Compton's Environmental Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles environmental rules a little differently. In Compton, California, there are 5 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

Compton bans any illicit discharge into its municipal storm drain system and requires large parking lots and commercial facilities to control runoff pollutants. The Public Works Director enforces the rules, and violations are misdemeanors that also trigger cost-recovery for cleanup.

Key details: Core rule: No illicit discharge into MS4 (§ 31-1.3). Parking lot rule: 25+ space lots must be cleaned regularly. Enforcing agency: Public Works Director. Criminal penalty: Misdemeanor per § 31-1.12. Cost recovery: City can bill cleanup/reinspection costs.

A violation of any provision of Chapter 31, including an illicit discharge or illegal connection, is a misdemeanor under § 31-1.12. The City Manager or Public Works Director may issue Notices of Violation and Administrative Orders under § 31-1.13, and failure to comply with a notice is itself a separate violation. The violating condition is also declared a nuisance abatable by the City under § 31-1.14, and the City may recover its actual costs for reinspection, monitoring, and cleanup under § 31-1.18.

Flood Zones

Any construction or land-disturbing development within Compton's FEMA-mapped AR Zone, an area that lost its accredited flood protection and is being restored to withstand a 100-year flood, needs a Development Permit before work starts. Municipal Code § 14-10 makes noncompliance a misdemeanor and puts the Planning Director in charge as the city's designated Flood Plain Administrator.

Key details: Governing law: Compton Municipal Code § 14-10.4(b), § 14-10.5. Flood zone: FEMA-mapped AR Zone, restored to 100-year protection. Permit required: Development Permit before any construction or grading. Administrator: Planning Director serves as Flood Plain Administrator. FIS date: Flood Insurance Study dated July 6, 1998.

Constructing, locating, extending, converting or altering any structure or land in the AR Zone without full compliance with § 14-10, including any Development Permit conditions and safeguards, is a misdemeanor under Section 14-10.4(b). The City may also pursue any other lawful action necessary to prevent or remedy the violation, and adoption of the floodplain rules does not create city liability for flood damage from reliance on them.

Flood Elevation Requirements

Compton requires new construction in mapped flood hazard areas to elevate the lowest floor above the flood depth shown on the federal flood map, or at least two feet above the highest adjacent grade if no depth is listed, under Municipal Code § 14-10.8. A Flood Plain Administrator reviews and certifies compliance before issuing a development permit.

Key details: Enforcing official: Flood Plain Administrator. Elevation default: 2 ft above highest adjacent grade. AR zone rule: Lower of AR BFE or 3 ft above grade. Certification required: Engineer/surveyor + City Building Inspector. Enclosure vents: 1 sq in per sq ft, min 2 openings.

A structure built without the required elevation certificate or other proof of compliance is presumed to be in violation under § 14-10.3's definition of 'Violation.' Section 14-10.4 states that violating these flood plain requirements, including conditions attached to a development permit, constitutes a misdemeanor, and the Flood Plain Administrator can also order remedial action to bring a noncompliant structure into line or reduce its flood-damage exposure.

Erosion Control

Compton will not issue a grading permit or allow construction that disturbs five or more acres of soil unless the applicant has already obtained a State NPDES General Construction Activity Storm Water Permit. Site records including the SWPPP must be kept on hand for at least three years.

Key details: Trigger: 5+ acres of soil disturbance. Required permit: NPDES General Construction Activity permit. Issuing authority: State Water Resources Control Board. Required on-site records: SWPPP, NOI, WDID number. Record retention: 3 years after construction ends.

Proceeding with a five-acre-or-larger grading or construction project without the required NPDES General Construction Activity Storm Water Permit, or without keeping the SWPPP and related records on site, is a violation of Chapter 31 and constitutes a misdemeanor under § 31-1.12. The Public Works Director may issue a Notice of Violation or Administrative Order under § 31-1.13, and the City may recover its inspection, monitoring, and enforcement costs from the responsible party under § 31-1.18.

Coastal Development

Compton is an inland city approximately 12 miles from the coast. California Coastal Commission regulations do not apply. No coastal development permits are required for projects within city limits.

Key details: Coastal Zone: Not applicable, inland city. CCC Jurisdiction: None. Distance to Coast: Approximately 12 miles. Permits: Not required.

The Bottom Line

Compton'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 Compton is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Compton'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.