Erosion Control: San Jose vs Sunnyvale
How do erosion control rules compare between San Jose, CA and Sunnyvale, CA?
Sunnyvale has fewer restrictions than San Jose.
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 →Sunnyvale, CA
Santa Clara County
Sunnyvale requires erosion and sediment controls on grading and construction sites under SMC Chapter 18 and the Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit.
View full Sunnyvale rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | San Jose | Sunnyvale |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| State threshold | - | 1 acre triggers CGP |
| Wet season | - | Oct 1 - Apr 30 |
| Common BMPs | - | Silt fence, fiber rolls, inlet protection |
| Enforcement | - | Stop-work possible |
| Homeowner duty | - | Keep sediment on site |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Sunnyvale FAQ
Do small backyard projects need erosion controls?
Yes. Even small projects must prevent sediment from entering sidewalks, gutters, and storm drains.
What is a winterization plan?
A set of BMPs installed before the wet season to protect exposed soil during storm events.
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