San Francisco requires erosion and sediment control measures on all construction sites disturbing soil. The Building Code and Public Works Code mandate best management practices (BMPs) to prevent sediment discharge into the storm drain system and San Francisco Bay.
Construction sites must implement erosion control BMPs including silt fences, fiber rolls, inlet protection, and stabilized construction entrances. Projects disturbing 1+ acres must obtain NPDES General Construction Permit coverage from the State Water Resources Control Board. SFPUC and DBI enforce local requirements. All grading and excavation permits require an erosion control plan.
Violations can result in stop-work orders, administrative fines, and potential state enforcement under the NPDES permit. Penalties for illicit discharge to storm drains can reach $10,000/day under the Clean Water Act.
San Francisco, CA
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See how San Francisco's erosion control rules stack up against other locations.
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