Subdivision 2. Stormwater Management Design Plans
Codified through Bill No. CB-018-2026, adopted May 12, 2026, effective July 24, 2026. Source: Municode, Supplement 2026 Update 2. Editorial notes and legislative history omitted.
Subdivision 2. Stormwater Management Design Plans
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 32-177 (2026)
Sec. 32-177. Stormwater Management Design Plans; requiredLinkCopy Citation
(a)
A concept plan shall be submitted for approval to the Department.
(b)
All preliminary plans of subdivisions shall be consistent with any County approved concept plan.
(c)
The applicant shall submit a stormwater management design plan to the Department.
(d)
If any plan involves any stormwater management facilities or land to be dedicated to public use, the same information also shall be submitted for review and approval to the agency having jurisdiction over the land or other appropriate agencies identified by the Director for review and approval. This plan shall serve as the basis for all subsequent construction.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 32-178 (2026)
Sec. 32-178. Minimum Stormwater Control RequirementsLinkCopy Citation
(a)
The minimum control requirements established in this Section and the Maryland Design Manual and the Prince George's County Design Manual are as follows:
(1)
Planning techniques, nonstructural practices, and design methods specified in the Maryland Design Manual and the Prince George's County Design Manual shall be used to implement ESD to the MEP. The use of ESD planning techniques and treatment practices must be exhausted before any structural BMP is implemented. Stormwater management design plans for development projects subject to this Division shall be designed using ESD sizing criteria, recharge volume, water quality volume, and channel protection storage volume criteria according to the Maryland Design Manual and the Prince George's County Design Manual. The MEP standard is met when channel stability is maintained, 100% predevelopment groundwater recharge is replicated, non-point source pollution is minimized, and structural stormwater management practices are used only if determined to be absolutely necessary.
(2)
Attenuation of the 2-year, 10-year frequency storm event for downstream erosion exist and/or attenuation of the 100-year frequency storm event for downstream flooding exist are required according to the Maryland Design Manual and the Prince George's County Design Manual and all subsequent revisions when the Department determines that additional stormwater management is necessary because the receiving channel and/or conveyance system are determined inadequate.
(3)
The Department has the authority to require more than the minimum control requirements specified in this Division if hydrologic or topographic conditions warrant or if flooding, stream channel erosion, or water quality problems exist downstream from a proposed project.
(b)
Alternative minimum control requirements may be submitted for approval to the Administration. A demonstration that alternative requirements will implement ESD to the MEP and control flood damages, accelerated stream erosion, water quality, and sedimentation will be required by the Department. Comprehensive watershed studies also may be required.
(c)
In addition, where the development activity is located within a Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Overlay Zone, the minimum stormwater control requirements shall include all the requirements of Subtitle 5B.
(d)
Concept and design plans shall be consistent with adopted and approved watershed management plans and flood management plans as approved by the State Water Resources Administration in accordance with the Flood Hazard Management Act of 1976 (Title 8, Subtitle 9A of the Natural Resources Article), where applicable.
(e)
Best management practices information for new developments and redevelopments shown on the approved final stormwater management plans, where applicable, shall be submitted by the Department for submission to the Administration under the requirements of the NPDES Program. The owner and/or applicant shall provide this information to the Department.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 32-179 (2026)
Sec. 32-179. Stormwater Management MeasuresLinkCopy Citation
The ESD planning techniques, practices and structural stormwater management measures in this Division and the Maryland Design Manual and the Prince George's County Design Manual shall be used either alone or in combination in a stormwater management design plan. An applicant shall demonstrate that ESD has been implemented to the MEP before the use of a structural BMP is considered in developing the stormwater management design plan.
(a)
ESD Planning Techniques and Practices.
(1)
The following planning techniques shall be applied to MEP according to the Maryland Design Manual and the Prince George's County Design Manual to satisfy the applicable minimum control requirements established in 32-178 of this Division:
(A)
Preserving and protecting natural resources;
(B)
Conserving natural drainage patterns;
(C)
Minimizing impervious area;
(D)
Reducing runoff volume;
(E)
Using ESD practices to maintain 100 percent of the annual average predevelopment groundwater recharge volume;
(F)
Using green roofs, permeable pavement, reinforced turf, and other alternative surfaces;
(G)
Limiting soil disturbance, mass grading, and compaction;
(H)
Clustering development; and
(I)
Any practices approved by the Administration.
(2)
The following ESD treatment practices shall be designed to MEP according to the Maryland Design Manual and the Prince George's County Design Manual to satisfy the applicable minimum control requirements established in 32-178 of this Division:
(A)
Disconnection of rooftop runoff;
(B)
Disconnection of non-rooftop runoff;
(C)
Sheet flow to conservation areas;
(D)
Rainwater harvesting;
(E)
Submerged gravel wetlands;
(F)
Landscape infiltration;
(G)
Infiltration berms;
(H)
Dry wells;
(I)
Micro-bioretention;
(J)
Rain gardens;
(K)
Swales;
(L)
Enhanced filters; and
(M)
Any practice approved by the Administration.
