South Carolina stormwater rule changes

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25 changes listed. Machine-readable feed: rule-changes.json.

Changes

• September 25, 2026: Proposed Doc. No. 5474: R.61-68 / R.61-69 triennial review incl. MS4 compliance clarification

  SCDES proposed amendments to R.61-68 (Water Classifications and Standards) and R.61-69. The changes include a revision of E.14.c.(13) to clarify MS4 permit compliance requirements. The public comment period ran through 5:00 p.m. on October 26, 2026. This is a proposal, not a final rule.

  “Revising E.14.c.(13) to clarify MS4 permit compliance requirements.”

  Who: South Carolina State Register (SCDES)

  Source: scstatehouse.gov · Checked October 26, 2026

• August 1, 2026: SCDOT Construction Manual update: erosion control (Sec. 815) and environmental escalation (Sec. 107.26.10)

  SCDOT issued a Construction Manual update covering sediment and erosion control responsibilities and procedures for bringing environmentally non-compliant projects into compliance.

  “This update provides guidance for sediment and erosion control responsibilities as well as procedures to transition environmentally non-compliant projects into compliance.”

  Who: SCDOT

  Source: scdot.org · Checked October 26, 2026

• July 1, 2026: Greenville County Phase I MS4 permit SCS230001 reissued

  SCDES issued the Greenville County MS4 permit on July 1, 2026. It is effective August 1, 2026 and expires July 31, 2031.

  “Issued: July 1, 2026 Expires: July 31, 2031 Effective: August 1, 2026 Permit No.: SCS230001”

  Who: SCDES / Greenville County (Phase I MS4)

  Source: des.sc.gov · Checked October 26, 2026

• June 29, 2026: Stormwater Design Manual revision (June 2026) approved by resolution

  Anderson County's June 2026 Stormwater Design Manual says a resolution adopted June 29, 2026 approves it; the manual prints the number as "R2026-***". The final resolution number and vote are not yet confirmed from minutes.

  “Resolution R2026-*** was adopted by the County on June 29, 2026, which approves this Stormwater Design Manual pursuant to Chapter 24 Article V of the Anderson County Code of Ordinances”

  Who: Anderson County

  Source: andersoncountysc.org · Checked October 26, 2026

• May 1, 2026: Draft Greenville County Phase I MS4 permit SCS230001 on public notice

  SCDES put the draft reissued Greenville County MS4 permit (co-permittees Fountain Inn, Mauldin, Simpsonville and Travelers Rest) on public notice from May 1 to June 1, 2026.

  “which was on public notice May 1st, 2026, until June 1st, 2026.”

  Who: SCDES / Greenville County (Phase I MS4)

  Source: des.sc.gov · Checked October 26, 2026

• April 24, 2026: Proposed regulation Doc. No. 5452 (Driveways; Erosion Control; and Bus Shelters) incl. R.63-380 repeal

  SCDOT re-proposed the repeal of R.63-380 (Erosion Control), along with its driveway and bus shelter regulations, as Doc. No. 5452. As of the October 23, 2026 State Register it had been submitted to the General Assembly and was not yet final.

  “These regulations are being promulgated to modernize, clarify and update existing regulations which govern, to the extent authorized by S. C. Code, Title 57. The regulations concern driveways, erosion control, and bus shelters regulations.”

  Who: SCDOT / South Carolina State Register

  Source: scstatehouse.gov · Checked October 26, 2026

• March 30, 2026: 2026 Construction General Permit SCR100000 takes effect

  The 2026 CGP took effect March 30, 2026. Changes listed by SCDES include: ePermitting; the Annual Blanket NOI becoming a Utility Blanket NOI (UB-NOI); pre-construction conferences may be virtual; continuation of coverage, with no added fee, for projects authorized under the 2021 CGP; Larger Common Plan clarifications; and transfer-of-ownership provisions. The permit cover lists expiration as March 29, 2031.

  “Effective: March 30, 2026”

  Who: SCDES (statewide)

  Source: des.sc.gov · Checked October 26, 2026

• March 30, 2026: 2026 CGP: pre-construction conferences may be virtual

  The 2026 CGP allows pre-construction conferences to be held virtually, in person, or off site, unless the local MS4 requires otherwise.

  “Pre-construction conferences for all projects may occur virtually, in-person, or at an off-site location designated by the permittee unless the respective MS4 requires otherwise.”

  Who: SCDES (statewide)

  Source: des.sc.gov · Checked October 26, 2026

• March 30, 2026: 2026 CGP: continuation of coverage for projects authorized under 2021 CGP

  Projects authorized for their current phase under the 2021 CGP continue to be covered under the 2026 permit, with no added fee for the continuation.

  “If you previously received authorization to discharge for the current phase of your Project under the 2021 CGP, you shall be granted a continuation of coverage under this general permit. There will be no additional fees associated with a continuation of coverage for existing sites under this new general permit.”

