Des Moines rolls back its stormwater ordinance

Catch up quick: The 2021 ordinance relates to stormwater management standards for land development permits and site plans that require city approval.

• The 2024 law generally prohibits water runoff reduction requirements that are more restrictive than state standards unless local governments pay for things like additional property easements.

Inside the room: Multiple cities, counties and groups, including the Iowa Emergency Management Association, opposed the bill, while multiple construction advocacy groups, such as the Home Builders Association of Iowa, supported it.

Driving the news: DSM City Council approved ordinance revisions last week that will adjust flow rates and standards to match state requirements.

What next: The city is trying to minimize the overall impact of the changes through projects like public water detention basins and programs that encourage residents to take action, Patrick Beane, DSM's clean water administrator, tells Axios.