Green Infrastructure and Stormwater Requirement FAQs
Projects in the City of Mequon are required to follow the City of Mequon stormwater rules, WDNR NR 151 rules and MMSD Chapter 13 rules. Many projects trigger some or all of the stormwater requirements. Working directly with a civil engineer versed in stormwater management can help navigate the technical details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a green infrastructure plan or a stormwater management plan?
If your project is adding 5,000 square feet of impervious area, you will need a green infrastructure plan.
If your project is adding a ½ acre of new impervious or disturbs more than 1 acre of land, you will need a stormwater management plan.
What is a green infrastructure plan?
A green infrastructure plan is a plan that follows MMSD chapter 13 rules. The rules are located here: https://www.mmsd.com/government-business/rules-regulations/rules
Fresh Coast Guardians can help with the planning and have several templates available for sizing and determining what types of green infrastructure are appropriate for the site. The Fresh Coast Guardians website is here: https://www.freshcoastguardians.com/
See the "How to Submit a GI Plan" packet here for more information.
What is needed for a green infrastructure plan submittal?
See the "How to Submit a GI Plan" packet here for more information.
What is a stormwater management plan?
A stormwater management plan submittal should include: a narrative of the planned stormwater best management practice (BMP), calculations for the BMP, a cost estimate signed and sealed by a professional engineer and the plan details. A drainage financial guarantee and a stormwater maintenance and easement agreement are also required. The template stormwater maintenance and easement agreement is provided following the initial review of the proposed plan. Plans are reviewed by a consultant and the applicant is billed for the services provided by the consultant. Stormwater management plans are required to be prepared by a State of Wisconsin Professional Engineer.
Once the application has been reviewed and accepted by the City, the application is forwarded to the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District for their review. The City submits the application on behalf of the applicant.
What should be included in the cost estimate? (Stormwater management plans only)
Per City ordinance 58-677, the cost estimate shall include erosion control, grading, materials, restoration and maintenance for the stormwater BMP(s) proposed in the stormwater management plan. Cost estimates for stormwater management plans shall be signed and sealed by a professional engineer.
What is the drainage financial guarantee and how is it released?
The drainage financial guarantee is required by City Ordinance 58-677. It is released when the stormwater plan has been implemented and certified by a State of Wisconsin Professional Engineer or Registered Land Surveyor. The process follows the same process as stormwater BMP certifications. The stormwater device(s) will be required to be recertified 2 years after original certification and every 5 years thereafter per City Ordinance 58-678. More information on recertification can be found here: https://www.ci.mequon.wi.us/publicworks/page/stormwater-bmp-certification
I have a residential project, does this apply?
Yes. Residential homes are not exempt from stormwater regulations.
