Paramount, CA Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)

The City of Paramount handles construction runoff through permit conditions rather than a standalone grading standard. Section 8.20.090 bars anyone from commencing construction activity for which a Title 15 permit is required without implementing all stormwater and runoff pollution mitigation measures required by that permit. Section 8.20.170 then requires every BMP set as a condition of a Title 15 construction permit to be maintained in full force and effect during the term of the project, unless the Director authorizes otherwise. The code defines construction activity as any construction or demolition activity, clearing, grading, grubbing, or excavation or any other activity that results in land disturbance, and defines a disturbed area as an area altered by clearing, grading, and/or excavation. Emergency construction to protect public health and safety and routine maintenance are excluded.

Within the stormwater chapter, erosion is named in one operative place: § 8.20.180 lists implementing soil erosion control among the minimum BMPs for industrial and commercial facilities, alongside spill prevention and control procedures, good housekeeping, and directing stormwater runoff away from operating, processing, fueling, cleaning and storage areas. The chapter does not print silt fence, basin or stabilization specifications, so the measures a site must install are the ones written into its permit.

Larger projects face more. Under § 8.20.210, a project with one acre or greater of disturbed area that adds more than 10,000 square feet of impervious surface must prepare a Low Impact Development plan, and the City reviews that plan before grading and building permits are issued. The Director can inspect any construction activity, with owner permission or an administrative inspection warrant, and can sample runoff and photograph BMPs (§ 8.20.250). An uncontrolled discharge must be reported by telephone at once and in writing within 10 calendar days (§ 8.20.150). Separately, § 8.37.030 bars the owner of a vacant property from allowing a lack of vegetation that creates or promotes dust or soil erosion.