Erosion Control: Chino vs Ontario
How do erosion control rules compare between Chino, CA and Ontario, CA?
Chino has fewer restrictions than Ontario.
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 →Ontario, CA
San Bernardino County
Ontario requires active erosion control on all graded sites year-round under OMC Chapter 5 Article VI, with enhanced Best Management Practices from October 1 through April 30 during the rainy season.
View full Ontario rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | Ontario |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | Oct 1 - Apr 30 |
| Slope ratio | Cuts/fills no steeper than 2:1 horizontal:vertical without engineered design | - |
| Penalty ceiling | $10,000/day under Cal. Water Code §13385 | - |
| BMP examples | - | Silt fence, fiber rolls, tarps |
| Track-out | - | Clean daily |
| QSP | - | Required over 1 acre |
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.
Ontario FAQ
Do I need erosion control on a small lot grading?
Yes, any disturbed soil requires BMPs under OMC Chapter 5 Article VI even on small residential projects.
What triggers a stop-work order?
Failure to install or maintain required BMPs, especially during rain events, can trigger an immediate stop-work order from Public Works inspectors.
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