Stormwater Management: Costa Mesa vs Midway City
How do stormwater management rules compare between Costa Mesa, CA and Midway City, CA?
Costa Mesa has fewer restrictions than Midway City.
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 →Midway City, CA
Orange County
Orange County enforces stormwater quality under two Phase I NPDES MS4 Permits issued by the Santa Ana and San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Boards. Title 9 of the OCCO (Water Quality) and the NPDES program require all construction and development projects in unincorporated areas to implement Best Management Practices (BMPs) and submit a Water Quality Management Plan (WQMP) before grading or building permits are issued.
View full Midway City rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Costa Mesa | Midway City |
|---|---|---|
| Governing Code | CMMC Title 14 - Water Quality | OCCO Title 9 / NPDES MS4 Permits |
| Regional Permit | OC NPDES MS4 Permit | - |
| SWPPP Required | Sites disturbing 1+ acre | - |
| LID Required | New development/redevelopment | - |
| Public Works | (714) 754-5343 | - |
| WQMP Required | - | Before grading/building permit |
| ESCP Required | - | All grading plan submittals |
| Permittees | - | 34 co-permittees countywide |
| Enforcement | - | OC Public Works / RWQCB |
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.
Midway City FAQ
Do I need a stormwater plan for construction in unincorporated Orange County?
Yes. All non-exempt construction projects must submit a Water Quality Management Plan (WQMP) and an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan (ESCP) before obtaining grading or building permits from OC Development Services.
Who enforces stormwater regulations in unincorporated Orange County?
OC Public Works and the Regional Water Quality Control Boards (Santa Ana for North OC, San Diego for South OC) enforce NPDES stormwater requirements. The H2OC program coordinates regional compliance.
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