Water Quality Regulatory Requirements
Regulatory and Permit Information for Developers
This page is intended to help you through the permit process and to provide all the resources that new development and redevelopment projects need to comply with water quality regulations. The first section features information related to permits and regulations. The second section features supplemental information
Regulatory Requirements:
Surface Water Quality Screencheck Outline
This screencheck outline is used by City staff as the basis for providing water quality comments on new development and significant redevelopment projects. The outline is intended to provide applicants with information on the City’s project Water Quality Management Plan (WQMP) requirements and approval process. Please consult the document below to help guide you through the various stages of project approval.
Screencheck Outline for Water Quality (posted 03/12/12)
Water Quality Management Plan (WQMP) Requirements
WQMP Requirement Guidance Document (posted 01/07/10)
Water Quality Management Plan (WQMP) Preparation
A project Water Quality Management Plan (WQMP) must be submitted for new development and significant redevelopment projects in the City of Irvine.
Project WQMPs describe how property owners/managers will comply with the post construction water quality requirements described in the City’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit (issued by the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board), and the City’s Local Implementation Plan (LIP). This project WQMP template has been designed to facilitate the expeditious review and approval of project WQMPs by the City’s Building and Safety Division, and to reduce the number of revisions and re-submittals of project WQMPs before approval is granted. Project plans submitted for plan check must be consistent with the approved project WQMP, and the project WQMP must be approved prior to the issuance of building or grading permits.
Private Project WQMP Template (posted 11/02/11)
Public Project WQMP Template (posted 6/06/12)
Project WQMP Checklist (posted 11/02/11)
Prioritization for New Development & Significant Redevelopment Projects
Prioritizaton of New Development and Significant Redevelopment Projects Checklist (posted 08/22/11)
Water Quality Management Plan Development
Non-Priority Project Water Quality Plan
A project Non-Priority Project Water Quality Plan must be submitted for new development and significant redevelopment projects in the City of Irvine which do not fall under one of the Priority Project Categories as defined in the Model WQMP but meet one of the following conditions:
- Require discretionary action that will include a precise plan of development, except for those projects exempted by the City’s Water Quality Ordinance;
- Require issuance of a non-residential plumbing permit for pipelines conveying hazardous materials (e.g. gasoline) as defined by the City’s Water Quality Ordinance;
- Below ground linear drainage and utility construction projects that result in the replacement of 5,000 square feet of impervious surface such as storm drains, sewers and water lines within a developed public street, road or highway. These projects would not qualify as a Priority Project if they maintain original line and grade, hydraulic capacity, original purpose of the facility, or occur in response to an emergency to protect public health and safety. These projects would require a Non-Priority Project Water Quality Plan.
Non-Priority Project Water Quailty Plan
Permit Documents
All development and redevelopment projects must comply with the following Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board and State Water Resources Control Board permits:
MS4 Permit
Model WQMP (posted 08/22/11)
Technical Guidance Document – Part 1 (posted 07/17/12)
Technical Guidance Document – Part 2 (posted 08/22/11)
Technical Guidance Document – Part 3 (posted 08/22/11)
City of Irvine Local Implementation Plan (LIP) Section A-8, Construction
General Construction Activity Storm Water Permit
Supplemental Resources:
Water Quality Ordinance
The Water Quality Ordinance (No. 10-06) gives the City of Irvine adequate legal authority as may be necessary to carry out the requirements of the NPDES Permit and accomplish the requirements of the Clean Water Act.
OC Stormwater Program Construction Runoff Guidance Manual
The Orange County Stormwater Program Construction Runoff Guidance Manual provides permit information as well as BMP information to manage runoff during construction.
(Manual Not Yet Available)
Additional Resources:
County of Orange, OC Watersheds, Orange County Stormwater Program
(877) 89-SPILL or (877) 897-7455 or visit the website
Regional Water Quality Control Board, Santa Ana Region
(951) 782-4130 or visit the website
