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 José City of San José Department of Public Works / Planning, Building and Code Enforcement (PBCE) |
|---|---|---|
| Permit | ||
| Permit / Authorization | Construction General Permit (Order 2009-0009-DWQ, as amended) | Grading Permit with C.3 Stormwater Treatment Requirements |
| Submit To | SWRCB | City of San José Department of Public Works / Planning, Building and Code Enforcement (PBCE) |
| Lead Time | NOI must be filed and permit coverage obtained before grading/construction begins | Plan review 4–6 weeks; C.3 stormwater compliance reviewed concurrently with grading/building permit |
| Application Method | Online via Stormwater Multiple Application and Report Tracking System (SMARTS) | Online via City of San José permit portal; stormwater control plan submitted as part of building/grading package |
| Fee | Annual fee based on acreage: < 5 acres = $900; 5–49 acres = $1,200; ≥ 50 acres = $2,200 | Grading permit fee based on earthwork volume; stormwater review included in permit fees |
| Water Quality | ||
| Impervious Cover Limit | No statewide limit | No citywide cap; C.3 requirements triggered at ≥ 10,000 sq ft of new or replaced impervious surface for regulated projects |
| On-Site Treatment Required | Not specified at state level | Yes |
| Detention Required | Not specified at state level | Yes — Treat the volume of runoff from the 85th-percentile 24-hour storm using LID measures; bioretention, permeable pavement, or infiltration preferred; hydromodification management plan required for most projects |
| 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 Risk Level standards and San Francisco Bay Regional Water Board Basin Plan objectives |
| SWPPP | ||
| SWPPP / Local Plan Required | Yes | Yes — C.3 Stormwater Management Plan 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 inspects BMP installation during construction. Post-construction BMPs require annual self-inspection and reporting. City conducts periodic compliance inspections. |
| 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; city does not require additional local certification |
| Design & Zones | ||
| Local Design Manual | N/A — state level | Santa Clara Valley Urban Runoff Pollution Prevention Program (SCVURPPP) C.3 Stormwater Handbook |
| Special Overlay Zones | N/A — see local jurisdictions | Riparian Corridor, Flood Zone |