Stormwater Management: Daly City vs San Mateo

Can I wash my car in my driveway?

Wash water that runs to the street storm drain is a prohibited discharge under the MRP and SMCWPPP rules. Use a commercial car wash that recycles wash water, or wash on a vegetated/gravel area where soapy water soaks in instead of running to the gutter.

Do small home additions need stormwater treatment?

Residential projects that create or replace less than 10,000 sq ft of impervious surface are generally below the C.3 Regulated Project threshold, but construction-site BMPs (silt fence, covered material storage, no concrete washout into the gutter) are still required by the MRP and by Daly City's grading/erosion-control rules.

Can I drain my pool to the street?

Chlorinated, copper-treated, or salt pool water is a prohibited discharge. Dechlorinate, then discharge slowly to landscape, or coordinate with North San Mateo County Sanitation District for sanitary-sewer discharge — never to a storm drain inlet or gutter.

What stormwater rules apply to my project?

Projects creating or replacing 5,000+ square feet of impervious surface must implement permanent stormwater BMPs reviewed during the permit process.

Can I wash my car in the driveway?

Car wash runoff containing soap and chemicals should not enter the storm drain. Use a commercial car wash or wash over permeable surfaces.

Where does San Mateo's stormwater go?

The city's storm drain system discharges to San Francisco Bay without treatment, which is why pollution prevention is critical.