Stormwater runoff from commercial properties can be a major source of pollution that affects local waterways.

Commercial properties generally receive high volumes of traffic, resulting in more residual oil from vehicles left on parking lots.   With more development comes more impervious surfaces that generate even more stormwater, and often this stormwater will collect higher concentrations of pollutants as a result of urbanization.  

Impervious surfaces prevent water from infiltrating into the soil and groundwater table. Stormwater is directed into the storm sewer system, these pollutants are emptied into our water bodies.  Commercial properties generally see more of these problems than residential properties due to higher amounts of impervious surfaces and greater vehicular traffic.

Your business plays an important role in keeping our creeks and lake Ontario free of pollution. Business activities, such as car washing, food preparation, trash disposal, animal care, and maintenance activities, can produce pollutants that can discharge into the storm drain system and impact water quality. 

What are stormwater BMPs?

BMPs are “Best Management Practices” that guide businesses in good housekeeping, preventative maintenance, material handling, and spill prevention. By following BMPs such as regular cleaning and inspection of outdoor areas or checking equipment for leaks, your business ensures it is not allowing pollutants to enter the storm drain system.

All businesses are encouraged to follow the General Stormwater BMPs. Specific industries may have additional suggestions. Download the General BMP Factsheet and other factsheets that are relevant to your industry below.

Best Management Practices Factsheets

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General Best Management Practices for All Businesses

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This factsheet contains general BMPs relating to refuse containers, storm drain inlets, outside areas, and spill response. All businesses are required to comply with these practices.

General BMPs for all businesses(PDF, 298KB)

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Animal Services

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This factsheet contains BMPs for animal service facilities, such as shelters, veterinary clinics, groomers, and boarding facilities. It outlines management practices to prevent stormwater pollution when housing and caring for animals and how to properly clean and dispose of animal waste. 

Animal Services BMPs(PDF, 496KB)

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Food Facilities

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This factsheet contains BMPs for food facilities, including restaurants, hotels, cafeterias, and other establishments, that regularly use a kitchen or produce food waste. Potential contaminants unique to food facilities include fats, oils, and grease, which can spill into the storm drain system or cause sanitary sewer system if not properly managed.

For more information about the fats, oils, and grease (FOG) program, please email FOG@paloalto.gov. 

Food Facility BMPs(PDF, 499KB)

Grease Control Device BMPs(PDF, 812KB)

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Mobile Food Vendors

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This factsheet contains BMPs for mobile food vendors such as food trucks, catering trucks, coffee carts and street fair kiosks. It outlines best practices to prevent stormwater pollution when preparing food at outdoor events.

Mobile Food Vendors BMPs.pdf(PDF, 491KB)

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Landscaping Professionals

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This factsheet for landscaping professionals includes best management practices for landscaping, concrete, masonry, and tile work. The practices apply to the upkeep of residential and commercial properties and are designed to prevent yard trimmings, sediment, and other potential contaminants from entering the storm drain.

Landscaping Professionals BMPs(PDF, 825KB)

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Outdoor Building Maintenance

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This factsheet contains BMPs for outdoor building maintenance activities at commercial buildings, such as multi-purpose buildings, apartment complexes, and offices. It outlines management practices to prevent stormwater pollution while painting and powering washing outside of buildings.

Outdoor Maintenance BMPs(PDF, 492KB)

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Pools, Spas, Fountains

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This factsheet contains BMPs for facilities with a pool, spa, or fountain, such as hotels and multi-unit complexes. It outlines management practices to prevent stormwater pollution when conducting preventative maintenance and draining of pools, spas, and fountains.

Pools, Spas, and Fountains BMPs(PDF, 623KB)

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Vehicle Services

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This factsheet contains BMPs for vehicle service facilities, such as retail gasoline outlets, vehicle repair shops, and commercial car washes. The practices apply to vehicle services, including maintenance, fueling, and washing to prevent vehicle fluids, paint chips, cleaning products, and other potential contaminants from entering the storm drain system. 

Vehicle Services BMPs(PDF, 481KB)

We are continuing to develop Best Management Practices (BMPs) for various commercial businesses. If you do not see a BMP factsheet relevant to your business, please email us at cleanbay@paloalto.gov.