Stormwater Management

What is Stormwater Management?

When it rains, a portion of that water soaks into the ground, and a portion runs off. Stormwater management is all about reducing the amount of runoff through three principles: slow it down, spread it out, and soak it in. Designers have an array of stormwater practices at their disposal to achieve these goals and integrate them into a construction project. This process is referred to as "Environmental Site Design" (ESD).

Why do we have to provide Stormwater Management? 

There are two primary reasons: First, we need to make sure that the increase in runoff generated by your house, driveway, patio, etc. does not cause flooding or erosion on downstream properties. Second, stormwater is a pollutant that contains various levels of trash, sediment, hydrocarbons, heavy metals, herbicides, and nutrients that can harm the streams, rivers and the Chesapeake Bay. From a regulatory standpoint, section 14:4 of the Queen Anne’s County code requires development activity to implement stormwater management. The County Code references and relies on the Maryland Department of Environment’s (MDE) "2000 Maryland Stormwater Design Manual" with subsequent revisions that describe the design, construction, and maintenance of ESD practices.

Single Family Homes

• Subdivisions with Previously Approved Stormwater Management Plans (PDF) - Generally a plan is not required for homes in subdivisions with an approved subdivision Stormwater Management Plan.
• Simplified Stormwater Management Application (PDF) - Used with Non-Rooftop Disconnection and Rooftop Disconnection only.
• Standard Stormwater Management Plan (PDF) - Used when Non-Rooftop Disconnection and Rooftop Disconnection requirements cannot be met. Our sample Standard Plan and Summary and Instructions for standard plan.
• Engineered Stormwater Management Plan. Used when none of the above plans satisfies minimum control requirements and in larger, complex designs.

Other Development

• Administrative and Sliding Scale Subdivisions - ESD required for future land development; SWM plan required
• Major and Minor Subdivisions - Requires Engineered Plans
• Major and Minor Site Plans - Requires Engineered Plans
• Single Lot Administrative Subdivisions - SWM Plan required and Building Permit
• Agricultural Activities - These are reviewed by QA Soil Conservation. Reach them at 410-758-3136, ext. 3.

Contact Information

• Trey Porter or Matt Lucas for guidance on Subdivision and Site Development Plans.
• John Kling for guidance on Single Lot Residential Plans.

Forms & Details

• Summary and Instructions for Standard SWM Plan (PDF)
• SWM Project Completion Form (Fillable PDF 05.03.21)
• SWM Project Completion Form (Printable 05.03.21) 
• Standard Plan ESD Selection Criteria (PDF) - Help for selecting the best practice for your site.
• Sample Standard Plan (Form) (PDF) and Graphics (PDF)
• Citizens Guide to Healthy SWM Ponds (PDF)
• Submittal Checklist (PDF)
• Maintenance and Inspection Agreement (MIA) (PDF) -  Ensures practices are properly maintained and inspected on a regular basis. This is required for Standard and Engineered Plans.