Stormwater Utilities

Management of stormwater runoff has become an increasingly important responsibility for local governments like Garden City. Existing State and Federal Stormwater Regulations, necessary infrastructure maintenance, and capital improvement projects have driven the need to implement a more comprehensive stormwater management program. The Garden City stormwater management program is responsible for the management and regulation of stormwater and drainage issues within the City.

Stormwater runoff is water that drains off rooftops, driveways, sidewalks, parking lots, roads, compacted soil, gravel, and other surfaces that prohibit the infiltration of rainfall into the ground. The stormwater runoff then flows into the City drainage system and, eventually, into our local streams and creeks. All developed properties in a community contribute stormwater runoff to the drainage system and, in some cases, to recurring drainage problems. In addition to flooding problems, stormwater runoff washes chemicals, debris, trash and other pollutants into the drainage system and our local surface waters.

Our stormwater management program must undertake various activities including the cleaning of ditches and other stormwater conveyance systems; replacement of aging culverts and drainage structures; and construction of new culvert systems to increase or improve conveyance capacity. To fund these programs, Garden City has in place a stormwater utility.

• Natural Resources Planning
• Flood Safety Guide(PDF, 6MB)
• Potential Road Closures(PDF, 1MB)

• GC Stormwater Master Plan(PDF, 423KB)
• GC Stormwater Master Plan Appendix A-B(PDF, 12MB)
• GC Stormwater Master Plan Appendix C-D(PDF, 14MB)
• GC Stormwater Master Plan Appendix E-F(PDF, 10MB)

Water that enters storm drains is not cleaned at wastewater treatment plants before it flows directly into streams, rivers, and the marsh.

Many residents don't realize how their everyday habits impact our regions water quality. Even small amounts of pollution can add up to big problems when it comes from an area the size of Chatham County.

Please don't put anything into the street, curb inlets, ditches, or canals, that doesn't belong there. You can check out this guide for more great information and topics on stormwater, water quality and drainage.

How Prepared are You(PDF, 528KB)

The following documents relate to the City's Stormwater Utility Fee.

• Stormwater Utility Frequently Asked Questions(PDF, 162KB)
• Stormwater Utility Credit Manual(PDF, 206KB)
• Stormwater Utility Enterprise Fund Ordinance(PDF, 4MB)
• Stormwater Utility Rate Ordinance(PDF, 49KB)

Below is Garden City's Stormwater Management Ordinance and related documents.

• Stormwater Management Ordinance(PDF, 178KB)
• Stormwater Design Manual(PDF, 345KB)
• Coastal Stormwater Supplement Link
• Garden City's Stormwater Management Program (SWMP) Document(PDF, 6MB)

Water that enters storm drains is not cleaned at wastewater treatment plants before it flows directly into streams, rivers, and the marsh.

Many residents don't realize how their everyday habits impact our regions water quality. Even small amounts of pollution can add up to big problems when it comes from an area the size of Chatham County.

Please don't put anything into the street, curb inlets, ditches, or canals, that doesn't belong there. You can check out this guide for more great information and topics on stormwater, water quality and drainage.

Guide to Help Keep You Above Water(PDF, 528KB)