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Council advances stormwater overhaul to conform with state law changes in HEA 1037
Summary
On April 21 the Columbus Common Council passed first reading of a revised stormwater ordinance intended to conform the city code to state House Enrolled Act 1037; staff said the state law limits local regulation of sites under one acre and forbids requiring financial guarantees as a permit condition.
The Columbus City Common Council on April 21 passed the first reading of a proposed replacement for Stormwater Management Ordinance No. 50‑2024 to align the city's code with changes enacted in House Enrolled Act 1037.
City Engineer Andrew Beckort told the council HEA 1037 removes the city's authority to require stormwater permits for construction sites smaller than one acre and prohibits the city from conditioning permit approval on financial guarantees or performance bonds. Beckort said the draft ordinance updates indemnification language and contains clarifications intended to preserve compliance with Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) requirements for the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) program.
Councilor Chris Bartels moved to pass the first reading and place the ordinance in proper channels; Councilor Frank Miller seconded and the motion passed 8–0. The council did not take final action on the replacement ordinance at this meeting; the item will proceed through the standard ordinance process for subsequent readings and public notice as required.
