Large development projects in the District of Columbia must manage stormwater runoff post-construction by installing on-site and off-site Best Management Practices (BMP) such as green roofs, rain gardens, cisterns, and permeable pavement. There is also flexibility to comply with part, or sometimes all, of the stormwater requirements off-site by using Stormwater Retention Credits (SRCs). For full details about compliance requirements, refer to the District's:
- Stormwater Management Regulations, published in Chapter 5 of Title 21 of the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations. See sections 501 through 547 plus 599.
- Stormwater Management Guidebook (SWMG), which includes design requirements, the plan review process, and other technical guidance.
Recent Regulatory Changes
DOEE finalized amendments to the District’s Stormwater Management Regulations on October 31, 2025. For additional information about these amendments, and previous versions, refer to DOEE’s summary of the process for updating the Stormwater Management Regulations and SWMG.
Training Sessions
DOEE has made available recorded trainings and other training-related documents, including how to submitinformation in DOEE’s Surface and Groundwater System (SGS).
Notification List
To be added to a notification list for news related to the Stormwater Management Regulations and Guidebook, please email [email protected].
Questions?
If you have questions about the Stormwater Rule, please contact [email protected].