Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Environment topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
County updates stormwater ordinance to align with state NPDES changes; Midcoast residents press maintenance and fee concerns
Summary
The board introduced an updated stormwater pollution prevention ordinance to conform to the municipal regional stormwater NPDES permit and 2022 state rules; Midcoast commenters requested attention to maintenance funding, drainage and a possible assessment mechanism for rural areas.
San Mateo County's sustainability department presented an ordinance update Oct. 7 to replace the county's stormwater management chapter with provisions to implement the municipal regional NPDES permit and state updates from 2022. The board introduced the ordinance and made the CEQA exemption findings.
Director Jasneet Sharma described lowered impervious‑surface thresholds, new inspection and cost‑reporting requirements, and a pilot $400,000 underground trash‑capture device in North Fair Oaks. "The purpose of the stormwater pollution prevention ordinance is to reduce pollutants from entering our storm drains, our water bodies, and our water courses," Sharma said, explaining the updated shared department roles for enforcement and program administration.
Several Midcoast residents and a contractor urged the board to consider geographic differences, the lack of a Midcoast stormwater fee, difficulties with maintenance funding and the limits of on‑site mitigation in steep terrain. Supervisor Mueller indicated the issue requires a tailored approach for rural and coastal areas and asked staff to coordinate with Public Works and CCAG/CCAD (regional stormwater collaborators) on technical assistance and funding options.
The board introduced the ordinance and requested follow‑up materials; staff said the ordinance applies to unincorporated areas and will expand interdepartmental implementation.
