Stormwater Management: Fontana vs Rialto
How do stormwater management rules compare between Fontana, CA and Rialto, CA?
Fontana and Rialto 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 →Rialto, CA
San Bernardino County
Rialto is a co-permittee on the San Bernardino County MS4 NPDES Permit issued by the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board (Order R8-2010-0036, NPDES No. CAS618036) and enforces stormwater quality controls under Title 13 (Public Services) of the Municipal Code. All non-stormwater discharges to the storm drain (including wash water, paint, oil, and sediment) are prohibited, and construction sites ≥1 acre require coverage under the Statewide Construction General Permit and a SWPPP.
View full Rialto rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fontana | Rialto |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| MS4 Permit | - | Santa Ana Region Order R8-2010-0036, NPDES CAS618036 |
| Construction permit threshold | - | ≥1 acre disturbed (Construction General Permit) |
| Local code | - | Rialto Municipal Code Title 13 - Public Services |
| Priority concern | - | Perchlorate plume - heightened source control |
| State authority | - | Cal. Water Code §§13260, 13385 |
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.
Rialto FAQ
Do I need a permit to wash my driveway in Rialto?
Wash water cannot discharge to the storm drain. Use dry methods (sweeping) or capture and dispose of wash water to the sanitary sewer with permission. Untreated discharge of soap, oil, or sediment to the gutter is an illicit discharge under Title 13.
When do I need a SWPPP for construction?
Any project disturbing 1 acre or more (including smaller sites that are part of a larger common plan) must obtain coverage under the State Construction General Permit and maintain a SWPPP. Smaller sites in Rialto still need erosion and sediment BMPs under the city WQMP.
Can I drain my pool to the street?
Only if dechlorinated and pH-neutral, and only with prior approval. Generally Rialto requires pool water to be discharged to the sanitary sewer via an approved cleanout.
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