Erosion Control: Mountain View vs San Jose
How do erosion control rules compare between Mountain View, CA and San Jose, CA?
Mountain View and San Jose have similar restriction levels.
Mountain View, CA
Santa Clara County
Construction sites in Mountain View must install erosion control BMPs year-round, with enhanced measures October 1 through April 30. Sites over 1 acre need a Construction General Permit.
View full Mountain View rules →San Jose, CA
Santa Clara County
San Jose requires erosion and sediment control plans for all construction and grading activities under SJMC Title 17 (Building Code) and Title 20 (Zoning). Projects disturbing one or more acres must file a Notice of Intent with the State Water Resources Control Board and prepare a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). The City enforces erosion controls during the rainy season (October 15 through April 15) with heightened inspection and compliance requirements.
View full San Jose rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mountain View | San Jose |
|---|---|---|
| CGP threshold | 1 acre disturbed | - |
| Rainy season | October 1 - April 30 | - |
| Soil cover deadline | Before forecasted rain | - |
| SWPPP requirement | On-site documentation | - |
| Max daily fine | 10,000 dollars Clean Water Act | - |
| Code Section | - | SJMC Title 17 & Title 20 |
| Rainy Season | - | October 15 - April 15 heightened requirements |
| State Threshold | - | 1+ acre disturbance requires SWPPP |
| Stabilization | - | Disturbed areas must be stabilized within 14 days |
| BMPs Required | - | Silt fences, fiber rolls, stabilized entrances |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mountain View FAQ
Does my home remodel need erosion control?
Any construction site that disturbs soil must install basic BMPs like silt fences and storm drain inlet protection regardless of size. The rainy season requires additional soil stabilization.
What is a SWPPP?
A Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan documents the BMPs, monitoring, and responsible parties for controlling sediment on a construction site. Required for any project over 1 acre.
San Jose FAQ
Do I need an erosion control plan for a small landscaping project?
Projects that do not require a grading permit generally do not need a formal erosion control plan, but you must still prevent sediment from entering the storm drain system.
When are erosion control inspections conducted?
The City inspects construction sites before and during storm events, particularly during the October 15 to April 15 rainy season.
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