Columbia City advances two stormwater ordinances on first reading

Columbia City’s Common Council on Sept. 23 approved on first reading two ordinances updating local stormwater rules for construction projects and illicit discharges, the council said. Ordinance 2025-13 amends Chapter 156 (Control of construction stormwater runoff) of Title 15 of the City Code; Ordinance 2025-15 amends provisions tied to illicit discharges and municipal stormwater system charges in Title 5.

The ordinances, described to the council in previous meetings by John Goetz of the Soil and Water Conservation District, reflect changes prompted by state and federal mandates, according to council comments. The council voted to read each ordinance by title and then approved both on first reading; both moves passed unanimously and were scheduled for second reading at the next meeting.

Council members and staff used the discussion to clarify enforcement and inspection roles. Brent, who identified himself as a staff member in the planning and building department, said the city receives inspection reports from the Soil and Water Conservation District and that the city office typically manages enforcement and follow-up with contractors. Goetz was described in the meeting as the contracted inspector who issues routine inspection reports.

Council members asked how enforcement works in practice. Brent said routine corrections are reported back after contractors are notified; he added that more serious violations could involve state action depending on the depth of the violation. No examples of formal stop-work orders or enforcement actions were reported during the meeting.

The mayor noted the broad purpose of the changes: to bring Columbia City’s code into line with higher-level mandates and to ensure construction and stormwater practices meet required standards. No amendments were added during first reading. Both ordinances will return for second reading at a future meeting.

Details to watch from subsequent meetings include whether staff will propose specific enforcement procedures, fees, or administrative timelines tied to the updated language.

Ending: The ordinances passed first reading unanimously; the council scheduled both for second reading at the next session and gave staff direction to continue coordinating enforcement procedures with the contracted Soil and Water Conservation District inspector and planning/building staff.