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Ridgefield council adopts new stormwater management code, Ordinance 1483
Summary
Ridgefield City Council unanimously adopted Ordinance 1483 on second reading to create a consolidated Title 19 stormwater code aligning city rules with state MS4 permit requirements; council emphasized education and voluntary compliance with enforcement as a last resort.
Ridgefield City Council on July 9 unanimously adopted Ordinance 1483 to establish a standalone Title 19 Stormwater Management Code for the city.
The ordinance consolidates stormwater regulations into a single code title and creates chapters on definitions and program authority, pollution prevention for commercial and industrial properties, prohibition and response for unauthorized discharges, and erosion and sediment controls during construction. City staff said the update aligns municipal code with current MS4 permit requirements and provides a regulatory foundation for continued program implementation and future expansion.
Sean Mulderig, the city’s stormwater program supervisor, told council the proposed code would repeal earlier illicit discharge and erosion-control chapters, amend related provisions in titles 18 and 20, and maintain penalties through the city’s master fee schedule. He said the city’s approach would emphasize education, technical assistance and voluntary compliance, using enforcement only when necessary.
Council members asked how enforcement and training would be handled. Mulderig said staff training is a documented permit requirement submitted annually and that Ecology sponsors relevant training; he said most enforcement actions would be handled in-house but that coordination with the Washington State Department of Ecology is expected for some permits and applicants. Mulderig also said existing staff can absorb the work and special new positions were not anticipated at this time.
Councilor Hamilton moved to adopt Ordinance 1483; Mayor Pro Tem Chipman seconded. City Clerk Julie called a roll-panel vote: Council members Davis, Fevella, Wells, Burkel, Hamilton and Mayor Pro Tem Chipman and Mayor Matt Cole all voted yes and the ordinance passed.
The ordinance takes effect under the schedule specified in the municipal code; staff said the code gives the city clearer investigative authority and a stronger legal framework to address violations while continuing to prioritize outreach and technical help.
