Bill > HB0489

This bill amends existing Utah law regarding storm water permits, particularly concerning the use of retention and detention basins, which are structures designed to manage storm water runoff to prevent flooding and improve water quality. Key changes include defining "detention basin" as a practice that temporarily stores storm water to release it slowly, and "retention basin" as a practice that holds water to reduce peak flow rates and improve water quality through sedimentation. The bill also defines the "Great Salt Lake basin" and clarifies that "low impact development" refers to systems that mimic natural processes to encourage water infiltration or reuse. For long-term storm water management within the Great Salt Lake basin, permittees must prioritize low impact development practices other than retention basins, unless no feasible alternative exists. If a detention basin is required in this basin, it must be designed to release water as soon as possible without compromising flood control or drainage capacity. The bill also modifies provisions related to independent reviews of low impact development designs and storm water calculations, including cost-sharing between applicants and permittees, and specifies that the bill takes effect on May 6, 2026.

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https://le.utah.gov/~2026/bills/static/HB0489.html