Little Rock Storm Drain Maintenance Ordinance

Utilities and Infrastructure Arkansas 3 Minutes Read · published February 10, 2026 Flag of Arkansas

Little Rock, Arkansas requires property owners, contractors, and the city to follow specific practices to keep storm drains clear and prevent flooding and water pollution. This guide summarizes the city's stormwater maintenance expectations, who enforces them, how to report blocked drains, and what actions owners and contractors must take to comply. It is based on the Little Rock Public Works stormwater program and city enforcement pathways; where municipal code text or fines are not quoted on an official page we note that the amount or procedure is not specified on the cited page and give the relevant city source. Current as of February 2026.

Overview of Rules

The Little Rock Public Works Stormwater Program sets design, maintenance, and pollution-prevention standards for storm drains, curb inlets, and conveyances on public rights-of-way and certain private stormwater facilities. Routine clearing of debris from gutters and private stormwater features is the responsibility of the adjacent property owner unless the obstruction is on city property or the structure is managed by the city. For program details and reporting tools, see the city Stormwater Program page Little Rock Stormwater Program[1] and the stormwater concern report page Report a Stormwater Concern[2].

Keep leaves and construction debris out of gutters to reduce flood risk and pollution.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of storm drain maintenance and illicit discharge rules is handled by Little Rock Public Works and associated code enforcement staff. The city may issue orders to abate blockages, require corrective work, and pursue civil penalties or other remedies under the city code or stormwater ordinance; monetary fines and specific penalty schedules are not specified on the cited city pages. Current as of February 2026. [1]

Failure to remove pollutants from storm drains can result in city abatement orders.
  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page; see the enforcement contact for case details.[1]
  • Escalation: the city may issue warnings, abatement orders, and escalate to civil penalties or court action; exact escalation steps or ranges are not specified on the cited page.[1]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: abatement orders, repair mandates, lien placement, or referral to municipal court may be used where authorized by city ordinance.[1]
  • Enforcer and complaints: Little Rock Public Works Stormwater Program enforces rules; report problems online or call the Public Works contact listed on the city pages.[2]
  • Appeal/review: appeal routes are governed by the city code or administrative procedures; specific time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited page.[1]

Applications & Forms

The city publishes stormwater-related permit and reporting forms through Public Works and the Building/Permits office. For routine obstruction complaints or illicit discharge reports use the online report form; specific permit names, numbers, fees, and deadlines for maintenance permits are not listed on the cited stormwater pages. Contact Public Works for forms and fee schedules.[2]

If you perform construction or grading near drains, check permit requirements before starting work.

Common Violations and Typical Responses

  • Illegal dumping of yard waste or construction debris into curb inlets — city abatement orders and cleanup required.
  • Failure to maintain private stormwater devices leading to backups — owner required to repair or replace the device.
  • Illicit discharges (oil, paint, sediment) into the storm system — immediate cleanup and possible civil enforcement.

How-To

  1. Identify the problem: note the location, inlet ID (if visible), and photos of the blockage or discharge.
  2. Use the city online report form or call Public Works to submit the complaint; include photos and contact details.[2]
  3. Follow any city instructions for immediate temporary measures (safe debris removal) while awaiting inspection.
  4. If ordered to remediate, complete the work or hire a licensed contractor and keep records of repairs and receipts.

FAQ

Who is responsible for clearing storm drains?
Adjacent property owners generally must maintain gutters and private stormwater structures; the city maintains inlets on public streets unless otherwise posted.[1]
How do I report a blocked inlet or illicit discharge?
Report via the Little Rock stormwater report page or call Public Works; include location and photos for faster response.[2]
Are there permits required to work near storm drains?
Construction or grading near storm infrastructure may require permits from Public Works or Building/Permits; contact the city for form names and fees.[1]

Key Takeaways

  • Keep gutters and curb inlets clear to reduce flood risk and pollution.
  • Report blocked drains and illicit discharges to Little Rock Public Works with photos and location.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Little Rock Stormwater Program
  2. [2] Report a Stormwater Concern

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