Erosion Control: Chino vs Fontana
How do erosion control rules compare between Chino, CA and Fontana, CA?
Chino has fewer restrictions than Fontana.
Chino, CA
San Bernardino County
Construction sites in Chino must implement erosion and sediment control Best Management Practices (BMPs) under the San Bernardino MS4 Permit (Order R8-2010-0036), California Building Code Appendix J (grading), and — for sites disturbing 1 acre or more — the statewide Construction General Permit (Order 2022-0057-DWQ). BMPs must keep sediment, concrete slurry, and construction debris out of Chino's storm drains and creeks year-round, with intensified controls during the October 1 – April 30 wet season.
View full Chino rules →Fontana, CA
San Bernardino County
Fontana requires erosion and sediment-control BMPs on graded sites. The California Construction General Permit and FMC grading code require silt fences and stabilized entrances during the Oct-Apr wet season.
View full Fontana rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | Fontana |
|---|---|---|
| Local trigger | Grading permit (CBC Appendix J) for any project moving 50+ cubic yards or disturbing 5,000+ sq ft | - |
| State trigger | 1 acre disturbance = Construction General Permit + SWPPP | - |
| Wet season | October 1 – April 30 (heightened BMP requirements) | - |
| Slope ratio | Cuts/fills no steeper than 2:1 horizontal:vertical without engineered design | - |
| Penalty ceiling | $10,000/day under Cal. Water Code §13385 | - |
| State Permit | - | Construction General Permit |
| Trigger | - | 1+ acre disturbed |
| Wet Season | - | Oct 1-Apr 30 |
| Grading Trigger | - | 50+ cubic yards |
| Daily Fine | - | Up to $500+ city |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chino FAQ
Do I need a SWPPP for a single-family house?
Only if the project disturbs 1 acre or more of soil. Smaller lots still need erosion control BMPs (silt fence, inlet protection, stabilized entrance) per Chino's grading permit, but the state SWPPP is not required.
What are wet-season grading restrictions in Chino?
From October 1 through April 30, Chino requires enhanced BMPs — covered stockpiles, perimeter controls in place before rain events, and limits on the area of bare soil. Construction General Permit sites must conduct pre-storm, storm, and post-storm inspections.
Can I wash out a concrete truck on my Chino lot?
Only into a designated, lined concrete washout containment — never on bare soil, gutter, or storm drain. Concrete washwater (high pH) is an illicit discharge enforceable by the Santa Ana Water Board.
Who issues grading permits in Chino?
Chino Building & Safety / Engineering issues grading permits under Title 15 (California Building Code Appendix J as adopted). Phone (909) 334-3253.
Fontana FAQ
Do I need erosion control for a small Fontana backyard project?
Small residential projects under 50 cubic yards typically do not need a grading permit, but you must still prevent sediment from entering the storm drain.
When is the rainy-season BMP period in Fontana?
October 1 through April 30. Active construction sites must have rain-ready BMPs deployed throughout this period.
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