Property owners should inspect and maintain their storm drainage systems at least once a year. Remove debris, sediment, and overgrown vegetation as needed—especially after major storms.

For some private properties, the City’s Surface Water Utility conducts inspections every year or every other year to verify that systems are being properly maintained. These inspections help identify maintenance issues that could cause flooding, pollution, or liability concerns for the property owner.

Some private properties are eligible for our Private Stormwater Facility Self-Certification Program. Property owners eligible for the program will receive a letter from the City. Learn more here. 

The City’s Source Control Program helps prevent stormwater pollution from public and private properties with activities that have a higher potential to generate pollutants. This inspection program focuses on keeping pollution from entering storm drains, streams, lakes, Puget Sound, or groundwater. City staff work directly with owners and managers to identify potential pollution sources and implement best management practices (BMPs) that reduce pollution at the source and protect the health of our community, waterways, and wildlife.

Private and public properties are required to implement BMPs to proactively prevent pollution from leaving their site per Shoreline Municipal Code 13.10.330.

Required BMPs can be found in the Department of Ecology Stormwater Manual. Use the table below to help find the section(s) you need.