San Diego County, CA Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- County Code § 67.809
- Required BMPs
- erosion, sediment, run-on/run-off control
- Plan due
- before construction permit issues
- Enforced by
- Director of Public Works
- Max penalty
- $1,000 fine or 6 months jail
Summary
Construction projects with land disturbance in unincorporated San Diego County must install and maintain erosion control, sediment control, and run-on/run-off control BMPs year-round, with a stormwater quality plan submitted before permit issuance.
All owners of land on which a construction project is performed and all persons performing the work...shall ensure that the following additional types of BMPs shall be installed, implemented, and maintained year round: (1) Project planning; (2) Good site management "Housekeeping", including waste management; (3) Non-stormwater management; (4) Erosion control; (5) Sediment control; (6) Run-on and run-off control; and (7) Active/passive sediment treatment systems, where applicable.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-141: Administrative: Current through Ord. No. 11007 (N.S.), effective 7-10-26 | Regulatory: Current through Ord. No. 11008 (N.S.), effective 7-24-26).
Full Breakdown
Under the county's Watershed Protection, Stormwater Management and Discharge Control Ordinance (County Code Chapter 67, Division 7, Title 6), every owner and contractor on a construction project involving land disturbance in unincorporated San Diego County must install erosion control, sediment control, and run-on/run-off control BMPs, inspecting and maintaining them after every rain event. Before a permit issues, the applicant must submit a stormwater quality management plan or erosion/pollution control plan to the Director of Public Works or the authorized enforcement official. The rule applies whether or not a permit is otherwise required for the work.
Violations & Fines
First-time infractions draw up to a $100 fine, rising to $200 and then $500 for repeat violations within a year; a misdemeanor charge carries up to 6 months in jail or a $1,000 fine, with each day of noncompliance a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this rule apply inside the City of San Diego?
Is a building permit required to trigger the BMP requirement?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Diego County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Diego County to another location·View the California environmental rules overview
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