San Jose enforces strict stormwater management under Municipal Code Chapter 20.95 and the Santa Clara Valley Urban Runoff Pollution Prevention Program (SCVURPPP) NPDES permit. All new development and redevelopment projects disturbing 10,000+ sq ft must implement post-construction stormwater treatment per the C.3 provisions. Low Impact Development (LID) measures such as bioretention, pervious paving, and green roofs are required. Illicit discharges to the storm drain system are prohibited under SJMC §20.95.300.
The City's stormwater program implements the Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit (MRP) issued by the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board. Projects creating or replacing 10,000+ sq ft of impervious surface must treat stormwater runoff using approved LID measures designed to retain the 85th percentile 24-hour storm event. Construction sites must implement erosion and sediment control BMPs per a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). The City conducts inspections of construction sites and industrial facilities for compliance.
Violations of stormwater regulations can result in administrative citations up to $2,500 per day, stop-work orders, and referral to the Regional Water Quality Control Board for additional enforcement including fines up to $10,000 per day under the Clean Water Act.
San Jose, CA
San Jose Municipal Code Title 7 (Animal Care and Control) requires dogs in public places, city parks, and trails to be on a leash no longer than six feet, re...
San Jose, CA
San Jose imposes no general restriction on year-round lawn ornaments, statuary, or religious displays on private residential property. The sign code (SJMC Ch...
San Jose, CA
San Jose has no city ordinance specifically regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Size, height, and motor noise are not restricted by the munic...
San Jose, CA
San Jose has no ordinance limiting the duration, brightness, or hours of residential holiday lighting. The general nuisance provisions in SJMC Title 6 and th...
San Jose, CA
A built-in outdoor kitchen in San Jose typically requires multiple permits: a building permit for any structural roof or counter exceeding the patio cover ex...
San Jose, CA
San Jose does not have a dedicated ordinance for backyard smokers, pellet grills, or wood-fired ovens. Use is governed by the multifamily balcony restriction...
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