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1. Why does Moline have a Drainage Permit?

Although the Drainage Permit requirements are new to Moline, stormwater has been recognized as a primary contributor to surface water pollution for nearly a decade. The City of Moline passed a Stormwater Ordinance, which includes the Drainage Permit program, to be in compliance with State and Federal EPA requirements for pollution control and prevention.

Contrary to popular belief, the fee collected for the Drainage Permits does not serve as revenue to any other area but the Stormwater Program. Although the NPDES Phase II program is Federally mandated, the City receives no federal funds to operate the program. The fee collected funds the actual permit process including staff, vehicles and materials as well as inspections, compliance checks and enforcement.

2. Do I need a permit?

If your project disturbs 500 square feet or more of land, you are required to pull a Class 1 or Class 2 Drainage Permit from the City.

If your project disturbs 1 acre of land or more, you will be required to file a notice of intent with the State of Illinois’ Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The City also requires a Class 2 Drainage Permit to be drawn but the requirements mimic what is already required by the Illinois EPA.

When in doubt, contact the Engineering Division of the Public Works Dept at 309.524.2363. Working without a permit means being out of compliance with both the City and State and can bring fines and legal action.

3. When will my site be inspected?

Erosion control inspections are conducted at least once a week, but as often as necessary, and after any rain event over .5”.

Erosion control practices should be inspected and maintained by the permit holder prior to any visit from the City. If the City inspections show inadequate protection of the site, permit holders will be contacted on a limited courtesy basis. If corrections are not made or if the site is not maintained to prevent erosion, a notice of violation, fines and legal action will follow.

4. If I don’t need a permit, do I still need erosion control?

Yes. Erosion control on every site is part of the Stormwater Ordinance itself as only uncontaminated storm water is allowed into the storm sewer. Erosion from construction sites into streets and right-of-ways can cause traffic safety issues as well.

5. Why is the permit threshold (500 square foot land disturbance) so low?

The City of Moline is required by the State and Federal EPA to meet certain criteria for pollution prevention and control. Hundreds of construction projects around the City are at or above the 500 square foot limit, which is about a 20’x26’ 2-car garage. The Stormwater Ordinance was created to address construction projects that contribute to water pollution and if the threshold is set much higher, common projects like 2-car garages, home additions and driveway replacements would go unknown to the City. Although the Stormwater Ordinance would still apply, the City would have no means of informing homeowners and contractors of their responsibilities and no way of monitoring the projects for compliance. In essence, the threshold is low to accomplish the goals of the Ordinance.

6. Why is the Drainage Permit fee so expensive?

The Drainage Permit process was developed in response to Federally mandated pollution control standards. The City does not receive any funding to carry out the program; however, and the permit fees support the issuance of permits, site inspections and enforcement actions. The fee collected is used to offset staff, vehicle and material costs to prevent undue hardship on the City budget.

7. I took out the Drainage Permit but someone else (homeowner, subcontractor) violated the Ordinance. Why am I in trouble?

When you sign the permit application, you certify that the project outlined will follow all of the City Ordinances including the Stormwater Ordinance. Ultimately, you are responsible for the job site being in compliance regardless of who is working on the site or what stage the project is in. Further, as the permit holder you are responsible to inspect the site and maintain erosion control even if a subcontractor is on site or if you can’t be on site due to weather or other commitments.

The responsibility to maintain erosion control does not end or transfer until proper city staff verifies the project as permitted is complete and the site is stabilized. At that time, the permit will be closed out.

8. I’m a contractor / homebuilder / landscaper not an erosion control company. How do I learn about erosion control?

There are many resources available to assist contractors with best management practices (BMP) for erosion control.

There are many options available for different site conditions and you may have to research before you determine the right practice for your project. There are also independent companies that specialize in erosion control that may be able to provide services for your project.

You may also contact the Engineering Division of the Dept of Public Works at 309.524.2363 with questions or concerns. The Engineering Division will operate within its parameters to assist in BMP decisions. Proper installation, maintenance, and inspections will be the responsibility of the permit holder.

9. Do I have to hire an engineer to obtain a permit?

For Class 1 Drainage Permits, projects 500 square feet and less than 1 acre of land disturbance, no engineer calculations are needed. A simple hand drawn site sketch will suffice.

For Class 2 Drainage Permits, projects 1-acre in size or more, design calculations and engineer certified existing and proposed drainage plans are required. These requirements mimic those of the Illinois EPA and Illinois state drainage law for site disturbance over 1-acre.

10. What if I already started the project?

The City prefers to be notified, in advance, of the start date of construction projects that fall into the Drainage Permit limits; however, it is better to get a permit as soon as you can to prevent fines and legal action. The City will make every attempt to assist contractors in reaching compliance with the Stormwater Ordinance. Your cooperation is appreciated.

There are consequences for being in violation of the Stormwater Ordinance that can include fines of up to $750 per day, per violation as well as court costs and clean up charges. It is important to take the opportunity to learn about the Drainage Permit process so that appropriate steps can be taken before a project is started and to reduce the possibility of violations and/or fines. Again, contact the Engineering Division for assistance.

11. How long does it take to obtain a permit?

For a Class 1 Drainage Permit, you may be able to get your permit the same day you apply. Simply ask for an inspector to meet you on site to review the permit checklist. After a sketch is put together and the checklist is completed and signed, simply pay the fee at City Hall and you’re ready to begin.

Class 2 Drainage Permits require more time to review because of the large quantity of information submitted, the City’s cooperative efforts with the Illinois EPA and the in-depth calculations required. The City will make every reasonable effort to provide a quick and hassle-free permit process.