Last Updated 07/21/2026
San Franscisco Stormwater Laws & Regulations
The City of San Francisco has enacted a Stormwater Ordinance in order to establish minimum stormwater management requirements and controls to protect and safeguard the general health, safety, and welfare of the public residing in watersheds within this jurisdiction. The City of San Francisco is the permitting authority for all land disturbing activities and requires the land owner to maintain all on-site stormwater control facilities and all open space areas (e.g. parks or “green” areas) required by the approved stormwater control plan. The City of San Francisco will only provide construction permits to projects that establish a plan to manage stormwater runoff occurring during the construction process. The City of San Francisco, under the NPDES program, also has the authority to inspect properties for noncompliance and can issue a notice of violation (NOV) for any deficiency or infraction onsite. Property owners are responsible for the maintenance of any stormwater facilities or practices located on the property. The City of San Francisco has the authority to inspect stormwater facilities and practices in order to ascertain that they are properly maintained and functioning.
Excerpt-San Francisco Public Works Code Article 4.2 Sections 147-147.6
Section 147.4. Compliance with maintenance and inspection requirements
Section 147.5. Enforcement and cost reimbursement
Any violation of this Article 4.2 may be enforced by the General Manager pursuant to Section 132 of Article 4.1 of the Public Works Code. Persons violating any provision of this Article, the Stormwater Management Requirements and Guidelines, or Department regulations may be subject to penalties and abatement in accordance with the Stormwater Management Requirements and Guidelines and Sections 133 and 134 of Article 4.1 of the Public Works Code. For Small and Large Development Projects in areas of the City under the jurisdiction of the Port Commission, the Port’s Executive Director or his or her designee shall have enforcement authority identical to the enforcement authority referenced in the two preceding sentences.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How often do I need to inspect post-construction stormwater controls in San Francisco?
At least annually. The person or organization designated in your approved Stormwater Control Plan is responsible for inspecting the controls that often and maintaining them according to both the plan itself and the city’s Stormwater Management Requirements and Guidelines.
Do I have to report my stormwater inspections to the city every year in San Francisco?
Yes. Anyone who owns, leases, or operates a post-construction stormwater control has to provide annual self-certification for inspection and maintenance, following the format set out in the Stormwater Management Requirements and Guidelines.
Can San Francisco inspect my property's stormwater controls even after I've self-certified?
Yes. The General Manager can perform routine or scheduled inspections and sampling at their own discretion to enforce the ordinance, independent of whatever your self-certification reported. The city can also require you to install sampling or metering devices if you discharge stormwater into the separate or combined sewer system.
What happens if San Francisco asks me to monitor my stormwater discharge?
You have to comply. If the General Manager requests monitoring, the person responsible for the post-construction stormwater controls has to undertake it and furnish reports in whatever format is specified, on top of the standard annual self-certification.
What do I have to do if there's a spill affecting my stormwater controls in San Francisco?
Notify the General Manager immediately. Anyone in charge of the controls has to report any suspected, confirmed, or unconfirmed release that risks a non-stormwater discharge into the sewer system, and take whatever steps are necessary to detect, contain, and clean it up. That notification is required in addition to any other reporting obligation, not instead of one.
What happens if I violate San Francisco's stormwater ordinance?
The General Manager enforces violations under the Public Works Code, and penalties or abatement can follow under the same code sections the ordinance points to. If your property sits in an area under Port Commission jurisdiction, the Port’s Executive Director holds that same enforcement authority instead of the General Manager.
How can AQUALIS help my property stay compliant with San Francisco's stormwater ordinance?
AQUALIS helps San Francisco property owners meet the annual self-certification requirement, prepare for city-initiated inspections and sampling, and respond quickly to a spill or discharge event that requires immediate notification.
The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Regulations change frequently — AQUALIS makes no warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of this content, and any reliance on it is at your own risk. Consult a qualified professional or your local regulatory authority to confirm requirements applicable to your specific property.
