Rhode Island § 45-61-4 - Stormwater Management Districts
Full text of Rhode Island Rhode Island General Laws § 45-61-4 — Stormwater Management Districts, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 45-61-4. Stormwater Management Districts
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-61-4
§ 45-61-4. Powers of councils.
The city or town council of any city or town in the state, by itself or with other cities and towns, pursuant to chapter 43 of this title, and in accordance with the purposes of this chapter, are hereby authorized to adopt ordinances creating stormwater management districts, which will be empowered, pursuant to such ordinance, to:
(1) Establish a fee system and raise funds for administration and operation of the district. The fee system shall be reasonable and equitable so that each contributor of runoff to the system shall pay to the extent to which runoff is contributed and the state shall be exempted from the fee system. However, the state department of transportation shall cooperate with the municipalities in the planning and implementation of wastewater management ordinances, including the providing of funds, if available, to match the fees collected by the municipalities annually;
(2) Prepare long range stormwater management master plans;
(3) Implement a stormwater management district in accordance with regulations and model ordinances promulgated under this chapter;
(4) Retrofit existing structures to improve water quality or alleviate downstream flooding or erosion;
(5) Properly maintain existing structures within the district;
(6) Borrow for capital improvement projects by issuing bonds or notes of the city or town;
(7) Hire personnel to carry out the functions of the districts;
(8) Receive grants, loans or funding from state and federal water quality programs;
(9) Grant credits to property owners who maintain retention and detention basins or other filtration structures on their property;
(10) Make grants for implementation of stormwater management district plans;
(11) Purchase, acquire, sell, transfer, or lease real or personal property;
(12) Impose liens;
(13) Levy fines and sanctions for noncompliance;
(14) Provide for an appeals process;
(15) Contract for services in order to carry out the function of the district.
History of Section.
P.L. 2002, ch. 329, § 1.
Source: official Rhode Island text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhode Island § 45-61-4
What does Rhode Island General Laws § 45-61-4 cover?
Section 45-61-4 ("Stormwater Management Districts") is part of the Rhode Island General Laws, the codified statutory law of Rhode Island. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Rhode Island § 45-61-4?
A common citation format is "Rhode Island General Laws § 45-61-4" (Rhode Island). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Rhode Island law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Rhode Island official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Rhode Island attorney.
How does Rhode Island § 45-61-4 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Rhode Island can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Rhode Island.