(3)
The use of ESD planning techniques and treatment practices specified in this Section shall not conflict with existing state law or local ordinances, regulations, or policies. The County shall modify planning and zoning ordinances and public works codes to eliminate any impediments to implementing ESD to the MEP according to the Maryland Design Manual and the Prince George's County Design Manual.
(b)
Structural Stormwater Management Measures.
(1)
The following structural stormwater management practices shall be designed according to the Maryland Design Manual and the Prince George's County Design Manual to satisfy the applicable minimum control requirements established in 32-178 of this Division:
(A)
Stormwater management ponds;
(B)
Stormwater management wetlands;
(C)
Stormwater management infiltration;
(D)
Stormwater management filtering systems; and
(E)
Stormwater management open channel systems.
(2)
The performance criteria specified in the Maryland Design Manual and the Prince George's County Design Manual with regard to general feasibility, conveyance, pretreatment, treatment and geometry, environment and landscaping, and maintenance shall be considered when selecting structural stormwater management practices.
(3)
Structural stormwater management practices shall be selected to accommodate the unique hydrologic or geologic regions of the County.
(c)
ESD planning techniques, treatment practices and structural stormwater management measures used to satisfy the minimum requirements in 32-178 of this Division must be recorded in the land records of the County through the execution of a maintenance agreement by the permittee and remain unaltered by subsequent property owners. Prior approval from the Department shall be obtained before any stormwater management practice is altered.
(d)
Alternative ESD planning techniques, treatment practices and structural stormwater measures may be used for new development runoff control if they meet the performance criteria established in the Maryland Design Manual and the Prince George's County Design Manual and all subsequent revisions and are approved by the Administration. Practices used for redevelopment projects shall be approved by the Department.
(e)
For the purposes of modifying the minimum control requirements or design criteria, the owner/applicant shall submit to the Department an analysis of the impacts of stormwater flows downstream in the watershed. The analysis shall include hydrologic and hydraulic calculations necessary to determine the impact of hydrograph timing modifications of the proposed development upon a dam, highway, structure, or natural point of restricted stream flow.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 32-180 (2026)
Sec. 32-180. Specific Design CriteriaLinkCopy Citation
The basic design criteria, methodologies, and construction specifications, subject to the approval of the Department and the Administration, shall be in accordance with the Maryland Design Manual and the Prince George's County Design Manual.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 32-181 (2026)
Sec. 32-181. Stormwater Management Design Plan PreparationLinkCopy Citation
(a)
The design of stormwater management design plans shall be prepared by any individual whose qualifications are acceptable to the Department. The Department may require that the design be prepared by either a professional engineer, professional land surveyor, or landscape architect licensed in the State of Maryland, as necessary to protect the public or the environment.
(b)
If a stormwater BMP requires either a dam safety permit from the Administration or a small pond approval from the Prince George's Soil Conservation District, the Department shall require that the design be prepared by a professional engineer licensed in the State of Maryland.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 32-182 (2026)
Sec. 32-182. Stormwater Management Design Plan, Submission RequirementsLinkCopy Citation
(a)
Concept Plan.
The owner/applicant shall submit a concept plan that provides sufficient information for an initial assessment of the proposed project and whether stormwater management can be provided according to 32-179 of this Division and the Maryland Design Manual and the Prince George's County Design Manual. Plans submitted for concept approval shall include, but are not limited to:
(1)
A vicinity map;
(2)
An approved Natural Resources Inventory plan;
(3)
A brief narrative description of the project;
(4)
Geotechnical investigations including soil maps, borings, site-specific recommendations and any additional information necessary for the proposed stormwater management design;
(5)
Existing and proposed topography and proposed drainage areas, including areas necessary to determine downstream analysis for proposed stormwater management facilities;
(6)
Descriptions of all watercourses, impoundments and wetlands on or adjacent to the site or into which stormwater directly flows;
(7)
The location of existing and proposed structures and utilities;
(8)
Any easements and rights-of-way;
(9)
The delineation, if applicable, of the 100-year floodplain and all regulated environmental features as shown on the approved NRI;
(10)
Any proposed improvements including location of buildings or other structures, impervious surfaces, storm drainage facilities, all grading, and other site improvements;
(11)
Hydrologic computations, including drainage area maps depicting predevelopment and post-development runoff flow path segmentation and land use;
(12)
Hydraulic computations;
(13)
The location of the proposed limit of disturbance, erodible soils, steep slopes, and areas to be protected during construction;
(14)
Preliminary estimates of stormwater management requirements, the selection and location of ESD practices to be used, and the location of all points of discharge from the site;
(15)
A narrative that supports the concept design and describes how ESD will be implemented to the MEP; and
(16)
Any other information required by the Department.
