Stormwater Management: Hesperia vs Ontario
How do stormwater management rules compare between Hesperia, CA and Ontario, CA?
Hesperia and Ontario have similar restriction levels.
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 →Ontario, CA
San Bernardino County
Ontario enforces the Santa Ana Regional MS4 permit requiring erosion control, trash capture, and Low Impact Development for projects over 5,000 square feet, with enforcement through OMC Chapter 5 Article VI.
View full Ontario rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Hesperia | Ontario |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Permit | - | Santa Ana Regional MS4 |
| Code | - | OMC Ch 5 Art VI |
| CGP threshold | - | 1 acre disturbance |
| LID threshold | - | 5,000 sq ft impervious |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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).
Ontario FAQ
Can I wash my driveway down the street?
No, wash water is a prohibited non-stormwater discharge; dry sweep first and capture any wash water for disposal.
Do I need a SWPPP for a home addition?
Only if the addition disturbs 1 acre or more of soil; smaller projects follow local erosion-control Best Management Practices.
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