CALGreen Storm Water Design — Sustainable Water Management for California Construction
CALGreen Storm Water Design is a critical component of California’s Green Building Standards Code that focuses on how rainfall and surface water are managed on construction sites. It aims to reduce runoff pollution, minimize erosion, and ensure water is handled responsibly during and after construction.
If your project involves grading, paving, roof drainage, or site development, storm water design must be addressed as part of your compliance package. This ensures your project protects local water quality and meets state-mandated environmental standards.
What Is CALGreen Storm Water Design?
CALGreen storm water design refers to planning and documenting how water moves across and off your property during rain events. It ensures that the design reduces soil displacement, prevents contaminants from entering public waterways, and supports long-term site stability.
Key objectives include:
- Controlling surface runoff from rooftops and paved areas
- Preventing erosion during and after construction
- Managing on-site drainage responsibly
- Reducing the transport of construction-related contaminants
Proper design helps protect local streets, storm drain systems, and surrounding properties from flooding or sediment damage.
Why Storm Water Design Matters for CALGreen Compliance
Poor drainage planning can cause serious problems after construction is completed. Water pooling, soil movement, or improper grading can result in property damage, blocked drainage, and regulatory penalties.
CALGreen storm water requirements help ensure:
- Controlled runoff during storms
- Proper slope management and surface grading
- Reduced sediment discharge into municipal systems
- Compliance with local water protection requirements
Municipal building departments often check this portion of CALGreen compliance closely during plan review.
Projects That Require CALGreen Storm Water Design
Storm water design requirements typically apply to:
- New residential construction
- Commercial developments
- Multi-family housing projects
- Large additions or expansions
- Projects involving grading or hardscape installation
Even smaller projects that modify the exterior surface or drainage patterns may be required to address storm water measures depending on local jurisdiction requirements.
How CALGreen Storm Water Design Is Documented
Storm water design documentation usually includes:
- Site drainage layout plans
- Grading and slope calculations
- Runoff flow direction diagrams
- Surface material and permeability documentation
- Construction best management practices (BMPs)
This documentation is submitted as part of the building permit package and reviewed by city or county building departments.
Common Storm Water Design Features
Most CALGreen-compliant storm water designs include features such as:
- Area drains and channel systems
- Proper grading away from structures
- Swales and drainage corridors
- Permeable surface strategies
- Erosion control during construction
These features help ensure water flows safely away from the property without damaging surrounding areas.
Why Professional CALGreen Storm Water Design Matters
Storm water compliance is more than just drawing arrows on a site plan. It involves understanding how water behaves across different surfaces and how local jurisdictions interpret drainage requirements.
Working with professionals ensures:
- Accurate documentation for permit approval
- Reduced risk of resubmittals or plan corrections
- Better long-term site performance
- Protection against drainage-related inspection failures
How to Get Started with CALGreen Storm Water Design
To begin, submit your site plans, grading details, and project scope to our compliance team.
Call (626) 365-1518 or send your project through our
online contact form.
Our specialists will help you determine exactly what is required for your project and prepare the proper storm water compliance documentation.
Final Thoughts
CALGreen Storm Water Design plays a crucial role in protecting your project, your community, and surrounding infrastructure from drainage issues.
By addressing water flow early in your design and documentation process, you avoid future property damage, inspection setbacks, and costly corrections.
Call (626) 365-1518 today to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions — CALGreen Storm Water Design
What is CALGreen storm water design?
It is the planning and documentation of how surface water is managed on a construction site under CALGreen standards.
Is storm water design required for all projects?
Not all, but most new construction and site-altering projects must address it.
Who enforces CALGreen storm water compliance?
Local building departments during plan review and inspections.
Does storm water design affect smaller remodels?
Only if they impact exterior surfaces, grading, or drainage paths.
Is it required for commercial projects?
Yes, especially those with significant site development.
Does paving trigger storm water requirements?
Often yes, since it affects runoff and drainage behavior.
What happens if storm water design is incorrect?
It can lead to plan rejection, inspection failures, or future drainage issues.
How long does it take to complete storm water documentation?
Typically 2–5 business days depending on project complexity.
Do ADU projects need storm water design?
Yes, if they alter exterior grading or surface drainage.
Is grading always required?
Not always, but drainage patterns must still be shown clearly.
What information is needed to start?
Site plan, elevation plan, and grading details.
Can I design storm water myself?
Local departments typically require professional documentation.
Is storm water planning tied into other CALGreen areas?
Yes, it connects with site sustainability and environmental protection requirements.
Is this required statewide?
Yes, CALGreen applies statewide, though local amendments may apply.
Will poor drainage affect final inspection?
Yes, improper drainage can delay final approval.
Can drainage design be changed after submission?
Yes, but updated documentation may be required.
Does storm water design affect property value?
Proper drainage protects property value and long-term site stability.
Is documentation digital or printed?
Most jurisdictions accept digital submissions.
Can your team help with corrections?
Yes, we assist with revisions and resubmittals.
How do I start?
Call (626) 365-1518 or submit your plans through our contact page.