Stormwater Management: Berkeley vs San Leandro
How do stormwater management rules compare between Berkeley, CA and San Leandro, CA?
Berkeley and San Leandro 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 →San Leandro, CA
Alameda County
San Leandro is co-permittee under Bay Area Municipal Regional Stormwater NPDES Permit. C.3 treatment required for projects creating 2,500+ sq ft impervious.
View full San Leandro rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Berkeley | San Leandro |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Regulator | - | SF Bay RWQCB MRP |
| C.3 threshold | - | 2,500 sq ft impervious |
| Hydromod | - | Over 10,000 sq ft |
| Illicit discharge | - | Up to $10,000/day |
| Local code | - | SLMC Title 7 |
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.
San Leandro FAQ
Can I wash my car in the driveway?
Use biodegradable soap and minimize runoff. Commercial car washes are preferred since they capture wastewater.
What is C.3?
Provision C.3 of the Bay Area Stormwater Permit requires on-site treatment of stormwater for projects meeting impervious area thresholds.
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