Plan Review

Macomb County has over 475 drains within its boundaries. Most of these drains were constructed over 100 years ago when Macomb County was populated by family farms, which many are named after today. These drains were constructed to convey stormwater runoff to our rivers and streams and ultimately to our Great Lakes. Rivers and streams in Macomb County are the responsibility of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes & Energy (EGLE). For example, the Clinton Rivers and its tributaries are regulated by EGLE and require state permits, except for the Middle Branch of the Clinton River, which is under the jurisdiction of the Macomb County Public Works Office (MCPWO).

Developments such as subdivisions, condominiums, industrial and commercial projects, including redevelopments, that discharge stormwater to a county drain must conform to the MCPWO design standards provided in this section. The increased volume of water discharged due to the increased runoff from the site must not adversely impact downstream property owners, county drains and watercourses. Adverse impacts include, but are not limited to, flooding, excessive soil saturation, crop damage, erosion, and/or degradation in water quality or habitat. If any part of the site lies within a floodplain, then it must comply with local, state, and federal requirements for construction within a floodplain.