City of Fresno
City of Fresno Development and Resource Management Department (DARM)
CityMS4 Phase IVerified 2026-03
Local Permit / Authorization
- Permit Required
- Yes
- Permit Name
- Grading Permit with Stormwater Management Plan
- Submit To
- City of Fresno Development and Resource Management Department (DARM)
- Lead Time
- Plan review 3–5 weeks; stormwater compliance reviewed with grading/building permit
- Application Method
- In-person or online via DARM; stormwater management plan submitted as part of permit package
- Fee
- Grading permit fees based on earthwork; stormwater review included in permit fees
Water Quality Standards
- Impervious Cover Limit
- No citywide cap; projects creating ≥ 1 acre of new impervious surface must implement post-construction BMPs
- On-Site Treatment Required
- Yes
- Detention Required
- Yes
- Detention Standard
- On-site retention or detention of the 85th-percentile 24-hour storm; infiltration basins common due to sandy Central Valley soils; regional retention basins also accepted
- Turbidity Standard
- Must comply with state CGP and Central Valley Regional Water Board Basin Plan
Local SWPPP / Drainage Plan
- Local Plan Required
- Yes
- Plan Name
- Erosion and Sediment Control Plan for construction; Post-Construction Stormwater Management Plan
- PE Stamp Required
- No
City requires erosion control plan with grading permit. Post-construction plans required for larger projects per MS4 permit. Fresno's sandy soils make infiltration the preferred BMP approach.
Local Inspection Requirements
- Requirements
- City conducts grading inspections during construction. Post-construction BMP maintenance required per recorded agreement. City may inspect maintained facilities.
- Inspector Qualification
- QSP/QSD per state CGP; no additional city certification
Special Overlay Zones
Groundwater Recharge Area
Trigger: Properties in designated recharge areas for the Kings Basin / Fresno-area aquifer
Restriction: Infiltration BMPs encouraged; no contaminated stormwater infiltration without pre-treatment; enhanced spill prevention
Design Manual
- Manual Name
- City of Fresno Stormwater Management Program / Central Valley MS4 Implementation
Official Resources
Jurisdiction Notes
Fresno operates under the Central Valley Regional Water Board MS4 permit. The city's sandy soils and flat terrain make infiltration basins the most common BMP approach, which also supports groundwater recharge in a region heavily dependent on groundwater.
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 Fresno Development and Resource Management Department (DARM) and the agency website before beginning construction.