Stormwater Management: Chino vs Fontana
How do stormwater management rules compare between Chino, CA and Fontana, CA?
Chino has fewer restrictions than Fontana.
Chino, CA
San Bernardino County
The City of Chino is a co-permittee under the San Bernardino County Area-Wide NPDES Municipal Storm Water Permit (Order R8-2010-0036, adopted January 10, 2010 by the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board), with the San Bernardino County Flood Control District as Principal Permittee. The MS4 discharges to flood-control channels, San Antonio Channel, Cypress Channel, Chino Creek, and ultimately the Prado Basin and Santa Ana River. Only rainwater and a narrow list of allowed non-stormwater flows may enter the storm drain system.
View full Chino rules →Fontana, CA
San Bernardino County
Fontana enforces the MS4 stormwater permit from the Santa Ana RWQCB under the federal Clean Water Act. FMC rules prohibit non-stormwater discharges to storm drains and require construction BMPs.
View full Fontana rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | Fontana |
|---|---|---|
| MS4 Permit | Order R8-2010-0036 (San Bernardino County area-wide) | - |
| Principal permittee | San Bernardino County Flood Control District | - |
| Receiving waters | San Antonio Channel, Cypress Channel, Chino Creek → Prado Basin → Santa Ana River | - |
| Development trigger | Water Quality Management Plan (WQMP) with LID measures | - |
| Construction trigger | 1 acre disturbance = CGP + SWPPP | - |
| Report illicit discharge | Chino Police (909) 334-3000 / Public Works (909) 334-3250 | - |
| Governing Permit | - | Santa Ana RWQCB MS4 |
| Federal Law | - | Clean Water Act / NPDES |
| SWPPP Trigger | - | 1+ acre construction |
| LID | - | Priority development projects |
| Federal Fine Max | - | $64,618 per day |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chino FAQ
Can I wash my car in the driveway in Chino?
Occasional residential car washing is generally allowed as a non-stormwater discharge under the San Bernardino MS4 permit, but commercial mobile detailers and fleet washers must capture or divert wash water. Avoid heavy detergent use and never wash near a storm drain inlet.
How do I report illegal dumping into a Chino storm drain?
Call Chino Police at (909) 334-3000 during business hours or (909) 628-1234 after hours. For paint, oil, or chemical spills also call the CalEPA 24-hour spill line at 1-800-852-7550.
Do I need a Water Quality Management Plan for my project?
Yes if your project is a 'priority development project' under Order R8-2010-0036 — typically creating or replacing 5,000+ sq ft of impervious surface, restaurants, auto-service uses, parking lots, or hillside development. The WQMP is submitted with grading/building applications to Chino Engineering.
Can I drain my swimming pool to the gutter?
Only after fully dechlorinating the water (let it sit 24-48 hours after stopping chemical additions, test for zero residual chlorine) and neutralizing pH. Chlorinated pool water is an illicit discharge.
Fontana FAQ
Can I wash my car in my Fontana driveway?
Residential car washing is generally allowed if soapy water does not flow into the storm drain. Commercial washing must capture and discharge wash water to sanitary sewer or a treatment unit.
Do small home projects need a SWPPP?
No. SWPPPs are required for construction disturbing one or more acres of soil. Small projects must still prevent sediment and pollutants from entering storm drains.
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