San Bernardino County, CA Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- County Code § 35.0118
- Trigger
- Projects covered by MS4 permit
- Enforcement
- Director of Public Works
- Max civil fine
- $2,500 per day, per offense
- Applies to
- Unincorporated County only
Summary
Development projects in unincorporated San Bernardino County must submit a Water Quality Management Plan with structural BMPs before discharging runoff to the storm drain system.
A WQMP shall be prepared and submitted to the authorized representative for all projects subject to this requirement under the applicable MS4 permit. The WQMP shall include proposed structural BMPs as required in the applicable MS4 permit... In developing a WQMP, the owner(s)/user(s) shall demonstrate that the proposed structural BMPs will infiltrate, and/or adequately treat, the projected storm water and urban runoff for the development project.
Full Breakdown
Under County Code Chapter 35, any project that triggers the countywide MS4 permit must prepare a Water Quality Management Plan (WQMP) with structural best management practices to infiltrate or treat storm water and urban runoff, plus a signed maintenance schedule. Owners must also record a legally enforceable maintenance agreement with the County before connecting to the Storm Drain System, and that obligation runs with the land to successors and HOAs. The Director of Public Works or a Code Enforcement Officer administers the program under the Clean Water Act and the Regional Water Quality Control Board's NPDES permit.
Violations & Fines
Civil fines up to $2,500 per day per offense against industrial/commercial users, plus attorney's fees and litigation costs; willful or knowing violations are criminal, from a $50-$100 first-offense infraction up to a misdemeanor with a $500-$1,000 fine and up to six months in jail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every new home need a WQMP in San Bernardino County?
Who stays responsible for BMP maintenance after a sale?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Bernardino County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Bernardino County to another location·View the California environmental rules overview
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