Development

What Types of Projects are Subject to the Stormwater Quality Control Criteria Plan?

If your project fits in one of the following categories, then it is subject to the Stormwater Quality Control Criteria Plan (SWQCCP).

1. A PLU Project;
2. A Priority Project; or
3. Both a Priority Project and a PLU Project.

All types of Projects must implement the required controls as identified in the SWQCCP.

PLU Projects Include the Following

• High-density residential: All land uses with at least 10 developed dwelling units per acre
• Industrial: Land uses where the primary activities on the developed parcels involve product manufacture, storage, or distribution (e.g., manufacturing businesses, warehouses, equipment storage lots, junkyards, wholesale businesses, distribution centers, or building material sales yards)
• Commercial: Land uses where the primary activities on the developed parcels involve the sale or transfer of goods or services to consumers (e.g., business or professional buildings, shops, restaurants, theaters, vehicle repair shops, etc.)
• Mixed urban: Land uses where high-density residential, industrial, and/or commercial land uses predominate collectively (i.e., are intermixed)
• Public transportation stations: Facilities or sites where public transit agencies’ vehicles load or unload passengers or goods (e.g., bus stations and stops)
• Residential subdivision of 10 housing units
• Commercial and industrial developments greater than or equal to 5,000 square feet
• Parking lots 5,000 square feet or more or with 25 or more parking spaces and potentially exposed to urban runoff
• Significant redevelopment: Significant redevelopment is defined as the creation or addition of at least 5,000 square feet of impervious surfaces on an already developed site

Priority Projects Include the Following

• Residential subdivision of 10 housing units or more: Single-family homes, multi-family homes, condominiums, and apartments as well as the related street and road paved surfaces meant for vehicles.
• Commercial and industrial developments greater than or equal to 5,000 square feet: This category is defined as any development on private land that is not for residential uses, where the land area for development is greater than or equal to 5,000 square feet of impervious area. Note that all Priority Projects in this category are also PLU Projects.
• Parking lots 5,000 square feet or more or with 25 or more parking spaces and potentially exposed to urban runoff: Parking lot is defined as a land area or facility for the temporary parking or storage of motor vehicles used personally, for business, or for commerce.
• Significant redevelopment: Defined as the creation or addition of at least 5,000 square feet of impervious surfaces on an already developed site.

Find more details on what projects are subject to the SWQCCP in Section 2 of the Stormwater Quality Control Criteria Plan.

What Types of Control Measures are Development Projects Subject to under the Stormwater Quality Control Criteria Plan?

The control measures, often termed Best Management Practices, were selected to optimize post-construction, on-site stormwater pollution control. All new development and significant redevelopment priority projects must apply all four categories of stormwater pollution control measures, which include:

• Site Design Controls to reduce stormwater runoff peak flows and volumes through appropriate site design. (SWQCCP Section 3)
• Source Controls are practices to prevent pollutants from contacting stormwater runoff or to prevent the discharge of contaminated runoff to the storm drainage system. (SWQCCP Section 4)
• Volume Reduction Measures (VRMs) are controls that can be used to direct, retain, reuse and/or infiltrate stormwater runoff (e.g., rain gardens and rain barrels). (SWQCCP Section 5)
• Treatment Controls are engineered systems designed to remove pollutants from stormwater runoff. (SWQCCP Section 6)