Stormwater Facility Maintenance for Property Owners
About Stormwater Facility Maintenance for Property Owners
Property owners or management agents are required to maintain and keep stormwater management (SWM) facilities on their property in good operating condition, as directed by the manufacturer, at all times. Rockville carries out inspections of private SWM facilities at a minimum of once every three years. If maintenance needs are identified, the property owner is required to perform that work immediately.
Locate Stormwater Facilities on Your Property
Some SWM facilities are above ground, but many are below ground and difficult to find. If a portion of your property was developed or redeveloped after the mid-1990s, it is likely that you have a stormwater facility that treats the water flowing off your roof, driveway, or parking lot. Use the SWM Facility Locator Map to check if you have a SWM facility on your property. To access land records, contact the Montgomery County Land Records Department.
Single-Family Property Inspections
Stormwater facilities on single-family residential properties, such as dry wells, are inspected by the city on a three-year rotation based on their location. A notice will be mailed out indicating that an inspector will be in the area in the next coming weeks. You do not need to be home for the inspection, however, if you have a fenced yard or a dog, you may wish to schedule an inspection by emailing environment@rockvillemd.gov. After inspection, a postcard will be left on your door indicating whether the facility has passed or requires maintenance. You may also be instructed to contact the inspector for further instructions.
It is recommended that property owners maintain your stormwater management facility, but it is voluntary at this time and your obligations are complete once the inspection is completed. However, completing recommended maintenance items may help prevent future stormwater drainage problems. The inspector is also available to assist with the Water Quality Protection Charge (WQPC) Tax Credit Application.
Routine Maintenance
If a SWM facility exists on your property, then a stormwater management easement is generally present in your settlement agreement detailing maintenance responsibilities for the owner. Conducting routine maintenance on your SWM facility is often more cost effective than large-scale repairs after city inspections. For guidance on how to maintain your private facility, visit Montgomery County’s Stormwater page.
contact
Jump To
Contact
Public Works Department
Environmental Management Division
240-314-8870
environment@rockvillemd.gov
Hours
Monday – Friday
8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.