Erosion Control: Chino vs San Bernardino
How do erosion control rules compare between Chino, CA and San Bernardino, CA?
Chino has fewer restrictions than San Bernardino.
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 →San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino County
San Bernardino requires erosion and sediment controls on all grading and construction sites. Projects over 1 acre trigger the State Construction General Permit and a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP).
View full San Bernardino rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| SWPPP Threshold | - | 1 acre disturbed soil |
| General Permit | - | Order 2022-0057-DWQ |
| Rainy Season | - | October 1 to April 30 |
| PM10 Dust Rule | - | SCAQMD Rule 403 |
| Hillside Trigger | - | 10% slope |
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.
San Bernardino FAQ
Do I need a SWPPP for my San Bernardino home addition?
Single-family additions disturbing less than 1 acre generally do not need state permit coverage. You must still implement basic erosion controls such as silt fence, covered stockpiles, and a stabilized driveway entrance under San Bernardino grading rules.
Who enforces erosion control on San Bernardino construction sites?
San Bernardino Public Works inspects local sites for compliance with grading rules and street track-out. The Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board enforces the State Construction General Permit, and SCAQMD enforces PM10 dust rules.
Compare other topics
See how Chino and San Bernardino compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool