Stormwater Management: Berkeley vs Livermore
How do stormwater management rules compare between Berkeley, CA and Livermore, CA?
Berkeley and Livermore have similar restriction levels.
Berkeley, CA
Alameda County
Berkeley Clean Stormwater Ordinance BMC Chapter 17.20 prohibits non-stormwater discharges to storm drains and requires stormwater treatment for projects creating or replacing 2,500 square feet of impervious surface.
View full Berkeley rules →Livermore, CA
Alameda County
Livermore is a Bay Area MRP 3.0 permittee; new/redevelopment projects 10,000+ sq ft must implement C.3 Low Impact Development stormwater treatment.
View full Livermore rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Berkeley | Livermore |
|---|---|---|
| Treatment threshold | 2,500 sq ft impervious | - |
| Hydromod threshold | 10,000 sq ft | - |
| Prohibited | Non-stormwater discharges | - |
| Receiving water | San Francisco Bay | - |
| Code | BMC 17.20 | LMC Ch. 13.38 |
| Permit | - | MRP 3.0 NPDES |
| Threshold | - | 10,000 sq ft triggers C.3 |
| Flood Agency | - | Zone 7 Water |
| Discharge Penalty | - | $1K-10K/day |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Berkeley FAQ
Can I wash my car in the driveway?
Wash water should not enter the storm drain; use commercial car washes or divert runoff to landscaping.
Do I need stormwater treatment for a home remodel?
Only if the project creates or replaces 2,500+ sq ft of impervious surface; most residential remodels are exempt.
Livermore FAQ
Can I wash my car in the driveway?
Residential occasional washing is typically allowed, but runoff must not carry soap to storm drains — use biodegradable products or a car wash.
What's C.3?
C.3 is the MRP provision requiring LID stormwater treatment on new/redevelopment projects creating 10,000+ sq ft impervious area.
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