Buena Park, CA Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)
Key Facts
- Trigger
- Grading permit, 5+ disturbed acres
- Requires
- Proof of NPDES Construction General Permit
- Reviewed by
- Planning, Engineering, Building Departments
- Governing chapter
- BPMC Chapter 13.32, Stormwater Drainage
- Enacted
- Ordinance 1355 § 1 (1997)
Summary
Buena Park's stormwater ordinance blocks grading permits for construction sites disturbing five acres or more until the applicant proves coverage under the state's NPDES general permit for construction activity: the city's core erosion and sediment control safeguard.
No grading permit for construction activities which will disturb five acres or more (or less than five acres, if it is part of a larger common plan of development or sale which is five acres or more) until proof of coverage with the state general permit regarding construction activity is verified. The proof of coverage may include a confirming letter from the regional water quality control board, a copy of the applicant's notice of intent, or other similar confirming documentation.
3. Notwithstanding Section 13.32.030(A)(1) and (A)(2), compliance with the development project guidance shall not be required for construction or modification of one single-family detached residence unless the director determines that the construction may result in the discharge of significant levels of a pollutant into a tributary to the stormwater drainage system.
4. Compliance with the conditions and requirements of the DAMP shall not exempt any person from the requirement to independently comply with each provision of this chapter.
5. If the director determines that the project will have a de minimis impact on the quality of stormwater runoff, then it may issue a written waiver of the requirement for compliance with the provisions of the development project guidance.
6.
Full Breakdown
Buena Park Municipal Code Chapter 13.32 (Stormwater Drainage) ties grading-permit issuance to state erosion control. For any construction activity disturbing five acres or more, or less than five acres if part of a larger five-acre plan of development, the city will not issue a grading permit until the applicant shows proof of coverage under the state's NPDES Construction General Permit, which mandates a stormwater pollution prevention plan with erosion and sediment best management practices. Smaller new-development and redevelopment projects still face conditions drawn from the Orange County Drainage Area Management Plan before Planning, Engineering, or Building approval.
Violations & Fines
Building without valid grading-permit coverage, or violating imposed DAMP conditions, draws a notice of noncompliance, administrative compliance order, or cease-and-desist order, plus city cost-recovery invoices and possible civil or criminal enforcement under Chapter 13.32.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Buena Park require an erosion control plan for construction?
Are small residential projects exempt?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Buena Park
California rules heatmap·Compare Buena Park to another location·View the California environmental rules overview
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Erosion Control in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Orange County handle erosion control.