Apply for an Industrial Stormwater Permit

Step 1.Create a Citizen Access account

We use a third party application called Citizen Access for our ISW permit surveys and document submission. If you've never used Citizen Access, we recommend that you review how to create an account before starting your application.

Step 2.Find out if you need an ISW permit

In most cases you'll need an ISW permit if any one of the following applies to you.

1. Facility has any of the following SIC codes:
   • Manufacturing (SIC 20-- through 39--)
   • Public Warehousing (SIC 422-)
   • Transportation (SIC 40-- through 45--)
   • Mining (SIC 10-- through 14--)
2. Facility has a State of Michigan NPDES Permit.
   
   
3. Facility has an above ground storage tank on the premises.

If you are unsure if you need a permit, you can contact the Industrial Stormwater Team using the information in the Contact Us section, or complete the survey to go through the process to determine if you are required an ISW Permit.

Step 3.Make sure you have time to complete

This survey will take about about 30 minutes once you've gathered the required information identified in the steps below.

Gather Supporting Documents

1. All surveys must include:
   • Site Plan showing at a minimum the following:
     1. Property Lines
     2. Building Envelope
     3. Locations and type of materials stored outdoors
     4. Locations and description of any outdoor activities
     5. Locations of any BMPS for stormwater
2. If you have a State of Michigan issued NPDES Permit:
   • Copy of the SWPPP, if required under NPDES permit

Step 4.Submit Online

Login to Citizen Access and choose the Industrial Stormwater Program category using the link below. Choose the selection Stormwater Inspection Program Survey.

Complete the survey for an ISW Permit

Upload your Supporting Documents

You will upload the supporting documents during the completion of the ISW survey. 

Step 5.We'll review your survey

We'll email you to confirm receipt of your completed survey.  Keep in mind that you might need to revise your responses in the survey or attachments if we notice any missing or incorrect information.  Expect to hear from us within 14 days to schedule a site visit.

Step 6.Pay your permit fee

The permit fee is not required until the permit is ready to be issued.  The permit fee will be assessed upon completion of the site visit.  We'll send a statement with the priority level of the facility and associated amount of the fee due.

You will need to login to Citizen Access to pay your fee. We accept Visa, MasterCard, and Discover for online payments.  Once the payment has been received, the permit will be issued.