Annual Residential Stormwater Facility Inspections

What are Stormwater Facilities?

Stormwater facilities help collect, slow down, filter, and safely manage rainwater before it enters local streams, rivers, or the ground. Regular inspections and maintenance help these systems work properly, reduce flooding, and protect water quality. Stormwater facilities are approved during the development process with the expectation that they will be inspected and maintained on an ongoing basis. Additional requirements can be found in the Lake Oswego Municipal Code.

Property Owner Responsibilities

The City of Lake Oswego is required by its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit to make sure privately owned stormwater facilities are properly maintained.

If your property has a stormwater facility, you are responsible for maintaining it according to the Operation and Maintenance (O&M) plan created for your site.

Property owners or facility operators must:

Inspect their stormwater facilities each year.
Maintain the facilities according to the site's O&M plan.
Submit an annual inspection and maintenance report to the City.

We are asking homeowners to complete their own inspections and submit the form online. You do not need to hire a contractor or third party unless there are issues observed with your facility that you are unable to repair. Accommodations can be made for those who are unable to complete their inspections. Contact the City using the information below for assistance.

How to Inspect and Maintain Your Facility

Your O&M plan explains how to inspect, clean, and maintain your facility so it continues to work properly. If you need help finding your O&M plan, contact the City of Lake Oswego's Stormwater team at the email below. If the City does not have a copy, you may need to request it from Clackamas County Records. In addition, the developer or engineer who designed the facility may have a copy.

For additional help identifying, inspecting, or maintaining your stormwater facility, see the Private Water Quality Facility Management Program Inspection Guide or helpful inspection videos.

Types of Stormwater Facilities

Stormwater facilities may include:

Catch basins and drainage systems: Privately owned catch basins, storm drain pipes, and manholes.
Flow control systems: Detention pipes or tanks that temporarily store stormwater.
Infiltration systems: Drywells or soakage trenches that allow stormwater to soak into the ground.
Water quality treatment systems: Storm filters or oil/water separators that remove pollutants.
Vegetated stormwater systems: Swales, detention ponds, and rain gardens that slow, filter, and absorb stormwater.