Sump Pump Regulations.
Milwaukee Code of Ordinances § 225-8
in effect225-8. Sump Pump Regulations.
1. Except for dwellings and buildings described in s. 225-4-2-a-1, all sump pumps shall be connected to a storm sewer or combined sewer when available and abutting on the property unless otherwise approved by the commissioner. Dwellings and buildings described in s. 225-4-2-a-1 may disconnect sump pumps from a storm sewer or combined sewer and discharge sump pumps to finished grade. All discharges of sump pumps to finished grade for reasons of non-connection or disconnection of a previously connected system must meet all of the following provisions:
a. The discharge pipe shall exit the building at one foot above finished grade.
b. The point of discharge must be a minimum of 2 feet from a basement foundation wall and 5 feet from the property line.
c. The discharge must flow parallel to or away from the nearest property line.
d. The discharge water shall not discharge to a street, alley or other public way.
e. The discharge water shall not create an icy condition on any pedestrian walkways within or adjacent to the subject premises lot lines.
f. Owners of dwellings and buildings which may disconnect sump pumps as provided in this subsection may request the commissioner to waive the provisions of this subsection upon submission to and acceptance by the commissioner of a discharge system designed by a registered professional engineer or architect for purposes of complying with the intent of this subsection.
2. When a storm sewer or combined sewer is not available, the sump pump shall discharge to grade and must meet all of the following provisions, unless otherwise approved by the commissioner:
a. The discharge pipe shall exit the building at one foot above finished grade.
b. The point of discharge must be a minimum of 2 feet from a basement foundation wall and 5 feet from the property line.
c. The discharge must flow parallel to or away from the nearest property line.
d. The discharge water shall not discharge to a street, alley or other public way.
e. The discharge water shall not create an icy condition on any pedestrian walkways within or adjacent to the subject premises lot lines.
Source: City of Milwaukee Legislative Reference Bureau, Milwaukee City Charter and Code of Ordinances (city.milwaukee.gov master PDFs)URL: https://city.milwaukee.gov/ImageLibrary/Groups/ccClerk/Ordinances/Volume-2/CH225.pdf#page=6Fetched: 10/26/2026