Oakland County, Michigan/Water Resources Commissioner/Stormwater/NEW Stormwater Engineering Design Standards

NEW Stormwater Engineering Design Standards

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Development

In May 2021, our office adopted new stormwater design standards for developments under WRC's jurisdiction. To develop these standards, we facilitated more than 40 regional meetings with Oakland, Livingston, Macomb, and Wayne Counties and coordinated with numerous Oakland County communities, along with stakeholders, for their input. Our office would like to extend special thanks to the dedicated stormwater experts from the four counties who continue to participate in this very successful and ongoing regional stormwater collaboration.

Outreach

Many communities have been issued a new MS4 permit requiring the adoption of new stormwater engineering design standards to meet water quality requirements. The goal is for these communities to adopt our state-approved regional standards to meet the requirements. Changes to the standards to meet local needs are expected, but these changes may require approval from the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE).


Workgroup for Regional Coordination

To facilitate and maintain a coordinated and consistent approach to stormwater management, our office created an Oakland County Stormwater Standards Work Group consisting of municipal representatives, consulting engineers and regional agencies. This group meets quarterly to discuss the adoption of standards, address implementation questions, and determine opportunities for regional coordination.

Assistance for Developers and Design Engineers

Our office has dedicated Tuesday mornings for pre-application meetings to assist site developers and design engineers with meeting the updated requirements. To request a meeting date and time, please submit a Pre-Application Meeting request or email WRCsweds@oakgov.com.

Ongoing Support

Be assured that this office remains committed to providing ongoing guidance to assist all stormwater stakeholders in Oakland County in understanding and implementing these new standards and all relevant information will be continually updated on this page. All recorded meetings and questions and answer sessions will also be posted on this page.

 Current Standard Documents


 Questions?


 Standard Objectives

​These new standards accomplish the following objectives:

1. Improve surface water quality as well as channel and stormwater infrastructure protection.

2. Require volume-reducing, low-impact development measures and protect natural features.

3. Control both the quality and quantity of stormwater runoff.

4. Promote sustainable regional stormwater management practices.

5. Long-term operation and maintenance of stormwater systems.

6. Consistent and straightforward regional standards that meet federal and state permit requirements.

7. Promote consistent stormwater reporting, tracking, and mapping.

8. Recognize that similar standards are anticipated for combined sewer areas.