| What is my SIC Code? |
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Your SIC Code is your Standard Industrial Classification. It is a code that helps the government determine what kind of business you are, the type of activities you perform and how your business relates to the overall economy. The City of Oceanside Business License Department issues your business an SIC Code at the time you apply for a business license. However, you may, as well, choose your own SIC Code (as you need an SIC Code to fill out your tax information for the IRS). For purposes of the Urban Runoff Information Form, you may use the SIC Code you choose or call the Business License Department to verify the SIC Code assigned to your business 760-435-3878. |
What does “Materials used in Industrial Process (industry only) mean?” |
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Well, it means that only industrial businesses are required to fill out that answer. If you are an industrial business, you must list the most frequently used and hazardous materials involved in your operations. |
What does “Potential urban runoff pollutants generated” mean? |
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List all the possible pollutants that could run off the area around your business during a rain event, from irrigation runoff, etc. Use the examples of urban runoff pollutants listed on the top of the form as a guide. |
What does “Expected non-rain water discharges” mean? |
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List all the possible ways water could run off the area around your business, with the exception of rainwater. Use the examples given on the form to help you. |
How I am supposed to know if I’m regulated under the Industrial NPDES permit? |
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It depends on your SIC Code (the topic we discussed above). Click on this link to see if the State Water Resources Control Board requires you to obtain a statewide general industrial storm water permit. Industrial businesses are the focus of this permit, therefore if you are a restaurant, breathe easy. However, if you are a machine shop, we’d advise you to verify if your SIC Code is listed. Failure to get coverage under this statewide storm water permit can mean huge fines, and you cannot use the “I didn’t know” defense.
If you have a statewide storm water permit, you should be fully aware of the permit requirements. For more information on the industrial storm water permit, go to the Industrial homepage. |
What if I am an independent contractor and do not have a permanent building in the City of Oceanside? |
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Independent contractors are still required to fill out this form, as every business must have one on file. If you are working from home, just list the materials and wastes used and generated outside your normal living environment. Make sure to detail in the “description of business activity” that you are a home-based business. Contractors working at various job sites must answer all questions appropriately, except for “size of facility.” Again, be sure to detail in the “description of business activity” portion that your business is mobile and has no permanent facility. |
I’ve been working in Oceanside for ____ years. Why is the City all of a sudden requiring me to fill out this form? |
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The City of Oceanside, along with all of the other cities in San Diego County, have been mandated to track all of our commercial and industrial businesses for potential to pollute storm water and negatively affect the water quality of our creeks, rivers, lakes and beaches. These sheets will help us to identify where businesses are located in proximity to a waterbody and what kinds of materials or wastes could contaminate this waterbody. Eventually this information will be mapped on a GIS program. Failure to correctly fill out the information sheet could result in fines for perjury, so don’t take this lightly. Make sure you have completed all sections to the best of your knowledge. |
