Water Quality Code Enforcement Updates
On July 18, 2023, the Sammamish City Council adopted amendments to the stormwater enforcement section of the Sammamish Development Code (SDC). The amendments will provide fair and defensible code enforcement with a structured penalty system for water quality violations.
In addition, minor changes are proposed to terminology as required by the NPDES Stormwater Permit. Past practices and code language stated that city staff shall initially rely on education and informational assistance as much as possible to gain compliance.
The language has been updated to reflect staff may initially rely on education or move to civil penalties based on the severity of the violation. The civil penalty assessment is now a point-based rating system to determine the fine amount, similar to King County and other Eastside jurisdictions. This will provide city staff with a fair, predictable, and objective enforcement code to implement.
The assessment distinguishes the severity of a violation based on public health risk, environmental damage, intention, unresponsiveness, and if a required plan failed to be implemented. The new water quality code violation update will be effective January 1, 2024.
If you have any questions, please contact Lisa Werre at 425.295.0573.