Development severely affects natures hydrologic cycle by covering existing pervious area with impervious materials. This happens by placing impervious materials such as roads, rooftops, driveways, etc. on the ground. This not only has an effect on flooding issues, but also on the local waterways water quality. Nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorous accelerate algae growth in these local waterways and deplete available oxygen for underwater plants and animals. In order to combat this issue, The Maryland General Assembly passed updated regulations in 2000 to treat impervious materials associated with development actives. This treatment is accomplished through site plan design that utilizes Best Management Practices (BMP) found in the 2000 Maryland Storm Water Management Design Manual. These BMPs utilitize numerous scientific media to not only help prevent storm water from causing flooding problems, but also provide better water quality in our local waterways by reducing nutrients before they enter the waterways.
When does someone need to obtain Storm Water Management Approval?
You need to obtain a Stormwater Management Plan Approval and a Permit if the development activity on your property will disturb 5000 square feet or more of area, and/or require the filling of 100 cubic yards or more of material.
What needs to be on the Plans?
- SWM check list (coming soon)
- Worcester County SWM Code
When do I need to obtain a Stormwater Management Permit?
You need to obtain a Stormwater Management Permit if the development activity on your property will disturb 5000 square feet or more of area or require the filling of 100 cubic yards or more of material. However, those projects which receive an exception from Worcester Soil Conservation District or are granted a waiver by the Department of Development Review and Permitting relative to the Stormwater Management Ordinance do not have to obtain a Stormwater Management Permit.
Where do I obtain a Stormwater Management Permit?
You can obtain a Stormwater Management Permit by contacting the Environmental Programs Department, located in the Worcester County Government Center at 1 West Market Street, Room 1201, Snow Hill, MD 21863, or Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or call (410) 632-1200, ext. 1143.
What do I have to submit in order to obtain a Stormwater Management Permit?
You must submit a permit fee of $200.00 made payable to Worcester County. You must complete and execute the Stormwater Management Permit application. You must submit four (4) copies of the Stormwater Management Plan and four (4) copies of the Sediment and Erosion Control Plan, both of which are approved by the Worcester Soil Conservation District and Worcester County Storm Water Management Review. (Questions concerning the submittal and approval process and any review fees associated therewith can be addressed to Robert Shockley at (410) 632-1200 x 1141). Please keep in mind Stormwater Management Plans are valid for a period of two (2) years while Sediment and Erosion Control Plans are valid for a period of three (3) years. Renewals to these plans can be obtained from the Worcester Soil Conservation District.
If you plan to obtain a Building Permit relative to the development activity being conducted on the property prior to completing the construction of the Stormwater Management Facility, you must enter into a Stormwater Management Facilities Construction Agreement with the County Commissioners. This requires the posting of a financial security. The amount of the financial security is written on the approved set of Stormwater Management Plans. The terms of the Construction Agreement is for a period of one (1) year. The financial security will be retained by the County until the final inspection of the Stormwater Management Facility is completed and approved. A final inspection of the facility cannot be completed until three (3) sets of as-built drawings, a Letter of Certification from a Registered Engineer, and a complete Notice of Construction Completion (NOCC) form are submitted to the Department. It is the responsibility of the permit applicant and/or owner to call for all required inspections.
In all cases you must enter into an Inspection and Maintenance Agreement relative to the Stormwater Management Facility with the County Commissioners. This document is recorded in the Land Records of Worcester County by the Department. The recording fee is $22.00 made payable to the Clerk of Court.
If the property on which the activity is being conducted is 40,000 square feet or more in area, you are subject to the County Forest Conservation Law.
- A. In the case where the activity is disturbing less than 20,000 square feet of forest, you may file a Declaration of Intent - $50.00 made payable to Worcester County.
- B. In the case where the activity is disturbing more than 20,000 square feet of forest you must enter into a Perpetual Protective Agreement. The Perpetual Protective Agreement includes an Exhibit which illustrates the boundaries of the Forest Conservation Easement. The Agreement, along with Exhibit, are recorded in the Land Records of Worcester County. The cost of recording the Agreement is $60.00 made payable to Clerk of Court. If the exhibit is a subdivision plat, the cost of recording is $5.00 per sheet. A Certificate of Title prepared by an attorney licensed in the State of Maryland must be submitted with the Perpetual Protective Agreement.
What is the inspection process once the Stormwater Management Permit is issued?
Once the Stormwater Management has been issued, construction will soon commence and you will need to proceed with the inspection process. The only inspection required for a Stormwater Management Permit is a final inspection. Prior to scheduling a final inspection the following items must be submitted to the Department (except for single family dwellings):
- Three (3) sets of sealed as-built drawings;
- Letter of Certification from a qualified professional stating the stormwater management facility will function as designed; and
- Notice of Construction Completion (NOCC) Form.
Please call (410) 632-1200 and press (0) once the automated attendant has answered the telephone to schedule an inspection. The information you will need to relay for the request can be obtained from the pink copy of the Stormwater Management Permit application and is as follows:
- Stormwater Management Permit Number
- Tax Map/Parcel/Section/Lot/Block Number
- Actual 911 Address of the Property
- Owners Name
- Contact Person
- Contact Person's Telephone Number
Also, please be advised that you will be asked if you prefer a morning or afternoon inspection. Please do not request an exact time as it is impossible for this Department to guarantee an inspection will be performed at the exact time you request it.
When this Stormwater Management Permit was issued, the developer/contractor indicated whether or not the facility was going to be built or bonded. The property owner entered into a Stormwater Management Inspection and Maintenance Agreement as required. However, please be advised that prior to the Department issuing a Building Permit for the construction of a building and/or structure on the site, the Stormwater Management Facility must be built, inspected and approved, or bonded to the satisfaction of the County Commissioners.
Who can I contact for additional information?
You can contact David Bradford at (410) 632-1220, ext. 1143.
Contact Information
David Bradford: (410) 632-1220, ext. 1143
Ryan Prescock: (410) 632-1220, ext. 1145