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Council approves first reading of stormwater runoff ordinance updating post‑construction controls
Summary
City staff presented amendments to Title 16 to comply with state stormwater permits; council approved the ordinance's first reading, which tightens triggers and clarifies maintenance requirements for new and redeveloped sites.
The Bend City Council held the first reading of an ordinance amending Title 16 of the Bend Municipal Code to update post‑construction stormwater runoff controls and to comply with municipal stormwater permits from the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality. Council approved the first reading.
Why it matters: City staff said the changes are required under the federal Clean Water Act as implemented through state permits and are intended to protect surface waters and groundwater from polluted runoff. The update clarifies the city’s development requirements for long‑term stormwater management on new development and redevelopment.
Key changes: Lori Fea, environmental resources manager, and Elizabeth O’Keefe, stormwater program manager, told council the ordinance will (a) align the local trigger for stormwater controls to 5,000 square feet of impervious surface that is created or replaced (previously the code applied only to new impervious area), (b) remove certain exemptions for residential construction and remodels, (c) clarify the city's maintenance‑agreement requirements for privately owned structural controls in subdivisions and on lots, and (d) provide a clearer numerical standard for on‑lot retention volume.
Implementation and outreach: Staff said they will provide drainage templates and simplified sizing tools so smaller builders will not necessarily need an engineer to design the lot‑level controls, and they will roll out materials at subdivision pre‑application meetings. Staff reported they presented the proposal to the Central Oregon Builders Association and will continue to engage that community.
Council action: Councilor Francisco moved and Councilor Platt seconded the first reading; council approved the motion. Staff said the draft stormwater master plan is available for public review and that more comprehensive policy discussions about drainage and density will follow with plan adoption later this year.
