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[DULUTH, MN] The City of Duluth’s Engineering division has begun implementing the Private Stormwater BMP Inspection and Maintenance Program for commercial, multi-family, and other residential properties that were part of a common plan of development, such as a homeowner association, that has a permanent structural Best Management Practice(s) (BMPs) on their property.

Typically, permanent structural BMPs include stormwater ponds, filtration basins, rain gardens, permeable pavement/pavers, underground sedimentation devices, manholes/catch basins with sumps, etc. Permanent structural BMPs are installed when a site is developed or redeveloped to help improve the quality and quantity of stormwater runoff from the site by providing water quality controls, runoff rate controls, volume controls, and temperature controls. Permanent structural stormwater BMPs and devices are used to provide flood control, treat stormwater runoff, and capture pollutants. These practices are needed, because stormwater runoff is not treated before flowing to receiving waters and they help reduce the risk of flooding. The City of Duluth has high-quality water resources, including Lake Superior, the Saint Louis River Bay Estuary, wetlands, and 60 local streams, 16 of which are designated trout streams.

First Year (2026) Expectations

The city’s expectations for this first year in 2026 will be:

• Allow time to identify the individual who will be responsible for conducting the required inspections—whether this is the property owner, a staff member, or a hired consultant or contractor. The designated inspector must have a clear understanding of the site, the design, and function of the private stormwater management system and be able to determine whether it is operating as intended.
• Provide time for the city to educate both the property owner and the designated inspector on the specific private stormwater management features present on the site. Each site is unique, and each BMP is designed and constructed to manage stormwater runoff for that particular location.
• Allow a reasonable amount of time to allocate resources for any necessary maintenance or repairs, provided there is no emergency or immediate threat to public safety or infrastructure.
• Submit the completed Inspection Checklist/Report for the first year to StormUtility@duluthmn.gov by July 31, 2026. This report will be required annually thereafter. The Inspection Checklist is available on the City of Duluth’s Private Stormwater BMP Inspection & Maintenance Program webpage.

More Information:

For additional information, please visit the City of Duluth’s Private Stormwater BMP Inspection & Maintenance Program webpage.  A QR code and direct link are provided below. If you have received official notice of the program and have any questions regarding this new program, please contact staff at StormUtility@duluthmn.gov or 218-730-5084. The city is available to assist with clarification, guidance, and support as you navigate these requirements.