PRE-CONSTRUCTION STORMWATER CHECKLIST: PERMITS, SWPPP AND CONTROLS BEFORE GRADING (FREE PRINTABLE CHECKLIST)
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summary     Free printable pre-construction stormwater checklist: permit coverage, operators, SWPPP, NOI timing, notice of coverage, stormwater team training, and controls to install before earth disturbance.

sections
- Permit coverage
- SWPPP and NOI
- People and training
- Controls installed before earth disturbance

faq
Q: What must be done before construction starts under a stormwater permit?
A: Under the EPA CGP: confirm coverage is needed, identify operators, prepare the SWPPP, submit the NOI at least 14 days before construction and receive authorization, post the notice of coverage, train the stormwater team, and install controls such as perimeter controls, exits and inlet protection before earth disturbance.
Q: Can grading start before the NOI is approved?
A: Under the EPA CGP, discharges are authorized 14 calendar days after EPA notifies you it received a complete NOI, unless delayed or denied. Starting earth disturbance before authorization risks unpermitted discharges. State permits set their own timing.

note        Free general education based on the Clean Water Act, EPA NPDES rules and the EPA Construction General Permit. Your governing permit (EPA, state, tribal or local) controls. This is not legal advice, not EPA-approved, and not a California QSP/QSD or other state credential, and it does not issue a certificate. Nothing you enter on this page is saved or sent.

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Free Printable Checklist

Pre-Construction Stormwater Checklist: Permits, SWPPP and Controls Before Grading

Most stormwater violations start before the first rain: no coverage, no SWPPP on site, or perimeter controls that were "going in next week." Run through this list before earth disturbance begins.

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On this page
  1. Permit coverage
  2. SWPPP and NOI
  3. People and training
  4. Controls installed before earth disturbance
  5. FAQ
Project
Planned start of disturbance
Acres to disturb / max at one time
Operators
Prepared by

Use this checklist during preconstruction meetings. It follows EPA Construction General Permit timing; your state permit may differ. Nothing you check here is saved. Not sure you need coverage? Try the permit coverage check.

Permit coverage

SWPPP and NOI

People and training

Controls installed before earth disturbance

Sources and official references

Last reviewed: October 25, 2026 · Free general education based on the Clean Water Act, EPA NPDES rules and the EPA Construction General Permit. Your governing permit (EPA, state, tribal or local) controls. This is not legal advice, not EPA-approved, and not a California QSP/QSD or other state credential, and it does not issue a certificate. Nothing you enter on this page is saved or sent.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Under the EPA CGP: confirm coverage is needed, identify operators, prepare the SWPPP, submit the NOI at least 14 days before construction and receive authorization, post the notice of coverage, train the stormwater team, and install controls such as perimeter controls, exits and inlet protection before earth disturbance.

Under the EPA CGP, discharges are authorized 14 calendar days after EPA notifies you it received a complete NOI, unless delayed or denied. Starting earth disturbance before authorization risks unpermitted discharges. State permits set their own timing.

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