Garden Grove vs Santa Ana
How do stormwater management rules compare between Garden Grove, CA and Santa Ana, CA?
Garden Grove has fewer restrictions than Santa Ana.
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 →Santa Ana, CA
Orange County
Santa Ana enforces stormwater management regulations under its Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit issued by the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board. The city requires construction sites and new development to implement Best Management Practices to prevent pollutants from entering the storm drain system. Post-construction stormwater controls are mandated for qualifying projects under the Orange County NPDES permit.
View full Santa Ana rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Garden Grove | Santa Ana |
|---|---|---|
| Governing Code | Municipal Code Title 14 | - |
| Regional Permit | OC NPDES MS4 Permit | - |
| SWPPP Required | Sites disturbing 1+ acre | - |
| LID Required | New development/redevelopment | - |
| Public Works | (714) 741-5375 | - |
| Permit Type | - | NPDES MS4 permit |
| Regional Board | - | Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board |
| BMP Required | - | Construction and post-construction BMPs |
| Contact | - | Public Works — (714) 647-5074 |
| County Permit | - | Orange County area-wide MS4 permit |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Santa Ana FAQ
What stormwater rules apply to construction in Santa Ana?
All construction sites must implement Best Management Practices to prevent sediment and pollutants from entering the storm drain system. Larger projects require a SWPPP under the state Construction General Permit.
Does Santa Ana require post-construction stormwater controls?
Yes. New development and significant redevelopment must incorporate permanent stormwater treatment controls as required by the Orange County MS4 permit.
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