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Council backs regional stormwater standard, urges flexible implementation and local study
Summary
After extensive public comment and debate, the City Council voted to support the regional water board’s proposed stormwater design standard for new development while urging flexibility in implementation and data collection through pilots and negotiations.
The Los Angeles City Council voted to endorse the Regional Water Quality Control Board’s proposed standard for managing stormwater from new development and substantial redevelopment, while urging the board to work with the city on flexible, implementable approaches.
Councilmember Ruth Galanter brought a substitute motion (44a) that the council approved after public comment from environmental groups, industry stakeholders and regional board staff. Speakers included Barb Garrett of the chief legislative analyst’s (CLA) office, who said the CLA wanted more information on costs and benefits and recommended a pilot program approach; Mark Gold of Heal the Bay and Alex Halperin of the Natural Resources Defense Council, who urged adoption of the standard; and industry representatives who urged use of existing best‑management practices for specific site types such as service stations.
The substitute motion endorses the concept of the regional board’s standard (which attendees described as an 85th‑percentile retention or capture standard in various components) and asks city staff to work with the regional board and stakeholders to address implementation, flexibility and data gaps. Council members debated whether to demand a formal pilot program before supporting the rule; the CLA recommended pilot testing, while advocates said other jurisdictions already use similar or stronger standards and that immediate action is needed to limit stormwater pollution.
Councilmember Ferrero (seconding the motion) and others emphasized the city’s responsibility to lead on water quality. Representatives from the regional board said municipalities would have workshops and chances to negotiate permit terms ahead of the next permit cycle and indicated municipalities would likely have about 180 days to implement SUSAMPs (Standard Urban Stormwater Mitigation Plans) after approval.
After debate, the council approved the substitute motion urging support of the regional board’s effort, while calling for flexibility, clarification and additional local testing and planning. The roll call on the substitute motion was recorded as 12 ayes.
