Chino, CA Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)
Key Facts
- WQMP required
- before grading/building permit issues
- New development trigger
- 10,000+ sq ft impervious surface
- Significant redevelopment trigger
- 5,000+ sq ft impervious surface
- Administered by
- Director of Public Works/City Engineer
Summary
Chino requires a city-approved Water Quality Management Plan before grading or building permits issue on qualifying development and redevelopment projects that add significant impervious surface.
Prior to the issuance of any grading or building permit, all qualifying land development/redevelopment projects shall obtain the director of public works or city engineer or his or her designee's approval of a water quality management plan (WQMP)... Qualifying development/redevelopment projects include:1.All significant redevelopment projects... 2.New development projects that create ten thousand square feet or more of impervious surface, collectively over the entire project site, including commercial, industrial and residential housing subdivisions.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 38).
Full Breakdown
Before any grading or building permit is issued, qualifying land development or redevelopment projects must get the Director of Public Works or City Engineer to approve a Water Quality Management Plan (WQMP) identifying the best management practices that will control stormwater and nonstormwater pollutants. Qualifying projects include all significant redevelopment (generally adding 5,000+ sq. ft. of impervious surface) and new development creating 10,000 sq. ft. or more of impervious surface, plus specific triggers for vehicle shops, food service, hillside grading, parking lots and gas stations.
Violations & Fines
Each day an owner or responsible party fails to implement an approved WQMP is a separate violation; the city can require BMP repair, rebuilding or replacement and pursue nuisance abatement and civil penalties up to $25,000 per day under Gov. Code § 54739 et seq.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every construction project in Chino need a WQMP?
What happens if a WQMP isn't followed after approval?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chino
California rules heatmap·Compare Chino to another location·View the California environmental rules overview
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Stormwater Management in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Bernardino County handle stormwater management.