Santa Clara, CA Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- SCCC § 13.20.050
- One-acre threshold
- NOI + site-specific SWPPP required
- Plan approval
- Erosion/sediment control plan required pre-disturbance
- Max administrative penalty
- $1,000/violation, $10,000/day
- Permit dependency
- Permit coverage proof required before building permits
Summary
Santa Clara requires every construction site owner and operator to run erosion, sediment and runoff controls through all phases of building, from clearing to final landscaping, and to file a City-approved erosion and sediment control plan before work proceeds under City Code Chapter 13.20.
All construction site owners/operators shall implement and maintain adequate and effective erosion control, runon and runoff control, sediment control, active treatment systems (as appropriate), dewatering, good site management, and nonstormwater management through all phases of construction (including, but not limited to, grubbing, clearing, site grading, filling, excavation, leveling, building, landscaping, and finishing of lots) until the site is fully stabilized by landscaping or the installation of permanent erosion control measures. All temporary erosion and sediment control measures shall be removed upon completion of construction.
Full Breakdown
050 (Stormwater management requirements for construction sites), every construction site owner or operator must implement and maintain adequate erosion control, runon and runoff control, sediment control, active treatment systems where appropriate, dewatering controls, good site management, and nonstormwater management through all phases of construction, including grubbing, clearing, site grading, filling, excavation, leveling, building, landscaping, and finishing of lots, until the site is fully stabilized by landscaping or permanent erosion control measures. Temporary erosion and sediment controls must come out once construction is complete. 050(b). 050(c)). 050(d)). 080. 010).
Violations & Fines
Failing to implement or maintain adequate BMPs year-round under the approved erosion and sediment control plan or SWPPP is a violation of Chapter 13.20 (§ 13.20.050(d)), triggering a City-set correction deadline at the owner's cost. Under § 13.20.170, the City Manager may assess administrative penalties up to $1,000 per violation and $10,000 per day, on top of inspection, cleanup, and abatement costs, and § 13.20.150 allows criminal, civil, or administrative prosecution with citation authority held by the City Manager and designated agents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every construction project in Santa Clara need a SWPPP?
When do erosion controls have to come out?
What happens if a Santa Clara construction site does not maintain its BMPs?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Clara
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Clara to another location·View the California environmental rules overview
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Stormwater Management in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Santa Clara County handle stormwater management.