(b)
Site Development Plan.
Following concept plan approval by the Department, the owner/applicant shall submit technical plans that reflect the comments received from the previous concept plan review phase. Plans submitted shall be of sufficient detail to allow site development to be reviewed and shall include but not be limited to:
(1)
All information provided during the concept plan review phase;
(2)
Final site layout, exact impervious area locations and acreages, proposed grading, delineated drainage areas at all points of discharge from the site, and stormwater volume computations for ESD practices and quantity control structures;
(3)
A proposed erosion and sediment control plan that contains the construction sequence, any phasing necessary to limit earth disturbances and impacts to natural resources, and an overlay plan showing the types and locations of ESD and erosion and sediment control practices to be used.
(4)
A narrative that supports the site development design, describes how ESD will be used to meet the minimum control requirements, and justifies any proposed structural stormwater management measure; and
(5)
Any other information required by the Department.
(c)
Final Stormwater Management Plan.
Following the site development plan review by the Department, the owner/applicant shall
submit a final stormwater management plan for permit issuance. Plans submitted for permit
issuance shall be of sufficient detail to allow all approvals and permits to be issued according to the following:
(1)
Final erosion and sediment control plans shall be submitted according to COMAR 26.17.01.05; and
(2)
The final stormwater management plans shall be submitted for approval in the form of construction drawings and be accompanied by a report that includes sufficient information to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed runoff control design.
(d)
Reports submitted for an approval of final stormwater management plans shall include, but are not limited to:
(1)
Geotechnical investigations including soil maps, borings, site specific recommendations, and any additional information necessary for the stormwater management design plan;
(2)
Drainage area maps depicting predevelopment as applicable and post development runoff flow path segmentation and land use;
(3)
Hydrologic computations of the applicable ESD and unified sizing criteria according to the Maryland Design Manual and the Prince George's County Design Manual for all points of discharge from the site;
(4)
Hydraulic and structural computations for all ESD practices and structural stormwater management measures to be used;
(5)
A narrative that supports the stormwater management design plan; and
(6)
Any other information required by the Department.
(e)
Construction drawings submitted for final stormwater management plan approval shall include, but are not limited to:
(1)
A vicinity map;
(2)
Existing and proposed topography and proposed drainage areas, including areas necessary to determine downstream analysis for proposed stormwater management facilities;
(3)
Any proposed improvements including location of buildings or other structures, impervious surfaces, storm drainage facilities, and all grading;
(4)
The location of existing and proposed structures and utilities;
(5)
Any easements and rights-of-way;
(6)
The delineation, if applicable, of the 100-year floodplain and all regulated environmental features as shown on the approved NRI;
(7)
Structural and construction details including representative cross sections for all components of the proposed drainage system or systems, and stormwater management facilities;
(8)
All necessary construction specifications;
(9)
Sequence of construction;
(10)
Data for total site area, disturbed area, new impervious area, and total impervious area;
(11)
A table showing the ESD and unified sizing criteria volumes required in the Maryland Design Manual and the Prince George's County Design Manual;
(12)
A table of materials to be used for stormwater management facility planting;
(13)
All soil boring logs and locations;
(14)
An inspection and maintenance schedule;
(15)
Certification by the owner/applicant that all stormwater management construction will be done according to this plan;
(16)
An as-built certification signature block to be executed after project completion; and
(17)
Any other information required by the Department.
(f)
If a stormwater management design plan involves direction of some or all runoff from the site, it is the responsibility of the applicant to obtain from adjacent property owners any easements or other necessary property interests concerning flow of water. Approval of a stormwater management plan does not create or affect any right to direct runoff onto adjacent property without that property owner's permission.
(g)
Notification
(1)
The applicant shall send, within seven (7) days of filing of a stormwater concept plan under this Section, by first class mail an informational mailing to all adjoining property owners, including owners whose properties lie directly across a street, alley, or stream, to every municipality located within one (1) mile of the applicant's property and to all civic associations registered with the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission pursuant to Sec. 17-125.01 of the County Code for the area which includes the property."
(2)
The applicant shall file an affidavit of mailing with the Department prior to approval of the stormwater concept plan. The affidavit shall give the names and addresses of all persons sent informational mailings and the dates when they were sent.
(3)
Before a stormwater concept plan is approved, the Department shall determine that the applicant has complied with this Section.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 32-183 (2026)
Sec. 32-183. Changes to PlansLinkCopy Citation
(a)
All changes or modifications to the approved final stormwater management plans must be submitted to and approved by the Department. All necessary substantiating reports shall be submitted with any proposal to modify the approved plan. No grading or other work in connection with any proposed modification shall be permitted without proper written approval of the Department. If the revision where the limits of disturbance affects the tree conservation area then a revised tree conservation plan shall also be required.
