Structural best management practices are permanent stormwater treatment features incorporated into the design of many newly developed or redeveloped properties. They need to be maintained regularly to continue functioning properly.

Owners and operators of these properties are required to conduct regular maintenance activities as per the property's "Maintenance Agreement" (Storm Water Management and Discharge Control Maintenance Agreement) signed with the City of San Diego and filed with the County Recorder's Office.

In addition, the City is required to verify proper maintenance of these structural best management practices via inspection. These activities are mandated by the City’s Municipal Code (§43.03).

The City's Structural Best Management Practices program has two main components:

1. An annual maintenance verification form

• Parties responsible for best management practices maintenance will receive a form in the mail each year. They are required to complete and return the form, verifying that they are performing all necessary routine maintenance of treatment control and best management practices on their property.

2. Periodic structural best management practices maintenance inspections

• City representatives periodically visit sites to assess whether the structural best management practices are being properly maintained. Examples of items that an inspector commonly checks can be found in the "Best Management Practices Inspection Item List" document available below.

Additional Resources

• Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
• Structural Best Management Practices Inspection and Maintenance Information Sheet
• Best Management Practices Inspection Item List 
• Best Management Practices Handbooks
• Storm Water Standards Manual