*NEW* BMP Installation Verification & Acceptance

This page provides an overview of the County’s mid-construction Best Management Practices (BMPs) inspection program, including inspection stages and requirements to ensure BMPs are properly constructed.

You will also find BMP Installation Verification (BMP IV) forms required for Priority Development Projects (PDPs) to obtain final approval.

Mid-Construction BMP Inspection

The Department of Public Works (DPW), through the Watershed Protection Program (WPP), conducts inspections of structural BMPs during the construction phase of private development projects within the unincorporated areas of the County of San Diego.

This program is a collaborative effort between Planning & Development Services (PDS) and Private Development Construction Inspection (PDCI) to ensure that structural BMPs are built correctly, perform as designed, and to help streamline the development process.

By identifying and resolving issues early, we help you avoid delays and keep your project on schedule. Our inspector provides specialized expertise and works alongside you to ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements and standards.

This process includes two required steps: (1) a pre-build meeting with WPP, and (2) construction inspections at key stages.

Step 1: Pre-Build Meeting Requests

A pre-build meeting is a mandatory step between WPP and the project team for all Priority Development Projects. Completion of this meeting authorizes the project to proceed to the rough grading stage of construction.

Meetings may be held virtually or in person. In-person meetings take place at:

• County Operations Center
  5510 Overland Avenue
  San Diego, CA 92123

Project teams vary, but attendees should include individuals involved in BMP design, construction, and long-term maintenance, such as:

• Engineer of Work
• Project Owner
• Contractor(s)
• QSD/QSP
• Project Manager/Superintendent

A one-hour meeting is reserved (many meetings conclude in ~30 minutes). During the meeting, WPP will:

• Review project plans
• Explain BMP inspection and verification requirements
• Clarify stormwater compliance expectations
• Answer project-specific questions

Step 2: Inspection Requests

After completing the pre-build meeting and receiving WPP approval, you may proceed to use this section to request a required series of inspections for your project.

To ensure timely scheduling and coordination with inspector availability, please review the requirements below before submitting your request.

• The BMP must be at the appropriate stage of construction, accessible, and ready for inspection.
• Do not cover up BMP component or layer until it has been inspected and approved to proceed to the next stage/layer/component.
• Allow for a 2-hour arrival time window for inspections.
• Provide at least 24-hour notice for cancellations or rescheduling
• Inspections may be rescheduled or marked incomplete if requirements are not satisfied
• Failure to complete inspections may delay project approval

WPP conducts inspections at key construction milestones, including:

• Rough grading
• Liner, gravel, and underdrain installation
• Riser and cleanout installation
• Filter course, media, and mulch placement
• Underground storage units
• Proprietary biofiltration systems

Failure to complete required inspections may result in delays to project approval.

PDP Acceptance Forms

Here you can find the BMP Installation Verification (BMP IV) forms required to obtain final approval for your Priority Development Project (PDP).

Maintenance Agreement

• Category 1 - Maintenance Notification Agreement (MNA)
• Category 2 – Stormwater Maintenance Agreement (SWMA) Instructions
• Construction Project Acceptance Memo
   

Notification

• Transfer of BMP Maintenance Responsibilities Notification Template (for stand-alone tree wells & dispersion areas) 
   

Contact

  PDP.PackageReview@sdcounty.ca.gov (Pre-Build Meetings)

  ericj.elmore@sdcounty.ca.gov (Structural BMPs Inspections)

Development Resources Page

Watershed Protection Program Home Page