residents and businesses play a role in preventing polluted runoff. The Stormwater Division at the City of Durham ensures our compliance in a number of different ways. You can read more about what we do below.

  1. Development Review
  2. Infrastructure
  3. Stormwater Quality
  4. Watershed Restoration Group

The Stormwater Development Review section is tasked with reviewing rezonings, site plans, stormwater impact analyses, preliminary plats, construction drawings, engineering calculations, and final plats to ensure proposed development is in compliance with the city ordinances which regulate stormwater quality and quantity, stormwater best management practices, stream buffers, etc. The section also ensures post-development stormwater compliance through annual SCM maintenance certifications, inspections, and enforcement.

The Stormwater Division is located is on the 3rd floor of City Hall, 101 City Hall Plaza, in the Public Works Department. See stormwater pollution? Report anonymously by calling 919-560-SWIM (919-560-7946) or submit a report.

  1. RESOURCES

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