Background

The City of Farmington adopted basic storm water management regulations in 1997. The City obtained a General State Operating Permit for a Small Municipal Storm Sewer System from the Department of Natural Resources in 2002, pursuant to state and federal regulations. The City is actively working under this permit to reduce the harmful effects of storm water runoff.

Policy Statement

The City of Farmington is committed to responsive and responsible environmental stewardship in all of its municipal operations and development practices. The City Council and Administration strive to provide its staff of qualified professionals with all of the resources necessary to ensure that equipment and facilities are designed and equipped to meet that objective. The Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council are equally committed to ensuring the local ordinances are regularly updated to meet the requirements of regulatory changes and emerging best management practices.

MS4 Permit Renewal

The City of Farmington invites residents to learn more about the City’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit and the upcoming renewal process, which will take place throughout 2026.

What is an MS4 Permit? 

MS4 permits are issued by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MoDNR) and regulate how cities manage stormwater runoff. Stormwater runoff is collected through a system of streets, inlets, ditches, and storm drains and is discharged to local waterways.  Under this permit, the City is required to implement a Stormwater Management Program designed to reduce pollutants entering streams, creeks, and lakes. MS4 permits are issued on a five-year cycle and require annual reporting of program activities and progress. 

The program includes six key areas: 

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

Permit Renewal

The City’s current MS4 permit is set to expire in September 2026. As part of the renewal process: 

• The Missouri Department of Natural Resources reviews and updates permit requirements 
• Municipalities participate in meetings and coordination efforts with the State 
• Draft permit language is developed and made available for review and comment 
• A public involvement process is required prior to final permit issuance 

Public Meeting

The City of Farmington will hold a public meeting to gain public input proposed adoption of the 2026-2031 Comprehensive Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System Permit (MS4) Draft MO-R04C016. This Missouri State Operating Permit covers all areas served by a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) for which the City of Farmington is identified as the Continuing Authority. At this meeting, staff will present an overview of the City’s stormwater program, recent activities, and the MS4 permit renewal process.

Date: August 13, 2026 
Time: 6:00 pm 
Location: Long Memorial Hall, 110 West Columbia Street, Farmington, Missouri.

Why This Matters

Stormwater runoff can carry pollutants such as sediment, debris, chemicals, and other contaminants directly into local waterways. The MS4 program helps reduce these impacts by improving maintenance practices, increasing public awareness, and implementing best management practices across the community 

More Information 

City of Farmington 2026 Draft MS4 Permit

Learn more about Missouri MS4 permits 

Questions and comments regarding the 2026 renewal process may be submitted to the Director of Development Services through August 13, 2026.

References

• Storm Water Ordinance
• Storm Water Ordinance Addendum 10-28-13
• Storm Water Ordinance Addendum 11-23-15
• Buyout Form
• DNR Permit 
• Grass Clipping Information
• Best Stormwater Management Practices for Construction 
• Stormwater Management Program Plan 2024 Update 

How to Report Stormwater Concerns

Developers who are disturbing land that is one (1) acre or greater, are required to have a Development Permit from the City of Farmington, and a Land Disturbance permit from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. As part of the permit, the developer is supposed to have Best Management Practices (BMP’s) in place at the construction site that prevent erosion and sediment from getting into creeks and streams. These include things like silt fence and straw bales. 

If you have concerns about construction site runoff, or other stormwater related concerns, please call the Development Service Department at 573 -756-0608, Email the Code Enforcement Inspector, or report your concerns on the Citizen Service Request page.

Contact Us:

Development Services Department

101 South Jefferson Street

Farmington, Missouri 63640

573-756-0608

Email