  Who: SCDES (statewide)

  Source: des.sc.gov · Checked October 26, 2026

• March 30, 2026: 2026 CGP: Annual Blanket NOI renamed Utility Blanket NOI

  Under the 2026 CGP, the Annual Blanket Notice of Intent (AB-NOI) is renamed the Utility Blanket Notice of Intent (UB-NOI).

  “Annual Blanket Notice of Intent (AB-NOI) has been changed to Utility Blanket Notice of Intent (UB-NOI) (Section 2.2.3.A) to allow for utilities to obtain coverage for the duration of this permit.”

  Who: SCDES (statewide)

  Source: des.sc.gov · Checked October 26, 2026

• March 27, 2026: SCDOT terminates Doc. No. 5445 (filing error); new Notice of Drafting

  SCDOT ended the promulgation of Doc. No. 5445 because of a filing error and published a new Notice of Drafting in the same issue.

  “The South Carolina Department of Transportation elected to terminate the promulgation process on Regulation Document No. 5445”

  Who: SCDOT / South Carolina State Register

  Source: scstatehouse.gov · Checked October 26, 2026

• February 27, 2026: 2026 Construction General Permit SCR100000 issued; Response to Comments released

  SCDES issued the reissued NPDES General Permit for Stormwater Discharges from Construction Activities (SCR100000) on February 27, 2026, with a formal Response to Comments.

  “The NPDES General Permit for Stormwater Discharges from Construction Activities is hereby issued, as of February 27, 2026.”

  Who: SCDES (statewide)

  Source: des.sc.gov · Checked October 26, 2026

• January 23, 2026: Proposed regulation Doc. No. 5445 (Driveways; Erosion Control; Tandem Trailer...) incl. R.63-380 repeal

  SCDOT published proposed regulation Doc. No. 5445. It included the repeal of R.63-380 (Erosion Control) along with other Chapter 63 changes. It was later terminated (see 2026-03-27).

  “This regulation has been replaced by Regulations 72-405 through 72-445 standards for Stormwater Management and Sediment Reduction, 1976 Code Section 48-18-70(4).”

  Who: SCDOT / South Carolina State Register

  Source: scstatehouse.gov · Checked October 26, 2026

• January 16, 2026: Draft 2026 Construction General Permit (SCR100000) on public notice

  SCDES put the draft reissued NPDES Construction General Permit on public notice from January 16 to February 19, 2026. It held a public meeting on February 5 and a formal public hearing on February 19, 2026.

  “which was on public notice January 16th, 2026, until February 19th, 2026.”

  Who: SCDES (statewide)

  Source: des.sc.gov · Checked October 26, 2026

• December 26, 2025: SCDOT Notice of Drafting to repeal R.63-380 (Erosion Control)

  SCDOT published a Notice of Drafting to repeal its Erosion Control regulation (Chapter 63, Article 4, Subarticle 6). SCDOT's stated reason: "This regulation has been replaced by Regulations 72-405 through 72-445 standards for Stormwater Management and Sediment Reduction, 1976 Code Section 48-18-70(4)."

  “The South Carolina Department of Transportation proposes to repeal Chapter 63, Article 4, Subarticle 6 entitled “Erosion Control”.”

  Who: SCDOT / South Carolina State Register

  Source: scstatehouse.gov · Checked October 26, 2026

• August 5, 2025: Stormwater Design Manual approved by Resolution R2025-030

  Anderson County approved a revised Stormwater Design Manual by Resolution R2025-030 on August 5, 2025, under Chapter 24, Article V of the County Code.

  “Resolution R2025-030 was adopted by the County on August 5, 2025, which approves this Stormwater Design Manual pursuant to Chapter 24 Article V of the Anderson County Code of Ordinances”

  Who: Anderson County

  Source: andersoncountysc.org · Checked October 26, 2026

• July 15, 2025: Ordinance 5716 amends the county stormwater code (Chapter 8, Article III, incl. Sec. 8-84)

  Greenville County Council passed Ordinance 5716 on July 15, 2025; the county code's history note for these sections lists it. Sec. 8-84, as amended through Ord. 5716, requires owners responsible for inspecting permanent facilities to send the county an annual report by January 31 and to keep inspection records for at least five years. The code does not show which words Ord. 5716 changed.

  “(Ord. 4281, passed 5-5-2009; Ord. 4698, passed 5-5-2015; Ord. 5716, passed 7-15-2025)”

  Who: Greenville County

  Source: codelibrary.amlegal.com · Checked October 26, 2026

• May 23, 2025: Final regulations: R.72-300 through 72-316 (Doc. 5337) and R.61-9 (Doc. 5333) amended

  The final amendments to the state stormwater and sediment reduction regulations (R.72-300 through 72-316, Doc. 5337) and to R.61-9 and other Chapter 61 regulations (Doc. 5333) were published. Final regulations take effect when published in the State Register. The changes reflect the DHEC-to-SCDES restructuring and update references.

