1. Notification to state and local agencies of the proposed construction activity through a Notice of Intent (NOI).
   
2. Filing a fee
   
3. Development of a SWPPP to minimize pollutant contact with stormwater runoff.
   
4. Implementation of specific monitoring efforts.

• must include site map which defines the location and perimeter of the construction site;
  
• must identify the existing and proposed buildings, lots, roadways, stormwater collection and discharge points;
  
• and must represent the topography both before and after construction, and drainage patterns across the project.
  

Section A of the Construction General Permit describes in detail these requirements. 

Coverage under the General Construction Permit is not required for regular maintenance activities performed within the original line, grade or capacity of a facility (for example, slurry sealing a parking lot).  Coverage under the General Construction Permit is also not required for projects in those areas of San Francisco that drain to the combined sewer system, but all construction sites must implement BMPs to prevent illicit discharge into the combined sewer.  For more information on San Francisco's discharge requirement, please call Audie Ilejay at (415) 695-7339.

Building on Contaminated Sites

There are certain areas of the city that consist of fill and are covered by an ordinance called the Maher Ordinance. These areas were once highly industrialized and contaminated or consist of imported fill consisting of soil and debris from the 1906 earthquake.  These areas usually contain lead and other pollutants.  To protect public and worker health and safety due to these historic pollutants, projects that involve disturbance of these soils of more than 50 cubic yards require investigation, site management and reporting subject to Article 22A of the San Francisco Health Code.  For more information about compliance please call Stephanie Cushing of the San Francisco Department of Public Health Local Oversight Program at (415) 252-3926.

Do I need to implement BMPs?

YES!  All construction projects in San Francisco must implement BMPs to reduce runoff to the sewer or receiving water bodies.  See the California Best Management Handbook for up-to-date BMP technologies.

Port Building Permits

All construction activities taking place on Port of San Francisco property must receive a building permit from the Port Engineering Division prior to commencement.  Please contact the Port of San Francisco at (415) 274-0256.

Inspection and Enforcement

The City of San Francisco's Construction Runoff Control Program was established to ensure that all businesses comply with all appropriate stormwater laws and other City requirements.  The City and County of San Francisco can inspect your construction site without warning.  Contractors, site supervisors and property owners found to be negligent in applying BMPs and adhering to stormwater rules can be held responsible for violations, which may lead to a civil penalty of up to $25,000 per day and reimbursing the City for all expenses associated with clean up.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the filing process and permit procedures?

1. Submit a Notice of Intent (NOI) to the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) under the NPDES General Construction Permit before you start site construction.  Additional details on how to submit for the General Construction Permit can be obtained from the State Water Resources Control Board website.
   
2. Develop and Implement a SWPPP.  A Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) describes site construction activities and documents the use of stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs) tailored to those activities.  The SWPPP has two main objectives: i) identify pollutant sources at the construction site and ii) describe practices to reduce sediment and other pollutants in stormwater runoff.  A useful guide for construction SWPPP preparation has been developed by the California Stormwater Quality Association (CASQA).
   
3. Conduct Water Quality Monitoring Work.  Permittees must conduct construction site inspections prior to anticipated storms and after actual storms to find areas contributing pollutants to stormwater runoff and to determine whether procedures described in the SWPPP are adequate and properly implemented.  Each permittee must certify annually that construction activity complies with the General Construction Permit.
   
4. When construction work is done, cancel your coverage under the General Construction Permit by submitting a Notice of Termination to the RWQCB that certifies:

• construction activity is completed
  
• all parts of the SWPPP have been completed
  
• construction and equipment maintenance waste have been properly disposed of;
  
• and the site complies with all local stormwater management requirements

1. YES, if your project involves clearing, grading, or excavation that causes soil disturbance on one or more acres and is located in a MS4 area. 
   
2. YES, if your project is in a MS4 area.
   
3. YES, if your project involves construction activity involving less than one acre of soils disturbance and is part of a larger contiguous development effort and is in the separate sewer area.
   
4. NO, if your project is already covered under an individual National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit with stormwater provisions.
   
5. NO, if your project is less than one acre in size and your project is routine site maintenance of original line and grade, hydraulic capacity or facility.
   
6. NO, if your project involves emergency construction activities required to protect public health and safety.
   
7. NO, if your project involves discharges associated with dredging and/or filling already regulated by the Army Corp of Engineers through the Rivers and Harbors Act or Section 404 of the Clean Water Act.

1. YES, if your project involves clearing, grading, or excavation that causes soil disturbance on one or more acres and is located in a MS4 area.
   
2. NO, if your project is not in a MS4 area.
   
3. YES, if your project involves construction activity involving less than one acre of soils disturbance and is part of a larger contiguous development effort and is in the separate sewer area.
   
4. NO, if your project is already covered under an individual National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit with stormwater provisions.
   
5. NO, if your project is less than one acre in size and your project is routine site maintenance of original line and grade, hydraulic capacity or facility.
   
6. NO, if your project involves emergency construction activities required to protect public health and safety.
   
7. NO, if your project involves discharges associated with dredging and/or filling already regulated by the Army Corp of Engineers through the Rivers and Harbors Act or Section 404 of the Clean Water Act.

1. YES, if your project involves clearing, grading, or excavation that causes soil disturbance.
   
2. YES, if the sewers may be impaired by any runoff from your site.
   
3. NO, if your project involves emergency construction activities required to protect public health and safety.

As the applicant, you have the responsibility to determine if you are covered by the regulations and required to file.  However, SFPUC staff will also review your project plans and make a determination as to the applicability of the General Construction Permit. If you need help preparing plans and paperwork, qualified environmental consultants can be found in your local phone book.

Contractors and Builders are responsible for ensuring that BMPs are implemented throughout the building process and that all members of the construction team are knowledgeable about the BMPs implementation and maintenance.  Please refer to the SFPUC's brochure on construction site runoff.  You can also receive training from the following organizations:

          - California State University, Sacramento offers online training at: www.owp.csus.edu/research/bmpcourses/