To report Stormwater pollution, call our hotline at (205) 325-5792
To report illegal dumping and trash issues, call (205) 325-5321 Option 6

ADOPTION OF POST-CONSTRUCTION -ARTICLE 14 OF THE SUBDIVISION AND CONSTRUCTION REGULATIONS
On September 10, 2020, the Jefferson County Commission adopted Article 14 to the Subdivision and Construction Regulations to address and enforce post-construction stormwater management standards on Qualifying Sites. Article 14's objective is to prevent or minimize water quality impacts and ensure the volume and velocity of post-construction stormwater runoff do not exceed pre-construction stormwater runoff for the duration of the approved development. All new projects submitted on or after October 1, 2020, shall adhere to these new NPDES permit requirements.

• Article 14
• Figure 1 - Existing Development Post-Construction Stormwater Waiver Request
• Figure 2 - Development Post-Construction Stormwater Impervious Waiver Request
• Figure 3.1 - Post-Construction Stormwater Design Form (1 of 3)
• Figure 3.2 - Post-Construction Stormwater Design Form (2 of 3)
• Figure 3.3 - Post-Construction Stormwater Design Form (3 of 3)
• Figure 4 - Detention Pond (Outlet Structure Example)
• Figure 5.1 - As Built Evaluation and Certification Form (1 of 3)
• Figure 5.2 - As Built Evaluation and Certification Form (2 of 3)
• Figure 5.3 - As Built Evaluation and Certification Form (3 of 3)
• Figure 6.1-Annual Inspection Form (1 of 2)
• Figure 6.2 - Annual Inspection Form (2 of 2)
• Appendix A - Facility and Operation and Maintenance Agreement
  • Subdivision-Facility Operation And Maintenance Agreement
  • Non-Subdivision-Facility Operation And Maintenance Agreement
• Post-Construction Qualifying Sites-New Development and Re-Development Checklist

Program Description
The Jefferson County Stormwater program is under the division of Stormwater/Site Plan Permitting of the Department of Development Services and is responsible for addressing pollution that enters the County’s municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4), thereby improving water quality in the waterways of Jefferson County. To maximize the program’s efficiency, the Stormwater program utilizes a broad approach and includes inter departmental collaboration to ensure Jefferson County is meeting federal and state regulations in to reduce the amount of stormwater pollution flowing into and through local rivers, creeks, lakes and streams.

The Stormwater Fee
The Phase 1 NPDES MS4 program is mandated by federal law but is not funded by the federal government. The Alabama Legislature passed AL 95-775 so a fee can be collected to finance Stormwater programs. For unincorporated Jefferson County, the program is financed through a fee that is assessed on property parcels. The stormwater fee appears on the yearly property tax bill. In 2014, the original Act AL 95-755 was amended in a legislative session that revised the structure of the stormwater fee.

Jefferson County Clean Water Awareness Campaign
The Clean Water Awareness Campaign was launched to educate and inform the public about the importance of reducing polluted stormwater runoff caused by vehicle fluids, hazardous waste, pet waste, and litter. This initiative aims to address the challenges faced by Jefferson County, including limited funding and a diverse population. A collaborative network of agencies focused on stormwater pollution prevention has been established to enhance message delivery. This network expands the campaign’s reach, boosts credibility, and helps identify community advocates for pollution prevention efforts. Key components of the campaign include a series of posters, as well as additional materials such as Jefferson County’s e-newsletter, brochures, seminars, and a 12-month printed calendar. These resources are designed to support the campaign's messages effectively and provide links to tools that foster positive behavioral change.

Regulations & Permitting (See the Fee Schedule)
Article 13 of the Jefferson County Subdivision and Construction Ordinance requires that individuals conducting land disturbing activities in unincorporated areas of the County apply for an Erosion Control Permit, submit a Stormwater Management Plan, and implement effective erosion and sedimentation controls at construction sites. Please note that the placement of a mobile home, modular building, storage building or any pre-fabricated structure must be properly permitted PRIOR to installation at the site. The permit process may involve other agencies, which are housed in different buildings and locations. Below is a brief description of the permitting process to help citizens better understand and plan for permits in the unincorporated Jefferson County areas.

Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Individual Phase I Permit

To obtain a building permit for any Individual Residential Structures (including additions, mobile homes or accessory buildings) you will need the following:

• Sanitary Waste Approval for
  • Septic System from Health Department, Or
  • Sanitary Sewer from Environmental Services           
• Zoning Approval, Erosion Control Permit, and 
• Building Permit from Development Services
• Erosion and Sedimentation Control Measures for Commercial Projects (Plans Requirements)
• Erosion Control Surety Bond     *new

If your construction site or property is located within the corporate limits of a city, please contact the respective Municipality for their permitting procedures.

Additional Resources / Partnerships