SW

Stormwater Directory

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City of San Diego(3 more)

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Field
Local
City of San Diego
City of San Diego Development Services Department (DSD)
Permit
Permit / AuthorizationStorm Water Standards Manual Compliance — Priority Development Project (PDP) or Standard Project
Submit ToCity of San Diego Development Services Department (DSD)
Lead TimePlan review 4–8 weeks; storm water compliance check integrated into building/grading permit review
Application MethodOnline via DSD's OpenDSD portal (opendsd.sandiego.gov); storm water study submitted as part of permit package
FeeIncluded in grading/building permit fees; no separate stormwater permit fee
Water Quality
Impervious Cover LimitNo citywide cap; PDP threshold: projects creating ≥ 5,000 sq ft of new impervious surface, or redevelopment of ≥ 5,000 sq ft
On-Site Treatment RequiredYes
Detention RequiredYes — Retain or biofilter the 85th-percentile 24-hour storm; hydromodification management required for projects discharging to erosion-susceptible channels
Turbidity / Discharge StandardMust comply with San Diego Regional Water Board Basin Plan; construction sites must meet state CGP turbidity limits based on Risk Level
SWPPP
SWPPP / Local Plan RequiredYes — Storm Water Quality Management Plan (SWQMP) for post-construction; SWPPP per state CGP for construction phase
PE Stamp RequiredYes
Inspections
Inspection RequirementsCity inspectors verify BMP installation at grading and final inspection milestones. Post-construction BMPs require annual self-certification. City may conduct compliance audits.
Inspector QualificationQSP/QSD per state CGP; no additional city-specific certification
Design & Zones
Local Design ManualCity of San Diego Storm Water Standards Manual
Special Overlay ZonesCoastal Overlay Zone, Environmentally Sensitive Lands (ESL), Watershed Protection Overlay Zone