Stormwater Management: Costa Mesa vs Garden Grove
How do stormwater management rules compare between Costa Mesa, CA and Garden Grove, CA?
Costa Mesa and Garden Grove have similar restriction levels.
Costa Mesa, CA
Orange County
Costa Mesa regulates stormwater runoff as a co-permittee under the Orange County NPDES MS4 Permit issued by the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board. New development and significant redevelopment must incorporate best management practices and Low Impact Development strategies to prevent polluted runoff from reaching storm drains and waterways.
View full Costa Mesa rules →Garden Grove, CA
Orange County
Garden Grove regulates stormwater runoff under Municipal Code Title 14 and the Orange County NPDES MS4 Permit. New development and significant redevelopment must incorporate best management practices to prevent polluted runoff from reaching storm drains, channels, and ultimately the Pacific Ocean.
View full Garden Grove rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Costa Mesa | Garden Grove |
|---|---|---|
| Governing Code | CMMC Title 14 - Water Quality | Municipal Code Title 14 |
| Regional Permit | OC NPDES MS4 Permit | OC NPDES MS4 Permit |
| SWPPP Required | Sites disturbing 1+ acre | Sites disturbing 1+ acre |
| LID Required | New development/redevelopment | New development/redevelopment |
| Public Works | (714) 754-5343 | (714) 741-5375 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Costa Mesa FAQ
What can I not put into Costa Mesa storm drains?
It is illegal to discharge anything other than stormwater into the storm drain system. This includes wash water, pool water, paint, oil, pesticides, fertilizer runoff, and sediment. Storm drains in Costa Mesa flow untreated to local waterways and ultimately the Pacific Ocean.
Do I need a WQMP for my construction project in Costa Mesa?
Yes, new development and significant redevelopment projects must prepare a Water Quality Management Plan incorporating LID strategies and BMPs. Projects disturbing one or more acres also need a state Construction General Permit and SWPPP.
Who enforces stormwater rules in Costa Mesa?
Costa Mesa Public Works and Code Enforcement handle local stormwater compliance. The Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board oversees the regional NPDES MS4 Permit. Contact Public Works at (714) 754-5343 for questions.
Garden Grove FAQ
What can I not put into Garden Grove storm drains?
It is illegal to discharge anything other than stormwater into the storm drain system. This includes wash water, pool water, paint, oil, pesticides, fertilizer runoff, and sediment. Storm drains flow untreated to local waterways.
Do I need a WQMP for my construction project in Garden Grove?
Yes, new development and significant redevelopment projects must prepare a Water Quality Management Plan incorporating LID strategies and BMPs. Projects disturbing one or more acres also need a state Construction General Permit and SWPPP.
Who enforces stormwater rules in Garden Grove?
Garden Grove Public Works and Code Enforcement enforce local stormwater rules. The Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board oversees the NPDES MS4 permit. Contact Public Works at (714) 741-5375 for questions.
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