The HOA’s Guide to Stormwater Inspections and Compliance in Montgomery County & D.C.

For HOA boards and property management firms, maintaining stormwater facilities isn’t optional — it’s a legal and environmental responsibility. Across Maryland and the D.C. metro region, stormwater management systems are designed to control runoff, reduce flooding, and protect local waterways. But over time, even the best-built systems require inspection, maintenance, and documentation to stay compliant.

At SMC Wastewater Management, we work directly with Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to perform official stormwater facility inspections. Our team ensures that systems meet all local and state standards, providing clear, defensible reports for regulators and property owners alike.

Understanding HOA Responsibilities

If your community has a stormwater pond, vault, filter, or other BMP (Best Management Practice), the HOA is responsible for:

• Scheduling required inspections at the frequency set by the county or municipality.

• Keeping records of inspections and maintenance activities.

• Performing (or contracting) approved maintenance to correct identified deficiencies.

• Submitting inspection documentation to the appropriate jurisdiction.

These responsibilities exist to ensure that private stormwater facilities perform as designed and protect shared infrastructure. Failing to comply can result in Notices of Violation, fines, or even mandatory corrective work ordered by local authorities.

Why Montgomery County Is Unique

In Montgomery County, Maryland, inspections are tightly regulated under the DEP’s stormwater management program.

• Only authorized DEP contractors can perform official inspection work within the county.

• HOAs and property managers cannot hire private firms for these mandated inspections.

• DEP-approved inspectors, like SMC Wastewater Management, conduct these assessments and report directly back to the County.

That partnership ensures consistency, accountability, and adherence to the county’s high environmental standards.

While SMC’s work within Montgomery County is strictly limited to official DEP inspections, we also perform private inspections and maintenance throughout the rest of Maryland and Washington, D.C., helping HOAs and property managers stay compliant before a county visit ever occurs.

The Value of Professional Stormwater Inspections

Attempting to manage inspections internally or waiting for the county’s schedule often leads to missed maintenance opportunities and potential non-compliance. Partnering with professional inspectors provides several advantages:

• Expert Evaluation – Certified inspectors understand complex BMP designs and failure points.

• Defensible Documentation – Reports meet regulatory standards and hold up under DEP review.

• Early Problem Detection – Identifying sediment buildup, structural damage, or vegetation overgrowth before it becomes a violation.

• Accurate Scheduling – Staying ahead of multi-year inspection cycles and submission deadlines.

Don’t Forget the Underground BMPs

Underground stormwater systems — like detention vaults, filters, or proprietary devices — require specialized inspections that often involve confined space entry.

• These inspections are essential for verifying structure integrity, flow paths, and maintenance accessibility.

• SMC’s confined space-trained crews perform these inspections safely, following OSHA and local safety protocols.

• Our confined space services extend statewide, supporting municipalities, HOAs, and private property managers alike.

Regular confined space inspections not only maintain compliance but also protect worker safety and extend the lifespan of the infrastructure your community relies on.

Staying Compliant Across Maryland and D.C.

Whether your property falls under Montgomery County DEP oversight or another local jurisdiction, the principles of stormwater compliance remain the same — proactive inspection, timely maintenance, and thorough documentation.

SMC Wastewater Management provides:

• DEP-approved stormwater inspections in Montgomery County

• Private stormwater inspections and BMP maintenance throughout Maryland and D.C.

• Confined space inspections for underground systems

• Vacuum truck cleaning, sediment removal, and corrective maintenance

📍 Serving Montgomery County (DEP inspections only) and stormwater clients throughout Maryland and D.C.

📞 Contact SMC Wastewater Management to schedule your inspection or maintenance consultation.