Monterey Park, CA Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Municipal Code § 6.30.050
- Permit trigger
- Any activity needing a CGP
- SWPPP required
- Disturbed area of 1 acre or more
- Sediment tracked off-site
- Must be removed same day
- Duration
- Demolition through certificate of occupancy
Summary
In the City of Monterey Park, Municipal Code Section 6.30.050 requires an NPDES Construction General Permit before grading or building permits are issued, and mandates specific best management practices to keep sediment, runoff, and construction debris from leaving a site or entering the storm drain system during demolition and new construction.
(a) Any person or business engaging in construction activity that requires an NPDES Construction General Permit (CGP) must obtain that permit from the State Water Resources Control Board and demonstrate possession of such permit before the city issues grading and/or building permits. ... (d) The following BMPs apply to all development in the city at the time of demolition of an existing structure or commencement of new construction and must remain in place until the city issues a certificate of occupancy: (1) Runoff, sediment and construction debris cannot leave the site and enter the MS4. (2) Any sediment or other materials which are tracked off-site must be removed the same day as they are tracked off-site. Where determined necessary by the authorized enforcement officer, a temporary sediment barrier must be installed.
Full Breakdown
Section 6.30.050, part of the stormwater chapter adopted by Ordinance No. 2100 in 2013, applies to every development in the city from demolition of an existing structure through issuance of a certificate of occupancy. Subsection (a) requires anyone doing construction that needs a state Construction General Permit to obtain it before the city will issue grading or building permits, and to keep it on-site for inspection. Subsection (b) requires developers disturbing one acre or more to show the enforcement officer that a notice of intent has been filed and a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) prepared before a grading permit issues.
Subsection (d) lists mandatory best management practices: runoff, sediment, and debris cannot leave the site; tracked-out sediment must be removed the same day, with a temporary sediment barrier required if the enforcement officer determines one is necessary; drainage controls such as detention ponds, dikes, filter berms, or downdrains must be used depending on topography and grading; plastic covering may be used to prevent erosion of exposed soil; excavated soil piles must be covered until used or removed; and vehicle washing runoff must not leave the site.
The city may also set reasonable limits on clearing vegetation, including how long soil can stay bare, and can prohibit bare soil in sensitive cases.
Violations & Fines
Failing to obtain the required NPDES Construction General Permit, file a SWPPP for disturbances of one acre or more, or implement the mandated BMPs is enforceable under Section 6.30.090 as an infraction or misdemeanor at the city attorney's discretion, or abated as a public nuisance, with enforcement costs recoverable from the responsible party and lienable against the property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a state permit before Monterey Park will issue a grading permit?
What erosion control steps does Monterey Park require during construction?
Is a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan always required in Monterey Park?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Monterey Park
California rules heatmap·Compare Monterey Park to another location·View the California environmental rules overview
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Erosion Control in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle erosion control.