Erosion Control: Chino vs Rialto
How do erosion control rules compare between Chino, CA and Rialto, CA?
Chino has fewer restrictions than Rialto.
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 →Rialto, CA
San Bernardino County
Rialto requires erosion and sediment control Best Management Practices on all grading and construction sites under the California Building Code Appendix J (adopted in Title 15) and the city's grading ordinance. Projects disturbing 1 acre or more must obtain coverage under the State Construction General Permit (NPDES CAS000002) and implement a SWPPP. Wind-erosion (PM10) controls are also required by SCAQMD Rule 403 (Fugitive Dust) given Rialto's South Coast Air Basin location.
View full Rialto rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | Rialto |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Grading code | - | CBC Appendix J via Rialto Title 15 |
| SWPPP threshold | - | 1 acre disturbed (Construction General Permit) |
| Fugitive dust rule | - | SCAQMD Rule 403 (any active disturbance >0.1 ac) |
| BMP standard | - | CASQA BMP Handbook |
| Penalties | - | Cal. Water Code §13385; SCAQMD Rule 403 enforcement |
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.
Rialto FAQ
Do small backyard grading projects need erosion control?
Yes. Even sites under 1 acre must use BMPs such as silt fences or fiber rolls at the downhill edge under Title 15 and SCAQMD Rule 403. A grading permit is required for cuts/fills exceeding CBC Appendix J thresholds (generally 50 cubic yards).
What is a SWPPP and who can write one?
A Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan is required for any construction site of 1 acre or larger under the State Construction General Permit. It must be prepared by a Qualified SWPPP Developer (QSD) and implemented by a Qualified SWPPP Practitioner (QSP).
How long must erosion controls remain in place?
Until disturbed soil is permanently stabilized (70% vegetative cover or approved hardscape) and the Notice of Termination is approved by the State Water Board.
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