Stormwater Management: Huntington Beach vs Santa Ana
How do stormwater management rules compare between Huntington Beach, CA and Santa Ana, CA?
Huntington Beach has fewer restrictions than Santa Ana.
Huntington Beach, CA
Orange County
Huntington Beach enforces stormwater quality management under its NPDES permit and municipal code. New development must implement post-construction BMPs. Illicit discharges to the storm drain system are prohibited.
View full Huntington Beach 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 | Huntington Beach | Santa Ana |
|---|---|---|
| NPDES Permit | Required compliance | - |
| New Development | Post-construction BMPs required | - |
| Illicit Discharge | Prohibited | - |
| Construction Sites | Erosion/sediment BMPs required | - |
| Reporting | Public Works Department | - |
| 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.
Huntington Beach FAQ
What can I not put in the storm drain in Huntington Beach?
No paint, chemicals, wash water, oil, or other pollutants may be discharged to the storm drain system. Only clean rainwater should enter drains.
Do I need stormwater BMPs for my new construction?
Most new development and significant redevelopment projects must include post-construction stormwater quality BMPs per the city's NPDES permit.
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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