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

Program Description
The Jefferson County Stormwater Program is responsible for addressing pollution that enters the county's municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4), thereby improving water quality in Jefferson County's waterways. To enhance the program's effectiveness, the Stormwater Program takes a comprehensive approach, which includes collaboration among various departments to ensure that Jefferson County meets its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) MS4 permit requirements, as issued by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM). Jefferson County's permit requirements can be viewed through the link below.

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

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 could be collected to finance Stormwater programs. For unincorporated Jefferson County, the program is financed through fees on private property parcels. The stormwater fee appears on the yearly property tax bill. 

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. 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, Jefferson County’s e-newsletter, brochures, seminars, and a 12-month printed calendar. These resources are designed to effectively support the campaign's messages and provide links to tools that foster positive behavioral change.

Regulations & Permitting (See Fee Schedule)
Jefferson County, Alabama, has two articles in its Subdivision and Construction Ordinance that individuals must follow when disturbing land: Article 13 and Article 14. If your project is within a city's corporate limits, please get in touch with the respective municipality for their permitting procedures.

According to Article 13 of the Jefferson County Subdivision and Construction Ordinance, individuals conducting land-disturbing activities in unincorporated areas must apply for a Land Disturbing Permit for Erosion and Sedimentation Control (ESC). This includes submitting a Stormwater Management Plan and implementing effective erosion and sedimentation controls at construction sites. It is important to note that the placement of a mobile home, modular building, storage building, or any pre-fabricated structure must also be properly permitted **prior** to installation at the site.

The permit process may involve other agencies, each located in different buildings and locations. Below is a brief overview of the permitting process to help citizens better understand and plan for obtaining permits in unincorporated Jefferson County areas.

To obtain a building permit for any individual residential structure (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
• Land Disturbing/Erosion Control Surety Bond Form     

Commercial construction sites are required to include erosion and sedimentation control measures to minimize or prevent disturbed soil from leaving the site. Review the plans requirements below. 

• Erosion and Sedimentation Control Measures for Commercial Projects (Plans Requirements

According to Article 14 of the Subdivision and Construction Regulations, qualifying construction sites are required to adhere to stormwater management standards. This is to minimize or prevent water quality impacts, and ensure that the volume and velocity of stormwater runoff after construction does not exceed those before construction. A signed Operations and Maintenance (O&M) agreement, As-Built certifications, and annual inspection forms for all permanent stormwater control features must also be also submitted.

• 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