ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
MEETING DATE: August 13, 2026 AGENDA CATEGORY: New Business TO: Housing and Community Development Committee
FROM: Phillip Burns, Development Services Director
DATE: August 7, 2026
SUBJECT: Presentation Regarding Downtown Drainage Issues and NPDES Regulations.
The drainage systems of several areas within Bakersfield are regulated by the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), including Downtown.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the Committee receive and file the presentation
BACKGROUND:
Downtown Bakersfield and other areas in the community face regulations by the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) MS4 Permit. The MS4 permit applies to all projects within certain boundaries that discharge pollutants into Waters of the United States (WOTUS).
The Kern River is one of the communities’ most beautiful assets and maintaining the river is a priority of the City Council. Projects within the MS4 permit must comply with the 2014 Storm Water Management Plan and are required to implement Structural Best Management Practices (BMPs) through Development Standards.
Staff will present on t he NPDES MS4 permit areas to review the development opportunities of several infill parcels to ensure continued growth within the parameters and standards of the permit.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact with this presentation.
COUNCIL GOAL:
Reliable Infrastructure
ATTACHMENTS:
NPDES Area Boundary