City and County of San Francisco
San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC)
CityMS4 Phase IVerified 2026-03
Local Permit / Authorization
- Permit Required
- Yes
- Permit Name
- Stormwater Control Plan (SCP) — required with building/site permit
- Submit To
- San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC)
- Lead Time
- SCP review typically 4–6 weeks; must be approved before building permit issuance
- Application Method
- Online via SF Planning & Building portals; SCP submitted to SFPUC for review
- Fee
- No separate stormwater permit fee; included in building permit fees. Stormwater management fee applies to impervious surfaces on developed parcels.
Water Quality Standards
- Impervious Cover Limit
- No cap (dense urban environment); however, projects ≥ 5,000 sq ft of new or replaced impervious surface must manage stormwater on-site
- On-Site Treatment Required
- Yes
- Detention Required
- Yes
- Detention Standard
- Manage the 90th-percentile 24-hour storm using green infrastructure (bioretention, permeable pavement, rainwater harvesting); combined sewer system means retention reduces CSO risk
- Turbidity Standard
- Must comply with state CGP and SF Bay Regional Water Board Basin Plan objectives; no separate city numeric turbidity standard
Local SWPPP / Drainage Plan
- Local Plan Required
- Yes
- Plan Name
- Erosion and Sediment Control Plan (ESCP) for construction; Stormwater Control Plan (SCP) for post-construction
- PE Stamp Required
- No
SCP can be prepared by a licensed landscape architect, civil engineer, or architect. ESCP is required for all projects disturbing soil and must be on-site during construction.
Local Inspection Requirements
- Requirements
- SFPUC conducts inspections of stormwater facilities during and after construction. Annual self-certification required for maintained green infrastructure. DBI handles building/grading inspections.
- Inspector Qualification
- QSP/QSD per state CGP; no additional city certification required
Special Overlay Zones
Combined Sewer Area
Trigger: Most of eastern San Francisco (approximately 80% of the city)
Restriction: Stormwater enters combined sewer system; green infrastructure required to reduce combined sewer overflows (CSOs); on-site retention strongly encouraged
Maher Ordinance Area
Trigger: Properties in areas with known soil contamination (bayshore fill areas, former industrial sites)
Restriction: Soil testing and remediation may be required before excavation; stormwater infiltration may be restricted due to contaminated soils; site mitigation plan required
Design Manual
- Manual Name
- San Francisco Stormwater Management Requirements and Design Guidelines
Official Resources
Jurisdiction Notes
San Francisco's combined sewer system makes stormwater management uniquely important — reducing runoff directly reduces combined sewer overflows to the Bay. The city's 5,000 sq ft threshold for requiring a Stormwater Control Plan is among the lowest in California.
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 San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) and the agency website before beginning construction.