Lakewood's Environmental Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles environmental rules a little differently. In Lakewood, California, there are 3 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

Lakewood adopts Los Angeles County's Stormwater and Runoff Pollution Control Ordinance (L.A. County Code Chapter 12.80) as its own under Municipal Code Section 5801, and layers on its own Low Impact Development standards for new construction under Section 9379.1. Projects that disturb an acre or add 10,000 square feet of impervious surface must control runoff onsite and get a Biennial Stormwater Facility Permit from Public Works.

Key details: County ordinance adopted: LA County Code Ch. 12.80 (Sec. 5801). LID trigger: 1 acre disturbed + 10,000 sq ft impervious. Special triggers: Gas stations, malls, restaurants over 5,000 sq ft. Permit required: Biennial Stormwater Facility Permit, Public Works. BMP fix deadline: 14 days after maintenance-failure notice.

Failing to obtain the required Biennial Stormwater Facility Permit or correct a noted BMP deficiency within the 14-day window under Section 9379.1 can hold up final building-permit clearance or occupancy approval, and exposes the property owner to enforcement as a Municipal Code violation, punishable as a misdemeanor under Section 1200, an infraction under Section 1205, or an administrative citation under Section 4900 et seq. Violations of the adopted County stormwater ordinance itself are enforced under the same County Chapter 12.80 provisions incorporated into Section 5801.

Flood Zones

Any construction or development in Lakewood's FEMA-mapped AR flood hazard zone needs a floodplain development permit before work begins. Municipal Code Section 8033 requires an application showing elevations, floodproofing certifications, and any watercourse alteration, reviewed by the City's Floodplain Administrator, who under Section 8033.1 is the Director of Community Development, before ground is broken.

Key details: Governing section: Lakewood Municipal Code Sec. 8033. Applies to: FEMA AR Zone (FIS dated July 6, 1998). Floodplain Administrator: City's Director of Community Development. Required before: Any construction or development begins. Zone A river channel: No buildings allowed at all (Sec. 8034.1.C.4).

Section 8032.2 bars constructing, locating, extending, converting, or altering any structure or land within the regulated flood hazard area without full compliance with these regulations, and makes any violation a misdemeanor. Beyond the misdemeanor penalty, the City is free to take any other lawful action needed to prevent or remedy the violation, including holding up permits or ordering corrective work on a noncompliant project.

Flood Elevation Requirements

New residential construction in Lakewood's AR flood hazard zone must have its lowest floor, including any basement, elevated above the highest adjacent grade, per Municipal Code Section 8034.1.C. The exact height depends on the FIRM map: the FEMA-listed depth number where one exists, at least two feet where none is specified, or the lower of the base flood elevation or three feet in the post-certification AR Zone.

Key details: Governing section: Lakewood Municipal Code Sec. 8034.1.C. AR Zone, no FIRM depth: Elevate 2+ feet above adjacent grade. AR Zone, with FIRM depth: Elevate to that depth number. AR Zone (post-certification): Lower of base flood elevation or 3 feet. Manufactured homes: Piers at least 36 inches above grade.

Building without meeting the required elevation or floodproofing standard leaves the structure noncompliant with a mandatory Municipal Code requirement, which Section 8032.2 makes a misdemeanor, and the required engineer's or surveyor's certification will not be available to satisfy the Floodplain Administrator's documentation requirement under Section 8033.2.D. Beyond the misdemeanor penalty, the City may take any lawful action needed to prevent or remedy the violation.

The Bottom Line

Lakewood'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 Lakewood is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Lakewood'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.