Stormwater Management: Anaheim vs Costa Mesa
How do stormwater management rules compare between Anaheim, CA and Costa Mesa, CA?
Anaheim and Costa Mesa have similar restriction levels.
Anaheim, CA
Orange County
Anaheim participates in the North Orange County stormwater program under the MS4 permit regulated by the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board. New development must incorporate stormwater BMPs.
View full Anaheim rules →Costa Mesa, CA
Orange County
Costa Mesa regulates stormwater runoff as a co-permittee under the Orange County NPDES MS4 Permit issued by the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board. New development and significant redevelopment must incorporate best management practices and Low Impact Development strategies to prevent polluted runoff from reaching storm drains and waterways.
View full Costa Mesa rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Anaheim | Costa Mesa |
|---|---|---|
| Permit | North OC MS4 | - |
| WQMP | Required for new dev | - |
| Board | Santa Ana RWQCB | - |
| Watershed | Santa Ana River | - |
| Governing Code | - | CMMC Title 14 - Water Quality |
| Regional Permit | - | OC NPDES MS4 Permit |
| SWPPP Required | - | Sites disturbing 1+ acre |
| LID Required | - | New development/redevelopment |
| Public Works | - | (714) 754-5343 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Anaheim FAQ
What stormwater permits does Anaheim require?
New development must prepare a WQMP with stormwater BMPs. The city operates under the North OC MS4 permit from the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board.
Can I wash my car and let water run to the storm drain?
No. Only rainwater should enter storm drains. Wash cars on permeable surfaces or at commercial car washes that recycle water.
Costa Mesa FAQ
What can I not put into Costa Mesa storm drains?
It is illegal to discharge anything other than stormwater into the storm drain system. This includes wash water, pool water, paint, oil, pesticides, fertilizer runoff, and sediment. Storm drains in Costa Mesa flow untreated to local waterways and ultimately the Pacific Ocean.
Do I need a WQMP for my construction project in Costa Mesa?
Yes, new development and significant redevelopment projects must prepare a Water Quality Management Plan incorporating LID strategies and BMPs. Projects disturbing one or more acres also need a state Construction General Permit and SWPPP.
Who enforces stormwater rules in Costa Mesa?
Costa Mesa Public Works and Code Enforcement handle local stormwater compliance. The Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board oversees the regional NPDES MS4 Permit. Contact Public Works at (714) 754-5343 for questions.
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