What we do Last updated or reviewed on September 12, 2024 The City’s stormwater program is a requirement established by the federal government’s Clean Water Act (CWA), which is dedicated to implementing broad-based watershed strategies to reduce water pollution. The federal government requires the City of Asheville, and all similarly-sized U.S. cities, to create and maintain stormwater programs in an effort to restore and maintain the integrity of our nation’s waters by dramatically reducing water pollution. Other primary initiatives: Reduce stormwater infrastructure failures which may cause property damage and loss of life Reduce flooding on streets and private property Reduce environmental degradation due to sedimentation, erosion and illicit discharge Notice: If you see emergency sediment, erosion, or illicit discharge violations within the city limits during normal business hours, weekdays 7:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., call 828-232-4567. After normal business hours or on weekends and holidays, please contact our on-call duty officer at 828-251-1122. Part of the Stormwater division’s mission is public education and outreach. To learn more or to request someone to speak to your group or organization, call the Stormwater Quality Specialist at 828-259-5401 or view Public Outreach for more information. Contact Information To connect with staff, visit the Contact Information page for current listing. 161 South Charlotte Street, Second Floor, Asheville, NC 28801 Monday through Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mailing Address – PO Box 7148, Asheville, NC 28802 Phone: 828-232-4567 Connect Address 161 S. Charlotte Street, Asheville, NC 28801 Mailing Address PO Box 7148, Asheville, NC 28802 Business HoursMonday-Thursday, 7 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.Stormwater Division ManagerDerek Wainscott, P.E.Phone828-232-4567 Related Services Report a stormwater violation Report if a storm drain is carrying anything other than rain water. Apply for a stormwater permit Get a Stormwater permit or visit the Permits and Applications home page. Pay stormwater utility bill Answers to Bill Pay and Questions on your Stormwater Utility Bill. Report a broken or clogged storm drain, flooding issues or request street sweeping Help keep the city streets free from excess debris and prevent property damage from rainwater runoff. Explore Related ServicesRelated Projects Hiawassee Street Stormwater System Repair Happening Now January 3 – Due to the extensive utility re-construction required and ongoing Helene Response efforts, Hiawassee Street between Rankin Avenue and North Lexington Avenue will be temporarily repaved. This is a temporary solution, necessary to restore access while planning for a permanent upgrade to the utility and stormwater system. The timing of the repaving [...] Stormwater Utility Program Assessment and Fee Study Asheville’s Stormwater program has been funded by a stormwater fee for more than 17 years in order to meet the requirements of its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Stormwater Permit and Stormwater Management Plan. In order to better serve our community, the City is proactively assessing our program and identifying areas where improvement is necessitated. Shiloh Culvert Rehabilitation Over the years, the bottom of the culverts started rusting out in many spots, which has caused a depression in the ground at the walking track, near the Hampton Street side. Temporary repairs have been made in the past, but now it is time for a longer-term solution. Explore Related ProjectsStormwater Services and Utility News City Council votes to approve text amendments to Asheville Flood Protection Ordinance Posted on January 28, 2025January 28, 2025 by Kim Miller On Tuesday, January 28, the Asheville City Council voted to adopt text amendments to Chapter 7 of the Asheville Code of Ordinances. The changes clear up ambiguity in floodplain regulations within city limits and ensure compliance with State law and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) regulations. They also clarify development language [...] Winter weather is on the way – How to prepare and follow best practices Posted on January 9, 2025January 9, 2025 by Jessica Hughes City of Asheville staff stands ready to serve the community through any emergency. Departments and personnel are staffed and ready to respond immediately to any weather related issue. The City of Asheville recommends that all residents take important steps now to prepare for cold weather throughout the season. The snow and cold weather in the forecast [...] Street and lane closures in downtown Patton Avenue area to allow for Carter-Ann-Patton stormwater project to move forward Posted on January 7, 2025January 17, 2025 by Jessica Hughes Update January 17, 2025 – Scheduled Patton Ave. night closure for January 22 Due to underground utility work needed along Patton Ave. an additional night closure is needed on January 22 from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. to continue with the Carter Ann Patton project and minimize disruption to area businesses and residents. Detour maps and [...] Explore Stormwater Services and Utility News
Apply for a stormwater permit Get a Stormwater permit or visit the Permits and Applications home page.
Report a broken or clogged storm drain, flooding issues or request street sweeping Help keep the city streets free from excess debris and prevent property damage from rainwater runoff.
Hiawassee Street Stormwater System Repair Happening Now January 3 – Due to the extensive utility re-construction required and ongoing Helene Response efforts, Hiawassee Street between Rankin Avenue and North Lexington Avenue will be temporarily repaved. This is a temporary solution, necessary to restore access while planning for a permanent upgrade to the utility and stormwater system. The timing of the repaving [...]
Stormwater Utility Program Assessment and Fee Study Asheville’s Stormwater program has been funded by a stormwater fee for more than 17 years in order to meet the requirements of its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Stormwater Permit and Stormwater Management Plan. In order to better serve our community, the City is proactively assessing our program and identifying areas where improvement is necessitated.
Shiloh Culvert Rehabilitation Over the years, the bottom of the culverts started rusting out in many spots, which has caused a depression in the ground at the walking track, near the Hampton Street side. Temporary repairs have been made in the past, but now it is time for a longer-term solution.
City Council votes to approve text amendments to Asheville Flood Protection Ordinance Posted on January 28, 2025January 28, 2025 by Kim Miller On Tuesday, January 28, the Asheville City Council voted to adopt text amendments to Chapter 7 of the Asheville Code of Ordinances. The changes clear up ambiguity in floodplain regulations within city limits and ensure compliance with State law and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) regulations. They also clarify development language [...]
Winter weather is on the way – How to prepare and follow best practices Posted on January 9, 2025January 9, 2025 by Jessica Hughes City of Asheville staff stands ready to serve the community through any emergency. Departments and personnel are staffed and ready to respond immediately to any weather related issue. The City of Asheville recommends that all residents take important steps now to prepare for cold weather throughout the season. The snow and cold weather in the forecast [...]
Street and lane closures in downtown Patton Avenue area to allow for Carter-Ann-Patton stormwater project to move forward Posted on January 7, 2025January 17, 2025 by Jessica Hughes Update January 17, 2025 – Scheduled Patton Ave. night closure for January 22 Due to underground utility work needed along Patton Ave. an additional night closure is needed on January 22 from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. to continue with the Carter Ann Patton project and minimize disruption to area businesses and residents. Detour maps and [...]