City of San José
City of San José Department of Public Works / Planning, Building and Code Enforcement (PBCE)
CityMS4 Phase IVerified 2026-03
Local Permit / Authorization
- Permit Required
- Yes
- Permit Name
- Grading Permit with C.3 Stormwater Treatment Requirements
- Submit To
- City of San José Department of Public Works / Planning, Building and Code Enforcement (PBCE)
- Lead Time
- Plan review 4–6 weeks; C.3 stormwater compliance reviewed concurrently with grading/building permit
- Application Method
- Online via City of San José permit portal; stormwater control plan submitted as part of building/grading package
- Fee
- Grading permit fee based on earthwork volume; stormwater review included in permit fees
Water Quality Standards
- Impervious Cover Limit
- No citywide cap; C.3 requirements triggered at ≥ 10,000 sq ft of new or replaced impervious surface for regulated projects
- On-Site Treatment Required
- Yes
- Detention Required
- Yes
- Detention Standard
- Treat the volume of runoff from the 85th-percentile 24-hour storm using LID measures; bioretention, permeable pavement, or infiltration preferred; hydromodification management plan required for most projects
- Turbidity Standard
- Must comply with state CGP Risk Level standards and San Francisco Bay Regional Water Board Basin Plan objectives
Local SWPPP / Drainage Plan
- Local Plan Required
- Yes
- Plan Name
- C.3 Stormwater Management Plan for post-construction; SWPPP per state CGP for construction phase
- PE Stamp Required
- Yes
C.3 plan must be prepared by a registered Civil Engineer. Santa Clara Valley Urban Runoff Pollution Prevention Program (SCVURPPP) provides regional guidance and templates.
Local Inspection Requirements
- Requirements
- City inspects BMP installation during construction. Post-construction BMPs require annual self-inspection and reporting. City conducts periodic compliance inspections.
- Inspector Qualification
- QSP/QSD per state CGP; city does not require additional local certification
Special Overlay Zones
Riparian Corridor
Trigger: Properties within 100 ft of creeks or designated riparian corridors
Restriction: Riparian setback required; no grading within setback; enhanced erosion and sediment controls; creek permit may be required
Flood Zone
Trigger: Properties within FEMA 100-year floodplain or City-designated flood zone
Restriction: No net fill in floodplain; compensating storage required; elevated structures; floodplain development permit from Public Works
Design Manual
- Manual Name
- Santa Clara Valley Urban Runoff Pollution Prevention Program (SCVURPPP) C.3 Stormwater Handbook
Official Resources
Jurisdiction Notes
San José implements the Santa Clara Valley MRP (Municipal Regional Permit) issued by the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Board. The C.3 requirements are regionally consistent across Santa Clara County jurisdictions through the SCVURPPP program.
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 José Department of Public Works / Planning, Building and Code Enforcement (PBCE) and the agency website before beginning construction.