(b)
When inspection of a site indicates that the approved final stormwater management plan requires a revision or change, the revision shall be in compliance with this Division. To obtain an approved revision, the permittee shall:
(1)
Submit a request for a revision to the approved final stormwater management plan to the Department to be processed appropriately. This includes revisions due to plan and site discrepancies and inadequacies at controlling stormwater as revealed through inspection; or
(2)
Request a field change approval for modifications to the approved final stormwater management plan and obtain County Engineer's approval. The modification shall be noted on a signed copy of the approved plan, signed and dated by a Department's inspector and documented on a field inspection report. These field modifications may include change of material type, adjustments to avoid field conflicts and other concerns that may not require recalculations and will not affect stormwater management controls.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 32-184 (2026)
Sec. 32-184. Permit RequirementsLinkCopy Citation
(a)
A grading or building permit shall not be issued for any parcel or lot unless a final erosion and sediment control plan has been approved by the Prince George's County Soil Conservation District, and final stormwater management plan has been approved by the Department as meeting all of the requirements of this Division. Where appropriate, building, stormwater management or grading permits shall not be issued or modified without the following:
(1)
A performance bond acceptable to the County Attorney as required by this Division, where applicable.
(2)
Recorded easements for the stormwater management facilities that provide adequate access for inspection and maintenance from a public right-of-way.
(3)
Approved final stormwater management plan, provided that the Director may accept a site grading plan that identifies the location and type of facilities to be constructed in sufficient detail to accurately estimate construction costs.
(b)
Notwithstanding any of the provisions herein, the Director may require an approved final stormwater management plan and the recordation of all necessary easements prior to issuance of a building permit or grading permit.
(c)
In no event shall a use and occupancy permit be granted until all of the grading and stormwater management requirements are completed to the satisfaction of the Director.
(d)
Approved final stormwater management plan shall contain certification by the applicant that all land clearing, construction, development and drainage shall be undertaken in accordance with the approved final stormwater management plan.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 32-185 (2026)
Sec. 32-185. Permit FeesLinkCopy Citation
(a)
A nonrefundable fee shall be paid at the time of the final stormwater management plan or application for modification is submitted. The fee may provide for the cost of plan review, administration of the permitting process, inspection and enforcement of all projects subject to this Division. The fee shall be in the amount specified in Section 32-120.
(b)
If a stormwater management facility is to be constructed to serve more than one development, a fee in lieu of construction of an on-site stormwater management ESD to MEP facility may be assessed by the Department, as specified in Section 32-120.
(c)
Special maintenance fees are required for all publicly maintained stormwater management ponds. The maintenance fee will be as prescribed in the Table of Fees, section 2-253.63, Attachment A and as published on the DPIE website. The fee will be payable by the applicant with all other fees prior to issuance of storm drain and stormwater management construction permits.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 32-186 (2026)
Sec. 32-186. Permit Suspension and RevocationLinkCopy Citation
Any grading, stormwater or building permit issued by the Department may be suspended or revoked by the Director after written notice to the permittee for any of the following reasons:
(a)
Any violation(s) of the conditions of the approved final stormwater management plan, including the provisions of the Conservation Plan and Conservation Agreement, where applicable;
(b)
Construction not in accordance with the approved final stormwater management plans or specifications;
(c)
Noncompliance with correction notice(s) or stop work order(s) issued for the construction of any stormwater management practice;
(d)
An immediate danger exists in a downstream area as determined by the Department; or
(e)
Permits found to be issued in error when the original approval did not conform to the provisions of this Division or the approval was based on inaccurate information provided by the permittee.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 32-187 (2026)
Sec. 32-187. Permit ConditionsLinkCopy Citation
In granting an approval for any phase of site development, the Department may impose such conditions that may be deemed necessary to ensure compliance with the provisions of this Division and the preservation of public health and safety.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 32-188 (2026)
Sec. 32-188. Responsibility of PermiteeLinkCopy Citation
(a)
Generally. Notwithstanding other conditions of a permit on the minimum standards set forth in this Division, the permittee is responsible for the abatement of pollutant discharges, damage to adjacent property, and the maintenance of water quality. No person shall grade land in any manner as to endanger or damage any adjoining public street, sidewalk, alley or any other public or private property without adequate protection of the property from settling, cracking, erosion, sedimentation, or other damage or personal injury which might result.
(b)
Public-ways. The permittee shall be responsible for the prompt removal of, and damages resulting from, any soil, miscellaneous debris, and/or pollutant discharge, or other materials washed, spilled, tracked, dumped or otherwise deposited on public streets, highways, sidewalks, watercourses, or other public thoroughfares as an incident to construction activity, or during transit to and from a construction site.