Camarillo's Environmental Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles environmental rules a little differently. In Camarillo, California, there are 4 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Stormwater Management

Camarillo Municipal Code Chapter 9.32 (Stormwater Quality) prohibits illicit discharges to the storm drain system and requires best management practices (BMPs) for both construction activities and developed properties. The city participates in the Ventura Countywide Stormwater Quality Management Program under the municipal NPDES permit.

Key details: Illicit Discharge: Prohibited (CMC 9.32.030). Construction BMPs: Required (CMC 9.32.080). Post-Construction: LID requirements apply. Watershed: Calleguas Creek to Pacific Ocean. NPDES Permit: Ventura Countywide program.

Violations of CMC 9.32 may be addressed through administrative enforcement, civil remedies, or criminal prosecution per Section 9.32.160. Fines can be significant, particularly for discharges that reach waterways. Contact Public Works for stormwater questions.

Erosion Control

Grading, drainage and erosion control in Camarillo are regulated under CMC Title 16 (Building Code), which adopts the California Building Code with local amendments. Any project that disturbs soil or alters drainage typically requires a grading permit from the Public Works/Building & Safety counter and a Best Management Practices (BMP) plan to prevent sediment runoff.

Key details: Code Section: CMC Ch. 16.04 (adopts 2025 CBC + Appendix J). Grading Permit: Required for soil disturbance. Wet Season BMPs: Oct 1 – April 30. Stormwater Program: Ventura Countywide MS4.

Grading without a permit or failing to maintain required erosion-control BMPs is a CMC Title 16 violation, enforced by stop-work order and citations. Stormwater violations may additionally be enforced by the Ventura County Watershed Protection District under the County NPDES permit.

Grading & Drainage

Camarillo issues grading permits under CMC Title 16 (Building Code), which incorporates the California Building Code's grading and drainage provisions (CBC Appendix J). Any cut, fill, or change to surface drainage that exceeds adopted thresholds requires plans, a soils/geotechnical report on hillside sites, and inspection sign-offs.

Key details: Code Section: CMC Ch. 16.04; CBC Appendix J. Permit Threshold: Cut >5 ft or fill >50 cu yd. Hillside Sites: Geotechnical report required. Drainage: May not be redirected onto neighbor.

Grading without a permit triggers a stop-work order, double permit fees on the after-the-fact permit, and administrative citations. Diverting drainage onto a neighbor's property can also create civil liability under California Civil Code §3479 (nuisance).

Flood Zones

Camarillo participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Properties in FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) are subject to floodplain management regulations under CMC Title 16 and Title 20. New construction and substantial improvements in flood zones must meet elevation and construction standards.

Key details: Program: National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Elevation Required: At or above BFE for new construction. Flood Insurance: Mandatory in SFHAs with mortgages. Primary Risk: Calleguas Creek and tributaries. FIRM Maps: Available from FEMA or city.

Construction in flood zones without proper permits and elevation certificates violates CMC Title 16 and FEMA regulations. Non-compliant structures may be ineligible for flood insurance. Contact Community Development at (805) 388-5360 for floodplain development permits.

The Bottom Line

Camarillo's environmental rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Camarillo is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Camarillo's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.