Arcadia, CA Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)

Under Section 7827.A, before obtaining a grading or building permit, each operator of construction activity submits evidence to the Director that all applicable permits have been obtained, including the State Water Board's Construction Permit and State Water Board 401 Water Quality Certification. The operator implements the erosion and sediment control plan and BMPs the Director requires, and a SWPPP prepared under the General Construction Permit can substitute for the plan.

Section 7827.B blocks a grading permit for any development with a disturbed area of one (1) acre or greater unless a Notice of Intent to comply with the State Construction Activity Stormwater Permit has been filed and a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan has been prepared. Section 7827.C requires operators of sites under one (1) acre to prepare and submit an erosion and sediment control plan before a grading or building permit, and no construction activity starts before the Director gives written approval of the plan.

Plans for sites of less than one acre must address best management practices to control erosion and sediment and manage waste and non-stormwater in accordance with the Permit. Plans for sites of one acre or more cover all SWPPP elements plus methods to minimize the disturbed footprint and prevent soil compaction outside it, protection of native vegetation and trees, sediment and erosion control, controls to prevent tracking on and off the site, nonstormwater control such as vehicle washing and dewatering, material delivery and storage, spill prevention, waste management including concrete washout, the site Risk Level under the General Construction Permit, and the rationale for BMP selection including quantifying expected soil loss.

Section 7827.E requires plans for sites of one acre or more to be developed and certified by a Qualified SWPPP Developer and structural BMPs to be designed by a licensed California Engineer. Section 7827.F requires the landowner or landowner's agent to sign a certification acknowledging that failing to update the plan or to implement it can lead to revocation of grading and other permits and other sanctions.

Construction activity under Section 7810 covers any construction or demolition, clearing, grading, grubbing or excavation that results in land disturbance, and excludes emergency work to protect public health and safety and routine maintenance. Section 7810 defines a hillside as property where grading contemplates cut or fill on a natural slope of 25% or greater. Section 7830 lets Authorized Enforcement Officers enter to inspect, and Section 7830.E lets the City invoice reasonable inspection costs after an enforcement action.