Compare Regulations
Compare state baseline against local requirements in a single view
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Compare state baseline against local requirements in a single view
Rows with an amber indicator differ across selections.
| Field | State California SWRCB | Local Los Angeles County (Unincorporated) Los Angeles County Department of Public Works |
|---|---|---|
| Permit | ||
| Permit / Authorization | Construction General Permit (Order 2009-0009-DWQ, as amended) | Grading Permit with LID Standards Compliance |
| Submit To | SWRCB | Los Angeles County Department of Public Works |
| Lead Time | NOI must be filed and permit coverage obtained before grading/construction begins | Plan review 4–8 weeks; LID compliance reviewed as part of grading/building permit |
| Application Method | Online via Stormwater Multiple Application and Report Tracking System (SMARTS) | Online via LA County Department of Public Works; LID plan submitted with permit package |
| Fee | Annual fee based on acreage: < 5 acres = $900; 5–49 acres = $1,200; ≥ 50 acres = $2,200 | Grading permit fees based on earthwork volume; LID plan review included |
| Water Quality | ||
| Impervious Cover Limit | No statewide limit | No countywide cap; projects creating ≥ 500 sq ft of new or replaced impervious surface in unincorporated areas trigger LID requirements (one of the lowest thresholds in CA) |
| On-Site Treatment Required | Not specified at state level | Yes |
| Detention Required | Not specified at state level | Yes — Retain the 85th-percentile 24-hour storm on-site; if infeasible, biofiltration of 1.5× the design volume. County's LID Standards Manual governs sizing and selection. |
| Turbidity / Discharge Standard | Risk Level 3 sites: effluent must meet 10 NTU turbidity limit at discharge point; Risk Level 2: 250 NTU; Risk Level 1: narrative standard | Must comply with state CGP and LA County MS4 Permit (Order R4-2012-0175 as amended) receiving water limitations |
| SWPPP | ||
| SWPPP / Local Plan Required | Yes | Yes — Erosion and Sediment Control Plan (construction); LID Plan / Standard Urban Stormwater Mitigation Plan (post-construction) |
| PE Stamp Required | No | Yes |
| Inspections | ||
| Inspection Requirements | Risk Level 1: Visual inspections every 24 hours during active rain. Risk Level 2–3: Rain Event Action Plans required; inspections during and after qualifying storms | County inspects grading and erosion control during construction. Post-construction LID facilities require recorded covenants and maintenance agreements. Annual self-inspection and periodic county verification. |
| Inspector Qualification | Qualified SWPPP Practitioner (QSP) for Risk Level 2 and 3 sites; Qualified SWPPP Developer (QSD) must prepare the SWPPP | QSP/QSD per state CGP; no additional county certification |
| Design & Zones | ||
| Local Design Manual | N/A — state level | LA County LID Standards Manual |
| Special Overlay Zones | N/A — see local jurisdictions | Significant Ecological Area (SEA), Hillside Management Area, Santa Monica Bay Watershed |