Stormwater Management: Anaheim vs Santa Ana
How do stormwater management rules compare between Anaheim, CA and Santa Ana, CA?
Anaheim has fewer restrictions than Santa Ana.
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 →Santa Ana, CA
Orange County
Santa Ana enforces stormwater management regulations under its Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit issued by the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board. The city requires construction sites and new development to implement Best Management Practices to prevent pollutants from entering the storm drain system. Post-construction stormwater controls are mandated for qualifying projects under the Orange County NPDES permit.
View full Santa Ana rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Anaheim | Santa Ana |
|---|---|---|
| Permit | North OC MS4 | - |
| WQMP | Required for new dev | - |
| Board | Santa Ana RWQCB | - |
| Watershed | Santa Ana River | - |
| Permit Type | - | NPDES MS4 permit |
| Regional Board | - | Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board |
| BMP Required | - | Construction and post-construction BMPs |
| Contact | - | Public Works — (714) 647-5074 |
| County Permit | - | Orange County area-wide MS4 permit |
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.
Santa Ana FAQ
What stormwater rules apply to construction in Santa Ana?
All construction sites must implement Best Management Practices to prevent sediment and pollutants from entering the storm drain system. Larger projects require a SWPPP under the state Construction General Permit.
Does Santa Ana require post-construction stormwater controls?
Yes. New development and significant redevelopment must incorporate permanent stormwater treatment controls as required by the Orange County MS4 permit.
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