Stormwater Management: Mountain View vs San Jose
How do stormwater management 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
Mountain View enforces MRP 3.0 requiring C.3 treatment for projects creating 5,000 sq ft or more of impervious surface. Illicit discharges to storm drains are prohibited and fined.
View full Mountain View rules →San Jose, CA
Santa Clara County
San Jose enforces strict stormwater management under Municipal Code Chapter 20.95 and the Santa Clara Valley Urban Runoff Pollution Prevention Program (SCVURPPP) NPDES permit. All new development and redevelopment projects disturbing 10,000+ sq ft must implement post-construction stormwater treatment per the C.3 provisions. Low Impact Development (LID) measures such as bioretention, pervious paving, and green roofs are required. Illicit discharges to the storm drain system are prohibited under SJMC §20.95.300.
View full San Jose rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mountain View | San Jose |
|---|---|---|
| Permit authority | MRP 3.0 Bay Area | - |
| C.3 threshold | 5,000 sq ft impervious | - |
| Design storm | 85th percentile rainfall | - |
| Illicit discharge | Prohibited, fines apply | - |
| Receiving waters | Stevens Creek, Permanente Creek | - |
| Code Section | - | SJMC Chapter 20.95 |
| Threshold | - | 10,000 sq ft impervious surface triggers C.3 requirements |
| Design Storm | - | 85th percentile 24-hour rainfall event |
| NPDES Permit | - | Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit (MRP) |
| Program | - | SCVURPPP regional collaboration |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mountain View FAQ
Do I need stormwater treatment for a home addition?
Single-family additions creating over 2,500 sq ft of new impervious surface trigger Small Project requirements like directing roof runoff to vegetated areas. Projects under 2,500 sq ft generally are exempt.
Can I wash my car in the driveway?
Residential car washing with biodegradable soap is allowed, but runoff should be directed to landscaping, not the storm drain. Commercial car washing must occur at licensed facilities.
San Jose FAQ
Do I need a stormwater plan for my home remodel?
If your project creates or replaces 10,000+ sq ft of impervious surface, you must implement C.3 stormwater treatment measures. Smaller projects may still need erosion controls during construction.
Can I wash my car on my driveway?
Washing vehicles on paved surfaces where runoff enters the storm drain is discouraged. Use a commercial car wash or wash on a permeable surface where water infiltrates the ground.
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