HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution No. 185-26 - Resolution - Stormwater Water Quality Treatment Credit Transfer Policy
RESOLUTION
Adopting a Resolution Approving the Stormwater Water Quality Treatment Credit
Transfer Policy for Managing Off-Site Stormwater Treatment.
WHEREAS, the City of Rochester regulates stormwater discharges through its Stormwater
Ordinance Chapter 6-4-12 Part 5 and the requirements of the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer
System (MS4) National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System General Permit administered by
the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency; and
WHEREAS, these regulations require development and redevelopment projects to provide
stormwater water quality treatment and prioritize the use of on-site green infrastructure and
volume reduction practices to minimize pollutants entering receiving waters; and
WHEREAS, in certain circumstances full compliance with stormwater water quality treatment
requirements cannot reasonably be achieved on-site even after all feasible options have been
evaluated; and
WHEREAS, the City’s Stormwater Ordinance allows the use of off-site stormwater water quality
treatment as an alternative compliance pathway when applicants demonstrate that on-site
treatment is infeasible or cost-prohibitive; and
WHEREAS, a Stormwater Water Quality Treatment Credit Transfer Program (Program) provides
a market-based approach that allows property owners to generate stormwater water quality
credits by implementing green infrastructure practices that exceed regulatory requirements and
retain additional water quality volume; and
WHEREAS, these surplus stormwater water quality credits may be utilized by other
development or redevelopment projects that qualify for off-site treatment compliance, thereby
expanding access to this compliance option; and
WHEREAS, the use of credit transfer ratios ensures that off-site treatment provides additional
water quality benefit beyond the original project obligation and results in a net environmental
gain within the watershed; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that the Program will support community goals by promoting
investment in green infrastructure, improving watershed protection, and providing a feasible
pathway for infill and redevelopment projects to meet stormwater requirements; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of Rochester that
the Stormwater Water Quality Treatment Credit Transfer Policy is hereby adopted.
PASSED AND ADOPTED BY THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
ROCHESTER, MINNESOTA, THIS__________DAY OF______________, 2026.
___________________________________
PRESIDENT OF SAID COMMON COUNCIL
ATTEST: __________________________
CITY CLERK
APPROVED THIS_____DAY OF_____________________, 2026.
__________________________________
MAYOR OF SAID CITY
(Seal of the City of
Rochester, Minnesota)