Municipal Permit regulations make it necessary for projects to demonstrate compliance with Storm Water Quality Management Plan (SWQMP) requirements prior to project approval or issuance of local permits. Requirements that apply during the planning phase and prior to project entitlement include minimum standards for the implementation of Low Impact Development (LID) practices and the integration of flow control criteria designed to mitigate storm runoff peaks and durations from development sites. This unified LID approach combines site planning and design measures coupled with engineered, Integrated Management Practices (IMPs), such as bio-retention facilities, flow-through planters, dry wells, infiltration basins, and cisterns.
Project applicants are encouraged to coordinate with Engineering Division, Storm Water staff to enable the development of a plausible SWQMP concept, prior to plan submittal and development.
Projects may elect to use the appropriate template (provided below) as an aid to Storm Water Quality Management Plan (SWQMP) preparation. In addition, it is suggested the project applicant consult with the Engineering Division Storm Water staff for assistance during each phase of the development. By implementing the unified LID design procedure, projects may develop a single integrated design that demonstrates compliance with Federal, State, and Local storm water quality regulations.
Projects Not Subject to SWQMP Requirements (Exempt Projects) |
The Municipal Permit provides for limited exclusions from SWQM Treatment requirements. To qualify, applicants are required to submit a completed Storm Water Quality Assessment (SWQA) Form Revised 6/4/20 and receive a formal SWQA Determination indicating the project is not subject to SWQMP requirements. Determinations are performed on a case-by-case basis. Project types that may be eligible for a SWQMP exemption (based on side and quantity) include:
Projects that are determined to be exempt from SWQMP requirements remain obligated to satisfy the Requirements for All Development Projects which include, the implementation of appropriate Source Control BMPs, temporary construction BMPs, and permanent stabilization/erosion control BMPs. |
Standard Development Projects (SDPs) |
Development and redevelopment projects that are not identified as Priority Development Projects, or are not determined to be exempt from SUSMP Treatment requirements, and receive a formal SUSMP Determination which identifies the project as a Standard Development Project‖ (SDP) shall address the following:
Standard Development Projects are required to implement a Standard Development Project (SDP) – Storm Water Mitigation Plan (SWMP). The City may also require additional controls for Standard Development Projects, that are appropriate to the project and which may include treatment BMPs and LID IMPs such as infiltration or bioretention. Should treatment facilities be included in the project design, the plan shall contain provisions to ensure long-term BMP maintenance. |
Priority Development Projects (PDPs) |
Development and redevelopment projects that are identified as Priority Development Projects and receive a formal SUSMP Determination identifying the project as a Priority Development Project‖ (SDP) shall address the following:
Priority Development Projects are required to implement a Priority Development Project – Storm Water Mitigation Plan (PDP-SWMP). The RWQCB and the City Engineer will not consider Treatment Control BMPs or Integrated Management Practices (IMPs) as being consistent with the Maximum Extent Practicable standard (MEP), unless the applicant identifies and a specific maintenance mechanism and implements a storm water operation and maintenance plan (O&M Plan) to ensure ongoing long-term inspection and maintenance of all Treatment Control BMPs and IMPs. |
Storm Water Quality Management Plan (SWQMP) Review Process |
Projects which have been formally identified as Priority Development or Standard Development are required to submit a project specific Storm Water Quality Management Plan (SWQMP). Project storm water plans and supporting documents shall be submitted to the Planning Division as part of the project entitlement process, for distribution to Engineering and staff review. The review of project SWQMP is an iterative process that entails examination of the SWQMP for consistency with City's BMP Design Manual and Municipal Permit requirements. SWQMP reviews also comprise an evaluation of the supporting documents that include (at a minimum); the Site Development Plan, Project Description and Justification, Hydrology Study, Geotechnical Report, Biological Study, Slope Analysis, and etc. The general steps for approval of the SWQMP from initial submittal to signature approval are as follows:
The City recognizes project entitlement as “lawful prior approval”. However, “updated SWQMP and hydromodification requirements shall apply to all priority projects or phases of priority projects which have not yet begun grading or construction activities at the time any updated SWQMP or hydromodification requirement commences. If a Co-permittee determines that lawful prior approval of a project exists, whereby application of an updated SWQMP or hydromodification requirement to the project is infeasible, the updated SWQMP or hydromodification requirement need not apply to the project. Where feasible, the Co-permittees shall utilize the SWQMP and hydromodification update periods to ensure that projects undergoing approval processes include application of the updated SWQMP and hydromodification requirements in their plans. |
Storm Water Quality Management Plan (SWQMP) Amendment Process |
Approved SWQMP due to unforeseen field conditions and site constraints may be formally Amended, provided the amendment is consistent with previously approved SWQMP and proposed Treatment Control BMP and/or IMP practices have an equal or greater pollutant removal efficiency for the project's Primary Pollutants of Concern. Amendments to an approved SWQMP are required to provide narrative and exhibits that provide the following information: Title page should include project name, permit application or project number (e.g. D-1-01), Amendment No., Engineer of work contact information, stamp, and wet signature. Submit SWQMP Amendment to Development Services – Engineering Division. Amendments are subject to an iterative review/revision process prior to approval by the City Engineer. Table of contents
Topics addressed in the Table of Contents will contain the following site specific information:
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