Glendale's Environmental Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles environmental rules a little differently. In Glendale, 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.

Flood Zones

Glendale participates in the NFIP and regulates development in FEMA-designated flood zones. Properties near the Verdugo Wash, Los Angeles River, and foothill areas may be in Special Flood Hazard Areas requiring flood insurance and elevated construction.

Key details: NFIP Participant: Yes. Major Flood Features: Verdugo Wash, LA River. Standard: Lowest floor at or above BFE. Insurance: Required in SFHAs with federal mortgage. Review: Engineering Division.

Building in flood zones without proper permits and elevation certificates violates local and federal regulations. Non-compliant structures may be denied flood insurance.

Stormwater Management

Glendale bans discharging flammable, toxic, medical or hazardous materials, obstructive solids, or anything that creates a public nuisance into its storm drains, under a citywide NPDES stormwater ordinance. The Department of Public Works enforces the ban with notices, administrative orders and cost recovery.

Key details: Governing chapter: GMC Chapter 13.42. NPDES permit source: LA Regional Water Quality Control Board. Permit issue date: November 8, 2012. Enforcing agency: Director of Public Works. Illicit connections: must be removed or disabled.

Discharging a prohibited material listed in Section 13.42.030, or maintaining an illicit connection under Section 13.42.040, is a violation of Chapter 13.42 punishable under Chapter 1.20 of the Glendale Municipal Code. The director of public works can issue a notice of violation or administrative order under Section 13.42.160, enter the property to inspect and sample, and bill the responsible party an invoice of costs to recover the city's actual enforcement expenses; remedies are cumulative and not exclusive of other legal action the city may pursue.

Erosion Control

Glendale requires any construction that disturbs an acre or more of soil to file a stormwater Notice of Intent, get a state waste discharge ID number, and prepare a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan before the city will issue a grading or building permit. Smaller sites still need a minimum stormwater protection plan.

Key details: Trigger threshold: one acre or more of soil disturbance. Required filings: NOI, WDID number, SWPPP. Smaller sites: minimum stormwater protection plan required. Permit precondition: grading or building permit. On-site documents: SWPPP kept at site at all times.

Starting or continuing soil-disturbing construction without the required Notice of Intent, WDID number and SWPPP under Section 13.42.050, or without the minimum stormwater protection plan required for smaller sites under Section 13.42.060, is a violation of Chapter 13.42 punishable under Chapter 1.20. The director of public works can issue a notice of violation or administrative order under Section 13.42.160, inspect the site, and bill the responsible party for the city's enforcement costs; sites under a construction general permit are also reported to the Regional Water Quality Control Board for violations found during the required monthly inspection.

Coastal Development

Glendale is an inland city with no coastal zone. California Coastal Commission regulations do not apply. No coastal development permits are required.

Key details: Coastal Zone: Not applicable. CCC Jurisdiction: None. Location: Inland city. Nearest Coast: Approximately 20 miles.

The Bottom Line

Glendale'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 Glendale is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Glendale's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.