WHEN IS A STORM DRAIN PERMIT REQUIRED?

A Storm Drain Permit is required before any enclosed storm drain construction may be started in the public right-of-way. It ensures that pipe and storm drain structures are installed properly to eliminate roadway and property flooding, and that pipes are properly constructed to maintain roadway integrity.

WHAT IS THE STORM DRAIN PERMIT APPLICATION PROCESS?

The applicant submits storm drain plans (Transmittal Form and Checklist for Storm Drain Plans) prepared by an Engineer registered in the State of Maryland. DPS reviews and approves the plans. The applicant submits a Storm Drain Permit application package (Transmittal Form and Checklist for Storm Drain Permit) with the approved plans. DPS encourages the applicant to combine the Storm Drain and Paving Permits to expedite the processing of applications and permits. DPS prepares the actual Storm Drain Permit application (Application for a Permit for Construction on Property Dedicated to Public Use) for the applicant. The applicant returns the signed application with the required fee (non-refundable), posts the bond, and submits any outstanding checklist information. DPS reviews and approves cash bonds, certificates of guarantee and performance bonds. Letters of credit are submitted to the County Attorney for approval. DPS reviews the submitted information for completeness, including any required storm drain easements; and issues the Storm Drain Permit. After permit issuance, and 48 hours prior to starting storm-drain construction, the permittee contacts the Permitting Services Inspector to schedule an inspection. Required inspections and testing are performed both during the work and after its completion. Since storm drains constructed in conjunction with a Paving Permit must remain under permit until the overlying paving is accepted for maintenance, the applicant may submit a written request to transfer the storm drains to the Paving Permit after their completion. This request must be accompanied by a letter from the bonding company confirming their willingness to assume the additional liability.

WHAT WILL THE STORM DRAIN PERMIT COST?

• Bond - Cash, Letter of Credit or Performance Bond equal to construction cost based on DPS standard unit prices using approved quantities estimate from application package. Standard format for Letter of Credit and Performance Bond will beprovided by DPS.
• Fee - 14.930 % of the construction cost estimate/bond amount. An additional 10% Automation Enhancement Fee is charged on the cost(s) listed above.
• Extension Fee - 10% of the original permit fee, but not less than $175.00. An additional 10% Automation Enhancement Fee is charged on the cost(s) listed above.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE DPS TO ISSUE THE STORM DRAIN PERMIT?

DPS will prepare the application in approximately four weeks. The permit will be issued within approximately three weeks, after DPS receives the signed application, the fee, the bond and any outstanding checklist information.

Note: Actual processing time may vary according to workload and/or complexity of the project.

The permit is valid for 18 months. A written request prior to the expiration datate is required for a permit extension.