Construction and Development Projects

The County has established requirements for controlling pollution from construction and post-construction development activities. During construction, we are concerned with erosion that can contribute excess sediments to the storm drainage system and local creeks. Other pollutants can also be generated at construction sites, such as paints, solvents and concrete slurry. Dust is also a problem, since it can end up in local waterways. Construction projects disturbing one acre or more, or moving 350 cubic yards or more of soil, are required to obtain a grading permit and comply with the provisions of the County's Land Grading and Erosion Control Ordinance. The erosion and sediment control standard specifications are in section 11 of the Improvement Standards or may be obtained from the County by calling 874-6591. 

In addition to complying with the County requirements, beginning March 10, 2003, construction projects in the county disturbing one acre or more need to obtain coverage under the State Water Resources Control Board's general construction stormwater permit. Failure to get a general permit could result in significant daily fines. Once a general construction permit is issued by the State Board, it is enforced by the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board. The general construction permit requires preparing a detailed stormwater pollution prevention plan for your site. This plan must be available on site for review by County or Regional Board inspectors upon request. The general construction permit also requires you to conduct regular inspections of your erosion and sediment control measures before, after and during storm events. See our flyer for additional information on the new state regulations for construction activity.

The County and City of Sacramento periodically offer erosion and sediment control training to local contractors and developers. For information about upcoming training courses, call 874-8396.

New development and redevelopment projects in the county offer a unique opportunity to control pollution. Best management practices, or BMPs, can be installed during the construction phase to reduce pollution for the life of the development. These BMPs can be built into individual sites, or in regional areas to serve many sites. Examples of on-site BMPs include vegetated swales and sand filters. The County's standard regional BMP is the dry detention basin, but other types of basins and water quality channels are also allowed in some cases. The County and City of Sacramento have produced criteria and guidance manuals for both on-site and regional BMPs. Contact us at 874-4681 to determine what should be done at your development site.