San Bernardino, CA Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)

San Bernardino is a co-permittee under the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) NPDES permit, which prohibits non-stormwater discharges to city storm drains except for certain exempt flows like landscape irrigation runoff from properly adjusted systems. Common illicit discharges subject to enforcement include car wash water containing soap, paint wash water, pool drain water containing chlorine, concrete wash water, motor oil, sediment from unprotected construction sites, and pet waste. Residents and businesses may be cited by Code Enforcement for illicit discharges, with penalties up to 25,000 dollars per day under California Water Code 13385 for willful violations. New and redevelopment projects must implement Low Impact Development (LID) features to retain and infiltrate the first 3/4 inch of rainfall, including bioswales, permeable pavement, rain gardens, tree wells, and cisterns. Construction sites of 1 acre or more require coverage under the State Construction General Permit including a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) with erosion and sediment controls, and San Bernardino Public Works inspects for compliance. The Santa Ana River traverses the city and is a Clean Water Act-listed receiving water sensitive to bacteria, nutrients, and sediment, making watershed discharges a priority enforcement area. Residents can report spills and illicit discharges to the City of San Bernardino Stormwater Hotline. Used motor oil is collected free at participating auto parts stores.