City of Sacramento
City of Sacramento Community Development Department / Department of Utilities
CityMS4 Phase IVerified 2026-03
Local Permit / Authorization
- Permit Required
- Yes
- Permit Name
- Grading Permit with Stormwater Quality Design Manual Compliance
- Submit To
- City of Sacramento Community Development Department / Department of Utilities
- Lead Time
- Plan review 3–6 weeks; stormwater compliance review concurrent with grading/building permit
- Application Method
- Online via City of Sacramento Accela portal; stormwater quality plan submitted with permit application
- Fee
- Grading permit fee based on project area and earthwork; stormwater review fee included
Water Quality Standards
- Impervious Cover Limit
- No citywide cap; projects creating or replacing ≥ 5,000 sq ft of impervious surface trigger LID requirements
- On-Site Treatment Required
- Yes
- Detention Required
- Yes
- Detention Standard
- Treat runoff from the 85th-percentile 24-hour storm using LID measures; infiltration required where feasible given Central Valley clay soils; detention/retention or biofiltration alternatives accepted
- Turbidity Standard
- Must comply with state CGP Risk Level standards and Central Valley Regional Water Board Basin Plan
Local SWPPP / Drainage Plan
- Local Plan Required
- Yes
- Plan Name
- Grading-phase Erosion and Sediment Control Plan; post-construction Stormwater Quality Design Plan
- PE Stamp Required
- Yes
Stormwater Quality Design Plan must be prepared by a registered Civil Engineer. Sacramento Stormwater Quality Partnership provides regional guidance shared with Sacramento County and other co-permittees.
Local Inspection Requirements
- Requirements
- City conducts grading and erosion control inspections during construction. Post-construction LID facilities require recorded maintenance agreements and annual self-inspections.
- Inspector Qualification
- QSP/QSD per state CGP; no additional city-specific certification
Special Overlay Zones
Flood Zone / Levee-Protected Area
Trigger: Properties within FEMA flood zones or behind levee systems (most of the city is in a levee-protected floodplain)
Restriction: 200-year flood protection standard required; compliance with Central Valley Flood Protection Plan; USACE Section 408 review for projects near levees
American River Parkway Buffer
Trigger: Properties adjacent to the American River Parkway
Restriction: Enhanced riparian setbacks; no direct discharge to river without treatment; visual screening and habitat protection
Design Manual
- Manual Name
- City of Sacramento Stormwater Quality Design Manual
Official Resources
Jurisdiction Notes
Sacramento's location in the Central Valley means clay soils often make infiltration infeasible, so biofiltration and detention alternatives are commonly used. The city participates in the Sacramento Stormwater Quality Partnership, which provides regional consistency across multiple jurisdictions in Sacramento County.
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 Sacramento Community Development Department / Department of Utilities and the agency website before beginning construction.