About Structural BMPs

Structural Best Management Practices (SBMPs) are facilities that help to prevent pollutants in storm water runoff from leaving a developed property, entering our storm drains, and impacting our local waterways.

All types of structural BMPs require regular inspection and maintenance to ensure that they are operating effectively.
 


Benefits

The overall benefits of a structural BMP may apply to one or more of the following areas:
 

  • Reduces runoff volume and peak flows when infiltration is possible
  • Decreases downstream erosion
  • Filters pollutants from stormwater, improving water quality
  • Contributes to local habitat creation and boosts biodiversity
  • Can offer aesthetic value

 

Most Common Types of SBMPs

The most common types of SBMPs in the County of San Diego's Unincorporated Area inventory are listed below.
 


All the BMP Fact Sheets in PDF format can be found on our Educational Resources page.
 


Property Owner’s Responsibility

Property owners must regularly inspect and maintain their structural BMPs to ensure proper functionality unless this responsibility has been formally transferred to an agency, community facilities district, homeowners association, property owners association, or another special district.
 

What kind of vegetation should I use?

Visit our California-Friendly Vegetation page to explore different vegetation options that may be suitable for your structural BMP.
 

Structural BMPs in an HOA community

Visit our Homeowner’s Association (HOA) Guide page to learn more about who is generally responsible for maintaining structural BMPs in HOA communities.
 

Routine Maintenance

Different structural BMP types require different maintenance procedures, conducted at different frequencies. To learn more about routine maintenance for your structural BMP, refer to the 'Most Common Types of SBMPs' section above.
 

Vendor’s list

Visit our Vendor's List page to learn more about contractors serving San Diego County.


*The County does not endorse or recommend any particular vendor. Inclusion or non-inclusion on this list does not constitute representation or warranty regarding the qualifications of any vendor or resource.
 

Report Storm Drain Pollution

We need your help to protect water quality. If you notice anything besides rainwater in the curb, gutter, alley, or street, please report it. There are several ways to report stormwater pollution concerns—visit our Report Storm Drain Pollution page for more information.
 

Contact

  (858) 495-5323

  BMP.Program@sdcounty.ca.gov

 

 

Maintaining My Structural BMP Home Page