Berkeley Clean Stormwater Ordinance BMC Chapter 17.20 prohibits non-stormwater discharges to storm drains and requires stormwater treatment for projects creating or replacing 2,500 square feet of impervious surface.
Berkeley Municipal Code Chapter 17.20 (Clean Stormwater) implements the Alameda Countywide Clean Water Program and Regional Water Quality Control Board MS4 permit. The ordinance prohibits discharge of any pollutant into storm drains including wash water, paint, oil, pet waste, yard debris, and swimming pool water. Only uncontaminated stormwater may enter the storm drain system which flows untreated to San Francisco Bay. Development projects creating or replacing 2,500 square feet or more of impervious surface must install treatment BMPs (bioretention, green roofs, pervious paving). Projects over 10,000 square feet must also meet hydromodification management standards. Construction sites require erosion and sediment controls. Fines for illicit discharges range from 100 to 10,000 dollars. Report violations to the city stormwater hotline.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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