Storm Water Permit Requirement FAQs
State Water Board’s General Permit for Storm Water Discharges Associated with Construction Activities FAQs
- How do I know if I need this permit?
- Who should apply, and who is the proper signatory?
- What are the fees associated with the Permit?
- Who should I contact if I have questions?
How do I know if I need this permit?
Any person performing a construction activity resulting in a land disturbance of one acre or more, or less than one acre but part of a larger common plan of development or sale must obtain coverage under the State Water Resources Control Board’s General Permit for Storm Water Discharges Associated with Construction Activity (General Construction Permit). Construction activity includes clearing, grading, excavation, stockpiling, and reconstruction of existing facilities involving removal and replacement of soil. Construction activity does not include routine maintenance such as, maintenance of original line and grade, hydraulic capacity, or original purpose of the facility.
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Who should apply for coverage under the General Construction Permit?
The owner of the land where the construction activity is occurring is responsible for obtaining coverage under the General Construction Permit. To obtain coverage, a Notice of Intent must be filed electronically in the State’s Stormwater Multiple Application and Report Tracking System (SMARTS) database at: https://smarts.waterboards.ca.gov/smarts/faces/SwSmartsLogin.xhtml. Once the Notice of Intent has been filed and the fees have been paid in SMARTS, the State will issue the construction project a Waste Discharge Identification Number (WDID Number). The WDID Number must be provided to the County for any construction project greater than one acre in size, prior to the issuance of a Grading or Building Permit.
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What are the fees associated with the General Construction Permit?
The fee is calculated by the acre: http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/resources/fees/docs/swconst_peracrefees_chart.pdf
An invoice will be issued to the applicant when the Notice of Intent is filed in SMARTS. Fees for all open construction projects are charged on an annual basis You will continue to receive an annual invoice until your construction project is complete and a Notice of Termination is submitted to and approved by the State Water Resources Controll Board.
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Who should I contact if I have questions?
If you have any questions concerning the General Construction Permit please email the State Water Resources Control Board at Stormwater@waterboards.ca.gov or call (866) 563-3107.
Information is also available on the SWRCB web site.
Construction Best Management Practice Manual – This BMP manual, created by the California Stormwater Quality Association (CASQA), has a Microsoft Word Document Template that you can download to create your Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan.
New Development and Redevelopment Best Management Practice Manual – This BMP manual was also created by CASQA. It is an excellent tool for project planning and design.
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