What counts as an illicit discharge?

Any non-stormwater discharge to the storm drain system (e.g., sewage, oil, wash water) is an illicit discharge and should be reported to the Stormwater Division.

Do I need a separate stormwater permit for driveway or yard work?

Minor repairs may be exempt, but any activity that disturbs regulated acreage or changes runoff patterns typically requires review; consult the Stormwater Division before starting work.

How do I report a flooding or drainage problem?

Report flooding and drainage issues through the City of Roswell Public Works contact or online complaint form on the city website.

Roswell Stormwater Bylaws - Flood Prevention Guide

Environmental Protection Georgia 3 Minutes Read · published March 01, 2026

Roswell, Georgia manages stormwater to reduce flooding, protect waterways and ensure land development meets city standards. This guide explains how local stormwater bylaws and review steps affect property owners, builders and engineers in Roswell. It covers who enforces rules, how reviews and permits work, enforcement and penalties, how to submit plans, and ways to report drainage or illicit discharge concerns. Where official citations or forms are published by the city they are referenced directly so you can find the controlling rules and contact the responsible office.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of stormwater rules in Roswell is handled by the City of Roswell Public Works - Stormwater Division. Official program information and complaint pathways are published by the city here^[1]. The municipal code and specific stormwater ordinances determine penalties and procedures.

Fines: not specified on the cited page.
Escalation: first, repeat and continuing offence ranges are not specified on the cited page.
Non-monetary sanctions: orders to restore, stop-work orders, permit suspensions, corrective action plans, and referral to municipal court or superior court may apply; specific remedies depend on the ordinance text.
Enforcer and inspections: Public Works - Stormwater Division conducts inspections, responds to complaints and issues notices of violation; use the city contact/complaint page linked above to report problems.
Report visible erosion or illicit discharges promptly to reduce downstream harm.
Appeals and review: appeal routes and time limits are set by the controlling ordinance or administrative rules; if not posted on the program page, the municipal code or city clerk procedures contain the appeal timeline (not specified on the cited page).
Defences and discretion: authorized permits, variances or approved stormwater management plans generally provide lawful defenses to enforcement actions when issued in compliance with conditions.

Applications & Forms

Common submittals for development review include stormwater management plans, erosion and sediment control plans, and site plan documents tied to building permits. The city posts guidance and any fillable forms on its Stormwater/Development pages; if a specific form number or fee is required it is listed on those official pages. If no form is published for a specific permit on the city page, state permits or city plan application packets may apply (not specified on the cited page).

Keep a copy of approved stormwater plans on site during construction.

How-To

The following steps outline a typical review and compliance path for new development or significant land-disturbing activity in Roswell.

Check local thresholds: confirm whether your project meets Roswell thresholds for stormwater review and permitting by consulting the Stormwater Division guidance.
Prepare plans: submit stormwater management and erosion control plans prepared to city standards as part of your site plan package.
Submit and pay fees: file plans with the Planning/Building department and pay applicable review fees as listed in the city fee schedule.
Respond to review comments: revise plans per reviewer instructions and obtain written approval before land disturbance.
Inspect and follow conditions: implement approved measures during construction and keep records of inspections and maintenance.

FAQ

What counts as an illicit discharge?: Any non-stormwater discharge to the storm drain system (e.g., sewage, oil, wash water) is an illicit discharge and should be reported to the Stormwater Division.
Do I need a separate stormwater permit for driveway or yard work?: Minor repairs may be exempt, but any activity that disturbs regulated acreage or changes runoff patterns typically requires review; consult the Stormwater Division before starting work.
How do I report a flooding or drainage problem?: Report flooding and drainage issues through the City of Roswell Public Works contact or online complaint form on the city website.

Key Takeaways

Confirm whether your project meets local stormwater review thresholds before permitting.
Submit complete stormwater and erosion control plans to avoid delays.
Report illicit discharges and drainage failures promptly to Public Works.

Help and Support / Resources

[1] City of Roswell Stormwater Program - official page