Stormwater Management: Bakersfield vs Delano
How do stormwater management rules compare between Bakersfield, CA and Delano, CA?
Delano has fewer restrictions than Bakersfield.
Bakersfield, CA
Kern County
Bakersfield enforces stormwater regulations under BMC Chapter 8.34 (Industrial Stormwater) and Chapter 8.56 (Stormwater Management and Discharge Control). The city operates under an MS4 NPDES permit issued by the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board. All discharges to the municipal storm drain system are regulated to prevent pollutants from reaching the Kern River and local waterways.
View full Bakersfield rules →Delano, CA
Kern County
Delano Development Code §20.10.70.4 requires subdivisions and developments crossed by a watercourse to dedicate storm-drainage rights-of-way and construct drainage improvements consistent with City Engineering Design Standards.
View full Delano rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Bakersfield | Delano |
|---|---|---|
| Governing Code | BMC Chapters 8.34 and 8.56 | - |
| NPDES Authority | Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board | - |
| Construction Trigger | 1+ acre requires state permit | - |
| Penalty | Up to $1,000/day per violation | - |
| Prohibited | Non-stormwater discharges to storm drains | - |
| Code | - | Delano DC §20.10.70.4 |
| Permit Threshold | - | ≥1 acre disturbance |
| Regulator | - | Central Valley RWQCB |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Bakersfield FAQ
Can I wash my car and let water drain into the street?
Washing vehicles on impervious surfaces where runoff enters the storm drain may violate BMC 8.56 if it carries pollutants like soap or oil. Use a commercial car wash or wash on permeable surfaces where water infiltrates the ground.
Do I need a stormwater permit for construction?
Sites disturbing one acre or more must obtain coverage under the California Construction General Permit and prepare a SWPPP. Smaller projects must still implement erosion controls per city standards.
Delano FAQ
Can I divert runoff onto my neighbor?
No — Cal. Civil Code §3479 plus DC §20.10.70 require accommodating natural drainage; concentrating flows is actionable.
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