Fullerton's Environmental Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles environmental rules a little differently. In Fullerton, California, there are 2 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.

Flood Zones

Fullerton participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and regulates floodplain development under Fullerton Municipal Code Section 14.01.015 (Flood Zone Development). The city has adopted FEMA's Flood Insurance Study and Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) for Orange County, dated December 3, 2009. New construction and substantial improvements within Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) - Zones A, AO, AE, AH, A99 - must meet elevation, anchoring, and flood-resistant construction standards.

Key details: Local Ordinance: FMC 14.01.015 (Flood Zone Development). Current FIRMs Effective: December 3, 2009 (Orange County FIS). Regulated Zones: A, AO, AE, AH, A99 (SFHA). AE Zone Elevation: Lowest floor 1 ft above BFE. AO Zone Elevation: 1 ft above FIRM depth, or 3 ft above grade.

Development in an SFHA without a floodplain permit, or construction failing to meet elevation and flood-proofing standards in FMC 14.01.015, can result in stop-work orders, required corrective work (including elevation or removal of non-compliant structures), denial of certificate of occupancy, and code enforcement action. NFIP non-compliance can also jeopardize federally-backed flood insurance availability for affected properties.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Fullerton actively enforces its flood zones requirements.

Stormwater Management

Fullerton enforces Chapter 12.18 Water Quality Ordinance, including section 12.18.020 prohibiting illicit connections and non-stormwater discharges to the city storm drain system. The city is a co-permittee under the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board MS4 NPDES Permit, with the County of Orange as principal permittee.

Key details: Local Ordinance: FMC Chapter 12.18 Water Quality. Illicit Discharge Section: FMC 12.18.020. MS4 NPDES Permit: Santa Ana RWQCB R8-2009-0030 series. Principal Permittee: County of Orange. Construction Threshold: 1 acre triggers state Construction General Permit.

Section 12.18 violations are typically enforced through written warnings, administrative citations, and orders to abate. Specific penalty amounts vary by violation type and history. Confirm current fines and enforcement procedures with Fullerton Engineering at (714) 738-6845 or the Community Development Department at (714) 738-6563.

The Bottom Line

Fullerton'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 Fullerton is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Fullerton can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.