Stormwater Codes and Rules Update - Accomplishments

Project Outcomes

The 2016 Stormwater Code and Manual became effective on January 1, 2016. These rules replaced the 2009 Stormwater Code and Directors' Rules, which were administered jointly by SDCI and Seattle Public Utilities (SPU).

Key Milestones

• April 2014
  We submitted our Draft Stormwater Code and related Stormwater Manual to Ecology for review
• Winter 2015
  We completed the State Environmental Policy Act environmental review
• Spring/Summer 2015
  The legislative process and formal public review period began for the 2016 Stormwater Code Update
• Fall 2015
  We began our Directors' Rule process and formal public review for the 2016 Stormwater Manual Update
• January 2016
  The 2016 Stormwater Code and Manual became effective

Project Purpose

To make sure our regulations are equivalent to Ecology's 2014 Stormwater Manual and address the following topics:

• Improve stormwater management for new development in Seattle, including on-site stormwater management (formerly green stormwater infrastructure)
• Improve the Construction Site Stormwater Runoff Controls requirements
• Clarify Pollution Prevention, Good Housekeeping, and Operation and Maintenance
• Update the Source Control and Water Quality Treatment Practices