Salem Storm Drain Maintenance Rules - City Ordinance

Utilities and Infrastructure Oregon 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 20, 2026 Flag of Oregon

Salem, Oregon property owners and managers must follow city rules on storm drain cleaning and maintenance to prevent flooding and water pollution. This guide summarizes the applicable responsibilities, common violations, enforcement pathways, and practical steps for routine cleaning, private inlet maintenance, and reporting illicit connections. It explains who enforces the rules, what sanctions may apply, and how to apply for approved work or report blockages.

Responsibilities and Scope

Property owners are typically responsible for keeping on-site drains, gutters, curb inlets, and private storm connections clear of debris, sediment, and pollutants so runoff does not cause public nuisance or damage the city storm network. Work near or tying into the public storm system may require permits or inspections from the city public works or stormwater program.

Keep curb inlets and gutters free of leaves and sediment to reduce flooding risk.

Penalties & Enforcement

The city enforces stormwater and storm drain rules through code provisions, inspections, and enforcement actions administered by the Public Works or Stormwater division. Specific monetary fines, daily penalties, or graduated escalation for first, repeat, or continuing offences are not specified on the cited page.Salem Revised Code[1]

  • Enforcer: Public Works / Stormwater division conducts inspections and issues compliance orders.
  • Fines: specific fine amounts and per-day penalties - not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: first offence, repeat offences, and continuing violations may be treated separately - details not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: compliance orders, abatement at owner expense, injunctive relief or court action may be available.
  • Inspections and complaints: report blockages or illicit discharges to the Public Works/Stormwater complaint page for investigation.
Failure to maintain private storm connections can result in orders to abate and possible civil enforcement.

Applications & Forms

Permits or approval may be required before connecting to or altering the public storm system; the official municipal code and public works pages govern applications. A specific city form number or fee schedule for private storm drain cleaning is not published on the cited municipal code page.

  • Permit requirement: check with Public Works for any permit to alter, connect, or excavate near public storm facilities.
  • Fees: fee schedules for permits are published separately by the city; if no fee is listed on a page, it is not specified on the cited page.
  • Submission: applications are typically submitted to the Public Works/Engineering or Development Services portal per city instructions.

Practical Maintenance Steps

  • Routine cleaning: remove leaves, sediment, and litter from gutters and inlet grates before the rainy season.
  • Inspection schedule: inspect private drains after major storms and at least seasonally.
  • Authorized work: obtain required permits before modifying public structures or performing excavation.
  • Prohibitions: dumping, discharging pollutants, or connecting illegal connections to the public storm system is prohibited.
Document maintenance and keep receipts to show compliance after inspections.

Common Violations

  • Blocked curb inlets and gutters that cause localized flooding.
  • Construction sediment entering the public storm system without controls.
  • Unauthorized ties or discharges to the public storm network.

FAQ

Who is responsible for cleaning storm drains on my property?
Property owners are generally responsible for on-site drains, gutters, and private connections; verify obligations with Public Works.
How do I report a blocked public storm inlet?
Report blockages to the city Public Works or Stormwater complaint line or online service so the city can inspect and remediate as appropriate.
Do I need a permit to clean or alter a curb inlet?
Minor cleaning typically does not need a permit, but any alteration, excavation, or connection to the public system may require permits; check with Public Works.

How-To

  1. Identify and remove surface debris from gutters and inlet grates using gloves and hand tools.
  2. Collect sediment and debris in bags and dispose of them per local solid waste rules; avoid washing pollutants into the street.
  3. If work involves excavation or connection to the public system, contact Public Works to determine permit needs before starting.
  4. If you observe illicit discharges or recurring blockages, file a complaint with the Stormwater division for inspection and enforcement.

Key Takeaways

  • Regular cleaning prevents floods and reduces pollution to waterways.
  • Keep records of maintenance and any permits or inspections.

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