Rancho Cordova's Environmental Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles environmental rules a little differently. In Rancho Cordova, 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.

Flood Zones

Rancho Cordova requires a floodplain development permit before any grading, filling, or construction in a mapped flood hazard area. The floodplain administrator reviews every application against the city's flood provisions and the building code before work can begin, and unpermitted work is a misdemeanor.

Key details: Permit required: Before any development in a flood hazard area. Permit expiration: 180 days if work not started or suspended. Extensions: Up to 180 days each, administrator's discretion. Violation penalty: Misdemeanor. Appeal path: City manager or city council per § 16.44.300.

Development performed without an issued floodplain development permit, or in conflict with the permit issued, is a violation under RCMC § 16.96.710, and a structure lacking documentation of its lowest-floor elevation or other required certifications is presumed noncompliant until the missing paperwork is filed. Violating these regulations is a misdemeanor. The floodplain administrator may serve a notice of violation or a stop-work order on the property owner, the owner's agent, or whoever is doing the work under § 16.96.720, and anyone who keeps working after being served, other than to correct the violation, faces further penalties under § 16.96.730.

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

Stormwater Management

Rancho Cordova makes it unlawful to discharge anything other than storm water into the city's storm drains under RCMC Section 15.12.100, unless the flow fits a listed exception such as landscape irrigation, water line flushing, or individual residential car washing. The public works administrator enforces the city's shared NPDES permit and can impose administrative civil penalties up to five thousand dollars per violation.

Key details: Governing section: RCMC § 15.12.100. Enforcing agency: Public works administrator. Civil penalty: Up to $5,000 per violation. Criminal penalty: Misdemeanor, $1,000 fine, 6 months jail. Shared permit: Co-permittee under NPDES Order R5-2016-0040.

Section 15.12.470 authorizes an administrative civil penalty of up to $5,000 per violation, reviewed by a hearing officer before enforcement, with the violator given a reasonable correction period for a continuing violation that poses no immediate danger. Section 15.12.480 makes a negligent or knowing violation, including concealing a violation or ignoring a notice, a misdemeanor punishable by up to $1,000 and six months in county jail, and each day of a continuing violation is a separate offense.

This is one of the stricter rules in Rancho Cordova's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Erosion Control

Rancho Cordova requires a grading and erosion control permit under RCMC Section 16.44.050 to move, fill, excavate, store or dispose of 350 cubic yards or more of soil, or to clear and grub one acre or more of land. The public works administrator issues, conditions and can suspend or revoke these permits under Chapter 16.44.

Key details: Permit trigger: 350 cubic yards or 1 acre cleared. Governing chapter: RCMC Chapter 16.44. Permit term: One year, one extension allowed. Infraction fine: $100 first day, $500 repeat days. Notification deadline: 24 hours after erosion failure.

Section 16.44.360 makes a violation an infraction carrying a fine of $100 for each day of a first violation and $500 for each day of a second or subsequent violation. A violation continuing after the administrator serves notice ordering it stopped becomes a misdemeanor under RCMC Section 1.01.190, and the city can also seek an injunction or other civil remedy through the city council.

Flood Elevation Requirements

Rancho Cordova requires new and substantially improved buildings in flood hazard areas to be elevated 1.5 feet above the base flood elevation, a freeboard margin added on top of the FEMA-mapped flood level for both residential and non-residential construction.

Key details: Freeboard above BFE: 1.5 feet, residential and non-residential. AO zone shallow flooding: Depth number plus 1.5 ft, or 3 ft minimum. Attached garage elevation: At least 1.5 ft above base flood elevation. Manufactured home lowest floor: 1.5 ft above base flood elevation. Certification required: Registered engineer or architect, non-residential.

A building or structure lacking documentation of its lowest-floor elevation or other required design certifications is presumed to be a violation of the floodplain regulations under RCMC § 16.96.710 until the missing records are submitted to the floodplain administrator, and violating the elevation requirements is a misdemeanor. The floodplain administrator can issue a stop-work order or notice of violation to the owner, the owner's agent, or whoever is performing the work under § 16.96.720.

Defensible Space

Rancho Cordova requires a 30-foot firebreak around every structure: Municipal Code Section 17.12.060 orders dry grass, brush, vines and other dry vegetation cleared for at least 30 feet from structures, combustible fences, vehicles and combustible storage, with the enforcement official empowered to demand a wider clearance where terrain warrants it.

Key details: Clearance required: 30 feet from structures, fences, vehicles, storage. Governing section: RCMC § 17.12.060. Enforcing agencies: City code enforcement or Sacramento Metro Fire District. Appeal window: 15 days after abatement notice. Cost recovery: Unpaid costs become a lien after 30 days.

Failing to maintain the required 30-foot clearance is enforced first through an abatement notice giving the property owner a chance to clear the vegetation or appeal within 15 days. If the owner does not comply and the city or Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District performs the clearance, the property owner is billed the actual removal cost plus prorated administrative costs for inspection, notice and contract administration; unpaid bills become a recorded nuisance-abatement lien against the parcel after 30 days.

The Bottom Line

Rancho Cordova is tougher than many cities when it comes to environmental rules. Out of the 5 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Rancho Cordova, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

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