City of San Diego
City of San Diego Development Services Department (DSD)
CityMS4 Phase IVerified 2026-03
Local Permit / Authorization
- Permit Required
- Yes
- Permit Name
- Storm Water Standards Manual Compliance — Priority Development Project (PDP) or Standard Project
- Submit To
- City of San Diego Development Services Department (DSD)
- Lead Time
- Plan review 4–8 weeks; storm water compliance check integrated into building/grading permit review
- Application Method
- Online via DSD's OpenDSD portal (opendsd.sandiego.gov); storm water study submitted as part of permit package
- Fee
- Included in grading/building permit fees; no separate stormwater permit fee
Water Quality Standards
- Impervious Cover Limit
- No citywide cap; PDP threshold: projects creating ≥ 5,000 sq ft of new impervious surface, or redevelopment of ≥ 5,000 sq ft
- On-Site Treatment Required
- Yes
- Detention Required
- Yes
- Detention Standard
- Retain or biofilter the 85th-percentile 24-hour storm; hydromodification management required for projects discharging to erosion-susceptible channels
- Turbidity Standard
- Must comply with San Diego Regional Water Board Basin Plan; construction sites must meet state CGP turbidity limits based on Risk Level
Local SWPPP / Drainage Plan
- Local Plan Required
- Yes
- Plan Name
- Storm Water Quality Management Plan (SWQMP) for post-construction; SWPPP per state CGP for construction phase
- PE Stamp Required
- Yes
SWQMP must be prepared by a registered Civil Engineer or other qualified professional. The city classifies projects as Standard, Small, or Priority Development Projects (PDPs) with escalating requirements.
Local Inspection Requirements
- Requirements
- City inspectors verify BMP installation at grading and final inspection milestones. Post-construction BMPs require annual self-certification. City may conduct compliance audits.
- Inspector Qualification
- QSP/QSD per state CGP; no additional city-specific certification
Special Overlay Zones
Coastal Overlay Zone
Trigger: Properties within the Coastal Zone boundary
Restriction: Enhanced water quality protection; California Coastal Commission review; no increase in pollutant loading to ocean or lagoons
Environmentally Sensitive Lands (ESL)
Trigger: Properties containing steep hillsides (≥ 25% slope), wetlands, floodways, or sensitive biological habitats
Restriction: Reduced development footprint; enhanced erosion controls; biological resource surveys may be required; brush management zones
Watershed Protection Overlay Zone
Trigger: Properties in designated watershed protection areas (e.g., Chollas Creek, San Diego River)
Restriction: Stricter hydromodification requirements; riparian buffer zones; enhanced water quality treatment
Design Manual
- Manual Name
- City of San Diego Storm Water Standards Manual
Official Resources
Jurisdiction Notes
San Diego's Storm Water Standards Manual implements the San Diego Regional MS4 Permit (Order R9-2013-0001 as amended). The PDP classification system drives most local requirements. Hydromodification management is a key focus due to erosion-prone channels and sensitive coastal lagoons.
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 San Diego Development Services Department (DSD) and the agency website before beginning construction.