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🌍 Environmental Rules/Stormwater Management

Stormwater Management: Anaheim vs Huntington Beach

How do stormwater management rules compare between Anaheim, CA and Huntington Beach, CA?

Anaheim and Huntington Beach have similar restriction levels.

Anaheim, CA

Orange County

Some Restrictions

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 β†’

Huntington Beach, CA

Orange County

Some Restrictions

Huntington Beach enforces stormwater quality management under its NPDES permit and municipal code. New development must implement post-construction BMPs. Illicit discharges to the storm drain system are prohibited.

View full Huntington Beach rules β†’

Key Facts Comparison

FactAnaheimHuntington Beach
PermitNorth OC MS4-
WQMPRequired for new dev-
BoardSanta Ana RWQCB-
WatershedSanta Ana River-
NPDES Permit-Required compliance
New Development-Post-construction BMPs required
Illicit Discharge-Prohibited
Construction Sites-Erosion/sediment BMPs required
Reporting-Public Works Department

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.

Huntington Beach FAQ

What can I not put in the storm drain in Huntington Beach?

No paint, chemicals, wash water, oil, or other pollutants may be discharged to the storm drain system. Only clean rainwater should enter drains.

Do I need stormwater BMPs for my new construction?

Most new development and significant redevelopment projects must include post-construction stormwater quality BMPs per the city's NPDES permit.

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