Stormwater

Rainscaping

Addressing site stormwater origin points and runoff areas through catch basins, vegetation, and permeable pavements.  The Coffee With The Mayor Ruth Springer her guest, Rob Kennedy Rainscaping Manager with the Missouri Botanical Gardens provides an overview for stormwater management and techniques. The Missouri Botanical Garden provides a wealth of information for rainscaping solutions. 

Stormwater Management Ordinances & Regulations

The City of Olivette code of ordinances related to stormwater summary is below. Most projects with an area of 400 square feet or greater will undergo Concept Stormwater Management Plan Review with staff and the Planning and Community Design Commission.  The Olivette Residential Redevelopment and Design Guidelines provides guidance on stormwater management and site grading. 

  • All new homes must detain the full roof area designed for a 15-year, 20-minute rain event. 
  • Accessory structures and additions 400 square feet or greater must incorporate a stormwater best management practice to minimize and lessen the velocity generated by the impervious improved areas. 
  • Downspouts and sump pump release points should be courteous of neighbors and release in a non-impactful area.
  • Common items that may require stormwater detention are detached garages, in-ground pools, and large hard surface areas. 
  • Review the Olivette stormwater submission list and  inspections document.

Stream Buffer Ordinance

The City of Olivette stream buffer applies to properties adjacent to watercourses identified by the United States Geological Survey.  Find Olivette ordinance on stream buffer, Chapter 420 Stream Buffer Protection Regulations.  The USGS Stream Stats website provides an aerial overview with the streams identified.  The Wetlands Mapper provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service provides aerial overview of wetlands, many of which correspond with the USGS natural watercourses. 

Watercourses west of Dielman

Watercourses east of Dielman

Floodplain Regulations

The City of Olivette floodplain regulations applies to properties identified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in special flood hazard areas.  These areas are noted as the 1% annual chance (formerly 100-year flood). All properties within the City of Olivette are eligible to participate in the Federal Flood Insurance Program. Use FEMA's map tool to find out if your property is within a flood area.  

Deer Creek Watershed Alliance 

Implement a plant-based solution to help assist with your stormwater issues. The Deer Creek Watershed Alliance assist with solutions to your stormwater drainage issues, through its rainscaping cost-share program.

Purpose.  The rainscaping cost-share program is to improve stormwater management and benefit aquatic life in the Deer Creek Watershed by installing landscaping that helps capture rain where it falls, instead of allowing water to run off-site.

Eligible properties.  Most properties south of Old Bonhomme Road fall within the Watershed and are eligible to participate in the program.  Eligible properties may receive a rebate of 75% of approved and documented costs up to a maximum of $4,500 for project design, implementation, and/or maintenance costs.  

Conditions.  Only projects to be installed after the award notification date will be considered.  All reimbursable labor costs must be completed by firms on the approved Deer Creek contractor list.  There are program requirements which note eligible plants and minimum size requirements.

Check with Deer Creek Watershed Alliance with application periods. deercreekalliance.org/cost-share.

Check out Olivette’s rainscaping page. 

  1. Bioretention
  2. Permeable Pavement

Stormwater_Rain_GardenRainscaping Guide Resources from Missouri Botanical Garden

Detention Basin and Water Quality Resource from St. Louis Metropolitan Sewer District

City of Olivette Rain Garden & permeable pavers at 1140 Dielman Road