Stormwater Inspection Program

What is the Business Stormwater Inspection Program?

As mandated by the State of California, the City of Dublin (City) implements a Stormwater Inspection Program to comply with the Municipal Regional Stormwater NPDES Permit. Two types of stormwater inspections are conducted as part of this program:

1. Any business that may cause or contribute to stormwater pollution due to improper or non-existent best management practices must have a general business stormwater inspection conducted at least once every five years.  Some examples of best management practices to prevent stormwater pollution include keeping your business neat and clean, using dry clean up methods instead of hosing surfaces, preventing and containing spills, and proper waste management.
2. Any property that includes stormwater treatment measures such as bioretention areas or trash capture devices must be inspected at least once every five years. By working with businesses and property owners to minimize pollutant discharges to the storm drain system, this mandated program helps protect Dublin’s creeks and the San Francisco Bay. 

The City has implemented the State-mandated stormwater inspection program since the early 1990s without charging a fee; however, as of July 2018, the City charges a fee for stormwater inspections and re-inspections conducted each year to recover program implementation costs.

What Happens During an Inspection?

City inspectors will walk with you around your facility to identify if proper stormwater best management practices are being implemented and/or to determine if the stormwater treatment measures are being maintained. If there is potential for indoor activities to impact the storm drain system (e.g., indoor wash areas not plumbed to the sanitary sewer), the inspector will also tour inside your facility. The inspector may also ask to review maintenance records. 

What Resources Will Help Prepare for an Inspection?

• To prepare for the general business stormwater inspection, you can use the Self-Inspection Checklist for Business Owners.
• To prepare for the stormwater treatment measure inspection, review the Stormwater Management Maintenance Plan for your property and/or the template maintenance plans specific to the stormwater treatment measures found on your property which may be viewed here.  
• For information on bioretention areas, bioswales, and other types of green stormwater infrastructure, the Alameda Countywide Clean Water Program information sheet, How to Maintain Your Green Stormwater Facility, may be helpful.
• For information on how to maintain porous pavement, review the Alameda Countywide Clean Water Program information sheet, How to Maintain Your Porous Pavement.

Which Business are Inspected and How Often Do Inspections Occur?

Any business that may cause or contribute to stormwater pollution must have a general business stormwater inspection conducted at least once every five years.  All properties that have on-site stormwater treatment measures must also be inspected at least once every five years. Some businesses are required by the Municipal Regional Stormwater NPDES Permit to be inspected more frequently.  The table to the right outlines the required inspection frequency.

How Much Will I be Charged?

The inspection fee is based on the time it takes to conduct an inspection, including both direct and indirect (i.e., administrative) costs of the service. To incentivize proper use of best management practices, regular, routine inspections and re-inspections are charged the same fee. The fees typically increase annually, according to inflation, as part of the Master Fee Schedule approved by City Council. To see the current stormwater inspection rates, go to the Master Fee Schedule and search under Environmental Programs Fees. 

For more information on how to prepare for a stormwater inspection, visit www.cleanwaterprogram.org or contact the City of Dublin Public Works Department at 925-833-6630.