Compare Regulations
Compare state-level permit requirements side-by-side (up to 4 states)
CA(3 more)
Rows with an amber indicator differ across selected states.
| Field | CA California |
|---|---|
| NPDES Program | State-Delegated |
| Permitting Agency | State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) |
| Permit Name | Construction General Permit (Order 2009-0009-DWQ, as amended) |
| Construction Threshold | ≥ 1 acre of land disturbance (or < 1 acre if part of a larger common plan) |
| NOI Lead Time | NOI must be filed and permit coverage obtained before grading/construction begins |
| Application Method | Online via Stormwater Multiple Application and Report Tracking System (SMARTS) |
| Permit Fee | Annual fee based on acreage: < 5 acres = $900; 5–49 acres = $1,200; ≥ 50 acres = $2,200 |
| SWPPP Required | Yes |
| PE Certification Required | No |
| SWPPP Template Available | Yes |
| Inspection Frequency | 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 |
| Inspector Qualification | Qualified SWPPP Practitioner (QSP) for Risk Level 2 and 3 sites; Qualified SWPPP Developer (QSD) must prepare the SWPPP |
| Post-Construction Required | Yes |
| Turbidity 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 |