Stormwater FAQ

The Stormwater Division has six requirements that it must fulfill annually. The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control audits the Stormwater Division to guarantee compliance with these six requirements:

• Public education and outreach
• Public participation/ involvement
• Illicit discharge detection and elimination
• Construction site runoff control
• Post-construction site runoff control
• Pollution prevention/ good housekeeping.

Per the Charleston County Stormwater Ordinance 1464, a utility fee was implemented to help fund the Charleston County Stormwater Management Program and the projects therein. For more information, please see Ordinance 1464.

The Stormwater Utility Fee may be adjusted if the property is classified as vacant. A vacant property is defined as one that has no structures or development on the property. The property must be completely undisturbed to be classified as vacant. Properties that are classified as agricultural are not considered to be vacant. Likewise, if you have multiple properties that are connected, you may submit a written notice of objection to have your lots billed as one parcel. If you believe your property needs to be reclassified or your fee should be adjusted, please follow the instructions below to submit a written notice of objection. Stormwater Fees may be disputed within 30 days of receiving an original billing. Bill reminders or past due notices does not allow for written notices of objection to be reviewed. For detailed information on how to dispute a Stormwater Fee, please review section 10 and 11 of Ordinance 1464. If you would like to submit a written notice of objection, please follow this link: http://www.charlestoncounty.org/Departments/Public-Works/swappealform.php

The Stormwater Management Program does not have the ability to place work orders for drainage, road, or flooding issues. To place a work order, please click on this link: http://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/public-works/work-order-request.php

To apply for a Stormwater Permit, please visit the first floor of the Planning and Zoning office at the Lonnie Hamilton III Public Services Building, located at 4045 Bridge View Drive in North Charleston. Applications for stormwater permits are completed at the same time as the Zoning Permit and the Building Permit. If you are not sure if your application for the Stormwater Permit has been entered or received by the Stormwater Division, or if you have any questions about the status of the permit, please call the Stormwater Hotline at (843) 202-7639.