San Diego Yard Drainage & Stormwater (2025): French Drains, Permeable Pavers, Legal Tie-ins & Permits

Updated August 2025 — San Diego County

Written by:

Luke W., Founder & Owner of INSTALL-IT-DIRECT

Luxury Landscape Design & Build Expert • 16+ Years in San Diego

Reviewed by:

Chris MacMillan, General Manager

ICPI Certified • CA CSLB License #947643

Last reviewed: August 2025 · About our process

6,000+ 5-star reviews since 2009 • Fully licensed & insured in California

Planning a yard drainage fix in San Diego? This is your local, permit-ready guide to solving standing water, soggy side yards, patio flooding, and wall seepage. We cover diagnostics, solution types (French drains, area drains, channel/slot drains, permeable pavers, underdrains, sumps), legal discharge paths (ROW/EMRA), stormwater forms, line-item costs, timelines, and a quote checklist—so you fix it once and for all.

TL;DR — 2025 San Diego Drainage

Diagnose: Symptoms → Likely Causes

Solutions (What Works in San Diego)

Permits, Legal Outlets & San Diego Code

• Storm water checklist (DS-560): We complete the City’s Storm Water Requirements Applicability Checklist on permitted scopes and show construction BMPs on the plan set.
• Right-of-Way (ROW): Curb outlets, sidewalk underdrains, or private laterals to public storm systems require a ROW permit. Some items can be Rapid Review, but curb outlets (D-25), sidewalk underdrains (D-27), and private storm laterals are Submitted Plans with drawings.
• EMRA (DS-3237): Any private drainage facility installed in the public ROW (e.g., underdrain/curb outlet) typically requires an Encroachment Maintenance & Removal Agreement recorded for long-term upkeep.
• Stormwater Standards Manual (2018; updated 2024): We design to the City’s current standards for site design, source control, and structural BMPs (e.g., permeable pavement with underdrain).
• Foundation drainage (CRC R401.3): Provide 6 in. fall within the first 10 ft from foundations; where that’s not feasible (property lines/thresholds), add drains or swales. Impervious surfaces within 10 ft should slope ≥2% away from the building.
• Traffic Control (IB-177): Lane/sidewalk closures for ROW work require a separate Public ROW Traffic Control Permit and MOT plan.
• Minor WPCP (DS-570): When required, we provide a Minor Water Pollution Control Plan that coordinates construction BMPs with DS-560.
• Non-stormwater limitations: Continuous non-stormwater discharges to the storm system (e.g., some pumped groundwater) are generally prohibited unless specifically allowed by ordinance/MS4 rules. We prioritize on-site infiltration or other lawful options.

Key Specs & Field Details (What Inspectors Expect)

• Grading away from structures (code): Provide 6 in. fall within the first 10 ft from foundations; where not feasible, add drains/swales. Target ≥2% slope for impervious surfaces near the building.
• Pipe slopes: Maintain positive slopes (~1%±) with cleanouts at ends and transitions; protect outlets with screens/check valves where appropriate.
• French drains: Non-woven fabric wrap, washed ¾” gravel, perforated pipe (holes down per detail), and a gravity or pumped outlet to a lawful discharge.
• Permeable pavers: Open-graded base (ASTM #57/#67), bedding (#8/#89), rated joint aggregate; add underdrain to a lawful outlet where soils are tight; maintain setbacks from structures.
• Underdrains behind walls: Continuous perf pipe at heel with fabric-wrapped gravel, cleanouts/weep, protected outlet—coordinate with wall engineering.
• Downspouts: Hard-pipe to basins or to permeable assembly (with pre-treatment) rather than dumping at grade.

Costs (Installed, 2025 — San Diego)

Typical Timeline

• Diagnosis & design: 2–5 days (measure, flow tests, elevations, scope alignment).
• Permits (if ROW/EMRA): Rapid Review to submitted plans: ~1–6+ weeks depending on scope.
• Traffic control (if needed): Add time for Public ROW Traffic Control approval and scheduling.
• Build: 1–4 days for most residential runs; add time for ROW work, concrete restoration, or permeable assemblies.
• Inspections: As required for ROW and for any building/mechanical/electrical tie-ins.

Quote Comparison Checklist

• Survey & slopes: Proposed elevations, flow arrows, and outlet location(s).
• Pipes/lines: Sizes, materials, slopes, cleanouts, and basins with grate specs.
• Permeable assemblies: Aggregate gradations, layer depths, underdrain strategy.
• French/underdrains: Fabric type (non-woven), gravel spec, perforation orientation, outlet detail.
• ROW: Who handles ROW permit, EMRA, traffic control, and restoration standards.
• Downspouts: Hard-piped to basins/stone; splash blocks not enough in problem areas.
• Warranty & maintenance: Camera/cleanout access, annual service guidance, workmanship terms.

Still comparing surfaces? See Concrete vs. Pavers and Stamped Concrete vs. Pavers. Planning a pool? Visit Pool Deck Pavers Cost (San Diego). For driveways, see Paver Driveway Cost. Retaining walls in wet zones? Read Retaining Wall Permits (San Diego).

Serving San Diego County: Rancho Santa Fe, Del Mar, La Jolla, Carmel Valley, Encinitas, Carlsbad, Poway, Fairbanks Ranch, Oceanside, San Marcos, and more.

FAQs

Can I legally drain to the street?

Yes—with approvals. Private drains connecting to public storm systems or curb outlets typically require a ROW permit; private facilities in the ROW usually require an EMRA. We handle design, submittals, and inspections.

Do I need the City’s DS-560 storm water form?

Most permitted scopes include DS-560 with construction BMPs. We complete the checklist and show BMPs on plans.

Will permeable pavers solve my patio flooding?

In many cases, yes. Permeable assemblies treat water at the surface and reduce runoff. On tight soils, we add an underdrain to a lawful outlet.

French drain vs. area drains—what’s better?

They solve different problems. French drains address subsurface water; area drains capture surface water. We often use both.

What slope do I need away from the house?

Aim for positive drainage away from foundations; where space is limited, add drains. We set slopes and details on the plan set to meet code intent.

Can my sump pump discharge to the storm drain?

Sometimes no—non-stormwater discharges to the public storm system are generally prohibited unless specifically allowed by City ordinance/MS4 rules. We typically design sumps to discharge to on-site infiltration or to a permitted ROW outlet if allowed.

How often should I maintain my system?

Annually before rainy season: clear leaves from inlets/grates, flush lines from cleanouts, and inspect pump basins (if any). We offer maintenance plans.