City of Anaheim
City of Anaheim Public Works Department / Planning and Building Department
CityMS4 Phase IVerified 2026-03
Local Permit / Authorization
- Permit Required
- Yes
- Permit Name
- Grading Permit with Water Quality Management Plan (WQMP)
- Submit To
- City of Anaheim Public Works Department / Planning and Building Department
- Lead Time
- Plan review 4–6 weeks; WQMP reviewed concurrently with grading/building permit
- Application Method
- Online via City of Anaheim ePlan portal; WQMP submitted as part of permit package
- Fee
- Grading permit fees per project scope; WQMP review included
Water Quality Standards
- Impervious Cover Limit
- No citywide cap; WQMP required for projects meeting Orange County priority project criteria (≥ 5,000 sq ft of new impervious surface for most categories)
- On-Site Treatment Required
- Yes
- Detention Required
- Yes
- Detention Standard
- Retain the 85th-percentile 24-hour storm on-site using LID BMPs per Orange County Drainage Area Management Plan (DAMP) and Technical Guidance Document
- Turbidity Standard
- Must comply with state CGP and Santa Ana Regional Water Board Basin Plan; subject to North Orange County MS4 Permit
Local SWPPP / Drainage Plan
- Local Plan Required
- Yes
- Plan Name
- Project-specific WQMP for post-construction; SWPPP per state CGP for construction phase
- PE Stamp Required
- Yes
WQMP must be prepared by a registered Civil Engineer. Anaheim follows the Orange County DAMP guidance for BMP selection and sizing.
Local Inspection Requirements
- Requirements
- City inspects grading and erosion control during construction. Post-construction BMPs require recorded maintenance agreements and annual self-inspection. City conducts periodic compliance audits.
- Inspector Qualification
- QSP/QSD per state CGP; no additional city certification
Special Overlay Zones
Anaheim Hills / Hillside Development Area
Trigger: Properties in Anaheim Hills with slopes ≥ 25% or in mapped hillside areas
Restriction: Enhanced erosion controls; reduced grading; geotechnical studies required; slope revegetation mandatory
Santa Ana River Watershed
Trigger: Properties draining to the Santa Ana River
Restriction: TMDL-based requirements for bacteria, metals, and nutrients; trash capture BMPs required per MS4 permit
Design Manual
- Manual Name
- Orange County DAMP Technical Guidance Document for WQMP Preparation
Official Resources
Jurisdiction Notes
Anaheim implements the North Orange County MS4 Permit and follows the countywide DAMP framework. As one of the largest cities in Orange County by area, it spans from flatland urban development to the Anaheim Hills, creating varied BMP requirements across the city.
Remember: These local requirements are in addition to the SWRCB state construction permit. Both must be satisfied before breaking ground.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for general reference only. Always verify requirements directly with City of Anaheim Public Works Department / Planning and Building Department and the agency website before beginning construction.