Council adopts stormwater code update to meet state MS4 permit requirements

The Vineyard City Council on June 23 adopted Ordinance 2026-9, revising the municipal code on stormwater management to align Vineyard's chapter 7.08 with the city's MS4 permit and recent state guidance.

"Mainly because the state told us to do it. It's state mandated," said Nussim Gondor, Public Works director, explaining that the ordinance consolidates authority, illicit discharge rules, construction and post-construction stormwater requirements, maintenance duties and enforcement into a single code chapter. Gondor said the change is primarily administrative and captures the types of discharges authorized under the city's MS4 permit.

Council members asked for concrete ways residents can report suspected illegal dumping. Gondor said the city provides an online "report concern" link, a phone number routed to the MS4 coordinator and after-hours options through police or fire dispatch. He said the city budgets funds for illicit discharge cleanup and will pursue enforcement to recover cleanup costs where possible.

Councilor discussion was brief and supportive; a motion to adopt the ordinance as presented was made and carried by roll call. The mayor called the roll and the ordinance passed. Council members and staff said the update will allow the city to continue to protect Utah Lake and local water quality through stronger code clarity and state-required compliance.

The ordinance directs staff to proceed with updates to city procedures, forms and contractor standards and to continue public education on stormwater protection.