SWPP Permits

Stormwater Pollution Prevention (SWPP)

In plain English, Stormwater Pollution Prevention (SWPP) is keeping dirt, rocks and other construction materials and debris from leaving a construction (or demolition) site and getting into the gutters and storm water system.  Over time, storm drain pipes and culverts can become completely clogged with silt, dirt and debris, rendering them incapable of draining water properly and causing flooded roadways and other hazardous conditions.  In addition, construction materials that enter the storm system are washed into local rivers, lakes, and streams without treatment. This can pollute delicate ecosystems that rely on clean water sources to survive.

SWPP remedies this problem through the use of Best Management Practices (BMP's), designed to reduce and eliminate soils tracked off of the site, as well as those that run off during storm events.

**NOTE:  SWPP PERMIT AND ALL SWPP BMP's MUST BE IN PLACE BEFORE WORK BEGINS!**


When are SWPP Permits Required?

An Ogden City SWPP Permit is required when:

  • Construction activity will disturb land greater than or equal to 5,000 square feet, or
  • Construction activity will disturb land within 300 feet of a watercourse, or
  • Anytime a Utah Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (UPDES) Permit is required (see below).

A Utah Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (UPDES) Permit is required when:

  • Construction activity will disturb land greater than or equal to 1 acre, or
  • Construction activity is occurring on a lot that was originally greater than 1 acre but has been subdivided after October 1992 into separate lots that are smaller than 1 acre. This is referred to as a “Common Plan of Development”.

If it is determined that a UPDES Permit is required, then you will need to determine which type of UPDES Permit is needed. Here are some UPDES Permits and when they would be necessary:

  • General Permit for Storm Water Discharges from Construction Activities or “Construction General Permit (CGP)” – This permit is required for all projects that disturb land greater than or equal to 1 acre as well as all Common Plan of Development sites intended for industrial or commercial developments.
  • General Storm Water Permit for Construction Activity Connected with Single Lot Housing Projects or “Common Plan Permit (CPP)” – This permit is required for all Common Plan of Development projects which are related to residential dwellings.

UPDES Permits are required and administered by the State of Utah Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and Division of Water Quality (DWQ). For further information on UPDES Permits, please refer to the Utah DEQ website.

Ogden City has developed the following flow chart to help you determine which SWPP Permits might be required for your project (Click to download PDF version):

SWPP Flowchart


When are SWPP Permits NOT required?

A SWPP Permit is not needed on any construction project that doesn’t meet the criteria above. However, contractor MUST abide by all federal, state, and local storm water regulations.

What happens if I violate storm water regulations or do not get a SWPP Permit when one is required?

  • Stop Work Order - Ogden City may issue a Stop Work Order on any work conducted in the City without the proper permits or on any work that is in violation of storm water regulations. This Stop Work Order will not be lifted until the proper permits are in place or the violation is remedied.
  • Civil Penalty and Fines – Any person that violates federal, state, or local storm water regulations may be subject to civil penalties and fines. Utah Administrative Code Title 19 Chapter 5 Section 115 relating to the Water Quality Act states, “any person who violates the Act, or any permit, rule, or order adopted under it is subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $10,000 per day of such violation.  Any person who willfully or with gross negligence violates the Act, or any permit, rule or order adopted under it is subject to a fine of not more than $25,000 per day of violation.  Any person convicted under 19-5-115 a second time shall be punished by a fine not exceeding $50,000 per day.”

How much do SWPP Permits Cost?

Ogden City SWPP Permit Fees:

  • Medium Projects (Between 5,000 square feet and 1 acre in disturbance)
    • $50 Permit Fee + $50 monthly Inspection Fee
    • Example: a 12-month permit would cost $650
  • Large Projects (1 acre or larger disturbance)
    • $100 Permit Fee + $50 monthly Inspection Fee
    • Example: a 12-month permit would cost $700

UPDES Permit Fees:

Since UPDES Permits are administered by the State of Utah Department of Environmental (DEQ) Quality Division of Water Quality (DWQ), please refer to the Utah DEQ website to learn about UPDES Permit fees.

How do I close or “Terminate” a SWPP Permit?

To terminate a SWPP Permit, follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Ensure the site is clean, stabilized, exterior work complete, and BMPs are removed: The site must be clean, all storm water pollutants must be properly contained and/or removed from storm water exposure, all landscaping must be installed, any exposed soils must be stabilized, all exterior work must be complete, and all BMPs must be removed.
  • Step 2: Submit a Notice of Termination (NOT) for any UPDES permits associated with the site: Coverage under State UPDES Permits (e.g., Construction General Permit or Common Plan Permit) must be properly terminated. If a NOT is submitted on a State UPDES Permit prior to meeting the condition described in Step 1 above, the NOT will be denied.
  • Step 3: Schedule and Pass a Final Inspection: Once the site meets the above requirements, a final inspection should be scheduled with the assigned Sewer Utility Inspector. A contact listed on the permit must be present to sign off on the final inspection.