San Francisco Public Works Code Article 4.2, Section 147 requires projects creating or replacing 5,000+ sq ft of impervious surface in combined sewer areas (or 2,500+ sq ft in separate sewer areas) to install and maintain stormwater management controls. The Stormwater Management Ordinance aims to reduce volume entering the combined and separate sewer systems and protect receiving water quality.
All applicable projects must submit a Stormwater Control Plan to SFPUC for review. Low Impact Development (LID) approaches such as bioretention, permeable pavement, and green roofs are required to manage stormwater on-site. Maintenance agreements run with the property and must be recorded. SFPUC conducts inspections to verify ongoing compliance. The city also enforces the federal NPDES Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit requirements.
Failure to install or maintain required stormwater controls can result in enforcement actions by SFPUC, including notices of violation, administrative penalties up to $1,000/day, and withholding of building permits or certificates of occupancy.
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See how San Francisco's stormwater management rules stack up against other locations.
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