Sacramento requires erosion and sediment control measures for all construction and grading activities under City Code Title 15 (Buildings and Construction) and the City's grading ordinance. Projects disturbing one or more acres must file a Notice of Intent with the State Water Resources Control Board and prepare a SWPPP. The City enforces heightened erosion controls during the rainy season (October 1 through May 31).
All grading permits require an erosion and sediment control plan showing BMPs such as silt fences, fiber rolls, hydroseeding, stabilized construction entrances, and sediment basins. Disturbed areas must be stabilized within 14 days if no further grading is planned. During the rainy season, all exposed soil on construction sites must have erosion controls in place before any anticipated storm event. The City's Department of Utilities inspects sites for compliance with local and state requirements.
Failure to implement erosion controls can result in stop-work orders, administrative citations, and fines. Projects that discharge sediment to waterways face additional enforcement from the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board including penalties up to $10,000 per day under the Clean Water Act.
Sacramento, CA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Sacramento County.
See how other cities in Sacramento County handle erosion control.
See how Sacramento's erosion control rules stack up against other locations.
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