Stormwater Management: Chino vs Hesperia
How do stormwater management rules compare between Chino, CA and Hesperia, CA?
Chino has fewer restrictions than Hesperia.
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 →Hesperia, CA
San Bernardino County
Hesperia is a regulated small MS4 under the California State Water Resources Control Board's Phase II General Permit (Order WQ 2013-0001-DWQ as amended). The city's Storm Water Management Program (SWMP) is enforced by the Hesperia Engineering Department. All construction sites disturbing one acre or more must obtain coverage under the statewide Construction General Permit (Order 2022-0057-DWQ) and prepare a SWPPP; smaller residential sites must implement Erosion and Sediment Control Plans (ESCPs). Post-construction Water Quality Management Plans (WQMPs) are required for development projects per the Phase II Permit's post-construction provisions. Discharge of anything other than uncontaminated stormwater into the MS4 is prohibited.
View full Hesperia rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | Hesperia |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Permit basis | - | Phase II MS4 Order WQ 2013-0001-DWQ (as amended) |
| Regional oversight | - | Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board (Mojave River Watershed) |
| SWPPP trigger | - | Construction projects ≥1 acre (statewide Construction General Permit 2022-0057-DWQ) |
| Permitting office | - | Hesperia Engineering Department, 9700 Seventh Ave, (760) 947-1000 |
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.
Hesperia FAQ
Do I need a SWPPP for a single-family home?
Most single-family residential lots are under one acre and do not require a statewide Construction General Permit SWPPP, but the city's SWMP requires Erosion and Sediment Control Plans (ESCPs) and a stabilized construction entrance for residential builds. Larger residential subdivisions (≥1 acre of disturbed soil) require a SWPPP through the State Water Board's SMARTS system.
Who regulates stormwater in Hesperia?
Locally, the Hesperia Engineering Department administers the SWMP. Regionally, the Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board oversees compliance with the statewide Phase II MS4 General Permit (Order WQ 2013-0001-DWQ as amended).
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