Inspection schedule
Initial storm water inspections are usually not scheduled ahead of time with the business. Subsequent inspections are conducted at additional cost, and within a prescribed time, if violations are discovered and if the business has not provided adequate documentation of corrected violations.
Inspections may also be scheduled in response to complaints of stormwater violations. Avoiding these violations will save businesses money and time while protecting our local eco-system.
For most violations, the City requires an explanation and, as appropriate, a plan for the facility or responsible party to correct the noncompliance within the time period specified on the inspection report. This plan could be as simple as verbal or email communication, but will be commensurate to the magnitude of the violation. If the violation remains unresolved, noncompliance persists, or the explanation and the mitigation plan are not adequate, the City response will become more formal and commitments (or inspection schedules, as appropriate) for compliance will be established in a documented enforcement action.
If your business requires an escalated, documented enforcement action, the City may update the priority of your business to ensure that best management practices remain in place.
What do inspectors look for and how are violations handled?
Inspections cover how well each business is preventing stormwater pollution pursuant to the City’s Clean Water Permit and Municipal Code. For example, the inspector typically reviews each site for relevant record keeping, staff training, periodic cleaning, and other best management practices for storm water quality. The inspector will also communicate with the business representative on hand to try and correct minor issues observed during the inspections.
If violations were observed during the inspection, the inspector will discuss and document required corrective actions with the business representative present during the inspection. If correction cannot be provided during the visit, a follow-up inspection may be required. To help businesses comply with the regulations, information can be found on the website here.
Invoicing and payments
Businesses are responsible for paying stormwater inspection fees. Additional information pertaining to invoicing and payments are included below:
When will my business receive an invoice?
Businesses will be mailed an invoice showing inspection fee(s) and associated charges in April. Invoices for re-inspections or nonroutine inspections are mailed out within two months of the date of re-inspection.
Invoices are mailed to the inspected business mailing address. Copies will not be sent to the property owners or property managers.
How much will my business be charged?
A flat rate is charged for an initial inspection based on the consultant fees, plus 25% for City administrative time per the Master Fee Schedule. The same cost recovery process applies to re-inspections.
What will happen if my business does not pay the invoice?
If not paid before 60 days of the initial notice, a late fee of 25% of the initial invoice amount will be applied to the invoice. Invoices past due will also result in consequences including, but not limited to, referral to collections.
How do I pay my invoice?
There are two ways to pay your invoice:
- Pay online with the Accela permit management system.
- Visit the Accela portal.
- Click “Register for an Account” and follow registration instructions to create an account.
- After an account is created, log in to your account and click the Public Works tab to perform a search for your record.
- Under the “Record Number:” field, enter the record number that begins with “STM.”
- Click the “Payments” tab and follow the instructions to pay fee.
- Send a check, cashier's check, or money order payable to City of Menlo Park. Write the record number on your check. Mail to the address below:
Menlo Park Public Works Stormwater
Attention: Menlo Park Public Works Stormwater
701 Laurel St.
Menlo Park, CA 94026