Structural BMP Inspections Program

Structural best management practices (BMPs) are permanent stormwater treatment features built into the design of many newly developed or redeveloped properties to treat stormwater runoff before entering the City’s Storm Drain System (MS4). These BMPs need to be maintained regularly to continue functioning properly and as designed. As such, Owners and operators of these properties are required to perform regular maintenance activities as per the property's Storm Water Management and Discharge Control Maintenance Agreement signed with the City of San Diego and filed with the County Recorder's Office.  

In addition, the City is required to verify proper maintenance of these Structural BMPs in the following ways. These actions are mandated by the City’s Municipal Code (§43.03).

The City's Structural Best Management Practices program verifies proper maintenance in the following ways:

1. Annual Maintenance Self-Verification

   Owners and/or Operators responsible for Structural BMP maintenance will receive a form in the mail and/or via email each year. They are required to complete and return the form by the listed due date, verifying that all the BMPs are being regularly maintained such that they will perform properly and as designed during the next rain event.  

   Owners and/or Operators responsible for maintenance of these BMPs can now access BMP information and submit their annual maintenance self-verification online using the City’s Maintenance Verification Web Portal.  

   To log into the portal, you will need the Site ID and Passcode provided to you in the most recent Annual Maintenance Verification Form that was sent out by mail and/or email. Once logged in, complete ALL required fields as indicated, then press submit.

2. Periodic Structural BMP Maintenance Inspections

   City representatives will periodically visit these sites and perform a routine inspection to assess whether the Structural BMPs are being properly maintained. Examples of items that an inspector commonly checks can be found in the "BMP Inspection Fact Sheet" document available in the right-hand column.

   If a deficiency is found on site, you will be contacted by a City of San Diego stormwater inspector and be given a reasonable amount of time to resolve the issue(s) and reach compliance. Continued non-compliance will result in escalating enforcement, which may include monetary penalties.

Please Note: To ensure all messages regarding these Structural BMPs are received, it is important that the City of San Diego has the most up-to-date contact information for your site. If you think the contact information for your site needs to be updated or changed, please contact us using the email address or phone number listed below.

Stormwater Documents

Documents pertaining to the design, construction, and maintenance of any Structural BMPs that are located on your site can generally be requested at The City of San Diego Development Services Department.  These documents can include Building Plans, Grading Plans, Water Quality Technical Reports, Stormwater Quality Management Plans and Storm Water Management and Discharge Control Maintenance Agreements.

Contact Information  

Stormwater Department 

9370 Chesapeake Dr. Suite 100
San Diego CA 92123
858-541-4300
tcbmp@sandiego.gov