Stormwater Management: Fontana vs Hesperia
How do stormwater management rules compare between Fontana, CA and Hesperia, CA?
Fontana and Hesperia have similar restriction levels.
Fontana, CA
San Bernardino County
Fontana enforces the MS4 stormwater permit from the Santa Ana RWQCB under the federal Clean Water Act. FMC rules prohibit non-stormwater discharges to storm drains and require construction BMPs.
View full Fontana rules →Hesperia, CA
San Bernardino County
Hesperia is a regulated small MS4 under the California State Water Resources Control Board's Phase II General Permit (Order WQ 2013-0001-DWQ as amended). The city's Storm Water Management Program (SWMP) is enforced by the Hesperia Engineering Department. All construction sites disturbing one acre or more must obtain coverage under the statewide Construction General Permit (Order 2022-0057-DWQ) and prepare a SWPPP; smaller residential sites must implement Erosion and Sediment Control Plans (ESCPs). Post-construction Water Quality Management Plans (WQMPs) are required for development projects per the Phase II Permit's post-construction provisions. Discharge of anything other than uncontaminated stormwater into the MS4 is prohibited.
View full Hesperia rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fontana | Hesperia |
|---|---|---|
| Governing Permit | Santa Ana RWQCB MS4 | - |
| Federal Law | Clean Water Act / NPDES | - |
| SWPPP Trigger | 1+ acre construction | - |
| LID | Priority development projects | - |
| Federal Fine Max | $64,618 per day | - |
| Permit basis | - | Phase II MS4 Order WQ 2013-0001-DWQ (as amended) |
| Regional oversight | - | Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board (Mojave River Watershed) |
| SWPPP trigger | - | Construction projects ≥1 acre (statewide Construction General Permit 2022-0057-DWQ) |
| Permitting office | - | Hesperia Engineering Department, 9700 Seventh Ave, (760) 947-1000 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fontana FAQ
Can I wash my car in my Fontana driveway?
Residential car washing is generally allowed if soapy water does not flow into the storm drain. Commercial washing must capture and discharge wash water to sanitary sewer or a treatment unit.
Do small home projects need a SWPPP?
No. SWPPPs are required for construction disturbing one or more acres of soil. Small projects must still prevent sediment and pollutants from entering storm drains.
Hesperia FAQ
Do I need a SWPPP for a single-family home?
Most single-family residential lots are under one acre and do not require a statewide Construction General Permit SWPPP, but the city's SWMP requires Erosion and Sediment Control Plans (ESCPs) and a stabilized construction entrance for residential builds. Larger residential subdivisions (≥1 acre of disturbed soil) require a SWPPP through the State Water Board's SMARTS system.
Who regulates stormwater in Hesperia?
Locally, the Hesperia Engineering Department administers the SWMP. Regionally, the Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board oversees compliance with the statewide Phase II MS4 General Permit (Order WQ 2013-0001-DWQ as amended).
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