Orange County enforces stormwater quality under two Phase I NPDES MS4 Permits issued by the Santa Ana and San Diego Regional Water Quality Control Boards. Title 9 of the OCCO (Water Quality) and the NPDES program require all construction and development projects in unincorporated areas to implement Best Management Practices (BMPs) and submit a Water Quality Management Plan (WQMP) before grading or building permits are issued.
Under the County's NPDES Stormwater Program, non-exempt projects in unincorporated Orange County must prepare and submit a project-specific Water Quality Management Plan (WQMP) describing permanent post-construction BMPs before any grading or building permit is issued. An Erosion and Sediment Control Plan (ESCP) must accompany all grading and building plan submittals. Title 9 of the OCCO governs water quality standards for the OC Flood Control District, prohibiting non-stormwater discharges to the storm drain system. The H2OC regional program coordinates compliance across all 34 co-permittees. Construction sites disturbing one acre or more must also obtain coverage under the State Construction General Permit (CGP) and file a Notice of Intent with the State Water Resources Control Board.
Violations of NPDES permit conditions can result in state-imposed penalties up to $10,000 per day per violation under the Clean Water Act. The County may issue stop-work orders, withhold grading permits, or require corrective action. Failure to implement required BMPs may result in enforcement by the Regional Water Quality Control Board.
Mission Viejo, CA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Orange County.
See how other cities in Orange County handle stormwater management.
See how Mission Viejo's stormwater management rules stack up against other locations.
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