Good news for those of you rushing to meet the expiration date for stormwater vesting - you now have until July 1, 2021 to get projects to the "beginning construction" phase.

This applies to projects with site development permits issued in accordance with the regulations contained in the 2012 or earlier versions of our Stormwater Management and Site Development Manual.

What does "beginning construction" mean?

“Beginning Construction” means, at a minimum, that the site work associated with and directly related to the approved project has begun. Examples include grading the project site to final grade or the installation of utilities. Simply clearing the project site does not constitute the beginning of construction.

Why is there an expiration date?

The expiration date is a requirement of the Phase 1 National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit issued to Pierce County by the Department of Ecology. A Phase 1 permit regulates stormwater discharges in the most highly populated areas in the state.

The Pierce County Council recently approved Ordinance No. 2020-94s which updated the expiration date in Title 17A.10.080.D.3 of the Pierce County Code.

Who can I contact if I have questions?

If you have any questions about this change, please contact Mitch Brells, Development Engineering manager, mitch.brells@piercecountywa.gov or (253) 798-3755. 

Update on Development Center Lobby service

Based on current information, it doesn’t look like we will be able to resume face-to-face service in our lobby until 2021. While we continue to plan for the time when we are back in the Development Center, our online services are available and our staff is hard at work and ready to assist you.