Farmington Hills Sewer Fees & Storm Drain Rules

Utilities and Infrastructure Michigan 4 Minutes Read · published March 08, 2026 Flag of Michigan

Farmington Hills, Michigan maintains local rules and service charges affecting sewer fees, discharge limits, and storm drain maintenance. This guide explains the municipal sources, who enforces the rules, how to report illicit discharges or damaged drains, and where to find permits and billing information so residents and businesses can remain compliant.

Check storm drains before forecasted heavy rain to reduce flooding risk.

How the rules are published

The city publishes enforceable requirements in its municipal code and on Public Works stormwater pages. Relevant ordinances and enforcement provisions appear in the City of Farmington Hills municipal code and the Public Works/Stormwater pages on the official city site municipal code[1] and Public Works - Stormwater[2].

Sewer fees and billing

Sewer user charges and flat fees fund wastewater conveyance and treatment. The municipal code or utility billing pages list rates and billing cycles; specific dollar amounts for sewer charges are not specified on the cited page and should be confirmed with the billing office listed in Resources below municipal code[1].

  • Typical charges: user fees, connection charges, special assessments — amounts not specified on the cited page.
  • Billing frequency: not specified on the cited page; contact utility billing for schedule.
  • Payment methods: check, online payment portals, or in person as provided by the city finance office.

Discharge limits and prohibited discharges

Limits on industrial and commercial discharges to the sewer system and prohibitions on illicit connections to storm drains are set by ordinance and by Federal/State permits where applicable. The municipal code states requirements for prohibited discharges and pretreatment; specific pollutant concentration limits and sampling protocols are not specified on the cited page and may be governed by intergovernmental agreements or state permits referenced by the city municipal code[1].

  • Prohibited connections: direct illicit connections to storm drains and sanitary sewers.
  • Required control measures: best management practices for businesses discharging process waters.
  • Pretreatment obligations: may apply to industrial users; see municipal code.

Storm drains, maintenance, and reporting

The Public Works department manages storm drain cleaning, catch basin maintenance, and street sweeping schedules. Residents should report clogged drains, illegal dumping, or visible pollution through the city service request system or Public Works contact page Public Works - Stormwater[2].

  • To report: use the city service request or Public Works phone/email on the city site.
  • Maintenance: scheduled cleaning of basins and catchment inspection by Public Works.
  • Illicit discharges: report immediately to Public Works; visible spills may require an emergency response.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement authority and penalties for violations of sewer, discharge, and storm drain rules are set by the municipal code. Specific fine amounts per violation and escalation schedules are not specified on the cited page and should be confirmed in the municipal code or by contacting the enforcement office municipal code[1].

Violations can result in administrative or civil enforcement actions by the city.
  • Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, and continuing offence treatment not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: abatement orders, repair orders, injunctions, or civil actions may be available under city ordinance.
  • Enforcer: Public Works and Code Enforcement coordinate inspections and enforcement; complaints go through the city service request or Public Works contact page Public Works - Stormwater[2].
  • Appeals and review: appeal routes and time limits are documented in the municipal code or administrative orders; specific time limits are not specified on the cited page.
  • Defences/discretion: variances, permits, or demonstrations of best efforts may be available per ordinance or permit conditions.

Applications & Forms

The city posts permit and application forms for public works, stormwater, and building permits on its official site. If a specific stormwater or sewer permit form is required, the name, number, fee, and submission method will be listed on the Public Works or Building Department pages; specific form names or fees are not specified on the cited page and applicants should confirm via the city site Public Works - Stormwater[2].

Action steps for residents and businesses

  • Confirm applicable sewer rates and billing details with the city finance/utility billing office.
  • Review municipal code sections on sewers and stormwater for responsibilities and prohibitions municipal code[1].
  • Report illicit discharges, clogged drains, or illegal dumping via the Public Works service request page.

FAQ

Who enforces stormwater and sewer rules in Farmington Hills?
Public Works and City Code Enforcement enforce stormwater and sewer rules; contact details are on the city Public Works pages.
How do I report a clogged storm drain or illegal dumping?
Use the city service request or contact Public Works via the stormwater page to report problems.
Where are sewer rates published?
Sewer rates and billing procedures are published by the city; specific dollar amounts are not specified on the cited municipal code page and should be confirmed with utility billing.

How-To

How to report a problem with a storm drain or possible illicit discharge in Farmington Hills.

  1. Identify the location and describe the problem (spill, clog, illegal dumping).
  2. Gather photos if safe to do so and note the date/time.
  3. Submit a service request via the city Public Works stormwater page or call the Public Works office.
  4. Follow up with the city if you receive no response within the expected timeframe provided on the service request confirmation.

Key Takeaways

  • Municipal code and Public Works pages are the primary sources for sewer, discharge, and storm drain rules.
  • Contact Public Works to report issues or confirm fees and permit requirements.

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