Important Note: Beginning July 1, 2025, all projects will be subject to the new fee-based maintenance requirement for vegetated components. No permittee-managed maintenance options will be available for projects permitted after July 1, 2025.
Green stormwater infrastructure manages stormwater runoff and may include vegetated green streets, bioretention facilities, and ponds. Permittees are responsible for a 2-year maintenance warranty period. Upon completion of the 2-year maintenance warranty period, ownership and long-term maintenance responsibilities for these facilities transfer to the City of Portland and become an asset of the Bureau of Environmental Services to be maintained by the City in perpetuity.
The 2-year maintenance warranty period ensures that the City receives a fully established and functional facility. Maintenance requirements during this period are determined by the date the City accepted the Public Works Permit Concept Development Submittal for review.
Projects with a concept acceptance date on or after July 1, 2025
New standard: City-managed planting and maintenance
- Permittees will be required to pay the green stormwater infrastructure operations and maintenance fee, as established in the City’s annual Bureau of Environmental Services rate ordinance (Binding City Policy ENB-4.20).
- Environmental Services will perform planting, plant establishment, and all maintenance activities for the duration of the 2-year warranty period.
- Permittees will continue to be responsible for maintenance of non-vegetated components of the facility (e.g., structural elements, inlets) during the warranty period.
- An O&M Plan and O&M Form will not be required.
Green stormwater infrastructure operations and maintenance fees
- One to five green street facilities
- Base fee: $2,115 per permit
- Square footage fee: $37.22 per square foot of planted facility area
- Six or more green street facilities
- Base fee: $3,645 per permit
- Square footage fee: $37.22 per square foot of planted facility area
- Large bioretention facilities less than or equal to 2,500 square feet
- Base fee: $2,115 per permit
- Square footage fee: $20.96 per square foot of planted facility area
- Large bioretention facilities greater than 2,500 square feet
- Base fee: $3,645 per permit
- Square footage fee: $20.96 per square foot of planted facility area
Why is Environmental Services switching to this new standard?
Switching to a fee for planting and two years of vegetation maintenance will improve outcomes for green stormwater infrastructure by ensuring proper plant establishment and consistent maintenance. This change reduces permittees’ responsibilities during the warranty period, provides clear and predictable inspection, planting, and maintenance costs, and helps improve the timeline for completing public works projects. It ensures that these facilities are well-positioned to succeed in their appearance and intended function while simplifying the process for developers.
Projects with a concept acceptance date prior to July 1, 2025
Option 1: Environmental Services-managed maintenance
- The permittee enters into an agreement with Environmental Services under which Environmental Services will provide planting design, plant procurement, and installation, and ongoing maintenance throughout the 2-year warranty period.
- Permittees will continue to be responsible for the maintenance of non-vegetated components of the facility (e.g., structural elements, inlets) during the warranty period.
- An O&M Plan is not required; however, the permittee must still complete and submit the O&M Form.
Option 2: Permittee-managed maintenance
- The permittee is responsible for the planting, establishment, and ongoing maintenance of the green stormwater infrastructure facility throughout the 2-year warranty period.
- The permittee must follow the Standard O&M Plan requirements outlined in the City’s Stormwater Management Manual (SWMM). Planting and maintenance requirements are located in Chapter 6.
- Permittees must:
- Submit the 2-Year Maintenance Warranty Form.
- Maintain a Public Stormwater Facility Inspection Log; and
- Perform all tasks as specified in the Standard O&M Plan.
- Submit the 2-Year Maintenance Warranty Form.
Summary of Permittee responsibilities
The table below summarizes key maintenance tasks required during the 2-year maintenance warranty period under the two legacy options:
- Option 1: City-managed maintenance
- Option 2: Permittee-managed maintenance
For a complete overview of maintenance requirements, see section 6.2.1.6, Planting and Maintenance Requirements in the Stormwater Management Manual.
| Maintenance Activity | Option 1 | Option 2 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Task | Permittee | BES | Permittee |
| Complete a Standard O&M Plan | – | ✔ | ✔ |
| Ensure vegetation is healthy and vigorous following installation | – | ✔ | ✔ |
| Remove dead or dying vegetation | – | ✔ | ✔ |
| Plant replacements | – | ✔ | ✔ |
| Remove weeds before plants set seed | – | ✔ | ✔ |
| Replace dead, dying, or injured trees | – | ✔ | ✔ |
| Maintain soil elevations and grades per plan | – | ✔ | ✔ |
| Apply and maintain mulch per plan | – | ✔ | ✔ |
| Keep mulch off structures, roadways, etc. | – | ✔ | ✔ |
| Submit detailed mulch product information | – | ✔ | ✔ |
| Remove leaf material from facility | – | ✔ | ✔ |
| Irrigate during spring, summer, and fall | – | ✔ | ✔ |
| Remove trash and debris every site visit | – | ✔ | ✔ |
| Inspect site within 48 hours of major storms | – | ✔ | ✔ |
| Remove sediment from inlets and forebays | – | ✔ | ✔ |