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 City of San Diego City of San Diego Development Services Department (DSD) |
|---|---|---|
| Permit | ||
| Permit / Authorization | Construction General Permit (Order 2009-0009-DWQ, as amended) | Storm Water Standards Manual Compliance — Priority Development Project (PDP) or Standard Project |
| Submit To | SWRCB | City of San Diego Development Services Department (DSD) |
| Lead Time | NOI must be filed and permit coverage obtained before grading/construction begins | Plan review 4–8 weeks; storm water compliance check integrated into building/grading permit review |
| Application Method | Online via Stormwater Multiple Application and Report Tracking System (SMARTS) | Online via DSD's OpenDSD portal (opendsd.sandiego.gov); storm water study submitted as part of permit package |
| Fee | Annual fee based on acreage: < 5 acres = $900; 5–49 acres = $1,200; ≥ 50 acres = $2,200 | Included in grading/building permit fees; no separate stormwater permit fee |
| Water Quality | ||
| Impervious Cover Limit | No statewide limit | No citywide cap; PDP threshold: projects creating ≥ 5,000 sq ft of new impervious surface, or redevelopment of ≥ 5,000 sq ft |
| On-Site Treatment Required | Not specified at state level | Yes |
| Detention Required | Not specified at state level | Yes — Retain or biofilter the 85th-percentile 24-hour storm; hydromodification management required for projects discharging to erosion-susceptible channels |
| 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 San Diego Regional Water Board Basin Plan; construction sites must meet state CGP turbidity limits based on Risk Level |
| SWPPP | ||
| SWPPP / Local Plan Required | Yes | Yes — Storm Water Quality Management Plan (SWQMP) for post-construction; SWPPP per state CGP for construction phase |
| 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 | City inspectors verify BMP installation at grading and final inspection milestones. Post-construction BMPs require annual self-certification. City may conduct compliance audits. |
| 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 city-specific certification |
| Design & Zones | ||
| Local Design Manual | N/A — state level | City of San Diego Storm Water Standards Manual |
| Special Overlay Zones | N/A — see local jurisdictions | Coastal Overlay Zone, Environmentally Sensitive Lands (ESL), Watershed Protection Overlay Zone |