  “SCDES is amending R.72-1 through 72-9, Dams and Reservoirs Safety Act Regulations, and R.72-300 through 72-316, Standards for Stormwater Management and Sediment Reduction, to reflect the restructuring of DHEC pursuant to the Act, to revise related references, and to make non-substantive, grammatical changes.”

  Who: South Carolina State Register (SCDES)

  Source: scstatehouse.gov · Checked October 26, 2026

• May 20, 2025: Ordinance 2025-018 adds riparian buffer article (Chapter 24, Article VII)

  Anderson County adopted Ordinance 2025-018 on May 20, 2025. It adds riparian buffer rules (Chapter 24, Article VII) for new development that needs stormwater approval: a minimum 50-ft buffer on each side of Waters of the State where the watershed is under 50 acres, and 100 ft where it is 50 acres or more. The executed copy shows "3rd Reading: May 20, 2025", and the transcript of the May 20, 2025 Council meeting in the county's June 3, 2025 agenda packet records the vote on Item 5A, 2025-018: "The motion carries unanimously."

  “AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, ANDERSON COUNTY, SOUTH CAROLINA, TO ADD A NEW SECTION TO PROVIDE FOR RIPARIAN BUFFERS; AND OTHER MATTERS RELATED THERETO.”

  Who: Anderson County

  Source: andersoncountysc.org · Checked October 26, 2026

• May 5, 2025: Paper construction stormwater applications no longer accepted

  From May 5 (2025, per the SCDES FAQ), SCDES stopped accepting paper construction stormwater applications by mail or in person. Applications go through ePermitting.

  “As of May 5th, SCDES will no longer be accepting any paper applications for Construction Stormwater by mail or in-person.”

  Who: SCDES (statewide)

  Source: des.sc.gov · Checked October 26, 2026

• April 7, 2025: Construction stormwater applications move to ePermitting

  SCDES started accepting construction stormwater applications through its online ePermitting system on April 7, 2025. A transition period ran until May 5, 2025. After that, applications had to be submitted only through ePermitting.

  “Beginning April 7, 2025, the ePermitting system will officially accept applications for construction stormwater. Recognizing the need for a smooth transition to the online platform, SCDES will allow a transitional period until May 5, 2025. After this date, all permit applications must be submitted exclusively through ePermitting.”

  Who: SCDES (statewide)

  Source: des.sc.gov · Checked October 26, 2026

• October 25, 2024: Proposed regulation Doc. No. 5337: R.72-300 through 72-316 (Stormwater Management and Sediment Reduction)

  SCDES published proposed amendments to R.72-300 through 72-316 (the state stormwater and sediment reduction standards) and R.72-1 through 72-9 (dams). They replace DHEC references with SCDES and make non-substantive edits. Proposed Doc. No. 5333 (R.61-9 and other Chapter 61 regulations) appeared in the same issue.

  “SCDES proposes amending R.72-1 through 72-9, Dams and Reservoirs Safety Act Regulations, and R.72-300 through 72-316, Standards for Stormwater Management and Sediment Reduction, to reflect the restructuring of DHEC pursuant to the Act, to revise related references, and to make non-substantive, grammatical changes.”

  Who: South Carolina State Register (SCDES)

  Source: scstatehouse.gov · Checked October 26, 2026

• August 23, 2024: Notice of Drafting: R.61-9 and other Chapter 61 water regulations (Act 60 conforming changes)

  SCDES published a Notice of Drafting to amend R.61-9 (Water Pollution Control Permits), which is the basis for NPDES stormwater permits, along with other Chapter 61 water regulations. The changes reflect the DHEC restructuring. A parallel notice covered R.72-300 through 72-316.

  “SCDES proposes amending the above-referenced regulations to reflect the restructuring of DHEC pursuant to the Act, to revise related references, and to make non-substantive grammatical changes.”

  Who: South Carolina State Register (SCDES)

  Source: scstatehouse.gov · Checked October 26, 2026

• July 1, 2024: SCDHEC split; SCDES takes over DHEC's environmental programs

  Under Act 60 (formerly Senate Bill 399), DHEC became two agencies on July 1, 2024: the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) and the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH). DHEC's environmental programs moved to SCDES, and environmental permits issued on or after July 1, 2024 are issued by SCDES.

  “Under state law, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) is becoming two separate agencies on July 1, 2024.”

  Who: South Carolina (statewide)

  Source: des.sc.gov · Checked October 26, 2026

• April 1, 2024: Pickens County Stormwater Ordinance (No. 392) revised at third reading

  Pickens County Council gave third reading to a revised Stormwater Ordinance No. 392 on April 1, 2024, as part of a package of Unified Development Standards Ordinance updates. The county's proposal summary says the update decreases the land disturbance minimum area and increases buffers. The revised text includes a simplified grading permit for sites between one-quarter acre and one acre.

  “Revised - Third Reading: 04/01/2024”

  Who: Pickens County

  Source: cms5.revize.com · Checked October 26, 2026