NMSA is interested in understanding the influence of stormwater regulations and requirements on housing and residential development.  We are asking that you provide input on the topics listed below based experiences you've encountered at the local/community level.

The background for this inquiry is centered on an opinion editorial (OpEd) published on Feb 4, 2026 in the Washington Post titled, "Building a new house? This little-known rule could cost you thousands. Stormwater regulations are driving up the cost of homes across the country," that has created a stir in the stormwater sector. This OpEd contends that the driving factor for the high cost of residential development is stormwater regulations. Overall, this OpEd questions the value of construction and post-construction stormwater management investments and programs.

It is noteworthy that both of these actions were preceded by the release of a report by the Manhattan Institute titled, “The High Cost of Stormwater Regulations,” posted online on February 5, 2026 by the author of the OpEd that makes the same arguments and provides more in-depth information on this topic.

A third related event occurred on March 13, 2026 when President Trump signed an Executive Order (EO) titled, "Removing Regulatory Barriers to Affordable Home Construction,” that focuses on addressing the affordable housing crisis. One of the elements of this EO is “reducing regulatory barriers to housing development,” with stormwater permits listed first in the list of regulatory programs targeted for review. This comes on the heels of the passage in the Senate of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, one the most significant pieces of legislation on housing in a decade. Again, regulations tied to housing development were targeted in this legislation.

NMSA and American Rivers submitted a letter to the editor of the Washington Post in response to the OpEd.  Our response included the following points:

• Stormwater regulations are not actually a significant source of home price increases compared with other costs
• Homeowners want clean water and safe and reliable housing
• There is a high cost associated with inadequate and ineffective stormwater management
• The benefits of sound stormwater management are significant

The information provided on this page is anonymous and will help NMSA understand the breadth and nature of the dynamics between stormwater regulations/program requirements and residential land development costs and opportunities.  This information will assist NMSA in representing the interests of MS4 and stormwater programs in the context of housing and land development needs as we believe communities can have both adequate inventories of housing built at a reasonable cost as well as environmental protection and resilience.  A balanced approach is key for the long-term sustainability and value of residential properties.